Progressio said ongoing difficulties in securing finance had left it with no other option
An international development charity that celebrated its 75th anniversary last year is to close.
Progressio said ongoing difficulties in securing finance had left it with no other option but to wind up operations.
The decision was made at a board meeting earlier in September, with the charity aiming to close down by March 2017.
Staff have been informed they will be made redundant by that date and are being offered support throughout the process.
We are hugely proud of all that has been achieved since the charity was formed in 1940
Ongoing projects will be handed over to other organisations wherever possible, according to a statement on the charity’s website.
Progressio was founded in 1940 as Sword of the Spirit, becoming the Catholic Institute for International Relations in 1965 before settling on its current name ten years ago.
The charity works across countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East, offering training and advocacy to improve the lives of people – especially women - from disadvantaged communities.
Martin McEnery, Progressio’s chair of trustees, said: “This decision has been taken with deep regret, on the basis that we have not been able to secure sufficient levels of income to ensure a viable future post March 2017.
“The decision to close comes despite intensive fundraising efforts and many years of investing to diversify income.
“Unfortunately, the funding landscape has become increasingly competitive and we have been unable to replace the £2 million unrestricted grant per annum from the Department for International Development which comes to an end in December 2016.
“We, the trustees and myself as chair, have reached this decision with great sadness. The decision was agreed and supported by all the trustees. We are hugely proud of all that has been achieved since the charity was formed in 1940.”
Mr McEnery went on to praise Progressio’s staff and volunteers for their work, as well as everyone who has supported the charity.
“Together, your support and dedication have helped our partners and some of the world’s most marginalised communities achieve incredible things, empower themselves and challenge multiple unfair power structures,” he added.
