Consultation about Progressio’s future
We are embarking on a period of consultation with staff, funders, supporters and partner organisations about the possibility of closure. The charity’s trustees took the decision to launch the consultation due to concerns about long-term financial sustainability.
Our Chair, Martin McEnery, made the following statement:
“The past five years have been increasingly challenging for Progressio and our projects overseas. We have continued to deliver good work through these challenges, but it has been difficult to secure the funding – particularly unrestricted income – necessary to ensure a sustainable future. This is in spite of the best efforts of our staff and a number of close supporters.
“We fervently hope that during the consultation period, initiated on 29 June 2016 and culminating in a trustee meeting on 14 September, we will be able to secure the £2million of unrestricted funding we need to survive into the future. The trustees are open to other opportunities arising, yet we must remain realistic and act responsibly. On that basis, the consultation on the possibility of closure next spring will allow us to make balanced and informed decisions in light of both the long and short term interests of the charity, and in compliance with our legal duties. In the meantime, all our ongoing work continues.”
We are currently contacting all stakeholders to communicate the plans for the consultation. Further detail can be found below, but if you would like to speak to someone about the process, or to discuss opportunities to support Progressio’s work, please contact Fabiana Harrington, communications officer, on [email protected] or 020 7326 2001.
Please click here to get in touch with us if you or anyone you know is in a position to help us secure the £2 million we need from April 2017.
Thank you.
Questions and Answers
Q Why is Progressio considering closure?
There are many external pressures affecting our long-term funding. As projects and their associated funding come to a close between now and the end of the financial year, we currently face starting April 2017 with less than £90,000 in secured grant income, plus our programme-related International Citizens Service funding which does not cover the costs of the essential core functions of the charity.
Q What steps has Progressio taken to try to raise funds?
We have worked for several years to diversify and increase our funding and for many months our priority has been to explore all funding avenues. We are disappointed not to have been more successful. It is a very competitive, tough fundraising environment and many others are struggling too, especially small and medium sized organisations.
Q What will happen to Progressio’s current programmes?
Throughout the consultation period our current programmes will continue to operate as normal, and we have some great work underway.
The consultation will include detailed planning for all areas of Progressio’s work in the event of a decision to close. We will work hard with all relevant parties to explore all the options and to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Q What will happen to those currently on International Citizen Service (ICS) projects, and those starting their ICS projects in September?
All those currently completing their ICS projects, and those due to start in September 2016, will be unaffected by this consultation and any decisions taken as a result.
Q What are the timescales?
The consultation process began on 29 June and will culminate in a review meeting with trustees on 14 September.
Q If extra funding is made available will Progressio stay open?
If a source or sources of sufficient unrestricted funding were to be confirmed during the consultation period, we would of course reconsider our position.
