The charitable status centre said it is positive on its long-term funding prospects

The Alternative Centre for Technology (CAT) in Powys is facing what it describes as a short-term funding gap, but is confident on its long-term financial outlook. It comes as its 2024/25 financial accounts being lodged with the Charity Commission are now 48 day overdue.

In its 2023/24 financial year it secured a total income of just over £4m, which included £2.41m from its charitable activities and £979,300 in donations and legacies. Its total expenditure exceeded income by just over £200,000.

The centre, located near Machynlleth, has been pioneering sustainability for more than 50 years, combining leading research with education Its postgraduate degrees and professional training equip individuals with expertise in renewable energy, sustainable building and environmental science.

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CAT were not able to disclose the level of its current financial shortfall, but that a fundraising appeal is focused on bridging a short-term funding gap before the end of March to help maintain day-to-day operations.

A spokesman said: “Because donations arrive at different times and sit alongside various other income streams, there isn’t a single figure that determines success.

“We anticipate the appeal to adequately bridge this gap. Unlike many other charities, CAT doesn’t receive any regular statutory funding from Welsh or UK government and relies on its income streams, generous supporters and grants. Many science and discovery centres are in a similar position.”

On its funding outlook the spokesman described it as being “very positive.” He added: “The next financial year is looking strong for grant funded projects.”

CAT said that a £13.1m investment from the Mid Wales Growth, for its Cynefin development project, remains on track. The capital funding has been earmarked to enhance its learning facilities, accommodation and reopen as a visitor attraction. To access the funding, CAT is seeks to raise 48% match funding from various sources and remains confident of achieving this over the duration of the project.

Chair of the charity’s board of trustees Ben Summers has confirmed that after four years, joint chief executives Eileen Kinsman and Paul Booth, are stepping down. Mr Booth will return back to his previous role as finance director.

Mr Summers, in an update to staff, also confirmed that a interim CEO will be appointed to “guide the charity through this period of transition.” He added; “I, alongside other members of the board of trustees, will work closely with the senior management team to ensure strong continuity across all areas of CAT’s work.”

Montgomeryshire Glyndwr Labour MP Steve Witherden praised the work of CAT during a recent Westminster Hall debate on the role that science and discovery centres play in delivering the UK’s national science and technology priorities.

He said they reach millions of people each year – including thousands of schoolchildren – and help address the UK’s critical STEM skills shortage, which is estimated to cost the economy £1.5bn a year.

The debate formed part of a campaign spearheaded by the Association for Science and Discovery Centres (ASDC), which is calling on the UK Government to provide £19.5m match-funding to address urgent infrastructure risks and secure the future of these centres.

Mr Witherden said: “CAT is truly the jewel in the crown of Montgomeryshire – a centre that has always been ahead of its time in pioneering a more sustainable and environmentally friendly world.

“I cannot overstate the depth of my connection to this amazing place. My father, an agricultural economist, moved here to be a founding member in the 1970s – that is the very reason I am Welsh and, by extension.

“CAT is one of the most forward-thinking institutions in Wales – always ahead of the curve. In offering qualifications and courses, it is the closest thing our constituency has to a university.

“Our species gravely needs to learn to respect the natural world. To that end, CAT continues to lead the way. It is of huge value to the constituency, the region and the world.”