Michael Brophy, former chief executive of the Charities Aid Foundation and trustee of the Charity Employees Benevolent Fund (CEBF), has criticised CEOs of major charity employers for not supporting the organisation.

In a statement from Brophy seen by civilsociety.co.uk, he says that without the support of large charity employers CEBF may have to “hibernate and if summer doesn’t come soon shut down.”

CEBF recently garnered support from NSPCC which signed up this year, and NCVO which has provided a £10,000 grant. Charity law firm Bates, Wells & Braithwaite, has also given CEBF £10,000.

But, Brophy, in his statement says often the busy CEOs of major charity employers have declined or ignored requests for support from the sector’s benevolent fund with lacking excuses.

“£10m - £100m turnover employers say they would love to but can’t afford it. But we are asking for less than 0.1 per cent of their CEO’s salary,” he adds.

Brophy concludes that his “plain speaking letter seeks to provoke a response from all charity employers – for or against”.

Hilary Greengrass, general manager at CEBF said: “It is the case that funds are very low and we have been working hard to remedy this despite limited resources - with only one part-time paid employee. We prioritise grant-making and continue to make grants. We are urgently seeking experienced volunteer help both for welfare and fundraising roles to support CEBF through this difficult period.”

As well as NSPCC, NCVO and NPC contributing on the per capita model, CEBF received a small donation last month from Hidden Talents Partnership and Enterprise. CEO Anam Choudhury contributed even though it runs largely on volunteers who aren't eligible for CEBF support.