Dunedin Community Learning Centre Charitable Trust chairwoman Chris Thompson said the centre had struggled since 2012 when it lost its Ministry of Education funding.
''Closing would mean 20 vulnerable people would be left without a place to go during the day.
''It's such a small amount of money that can help so many people.
We are talking about $120,000 [annually], which is peanuts in the grand scheme of things, but a lot of money if you don't have it.''
The York Pl centre caters for adults with intellectual disability.
An online fundraising page has been launched.
When the centre lost its Ministry of Education funding, it had to find other sources.
As well as corporate sponsors and community grants, well wishers such as Dunedin woman Dawn Ibbotson stepped up, Mrs Thompson said. The 100 year old gave $20,000 to the centre in 2012.
If the centre could survive until next March, it could apply to the Lotteries Commission, Mrs Thompson said.
When the Otago Daily Times visited this week, students were learning about the upcoming Rugby World Cup with manager Trudy Scott (68), who is retiring this week after 22 years at the centre.
The new manager is Sheryl Mitchell, who has worked at the centre for three years.
The centre allowed students to take part in the community, Mrs Scott said. One programme was baking goods to give to community groups such as the Cancer Society.
