BENDIGO'S Discovery Science and Technology Centre is turning to crowdfunding to help secure its future.
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Staff have set up a campaign on chuffed.org in a bid to raise $30,000 by July 31.
The centre was due to close on July 12 but was granted a stay of execution earlier in the week after funding commitments from public and private donors.
Discovery acting manager Kate Barnard said the centre was in need of a further $30,000 to remain open for the next six to 12 months while a sustainable business plan was sought.
"We have a new management team coming on board and we just need a bit of time for them to find their feet and put together a sustainable business plan moving forward," she said.
Champions IGA, La Trobe University, Sunergy Solar Bendigo and the City of Greater Bendigo are among the donors.
Ms Barnard said with the amount of support the centre had attracted over recent weeks, she was positive the money would be raised.
"We have had over 3000 sign the petition. Teachers have been writing to me saying how much they love the Discovery centre. I received a package of letters from students the other day with drawings," she said.
"It's so heartening the amount of support and because we've had this support I think it is possible to raise the money."
Ms Barnard said every donation - little or big - would be appreciated and called on the public to dig deep.
“If you have $5 to spare - we would love that," she said.
"I would like to call on all the wonderful people who have been so supportive of Discovery over the past few turbulent weeks to get behind this campaign and send a message loud and clear - that a facility offering science education is an absolute must for Bendigo's children."
The centre's board was due to be reconstituted this week. The board members resigned in early June.
People who support the campaign will qualify for a range of rewards based on their contribution.
To donate to the crowdfunding campaign, visit www.chuffed.org/project/save‐discovery