Alex Swallow, chief executive of the Small Charities Coalition, has resigned from the organisation after he and the trustees decided the organisation could no longer financially sustain his wage.

Swallow, who had been at the charity since November 2012, was on a salary of £45,000 a year, just under half of the charity’s income.

The charity had an income of £108,438 for the year ending May 2013, but spent £149,866.

Speaking to Civil Society News Simon Hebditch, chair of the Small Charities Coalition, said Swallow had been “terrific” for the organisation but the board was forced to let him go to save costs.

“Alex has been terrific for the organisation in terms of profile, public positioning and campaigning,” he said. “We wish him all the luck in his new ventures.”

Hebditch said that the organisation will not have a chief executive for the foreseeable future as it tries to diversify and increase funds. The organisation is currently heavily supported by trusts and foundations.

Hebditch said the charity will try to maintain this support and find new funders. He added: “Small Charities Coalition will also try to raise funds through more service provision with corporates, such as volunteer training.”

John Barrett, operations manager, is now the most senior person at the organisation, said Hebditch.

Alex Swallow told Civil Society News that he was sad to go and that it was “still a shock”, but it was the best decision for the charity.

“The situation was handled well and reflects the wider situation of small charities struggling without loads of money. I have a lot of faith in the team now in charge.”

Swallow said he was not sure of his next move, but he would be staying in and around the charity sector. He will also be concentrating on his online initiatives, including Young Charity Trustee and Good News Shared, which is launching this week.

During his time at the Small Charities Coalition, Swallow led a full rebrand of the organisation.