The Friends of Cathedral Music (FCM) organisation says music groups are facing "difficult times" and it is calling for impassioned fundraising to protect "the finest traditions of music-making in our cathedrals and churches".
FCM reports it has seen a record number of cathedrals applying for financial assistance to meet the cost of their choirs, and these bids total £1.2 million.
Friends of Cathedral Music*
- Founded in 1956
- 4,000 members
- Since then, it's awarded more than £2m to choirs in the UK and abroad
- Appealing to raise £10 by 2020
*Friends of Cathedral Music website
It says that only £600,000 is available, meaning some musical groups may be left disappointed.
A grants committee at the FCM is due to meet in London on Saturday to discuss the 36 applications it has received.
The organisation, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary and boasts 4,000 members, is concerned most cathedrals cannot afford the level of support given to choristers in the past.
Chairman of the FCM and former Master of the Music at Peterborough Cathedral, said: "These are difficult times for cathedral and church music departments."
He went on to stress: "much enthusiasm for fund-raising needs to be maintained if we are to preserve and enhance the finest traditions of music-making in our cathedrals and churches."