Mrs MacGibbon said CES also received financial assistance from UCOL, Whanganui Community Foundation, Lotteries, Community Organisation Grant Scheme and the Lion Foundation.
"This may seem as if finances are secure, but we are continually looking at other funding opportunities. However, we are just one organisation seeking funding in a difficult financial climate where available funds are declining and more agencies and organisations seek financial support," she said.
Mrs MacGibbon said in 2016 CES delivered courses and workshops to just under 500 students - 39 per cent of whom were new students. Many were from Whanganui, but there were others from Wellington, New Plymouth, Waverley and Hawera.
"This demonstrates not only our ability to attract new students but also our continuing success at retaining students," Mrs MacGibbon said.
Class subjects include art, languages, food, crafts and writing.
However, CES faces a new challenge this year, as they are required by the Tertiary Education Commission to change focus to target learners whose previous learning had not been successful, and to deliver foundation skills.
Mrs MacGibbon said this enforced change of focus was frustrating, as it moved the organisation away from its core business.
"We have been doing what we do for nearly 40 years - why should we suddenly change our focus? There are other organisations that have been set up for this type of thing, but we aren't one of them. Unfortunately the government doesn't see what we're doing as a priority."
Mrs MacGibbon said CES engages with people who "just want to learn something new".
"Only about 8 per cent of our students from last year had no formal qualifications."
She said CES was looking at introducing new courses that would better meet the new TEC focus.
