No matter the season, peace and justice can be difficult to sell in an economic downturn.

Like many nonprofit organizations, the Thomas Merton Center for Peace and Justice, one of the city's foremost activist groups, is feeling squeezed by the flagging economy.

But unlike charities with a more universal appeal, such as food banks and toy drives, the often-controversial Merton Center is supported by a smaller crowd that can't always offer lavish donations, said Mel Packer, president of the center's board of directors.

"It's always a hard sell," Mr. Packer said. "When you're talking about a peace and justice center, that has a political bent and it's not right wing. It appeals to a smaller audience."

Funded almost entirely by donations, the Merton Center, located in Garfield, collected $14,000 through its annual awards dinner last month. It won't have to close its doors, but it is "hardly out of the woods," Mr. Packer said.

The group has about 500 members, but membership at times has soared past 1,000, said Molly Rush, who also is on the board of directors.

"We've never been flush with money," she said. "We really are in a crunch right now."

Two full-time and one part-time employee are on the center's payroll. They publish its monthly newspaper, plan events and raise funds, among other duties.

The Merton Center is a resource and clearinghouse for more than 25 activist projects, including advocacy of human rights in Africa; Book 'Em, which sends books to prisoners; the Anti-War Committee; and the Sustainable Living Project, which promotes environmentally friendly lifestyles.

Those who support the center also are concerned that the election of Democrat Barack Obama as president will slow participation if activists assume he will enact their progressive agenda and their work is no longer needed. Leaders of the Merton Center hope to recruit those who are new at being politically involved and hold Mr. Obama to his promises, Mr. Packer said.

"We may see temporarily, at least, a little less willingness to be terribly active, as people say, 'Let's just see what happens for a couple of months,'" he said. "[With Mr. Obama,] we have someone who claims to present some change. It's up to us in the peace and justice movement to make sure that happens."

Despite being cash-strapped, Merton Center leaders say they are hardly short on zeal and plan to back a host of causes, including the support of single-payer health care legislation and a continued push for an end to the war.

"Perhaps we're beginning a rebuilding from a low point," Ms. Rush said.