Christian relief organization World Vision has laid off 50 of its approximately 1,200 employees in the United States and eliminated another 25 vacant positions in response to a steep drop in donations, reports The Seattle Times. The cuts amount to more than 4 percent of its American work force.

The charity, in Federal Way, Wash., is seeking to close a $39-million deficit in its budget for its current fiscal year. It is also cutting contributions to employees’ retirement plans in half, raising premiums for health benefits, and canceling merit raises.

Private cash donations to World Vision dropped 18 percent in the most recent quarter, following a 3-percent drop from January through March.