The Body Shop Foundation has recently announced on its website that it will be closing down as of 2017.

The foundation was founded by Dame Anita and Gordon Roddick. Their vision for the charity was to be “brave and bold” – by supporting small, innovative charities that work at the coal face of issues, raising awareness, challenging laws and attitudes and “ultimately changing lives.”

The charity has been around for 27 years, and it is said that £24 million was donated and invested in its time.

“We’re incredibly proud to have found and funded some of the world’s most progressive organisations working for positive social and environmental change,” The foundation wrote on its website.

“We’ve seen huge success from the impact of our funding but we’ve also faced challenges, seen the business change hands and lost a beloved mentor.

“So it’s time to move on. We’ve loved every second of this crazy ride – we’ve cried, laughed and rejoiced over the stories and achievements of the groups that we’ve supported.”

Many of the foundation’s supporters took to twitter to announce their sadness over the news.

Twitter users called the news “shortsighted” and “sad” and were upset to hear that the foundation ended because of an inability to “align” with their new owners.

“Unfortunately, despite our history and impact, our lengthy conversations with the current management of The Body Shop have not resulted in a shared vision for the independent future of the Foundation,” the charity wrote.