The Martha’s Vineyard Donors Collaborative has decided to discontinue the special Martha’s Vineyard license plate program for lack of interest.

The plate campaign started in the summer of 2006 and 500 applications were received in the first six months, the collaborative stated in a release.

Fewer than 300 applications were received in 2007, however, despite a major print and radio advertising campaign. The Registry of Motor Vehicles requires 1,500 applications before making the plate if the sponsoring organization posts a bond and 3,000 applications without a bond.

The collaborative felt prudence dictated that bonding was too much of a risk, given the dropping pace of applications, so the organization decided to end the program. Applicants are being notified by postcard. All applications and checks that have been received will be destroyed.

The plates would have created a special fund at the Permanent Endowment Fund to make grants to Island nonprofit organizations.