Subject: Patrons

Daccom, I notice that this was originally posted a few weeks ago   - so you may have already found an answer elsewhere.  In which case please let us know!

You ask an interesting question and the simple answer is that there is no restriction to the number of patrons that an organisation might have – but it depends on how you define patron within your organisation and whether or not there are guidelines or rules within your own governing documents about the appointment of a patron or patrons.

The role of the patron differs from one organisation to another.  Some organisations have a Royal Patron or a single patron who is able to carry weight and influence on behalf of the charity.   Other organisations have several and some may class all their supporters as ‘patrons’ and so have hundreds. 

If you want to find examples of patrons of other charities try typing

site:www.charitycommission.gov.uk patron

into your search engine.   This has the effect of searching for the word patron across the whole of the charity commission website   (handy hint – this is really useful for any website that does not have is own search engine – just substitute the url of the website followed by the words you want to search)

One last comment though – if your existing patron has been appointed on the basis that they are the sole patron – then their feelings may need to be considered in any change.  You could also consider other titles such as  vice-patrons or Advisor. 

The search in KnowHow NonProfit does work well. There is a related posting about charity patrons and how to recruit one in the setting up an organisation forum which may also be of interest.