​Having Queen as patron reaps dividends for charities in the UK

The Queen’s patronage helps charities raise awareness of their work and is seen as having great value by the organisations she is associated with, research from The Patron’s Fund has revealed.

The new report, “A Feast of Thanks: the Patron’s Lunch and the Value of Patronage”, launched by The Patron’s Fund, looks at the impact of the Queen’s patronage on charities. It is the first time the value of royal patronage has been evaluated, according to the Fund.

The fund supports the charitable organisations across the UK and the Commonwealth for which Her Majesty The Queen acts as a Patron.

It surveyed 220 UK-based charities (all beneficiaries of the Queen’s patronage) who attended The Patron’s Lunch by questionnaire and telephone interview.

The findings show the Queen’s charities consider her patronage to be ‘unique.’ And that organisations are immensely proud of the patronage – pride is felt amongst the charities’ staff, volunteers and beneficiaries.

In addition, organisations saw The Patron’s Lunch as a chance to thank their Patron, invite and thank donors and volunteers, to fundraise and to make valuable connections with other organisations.

Sir Stuart Etherington, chairman of the Patron’s Fund, said: “The report shows what an amazing difference having the Queen as Patron can make to charities and volunteer organisations.

"It is clear royal patronage is invaluable and the report contains several important recommendations about developing this in the future.”