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Hello!

Does anybody in the group (I guess ideally Comms/PR/Chief Executive people but really anybody!) have experience of dealing with inactive Patrons?

I have never worked in this area as it hasn't fallen under fundraising, but I am wondering how you would go about reviewing Patrons, whether they would still like to be involved etc, especially if they haven't been involved for a long time.

How to do this while not offending anyone and still maintaining a good relationship, appreciating whatever help/support Patrons are able to give?

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Raziah Quallatein Mwawanga Staff PANEL

Director at Dreamlife Mission 2 years ago

Hi Sophie

I would suggest calling a meeting to introduce your self and ask for their advice on how you can move things better and how you can increase their participation. They will be honoured you respected and valued them need their support. You will know from the discussions how to proceed and engarge them and you will also know if they are interested or not

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Sophie Erskine Staff PANEL

Corporate and Major Donor Fundraiser at Camden Psychotherapy Unit 2 years ago

Raziah Quallatein Mwawanga Thank you.

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Jimmy James Staff PANEL

Principal at Minerva Fundraising Consultancy 2 years ago

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Hi Sophie,

The start point is this: what were the Patrons actually asked to do when they were recruited ?

It sounds obvious - but I've worked with charities where the Patrons' "Job Description" is vague and not set out in writing. The Board and Executive become disappointed with the Patrons' performance, but have no initial agreement against which to benchmark this.

So what I would do is this:

Find out what the Patrons agreed to do when they were appointed - and judge their inactivity on this
Invite them all to a reception hosted by your Chairman and Chief Executive
Arrange 2 speakers: the Chairman (to give the Patrons encouragement to do better) and a senior active Patron who can tell his/her fellow Patrons what he/she has done (and therefore, what they should be doing !)
After the Patrons have had an enjoyable and relaxing evening, follow up with a personalised letter (not e-mail) to each one from the Chairman, making it clear what your charity expects of Patrons in the future
Some Patrons may resign as a result - but shedding dead wood is never a bad thing
Depending on the number of Patrons, invite each one to a meeting and discuss what your charity's and their expectations are of their future activity. Once you have agreement, just monitor that they do what they've promised !

Good luck !

Jimmy James

Principal

Minerva Fundraising Consultancy

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Sophie Erskine Staff PANEL

Corporate and Major Donor Fundraiser at Camden Psychotherapy Unit 2 years ago

Jimmy James Thank you!

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