How does a charity recruit a celebrity patron?

Question

Sorry, I wasn't very specific in the questions. I run a charity and would like to know how to go about getting a celebrity to act as a patron for us.

Answer 1

They usually write to celebrities, especially ones that have previously supported them and ask for patronage. Often it will involve subjects that person has taken an interest in, or they will approach them at parties or functions or via their agent.

Charities often have PR people that specifically deal with recruiting people to support them or getting decent covereage.

Answer 2

You generally write to them giving details etc.to see if they are interested, if they are, then you either send to them all the details and information about the charity, or you arrange to meet them to discuss it. This is better than just stopping them in the street to ask ! Don`t be disappointed if at first you get refusals, most of them already have charity patron status with a charity. Just keep trying, it may be better to ask an `up and coming`celebrity rather than a fully established star, for this very reason.

Answer 3

I presume the best bet would be to write to them, either via their agent or publicist, or if you know someone who knows them personally that might be the best bet.

Keep in mind that you might have more luck with the D listers than the A listers as obviously A listers are very busy and have loads of people wanting their patronage. But D listers still get in the press (look at Jade Goody) so would still publicise your charity, although not as much as the A list stars would, obviously.

I think the best way to ensure a good response would be to pick someone who has experience of what your charity represents. ie Jordan's little boy has a disability, so I imagine any charity representing disabled children would be close to her heart and likely to get a response. Martine McCutcheon's mum wrote a book about her exeperience of child and domestic abuse so Martine may support charities which work for victims of abuse. Do a bit of research to see if any celebs have direct experience of what your charity works for as they may be your best bets.

Good luck!!