What does a patron of a charity do? Why do some charities have a patron?

Question

What does a patron of a charity do? Why do some charities have a patron?

Answer 1

The patron is a major financial donor, solicits others to become major financial donors, and works to promote the organization in order to attract further donations.

A patron of the arts doesn't just go to concerts, plays and the life, for instance; he or she also donates quite a bit of money, and encourages people in their network to do the same.

Answer 2

a patron can be a major financial contributor but generally it is a well known person who may have an avid interest in the charity for personnel reasons and they use their fame or popularity to raise awareness of a charity and encourage others to contribute or also raise awareness in other places so basically its a figurehead who uses their infamy to help good causes.

Answer 3

to raise awareness about the charity & encourage people to donate.