Patronage

Today, even though large companies are making a commitment, we have seen this in recent years. small and medium-sized local businesses also support cultural, environmental or social projects supported by different structures (associations, communities, etc.) that affect them by their proximity.

The involvement of these companies can be individual or collective: it is essentially expressed in cash, but also through the provision of technical means or skills. The low use of patronage is mainly due to a lack of knowledge of the system, human resources and training.

It is clear that patronage therefore has meaning at all levels of the territory and that there is an increasing number of requests from project promoters, companies and communities on the issue.

The creation of a Regional Philanthropy Hub in Nouvelle-Aquitaine therefore responds to a request. Among the cluster’s priorities, the identify the various actors specialized in the development of patronage in the territory and define their respective intervention scopes (training, awareness raising) but also create educational events for patronage.

What is patronage?
Material support provided without direct compensation by the beneficiary, to a work or person for the performance of activities of general interest. It differs from the sponsorship (or sponsoring) which is a com actinvoicing.”

Philanthropy is a gift from a company or individual to an activity of general interest. This commitment can be made in money, in kind or in skills and cover a wide range of fields: social, culture, education, health, sport, environment, research, etc. Patronage is not an act reserved for the rich or very large companies: 98 % of corporate sponsors are TPE or SMEs.

In France, patronage is encouraged and regulated by numerous legal mechanisms. 

Law no. 2003-709 of 1^er August 2003 on patronage, associations and foundations, so-called "Aillagon Law", thus offers patrons a set of legal and fiscal provisions particularly conducive to the development of private generosity for the benefit of works and organizations of general interest. Indeed, the law allows a 66% tax exemption on the amount paid^.

Through an intuitive act of generosity, patronage can become a true strategic tool, seeking to optimize its impact on the cause and create intangible value for the company.

Corporate philanthropy can take three forms:
- Financial patronage (financial donation)
- Patronage in kind (donation of products)
- Competence sponsorship (donation of services)