New research suggests Prince Andrew's involvement with charities may not have been as beneficial as previously thought. The study, conducted by Giving Evidence, analyzed the financial performance of 35 registered charities in England where Prince Andrew served as the sole royal patron. The findings? His patronage had "no detectable effect" on their overall income.
Charities Thrive After Royal Exit?
Interestingly, the research indicated that around half of the analyzed charities saw an increase in revenue after Prince Andrew stepped down from his public duties in 2019. This challenges the notion that royal patronage automatically translates to increased financial support for these organizations.
What Does This Mean for SA Charities?
While the study focused on UK-based charities, it raises important questions for South African non-profits that seek royal or celebrity endorsements. Should charities invest time and resources in securing high-profile patrons, hoping for a financial boost? This research suggests a more cautious approach.
Caroline Fiennes, director of Giving Evidence, advises charities to carefully consider the potential benefits of royal patronage. Her research suggests that charities shouldn't rely on royal patrons to increase revenue. Charities should not spend time or money on royal patrons because their involvement may not yield the desired financial results.
- The study examined 35 charities where Prince Andrew was the sole royal patron.
- It found no evidence that his patronage increased the charities' income.
- Half of the charities saw revenue increase after his departure.
- The research suggests charities should not prioritize securing royal patrons solely for financial gain.
This research offers valuable insights for the South African charity sector, prompting a re-evaluation of the true impact of royal and celebrity endorsements on fundraising efforts.