Requesting Patronage

1. Be appropriately constituted with organizational rules and objectives.
2. Be financially responsible.
3. Have aims that are in harmony with institutional or personal themes and interests of the Consul General in promoting the national development of Jamaica or strengthening the Jamaican Diaspora movement.
4. Have active, annually-implemented programmes.
5. Not, in general, be a commercial / for-profit enterprise.

Note: In exceptional circumstances, patronage will be considered for commercial/for-profit events if they are of high cultural value and include social programmes for the benefit of Jamaica, the Jamaican/Caribbean Diaspora and the wider community.

Organizations wishing to engage the patronage of the Consul General should:

1. Submit a letter on the organisation’s letterhead (may be scanned and emailed followed by hard copy via post) formally requesting patronage, including reasons and why this would be mutually beneficial.
2. Provide supporting documentation, including:
   • (a) a certified copy of valid 501(c)(3) certification;
   • (b) a brief history of the organisation and its objectives;
   • (c) details of sources of funding;
   • (d) a list of the Board of Directors;
   • (e) the organisation’s latest financial report;
   • (f) any other relevant information.

1. Draft copies of programmes, promotional material, invitations and similar items intended for printing or broadcast should be emailed to the Office of the Consul General for perusal before publication.
2. Once agreed, there shall be no changes without prior agreement. Changes published without approval may result in withdrawal of patronage.

Important notes if you want the Consul General to attend:

1. Patronage acceptance does not guarantee the Consul General’s presence. If the Consul General’s presence is desired, send a separate letter of invitation (preferably at least three months before the event). Do not send only a printed flyer.
2. The letter of invitation should include:
   • (i) exact venue location;
   • (ii) contingency plans for alternate venue;
   • (iii) time of event;
   • (iv) precise role expected of the Consul General (e.g., presenting award, addressing audience);
   • (v) dress code.
3. Also provide:
   • (i) name and title of person chairing the function;
   • (ii) names of those at the head table (if any);
   • (iii) number of invited guests;
   • (iv) dignitaries invited;
   • (v) duration of function;
   • (vi) proposed media coverage.
4. For speaking engagements ensure:
   • (i) a designated team member greets/seats the Consul General;
   • (ii) provide the Consul General’s assistant with a direct liaison phone number for emergencies;
   • (iii) familiarise yourselves with protocol for functions with the Consul General present.

Patronage should not be assumed to continue indefinitely from one Consul General to a successor. Each time a Consul General changes, organisations are required to re-apply for patronage.