“Together, let us demonstrate that the rights, freedoms, and institutions that others have sought to destroy remain unyielding, fortified by generations of Ethiopians who have dared and risked everything to protect, defend, and preserve our traditions.”

Patronage Projects

  • Bull Purchase

    The purchase of a bull for an institution to slaughter and use to feed the community (estimated $1600-$2000 USD/bull).

  • Clothing

    The donation of clothes for an institution to distribute to the community (estimated $500 - $700 USD/200 people).

  • Sheep Purchase

    The purchase of a sheep for an institution to slaughter and use to feed the community (estimated $200 - $300 USD/sheep).

  • School Supplies

    The donation of 1 academic year’s school supplies including uniforms for a student at a rural school (estimated $100 USD/student).

  • Sponsor Children's Sports Team

    The purchase of sports equipment for a rural schools sports team (estimated $500 USD/team).

  • Call for Standing Patronage

    Establishing (or reestablishing) a long-term standing patronage at an Ethiopian school, museum, church, mosque, cultural center, etc… is a wonderful way of continuing the long standing tradition of paying tribute to the community. We encourage all traditional stewards of culture to consider a standing patronage at an Ethiopian institution.

Estimates are based on bank rates of exchange as of January 2, 2024.

Implementation Strategy

It is recommended that the implementation of patronage projects be undertaken with care so that the integrity of your patronage project is ensured. Despite the care given, patronage projects themselves can be quite simple. We have provided a step-by-step guide to help patrons identify and realize projects in the countryside.

  1. Identify a city of particular significance to you and your family.

  2. Identify a central school, church, mosque, or community center that you either know has a connection, or you can reasonably assume would have a connection to you and your family.

  3. Identify a trusted point of contact in Ethiopia that can serve as a liaison for your efforts.

  4. Both you and your liaison may then reach out to the director of the institution together and inform them of your connection to the community and your desire to host a tribute at their institution. (Please be mindful that your point of contact may wish you to redirect your tribute to other areas of need. We recommend that you be welcoming to their insights, but clear as to what you are and are not able to do.)

  5. Notify the local Culture and Tourism Bureau of your intentions and inform the receiving institution of the possible presence of representatives from the Culture and Tourism Bureau to record the occasion

  6. Provide the receiving institution with relevant information about your family’s traditional connection to the community and direct them to our offices for suggestions on how to host an appropriate reception

  7. Utilize your liaison, Culture and Tourism Bureau Representative, director of the receiving institute to check and balance the receipt of the donated funds to ensure that the monies are allocated in accordance with their designated purpose.

  8. Notify the community leaders if you intend on attending the Traditional Day of Tribute festivities in person.

  9. Request photos, video and testimonials so that you can share in the Traditional Day of Tribute with the community.

Please feel free to reach out to our in-country coordinator at +251 9 520 7957 for any additional guidance or assistance.