Patron Foundation

The Patron Foundation was created to form a new source of long-term, sustainable funding for arts education and membership at museums, zoos, aquariums and the performing arts. Instead of soliciting one-time or project-driven philanthropic contributions, the Patron Foundation receives its ongoing funding from the work of the PatronPartner Company, a mission-driven business whose programs make it profitable — not just philanthropic — for companies to support our nation’s arts and cultural organizations.

Ron Butman is Chairman of the Patron Foundation and Chief Executive Officer of PatronPartner. Ron founded PatronPartner with the belief that changing the economics of corporate philanthropy would greatly expand the number of companies that support the arts, and through our foundation’s work, broaden cultural opportunities for children in communities nationwide. Having been awarded seven U.S. patents, Ron has a strong track record of developing ideas into companies, and in bringing new products and services to market. Prior to founding PatronPartner, Ron was the founder and CEO of PFN, Inc. based in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Ivan Shefrin is the Executive Director of the Patron Foundation and President of PatronPartner. As the founder and CEO of two successful software companies, he has over 15 years of professional and entrepreneurial experience in sales, marketing and business development. Ivan has a lifelong interest and association with the arts and museums, including prior service on the board of the Tallix Art Foundry in Beacon, NY. By helping bring schools, museums, zoos, aquariums and performing arts organizations together with business partners, he is dedicated to helping PatronPartner make a difference for millions of kids and their families.