a person who helps people or institutions (especially with financial help)

the act of sponsoring (either officially or financially)

assume sponsorship of

assume responsibility for or leadership of

invests in a theatrical production

someone having a relation analogous to that of a male sponsor to his godchild

a person who sponsors someone (the godchild) at baptism

one who provides a warrant or guarantee to another

a woman who is a patron or the wife of a patron