Толковый словарь английского языка Oxford English Reference - sponsor

n. & v. --n. 1 a person who supports an activity done for charity by pledging money in advance. 2 a a person or organization that promotes or supports an artistic or sporting activity etc. b esp. US a business organization that promotes a broadcast programme in return for advertising time. 3 an organization lending support to an election candidate. 4 a person who introduces a proposal for legislation. 5 a godparent at baptism or esp. RC Ch. a person who presents a candidate for confirmation. 6 a person who makes himself or herself responsible for another. --v.tr. be a sponsor for. Derivatives sponsorial adj. sponsorship n. Etymology: L (as SPONSION)