sponsor
     n 1: someone who supports or champions something [syn: {patron},
          {supporter}]
     2: an advocate who presents a person (as for an award or a
        degree or an introduction etc.) [syn: {presenter}]
     v 1: assume sponsorship of [syn: {patronize}, {patronise}]
     2: assume responsibility for or leadership of; "The senator
        announced that he would sponsor the health care plan"
     3: do one's shopping at; do business with; be a customer or
        client of [syn: {patronize}, {patronise}, {shop}, {shop at},
         {buy at}, {frequent}] [ant: {boycott}, {boycott}]
Source: WordNet® 2.0