patron
n. countablen. a person who gives money or support to an artist, organization, or cause. You might also use this word to describe a regular customer at a shop, restaurant, or hotel.
n. a person who provides financial support or influential advocacy for a person, organization, or cause. In a commercial context, it refers to a regular customer or client of an establishment.
The local museum thanked every patron who donated money this year.
The wealthy patron funded the young painter's studio for three years, allowing her to focus entirely on her art.
While the library relies on government grants for its basic operations, it is the generous contributions from private patrons that allow for the expansion of its rare manuscript collection.
From Middle English patroun, patrone, from Old French patron, from Latin patrōnus, derived from pater (“father”). Doublet of padrone, Patronus, patroon, and pattern.
Often used with the preposition 'of' when referring to the arts or charities.