# sponsorship

/ˈspɑnsɝˌʃɪp/ (US) · /spˈɒnsəʃˌɪp/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sponsorship
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. financial backing

noun · CEFR B2

money or support given by a company to an event or person, usually to show their brand name.

For teachers: financial or material support provided by a commercial entity to an event, athlete, or organization in exchange for brand exposure.

- The local football team survived this year thanks to a generous sponsorship from a bank.
- The tech giant withdrew its sponsorship of the music festival after a series of controversial public statements by the organizers.

Usage: Often used as an uncountable noun for the concept, but countable when referring to specific deals.

### 2. the act of sponsoring

noun · CEFR B2

the state of being a sponsor or the act of helping someone achieve something.

For teachers: the state or practice of acting as a sponsor, particularly in a legal, official, or charitable capacity.

- The student applied for a visa under the sponsorship of the university.
- Under the sponsorship of the Ministry of Culture, the young artist was able to complete her residency in Paris.

Usage: Commonly used in the context of immigration, charity, or official mentorship.

## Examples

- The local bank provided sponsorship for the youth soccer team.
- Securing corporate sponsorship allowed the charity to host the gala without spending any of its own donation funds.
- The athlete's lucrative sponsorship deal with the footwear giant includes clauses regarding public conduct and mandatory appearances at international marketing summits.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.