Sponsor facts for kids

A sponsor is someone or something that gives support to an event, activity, person, or group. This support can be money, or it can be something else helpful, like advertising or even just their time. A sponsor is like a helper or a benefactor. There are many different kinds of sponsors, from companies to individuals and even governments.

Sponsor Nancy Reagan breaks the traditional bottle of champagne across the bow of the USS TICONDEROGA (CG-47) at the ship's christening

What is a Commercial Sponsor?

A commercial sponsor is usually a company that gives cash, products, or services. In return, they want to promote their own company or brand. Think of it like a trade: they give support, and in exchange, they get advertisements.

This is different from simply donating to charity. A sponsor expects to get something back, like more people knowing about their business. A charity donation is given without expecting anything in return.

In sports, companies often compete to be sponsors for popular teams or events. For example, in India, many sponsors want to be connected with Cricket because it's so popular. It can be harder to find sponsors for less popular sports.

Gov. Rick Snyder signs a bill. Standing (right) is the bill's sponsor, Rep. Bruce Renden

What is a Legislative Sponsor?

In government, a sponsor is a lawmaker who introduces a new bill or idea for others to consider. This person is the main supporter of the bill. Other lawmakers who join in supporting the bill are called cosponsors.

For example, in the United States Congress, the person who first suggests a bill in the Senate or the House of Representatives is its sponsor. The process is similar in other governments, like the Parliament in the UK.

What is a Personal Sponsor?

A personal sponsor is someone who agrees to help another person and take some responsibility for them. There are many ways this can happen:

• An employer might sponsor a person from another country. They might promise that person a job to help them become a permanent resident in the United States.
• Many charitable organizations let people sponsor a boy or girl to help support them. This often means providing money for their education or daily needs.
• Public radio and television stations often ask for sponsors. These sponsors provide funds to help the stations keep operating and create shows.
• At a Ceremonial ship launching, the person who breaks a champagne bottle over the ship's front is called the ship's sponsor. This is a special tradition.
• In many religions, godparents are the sponsors for a baptized child. They promise to help guide the child in their faith.

What is State Sponsorship?

Sometimes, a state (which means a government) might sponsor groups that cause trouble or harm for other countries. This means the government supports these groups, even if they don't directly do the harmful actions themselves. They might provide money, training, or other help to these groups.