Learn English – What do you call a person who funds and supports someone else during a certain period of time

single-word-requests

For example: Friedrich Engels supported Karl Marx during his entire life, so he could focus on his work. I know there is a word for such a relationship, but cannot remember it. Please help me out.

Best Answer

patron

a person who supports with money, gifts, efforts, or endorsement an artist, writer, museum, cause, charity, institution, special event, or the like

http://www.dictionary.com/browse/patron?s=t

Also: benefactor, supporter, sponsor, backer, protector