Godparent (7)
I believe the answer is:
sponsor
'godparent' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for sponsor that I've seen before include "One financially supporting an activity" , "Patron or backer" , "Promoter; funder" , "Provide funds for a project or person" , "One giving money in support of an event" .)