friends

Those who, through membership in voluntary associations, support causes and institutions such as museums, libraries, and charities through donations of money, volunteer work, or public expressions of support. For those who undertake primary responsibility for causes or projects, either as individuals or in groups, use "sponsors." For those who support causes as individuals or in groups but not necessarily taking primary responsibility for them, use "patrons." Do not use for the common meaning of "friends," that is, not for persons joined to one another in mutual benevolence and intimacy.