A benefactor was an individual giving people or an organization financial help to a cause.
In 2082, Stephen G. Richey wrote in his diary that he didn't hold the creation of a world created for him based on the horrible book Hotel Royale against his alien benefactors, as they didn't know that his world was not like that. (TNG: "The Royale")
In 2268, Bele referred to his people and James T. Kirk as Lokai's benefactors, noting how the latter Cheron native's ingratitude towards such was typical of him. Lokai disputed the label, calling him a liar. (TOS: "Let That Be Your Last Battlefield")
In a 2269 captain's log, Kirk referred to Flint, the provider of ryetalyn for the USS Enterprise's Rigelian fever outbreak, as their benefactor when noting his secret, the creation of Rayna Kapec, a female android. (TOS: "Requiem for Methuselah")
In 2375, Kathryn Janeway said she would ask the Brenari what they thought of Kashyk, who she termed "their new benefactor". (VOY: "Counterpoint")