Originally Posted by roadwarrior

There are very specific rules on what constitutes "charitable funds". I own a company. I also used to work for a race team in the Indy Racing League. I raced on two fully sponsored bike teams. I also help a couple of bike teams market for sponsorship. Sponsorship is not charity. The IRS frowns on such things.
You are correct that a "couple mill is nothing" but in this day of increased accountability to Boards of Directors, the days of flinging around cash for fun are over. Which is why it is difficult, to use a racing example, for a team like Rousch Racing in NASCAR, which has won two consecutive national championships to find a sponsor for the old Jeff Burton team.
Large expenses like these have to be justified by ROI...