It's surprising that he would 'lend his name' to such a venture. [=that he would allow his name to be associated with such a venture]
A growing amount of evidence 'lends weight/credence/credibility' to their theory. [=makes their theory seem true or correct]
A bit of grated carrot 'lends' some color to the dish. = A bit of grated carrot 'lends' the dish some color.
(..) Don't make it too obvious, but I wanna see fur and early-morning dew. -Yes, sir. -""Diplomats in dungarees. Marine engineers lend a helping hand rebuilding Dong Phuc village recently...."" Chili, if we move Vietnamese, they are evacuees... ...if they come to us to be evacuated, they are refugees. (..)1987 Full Metal Jacket