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.
(..) for years. He's never had a meeting with me before or passed me in the hall or told me a story in the break room. And that's because I don't work here. I work for another company that lends me out to pussies like Steve's boss who don't have the balls to sack their own employees, (..)2009 Up in the Air