philanthropy

American  

[fi-lan-thruh-pee] / fɪˈlæn θrə pi /

noun

plural

philanthropies

1. altruistic concern for human welfare and advancement, usually manifested by donations of money, property, or work to needy persons, by endowment of institutions of learning and hospitals, and by generosity to other socially useful purposes.

2. the activity of donating to such persons or purposes in this way.

   to devote one's later years to philanthropy.

3. a particular act, form, or instance of this activity.

   The art museum was their favorite philanthropy.

4. an organization devoted to helping needy persons or to other socially useful purposes.

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philanthropy British  

/ ˈfɪlənˌθrəʊp, fɪˈlænθrəpɪ /

noun

1. the practice of performing charitable or benevolent actions

2. love of mankind in general

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Other Word Forms

• philanthropist noun

Etymology

Origin of philanthropy

First recorded in 1600–10; earlier philanthropia, from Late Latin, from Greek philanthrōpía “benevolence, humane feeling”; see phil-, anthropo-, -y ³

Explanation

If you donate money to a charity or volunteer to help people in need, you can call your good deeds philanthropy. Philanthropy is made up of two parts — Greek phil, "loving" and anthrop, "mankind." It refers to the desire to help people or the actual deeds a person does to benefit mankind. Philanthropy most often refers to the large amounts of money the wealthy donate to causes such as world hunger or organizations like museums or animal shelters. A private organization that promotes the welfare of people can also be called a philanthropy.

Example Sentences

Apple became more involved in philanthropy, social responsibility and environmental efforts.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

Ned also told her Reynolds had a plan for her next role: She would run the company’s philanthropy arm.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

“This is a great, great example of what can be achieved when government and philanthropy work hand in hand for the public good,” Ressler said before thanking Govan for “taking bold risks.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

Netflix said Hastings' decision to step down was driven by a desire to focus more on philanthropy and other pursuits.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

“And to Mrs. Dalton, I say: ‘Your philanthropy was as tragically blind as your sightless eyes!’

From "Native Son" by Richard Wright

Related Words

• charity
• generosity