philanthropy Meaning, Definition & Usage

Phi*lan"thro*py noun

Etymology

L. philanthropia, Gr. : cf. F. philanthropie.

Definitions

1. Love to mankind; benevolence toward the whole human family; universal good will; desire and readiness to do good to all men; -- opposed to misanthropy. Jer. Taylor. (2) active effort to promote human welfare; humanitarian activity. [i.e., an action, not merely a state of mind] 2. an organization whose purpose is to engage in philanthropy(2), and is supported by funds from one or a small number of wealthy individuals; a type of charity, the source of whose funds is typically from a wealthy individual or a corporation, or a trust fund established by a wealthy individual. It is distinguished from other charitable organizations in that the source of funds of other charities may come from a large number of sources, or from public solicitation.