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

“Anna tells her friends she’d like to be remembered for her philanthropy, but this movie is her legacy.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 19, 2026

Russell, a respected literary publisher, is an eternal bon vivant, while Corrine, who works in philanthropy, is the pragmatist of the pair.

From The Wall Street Journal • 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

Arthur, who is involved in philanthropy and serves on the board of directors for the San Diego Symphony, will turn 60 just a few days after the Kentucky Derby.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

Mia’s eyes slid toward the window briefly, and Mrs. Richardson felt a twinge of irritation at this lukewarm response to her philanthropy.

From "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng

Related Words

• charity
• generosity