philanthropy

noun

phi·​lan·​thro·​py fə-ˈlan(t)-thrə-pē 

plural philanthropies

1

: goodwill to fellow members of the human race

especially : active effort to promote human welfare

2

a

: an act or gift done or made for humanitarian purposes

b

: an organization distributing or supported by funds set aside for humanitarian purposes

Did you know?

The Greek root of philanthropy may be literally translated as "loving people." The English word can refer to general goodwill to one's fellow people, as well as to the active effort to promote the welfare of people, but in modern use it is most often used to refer specifically to the practice of giving money and time to help make life better for others. A person who practices philanthropy is called a philanthropist; the term philanthrope was formerly used with the same meaning, but it is now considered archaic.

Synonyms of philanthropy

• contribution
• donation

Examples of philanthropy in a Sentence

For many years, Microsoft has used corporate philanthropy to bring technology to people who can't get it otherwise, donating more than $3 billion in cash and software to try to bridge the digital divide. —Bill Gates, Time, 11 Aug. 2008

Cooper, born in New York City in 1791, was himself an inventor and a hands-on industrialist, whose fortune got its start in the glue business, greatly expanded in the iron industry, eventually included more than half the telegraph lines in the United States, and was significantly invested in philanthropy and the cause of public education. —John Updike, New York Review of Books, 10 Aug. 2006

In conditions of anarchy, a crude and violent order, based upon brute force and psychopathic ruthlessness, soon establishes itself, which regards philanthropy not as a friend but as an enemy and a threat. —Theodore Dalrymple, National Review, 26 Sept. 2005

The family's philanthropy made it possible to build the public library.

among the industrialist's philanthropies was a college scholarship fund for deserving students from the inner city

Recent Examples on the Web

In 2010 Gates, his wife at the time Melinda French Gates, and Berkshire Hathaway co-founder Warren Buffett launched the Giving Pledge, making a public commitment to philanthropy, which has since been signed by the likes of philanthropist Mackenzie Scott and Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky. —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 9 Jan. 2026

According to Franyo, the restaurant, located on Restaurant Row, requires investments into its staff and community philanthropy. —Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026

As Ronald's political career took off, taking office as the 40th president of the United States in 1981, his children forged careers of their own in fields ranging from acting and radio to philanthropy and politics. —Haley Van Horn, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026

Molinaroli’s strategy sees philanthropy as a mechanism to strengthen the talent infrastructure that underpins economic growth. —Connie Etemadi, Charlotte Observer, 7 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin philanthropia, from Greek philanthrōpia, from philanthrōpos loving people, from phil- + anthrōpos human being

First Known Use

circa 1623, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

philanthropy

noun

phi·​lan·​thro·​py fə-ˈlan(t)-thrə-pē 

plural philanthropies

1

: a spirit of goodwill toward all people especially when expressed in active efforts to help others

2

: a charitable act or gift

3

: an organization which distributes or is supported by charitable contributions

philanthropist

-pəst

noun