Philanthropy
/fɪˈlænθrəpi/
nounC1
Definition
Philanthropy is the act of helping others by giving money, time, or resources without expecting anything back. It usually focuses on supporting good causes like education, health, or helping poor people. People or organizations that practice philanthropy want to improve society and make the world a better place.
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See It in Action
The practice of giving money or help to improve the lives of others
- •Many wealthy people practice philanthropy to support education.
- •The foundation’s philanthropy helps build clean water systems in villages.
- •Philanthropy can include donating money or volunteering time.
The general idea or spirit of wanting to help people and society
- •Her philanthropy inspired others to volunteer at the local shelter.
- •Philanthropy is important for creating positive social change.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "philanthropy" like "help" (A1 word), but much bigger and more organized—helping many people or big projects.
- ✓Picture someone giving money or their time to build a school or hospital where many people benefit.
- ✓It's the warm feeling you get when you see someone helping others without asking for a reward.
- ✓Sounds like "fill-ANTH-ro-pee" → imagine filling a big anthill with food to help many ants live better.
- ✓Think of famous people like Bill Gates who use their money to help many others through philanthropy.
- ✓NOT like "charity" (which can mean giving small or one-time help), philanthropy often means large, planned support.
- ✓NOT like "donation" (just giving something), philanthropy includes time, effort, and organized help.
- ✓NOT like "business" (focused on making money), philanthropy focuses on giving and improving life.
Try Other Words
- •Charity: giving money or goods to help people in need (Use when talking about direct, often smaller or urgent help)
- •Donation: giving money or things to a cause or person (Use when focus is on the act of giving itself)
- •Generosity: the quality of being kind and willing to give (Use when focusing on the personal attitude rather than organized giving)
- •Social work: organized efforts to help people improve their lives (Use when focusing on professional or community help activities)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "phil-" (love) + "anthrop" (human) + "-y" (noun suffix) → literally "love of humans"
- •Etymology: From Greek words meaning "love of mankind" or "love of people"
- •Historical development: Originally meant a general love for humans; over time, it came to mean active giving to help others
- •Modern usage: Used to describe giving money, time, or resources to improve society and help people in need
Reflect & Connect
•How can small acts of philanthropy make a difference in your community?
•In what ways can philanthropy change the world beyond just giving money?
Fill in the blanks
1.Philanthropy often involves giving money or time ___ help many people or causes.
2.Unlike simple help, philanthropy usually requires ___ planning and organization.
3.People who practice philanthropy want to improve society and ___ life for others.
4.Philanthropy is different from charity because it often focuses on ___, long-term support.
5.When someone donates money without volunteering time, it is still philanthropy, but less ___.
6.Large foundations use philanthropy to support projects like education and ___.
7.Philanthropy is the act of loving humans by ___ to make their lives better.