philanthropy
gb/fɪlˈænθɹəpi/ us/fɪlˈænθɹəpi/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
Noun
C1
abstract
1
charitable giving to help others
Giving money or help to support good causes.
Usage pattern:
[someone]'s philanthropy; philanthropy toward [group/cause]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse philanthropy (the activity) with philanthropist (the person who gives).
Synonyms
charity (More general; can also mean an organization or kindness.)
|
charitable giving (Focuses specifically on donations.)
|
benevolence (Emphasizes kindness and generosity, often in a more formal tone.)
Antonyms
selfishness (Lack of concern for others’ welfare.)
|
greed (Strong desire to keep or gain money rather than give.)
Collocations
philanthropy work
|philanthropy efforts
|philanthropy programs
|philanthropy initiatives
|philanthropy projects
|local philanthropy
|global philanthropy
|modern philanthropy
|philanthropy toward education
|philanthropy for public health
Themes
charity
|society
|money
|community
Examples
- Her philanthropy funded scholarships for first-generation college students.
- The festival donates its profits to local homelessness programs as part of its philanthropy.
- Many people choose philanthropy as a way to support causes they care about.
Learner examples
- Philanthropy helps poor families.
- He supports children’s hospitals through philanthropy.
Noun
business
C1
abstract
2
the organized world of giving
The area of work connected to charities, donors, and funding good causes.
Usage pattern:
in philanthropy; the philanthropy sector; philanthropy and nonprofits
Common mistake:
Learners may treat philanthropy as always meaning a single donation; it can also mean the whole sector or field.
Synonyms
the charitable sector (Highlights charities and nonprofits more than donors and foundations.)
|
the nonprofit sector (Wider; includes nonprofits that are not mainly funded by donors.)
Antonyms
for-profit business (Activity primarily aimed at generating profit rather than public benefit.)
Collocations
the philanthropy sector
|philanthropy organizations
|philanthropy networks
|philanthropy conferences
|philanthropy leaders
|philanthropy research
|philanthropy trends
|philanthropy funding
|philanthropy strategy
|philanthropy professionals
Themes
charity
|business
|organizations
|government_and_politics
Examples
- She works in philanthropy, helping foundations evaluate grant applications.
- New regulations could change how philanthropy operates across the country.
- The report analyzes trends in philanthropy and nonprofit fundraising.
Learner examples
- He wants a job in philanthropy.
- Philanthropy is changing because of online donations.
Noun
literary
C2
abstract
3
love of humanity and goodwill
A strong feeling of kindness toward people in general.
Usage pattern:
a spirit of philanthropy
Common mistake:
This sense is less common than the donation/charity sense in everyday English.
Synonyms
humanitarianism (Often connected to practical action in crises and human rights.)
|
goodwill (A general friendly attitude; not necessarily linked to helping actions.)
Antonyms
misanthropy (Dislike of humankind in general.)
Collocations
a spirit of philanthropy
|human philanthropy
|pure philanthropy
|universal philanthropy
|philanthropy and compassion
Themes
values
|emotions
|society
Examples
- Her decisions were guided by a deep philanthropy that extended beyond any single cause.
- The essay argues that true philanthropy begins with respect for every person.
- He spoke about philanthropy as a moral duty to care for others.
Learner examples
- She has a spirit of philanthropy.
Grammar
Dictionary form
philanthropy
IPA
GB/fɪlˈænθɹəpi/
US/fɪlˈænθɹəpi/
Syllables & stress
phil - an - thropy (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (an)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: philanthropy
- Plural: philanthropies, philanthropy
Word family
Forms
philanthropies
noun
Core family
philanthropist
noun C1
philanthropic
adjective C1
Related words
philanthropically
adverb C1
Advanced or less common
misanthropy
noun
misanthropic
adjective
Expressions
corporate philanthropy
1/kˈɔɹpɚɪt fɪlˈænθɹəpi/
fixed phrase
business
company giving for social good
When a company gives money or help to charities.
Examples
- The retailer expanded its corporate philanthropy to include paid volunteer days for staff.
- Corporate philanthropy can support local schools through grants and equipment donations.
- Their corporate philanthropy focuses on climate and community health.
philanthropic foundation
1/fˌɪlənθɹˈɑpɪk faʊndˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
formal
charity that gives grants
A charity organization that gives money to support causes.
Examples
- The research was funded by a philanthropic foundation.
- She set up a philanthropic foundation to support mental health services.
- Small nonprofits often apply to philanthropic foundations for grants.
philanthropic foundation
1/fˌɪlənθɹˈɑpɪk faʊndˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
organization that gives grants
An organization that gives money to support good causes.
Examples
- A philanthropic foundation awarded grants to community health clinics.
- They created a philanthropic foundation to manage long-term giving.
- The nonprofit partnered with a philanthropic foundation to fund research.
private philanthropy
1/pɹˈaɪvɪt fɪlˈænθɹəpi/
fixed phrase
giving by individuals or families
Charity support paid for by private people, not the government.
Examples
- The museum’s expansion was funded largely through private philanthropy.
- Researchers debate how private philanthropy should complement public services.
- The program relies on private philanthropy during years when grants are limited.
strategic philanthropy
1/stɹətˈid͡ʒɪk fɪlˈænθɹəpi/
fixed phrase
business
planned giving to maximize impact
Giving that is carefully planned to create the biggest result.
Examples
- Their foundation shifted to strategic philanthropy and started measuring outcomes.
- Strategic philanthropy often includes multi-year grants and regular evaluation.
- She teaches a course on strategic philanthropy for nonprofit leaders.
venture philanthropy
1/vˈɛnt͡ʃɚ fɪlˈænθɹəpi/
fixed phrase
business
investment-style support for nonprofits
Giving that works like investing to help a nonprofit grow.
Examples
- The group practices venture philanthropy by offering multi-year funding and management support.
- Venture philanthropy has become popular in parts of the social enterprise world.
- They joined a venture philanthropy network to share evaluation methods.