Philanthropy vs. Charity: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Published on October 6, 2023
Philanthropy involves long-term, strategic efforts to address social issues, often through funding and organizational support. Charity focuses on immediate relief for specific problems, usually through donations or direct aid.
Key Differences
Philanthropy refers to the practice of actively seeking to promote the welfare of others, particularly through the generous donation of money or resources to various causes. The term often denotes a long-term, systemic approach to solving social issues, often involving funding research, educational initiatives, and other systemic changes. Charity, on the other hand, is generally a more immediate, short-term provision of relief to those in need, often through financial assistance, goods, or services.
Grammatically, both "philanthropy" and "charity" function as nouns in American English. "Philanthropy" can be both a countable and uncountable noun, while "charity" is primarily an uncountable noun when referring to benevolent giving but can be countable when referring to specific organizations ("charities"). For example, one can engage in philanthropy or support multiple philanthropies, while one can donate to charity or support various charities.
Philanthropy is often strategic and requires a calculated approach, typically involving due diligence, needs assessments, and a long-term commitment. Charity is often more immediate, focusing on the here-and-now needs such as food, shelter, and emergency aid. In philanthropy, donors may be more inclined to ask, "How can we solve this issue?" whereas in charity the question might be, "How can we alleviate suffering now?"
Philanthropy often involves substantial sums of money or resources and may include establishing foundations or endowments. Charity is usually less formal and can be as simple as giving spare change to a homeless person. Both philanthropy and charity aim to improve conditions for others, but their methods, scope, and scale often differ significantly.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Long-term, strategic efforts
Immediate, short-term aid
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Grammatical Role
Countable and Uncountable
Mostly Uncountable
Timeframe
Long-term
Short-term
Scale
Larger, systemic
Smaller, immediate
Scope
Broad, tackles root issues
Narrow, immediate relief
Philanthropy and Charity Definitions
Philanthropy
The practice of giving money and time to help make life better for others.
Her philanthropy has funded a new community center.
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Charity
An organization that provides help and raises money for those in need.
I donate to that charity every year.
Philanthropy
Strategic giving aimed at solving complex issues.
His philanthropy focuses on educational reform.
Charity
Kindness and tolerance toward others.
He treats everyone with charity.
Philanthropy
An organization that distributes funds to advance well-being.
The Gates Foundation is a notable philanthropy.
Charity
Voluntary giving of help to those in need.
Charity begins at home.
Philanthropy
A long-term commitment to improve societal welfare.
He views philanthropy as a lifetime endeavor.
Charity
The act of giving money, goods, or time to those in need.
Her charity knows no bounds.
Philanthropy
An act or gift done or made for humanitarian purposes.
Their philanthropy established a scholarship fund.
Charity
Immediate aid given to relieve suffering.
The charity provided food to hurricane victims.
Philanthropy
The effort or inclination to increase the well-being of humankind, as by charitable aid or donations.
Charity
Provision of help or relief to the poor; almsgiving.
Philanthropy
Love of humankind in general.
Charity
Something given to help the needy; alms.
Philanthropy
Something, such as an activity or institution, intended to promote human welfare.
Charity
An institution, organization, or fund established to help the needy.
Philanthropy
Benevolent altruism with the intention of increasing the well-being of humankind.
Charity
Benevolence or generosity toward others or toward humanity.
Philanthropy
(uncountable) Charitable giving, charity.
As public funding is reduced, we depend increasingly on private philanthropy.
Charity
Indulgence or forbearance in judging others.
Philanthropy
(countable) A philanthropic act.
His tombstone lists his various philanthropies.
Charity
Often Charity(Christianity) The theological virtue defined as love directed first toward God but also toward oneself and one's neighbors as objects of God's love.
Philanthropy
(countable) A charitable foundation.
The Rockefeller philanthropies
Charity
(countable) An organization, the objective of which is to carry out a charitable purpose.
Philanthropy
Love to mankind; benevolence toward the whole human family; universal good will; desire and readiness to do good to all men; - opposed to misanthropy.
Charity
(countable) The goods or money given to those in need.
Philanthropy
Voluntary promotion of human welfare
Charity
(uncountable) Benevolence to others less fortunate than ourselves; the providing of goods or money to those in need.
Charity
In general, an attitude of kindness and understanding towards others, now especially suggesting generosity.
Charity
Christian love; representing God's love of man, man's love of God, or man's love of his fellow-men.
Charity
Love; universal benevolence; good will.
Now abideth faith, hope, charity, three; but the greatest of these is charity.
They, at least, are little to be envied, in whose hearts the great charities . . . lie dead.
With malice towards none, with charity for all.
Charity
Liberality in judging of men and their actions; a disposition which inclines men to put the best construction on the words and actions of others.
The highest exercise of charity is charity towards the uncharitable.
Charity
Liberality to the poor and the suffering, to benevolent institutions, or to worthy causes; generosity.
The heathen poet, in commending the charity of Dido to the Trojans, spake like a Christian.
Charity
Whatever is bestowed gratuitously on the needy or suffering for their relief; alms; any act of kindness.
She did ill then to refuse her a charity.
Charity
A charitable institution, or a gift to create and support such an institution; as, Lady Margaret's charity.
Charity
Eleemosynary appointments [grants or devises] including relief of the poor or friendless, education, religious culture, and public institutions.
The charities that soothe, and heal, and bless,Are scattered at the feet of man like flowers.
Charity
A foundation created to promote the public good (not for assistance to any particular individuals)
Charity
A kindly and lenient attitude toward people
Charity
An activity or gift that benefits the public at large
Charity
Pinnate-leaved European perennial having bright blue or white flowers
Charity
An institution set up to provide help to the needy
FAQs
What is Charity?
Charity focuses on providing immediate aid to those in need.
Is Charity a noun?
Yes, "charity" is primarily an uncountable noun but can be countable when referring to organizations.
Is Charity only about money?
No, charity can involve giving time, goods, or services.
Can Charity be an organization?
Yes, a charity can refer to an organization that provides aid.
Is Charity immediate?
Charity often provides immediate relief for specific issues.
What is Philanthropy?
Philanthropy involves long-term efforts to improve societal well-being.
How do Philanthropy and Charity differ?
Philanthropy is long-term and strategic, while charity is immediate and often short-term.
Is Philanthropy global?
Philanthropy can be both local and global in scope.
Is Philanthropy a noun?
Yes, "philanthropy" is both a countable and uncountable noun in American English.
How is Philanthropy strategic?
Philanthropy often involves research and planning to address root causes.
Is Philanthropy always large-scale?
Philanthropy often involves larger, more systemic efforts, but it can also be small-scale.
Can Philanthropy solve long-term issues?
Yes, philanthropy often aims to solve systemic issues over the long term.
Is Philanthropy only for the wealthy?
No, philanthropy can be practiced by anyone committed to long-term social change.
Do Philanthropy and Charity have the same goals?
Both aim to help others, but their approaches and timelines differ.
Can Charity be planned?
Charity can be both spontaneous and planned.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
