fə̇ˈlan(t)thrəpē, -laan-, -pi noun
( -es )
Etymology: Late Latin philanthropia, from Greek philanthrōpia, from philanthrōpos loving mankind (from phil- + anthrōpos man) + -ia -y — more at anthrop-
1. : goodwill toward one's fellowmen especially as expressed through active efforts to promote human welfare : humanitarianism
philanthropy … is civic, social, and amply beneficial — J.A.Franquiz
— contrasted with misanthropy
2.
a. : an act or instance of deliberative generosity : a contribution made in a spirit of humanitarianism
among his philanthropies were full tuition scholarships for deserving students
b.
(1) : an organization distributing funds for humanitarian purposes
funds for the new rehabilitation center came from two of the big philanthropies
(2) : an institution or agency supported by such contributions
community chest funds are distributed among various philanthropies