philanthropy

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition

1. n. The effort or inclination to increase the well-being of humankind, as by charitable aid or donations.
2. n. Love of humankind in general.
3. n. Something, such as an activity or institution, intended to promote human welfare.

Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia

1. n. Love of mankind, especially as evinced in deeds of practical beneficence and endeavors for the good of one's fellows.
2. n. Synonyms Philanthropy, Charity. Originally these words were the same, meaning the love of fellow-man, a sense which philanthropy retains, but charity (except in Biblical language: see 1 Cor. xiii., authorized version) has lost. Each expresses both spirit and action; but philanthropy cannot be applied to a concrete act, while charity may; hence we speak of a charity, but not of a philanthropy; on the other hand, as a spirit, philanthropy looks upon human welfare as a thing to be promoted, especially by preventing or mitigating actual suffering, while charity, outside of Biblical usage, is simply disposed to take as favorable a view as possible of the character, conduct, motives, or the like, of a fellow-man. As activity, charity helps men individually; philanthropy helps the individual as a member of the race, or provides for large numbers. Philanthropy agitates for prison-reform and the provision of occupation for released convicts; charity gives a released convict such personal help as he needs.

Wiktionary

1. n. uncountable Benevolent altruism with the intention of increasing the well-being of mankind, especially by charitable giving.
2. n. A philanthropic act
3. n. A charitable foundation

GNU Webster's 1913

1. n. Love to mankind; benevolence toward the whole human family; universal good will; desire and readiness to do good to all men; -- opposed to misanthropy.

WordNet 3.0

1. n. voluntary promotion of human welfare