"Learning To Give" Glossary of Philanthropic Terms

altruism
Selfless concern for the welfare of others

business
A profit-making organization

charity
Money or help given to aid the needy; an organization, fund or institution whose purpose is to aid those in need - derived from the Christian concept of caritas, meaning love of one's neighbor.

church
Faith institution; a building for Christian worship; a congregation of public Christian worship

citizen
A resident of a town or city; a native or naturalized person entitled to protection from a government.

common good
Resources shared for the collective benefit of the whole group of people.

diversification
The great range of individual differences that exist in each species

government
The authoritative administration of public policy and affairs of a nation, state or city; the system or policy by which a political unit is governed; any governed territory, district or area.

Philanthropy
The giving of one's time, talent or treasure for the sake of another - or for the common good

third sector
Independent sector, non-governmental, nonprofit or non-business sector

volunteer
One who offers himself for a service of his own free will.