n. [ L. philanthropia, Gr. filanqrwpi`a: cf. F. philanthropie. ] Love to mankind; benevolence toward the whole human family; universal good will; desire and readiness to do good to all men; -- opposed to misanthropy. Jer. Taylor. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. An active effort to promote human welfare; humanitarian activity. in this sense, it is an action, not merely a state of mind. [ PJC ] 3. An organization whose purpose is to engage in philanthropy(2), and is supported by funds from one or a small number of wealthy individuals; a type of charity, the source of whose funds is typically from a wealthy individual or a corporation, or a trust fund established by a wealthy individual. It is distinguished from other charitable organizations in that the source of funds of other charities may come from a large number of sources, or from public solicitation. [ PJC ] | 