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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Philanthropy \Phi*lan"thro*py\, 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]