Charity Vocabulary for English Learners

Charity Vocabulary for English Learners

Charity Vocabulary

English Vocabulary for Talking About Helping Others

Meaning and Etymology

The practice of charity means the voluntary giving of help to those in need as a humanitarian act.

The word charity entered the English language through the Old French word charité, which came from the Latin word caritas.

Originally in Latin, the word caritas meant preciousness, dearness, or high price. Over time, the meaning developed into the idea of kindness, generosity, and helping others.

Essential Charity Vocabulary

Associations

A group of individuals who organize together voluntarily to accomplish a common purpose.

The association meets four times a year.
Altruism

The principle of selfless concern for the welfare of others.

It was an entirely altruistic act.
Care

Feeling concern or interest in the well being of others.

These are children in public care.
Cooperation

The process of working together to achieve a shared goal.

A society founded on cooperation and shared prosperity.
Contributions

Giving something such as time or money to support a person, cause, or organization.

We like to think we are making a positive contribution to society.
Dig Deep

An idiom meaning to make a strong effort and give generously.

We ask our supporters to dig deep to help the orphanage.
Donation

Giving money or items for charitable purposes.

The association is funded by public donations.
Generosity

The willingness to give and share with others.

Generosity is an expression of compassion.
Help

An action given to provide assistance or support.

The center relies entirely on voluntary help.
Homeless

A person who does not have a home and often lives on the streets.

He became homeless after his marriage ended.
Organization

A structured group of people working together for a purpose.

UNICEF is an international organization.
Orphan

A child whose parents have died.

He was left an orphan at age three.
Philanthropy

The desire to promote the welfare of others through donations and support.

The family is famous for its philanthropy.
Raise Money

To collect funds to support a person, project, or cause.

People were raising money for charity.
Rescue

To save someone from a dangerous or difficult situation.

The organization rescued animals from neglect.
Social Work

Professional work aimed at helping people improve their living conditions.

She is studying social work.
Street Children

Children who live on the streets and often lack family support.

Street children face a difficult future.
Sponsor

A person or organization that provides funding for an activity.

The event was sponsored by a company.
Support

Providing assistance such as money, help, or resources.

The association received strong support.
Volunteer

A person who offers their time and help freely.

Volunteers distributed food and water.

Glossary of Charity Related Terms

  • Aid – Assistance such as money, food, or resources provided to people in need.
  • Alms – Money or food given to poor people.
  • Benevolence – The quality of being kind and generous.
  • Benevolent – A person who shows kindness and goodwill.
  • Benevolent Society – An organization that helps those in need.
  • Button Day – A fundraising event where people sell buttons for charity.
  • Charitable – Relating to helping those in need.
  • Charity Box – A container used to collect donations.
  • Collection Box – A box used to gather money for a cause.
  • Crowdfunder – A platform or person that collects money from many people online.
  • Debt Relief – Reduction or cancellation of debt for poor countries.
  • Donation Box – A container where donations are placed.
  • Drive – A campaign to collect money or goods.
  • Flag Day – A day when flags are sold to raise funds.
  • Food Bank – A place that distributes free food.
  • Food Pantry – A center where food is given to people in need.
  • Foreign Aid – Resources given by one country to another.
  • Foundation – An organization that funds charitable activities.
  • Friend – A supporter or benefactor of a charity.
  • Fundraising – The activity of collecting money for a cause.
  • Good Cause – A worthwhile charitable project.
  • Goodwill – Friendly and helpful attitudes toward others.
  • Non Profit – An organization working for social causes rather than profit.
  • Not For Profit – Another term for non profit organization.
  • Non Profit Making – Not intended to make profit.

Organizations and Cultural References

  • Oxfam – A global movement working to end poverty.
  • Pearly King – A member of a traditional London charitable culture.
  • Pearly Queen – Female counterpart of the Pearly King.
  • Semi Public – Partially open to the public but privately managed.
  • The Peace Corps – A volunteer program run by the United States government that supports development abroad.
  • The Red Crescent – A humanitarian organization providing disaster relief.
  • The Red Cross – An international organization providing emergency assistance.
  • Veganuary – A campaign encouraging people to try veganism in January.
  • Walkathon – A fundraising event where people walk a distance to collect donations.

Idioms About Charity

Charity Begins at Home
Meaning: One should take care of family first before helping others.
Example: She helps many charities but remembers charity begins at home.
Dig Deep
Meaning: To give a lot of money or effort.
Example: Supporters were asked to dig deep for donations.
Give the Shirt Off One’s Back
Meaning: To give everything you have to help someone.
Good Samaritan
Meaning: A person who helps others without expecting anything.
Pay It Forward
Meaning: Repay kindness by helping someone else.
In Someone’s Debt
Meaning: Feeling grateful because someone helped you.
Beggars Can’t Be Choosers
Meaning: When you need help, you must accept what is offered.
Heart of Gold
Meaning: A very kind and generous person.
Better to Give Than Receive
Meaning: Giving is more satisfying than receiving.
Go the Extra Mile
Meaning: To make extra effort to help.
Throw Good Money After Bad
Meaning: Continue wasting money on a failing effort.
Take Up a Collection
Meaning: Gather money from a group for a cause.
Cast Bread Upon the Waters
Meaning: Do good without expecting a reward.
Give Freely
Meaning: Give without expecting anything back.
At the End of One’s Rope
Meaning: Feeling desperate.
Lend a Helping Hand
Meaning: Help someone in need.
Do Your Bit
Meaning: Do your part to contribute.
From the Goodness of Your Heart
Meaning: Acting kindly without expecting a reward.

Synonyms for Charity Work

  • Humanitarian work
  • Volunteer work
  • Social work
  • Community service
  • Aid work
  • Relief work
  • Philanthropy

Charity and Volunteering Vocabulary for English Learners

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