What is a charity?

what is a charity

Lots of people may think that a charity is a specific cause that you give money to. But what is a charity EXACTLY? If I give $20 to my brother, is THAT charity? If I lose my wallet in the street, is THAT charity? Not quite. A charity can mean many different things, depending on who you ask…

What is a charity to you? What is a charity to your family? Many people view “charity” as an act of good. Something that people do, not because they have to, but because they want to. Because it makes them feel good.

What is a charity?

The word “charity” alone implies the voluntary giving of help. However charity in the sense of a noun (i.e “a charity”) usually refers to a group or organization that collects donations and performs good deeds for those in need. But when looking at a charity from a legal perspective, the lines become a bit more defined:

Every charity is a non-profit organization, however, not every non-profit organization is a charity. The difference is in how each organization distributes its funds. There are usually defined percentage that a charity has to give directly to the cause. The amount varies depending on where you reside. Charities are also able to give tax receipts on donation, wheras non-profit organization cannot.

A charity does not officially become a charity until the government grants it “charity status”. Charities are very closely monitored by the government. If charities don’t follow the strict guidelines set by the government, they can lose their charitable status entirely.

What is a charity? (dictionary definition)

noun, plural -ties.