Philanthropy

Community service

Unpaid work done by an individual or group to benefit others

National service

A commitment to work for the government, which can be either voluntary or required.

Overhead ratio

The percentage of revenue that a nonprofit spend on philanthropic programs

Mutual aid

A form of community cooperation where people work to meet each other’s needs without hierarchy. It can be a form of political participation.

Board of trustees

A group of people who make important decisions for a nonprofit organization

Mission statement

A guide for people and organizations doing philanthropy. It is usually 1-2 sentences that describe your purpose, values, and goals.

Service learning

A learning experience that includes volunteering to address community needs

Crowdfunding

A method of fundraising that brings together many individuals who commit money to specific projects or causes

Donor

A person who donates something, especially money, to charity or a nonprofit

501(c)(3)

A specific type of nonprofit in the U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations can receive donations that are tax-deductible and cannot participate in politics.

Form 990

A tax form that provides information about a nonprofit’s finances, leadership, and programs.

Nonprofit

A type of organization that helps people or causes without trying to make money for themselves.

Participatory grantmaking

A way of making philanthropic decisions that includes people from the community who will be affected.

Philanthropy

Actions that promote the well-being of others, often through monetary donations

Voluntourism

Short-term programs where people pay to travel and volunteer in another country.