While philanthropy and charity are often used interchangeably, there is a distinct difference between the two concepts.

Charity tends to be an immediate, emotional, and often one-time response to a pressing need or crisis, such as providing food for the hungry, shelter for the homeless, or disaster relief. The primary aim of charity is to alleviate the immediate suffering caused by a situation.

Philanthropy, on the other hand, takes a more strategic and long-term approach, aiming not only to alleviate immediate needs but also to tackle the root causes of societal problems and create systemic change. This could involve funding research, supporting policy reforms, or launching initiatives that address issues such as poverty, education, healthcare disparities, or environmental challenges.