benefactor
What does "benefactor" mean?
A benefactor is someone who provides help, typically in the form of financial support, to an individual, a charity, or an organization. The mental image is of a generous patron who steps in to ensure a project or a person can continue to thrive, often without expecting a direct return on their investment. While it is a formal term, it is frequently used in the context of philanthropy, arts funding, and academic scholarships. You will often see it paired with words like "anonymous," "generous," or "major" to describe the scale of the support provided. It implies a sense of altruism and social responsibility.
"benefactor" in conversation
Discussing a scholarship
Did you see the list of donors for the new theater wing?
Did you see the list of donors for the new theater wing?
I did. There’s one anonymous benefactor who covered nearly half the cost.
I did. There’s one anonymous benefactor who covered nearly half the cost.
Used to describe a significant financial contributor.
After a charity gala
The hospital renovation would have been impossible without our benefactor.
The hospital renovation would have been impossible without our benefactor.
True, their contribution really kept the project afloat.
True, their contribution really kept the project afloat.
Highlights the role of a benefactor in sustaining an organization.
"benefactor" in a sentence
She became a benefactor to the local library.
She became a benefactor to the local library.
The university honored its major benefactor at the annual gala.
The university honored its major benefactor at the annual gala.
The struggling artist found an unexpected benefactor who allowed him to focus entirely on his painting.
The struggling artist found an unexpected benefactor who allowed him to focus entirely on his painting.
