plural chari·ties

1. Provision of help or relief to the poor; almsgiving.

2. Something given to help the needy; alms.

3. An institution, an organization, or a fund established to help the needy.

4. Benevolence or generosity toward others or toward humanity.

5. Indulgence or forbearance in judging others. See synonyms at mercy.

6. Often Charity . Theology. The virtue defined as love directed first toward God but also toward oneself and one's neighbors as objects of God's love.