Donation: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when giving money or items to a charity or non-profit organization.

• The local high school received a generous donation from a former student
• They asked for food donations to support the homeless shelter

Used when giving something as part of a group effort or for a shared cause.

• Everyone praised her for her significant contribution to the project
• He made a valuable contribution to the discussion

Used when giving something voluntarily and without expecting anything in return, often for special occasions.

• She gave him a beautiful watch as a birthday gift
• They exchanged gifts during the holiday season

Used when giving money for a specific purpose, usually by a government or organization to support projects or education.

• She received a research grant to study climate change
• The company secured a grant to improve its facilities

Used when giving something to someone on a special occasion, similar to 'gift' but often implies a more personal connection.

• He opened his presents on Christmas morning
• She received a present from her friend for her graduation

Used when giving money, goods, or services to a charitable cause or nonprofit organization.

• He made a donation to the local food bank
• Every donation helps support families in need

Often associated with giving time, effort, or money to a cause, project, or organization. It can also refer to adding something of value to a discussion or collaborative effort.

• She made significant contributions to the team project
• His contribution to the charity event was greatly appreciated

Generally used for personal, thoughtful acts of giving, usually on special occasions like birthdays, holidays, or anniversaries. It can also be used in a formal context when referring to endowed funds.

• He received a beautiful gift for his birthday
• The university received a gift of $1 million from an anonymous donor

Typically used in formal and institutional contexts to refer to funds given by a government, organization, or foundation for a specific purpose, such as research, education, or public service.

• She received a grant to fund her research on climate change
• The government provides grants to support small businesses