1 : (noncount) : the act of giving money, food, or other kinds of help to people who are poor, sick, etc.
The holidays are a time for charity and good will.
also : something (such as money or food) that is given to people who are poor, sick, etc.
She refused to accept charity.
2 a : (count) : an organization that helps people who are poor, sick, etc.
The dinner was held to raise funds for several charities.
She runs a local charity that gives books to children.
b : (noncount) : the organizations that help people in need
All the money will go to charity.
often used before another noun
a charity concert/dinner/event (=a concert/dinner/event held to raise money for a charity)