A benefactor is someone who gives money or help to a person, cause, or organization, usually to make something good happen. The word comes from Latin roots meaning “one who does good.”

When a wealthy person donates millions to build a new library or science lab at a school, they become a benefactor of that institution. Libraries, museums, hospitals, and universities often have benefactors whose generous gifts make important projects possible. You might see a building named after a benefactor: “The Johnson Science Center” honors the person or family whose gift made it possible.

Benefactors don't have to be rich, though. Anyone who helps others succeed can be a benefactor. A neighbor who pays for a talented student's music lessons acts as a benefactor. A local business owner who funds the soccer team's new uniforms serves as a benefactor to young athletes.

The key is that benefactors give freely, expecting nothing back except the satisfaction of helping. They believe in a cause or person enough to invest their own resources. When you hear that someone's anonymous benefactor paid their college tuition, it means a generous person helped them without seeking recognition or reward.