1. A meeting for consultation, deliberation, exchange of opinion or removal of differences. A meeting called to have the group develop an answer to a problem.

2. A governmental or private organisation whose chief purpose is to organise periodical conferences (eg Hague Conference on Private International Law; International Sanding Conference on philanthropy).

The benefit of a community.

The well-being, interest and prosperity of the community.

A fund, to which property is transferred by participating charities. The capital and income is held for each charity in proportion to the value of the property transferred to the funds. All charities may join in such a scheme. (Under the Charities Act 1960 such a fund was set up in England and Wales by the Charity Commissioners; it is called Charities Official Investment Fund.)

A fund held for the benefit of the community. Limited in title in England and Wales to corporate bodies established by Royal Charter (Charities Act 1960, Section 31).

A subordinate committee, usually formed by a small number of members of a main committee.

One preparing the way for the formation of a policy or of an organisation.

A committee composed of members nominated by two or more distinct bodies in order to arrange terms of joint action, adjust differences, etc.

A committee (often a standing or permanent one) to which Matters of general import are referred by the main body.

The most common committee in the carrying on of foundations or charities, normally responsible for the handling of funds and banking. Often concerned with ways of obtaining funds and with expenditure.