An assembly or gathering of delegates for some special purpose; (American) a congress (qv).

Something given to the property of an organisation or institution; payments made to meet the organisation's costs. Hence contributor, one who gives or contributes.

A specialist in some subject available to give advice.

One who gives professional advice or services regarding matters in the field of his special knowledge or training.

The system or body of fundamental rules and principles of a nation, state, or political body that determines the powers and duties of the government and guarantees certain fundamental rules as to aims activities, structure and procedures of an organisation.

A term borrowed from politics. In the field of charity it means the body of persons who support or who can be expected to support a charitable organisation, usually by financial donations and often by working to further its interests.

A formal meeting of delegates or representatives for discussion of some question of the adoption of measures for their common good.

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.)