altruistic donation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "altruistic donation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a donation made with the intention of helping others without expecting anything in return. Example: "The charity relies on altruistic donations from individuals who want to make a positive impact in their community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Then one day she happened to hear a radio programme on a specific kind of altruistic donation and instantly she realised she had found the answer.

The Guardian

The four donors came together yesterday at an event organised by the charity Give a Kidney – One's Enough, which seeks to raise awareness of altruistic donation.

Independent

Donors may also offer to give a kidney to someone who is on the waiting list for a transplant but whom they have never met (non-directed altruistic donation).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Especially in the early days of kidney transplants, in the late sixties and early seventies, many doctors saw altruistic donation through the lens of psychoanalysis, and, viewed thus, it looked troubling indeed.

The New Yorker

Lisa Burnapp, lead nurse on living donation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: "Half of those who contact us about altruistic donation don't go forward with it, and of those who are assessed three-quarters are rejected.

Independent

So is there no such thing as an altruistic donation on a fundraising page?

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Despite campaigns to increase altruistic donations, organ donations are basically stagnant.

The Guardian - Opinion

The paired exchange registries have fought the perception that kidney swaps unfairly steer the benefits of altruistic donations to transplant candidates who have willing donors.

The New York Times - Health

Two--thirds of them, more than 55,000, are waiting for a kidney, and altruistic donations are unlikely to shorten the line much, said Ms. Paykin.

The New York Times

Oxfam, for example, offers a range of altruistic donations-as-gifts, including valuable animals such as a goat or chicken, a water well, a bag of seed or, yes, a heap of manure.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

On the surface, this motive is in direct conflict with "selfless" altruistic donations.

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing organ or tissue donation, use "altruistic donation" to emphasize the donor's selfless intent, differentiating it from compensated donation.

Common error

Avoid using "altruistic donation" interchangeably with general terms like "donation" or "contribution". "Altruistic donation" specifically implies that the donor receives no tangible benefit, setting it apart from donations that might offer tax incentives or other forms of recognition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "altruistic donation" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific type of giving characterized by selfless intent. As Ludwig indicates, this phrase is both correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "altruistic donation" is a grammatically sound and widely recognized term that refers to giving selflessly, without expecting anything in return. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is correct and appropriate for use in various contexts, especially within news, scientific, and formal writing. When using this phrase, emphasize the selfless intent of the donor, differentiating it from other forms of giving. Keep in mind that while alternatives like "selfless giving" and "charitable contribution" exist, "altruistic donation" is particularly effective when discussing organ, blood, or tissue donations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

selfless giving

Emphasizes the lack of self-interest in the act of donating.

charitable contribution

Focuses on the charitable aspect and the act of contributing to a cause.

benevolent donation

Highlights the kindness and goodwill associated with the donation.

humanitarian gift

Emphasizes the humanitarian aspect of the donation, focusing on improving human welfare.

philanthropic act

Puts the focus on the act of philanthropy and its broader social impact.

disinterested contribution

Highlights that the donation is made without any personal gain or interest.

generous offering

Emphasizes the generosity involved in the donation.

uncompensated giving

Focuses on the lack of compensation or reward for the donation.

voluntary contribution

Highlights the voluntary nature of the donation, emphasizing that it is freely given.

public-spirited donation

Emphasizes that the donation is made for the benefit of the public or community.

FAQs

How can I use "altruistic donation" in a sentence?

You might say, "The hospital relies heavily on "altruistic donations" of blood to meet the needs of its patients" or "Her "altruistic donation" of a kidney saved the life of a stranger".

What's a situation where "altruistic donation" is most applicable?

"Altruistic donation" is especially fitting when discussing organ donation, blood donation, or charitable giving where the donor receives no direct financial or material reward. It highlights the selfless nature of the act.

Are there legal aspects related to "altruistic donation"?

Yes, many countries have laws and regulations that govern "altruistic donations", particularly in the context of organ and tissue donation, to ensure ethical practices and prevent exploitation.

Is there a difference between "altruistic giving" and "altruistic donation"?

While the terms are closely related, "altruistic giving" is a broader term that encompasses any selfless act of giving, while ""altruistic donation"" typically refers to the act of donating something tangible, like money, organs, or blood. The difference is subtle, but ""altruistic donation"" is more specific.