From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishbenefactionben‧e‧fac‧tion /ˌbenəˈfækʃən/ noun [countable, uncountable] formal MONEYsomething, especially money, that someone gives a person or organization in order to help them do something good, or when someone gives money in this way SYN donation
Examples from the Corpus
benefaction• We decided that it would be wrong to make an exception even for such an exceptional benefaction.• Gregory liked Guntram because of his benefactions to the Church and his regard for churchmen, although he does not hide his weaknesses.• We have been very lucky to have two major benefactions.• There is an unquestioned element of benefaction in this plan.• He also promised to promote her son, then studying at Cambridge, to appropriate benefices and to make other benefactions.• Much of the provision for the relief of the poor at this time was the benefactions of Londoners.Origin benefaction (1600-1700) Late Latin benefactio, from Latin bene factus “well done” 