Anything given gratuitously to relieve the poor, as money, food, or clothing; a gift of charity.

Charitable gift of money or goods to the poor and needy.

voluntary contributions to aid the poor

money collected for the relief of the poor

In Buddhism, the offering of food to monks on their daily rounds and the donation of goods and money to the monasteries.

Charitable donations of money

originally money or gifts in kind for the poor, now extended to mean gifts for any religious charitable purpose

Works of mercy or monetary gifts given to help the poor. Throughout the Scriptures, God's people are called to help those less fortunate than themselves (see Matt. 25:31-46).

Alms or almsgiving exists in a number of religions. In general, it involves giving materially to another as an act of religious virtue. In Abrahamic religions, alms are given as charity to benefit the poor.