The term philanthropy comes from a Greek word meaning "love for mankind." Today this term is used to describe the extensive network of foundations, corporations and individuals who provide funds and resources to serve the public good. By giving resources, they help to sustain crucial human services, protect the environment, enrich our cultural lives, improve and expand educational opportunities and develop new strategies for solving critical problems. These foundations and other giving programs support the activities of hundreds of thousands of nonprofit organizations working to improve the quality of life.