Legal Definitions - benevolent association

A benevolent association is a formal group of individuals who come together for a common purpose, primarily to provide aid, support, or services to its members or a specific community, rather than to generate profit. These organizations often focus on charitable activities, mutual assistance, or promoting the welfare of a particular group.

Here are some examples illustrating a benevolent association:

• Imagine a neighborhood group called "Helping Hands of Elmwood." This group consists of local residents who volunteer their time to organize food banks, provide emergency shelter assistance during natural disasters, and offer free tutoring services to children in low-income families within their community.

  Explanation: "Helping Hands of Elmwood" is an association because it's a formal group of people working together. It is benevolent because its primary goal is to provide aid and support (food, shelter, education) to those in need within its community, without seeking profit.

• Consider the "United Miners' Benevolent Society." This organization is formed by miners who contribute a small portion of their wages into a common fund. In return, the society provides financial support to members or their families in cases of workplace injury, illness, or death, and also advocates for safer working conditions.

  Explanation: This is an association of miners. It is benevolent because it operates on a principle of mutual aid, using collective contributions to provide financial assistance and support to its members and their families during difficult times, demonstrating goodwill and care.

• The "National Nurses' Welfare Fund" is an organization established by a professional nursing association. Its purpose is to offer grants and interest-free loans to nurses who are facing severe financial hardship due to unexpected medical emergencies, family crises, or natural disasters, allowing them to continue their vital work.

  Explanation: This fund is part of an association (the larger nursing professional group) and acts as a benevolent entity. It provides financial aid and support to its professional members during times of crisis, reflecting a charitable and welfare-oriented mission rather than a profit motive.