A donation is a voluntary gift or contribution given to support a cause, organization, or individual in need. Donations can take various forms, including money, goods, or services, and are often made to charities, non-profits, or community projects. People donate to help others, support research, or contribute to social causes. Many organizations rely on donations to fund their activities and programs. For example, food banks depend on monetary and food donations to provide meals to those facing hunger. Similarly, hospitals may receive donations to support medical research or improve patient care.