I often see that the same thing - a sum of money is being called differently in different contexts and even sometimes in equal contexts.
I know all the three words and their other meanings but when it comes to money I'm not sure if people use them wisely and whether a difference even a slight one exists within this or that context. For instance:
- If a developer creates a software and he gives it out for free but wishes to have a certain income to enhance it and continue working on it, most usually that would be a "contribution" right? However, I sometimes see people write "donation" in there software and on the web sites.
- If an organization helps street animals and asks for money from people for that help then usually that's called "charity" but I sometimes hear and see people use "donation" is this case.
- If somebody is sick and needs medical attention but there family hasn't a sufficient sum of money they ask for "donation" but not "charity". However, when they speak of someone who gave them quite a sum they call it a "contribution".
Could someone explain in which situation should one use "contribution", "charity" and "donation"?