A charitable trust is a legally recognized entity established with the primary intention of advancing philanthropic goals that benefit the general public or specific segments of society. These trusts are rooted in the principles of altruism, compassion, and service. They play a crucial role in addressing various social, educational, cultural, environmental, and health-related issues by channeling resources toward the upliftment of communities and individuals in need.

At its core, a charitable trust involves a legal arrangement in which the trustee(s) are responsible for managing and overseeing the trust's assets, funds, and resources in accordance with the intentions of the settlor—the individual or organization who creates the trust. The trustee holds a fiduciary duty to ensure that these resources are used solely for the purposes outlined in the trust deed, serving the designated beneficiaries or public causes without any personal gain.

Charitable trusts can be formed for a variety of purposes, including:

Relief of poverty and distress

Advancement of education

Promotion of healthcare and medical services

Support for environmental and animal welfare

Promotion of arts, culture, heritage, and science

Religious advancement and interfaith harmony

One of the defining features of a charitable trust is that it must serve the public interest, either directly or indirectly.