noun
public-service corporation; charitable corporation
General term for a corporation that serves the public interest, such as a charitable, educational, or religious organization. Often contrasted with 営利法人 (for-profit corporation).
See also: 営利法人
この財団は公益法人として認定されている。
This foundation is certified as a public-service corporation.
公益法人と営利法人では税制上の扱いが異なる。
Public-service corporations and for-profit corporations are treated differently under the tax system.
noun
juridical person working for the public good
Legal definition: a juridical person (legal entity) established to serve the public good, as defined in Japanese civil law. This sense is more technical and legalistic than sense 1.
民法上の公益法人は、公益を目的とする社団または財団である。
Under the Civil Code, a juridical person working for the public good is an association or foundation whose purpose is the public interest.