What type of advertising focuses on public welfare and is typically sponsored by nonprofits?

Public service advertising (PSA) specifically aims to raise awareness about social issues and promote public welfare. These advertisements are often sponsored by nonprofit organizations or government agencies and are designed to inform the public about important topics such as health, safety, environmental protection, and community services. The key characteristic of PSAs is their focus on altruistic messaging that seeks to benefit society rather than promote a commercial product or service.

In contrast, public relations advertising is more about managing the public image of an organization rather than promoting a social cause. Community advertising typically focuses on local businesses or initiatives without necessarily having the broader social welfare angle that PSAs emphasize. Awareness advertising is generally aimed at increasing knowledge about products or services rather than societal issues. Thus, the distinctive goal of public service advertising aligns it directly with efforts to improve the community and public welfare, making it the correct answer.