The same people present (8)
I believe the answer is:
donation
'present' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'the same people' is the wordplay.
'the same' becomes 'do' (abbreviation for ditto).
'people' becomes 'nation'.
'do'+'nation'='DONATION'
(Other definitions for donation that I've seen before include "present" , "Do anoint by way of a gift" , "An offering or charitable gift" , "Gift or contribution" , "Money given to charity" .)