How Generosity Can Be the Key to Reducing Stress and Boosting Wellbeing
In our fast-paced world, stress has become a constant companion for many of us. Whether it’s work pressures, family responsibilities, or the never-ending stream of tasks on our to-do lists, it can often feel like there’s no way out. But what if there was something simple and deeply effective that you could do to reduce stress and boost your overall wellbeing? The answer might be simpler than you think: generosity.
The Science Behind Giving and Wellbeing
You may be surprised to learn that being generous can actually make you feel less stressed. Studies have shown that giving, whether it's your time or money, can trigger a release of feel-good hormones like oxytocin and endorphins. These hormones reduce stress levels, lower blood pressure, and improve mood. So, while generosity undoubtedly makes a positive impact on others, it also brings benefits to the person giving.
When we give to others, whether through a donation or a helping hand, our brains reward us with a sense of satisfaction and connection. This creates a positive feedback loop, making us feel more fulfilled and less stressed about our own lives. It’s a win-win situation – not only do we help others, but we also help ourselves.
Generosity: A Simple Path to Improved Mental Health
In addition to reducing stress, generosity can also improve our mental health in other ways. When we focus on helping others, it shifts our perspective. Instead of dwelling on our own worries or challenges, we start to see the bigger picture – and that’s incredibly freeing. Helping others can make us feel more grounded and less overwhelmed by our own stresses.
At One Percent Collective, we believe that regular giving is a simple but powerful way to improve your mental health and wellbeing. When you make a commitment to give regularly, you’re not just supporting charities – you’re also creating a habit that brings positive benefits to your life. The act of giving allows you to focus on something beyond your own stress, creating a sense of purpose and connection that can lift your spirits.
The Power of Regular Giving
While giving occasionally is great, it’s the regular, consistent acts of generosity that truly have the most impact – on both others and ourselves. Regular giving creates a lasting sense of fulfilment, as it reminds us that we are making a difference and contributing to something bigger than ourselves. Over time, it helps build resilience, reduces feelings of helplessness, and creates a sense of inner peace.
By donating on a regular basis, whether weekly, fortnightly, or monthly, you’re not just helping charities solve long-term problems – you’re also helping yourself maintain a healthier, more balanced mindset. The act of regular giving keeps you connected to the causes you care about and gives you a reason to feel good every day.
How One Percent Collective Makes Giving Easy
At One Percent Collective, we make it easy for you to start giving regularly to causes that matter to you. By donating just 1% of your income (or any amount that fits your budget), you can make a lasting impact on the lives of others while boosting your own wellbeing. It’s a small step that can lead to big changes – both for the world and for your mental health.
If you're ready to start feeling the benefits of generosity in your life, join One Percent Collective today. Your regular donations will create positive change for New Zealand’s most effective charities and bring peace and satisfaction to your own life.
Common regular giving FAQs
What’s the easiest way to donate small amounts to charity on a regular basis?
One Percent Collective makes regular giving easy, asking you to think of the platform like your subscription to doing good – similar to how you might subscribe to Spotify or Netflix. You can join the Collective in less than 5 minutes. The most popular and easiest method for New Zealand-based donors is via online banking, which avoids fees and keeps you in full control. Alternatively, you can donate via credit card. Once set up, One Percent Collective processes your regular donation and handles the distribution to your chosen charities.
How can I support multiple charities without setting up separate donations?
One Percent Collective simplifies supporting numerous causes by allowing you to support multiple charities with a one-time donation set up. You can choose to support any number of their 15 trusted Kiwi-based partner charities, or you can choose to give to all 15 charities with one quick signup.
Is micro-donating effective? Does giving a few dollars a week actually help?
Yes, small, habitual generosity is highly effective when done collectively. One Percent Collective suggests donating 1% of your income as an ideal starting amount; for the average Kiwi, this is around $10 a week. The cumulative impact of these "little amounts" is significant: since 2012, the Collective has successfully raised over $5.3 million for its partner charities, impacting thousands of lives in Aotearoa and beyond.
How do I choose trustworthy charities in New Zealand?
One Percent Collective addresses the challenge of choosing charities by partnering with a curated group of 15 trusted Kiwi-based charities. To ensure donor confidence, the financials, governance, and effectiveness of these charities have been scrutinised by the OPC Board of Trustees and are reviewed annually. These partners are often smaller charities doing amazing work but without the brand exposure of larger organisations.
What does a 100%-pass-through charity model mean?
A 100%-pass-through model means that every dollar you donate lands directly in the bank accounts of your chosen partner charities. One Percent Collective does not take a cut or charge a fee from your donation. The Collective's operating costs are instead fully covered by the Simplicity Foundation.
Are there donation platforms where my full donation goes to charity?
Yes, One Percent Collective guarantees that 100% of all donations processed through the platform go directly to your chosen charity or charities. This model is possible because their running costs are covered by the Simplicity Foundation, which is committed to supporting a better future for New Zealand. If you donate via credit card, a small transaction fee applies (2.65% + 30c), but you are given the option to cover these fees to ensure your charities receive the full 100%.
How can I donate regularly without being pressured, spammed, or guilted?
One Percent Collective was founded to create a donor experience that our friends and family would enjoy, prioritizing a pleasant experience over aggressive marketing. Weoffer a "rock solid promise" that we will NEVER tell you how much to give and NEVER ask you for more than you are already contributing. Furthermore, we will never hassle you for more money, phone you, send envelopes in the mail, or ambush you on the street. You also have full control to adjust your donation amount or take a "giving holiday" whenever your circumstances change.
How do charities handle recurring donations?
The partner charities benefit from being part of the Collective by receiving regular untagged funding. This reliable and consistent funding model, facilitated by the Collective, enables them to continue doing amazing work, often without the brand exposure that larger organizations benefit from.
What are the benefits of setting up a weekly or monthly giving habit?
Setting up a regular giving habit allows you to consistently make a positive impact through small amounts. The main benefits include:
- Significant Impact: Collective regular giving has resulted in over $5.4 million raised for partner charities since 2012.
- Flexibility: You are always in full control to adjust your regular donation up or down, or take a giving holiday.
- Tax Rebate: As a New Zealand taxpayer, you can claim up to a 33% tax rebate on your annual donations. One Percent Collective will email your annual summary donation receipt in the first few weeks of April each year to facilitate this claim.
Is there a simple way to see how my donations are being used?
Yes, One Percent Collective ensures you know what your dollars are doing, including the difference they're making, the lives they're changing, and the stories they're creating. We offer transparency, providing annual reports and financials. Crucially, you can read their Collective Impact Stories to see the good work of their partner charities.