How Generosity Can Improve Your Mental Health
When life gets tough, it's natural to look for ways to boost your mood and improve your mental health. You might turn to activities like exercise, spending time with loved ones, or practising mindfulness. But did you know that one of the most powerful tools for improving your mental wellbeing is also one of the simplest? Generosity.
At One Percent Collective, we believe that generosity is not just about helping others; it's also about helping yourself. Research has shown that giving – whether it’s your time, your resources, or your energy – can have a profound impact on your mental health, leading to reduced stress, improved happiness, and a stronger sense of purpose.
The Power of Giving: A Mental Health Booster
It may sound surprising, but the act of giving can actually help reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. This is because when we give to others, our brains release a flood of “feel-good” chemicals like oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin. These hormones are linked to feelings of happiness and connection, and they help reduce stress levels, creating a natural uplift in our mood.
When we engage in acts of generosity, we’re often focusing on someone else’s needs. This shift in focus away from ourselves can reduce feelings of isolation or self-doubt. It reminds us that we have the power to make a positive impact in the world, and that sense of purpose can help combat the feelings of hopelessness that sometimes come with mental health struggles.
Giving is Good for Your Heart and Mind
Generosity doesn’t just make us feel good emotionally – it’s also beneficial for our physical health. Studies have shown that regular acts of kindness can lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of chronic disease, and even boost our immune system. This is especially important for our mental health, as physical health problems can often contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety.
When we give to others, we’re not just giving something away – we’re actually creating a positive cycle that benefits both our mental and physical health. This cycle of giving and receiving support helps us feel more connected to others, which is crucial for building resilience in the face of life’s challenges.
The Connection Between Generosity and Social Support
Mental health isn’t just about individual wellbeing; it’s also deeply connected to the support we get from our communities. Acts of generosity – like volunteering or donating to a cause – help build stronger communities, creating networks of support that benefit everyone involved.
At One Percent Collective, we make it easy for you to be part of a community that’s focused on making New Zealand a better place. When you donate regularly to the causes you care about, you’re not just helping those in need; you’re also joining a movement of like-minded people who share your values of kindness and generosity. This sense of belonging is vital for mental wellbeing, as it reminds us that we’re not alone in our efforts to create positive change.
Why Regular Giving Can Be the Key to Lasting Mental Health Benefits
The mental health benefits of generosity aren’t just fleeting. The more regularly we give, the more we experience these positive effects. At One Percent Collective, we make it easy for you to set up regular donations that fit your budget. Whether it’s a small percentage of your income or a larger contribution, regular giving helps create long-term mental health benefits by reinforcing positive habits and boosting feelings of purpose and connection.
Join the Generosity Movement for Better Mental Health
If you’re looking to improve your mental health while making a meaningful difference in the lives of others, becoming a donor with One Percent Collective is a great way to start. By giving regularly, you’ll enjoy the psychological and emotional rewards of generosity, all while supporting sustainable change for the causes that matter to you most.
Ready to boost your mental health through generosity? Join One Percent Collective today and start making a lasting impact on both your wellbeing and the communities you care about.
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.