The Power of Small Acts: How Small Donations Lead to Big Change
When it comes to charity, many people think that their donation needs to be big to make a difference. But the truth is, even small acts of generosity can have a huge impact. At One Percent Collective, we believe that every little bit counts – and that small, regular donations are the key to creating lasting change.
Why Small Donations Matter
You might wonder, what difference a small donation can really make? The answer: plenty. It’s not about the size of the donation, but about the consistency. Small donations, when added together, can create a big impact.
Take a look at One Percent Collective’s approach. We encourage people to give just 1% of their income. For the average New Zealander, that’s less than $1.50 a day. But when hundreds, even thousands, of people come together to give their 1%, the result is millions of dollars raised for causes across the country.
Small Donations, Big Impact
The beauty of small donations is that they’re sustainable. While a one-off donation can be helpful, it’s regular contributions that allow charities to plan and execute long-term projects. Small donations give charities the financial stability they need to focus on creating meaningful change, rather than scrambling to raise funds.
For example, regular giving helps charities provide ongoing support to those in need. It allows them to fund essential services, expand their reach, and hire more staff. This kind of stability enables them to work towards long-term solutions to big problems.
Collective Giving: A Powerful Force for Change
When you give regularly – even a small amount – you’re joining a larger movement. Every donation, no matter how small, contributes to a collective effort. And when many people come together with the same goal in mind, the impact can be extraordinary.
At One Percent Collective, we help make collective giving easy. By pooling resources from thousands of donors, we’re able to provide consistent funding for New Zealand’s most trusted charities. The result is a powerful force for good that’s changing lives across the country.
The Ripple Effect of Giving
Small donations don’t just impact the recipients. They also create a ripple effect that spreads throughout the community. When you give regularly, you’re not only helping the people and causes you care about – you’re also inspiring others to do the same. This ripple effect can spark even more generosity, leading to a cycle of giving that benefits everyone.
Regular giving is also a great way to set an example for others, especially children and young people. When they see you giving, they’re more likely to grow up with a strong sense of social responsibility and a desire to help others. In this way, your small act of generosity can have a far-reaching impact that extends well beyond your own donation.
Join One Percent Collective Today
If you’re looking for a simple, effective way to make a difference, regular giving is the answer. At One Percent Collective, we make it easy to give a small percentage of your income to support the causes you care about. Together, we can create lasting change.
Ready to make your small donation count for something big? Join One Percent Collective today and start giving regularly to support the charities that need it most.
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.