Have you ever noticed the warm, uplifting feeling you get after helping someone in need? Maybe you volunteered your time, or simply gave someone a hand. That feeling is more than just a fleeting emotion. It’s actually rooted in the science of generosity, and it's one of the reasons why giving feels so good.

At One Percent Collective, we understand the deep, innate human need to do good. And while the impact of your generosity on others is incredibly important, it’s equally important to recognise how giving affects you, the giver.

Why Does Giving Make Us Feel Good?

When we engage in acts of generosity, our brains reward us with a rush of “feel-good” hormones, like oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin. These are the same chemicals that flood our system when we experience love, connection, and joy.

This chemical reaction is part of what’s known as the “helper’s high” – the uplifting sensation we get when we do something kind for others. Studies have shown that giving activates the brain’s pleasure centres, making us feel happier, less stressed, and more connected to others.

Not only does giving make us feel good in the moment, but it can also have lasting positive effects on our mental and physical health. Regular acts of generosity have been linked to lower blood pressure, reduced anxiety, and even improved immune function. So not only are you helping others, but you’re also helping yourself.

The Ripple Effect of Generosity

Generosity is contagious. When we give, it often inspires others to do the same. And this isn’t just a feel-good social trend – it’s a deep, instinctual part of human nature. Studies show that when people witness acts of kindness, their brains are primed to act kindly in return.

This ripple effect of generosity is one of the reasons why small acts of kindness can snowball into much larger waves of change. At One Percent Collective, we’ve seen how collective giving can create an incredible movement. When people like you choose to donate just 1% of their income, it helps raise millions of dollars for important causes. And this is only possible because so many people are inspired to give, creating a larger network of generosity that leads to sustainable change.

Giving to Strengthen Your Own Wellbeing

Giving doesn’t just feel good for others – it can help strengthen your own sense of purpose and wellbeing. When we contribute to something bigger than ourselves, we often feel a stronger sense of belonging and connection to our communities. And this is critical in a world where many people can feel isolated or disconnected.

The feeling of knowing you’re part of a larger mission, that your small act of generosity is part of a bigger movement for good, can help you feel more engaged in life and motivated to do more. It strengthens your own sense of self-worth and reminds you that you’re playing a vital role in creating positive change.

The Benefits of Regular Giving

At One Percent Collective, we make it easy to give regularly, whether it’s weekly, fortnightly, or monthly. When you donate on a regular basis, you’re not only supporting the charities that matter most to you – you’re also providing yourself with the long-term benefits of generosity. The consistency of regular giving allows you to enjoy the psychological rewards more frequently, creating a cycle of positivity and wellbeing.

And the beauty of regular giving is that it’s both manageable and impactful. Just 1% of your income may seem like a small amount, but when combined with the contributions of thousands of other donors, it adds up to millions of dollars for New Zealand’s most trusted charities. It’s a simple, sustainable way to make a meaningful difference.

Join the Movement of Generosity

If you want to experience the many benefits of giving – not just for others, but for your own mental and physical wellbeing – One Percent Collective makes it easy to get started. By becoming a donor, you’ll be part of a community of people dedicated to making New Zealand a better place. And you’ll feel the rewarding benefits of generosity as you help fund long-term, sustainable solutions to some of our country’s biggest issues.

Ready to feel good while doing good? Join One Percent Collective today and start making a real difference in the lives of those who need it most.