The Science Behind Generosity: Why Giving Feels So Good
Have you ever noticed that giving to others feels… good? There’s a reason for that, and it’s not just a happy coincidence. It turns out that generosity has real, tangible effects on our brains and bodies. From boosting our happiness to reducing stress, giving is a powerful tool for improving our mental and emotional wellbeing.
But what exactly is happening in our bodies when we give? Let’s explore the science behind generosity and how it can make us feel better, more connected, and more fulfilled.
The Happiness Hormones
When we give, our brains release feel-good chemicals like dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin. These are often referred to as the "happiness hormones" because they help improve our mood, reduce stress, and make us feel more connected to others.
Dopamine, in particular, is released when we experience pleasure or reward. When we give, whether it’s donating money or volunteering our time, our brains interpret this as a rewarding experience. This is why giving feels so good – it’s essentially our brain rewarding us for doing something positive. It’s like a natural high that not only makes us feel happy in the moment but also creates a sense of long-term wellbeing.
The Stress-Reducing Effects of Giving
Generosity has also been shown to reduce stress. Studies have found that people who regularly give to others experience lower levels of stress and anxiety. When we focus on helping others, we shift our attention away from our own worries and problems. This can provide a sense of relief and calm, making it easier to cope with life’s challenges.
What’s even more interesting is that generosity has a positive impact on our physical health. Research has shown that people who practice acts of kindness and generosity have lower blood pressure, stronger immune systems, and even a longer lifespan. In a world where stress is a common problem, giving to others may be one of the easiest ways to improve both our mental and physical health.
Building Stronger Connections Through Giving
Generosity isn’t just about how we feel in the moment; it also has lasting effects on our relationships with others. When we give, we build trust and connection with those around us. This creates stronger bonds between us and the people we care about, whether they’re family members, friends, or members of our wider community.
Giving also strengthens our sense of belonging. When we help others, we feel part of something bigger than ourselves. This sense of belonging is crucial for our mental health and happiness, as it provides us with a sense of purpose and connection that can last a lifetime.
Generosity and the Impact of Regular Giving
While one-off donations are a great way to give back, it’s regular giving that truly maximises the benefits of generosity. Regular donations not only provide ongoing support to the causes we care about but also reinforce the positive effects of giving. When we commit to giving regularly, we create a habit that boosts our mood, reduces our stress, and strengthens our connections to others.
At One Percent Collective, we make it easy for you to experience the benefits of regular giving. By donating just 1% of your income, you can support a range of New Zealand-based charities that are working to create positive change. Your regular contributions will help these organisations build sustainable, long-term solutions while giving you the ongoing benefits of generosity.
Start Giving Today
If you’re ready to experience the feel-good benefits of generosity, join One Percent Collective today. Your regular donations will help support the causes that matter most to you, while improving your own wellbeing. Giving really does feel good, and with One Percent Collective, it’s easy to get started.
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.