The Science Behind Why Giving Feels Good

Looking to give back but don’t know where to start? With nearly 30,000 registered charities in New Zealand, it’s hard to figure out which one to choose. You want your generosity to make a real difference – not just leave your wallet lighter. And let’s be honest: you want giving to feel good, not stressful.

Here’s the good news: you’re already wired to be generous.

Why Giving Feels So Good

Giving isn’t just good for others – it’s good for you too. Science shows that when you give, your brain releases feel-good chemicals like dopamine and oxytocin. These natural “happy hormones” help reduce stress, boost your mood, and make you feel more connected to others.

Whether you’re donating to the best charity to give to or lending a hand to a neighbour, generosity activates the parts of your brain linked to joy and connection. In a world filled with tough news, giving reminds us that we can still make a difference, no matter how big the problems seem.

But not all giving feels the same.

Why Regular Giving Makes a Bigger Difference

One-off donations are great, but regular giving has the most impact. Why? Because it helps charities plan for the future. Reliable funding means they can hire staff, run programmes, and create lasting change.

When you give regularly, you’re not just helping once – you’re part of the solution, day after day.

That’s why One Percent Collective exists. We make regular giving easy by partnering with 12 grassroots charities across Aotearoa. From helping kids thrive to protecting our planet, we connect you with some of the best charities to give to. Since 2012, our community has raised over $4 million – and 100% of every dollar goes straight to the charities.

How Giving Through One Percent Collective Feels Good

Imagine giving just 1% of your income. For most Kiwis, that’s less than $1.50 a day. It doesn’t seem like much, but when combined with hundreds of other donors, it creates massive change.

And the best part? You’ll see the difference your giving makes. We’ll send you real stories of the people, communities, and ecosystems you’re helping. These aren’t just stats – they’re proof that your generosity is changing lives.

By making giving simple and showing you the impact, One Percent Collective turns generosity into something you look forward to – not just another task on your to-do list.

Ready to Feel Good About Giving?

Start your feel-good journey today with One Percent Collective. It only takes a few minutes to set up your regular donation and start making a difference.

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.