The Science of Generosity: Why Giving Feels So Good
Generosity has been shown to make us feel good, but have you ever wondered why? Turns out, there’s science behind the warm, fuzzy feeling you get when you give. It’s not just about doing something nice – your brain actually rewards you when you act generously.
When you give to others, whether it’s donating your time, money, or skills, your brain releases endorphins, the chemicals that make you feel happy. It’s the same “feel-good” hormones that are released when you exercise or eat something delicious. But here’s the interesting part – giving doesn’t just feel good in the moment. Regular giving can have long-term benefits for your mental and emotional well-being, too.
How Generosity Affects the Brain
When you engage in acts of generosity, your brain’s reward system lights up. This system is responsible for releasing dopamine – the “feel-good” chemical. It’s the same chemical involved in activities like eating chocolate or receiving a compliment. When we give, our brains get a dose of this natural high, making us feel happier and more connected to others.
This feeling isn’t just short-lived either. Studies show that regular giving can lead to a lasting sense of happiness and fulfilment. By donating to causes you care about, you’re not only helping others – you’re actually improving your own well-being.
Generosity and the Brain’s Social Wiring
Humans are social creatures, and our brains are wired to care about others. Generosity activates the same regions of the brain that are involved in social bonding. When we give, we build trust and connection with others, and this strengthens our relationships and communities.
One Percent Collective recognises this power of giving, which is why we focus on regular donations. By making giving a habit, we help you build a long-term connection with the causes you care about, all while reaping the benefits of the feel-good chemicals your brain produces. It’s a win-win.
The Psychological Benefits of Giving Regularly
Generosity has more than just physical benefits – it also improves our mental and emotional well-being. When we give regularly, we feel more connected to the world around us. We experience a greater sense of purpose and satisfaction, knowing that we’re contributing to something bigger than ourselves.
Regular giving can also reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. The act of giving helps us focus on others, which can shift our attention away from our own worries. It can even improve our self-esteem, as we see the tangible impact of our actions.
Why Regular Giving is Better for You (and Others)
While one-off donations certainly help, it’s regular giving that delivers the greatest long-term benefits. When you give consistently, you’re creating a habit that continues to release those feel-good chemicals, boosting your mood and keeping you motivated. Plus, regular donations give charities the stability they need to focus on long-term solutions rather than constantly chasing funding.
At One Percent Collective, we make it easy to start giving regularly. Whether it’s 1% of your income or another amount that suits your budget, your contributions will have a lasting impact on the causes you care about. And as you continue to give, you’ll experience the mental, emotional, and social benefits of generosity.
Join One Percent Collective Today
By becoming a donor with One Percent Collective, you’re not just helping others – you’re also improving your own well-being. Regular giving is an investment in both your future and the future of the causes you support.
Ready to feel good while doing good? Join One Percent Collective today and start giving regularly to support the causes that matter to you.
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.