The happiness formula: How giving enriches our lives

Have you ever wondered why it is so satisfying to make others happy? Maybe it's because when we help others or give them gifts, we not only see their smiles but also warm our own hearts.

"More money does not mean more happiness" - as the old saying goes. Cliché? In fact, studies prove what we have basically always felt: Spending money on others can give us a deeper sense of satisfaction than if we only use it for ourselves. But why is that?

Donations & happiness - a scientific perspective

It may come as no surprise to many that generosity increases one's well-being, especially for those who already know the feeling of giving through donations or volunteering. But how much does sharing influence our happiness? A scientific look at this reveals: Generosity is actually a key to it.

This is by no means an isolated finding. Numerous other studies from different parts of the world confirm this finding: people who donate generally feel happier. It seems that sharing our happiness is not only a gift to others, but also a gift to ourselves.

The path to lasting well-being?

Here are some remarkable findings that show just how deeply the feeling of happiness is influenced by generosity:

• Giving brings joy: it's scientifically proven! The so-called "reward area" in the human brain is automatically activated when donating. This stimulation leads to an increased feeling of happiness.
• Donating leads to feeling positive emotions: After donating, people feel a higher level of positive emotions than people who spend money on themselves alone.
• Donating leads to being more satisfied with your own life: People who donate are more satisfied with their lives than people who don't. According to an international study by Lara B. Aknin, people feel just as happy after donating as if their income had been doubled!
• Donating leads to lasting well-being: Donating makes you permanently happy. Doing good fulfills essential human needs such as self-esteem, self-confidence and social recognition.

What organizations & associations can learn from this

For any organization, large or small, it is an art to persuade people to fork out some of their savings - especially if the organization is still very small or is committed to a cause that is not currently in the media spotlight. But this is a wonderful opportunity to build a bridge: in a world that often celebrates individualism, you can use this approach to create something truly unique. And indeed, more and more people are supporting NGOs with their money. Because donating is more than just a good deed - it's an experience that should bring joy. So the next time you talk to your donors, remind them how much fun it can be to give something back. Donating is not only a matter of conscience, but also an opportunity to experience joy together and be part of a community that stands up for good. Show them that their generosity can make a difference in our world - not only for the recipients of the donation, but also for their own happiness in life.

The fact is that people want to gain a positive image of themselves through their actions, as well as being perceived as good by others. This is why many organizations are turning away from campaigns based on guilt and shock and are increasingly replacing them with positive fundraising campaigns that convey positive messages and feelings: Happiness, joy, progress and self-confidence are essential factors here.

The success of such fundraising campaigns is based on creative design and implementation: so-called visual content marketing. Images, videos, infographics, power points or slide shows are ideal communication tools for arousing emotions. This allows organizations to convey views and feelings more subtly. Be creative to convince your supporters that donating makes them happy!