The 1% Philosophy
Why collective action does more than individual efforts
Leeds is a city with plenty to be proud of.
Over the past few decades, it has established itself as one of the UK's leading business centres. From professional services and digital businesses to manufacturing, healthcare and the third sector, Leeds is home to thousands of organisations contributing to a thriving and diverse economy. The city continues to attract investment, create opportunities and develop its reputation as one of the most collaborative places in the country to do business.
Yet alongside that success, many people and communities within the city continue to face significant challenges.
Leeds is home to a £29 billion economy, yet 21% of residents are living in relative poverty and around 74,000 working-age adults experience in-work poverty; economic growth is not always felt equally across a city. Across Leeds there are communities experiencing hardship, organisations working tirelessly to support local people, and charities tackling issues that cannot be solved by any one sector alone.
The question is not whether businesses can make a difference, many already do. The question is how businesses, particularly smaller businesses, can contribute in a way that is practical, sustainable and capable of creating meaningful impact over time.
That is the thinking behind the 1% philosophy.
What Is the 1% Philosophy?
At its simplest, the 1% philosophy is built on the idea that small contributions become far more powerful when made collectively.
One for the City asks businesses to commit 1% of either their revenue or profit to support charitable and social causes across Leeds. Inspired by the 1% for the Planet movement, our model applies the same principle at a local level, creating a platform through which businesses can contribute directly to the city they live and work in.
The model is intentionally straightforward, designed to not be a burden on businesses, and is not intended to replace the many other ways organisations already support their communities. Instead, it provides a simple framework that allows businesses of different sizes and sectors to contribute consistently towards the shared goal of a more prosperous Leeds.
Because while 1% may seem modest in isolation, its value changes significantly when hundreds of businesses choose to do the same thing.
Why Collective Action Works
Most businesses understand the value of collaboration.
The strongest business communities are built on networks, partnerships and shared ambitions. Organisations achieve more when they work together than when they operate in isolation.
The same principle applies to giving, A single donation can support an organisation for a period of time. Multiple businesses contributing together can create something much more sustainable. Collective ongoing giving creates; greater certainty for charities, stronger funding opportunities for community projects, and a broader base of support for organisations working on some of the city's most pressing challenges.
One for the City was founded on the belief that business can be a force for good, and that collective action provides one of the most effective ways for businesses to contribute beyond their own organisations. The manifesto centres around creating a community of businesses committed to growing a more inclusive economy, increasing collective giving across Leeds and demonstrating the impact that businesses can achieve when they work together.
Why Leeds Needs Collective Action
Leeds council & residents have long been ambitious about creating growth that works for everyone.
Across local government, businesses, educational institutions and community organisations, there is a growing focus on creating a more inclusive economy. One where economic success is matched by social progress and where more people have the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from the city's growth.
That ambition cannot be delivered by any one organisation alone - It requires collaboration between sectors and a willingness to recognise that economic success and community wellbeing are closely connected.
Businesses rely on strong communities. Communities benefit from strong businesses. When one thrives without the other, opportunities are missed.
The One For the City initiative was created to help address the gap between Leeds' successful business economy and the people experiencing hardship across the city, providing a practical way for businesses to support the communities around them through a shared commitment to giving.
What Collective Impact Looks Like
One of the challenges with discussions around charitable giving is that impact can sometimes feel abstract.
The reality is far more tangible.
Through the 1% model, contributions from businesses are brought together and directed towards organisations working directly with people and communities across Leeds.
Projects supported through the wider One for the City network have included initiatives focused on young people, wellbeing and community development. Organisations like GIPSIL & Zarach have benefited from support that helps young people build confidence, strengthen their wellbeing and get a good night’s sleep.
These examples demonstrate the practical value of collective giving, a single business may fund a small part of a project. A community of businesses can help create the conditions for that work to continue and grow.
A Different Way to Think About Giving
Many businesses already support charities through fundraising events, sponsorships, volunteering and donations. Those activities remain important and will continue to play a valuable role.
The 1% philosophy is not about replacing those efforts.
It is about creating an additional way for businesses to contribute. One that is structured, consistent and designed around the idea that collective action can achieve more than isolated contributions.
When businesses contribute a small proportion of their success towards the communities around them, the benefits extend far beyond any single donation. They help strengthen charities, support local people and contribute towards a city that is more inclusive, resilient and connected.
One for the City exists to make that process easier.
One business committing 1% may seem small.
A city of businesses doing the same has the potential to change lives.
