What is the history of Oxfam?

In 1942, a group of Quaker intellectuals, social activists, and Oxford academics formed the Oxford Committee for Famine Relief in response to the plight of refugees in Greece. After the war, Oxfam (a name derived from its postal code abbreviation) continued its work, sending materials and financial aid to groups aiding the poor throughout Europe. As the situation in Europe improved, Oxfam's attention shifted to the needs of people in developing countries.

Twenty-eight years later, a group of volunteers founded Oxfam America in 1970 in response to the humanitarian crisis created by the fight for independence in Bangladesh. Oxfam Great Britain provided a loan for the group and, at first, Oxfam America funneled funds exclusively through Oxfam Great Britain. Originally located in Washington, DC, Oxfam America relocated to Boston in 1973. 

A more detailed history of Oxfam also can be found on Oxfam Great Britain’s website.

What is the history of the name "Oxfam"?

"Oxfam" was the original postal abbreviation for the Oxford Committee for Famine Relief, which was started in England during World War II to provide relief to war victims in Europe.  Since then, Oxfams have been established in 13 countries.

How is Oxfam America funded?

Oxfam America relies almost exclusively on private funding, and we are fortunate to have more than 225,000 individual donors. Among leading humanitarian organizations, we stand alone in our refusal of US government funds, declining support from any sources that might compromise our independence. As conscientious stewards of our donors’ money, Oxfam America operates efficiently and aims to minimize fundraising and administrative costs. In 2006, we allocated 79 percent of our expenditures for development programs and emergency relief—a number that is well above the standard recommended by the AIP (American Institute of Philanthropy), one of the leading charity rating organizations in the US. During this same period, at least 90 percent of funds designated by donors for humanitarian emergencies directly supported our relief efforts for those emergencies. We strive to exceed or maintain these standards each year.

Can I get a copy of your Annual Report?

Annual Reports from 1999-2007, as well as additional financial information, are available in the Financial Information section of our website.

How is my donation spent?

Oxfam America seeks to operate efficiently and to minimize fundraising and administrative costs. In 2006, we allocated 79 percent of our expenditures for development programs and emergency relief—a number that is well above the standard recommended by the AIP (American Institute of Philanthropy), one of the leading charity rating organizations in the US. During this same period, at least 90 percent of funds designated by donors for humanitarian emergencies directly supported our relief efforts for those emergencies. We strive to exceed or maintain these standards each year.

What are Oxfam's principles on accepting donations?

Oxfam America creates lasting solutions to poverty, hunger, and social injustice. Because we are not tied to any specific political, economic, or religious interests, we are able to independently develop, fund, and support effective programs that help people overcome poverty and secure their rights. To protect our ability to speak out on behalf of those who most need it and to preserve our independence, Oxfam America does not accept funds from organizations involved in industries in which we are campaigning or from the US government. Additionally, we do not accept some product donations because they could compromise the effectiveness of our programs.

How does Oxfam America measure up to other charities?

Oxfam America is rated highly by a number of leading independent charity evaluators, including the American Institute of Philanthropy. In 2006, Oxfam America was awarded four out of a possible four stars by Charity Navigator and again received the Better Business Bureau’s highest rating for charitable organizations by meeting all 20 of its “Standards for Charity Accountability.”

How can I give on a monthly basis?

By signing up to be a Pledge Partner, you can give on a monthly basis. In fact, setting up regular payments directly helps us reduce administrative costs. Most supporters arrange for a monthly charge to their credit card, which helps us to be more efficient and avoid mailing out reminders.

Using this method of giving means more of your donation goes to fighting poverty, and it saves you from writing a monthly check. In addition, members of the Pledge Partner Program receive quarterly updates on our work and our Oxfam Exchange magazine. You can sign up online or see our Pledge Partner FAQs if you have additional questions.

Do you offer a gift planning program?

Oxfam America has an extensive gift planning program. You can learn more in our Create a Legacy section.

How do I apply for a job with Oxfam?

You will find all available positions, both in the US and abroad, and submission instructions on this site. If one of the opportunities matches your skills and experience, please email your resume and a cover letter to jobs@oxfamamerica.org. You will receive an auto-response email, confirming that we received your resume. If we feel there is a good match, your resume will be forwarded to the hiring manager and appropriate hiring committee, and you will be contacted in the near future. Unfortunately, we only can respond to resumes/CVs that are submitted in reference to specific job postings.

How do I intern or volunteer with Oxfam?

Volunteers and interns play a vital role in helping Oxfam America achieve our goals. Please review the current internship and volunteer opportunities available. If there is a position that interests you and for which you are qualified, then submit your resume and cover letter to internsandvolunteers@oxfamamerica.org. We regret that we can only respond in reference to specific open positions.

Does Oxfam America offer volunteer opportunities abroad?

We are unable to offer internships or volunteer opportunities abroad.  The nature of our work often requires very specific knowledge and skills, and it can sometimes be dangerous. As a result, all of our internships and volunteer opportunities are US based, located in: Boston, MA; Washington, DC; Chicago, IL; or Minneapolis, MN.

How can our organization apply for a grant?

Oxfam partners with local communities to address their needs directly and to create solutions that will be sustainable over time. Due to our limited funds, we can only support organizations that are working in the approximately 30 countries in which we have programs. As much as we would like to fund more projects, we must adhere to our strategic focus.

Here are some additional details on how Oxfam America allocates funds:

• The majority of grants are for one year.
• In 2004, we funded over 244 partner organizations.
• Grants usually range from $10,000 - $40,000, and in a few cases up to $60,000.
• In general, grant proposals are developed in cooperation between our regional staff and potential partner organizations. While we usually refer unsolicited requests to our regional staff (if the proposal is in line with the regional strategy), such proposals are rarely funded.
• We do not fund individuals (education, health, livelihoods etc.).
• We do not fund government projects, churches, clinics/health centers, schools, and government bodies.

Please see the What We Do section of the website to learn more about the focus of our regional programs, the issues we work on, and our emergency relief work. If you still have questions about funding, feel free to email us at info@oxfamamerica.org.

Does Oxfam America provide financial aid for students?

Oxfam America is not able to provide financial aid to individuals, nor can we arrange, organize, or fund study-abroad programs. However, to find answers to your financial aid questions, we recommend the following helpful websites:

• Fast Web (www.fastweb.com)
• FinAid (www.finaid.com)

What if I'm not from the US - can I still join?

Absolutely. Anyone can participate in our online community and receive our monthly e-newsletter and occasional action alerts. While many of our email campaigns are targeted to US-based organizations and authorities, we also coordinate with groups all over the world.

How do I remove my name from the mailing list or update my address/bio information?

You can update your personal information at the eCommunity subscription management page. There you can also select not to receive email from us; or you can send an email to action@oxfamamerica.org with REMOVE in the subject line.

I forgot/don't know my password.

You can set up or request a new password on this eCommunity page.

Where can I view all my online donations?

Log on at the eCommunity profile page and click on the "Online History" tab.

I recently donated to Oxfam America, but it’s not showing up on my personal page.

Currently, donors looking at their gift history on the Oxfam America website will only be able to view their online donations. If you would like additional gift information, or have any questions about future or past gifts to Oxfam, please email donorinfo@oxfamamerica.org or call 800-77-OXFAM and ask to speak to Donor Services.

How can I help?

Oxfam is constantly in need of dedicated individuals to mobilize their communities in the fight against hunger, poverty, and social injustice. Here are just a few suggested ways to channel your energies to help:

• Learn more about what we do, the fundamental rights that Oxfam America defends and which underlie the issues we work on.
• Address the root causes of poverty by taking action online.
• Help in our education and outreach efforts by holding an Oxfam Hunger Banquet.
• Become a monthly Pledge Partner.
• Link to our site: www.oxfamamerica.org.

Please visit the What You Can Do section of our website for more ideas, tools, and resources, and share your learning with others.

Can you keep me up to date on the progress of Oxfam America’s campaigns?

Yes! When you join our free email update list, you’ll receive regular news on our work and campaigns, as well as opportunities to take action in the fight against poverty, hunger and social injustice.

How do I get to your offices?

Our Headquarters is in Boston, MA, and our Policy & Advocacy Office is in Washington, DC. We've posted directions to our offices for your convenience.

I still have a question! Who can I contact?

Please visit our Contact Us page.