Financial FAQs

How is Oxfam America funded?

Can I get a copy of your Annual Report?

How is my donation spent?

What is Oxfam America's Employer Identification Number (EIN)/tax ID?

What are Oxfam's principles on accepting donations?

How does Oxfam America measure up to other charities?

How can I give on a monthly basis?

Do you offer a gift planning program?

Does Oxfam have a policy on ethical fund raising?

Do you have a records retention and destruction policy?

How is Oxfam America funded?

Oxfam America relies almost entirely on funding from individual donors, foundations, and corporations. We are fortunate to have hundreds of thousands of supporters, many of whom give every month or year. Among leading humanitarian organizations, we are one of the few that do not accept US government funds; this allows us to maintain our independence.  Oxfam America operates efficiently and always aims to minimize administrative costs. In 2011, 79 percent of our expenditures went directly to program support—well above the standard recommended by the AIP (American Institute of Philanthropy), one of the leading charity rating organizations in the US. At least 90 percent of funds designated by individual donors for humanitarian emergencies directly support our responses 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 2004 to 2010, as well as additional financial information, are available in the Financial Information section of our Web site.

How is my donation spent?

Oxfam America seeks to operate efficiently and to minimize fund-raising and administrative costs. In 2011, we allocated 79 percent of our expenditures for development programs and emergency relief—a number that is well above the standard recommended by the 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 is Oxfam America's Employer Identification Number (EIN)/tax ID?

Our EIN/tax ID number is 23-706-9110.

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 2011, Oxfam America again received the Better Business Bureau’s highest rating for charitable organizations(for the sixth year in a row) 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 OXFAMExchange 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.

Does Oxfam have a policy on ethical fund raising?

Yes, Oxfam America has a policy on ethical fund raising and marketing. We encourage donors or potential donors to contact us regarding any questions or concerns regarding our Donor Bill of Rights. We hope that our adherence to these rights strengthens the trust and confidence our donors have in us and our efforts to work together to reduce global poverty and injustice..

Does Oxfam America have a records retention and destruction policy?

Yes. Oxfam America has a public records retention policy for handling, backing up, archiving and destruction of documents. Read the details of this policy.