Learn more about a global network of 22 independent organizations working together to fight inequality to end poverty and injustice.
Founded in 1995, the Oxfam confederation was created to harness the work of different organizations worldwide to scale progress in the movement to end poverty.
Now, 30 years later, this growing international alliance is working with key partners and allies to tackle the most pressing issue of our time: inequality, the root cause of poverty and injustice.
Each Oxfam confederation affiliate, including Oxfam America, has its own governance structure, fundraising operations, and focus areas. Learn more below about Oxfam and how Oxfam America operates as an independent organization within it. (You can also find the Oxfam confederation’s description of how it is organized here).
What does the Oxfam confederation do?
The Oxfam confederation is made up of 22 separate Oxfam confederation affiliates, including Oxfam America.
In 2023-2024, the Oxfam confederation’s affiliates worked with more than 2,300 local organizations and allies across more than 75 countries to serve more than 15 million people across the world. Oxfam offers lifesaving support in times of crisis and advocates for economic justice, gender equality, and climate action.
With more than 80 years of experience, the Oxfam confederation affiliates have learned what it takes to fight inequality and to mobilize people and resources worldwide to make change happen.
How does the confederation operate?
On any given day, Oxfam confederation staff across the world are focused on local to global initiatives to address the root causes of poverty and injustice. The Oxfam International Secretariat supports coordination across these efforts and works with Oxfam confederation affiliates to set shared priorities for maximum impact.
While affiliates work together on joint projects, share resources, and align strategies through the Secretariat, Oxfam America is an independent organization that exclusively directs its own activities and manages its respective funding relationships. Programs in other parts of the world are often managed and run by other Oxfam confederation affiliates.
How does Oxfam America operate within the confederation?
Oxfam America is an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that was founded in 1970 and is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.
We raise money from US donors and institutions. We also advocate that the US government, the US private sector, and other institutions adopt policy changes and fund initiatives that support marginalized communities here in the U.S. and abroad. We manage our own standalone programs in the U.S., where we directly partner with local organizations around the country to fight inequality.
We also contribute to programmatic work outside of the U.S. via research, advocacy, and funding. These programs, supposed by Oxfam America, are carried out on the ground by other Oxfam confederation entities.
How is the confederation funded?
The Oxfam confederation is funded through many sources, with a strong emphasis on transparency and accountability.
- Institutional funding: This includes grants and donations from governments, multilateral organizations (like the UN), and other large institutions. These funds often support specific humanitarian or development projects.
- Public fundraising: Donations from individuals make up a portion of the Oxfam confederation’s income. This includes regular giving, one-time donations, and bequests.
- Corporate and foundation support: The Oxfam confederation partners with corporations and foundations that align with its mission.
- Retail operations: In some countries, Oxfam confederation affiliates run charity shops (e.g., in the UK), and the proceeds support its programs.
- Campaign and event fundraising: Special campaigns, events, and sponsorships also contribute to funding.
The Oxfam confederation publishes detailed annual and financial reports to ensure transparency and allow public scrutiny of how funds are used.
How do organizations join the confederation?
From time-to-time Oxfam welcomes outside organizations into our network with a view to becoming full affiliate members of the confederation. This is done through a structured process that aspires to increase the number of Oxfam confederation affiliates in the Global South.
By working closely together we can test our cooperation, consider our shared values, and whether we are a good fit for each other.
A list of affiliates and prospective affiliates can be found here.