Oxfam International was formed in 1995 by a group of independent non-governmental organisations. They joined together as a confederation to maximise efficiency and achieve greater impact to reduce global poverty and injustice.

The name “Oxfam” comes from the Oxford Committee for Famine Relief, founded in Britain in 1942. The group campaigned for food supplies to be sent through an allied naval blockade to starving women and children in enemy-occupied Greece during the Second World War.

Oxfam is a global movement of people, working together to end the injustice of poverty. They tackle the inequality that keeps people poor and together they save, protect and rebuild lives when disaster strikes. They take on issues such as land rights, climate change and discrimination against women, aiming to build better lives for themselves, and for others. Their current motivation is to not stop until every person on the planet can enjoy a life that is free from poverty.

As at July 2020, Oxfam is made up of 20 member organisations/affiliates, who coordinate and lead the fight via the Oxfam International Secretariat. Each affiliate is an independent organisation with its own areas of activity and work, contributing its own strengths and expertise to the confederation to achieve shared goals. The foundation provides a medium to agree on which priorities and aims they hold in common, and how to achieve them. It also supports and makes possible affiliate collaboration on shared projects.

In 2018-19 they worked directly with 19.5 million people in programs worldwide, 52% of whom were women and girls. For every euro received, Oxfam also spent more than two thirds on humanitarian, development, and campaigning programs worldwide.

Our purpose is to help create lasting solutions to the injustice of poverty. We are part of a global movement for change, empowering people to create a future that is secure, just and free from poverty. And we are building this positive future now.

Over 80% of Oxfam’s funding comes from institutional and public fundraising.

Institutional fundraising includes sources such as United Nations, European Union, governments and non government organisations.

Public fundraising includes sources such as events, humanitarian appeals, regular donations, gifts, and corporate and and foundation donations.

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