Email
PrintFrequently Asked Questions
What is Oxfam Australia?
Oxfam Australia is an Australian, independent, not-for-profit, secular, community-based aid and development organisation. Our work includes long-term development projects, responding to emergencies and campaigning for a more just world.
How does the agency work?
We aim to overcome the root causes of poverty and injustice by:
- Supporting self-help development projects in 28 countries
- Responding to emergency situations around the world with humanitarian assistance, such as water and sanitation
- Advocating and campaigning for a more just world
Where does the agency work?
Oxfam Australia works in 28 countries. More detail on our work in particular countries can be found in the programs section of the site.
What is the agency trying to do?
We believe that all people have five basic rights, and work to achieve them for everyone. We support people's right to:
- A livelihood, for example by helping them protect the rivers they fish in or giving them tools and seeds for sustainable farming
- Basic services by supplying things like clean water and sanitation or supporting people to lobby their governments for services
- Life and security by bringing emergency aid during disasters, helping people rebuild or helping them prepare for future catastrophes
- Be heard, to speak out to their governments or internationally if their rights are violated
- Equity by ensuring our programs benefit women and men and meet the needs of indigenous and minority communities
How does Oxfam Australia select projects?
Vital issues such as the environment, women, the local economy, culture and community power structures are addressed in detail with local communities and field officers. See the programs section for more information.
Is Oxfam Australia connected to any religious organisation?
No. We are a secular organisation, but with support from across the community, including people from all denominations and faiths.
Where does the money go?
Oxfam Australia's management standards stipulate that a minimum of 85% of funds raised from all our emergency appeals must be used directly for our emergency response programs. The remaining 15% covers costs associated with advertising and promoting our appeals, operating our toll free phone room, processing and receipting donations and audit and financial accountability costs associated with verifying expenditure of these funds in our annual accounts.
For all other appeals, 81 cents in every dollar donated goes directly to our program work overseas and in Australia. 5 cents is spent on administration and reserves, while 14 cents is used to increase donated income through marketing and fundraising.
For examples and more detailed information go to:
How does the agency know that the money gets to those that need it?
- We channel funds directly to local organisations working with local communities
- We work closely with these partners who are accountable to our head office
- We report publicly on our spending every year according to a strict industry code
- Read our annual report for further financial breakdowns
Does Oxfam Australia have a child sponsorship program?
No. Our programs focus on communities rather than individuals. We consider this a more effective and efficient approach for long-term developmental outcomes. You can, however, make regular monthly contributions to our work via our aware and campaign partners giving programs.
Why campaign in Australia?
- Experience has taught us that changes in government and company policy in Australia can do as much to help people as our work overseas
- Globalisation is making these campaigns – on Australian mining abroad, on debt or the cost of medicines – even more important
- Find out more about our campaigns.
Why donate regularly?
- Monthly donations to our aware and campaign partners programs allow us to commit to long-term projects, addressing the causes of poverty and injustice
- To find out how to join, call us on 1800 088 110
Can I work as a volunteer in an Oxfam Australia office?
Yes! All our offices have many regular and casual volunteers doing all sorts of interesting and essential office jobs which help keep costs down. Volunteers get great satisfaction from helping in a positive way.
Find out more on our volunteer page.
Can I go overseas and work as a volunteer with Oxfam Australia?
As a rule, no. Our goal is to have local people providing skills and carrying out project work.