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Oxfam Connects FAQs

  • How does Oxfam Connects work ?

    Our projects are carefully chosen from projects submitted by Oxfam's regional offices all around the world. We chose a variety of locations and themes, but all projects help local communities to improve their daily lives.

  • Why do we need your help ?

    Your donations make positive change in developing countries possible. Oxfam carefully chooses local organisations that we work with to respond to the needs of their communities. We also have good links with local and national governments, but we need your donations to make a difference.

  • Where are Oxfam Connects projects based ?

    Across the world - we try to keep a good spread of projects across the regions and countries where we work - take a look at our projects page for full details.

  • Why not just give directly to our partners in the area ?

    Oxfam almost always works with local partner organisations, which we ensure are carefully chosen. So why shouldn't you just donate to them directly? Choosing to support local communities through Oxfam has some big advantages:

    We spread learning

    Oxfam nurtures and builds the skills and abilities of local individuals and communities, so they can do more for themselves. 

    We're responsible
    Oxfam makes sure that project implementation is monitored and evaluated. And we track how money is spent. 

    We're experienced 
    Oxfam works in 92 countries around the world. This means that we can learn what works and use successful methods in other locations and we share what we've learnt. 

    We look at the big picture
    All Oxfam projects are in the context of a long-term plan to develop a region, and we always 'plan to leave'. Our goal is to build local skills and experience so that communities can be in control of their own lives.

  • How do we choose the projects for Oxfam Connects ?

    Suggestions for projects are submitted by Oxfam's regional offices. We always receive more suggestions than we can possibly use and choosing between them is incredibly difficult. We therefore select projects with a range of locations and themes for you to donate to.

  • When do we choose new Oxfam Connects projects ?

    Oxfam updates the projects at the end of March (the end of our financial year).

  • How much should I give ?

    Thank you for wanting to donate to one of our projects. We will welcome any donation, big or small.

  • What if the project I am interested in has already raised its full budget ?

    If a project on the website shows as 'fully funded' when you open it, we already have all the funds we need for that work in that financial year.

    Please consider the other projects that still need support.




  • How much of the costs for a project goes on administration ?

    None of your donation gets spent on head office or other central support costs. However, in order to ensure the effective management and implementation of the project, some directly-related management costs are necessary. This amount varies from project to project, but will always include an element for monitoring and evaluation. This ensures that we understand the impact of our work, are able to learn lessons, and continually improve the work of Oxfam and our partners. This helps us to make a bigger difference for even more people living in poverty.

  • What is Gift Aid and is my gift eligible ?

    If you are a UK taxpayer, the Gift Aid scheme allows Oxfam to receive 25 pence for every £1 you donate back from HM Revenue & Customs. So, for example, if you donate £10 to Oxfam, HM Revenue & Customs will add £2.50, and Oxfam will receive £12.50 in total. 

    The tax reclaimed through Gift Aid will be used to help fund the whole of Oxfam's work. 

    In order for Oxfam to reclaim the tax you have paid on your donations, you must have paid income or capital gains tax (in the UK) for each tax year (6 April to 5 April) at least equal to the tax that all the charities or Community Amateur Sports Clubs that you donate to will reclaim on your gifts for that tax year.  Other taxes such as VAT and Council Tax do not qualify.

    If you can Gift Aid your donation, you just need to declare it to Oxfam. You can make this declaration over the phone or in writing. Please contact us to find out more.