Annual Report 2006
Oxfam America's 2006 financial results reflect the growing confidence of donors and partners in our approach to development, humanitarian work, advocacy, and public education. Excluding the influx of tsunami-related contributions of $30 million in 2005, total revenues for Oxfam America and the Oxfam America Advocacy Fund increased 37 percent this past year—from $49 million in 2005 to $67 million in 2006.
Oxfam America's 2006 financial results reflect the growing confidence of donors and partners in our approach to development, humanitarian work, advocacy, and public education. Excluding the influx of tsunami-related contributions of $30 million in 2005, total revenues for Oxfam America and the Oxfam America Advocacy Fund increased 37 percent this past year—from $49 million in 2005 to $67 million in 2006. Many of those donors who gave to Oxfam America for the first time in 2005 as a result of December 2004’s devastating tsunami have continued to support our programs in 2006. Whether you are a new donor, a returning tsunami donor, or a long-term supporter, we at Oxfam deeply appreciate your confidence and support.
Much of the growth in revenues and net assets in 2006 was the result of multiyear contributions in support of our programs. In addition, the sale of our Boston headquarters resulted in a one-time increase of $4.5 million to net unrestricted assets. We relocated from our former building to new leased office space late in 2006.
During 2006, we continued our investment across all of our program areas. Program spending, excluding our continuing humanitarian relief and rehabilitation efforts related to the 2004 tsunami, grew 20 percent, from $28.8 million in 2005 to $34.5 million in 2006. This increase included new investments in our regional development work and programs for disaster preparedness and prevention, humanitarian response and rehabilitation on the US Gulf Coast and in Africa, greater investment in program monitoring and evaluation, and engagement of corporations in development issues. In addition, we continued to expand our development work globally through programs focused on microfinance, sustainable development and livelihoods, trade equity, gender and indigenous rights, natural resource management, and stemming gender-based violence. By expanding our investment in public education, policy, and advocacy by 28 percent—from $8.6 million in 2005 to nearly $11 million in 2006—we strengthened our role as a leading voice advocating for people living in poverty.
Oxfam works hard to keep the confidence of our donors and partners, acting as good stewards of the generosity of our contributors. In addition to the restricted funds we retained to fund multiyear programs, we recorded an increase to unrestricted net assets from operations of $3.1 million. These assets will be used for future investments required to meet our program goals and to ensure that adequate reserves are available to meet unexpected program service needs.