The Public Interest Registry (PIR), the steward of the .ORG domain, has officially opened nominations for its sixth annual .ORG Impact Awards. This prestigious event celebrates the remarkable contributions of individuals and organizations within the global .ORG community who are committed to making a significant impact in various societal areas.
Since its inception, the .ORG domain has been a vital tool for mission-driven organizations worldwide, encompassing a diverse group from individual activists to large multinational NGOs. These entities have used the .ORG platform to foster positive change across communities for over three decades. The .ORG Impact Awards, having recognized 190 outstanding organizations from over 70 countries in the past five years, continues to highlight and support these transformative efforts with a total of $505,000 awarded to date.
This year, the awards will honor finalists across seven categories: Health and Healing, Quality Education for All, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Environmental Stewardship, Hunger and Poverty, Community Building, and the Rising Star category for up-and-comers. Nominees will have the opportunity to be celebrated at a gala event in Washington, D.C., on October 8, 2024, which will include engagements with policy experts and global nonprofit leaders.
Jon Nevett, CEO of Public Interest Registry, emphasized the awards’ role in uplifting dedicated .ORG members: “The .ORG Impact Awards were created to recognize those who tirelessly strive for societal betterment. We’re looking to celebrate achievements from all corners of the globe, acknowledging the diverse ways our community members contribute positively to their communities.”
All 35 finalists will receive invitations to the awards ceremony, with the event promising additional insights and networking opportunities in the nation’s capital. Each category winner will be granted a $10,000 donation, and the overall .ORG of the Year will receive a grand prize of $50,000. Moreover, all finalists will benefit from a $2,500 donation to further their missions.
The awards are judged by a panel of experts in internet technology, nonprofit management, and marketing, ensuring a thorough and fair evaluation process. Last year, the .ORG of the Year award went to Hope for Justice, an organization dedicated to ending modern slavery and human trafficking—a testament to the significant impact .ORG members can have on global issues.
Other notable winners included Kakenya’s Dream, which focuses on empowering girls in rural Africa through education and leadership training; HERhealthEQ, which works to close the healthcare equity gap for women worldwide; and Stanley Anigbogu’s LightEd, an initiative using waste materials to develop renewable energy solutions in Africa.
Nominations are open until June 19, 2024, and are free for any individual or organization that holds a .ORG domain. This year’s .ORG Impact Awards not only recognize excellence within the .ORG community but also inspire others to leverage digital platforms for social good.
Public Interest Registry is a nonprofit organization that manages the .ORG top-level domain, one of the largest in the world with over 10.8 million registrations. Established by the Internet Society in 2002 and based in Reston, Virginia, PIR promotes a free and open internet, providing a trusted digital identity for those dedicated to improving the world. For more details, visit www.pir.org.