This year marks a major milestone: the 40th anniversary of the .ORG domain. Since 1985, .ORG has served as a trusted digital home for nonprofits, foundations, educational institutions, open-source projects, social movements, families, and countless individuals with a passion for purpose.
And what better time to celebrate than alongside International Nonprofit Day, an annual observance on August 17 that recognizes the vital contributions of nonprofit organizations around the world. It is a moment to honor the people and organizations working tirelessly to create positive change, and .ORGs have been at the heart of that mission for four decades.
A Platform for Purpose
In the last four decades, .ORG has become synonymous with purpose. When you see a .ORG, you know it represents a mission-driven organization or individual committed to making a difference. That trust is not incidental but a reflection of our foundation. Millions of websites, from kiva.org to UN.org to countless local nonprofits, have used .ORG to inform, inspire, and mobilize. Today, over 11 million .ORG domains are registered worldwide, supporting countless causes.
40 Years of Impact
This anniversary isn’t just a celebration of digital longevity, it’s a celebration of impact. Here are just a few of the ways .ORG has shaped the world:
- Empowering Nonprofits: From local food banks to international health initiatives, .ORG has been the go-to domain for nonprofits of all sizes.
- Driving Social Change: Activist groups and grassroots movements have used .ORG to coordinate action, share stories, and amplify voices.
5 Ways to Celebrate International Nonprofit Day with .ORG:
- Donate to your favorite .ORG: Make a one-time or recurring donation to a nonprofit whose mission you care about.
- Volunteer your time: Spend the day volunteering for a local .ORG, whether at a food bank, animal shelter, community garden, or an online virtual activity.
- Spread the word on social media: Use your platforms to raise awareness. Share about your favorite .ORG, their mission, and how others can support them using hashtags like #InternationalNonprofitDay and #SupportNonprofits.
- Start a fundraiser: Launch a personal or team fundraiser on platforms like GoFundMe or Classy to support a .ORG you care about.
- Register a .ORG domain: If you run or are starting a mission-driven project, consider registering a .ORG domain to give your work credibility and align with a global community of changemakers!
As we mark 40 years of .ORG and celebrate International Nonprofit Day, we invite you to join us in honoring the organizations that continue to shape a more just, compassionate, and equitable world. Their work is a powerful reminder of what can happen when people come together with a shared sense of purpose, and a trusted space to express it.