As of May 6, 2015, .ngo and .ong domain names are now available for use by charities, non-governmental
organizations (“NGOs”) and not-for-profits in Canada and around the world. These new domain names provide a unique way for charities and not-for-profits to portray and distinguish their work in an increasingly crowded online world. Public Interest Registry (“PRI”), the entity that administers the .org domain name, launched the .ngo and .ong domain names in response to concerns from the sector about the need for a closed domain that would help donors immediately know if a website was legitimate and, therefore, feel confident in supporting the organization.
PRI launched the .ngo and .ong domain names in conjunction with its new global OnGood directory of NGOs. Organizations that qualify for and purchase the new domain names will receive both a .ngo (for English users) and .ong (for Romance languages, including French and Spanish) domain name, as well as a customizable online profile on the searchable OnGood directory. This profile allows charities and notfor-profits to showcase their work, collect donations, and link to their other online and social media presence. The database is meant to have a global reach and create a community of like-minded organizations.
Because credibility and donor trust were two significant factors in the push to create the new domain names, PRI has established a validation process that organizations must complete before they can register a .ngo or .ong domain name. Unlike the .org domain name, which can be used by individuals, not-forprofits, or corporations, in order to qualify for a .ngo and .ong domain name, potential registrants must self-certify that they meet seven eligibility criteria. Additionally, the registrant must provide either a registration number, if it is already registered with a NGO or charitable body, such as Canada Revenue Agency, or a supporting letter of reference if no such documentation is available. The seven eligibility criteria require that the organization:
- focuses on acting in the public interest;
- does not recognize profits or retain earnings;
- has limited government influence;
- has staff/members who are independent actors and are not parts of political parties;
- actively and regularly pursues its mission;
- operates in a structured manner; and
- acts with integrity within the bounds of law.
PRI will conduct regular reviews to ensure that organizations with a .ngo or a .ong domain name
continue to meet the eligibility criteria.
The new domain names provide an interesting new opportunity for charities and not-for-profits to further establish their online presence and portray themselves to potential donors in a new light. As the new domain names become increasingly recognizable, it is likely that donors will gravitate towards the names. Already, in the first two weeks of availability, over 500 organizations are profiled on the OnGood directory and over 1400 .ngo and .ong domain names have been registered.