A New Web Address for the World-Changers
When small, local nonprofits in rural areas wanted to raise awareness online, they often found themselves lost in the noise of the internet. Their message, their mission, and their impact deserved better visibility. That’s where the .ngo top-level domain (TLD) comes in—a digital badge of trust, purpose, and community.
Introduced to empower nonprofit organizations worldwide, the .ngo TLD creates a space on the web where purpose-driven groups can stand out. Whether you’re building a grassroots campaign, launching a global cause, or simply seeking legitimacy in the digital age, the .ngo domain helps you do more than exist online. It helps you be recognized.
What Is a .ngo TLD?
Verified for Nonprofits
Unlike many TLDs that are open to anyone, .ngo domains are exclusively available to verified nonprofit organizations. This means any website ending in .ngo immediately signals credibility and mission-driven intent. It’s more than just a URL—it’s a trust mark.
What About .ong?
.ONG stands for “organisation non gouvernementale,” used in Romance languages such as Spanish, French, and Italian. While .ngo and .ong were originally bundled together, they are now registered separately. Nonprofits seeking to reach multilingual audiences can still register both versions, just no longer as a packaged deal.
If international visibility is important to your organization, securing both .ngo and .ong domains can help maintain consistency and trust across language barriers.
Backed by Public Interest Registry
The .ngo domain is managed by the Public Interest Registry (PIR), the same nonprofit organization that oversees the .org domain. PIR ensures that only eligible, verified organizations can register .ngo domains, protecting the space from misuse and enhancing the credibility of every domain owner.
Who Should Use a .ngo Domain?
Ideal Web Projects for .ngo TLDs
Local and Global Nonprofits
Whether you’re feeding families in your city or advocating for global human rights, a .ngo domain signals that you’re a legitimate, vetted nonprofit organization.
Advocacy Campaigns
Launching a policy campaign or awareness initiative? Using a .ngo domain helps differentiate your work from commercial or political entities.
Fundraising Platforms
Online donations require trust. A .ngo domain offers instant credibility, helping you build donor confidence from the first click.
Educational Initiatives
From climate change to community health, if your mission is to educate and uplift, .ngo is a natural fit.
Volunteer Networks
Need to coordinate community events or recruit helping hands? A .ngo domain centralizes your messaging and builds instant legitimacy.
.ngo vs .org: Why It Matters
While .org has long been associated with nonprofit work, it’s open to anyone—businesses, individuals, or otherwise. In contrast, .ngo domains are exclusively reserved for verified nonprofits, giving you an edge in building trust and authenticity from the start.
Register Your .ngo TLD Today
Your mission deserves more than a web address. It deserves a digital home that reflects your values. When you register a .ngo TLD through Dark Horse Virtue, you’re not just securing a domain. You’re investing in recognition, trust, and purpose-built reach.
Further Reading & Resources
Learn how PIR manages the .ngo and .ong domains and the benefits of verified nonprofit status.
Understand how top-level domains work and why specialized TLDs like .ngo exist.
Tips and strategies for nonprofits selecting a domain name that matches their mission.
A breakdown of the specific benefits of the .ngo domain for nonprofit branding and reach.
Ready to stand out with purpose? Secure your .ngo domain today and show the world your mission matters.
