.ORG Impact Awards 2026
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Quick Answer
Awards for organisations with a .ORG website, with donations of up to US$40,000 (about ₹38 lakh) to a charity of the winner's choice. The 2026 round closed on 27 May.
- Funding amount
- Varies
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- Public Interest Registry
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Location
- International
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 28 May 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by Public Interest Registry. Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this competition
The .ORG Impact Awards are run by Public Interest Registry (PIR), the US non-profit that operates the .ORG domain. They recognise organisations, and young leaders, with a .ORG website for their impact. The 2026 round is closed. Nominations opened on 15 April and closed on 27 May 2026 (11:59 pm ET). The official page announces no 2027 dates, so watch PIR's channels.
The awards are open worldwide, so an Indian NGO or social enterprise with a .ORG website can take part. They are not India-only. Use this page to prepare for the next cycle.
What the program offers
The prizes are charitable donations, not cash to the organisation. The .ORG of the Year receives a US$40,000 (about ₹38 lakh) donation, each category winner gets US$10,000 (about ₹9.5 lakh), and each other finalist gets US$2,500 (about ₹2.375 lakh), all given to a charity the finalist names. Winners also get a custom award and global recognition, and finalists get promotion across .ORG platforms, including video and social media. The page also says finalists are invited to an in-person gala in Washington, DC, with travel and accommodation included for two attendees.
There are seven categories plus the overall award: Health; Hunger, Poverty and Economic Opportunity; Community; Education; Environment; Inclusion and Equity; and Rising Star for individuals under 30. Winners of the six organisation categories are automatically considered for .ORG of the Year, which PIR selects at its sole discretion.
Who can apply
Organisations must use a .ORG domain for their website. Individuals are eligible only in the Rising Star category, where the person must be under 30 on 31 December 2026. The person submitting must be 18 or older. Employees of PIR and affiliates, and their immediate family, are excluded, and the awards are open worldwide except where the law prohibits. You can enter more than one category if each entry is unique and tailored to its category.
The programme record adds that the activities described should fall between 15 April 2025 and 14 April 2026, that organisations in Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Syria and Crimea cannot take part, and that the donation must go to a 501(c)(3) or the equivalent outside the US. An Indian registered charity can name itself.
This suits an established NGO or social enterprise with measurable results in one of the categories. It does not suit an organisation without a .ORG site.
How to apply
Review the Entry Kit and Tips for Entry, then answer the category questions in the awards portal. Each answer has a 500-word limit. Show your impact, achievements and measurable results, matched to the category. You may add supporting materials such as links, documents or examples; the programme record says one to five. A practical tip: keep figures and dates ready in a document before the portal opens.
How applications are judged and what happens next
A panel of judges reviews and scores all submissions and picks finalists in each category. Processing began on 28 May 2026, finalists were announced on 11 August 2026, and winners were announced at the awards celebration on 6 October 2026.
About Public Interest Registry
PIR operates the .ORG domain. The page says that since 2019 the awards have recognised more than 300 organisations from over 120 countries and donated more than US$865,000. PIR also runs anti-abuse initiatives and learning resources for .ORG organisations.
Things to check before you apply
- The donation goes to a charity you choose, and PIR must approve it, so confirm your charity qualifies.
- Indian organisations receiving foreign donations should check FCRA, FEMA and tax treatment with an adviser.
- Your website must stay on a .ORG domain from submission through the event.
- Check the Official Rules for the current year's dates and limits.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Organizers
Prizes & Awards
What You Get
Each finalist directs a donation to a charity of its choice: US$40,000 (about ₹38 lakh) for the .ORG of the Year, US$10,000 (about ₹9.5 lakh) for each category winner and US$2,500 (about ₹2.375 lakh) for each other finalist. PIR must approve the charity, which must be a 501(c)(3) or the equivalent outside the US. Finalists also get travel of up to US$2,000 for two people to the awards event in Washington, DC, a trophy and promotion across .ORG channels.
- Disbursement
- Lump Sum
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
A panel of judges from PIR staff and the internet, non-profit and marketing fields reviews and scores all entries and picks finalists in each category. Category winners are automatically considered for .ORG of the Year, which PIR chooses. In 2026 finalists were announced on 11 August and winners at the 6 October celebration.
Application Process
- 1
Submit nomination
Answer the category questions and attach supporting material.
You - 2
- 3
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 2
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can enter the .ORG Impact Awards?
Organisations whose website is on a .ORG domain, submitted by someone 18 or older. Individuals can enter only the Rising Star category if they are under 30 on 31 December 2026.
Can Indian NGOs apply?
The awards are open worldwide except where the law prohibits, so an Indian organisation with a .ORG website can enter. Check FCRA and tax treatment with an adviser before accepting a donation made on your behalf.
How much is the prize?
US$40,000 (about ₹38 lakh) for the .ORG of the Year, US$10,000 (about ₹9.5 lakh) for each category winner and US$2,500 (about ₹2.375 lakh) for each other finalist.
Is the prize paid to my organisation?
No. It is a donation to a charity you choose, which the programme record says must be a 501(c)(3) or the equivalent outside the US. A registered Indian charity can name itself.
What is the deadline, and what if it has passed?
2026 nominations closed on 27 May at 11:59 pm ET. The page announces no 2027 dates, so follow PIR for the next call.
Is it a grant or equity?
Neither. It is an award where PIR makes a charitable donation to the charity you name, and no equity is involved.
What do I need to submit?
Written answers to the category questions, up to 500 words each, and optional supporting materials such as links or documents.
Do finalists have to travel?
Finalists are invited to an in-person gala in Washington, DC, with travel and accommodation included. The 2026 celebration was on 6 October.
Is it free to enter?
The page does not mention an entry fee.
When are results announced?
In 2026 finalists were announced on 11 August and winners at the awards celebration on 6 October.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
