Who can register a .NGO or .ONG domain name?

Public Interest Registry has been working closely with the NGO community and leading NGO associations around the world to develop a process to validate applicants for a .NGO domain. We believe that working with the NGO community on a global basis is important in both reaching out to the NGO community and validating their inclusion in the .ngo domain.

Seven criteria are used to define an NGO or ONG for the purpose of validation:

Focused on acting in the public interest. Whether in support of education or health, the environment or human rights, members of the .NGO/.ONG community work for the good of humankind and/or the reservation of the planet and do not promote discrimination or bigotry.
Non-profit making/non-profit-focused entities. While many NGOs and ONGs engage in commercial activities or generate revenue in support of theirs missions, members of the .NGO/.ONG community do not recognize profits or retain earnings.
Limited government influence. Recognizing that many .NGO/.ONG organizations have important interactions with government, not least for reasons of funding (which may include receipt of some government funding in support of their programs,) members of the .NGO/.ONG community decide their own policies, direct their own activities and are independent of direct government or political control.
Independent actors. Members of the .NGO/.ONG community should not be political parties nor should be a part of any government. Participation in the work of a .ngo|.ong is voluntary.
Active Organisations. Members of the .NGO/.ONG community are actively pursuing their missions on a regular basis.
Structured. Members of the .NGO/.ONG community, whether large or small, operate in a structured manner (e.g., under bylaws, codes of conduct, organizational standards, or other governance structures.)
Lawful. Members of the .NGO/.ONG community act with integrity within the bounds of law.

NGOs and ONGs participating as members in the .NGO/.ONG community must certify that they adhere to the above .NGO/.ONG Eligibility Criteria.