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The 2026 .ORG Impact Awards: Honoring Transformative Change

On October 7, 2026, the Public Interest Registry (PIR), the entity behind the .ORG domain, proudly announced the winners of the 2026 .ORG Impact Awards during an inspiring ceremony held in Washington, D.C. This annual event celebrates the exceptional work of organizations and individuals who dedicate their efforts to fostering positive societal changes. This year's edition saw an impressive participation, with over 4,200 applications received from 145 countries, showcasing the global commitment to social impact.

Among the notable highlights of the evening was the recognition of TECHO, a youth-led nonprofit organization that emerged as the .ORG of the Year. TECHO has been instrumental in combating extreme poverty in Latin America and the Caribbean by mobilizing communities to improve living conditions through housing and civic engagement initiatives. Their innovative approach to community-building and empowerment was acknowledged by PIR, emphasizing the profound influence collective action can have in addressing pressing issues. TECHO received a grant of $50,000 to further their mission.

Award Categories and Winners

This year's awards were divided into seven categories, each celebrating various aspects of societal contributions:

1. Community Building - Winner: TECHO
Prize: $50,000
TECHO not only won the top award but excelled in community-building efforts, demonstrating how grassroots movements can create meaningful changes.

2. Quality Education for All - Winner: Style Her Empowered (SHE)
Prize: $10,000
Focused on enhancing educational opportunities for girls in Togo, SHE tackles barriers to education with innovative solutions like the 'growing school uniform' that adapts as girls grow.

3. Environmental Stewardship - Winner: Friends of Tonga
Prize: $10,000
This organization is committed to fostering cultural exchange and building sustainable infrastructure in Tonga, addressing water security and community resilience against natural disasters.

4. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - Winner: Boys Champions Foundation
Prize: $10,000
Engaging boys across Nigeria, this foundation promotes gender equality and mental health, mentoring over 26,000 young participants since its inception.

5. Health and Healing - Winner: Hope to Walk
Prize: $10,000
By providing affordable prosthetics, this foundation empowers amputees in underserved communities to regain independence and mobility.

6. Hunger and Poverty - Winner: Food4Education Foundation
Prize: $10,000
With a commitment to feeding hungry learners, this foundation has expanded its school feeding initiatives across Africa, serving over 100 million meals to children in need.

7. Rising Star - Winner: Dr. Adriana Viola Miranda, 1000 Days Fund
Prize: $10,000
Dr. Miranda's work aims to improve maternal and child health in Indonesia, focusing on preventing childhood stunting and promoting healthy growth.

A Legacy of Support

The 2026 .ORG Impact Awards mark a significant milestone for Public Interest Registry, having distributed over $1 million since the program's inception eight years ago. Jon Nevett, PIR’s President and CEO, shared his pride in the winners, stating, "The winners of the .ORG Impact Awards represent the best of the .ORG community, driving initiatives that result in tangible change around the globe. TECHO's leadership in addressing housing crises is critical and serves as a call to action for all of us to contribute positively to our communities."

The event was hosted by Karamo, an Emmy-winning television personality and activist, known for his influential role in promoting social causes. Karamo's advocacy resonates with the mission of the .ORG community, which is rooted in fostering a better and more equitable world.

As PIR continues to champion the cause of a free and open internet, the .ORG Impact Awards serve as a platform to elevate voices and missions that inspire social change. The recognition of these organizations not only provides them with the resources needed to enhance their efforts but also encourages others to join in the mission of making a meaningful difference.

To learn more about the winners and their impactful work, please visit Public Interest Registry.