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Public Interest Registry Announces 2025 .ORG Impact Awards Finalists

The Public Interest Registry (PIR), the organization behind the .ORG domain, has unveiled the finalists for the 2025 .ORG Impact Awards. This marks the 7th annual event held to recognize and celebrate outstanding mission-driven organizations and individuals making significant contributions to society. The awards ceremony is set to take place on October 7, 2025, in Washington, D.C., with prominent artist and activist Common as the host.

A Global Initiative

Over 3,000 entries from more than 120 countries were submitted for this year’s awards, showcasing innovative and impactful work across various sectors. Among the 35 selected finalists range organizations highlighting key issues such as women's rights, environmental sustainability, education, and community development.

Each finalist will receive a monetary contribution of $2,500 to further their projects, and they will have the opportunity to network with distinguished nonprofit leaders at the celebration.

Jon Nevett, President and CEO of the Public Interest Registry, expressed his enthusiasm for the finalists and the significance of the event: "The .ORG Impact Awards continues to be one of the most meaningful initiatives we look forward to all year, and I'm honored to welcome the extraordinary 2025 finalists to our global .ORG Community."

Common: A Voice for Change

Hosting the awards this year is Common, a celebrated rapper, actor, and activist. Known for his work in the entertainment industry and his commitment to social causes, Common has founded the nonprofit Free to Dream. This organization addresses issues around education, justice, wellness, and job opportunities, especially for marginalized youth.

In his statement, Common highlighted the importance of role models and pathways for youth, particularly those entangled in the justice system: "I'm excited to celebrate the hard work of these organizations and individuals creating powerful change at this year's .ORG Impact Awards."

Finalist Categories

This year’s finalists have been chosen across seven distinct award categories:

• - Community Building
• - Quality Education for All
• - Environmental Stewardship
• - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• - Health and Healing
• - Hunger and Poverty
• - Rising Stars (highlighting leaders under 30 making a difference)

Among these finalists are organizations such as:

• - Empower Mali – improving lives in rural Mali through education and clean water initiatives.
• - INCLUDEU – utilizing AI to teach sign language in Latin America.
• - Matter of Trust – recycling hair into environmental tools.

Each category winner will receive a sum of $10,000, while the prestigious .ORG of the Year will be awarded $50,000. The event aims to elevate the profiles of these organizations and potentially garner more support and funding for their beneficial work.

Looking Ahead

As the awards night approaches, excitement builds around recognizing the tremendous effort individuals and organizations contribute towards societal betterment. It's a testament to the power of collective impact in addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

To learn more about the finalists and the impact of their work, visit www.orgimpactawards.org. This event not only highlights the achievements of inspiring organizations but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for innovative solutions to tackle global issues.

As we count down to October 7, it’s crucial to stay informed and engaged with these mission-driven organizations that exemplify the spirit of giving back to society and creating lasting change.