#USA #Washington, D.C. #Common #Public Interest Registry #.ORG Impact Awards

Celebrating Global Changemakers: 2025 .ORG Impact Awards

The Public Interest Registry (PIR), known for managing the .ORG domain, recently announced the winners of the 2025 .ORG Impact Awards, an event that honors exceptional organizations worldwide for their dedication to societal betterment. This year's ceremony was held in the heart of Washington, D.C. and was hosted by the multi-talented Grammy-winning artist Common, making it a significant evening to remember.

The awards, now in their seventh year, highlight remarkable mission-driven organizations and individuals from across the globe. This year, PIR received nearly 3,000 applications from over 120 countries, showcasing the sheer volume of organizations committed to making the world a better place. The distinguished winners were celebrated for their impactful work across seven categories, each addressing critical issues in society:

1. Community Building
2. Quality Education for All
3. Environmental Stewardship
4. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
5. Health and Healing
6. Hunger and Poverty
7. Rising Star (recognizing leaders under 30)

Among the distinguished awardees, the Fund for Congolese Women (Fonds pour les Femmes Congolaises) stood out as the 2025 .ORG of the Year. This organization is based in the Democratic Republic of Congo and takes innovative steps to empower women, focusing on initiatives that tackle gender-based violence and advocate for environmental justice. Their efforts include providing education on vital health issues like HIV/AIDS and ensuring women have equitable access to resources.

The PIR judging panel expressed their admiration for how the Fund bridges international support efforts with local initiatives, enabling women to transition from victims of violence to empowered leaders in their communities. As the winner of this prestigious title, the Fund for Congolese Women received a grant of $50,000, aiding their mission to uplift and empower women.

Jon Nevett, President and CEO of Public Interest Registry, emphasized the hard work and dedication of all the award recipients, stating, “The winners of the .ORG Impact Awards are the very best of the .ORG Community and work tirelessly to create positive change every day.” His admiration for the Fund's work reflects a broader recognition of how vital grassroots movements are in creating lasting change.

2025 .ORG Impact Award Winners
The panel recognized a total of seven award winners this year, each deserving of acknowledgment. Here’s a closer look at the winners and their contributions:

• - Community Building: Fonds pour les Femmes Congolaises (The Fund for Congolese Women) with a $50,000 grant.
• - Quality Education for All: IncluEdu, awarded $10,000 for its innovative use of AI to facilitate sign language education and inclusivity in Latin America.
• - Environmental Stewardship: Nature Environment and Wildlife Society (NEWS), also awarded $10,000 for its commitment to restoring fragile ecosystems in India.
• - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Humanos 3D, which provides customized assistive devices for individuals with disabilities, received $10,000.
• - Health and Healing: Access to Specialist Knowledge, awarded $10,000, connects healthcare workers in remote areas with U.S. specialists.
• - Hunger and Poverty: Andando, recognized for its holistic approach to supporting rural communities in Senegal, received $10,000.
• - Rising Star: Jovia Kisaakye from Ecobed Biotech captivated the panel with her innovative solutions for waste management and public health, earning $10,000 as well.

Each of these organizations embodies a committed spirit dedicated to their community's welfare, proving that profound change can be achieved through local efforts. Common resonated with the collective efforts of these organizations, stating, “These winners are proof that passion and purpose can change lives and communities around the world.”

The .ORG Impact Awards is not merely an event; it is a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives and the impactful work of those who tirelessly strive to improve the world around them. The cumulative impact of all recipients over the years has been $865,000, significantly enhancing the ability of grassroots organizations to bring about change.

As the 2025 awards conclude, it’s evident that the drive for positive change remains strong and global. The PIR's commitment to supporting social good through the .ORG domain continues to flourish, promising a bright future for communities worldwide. For more information on PIR and its initiatives, visit www.pir.org.