How To Register .ngo and .ong Domain Names for Your Nonprofit or NGO

Public Interest Registry (PIR) is the registry that will operate the New gTLD strings .ngo and .ong. The .ngo and .ong domains and the NGO Portal will launch in October 2014.

Here’s a quick “How To” to prepare for the .ngo|.ong top level domain launch:

Submit an Expression of Interest

Visit globalngo.org and fill out the Expression of Interest form for the .ngo and .ong domain name(s) that your organisation wants to register. With your submission, you will automatically receive updates via the NGO newsletter on the launch of .ngo|.ong, the registration process, and the NGO Portal. The NGO Portal that will serve as a global online directory that will help your NGO gain access to corporate, foundation, and individual donors, as well as useful resources such as NGO case studies, social media tips, and announcements about free webinars.

Get prepared to purchase your .ngo and .ong domains

If your NGO|ONG holds any trademarks, it is very important that you submit these marks to the Trademark Clearinghouse (TMCH) – a centralized database of verified trademarks that will help to protect your brand and prevent anyone else from registering any domain names that would infringe on your trademarks. Registering in the TMCH will ultimately put you in the front of the line to then register your .ngo|.ong domain names during our Sunrise Period (anticipated for October 2014). The costs associated with placing a trademark in the TMCH are $145 for 1 year, $435 for 3 years, $725 for 5 years, and up to $150 per year for the renewal of an expiring TMCH registration.

For all other nonprofit NGOs, general availability of the new .ngo|.ong domain names will begin immediately following the Sunrise Period. The new domains will then be released on a first-come, first-serve basis. Public Interest Registry is so excited to make .ngo and .ong a reality for global NGOs, and we want your input along the way.

Here are 4 reasons on why you should register an .ngo or .ong domain name.