RESTON, Va., Jan. 21, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- After three years of extensive research, planning and development, Public Interest Registry, the not-for-profit operator of the .org domain, today announced that OnGood – a suite of online services exclusively for NGOs (non-governmental organisations) and nonprofits, including the new .ngo and .ong domain bundle – will be generally available beginning May 6, 2015.

Built for NGOs and nonprofits of all sizes and reach, OnGood offers membership to an exclusive community website with a searchable directory, and the brand new .ngo and .ong domain bundle to help improve visibility, raise funds and connect with other NGOs. What's more, OnGood membership includes the opportunity to create a customisable online profile included in a searchable, public directory, further enabling NGOs to showcase their missions, campaigns, multimedia content and other information to collect donations through OnGood's partner donation platform.

"We've spent years traveling to six of the seven continents to engage with fellow members of the NGO and nonprofit community and learn more about their challenges and needs when it comes to reaching a wider order through a thriving online presence. In opening OnGood to NGOs this May, it's our hope that it will serve as a dedicated online community for nonprofits and NGOs of all sizes," said Brian Cute, CEO of Public Interest Registry. "We want to combine the value of a validated online identity with a comprehensive online community that helps organisations raise awareness, funds and strong, long-lasting support for their missions."

In advance of General Availability, Public Interest Registry will also offer two early opportunities for NGOs to join the OnGood community and register their desired .ngo and .ong domain name bundle. The "Limited Registration" period kicks off on Apr. 21, 2015 and allows NGOs that have submitted an Expression of Interest to join the OnGood community and register their .ngo and .ong domain name bundle. Those NGOs that have expressed interest will receive news and information from Public Interest Registry leading up to Apr. 21, 2015. NGOs and nonprofits interested in joining the OnGood community are encouraged to submit an Expression of Interest online at globalngo.org before Limited Registration. There will also be a "Sunrise" period, beginning Mar. 17, 2015 and lasting 30 days. During this time, organisations that have registered their trademark(s) in the Trademark Clearinghouse (TMCH) can register the .ngo and .ong domain name bundle that matches their trademark(s) before it becomes available to the general public. 

Whether registering during the Sunrise, Limited Registration or General Availability periods, all NGOs must meet specific eligibility requirements and undergo Public Interest Registry's validation process. Ongoing audits will be conducted to ensure the credibility of the OnGood community and reassure Internet users that .ngo and .ong Web addresses represent validated NGOs.

For more information about OnGood or its validation process, please visit www.globalngo.org.    

About Public Interest Registry
Public Interest Registry is a nonprofit corporation that operates the .org top-level domain — the world's third largest "generic" top-level domain with more than 10 million domain names registered worldwide. As an advocate for collaboration, safety and security on the Internet, Public Interest Registry's mission is to empower the global noncommercial community to use the Internet more effectively, and to take a leadership position among Internet stakeholders on policy and other issues relating to the domain naming system. Public Interest Registry was founded by the Internet Society (internetsociety.org) in 2002 and is based in Reston, Virginia, USA.

Contact:
Karyn Barr / Lindsay Hyman
202-223-9260
pir@allisonpr.com

SOURCE Public Interest Registry