The world’s only validated domain name for NGOs launched in May and has already been taken up by a wide range of non-profit organisations throughout Australia.

The .ngo domain name enables Australian non-profits to be searchable via an online global directory of NGOs, OnGood that helps to strengthen their online presence, improve visibility, and gain new supporters & donors.

One of first to adopt .ngo is Sydney non-profit, Kokoda Track Foundation (KTF), an organisation that provides sustainable aid and development to Papua New Guinea.

KTF CEO Genevieve Nelson says that increasing awareness and credibility were two of the major factors for their decision to join the .ngo community.

“We feel the new .ngo domain provides the public with another level of validation and helps establish a level of trust and credibility for not for profits in the online world,” said Nelson. “The .ngo domain is allowing us to maximise our reach, differentiate ourselves, and develop a unique marketing opportunity to reach people that share our values.”

For smaller organisations, .ngo provides a simple, quick and cost effective way to reach a wide international audience, drive donations through Ongood and boost online trust.

Kim Power, Director of the Melbourne based Sunflower Foundation decided to use the .ngo domain name in addition to her current .org domain to increase awareness internationally. “Our .ngo allows donors to know that we have established our legitimacy as a charity – it also lets grant seekers know that they are dealing with a legitimate organisation,” said Power.

The .ngo domain name is being marketed by Enset, a non-profit organisation with a mandate to help non-profits achieve their goals by accessing digital tools. The domains are available through their Register.NGO platform

Enset will be holding a series of events and discussions in July in Melbourne, Sydney and Auckland to share insights and examples of the ways non-profits have been using .ngo to connect around the world, as part of the Digital Conversations tour of Australia and New Zealand.

CEO of Enset, Jeri Curry is excited that so many organisations in the regions have registered their .ngo domains and is looking forward to sharing more about the online communications tools with Australian and New Zealand non-profits.

“We’re passionate about helping build a strong civil society online and seeing non-profits thrive in the digital landscape. Using these tools are such an easy way to connect with a global audience and showcase and NGOs credibility,” shared Curry. “Technical expertise or geography should not be a barrier to becoming a part of the international NGO community and we are excited to help Aussie and Kiwi non-profits of all sizes access the tools to make this possible.”