.ORG was created in 1984 as one of the Internet's original top-level domains (TLDs), along with .COM, .NET, .GOV, .EDU and .MIL. It is an "open" and "unrestricted" domain name, meaning anyone can register a .ORG. Over time, .ORG has evolved into the domain name used primarily for nonprofit endeavors around the world.

In January 2003, the Public Interest Registry (PIR) assumed responsibility for operating .ORG and maintaining the authoritative database of all .ORG domain names. (For more on the bid to manage .ORG, see "ICANN.") PIR's work allows computers to route Internet traffic to and from .ORG domain names around the world.

The transition of .ORG from the previous operator to PIR was the largest transfer in Internet history. More than 2.6 million domains were transferred in about a day, without affecting any .ORG registrant or Web site.

Find out more about PIR and efforts to strengthen the .ORG community and the Internet.