.ORG is the home of noncommercial organizations on the Internet. Every organization that registers a .ORG Web site, and by extension, everyone who visits those sites, is a member of the .ORG community.

.ORG was created in 1984 as one of the Internet's original top-level domains (TLDs) and was designated as "open" and "unrestricted," meaning that anyone can register a .ORG site, but it primarily is used by noncommercial entities around the world, including nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, philanthropies, charities, religious organizations, educational and cultural institutions, arts organizations, sports clubs, and others. Today, .ORG is a recognized brand that includes the Internet's most trusted Web sites, sites that also are known for providing valuable information.

The Public Interest Registry (PIR) has managed the .ORG TLD and maintained the database of all .ORG Internet addresses since 2003. PIR works behind the scenes to help people who are surfing the Web find the sites they seek. PIR also provides services for individuals who hold domain names (registrants), funds programs that improve Internet access in developing areas throughout the world, advocates for policy initiatives on behalf of the .ORG community, and participates in efforts to improve and expand the Internet.

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