Your nonprofit’s website is crucial—it’s the place where you’ll share your mission, reach out to supporters, and showcase your impact. It’s how you’ll amplify your message and connect with others who share your goals.
That’s why it’s essential to choose the right domain name. Choosing an extension that aligns with your mission can help you build an online presence and make it easier to connect with your audience. Here are the domain extensions for nonprofits that should be on your radar.
.org—the go-to choice for most
The .org domain extension is instantly recognizable to most internet users and carries a significant level of trust.
The popular top-level domain has been around since 1985, when it was introduced as one of the 7 original TLDs—alongside .com, .net, and others. Its usage was originally restricted to non-profit entities, but this restriction wasn’t strictly enforced and was eventually lifted.
Now, .org domains are used widely by a variety of charities, non-profit organizations, schools, open-source projects, community groups, and even for-profit companies.
Over the years, .org usage has grown substantially, expanding from under a million registrations in the 1990s to over 10 million today, according to the Public Interest Registry (the organization that manages the extension).
benefits of .org domains
.org domains are synonymous with nonprofits and other organizations that contribute positively to their communities and the world at large. The domain’s reputation for supporting nonprofits and community groups can help attract the right visitors to your site, foster trust, and amplify your mission to the world. If you’re aiming to boost credibility, it’s hard to go wrong with a .org.
But what if the .org domain name you want is already taken? Don’t fret—there are other TLDs in the nonprofit realm to explore. And considering these alternative options (below) might actually lead you to a domain extension that more perfectly reflects your organization’s mission and identity.
nonprofit-friendly alternatives to .org
These nonprofit-focused TLDs aren’t just backups—they’re often the first choice for many nonprofits. That’s because they can offer a more specific reflection of your organization’s mission, helping your website stand out. Many nonprofits also register multiple domains—starting with a .org, and adding one or more of the extensions below. This approach can help redirect users to your primary .org site, ensuring maximum visibility for your cause.
.foundation
The .foundation domain extension is perfect for organizations engaged in philanthropic activities. A versatile and globally-recognizable generic top-level domain (gTLD), .foundation caters to non-profits, charities, trusts, and projects dedicated to improving the world. This domain allows both non-profit foundations and for-profit companies with philanthropic divisions to clearly demonstrate their commitment to philanthropy.
One notable .foundation domain is venom.foundation. According to their website, they focus on providing essential infrastructure for governments and web3 projects, aiming to empower emerging economies in the Middle East and North Africa through blockchain technology.
In a nutshell:
The .foundation domain empowers philanthropic organizations to convey their purpose to the world. Users include private foundations, grant-making public charities, non-profit foundations, and for-profit corporations with philanthropic branches. The TLD is open for registration to anyone.
.charity
Managed by Donuts Registry, the .charity domain extension was launched on September 19, 2018, to provide a distinct online space for charities and charitable activities. Its aim is to help these organizations stand out and attract more supporters and donors. Like .org and .foundation, the TLD is available to anyone.
Because the .charity domain generally serves registered charitable organizations, it can provide your charity with a unique and recognizable online identity. It can also help build credibility with site visitors by making your organization’s purpose clear, inspiring trust in your mission.
If you’re deciding between .charity and .foundation for your website, consider the nature of your organization. If you run a public charity that depends on donations from a wide community and meets specific IRS rules for public funding, .charity could be more fitting. This TLD aligns with organizations that actively seek public contributions. However, if you’re involved with a private foundation, usually funded by a single source like an individual or a family, then .foundation might be a better option.
In a nutshell:
The .charity domain is an effective tool for philanthropic organizations to boost awareness, support their fundraising efforts, and garner more donations.
.gives
The .gives top-level domain is perfect for non-profits and corporations focused on social responsibility, allowing them to highlight their community work online. It’s an important part of the nonprofit domain family, bolstering the online presence of mission-driven organizations.
In a nutshell:
The .gives domain extension is ideal for showcasing your community work online, offering a dedicated space for entities focused on social responsibility. Whether for primary websites, campaigns or specialized microsites, .gives enhances the online profile of organizations dedicated to making a positive impact.
.giving
The .giving domain is a great fit for you if you’re involved in fundraising or philanthropy. It simplifies the process of raising money for causes, making it easier for both non-profits and socially responsible companies to connect with people eager to contribute.
In a nutshell:
This domain creates a dedicated space for your fundraising activities, helping you reach out to those who want to make a positive impact in the world. If you’re looking to establish a clear, philanthropic presence online, .giving is an excellent choice.
Claim your nonprofit domain today
Ready to make a difference with a new website? Now’s the time—all of the nonprofit-focused domains listed here are currently on sale at Epik. Whether you opt for the classic (.org) or a more unique, specific extension, you’ll be ready to amplify your organization’s mission and build a memorable online presence. Visit our promos page for more details and secure the perfect domain for your cause.