You know those three little letters to right of the dot in a domain name – like .org, .com and .net? Well, something new and exciting is coming to the Internet this year; something that will help people all across the globe overcome communication barriers and gain access to funds and resources, as well as trust and credibility. In 2014, Public Interest Registry will launch .NGO and .ONG domains for global NGOs!

“NGO” is the widely recognised acronym for describing Non-Governmental Organisations; “ONG” has the same meaning, but it is specifically used in regions of the world that speak Romantic Languages (i.e. Spanish, French, Italian and Portuguese).

Here are four reasons why your not-for-profit or NGO should register .NGO and .ONG domains:

1. Validation

.NGO and .ONG will only be available to genuine NGOs to help identify them as a unique set of organisations. As a .NGO/.ONG domain holder, you are automatically entered into our exclusive online NGO directory, which includes a customisable online profile for your organisation. Your profile will help you find and share information with other NGOs across the globe, promote your organisation to potential donors and partners, interact with like-minded organisations and raise funds online to support your cause. The NGO Directory will revolutionise the way that NGOs around the world connect.

2. Establish trust

.NGO|.ONG will be advantageous in helping to highlight your NGO as a trusted organisation, particularly online.

3. Visibility

.NGO|.ONG will provide immediate recognition for validated organisations that are pursuing a cause, ensure credibility and ultimately strengthen the brand of your NGO. Within our online NGO directory, donors will also be able to search for your organisation by name, location and cause. This search capability will inherently make it easier for others to find you and vice versa.

4. Global reach

.NGO|.ONG will be sold together as package. This dual domain name solution allows you to register your name in both Romance and non-Romance languages simultaneously, thereby maximising your reach and message to all regions throughout the world.

For more information, visit globalngo.org

This article was written by the Public Interest Registry, the marketing stream sponsor for the Connecting Up Conference 2014.