Public Interest Registry Names TECHO as .Org of the Year at Annual Impact Awards in Washington, D.C.

In an effort to provide broad support across the non-profit sector, the awards also recognized twenty-eight finalists who, while not taking home the top category prizes, were acknowledged for their significant contributions. Each of these finalists will receive a $2,500 award. This tiered structure of financial support ensures that the impact of the awards is felt by a larger number of organizations, providing a boost to dozens of projects that are making a difference in their local and global communities.

The distribution of $180,000 during this year’s ceremony brings the total amount of funding awarded through the .Org Impact Awards to over $1 million since the program’s inception. This milestone is a testament to the Public Interest Registry’s sustained commitment to its mission of supporting the .org community. By reinvesting a portion of its resources into the organizations that use its domain, the registry fosters a virtuous cycle of growth and impact within the non-profit sector.

The choice of TECHO as the premier winner this year speaks to the critical importance of housing and community infrastructure in the fight against poverty. In many parts of Latin America, informal settlements—often referred to as slums or shantytowns—lack basic services and legal recognition, leaving residents vulnerable to environmental hazards and social exclusion. TECHO’s model of involving young volunteers in the physical construction of housing, alongside the development of community leadership, creates a unique bridge between different segments of society. This collaborative approach was a key factor in the organization’s selection for the top honor.

The .Org Impact Awards serve as a reminder of the power of a digital identity. For many of the organizations involved, a .org domain is more than just a web address; it is a badge of trust and a signal to donors, volunteers, and the public that their primary goal is to serve the common good. The Public Interest Registry has long championed the idea that the internet should be a force for positive change, and these awards are the physical manifestation of that philosophy.

As the ceremony in Washington, D.C. concluded, the focus remained on the future of the winners and finalists. For an organization like TECHO, the $50,000 prize represents a significant influx of capital that can be used to scale existing programs or launch new initiatives in under-served regions. For the smaller category winners and finalists, the recognition and financial support provide much-needed validation and resources to continue their essential work.