⚡ Quick Answer
.org remains the best choice for most nonprofits. It signals nonprofit status, donors expect it, and it's affordable. .ngo is an option for verified NGOs but less recognized.
Nonprofit Domain Extensions Compared
| Extension | Price | Restrictions | Donor Trust | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| .org | $10-15 | None | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Best choice |
| .ngo / .ong | $50-60 | Verified NGOs only | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Good for global NGOs |
| .com | $10-15 | None | ⭐⭐⭐ | Okay if .org taken |
| .foundation | $30-40 | None | ⭐⭐⭐ | For foundations |
| .charity | $35-45 | Verified charities | ⭐⭐⭐ | Less recognized |
| .gives | $30-40 | None | ⭐⭐ | For campaigns |
Why .org Still Wins
- ✓ Donor recognition: People associate .org with nonprofits
- ✓ Universal awareness: Everyone knows .org, few know .ngo
- ✓ Affordable: ~$10/year at most registrars
- ✓ Good availability: More options than .com
- ✓ Trust signal: Studies show .org increases perceived credibility
When to Consider .ngo
The .ngo extension requires verification of nonprofit status. This could add credibility for:
- • International NGOs working across borders
- • Organizations where verification matters (grants, partnerships)
- • New organizations building trust quickly
Note: Most donors don't know .ngo exists. The verification benefit may not outweigh the recognition of .org.
Naming Strategies for Nonprofits
✓ Best Formats
- organizationname.org
- causeaction.org (e.g., feedingamerica.org)
- acronym.org (if well-known)
✗ Avoid
- donate-to-cause-foundation.org (too long)
- causename.biz (wrong signal)
- help4kids123.org (numbers look sketchy)
Protecting Your Nonprofit Brand
Consider registering multiple extensions to prevent:
- • Confusion: Someone types .com instead of .org
- • Impersonation: Bad actors registering similar domains
- • Competitive squat: Similar organizations taking your name
Minimum: Register yourorg.org + yourorg.com, forward .com → .org
Free/Discounted Domains for Nonprofits
TechSoup
Verified 501(c)(3) organizations can get discounted or free domains through TechSoup's partnerships with registrars.
Google for Nonprofits: While Google Domains (now Squarespace) doesn't offer free domains, their nonprofit program includes other valuable services.
Our Recommendation
- Register yourorganization.org as your primary domain
- Also register the .com and redirect it to .org
- Consider .ngo only if international credibility is crucial
- Skip .charity/.foundation/.gives unless .org is unavailable
- Use professional email: you@yourorg.org builds trust