With the launch of the .ngo and .ong domains just around the corner, Rebecca Regan-Sachs, a representative of Public Interest Registry, will lend her expertise in online fundraising and brand identity at this year’s International Workshop on Resource Mobilisation (IWRM) Southern Africa. Hosted by the Southern African Fundraising and Leadership Academy (SAFULA) at Lagoon Beach Hotel on 26-28 August, IWRM stands as one of the preeminent events for the non-profit organisation community in emerging economies, helping organisations gain practical skills and learn best practices to help build fundraising capacity and local resource mobilisation.

As a representative of Public Interest Registry—the not-for-profit operator of the .org domain and soon-to-be-launched .ngo and .ong domains, Ms. Regan-Sachs will speak to the value of a strong online presence for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and non-profit organisations (NPOs). She will also discuss how .ngo will provide NGOs of all sizes and reach with access to an exclusive domain name and membership to a community website with a searchable global directory to improve visibility, raise funds and connect with other NGOs. There is a validation process, managed by Public Interest Registry, to reassure potential donors that .ngo websites and organisations listed in the directory are genuine NGOs.

“Over the years, we have met with thousands of NGOs to hear first-hand about their goals, challenges and needs for improving their visibility and reach,” said Ms. Regan-Sachs. “The .ngo domain reflects those needs and desires by offering a unique opportunity for NGOs to strengthen their online presence and bolster their fundraising capacity.”

The .ngo and .ong domains will be generally available to validated NGOs beginning in early 2015. Potential registrants must meet a set of eligibility requirements to confirm that they are a lawful and independent not-for-profit. Interested organisations can submit an Expression of Interest, which will ensure they are kept informed about the progress of the domain launch and that they are notified when .ngo and .ong become available. For more information on .ngo / .ong, its validation process and benefits, visit globalngo.org.