Where do .ORG Domain Names Come From with Jon Nevett

In episode 221 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jon Nevett, CEO of Public Interest Registry (PIR), on running the .org domain registry, internet governance, and the .org Impact Awards.

Jon dives deep into the world of domain management, internet governance, and the broader impact of domain names on nonprofits.

The conversation uncovers the critical role of PIR, the entity behind the .org domain, which supports nonprofits globally and is committed to making the internet safer and more accessible.

Public Interest Registry (PIR)

Public Interest Registry (PIR) is a nonprofit organization founded in 2002 by the Internet Society to manage the .ORG domain, one of the internet's original top-level domains.

Beyond overseeing .ORG, PIR administers a diverse portfolio of domain names, including .NGO, .ONG, .CHARITY, .FOUNDATION, .GIVES, and .GIVING, along with internationalized domain names (IDNs) in various scripts.

Mission and Impact

PIR's mission is to provide a trusted digital identity to mission-driven organizations and individuals aiming to improve the world.

By offering secure and reliable domain registration services, PIR empowers nonprofits and other organizations to establish a strong online presence.

Notably, over 60% of PIR's proceeds from domain registrations are reinvested into initiatives that keep the internet free, open, and accessible.

Key Initiatives

• .ORG Impact Awards: Launched in 2019, these annual awards recognize and honor outstanding mission-driven individuals and organizations within the .ORG community for their positive contributions to society.
• DNS Abuse Institute: Established in 2021, the institute aims to mitigate threats to internet users by addressing domain name system (DNS) abuse, including issues like malware, botnets, phishing, pharming, and spam.
• .ORG Learning Center: This resource hub provides valuable tools and educational materials to support mission-driven organizations in enhancing their online impact.

Leadership and Governance

PIR operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and is governed by a Board of Directors appointed by the Internet Society.

The leadership team, including President and CEO Jon Nevett, brings together experienced professionals dedicated to supporting the global community of mission-driven organizations.

Through its stewardship of the .ORG domain and its commitment to empowering organizations online, Public Interest Registry plays a pivotal role in supporting entities that strive to make a positive difference worldwide.

Episode Transcript

[00:00]

Grant Trahant (Host):

Hey everyone, welcome to another episode of the Investing in Impact podcast. Today, I’m joined by Jon Nevett, CEO of Public Interest Registry (PIR), the nonprofit that operates .org and other mission-driven top-level domains. We’re going to dive into Jon’s journey, PIR’s mission, and the role .org plays in the impact space. But before we get into the details, Jon, let’s start with your background and how you ended up at PIR.

Jon Nevett:

Thanks, Grant. I’m excited to be here. My background isn’t actually in technology. I started as a lawyer, working on cases in various industries, and eventually moved into telecommunications law. My career path changed when I got an offer to work in the domain name space. That’s when I joined the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), which regulates domains. I’ve now been with PIR for six years, focusing on running .org and its family of domains like .charity, .gives, and .foundation. PIR is a nonprofit itself, so it aligns perfectly with my passion for mission-driven work.

[06:32]

Grant:

Let’s talk about PIR. What is its overall mission, and has that vision evolved since you joined?

Jon Nevett:

PIR manages the .org domain, along with other related top-level domains. We’re responsible for ensuring that .org is safe, secure, and accessible for everyone from large nonprofits to small community groups. As a nonprofit, we contribute 60% of our revenue to the Internet Society, which works on global internet access and security. We also have our own mission to improve the domain name system (DNS) and support nonprofits in building strong digital identities. This hasn’t changed much since I joined, but we’ve expanded our impact through initiatives like the .org Impact Awards and partnerships aimed at keeping the internet safe.

[11:17]

Grant:

Let’s dive into the .org Impact Awards. What’s the process like, and what are the benefits for the winners?

Jon Nevett:

This year marked the sixth annual .org Impact Awards, which honor outstanding mission-driven organizations using .org domains. We received over 1,800 applications across seven categories, including food and hunger, education, DEI, and more. Each finalist gets a cash award, marketing support, and the opportunity to network with other changemakers. The highlight is the .org of the Year award, which this year went to Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation. It’s an incredible organization from the Philippines that provides boats for children who would otherwise have to swim to school. They received a $50,000 grant and are expanding into Indonesia.

[18:01]

Grant:

PIR also manages other top-level domains like .charity and .giving. How do you advise organizations on choosing the right domain?

Jon Nevett:

While .org is the gold standard for mission-driven organizations, the .org family includes domains like .charity, .foundation, and .giving, which can complement an organization’s online presence. For example, a nonprofit could use its .org domain for its main site and a .giving domain for fundraising campaigns. These domains can also be used for professional email addresses, which adds credibility. We encourage organizations to consider multiple domains to better serve their mission.

[23:23]

Grant:

Let’s shift to ICANN and internet policy. What’s the current landscape, and what needs to improve?

Jon Nevett:

ICANN is crucial in regulating domain names globally. As a multi-stakeholder organization, it involves governments, businesses, and civil society. One of the major issues is managing new top-level domains. In 2026, we expect another round of applications for new domains. Another area of focus is fighting DNS abuse. At PIR, we’ve launched initiatives like the Net Beacon Institute, which addresses phishing and other forms of abuse. We’re also partnering with the Internet Watch Foundation to combat child sexual abuse material online, ensuring that .org domains are safe.

[31:26]

Grant:

What are your goals for PIR over the next three to five years?

Jon Nevett:

We’re aiming to expand the .org family and introduce new top-level domains, possibly including some related to Web3. We’ll continue to focus on DNS abuse prevention and enhancing security across all domains. We also want to further support nonprofits through educational resources, grant programs, and events like the .org Impact Awards. Personally, I want to maintain a mission-driven culture at PIR, ensuring that our work is fulfilling and meaningful for our team.

[36:35]

Grant:

I always say that a domain name is more than just a web address—it’s often the first impression people have of an organization. Do you agree?

Jon Nevett:

Absolutely. Your domain name is your digital identity. It’s like the sign outside a restaurant—it sets the tone for what people can expect. We always encourage nonprofits to invest in professional domains, as it’s a small cost compared to the value it brings.

[38:04]

Grant:

Thanks so much, Jon. It’s been great chatting about domains, PIR, and the broader impact space. Best of luck to you and the team moving forward!

Jon Nevett:

Thanks, Grant. I appreciate being on the show and all the work you do.