The annual .ORG Impact Awards winners were announced recently with the top award, the ORG of the Year, being awarded to Fonds pour les Femmes Congolaises (The Fund for Congolese Women) along with a US$50,000 donation from award organisers Public Interest Registry.
The awards, announced in early October at a gala event in Washington D.C., were hosted by Common, the first rapper to win a Grammy, Oscar and Emmy award and star of Silo, where PIR awarded a total of $180,000 in donations to organisations from the global .ORG Community across seven categories.
Fonds pour les Femmes Congolaises (The Fund for Congolese Women), is from the Democratic Republic of Congo and was recognised for its work empowering women within the DRC by advancing initiatives to eliminate gender-based sexual violence, provide empowerment programs for women and girls, educate women about HIV/AIDS and reproductive health, and advocate for environmental justice and equitable access to resources and land.
The .ORG Impact Award judging panellists were inspired by how the organisation’s work not only bridged the gap between international donors and local women’s initiatives but also creates the conditions for women to move from victims of violence to survivors, advocates, and leaders within their communities.
“The winners of the .ORG Impact Awards are the very best of the .ORG Community and work tirelessly to create positive change every day. Public Interest Registry is thrilled to uplift their efforts and humbled by the work they are doing to build a bright future for us all,” said Jon Nevett, President and CEO of Public Interest Registry. “The work that this year’s .ORG of the Year winner, The Fund for Congolese Women, does to drive change from the ground up and uplift women in their communities deeply inspires me. I’m honoured to celebrate them and shine a global spotlight on their extraordinary impact.”
In the seven years since the .ORG Impact Awards first started, Public Interest Registry has cumulatively donated $865,000 to .ORGs across the world. This year is a continuation of PIR’s ongoing commitment to uplift the changemakers making the world a better place.
“It’s an honour to join Public Interest Registry in celebrating this year’s .ORG Impact Award winners. These organizations are proof that passion and purpose can change lives and communities around the world. Their stories remind us that when we lift each other up, we all rise together,” said Common.
“Community-building is at the heart of our mission at Fonds pour les Femmes Congolaises. Our organization started when a group of women came together and decided to fight for a better future for women and girls in the Democratic Republic of Congo,” said Gisele Kambesa, Program Assistant and Office Manager at Fonds pour les Femmes Congolaises (The Fund for Congolese Women). “We hope to use the award money to invest in even more women-led organizations who are making a positive impact on their communities. This award is not just for Congolese women, but all women that impact the world.”
A full list of winners in each of the categories and the amazing work each organisation does is below:
2025 .ORG Impact Award Winners
.ORG of the Year – Fonds pour les Femmes Congolaises (The Fund for Congolese Women)
Donation Amount: $50,000 USD
Fonds pour les Femmes Congolaises is a nonprofit based in the Democratic Republic of Congo that funds and strengthens grassroots women’s organizations to advance peace, justice, and gender equality from the ground up. The organization empowers women through initiatives that combat gender-based violence, provide education on HIV/AIDS and reproductive health, and champion environmental justice. By bridging the gap between international donors and local women-led efforts, the Fund ensures resources reach communities that need them most.
Community Building – Fonds pour les Femmes Congolaises (The Fund for Congolese Women)
In addition to being named the .ORG of the Year, Fonds pour les Femmes Congolaises (The Fund for Congolese Women) is also the winner in the Community Building category.
Quality Education for All – IncluEdu
Donation Amount: $10,000 USD
IncluEdu is transforming education across Latin America by harnessing AI to teach sign language and advance deaf inclusion. Their platform equips educators with inclusive tools, provides real-time feedback, and creates accessible learning environments for students. By breaking down communication barriers, IncluEdu is helping build more inclusive schools, workplaces, and communities.
Environmental Stewardship – Nature Environment and Wildlife Society (NEWS)
Donation Amount: $10,000 USD
The Nature Environment and Wildlife Society (NEWS) is advancing biodiversity and climate resilience across India by restoring mangrove ecosystems. Working hand in hand with local communities, NEWS empowers women climate leaders and promotes sustainable livelihoods that protect natural resources. Its efforts ensure that both people and ecosystems can thrive together.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion – Humanos 3D
Donation Amount: $10,000 USD
Humanos 3D harnesses the power of emerging technologies to create personalized assistive devices for people with upper limb disabilities. Through 3D printing and community-driven innovation, the organization promotes inclusion, education, and independence. Their work transforms the lives of disabled individuals while fostering greater awareness and acceptance of disability inclusion.
Health and Healing – Access to Specialist Knowledge
Donation Amount: $10,000 USD
Access to Specialist Knowledge connects healthcare workers in underserved regions with U.S. board-certified specialists who provide pro bono consultations. This exchange of expertise empowers local providers, expands treatment options, and ensures patients in remote or resource-limited areas have access to high-quality care. The initiative is closing the global healthcare equity gap.
Hunger and Poverty – AndandoDonation Amount: $10,000 USD
Andando supports rural communities in Senegal through long-term partnerships that break the cycle of poverty. Their holistic approach strengthens access to clean water, healthcare, education, agroforestry, and microfinance programs. By focusing on the growth of entire villages, Andando creates pathways to financial independence and sustainable development.
Rising Star – Jovia Kisaakye, Ecobed Biotech
Donation Amount: $10,000 USD
Ecobed Biotech, founded and led by youth changemaker Jovia Kisaakye in East Africa, transforms food waste into mosquito-repellent lotion, clean fuel, and organic farm inputs. By addressing waste management, health, and agricultural needs simultaneously, Ecobed is advancing climate resilience, improving livelihoods, and protecting communities from disease. Their innovative approach demonstrates how young leaders are driving solutions with global impact.