Friends of Tonga was named a finalist in the 2026 .ORG Impact Awards by Public Interest Registry on August 11, 2026. Selected from over 4,000 applicants across 145 countries, the volunteer-run nonprofit earned the spot in the Environmental Stewardship category for its community-led initiatives in the Kingdom of Tonga.
The Public Interest Registry, the organization behind the .ORG domain, announced the finalists for its annual awards program, highlighting mission-driven groups from around the globe. This year’s selection process proved to be the most competitive to date, narrowing down a massive pool of entries into a select group of finalists across seven distinct categories.
Global Recognition for Community-Led Work in Tonga
Founded in 2018 by Returned Peace Corps Volunteers who served in the region, Friends of Tonga operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting locally identified priorities. Its submission for the Environmental Stewardship category detailed several key projects undertaken alongside local organizations and village communities.
Among those initiatives, the organization partnered with the Civil Society Forum of Tonga to foster community-led recovery and climate resilience. The group also expanded water security by installing rainwater cistern projects in remote areas, providing vulnerable populations with reliable access to clean drinking water. In Tu’anuku, a collaboration with Schools for Children of the World enabled the construction of a cyclone-resistant kindergarten designed to protect students during severe weather events. Additionally, the nonprofit joined forces with the No Pelesitiki Campaign to combat plastic pollution across the islands.
“This recognition is a reflection of the incredible communities, organizations, donors, volunteers, and partners we have had the privilege of working alongside in Tonga and around the world.”
Michael Hassett, Co-President and Co-Founder of Friends of Tonga
Co-presidents Michael Hassett and Daniella DeLaRue both emphasized that the honor belongs primarily to the local residents who guide the group’s projects. The organization’s operational model relies entirely on the principle that the strongest solutions originate directly from the communities experiencing the challenges.
Competition Scope and the Washington, D.C. Ceremony
The Public Interest Registry expanded the breadth of the awards this year. According to announcements from Public Interest Registry, judges reviewed submissions from more than 4,200 applicants spanning 145 countries. For the first time, organizers also introduced Honorable Mentions to spotlight exceptional contenders who missed the finalist cut.
“The continued growth of the .ORG Impact Awards reflects the incredible breadth of mission-driven work happening around the world. Selected from our most competitive applicant pool to date, we are honored to spotlight these 35 finalists whose dedication, creativity and commitment are helping build stronger communities and create positive change across the globe.”
Jon Nevett, President and CEO of Public Interest Registry
As a finalist, Friends of Tonga will receive a $2,500 USD donation. Representatives from the organization are invited to Washington, D.C., for a celebration that brings together nonprofit leaders from across the international community.
Categories, Prizes, and What Lies Ahead in October
- Community Building
- Quality Education for All
- Environmental Stewardship
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Health and Healing
- Hunger and Poverty
- Rising Stars, recognizing leaders under 30 making a difference in their communities
All category winners, along with the recipient of the top .ORG of the Year title, will be revealed during an invitation-only ceremony on October 6, 2026. The overarching .ORG of the Year winner will secure a $50,000 USD donation, while individual category winners will take home $10,000 USD awards. Honorable Mention recipients are slated to receive $1,000 USD along with digital features on the official awards website.
Beyond the immediate financial grants, receiving a .ORG Impact Award helps raise the profile of winning organizations. This increased visibility regularly translates into expanded donor bases, new funding streams, enhanced talent acquisition, and broader audience reach for grassroots entities operating on a global stage.
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