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That honor
went to Fonds
pour les Femmes Congolaises (FFC
- The Fund for Congolese Women), a non-profit
organization based in the Democratic Republic of
Congo. The FFC was recognized for the
organization’s work to empower 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.
(L
to R): PIR
President & CEO Jon Nevett, Gisele Kambesa (FFC
Program Assistant & Office Manager) and Impact
Awards Host Common Tuesday night in Washington, D.C.
The judging panelists were inspired by how
the FFC’s work not only bridges 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. As the 2025 .ORG of the Year, the Fund
for Congolese Women will receive $50,000 in
donations from Public Interest Registry.
PIR President & CEO
Jon Nevett said, "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. 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 honored to
celebrate them and shine a global spotlight on their
extraordinary impact."
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Repesenting FFC,
Gisele Kambesa said, "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. 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."
Common
added, "It's an honor 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 |
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around
the world. Their stories remind us that when
we care and do for each other the world is
naturally better." |
The winners in each of
the seven categories received a $10,000 donation
from PIR. FFC won the Community Building
category en route to earning their .ORG of the
Year Award. Here are the winners in the
additional categories that make up the .ORG
Impact Awards:
Quality
Education for All – Winner: IncluEdu
- Donation Received: $10,000
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.
Environmental
Stewardship – Winner: Nature
Environment and Wildlife Society (NEWS)
Donation Received: $10,000
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.
Diversity,
Equity, and Inclusion –
Winner: Humanos
3D - Donation Received: $10,000
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.
Health
and Healing - Winner:– Access
to Specialist Knowledge - Donation
Received: $10,000
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.
Hunger
and Poverty -Winner – Andando
- Donation Received: $10,000
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 – Winner: Jovia Kisaakye, Ecobed
Biotech - Donation Received: $10,000
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.
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.
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