One of 35 innovative, mission-driven changemakers selected from over 4,000 applicants across 145 countries

On August 11, 2026, The Special Foundation was named a finalist in the 2026 .ORG Impact Awards by Public Interest Registry (PIR), the people behind the .ORG domain. The .ORG Impact Awards recognize outstanding mission-driven individuals and organizations from around the world for their positive contributions to society.

All finalists will be invited to Washington, D.C. for a celebration that includes opportunities to meet with other nonprofit leaders and culminates with the final award ceremony on October 6th.

“The continued growth of the .ORG Impact Awards reflects the incredible breadth of mission-driven work happening around the world,” said PIR President and CEO, Jon Nevett. “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.”

The Special Foundation is a finalist in the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion category for its work, which was chosen from a diverse pool of applicants from 145 countries for their efforts that empower underserved children and young people through education, leadership development, and opportunities that help ensure no child is left behind, regardless of socioeconomic circumstances.

"Every child we've reached exists because someone believed in this work before there was a trophy attached to it. This recognition is really theirs, our partners, our team on the ground, and our supporters. We're honored, and we're not done." Seyi Akinwale, Founder, The Special Foundation, says. 

This year’s finalists represent the top five entries across seven award categories:

• Community Building
• Quality Education for All
• Environmental Stewardship
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Health and Healing
• Hunger and Poverty
• Rising Stars (leaders under 30 making a difference in their communities)

Winners in these categories and the prestigious .ORG of the Year will be announced at the in-person .ORG Impact Awards celebration on October 6th. Receiving a .ORG Impact Award helps raise the profile of winning organizations, ultimately driving donations, funding, talent acquisition, partnership development, and increasing audience reach.

Please visit www.orgimpactawards.org for more information.

About The Special Foundation

The Special Foundation is dedicated to empowering underprivileged children across Africa through education, mentorship, and leadership initiatives, cultivating the next generation of leaders. Operating in 20+ Nigerian states, our programs, including scholarships, summer schools, and mentorships, have positively impacted over 62,600 lives. By fostering strategic partnerships with corporations, nonprofits, and individuals, we aim to bridge educational disparities, providing life-changing opportunities to ensure every child has the chance to succeed and lead in their communities and beyond. Visit our website to find out more at www.thespecialfoundation.org.

About Public Interest Registry

Public Interest Registry (PIR) is a nonprofit that operates the .ORG top-level domain, one of the world’s largest generic top-level domains with more than 12 million domain names registered worldwide. .ORG is open to everyone, providing a global platform for organizations, associations, clubs, businesses and individuals to bring their ideas to life. PIR has been a champion for a free and open Internet for two decades with a clear mission to be an exemplary domain name registry, provide a trusted digital identity and help educate those who dedicate themselves to improving our world. PIR was founded by the Internet Society (internetsociety.org) in 2002 and is based in Reston, Virginia, USA. Visit www.pir.org for more information.

| Written by Mifa Adejumo | Communications Lead, The Special Foundation