About .foundation domain
.foundation is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) operated by Donuts (John Dale, LLC). It was delegated to the root zone on 11 February 2014 as part of ICANN's New gTLD Program. The registry's application described it as an open TLD intended to provide greater expression on the Internet, with plans to implement extensive user and rights protections to control abuse.
Who can register .foundation domain
Registration for .foundation domains is open to anyone globally, with no pre-registration verification or eligibility restrictions. The registry does not impose geographic, organizational, or trademark-based requirements for registration. It is available to individuals, businesses, and entities of any type without the need for specific documentation.
How to register .foundation domain
- Search for your desired .foundation domain name on a registrar's website to check its availability. Consider using a registrar that offers WHOIS privacy protection as an add-on service.
- Compare prices, registration terms, and features across different accredited registrars. Standard registration periods are typically one to ten years.
- Complete the checkout process, providing accurate registrant contact information as required by ICANN policy.
- After purchase, verify your contact details via email and configure your domain's DNS settings, such as nameservers, to point to your hosting provider.
Typical uses of .foundation domain
The .foundation extension is commonly used by charitable organizations, non-profits, philanthropic initiatives, and community projects to establish their online presence. It is also adopted by corporate social responsibility arms, educational endowments, and open-source software projects. Registrants choose this TLD to immediately signal their purpose or mission, differentiating themselves from commercial entities using extensions like .com or .org.
Tips for registering .foundation domain
- Domains can typically be registered for a minimum of one year, with renewal terms following the same standard periods.
- WHOIS privacy services are generally available for this TLD through most registrars, helping to shield personal contact details from public view.
- The registry implements ICANN-mandated rights protection mechanisms, including a Sunrise period for trademark holders and the Uniform Rapid Suspension (URS) system for clear-cut cases of trademark abuse.
- Standard grace periods for renewal and redemption likely apply, but specific timelines are governed by registrar and registry policy.
Frequently asked questions about .foundation domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .foundation domain?
As of today, .foundation domains start from $5.99/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $61.00/yr across 31 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .foundation domains?
NameBeta tracks 31 registrars that support .foundation domain registration, with the cheapest option at $5.99/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .foundation domain?
The registry for .foundation domains is Public Interest Registry, administered by Public Interest Registry (PIR).
Who can register a .foundation domain?
There are no eligibility restrictions for registering a .foundation domain; it is open to individuals, companies, and organizations worldwide. No verification of your status as a charitable entity or foundation is required during the registration process. This makes it accessible for any registrant who wishes to use the domain, regardless of their actual organizational structure or purpose.
Can I transfer a .foundation domain between registrars?
Transferring a .foundation domain between registrars follows the standard ICANN transfer policy. You must initiate the transfer at the gaining registrar and ensure the domain is unlocked and that you have the correct authorization code. Transfers cannot proceed if the domain is within 60 days of initial registration or a previous transfer, or if a registrar lock is active.
Are there any special rights protection periods for trademark owners?
Yes, the registry operated a Sunrise period prior to general availability, allowing trademark owners to register corresponding domain names. Ongoing protections include the Trademark Claims service, which notifies trademark holders of potentially infringing registrations, and the availability of the Uniform Rapid Suspension (URS) procedure for addressing clear cases of trademark abuse.
What happens if I forget to renew my .foundation domain?
If a domain expires, it typically enters a standard renewal grace period where you can renew it at the regular rate. After that, it may enter a redemption grace period where recovery is possible for an additional fee. If not recovered, the domain will eventually be deleted and returned to the pool of available names for general registration.
Can I register premium .foundation domain names?
Yes, the registry may designate certain domain names as "premium," which are often short, generic, or highly sought-after keywords. These names are usually priced higher than standard registrations, both initially and upon renewal. Availability and pricing for premium names are set by the registry and can be viewed through accredited registrars.
