Friends of Tonga has won a US$10,000 international award recognising its environmental and climate resilience work with communities across the Kingdom.
The volunteer-run non-profit received the Environmental Stewardship award at the 2026 .ORG Impact Awards in Washington, DC, on 6 October. The awards attracted more than 4,200 applicants from 145 countries, according to organiser Public Interest Registry (PIR).
The funding will support further community-led environmental and climate resilience projects in Tonga.
Rainwater security and resilient schools
Friends of Tonga was founded in 2018 by Returned Peace Corps Volunteers following Cyclone Gita. It works with local communities and organisations on environmental protection, education, disaster resilience and community development.
Its projects include rainwater cisterns to improve water security, water, sanitation and hygiene services, and cyclone- and earthquake-resistant kindergarten facilities.
PIR said Friends of Tonga had distributed more than 60 rainwater cisterns, supported water, sanitation and hygiene services for more than 5,000 people, and helped build Tonga’s first cyclone- and earthquake-resistant kindergarten.
These initiatives address practical challenges for communities facing severe weather, water shortages and the risk of damage to essential infrastructure.
Communities set the priorities
Friends of Tonga says its approach is based on supporting projects identified by communities rather than introducing initiatives without local requests.
The organisation connects local priorities with volunteers, donors, technical expertise and other resources.
Co-president Michael Hassett said the award recognised work already being led by communities in Tonga, alongside local partners, volunteers and donors.
The recognition comes as communities across Tonga continue to face climate-related risks, including cyclones, drought and pressure on water supplies.
The award provides additional funding and international recognition, but the longer-term value will depend on how the money is used and the benefits delivered to communities.
“This award really belongs to the people of Tonga and to all those we are privileged to work alongside the communities who trust us, our associates who share their knowledge and expertise, the countless volunteers who give their time, and all of the supporters who help bring our work to life. We’re so proud of this award and we’re grateful for the strong, enduring relationships at the heart of everything Friends of Tonga does ” said Daniella DeLaRue, Co-President of Friends of Tonga.
Friends of Tonga has said it will continue supporting locally led environmental stewardship and climate resilience initiatives throughout the Kingdom.
