The Applicant Support Program (ASP) plays a critical role in encouraging global participation in the New Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLD) Program by reducing new gTLD evaluation fees for eligible applicants. Due to the outreach efforts of the ICANN organization and community, there were 75 applications for ASP support in the 2026 Round – a notable increase from the four applications received in the 2012 Round.
The ASP was originally budgeted to provide up to 45 qualified applicants a 75 percent discount on gTLD evaluation fees. Community input reflected broad support for the use of up to $5 million from the 2012 Round auction proceeds to cover these costs. The Board also committed to considering additional funding if demand exceeded what was originally planned (above 45 qualified applicants).
Because the ASP ultimately received 75 applications for the 2026 Round, the Board requested feedback on whether the community would support the Board if it decided to allocate an additional $4.9 million. This additional funding would enable ICANN to provide up to 75 qualifying ASP applicants with a 75 percent discount on gTLD evaluation fees. Because of the positive input received, the Board approved a resolution to that effect on 26 March.
The Governmental Advisory Committee's ICANN85 Communiqué and correspondence from the At-Large Advisory Committee advocated providing an 85 percent discount on the gTLD evaluation fees for up to 75 qualified applicants. This 10 percent increase would raise the total to $8.1 million, increasing the budget by $3.2 million.
The Board is supportive of increasing the discount to 85 percent, as it aligns with the maximum level of funding as established in the Applicant Support Program Handbook. However, because this is greater than the amount of funding the Board previously asked for input on, the Board is requesting community feedback on the new amount via written correspondence to the ICANN Board by 12 April as to not delay eligible applicants. If the Board receives positive feedback on increasing the discount to 85 percent and funding the additional amount from the auction proceeds, it will do so in a separate resolution after the input is received.
I would like to extend my appreciation to the community for its continued advocacy and enthusiasm for the ASP, and especially for its input on the funding of this critical component of the 2026 Round of the New gTLD Program.
