As we prepare to meet in Dublin for ICANN84, I want to share an update on the Applicant Support Program (ASP) and highlight our recent work to strengthen outreach, support, and reporting.
Reaching ASP Audiences
One of the greatest areas of focus has been refining how we engage with the different ASP audiences. We have defined three distinct groups, each with its own objectives and activities, each requiring tailored support.
- Prospective applicants: Our goal is to raise awareness and understanding among prospects through targeted events, partnerships, and feedback.
- Examples: Paid social media (2–28 July); an Asian, Australasian, and Pacific Islands Regional At-Large Organization webinar on pro bono support in the Asia Pacific region (3 September); the "Missions with a Dot" webinar for North America and Europe (10 September); and follow-up communication to registrants to provide resources and tools.
- All communications and engagement activities that have taken place through September 2025 are documented in the Comprehensive Report on Prospective and Pipeline Applicants.
- Applicants in the pipeline: We are helping ASP applicants who have already started their application complete it through structured communication, reporting, and user surveys.
- Examples: Active pipeline management using an aging report; regular email cadence (every 15 days) to guide applicants; pipeline surveys in twice-monthly emails; and highlighting volunteer (pro bono) service professionals who are available to assist.
- ASP Deadline Extension: Entities that enter organizational information in the system by 19 November 2025 will now have until 19 December 2025 to submit a complete application.
- Supported applicants. We are establishing pathways to help fully qualified applicants prepare to apply for a generic top-level domain (gTLD) through capacity building, community connections, and ongoing touchpoints.
- Examples: creation of a Supported Applicant Toolkit; launch of the ASP Learning Pathway; and a curriculum on how to get involved in the ICANN community.
These activities are aligned with the GNSO Guidance Process recommendations, ensuring that ASP support is targeted and effective.
Detailed Reporting on Application Progress
In response to community requests, the ICANN organization has introduced more sophisticated reporting that distinguishes between "active" and "inactive" ASP applications. This allows us to more accurately track interest in real time.
As of 7 October 2025:
- 103 total applications are in the system
- 69 applications are active, based on progress in the last 90 days
- Three applicants were conditionally qualified in August; two are now fully qualified
- Applications received come from all five ICANN regions, spanning 27 countries or territories. The largest number of applicants are from Asia Pacific and North America.
- You can find program statistics on the ASP website.
With clearer audience segmentation, enhanced applicant support, and more transparent reporting, the ASP continues to evolve in ways that reflect both community guidance and applicant needs. I look forward to sharing more at ICANN84 and continuing the conversation about how we can provide ongoing support to ASP applicants.