ICANN closed the call for applications for the first cycle of the ICANN Grant Program as planned on 24 May 2024. We are absolutely delighted with the response, and I am proud to report back that we received a total of 247 applications.
I want to thank those who took the time to apply and also those who promoted the program to their networks. This is an impressive overall total, especially for a brand-new program, which speaks to the need and appetite for this type of program.
Of the 247 applications, the geographic breakdown by ICANN region was as follows:
- 32 percent from Africa
- 20 percent from Asia, Australia, or the Pacific Islands
- 18 percent from Europe
- 7 percent from Latin America or the Caribbean
- 23 percent from North America
Submitted applications will now be processed as defined in the Application Guide, including phases such as admissibility and eligibility checks and assessment by the Independent Panel. This first cycle of the program will distribute up to $10 million total in grants to support projects consistent with ICANN's mission and in line with the objectives of the program. For those who would like to learn more about the program and follow updates, we encourage you to visit the Grant Program webpage.
Thank you again to all those who supported the launch of the program and the application window and to those who applied. We look forward to the next stages of work and are excited to see the impact the Grant Program will make.