The ICANN Board requests the community's input on the proposed use of existing auction proceeds to partially fund the Applicant Support Program (ASP) for the New gTLD Program: Next Round.
The Board estimates that funding in the amount of $10 million will be sufficient to provide meaningful support for up to 45 new gTLD applicants. The Board proposes to use auction proceeds from the 2012 New gTLD Round to provide up to half of the required funding (up to $5 million), with the remainder funded through application fees under the New gTLD Program principle of cost recovery. (Note: To the extent that the number of qualified applications for support exceeds 45, the Board has committed to use best efforts to identify additional funding for the program.)
The Board's proposed funding strategy for Next Round applicant support reflects its belief that the use of 2012 round auction proceeds for applicant support is consistent with the goals of the ICANN Grant Program. We are also aware that some members of the community have advocated that Grant Program funding be available to Next Round applicants.
The 2012 Applicant Guidebook specified that "proceeds from auctions will be reserved and earmarked until the uses of funds are determined" and that "[f]unds must be used in a manner that directly supports ICANN's Mission and Core Values." In 2018, the Board committed not to use auction proceeds for day-to-day operations and to engage the ICANN community in determining the purposes for which 2012 round auction proceeds will be dispersed. Accordingly, in June 2022, the Board approved the recommendations of the Cross-Community Working Group on New gTLD Auction Proceeds and directed the ICANN organization to develop a well-governed grant program that is aligned with our mission and based in sound governance practices. The resulting ICANN Grant Program was launched earlier this year, with the first application cycle opening in March.
In keeping with its promise to respect the community's voice on the distribution of auction proceeds, the Board is now asking ICANN's community groups to share their views about this proposed approach to funding the ASP. In order for the Board to finalize the ASP funding plan during its September workshop, the Board requests input, via Board correspondence, by 12 August 2024. We appreciate the community's attention to this topic and look forward to receiving your input.
