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Applicant Support Program (ASP)

The information on this page is applicable to the 2012 round of the New gTLD Program only. Please go to newgtldprogram.icann.org for information on the New gTLD Program: Next Round.

Understanding the Applicant Support Program

ICANN seeks to increase global diversity and representation across regions within the new gTLD Program. The new gTLD Program has the potential to increase competition and choice in the domain name market, and it is important to ICANN community members to ensure that efforts are made to minimize any competitive disadvantage for those in developing economies. The Applicant Support Program is an initiative developed in addition to the New gTLD Program and it seeks to serve the global public interest by ensuring worldwide accessibility to, and competition within, the new gTLD Program.

The Applicant Support Program assists potential new gTLD applicants seeking both financial and non-financial support. There are three ways to participate in this program.

  1. Access to pro bono services for startup gTLD registries: The Applicant Support Directory is an online work space providing access to community pro bono services. The directory was created to connect potential applicants who wish to establish a new public interest gTLD registry in their community with organizations who wish to offer either financial or non-financial assistance. Learn more
  2. Financial assistance: Qualified applicants could receive reduced evaluation fees. Refer to the Financial Assistance Handbook for guidelines and criteria on how to apply for reduced fees. Learn more
  3. The Applicant Support Fund. The ICANN Board has set aside US$2,000,000 as seed funding to assist needy applicants. Learn More

For more information about the Applicant Support Program, please see our FAQs.

Access to pro bono services for startup registries

Operating a gTLD is a technology-based service comprised of many requirements and expenses, such as acquiring equipment, establishing operations, hiring and training staff and providing customer service. New gTLD applicants, including those from developing economies, in need of technical or financial information or assistance may be able to find pro bono services, in-kind support or grants from members of the ICANN community through the Applicant Support Directory.

The Applicant Support Directory is an online work space created to connect potential applicants who wish to establish a new public interest gTLD registry in their community with organizations who wish to offer either financial or non-financial assistance. More information about the directory can be found here.

Financial assistance

The Internet is a global resource, and the diversity, competition and innovation made possible by the new gTLD Program should provide an inclusive opportunity for all to participate. This part of the Applicant Support Program was designed allow a limited number of qualifying applicants the opportunity to pay a reduced evaluation fee of US $47,000 instead of the full evaluation fee of US $185,000.In order to qualify for the fee reduction, applicants must demonstrate financial need, provide a public interest benefit, and possess the necessary management and financial capabilities.

Applicant Support Program Results

The Support Application Review Panel (SARP) evaluated applications for financial assistance and determined those that met the eligibility requirements outlined in the New gTLD Financial Assistance Handbook.

Reference materials for financial assistance

The Applicant Support Fund

The financial assistance element of the Applicant Support program is made possible due to a USD$2,000,000 fund set aside by ICANN's Board of Directors.

Please contact candidate-support@icann.org for more information.

Archive

28 May 2013 – ICANN Acknowledges Members of the Support Applicant Review Panel

SARP members are formally acknowledged and thanked for their service to the Applicant Support Program.

12 March 2013 – Applicant Support Program Update

The Support Application Review Panel (SARP) evaluated applications for financial assistance and determined those that met the eligibility requirements outlined in the New gTLD Financial Assistance Handbook.

03 February 2013 – Support Applicant Review Panel

Resources

View the Applicant Support Fact Sheet [PDF, 677 KB] 
Listen to the Applicant Support Program podcast

Draft materials