ICANN Opens Application Period for New gTLD Applicant Support Program

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Today, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) opened the application submission period for the Applicant Support Program (ASP), part of the New Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLD) Program: Next Round. The ASP provides financial and nonfinancial assistance to qualified, eligible entities who plan to apply for a new gTLD.

ICANN developed the ASP to make the New gTLD Program accessible to organizations that may want to apply for a new gTLD but are unable to do so because of financial and other resource constraints. The ASP provides a range of assistance, including access to volunteer professional services, training, and other resources, and reductions in gTLD evaluation fees.

Nonprofits, nongovernmental, and charitable organizations; intergovernmental organizations; indigenous and tribal peoples' organizations; and small businesses that operate as social enterprises or which operate in a less-developed economy are eligible to apply for support. Applications will be evaluated based on financial need; financial viability; and eligible entity status, among other criteria. A complete guide to the ASP application and evaluation process is available in the ASP Handbook.

The ASP website provides resources to prepare potential applicants for the support evaluation process. These materials include the ASP Quick Start Guide, which provides links to two critical resources: the ASP Applicant Checklist and the ASP Application System Applicant User Guide. The checklist offers a summary of the information required as part of the ASP application. The ASP Application System Applicant User Guide is a technical aid to lead the applicant through the online application system.

It is important for potential applicants to consider both the risks and rewards of operating a registry in the long term, which requires significant operational, technical, and financial resources - beyond what is covered by the ASP portfolio of support. Therefore, an award of support does not guarantee a successful application for a gTLD because all new gTLD applicants must pass the required evaluations. More information about applying for a gTLD is available on the Next Round website.

The ASP application submission period is open today, for 12 months, through 19 November 2025. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early to take full advantage of the capacity development materials and pro bono services to inform a strong gTLD application in April 2026. If you are interested to learn more about this opportunity, please visit the ASP website for more information. Questions about applying for the ASP or New gTLD Program: Next Round, can be sent to [email protected].