The domain industry is on the brink of a significant expansion. With the 2026 round of ICANN's New gTLD Program fast approaching, there's an unparalleled opportunity for organizations to establish unique online identities that resonate with their missions, communities, and industries. Yet, the reality is that the cost of applying for and operating a new gTLD can be prohibitive. This is where ICANN’s New gTLD Applicant Support Program (ASP) steps in—an initiative that aims to level the playing field by offering crucial financial and non-financial support to deserving applicants who might otherwise be unable to participate.
Let’s explore the details of this program: what it entails, who qualifies, the kinds of support available, and, importantly, how Dotup's Newgtldprogram.com can be your strategic partner in navigating this process.
What is the New gTLD Applicant Support Program?
The New gTLD Applicant Support Program is an essential component of ICANN’s strategy to diversify the internet’s ecosystem. More than just a financial aid package, the ASP embodies ICANN's mission to foster competition, spur innovation, and bring new voices into the DNS space. It's about ensuring that the power to create and manage gTLDs isn't confined to large, well-resourced organizations but extends to nonprofits, indigenous communities, social enterprises, and small businesses from less-developed regions.
ICANN's core vision for this initiative reflects a commitment to inclusivity—encouraging entities that might otherwise sit on the sidelines to step into the digital forefront and establish new, meaningful TLDs.
Who Can Apply?
The eligibility criteria for the ASP are thoughtfully structured to target organizations that demonstrate genuine financial need and align with the program's broader mission of promoting public good. Here’s a breakdown of who can apply:
1. Nonprofit or Charitable Organizations: Registered nonprofits, charities, or similar entities that possess relevant documentation proving their status. This could include a certificate of incorporation or an equivalent document.
2. Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs): Entities that participate as observers in the United Nations General Assembly or are a specialized agency of the UN.
3. Indigenous/Tribal Organizations: Groups that are formally recognized by national or international bodies supporting indigenous rights, or those with letters of support from their respective communities.
4. Micro- or Small-Sized Businesses:
- Social Impact or Public Benefit: These businesses are driven by missions focused on societal or environmental benefits and are recognized as public benefit corporations or similar entities.
- Operating in Less-Developed Economies: Organizations based in countries identified in the latest UN reports as having less-developed economies qualify as well.
What Makes the ASP So Valuable?
Applying for a gTLD is a complex and costly endeavor. ICANN's ASP is designed to mitigate these barriers by offering substantial support. Here’s what qualifying applicants can expect:
Financial Benefits:
- 75-85% Fee Reduction: This is a significant reduction on the base evaluation fee, which typically stands at around $185,000. For successful applicants, this means potential savings exceeding $138,000.
- Bid Credits: Should contention arise between applications for similar TLDs, ASP-supported applicants may receive credits during resolution processes.
- Reduced Registry Fees: After winning approval, ASP beneficiaries will enjoy lower ongoing fees associated with maintaining their registry.
Non-Financial Support:
- Training Programs and Guidance: Comprehensive resources and workshops on everything from drafting an application to understanding the technical and operational aspects of running a registry.
- Applicant Counselors: Dedicated advisors who provide tailored support, answering questions and guiding applicants through the intricacies of the process.
- Pro Bono Services: Access to a network of volunteer service providers who can offer expert advice, including legal and technical consulting.
Navigating the Application Process: What to Expect
If you’re considering applying, it's important to be prepared. The application window opens on November 19, 2024, and runs until November 19, 2025. The process can be broken down into several key phases:
1. Initial Registration and Account Setup:
- Applicants must create or log into their ICANN account and register their organization in the ASP Application System.
2. Documentation and Proofs:
- You will need to provide comprehensive documents, such as certificates proving nonprofit status, incorporation documents, and evidence of good standing.
- Prepare financial statements and a narrative statement detailing why your entity requires support.
3. Evaluation Phases:
- Phase 1: General business due diligence, legal compliance, and background checks to confirm the applicant's eligibility.
- Phase 2: A review by the Support Applicant Review Panel, assessing public responsibility, financial need, and viability.
4. Notification and Deposit:
- Approved applicants will be required to submit a $2,500 deposit to confirm their spot.
Why Early Applications Matter
ICANN plans to support between 40 and 45 applicants with current budget allocations. Early applicants stand a better chance of securing a place, accessing support, and benefiting from the non-financial assistance well before the 2026 gTLD application round opens.
How Dotup's Newgtldprogram.com Can Help
At Dotup's Newgtldprogram.com, we understand that navigating the ASP and the subsequent gTLD application process can be overwhelming. Our expertise lies in simplifying this journey for you, offering services like:
- Strategic Consultation: Tailoring your approach to highlight strengths and align with ASP criteria.
- Documentation Review: Ensuring that all your papers meet ICANN’s standards and are submission-ready.
- Financial Analysis Assistance: Helping demonstrate financial need effectively.
- Training and Workshops: Preparing your team with the know-how required for both ASP and gTLD application phases.
Partnering with Dotup's Newgtldprogram.com means leveraging our extensive experience and deep domain knowledge to maximize your chances of a successful application. Let us be your guide in turning the vision of a unique digital identity into reality.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your journey to success in the 2026 ICANN New gTLD Round.
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