Applicant Support Program (ASP)

The Applicant Support Program (ASP) is an ICANN initiative designed to assist qualified applicants who may not otherwise be able to apply for a new gTLD due to financial constraints or lack of technical expertise.

The program offers:

• Financial Assistance: Reduced application fees ($46,000 instead of $227,000)
• Technical Support: Pro-bono expert assistance with application preparation
• Training: Educational resources and guidance throughout the process

The ASP is designed for:

• Small and medium enterprises with limited resources
• Non-profit organizations serving public interest
• Community-based organizations with limited budgets
• Developing region applicants from emerging economies
• Indigenous communities seeking cultural representation
• Language communities wanting IDN TLDs

Standard application fee: $227,000

ASP-supported application fee: $46,000

Savings: $181,000 (80% reduction)

This substantial fee reduction makes gTLD applications accessible to organizations that would otherwise be unable to participate.

Pro-bono expert support includes:

• Application preparation guidance
• Technical requirements documentation
• Financial capability assessment
• Registry service provider selection assistance
• Model documentation templates
• Application review and feedback

Eligibility criteria include:

• Organizational Type: Must be a non-profit, SME, or community organization
• Financial Need: Demonstrate inability to pay the full application fee
• TLD Type: Priority given to public interest, community, and IDN applications
• Jurisdiction: Must be from an eligible country/region
• No conflicts: No ownership of other gTLDs
• Commitment: Willingness to operate the TLD long-term

Yes, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) may qualify if they:

• Demonstrate genuine financial need
• Meet revenue/asset thresholds (typically under $10M annually)
• Are applying for a community or public interest TLD
• Are from a developing economy or underserved region

Large corporations and well-funded entities are not eligible.

Priority is given to applicants from:

• Developing economies (World Bank classifications)
• Underserved regions
• Countries with low gTLD representation

However, any applicant who demonstrates financial need and meets the criteria may apply. The program aims for global diversity.

Required documentation includes:

• Financial statements for past 2-3 years
• Annual revenue and asset documentation
• Budget projections
• Explanation of why full fee payment is not feasible
• Documentation of funding sources sought

The ASP fee follows the same refund policy as standard applications:

• Before evaluation begins: Partially refundable
• After evaluation begins: Non-refundable
• If withdrawn: No refund

Ensure your application is complete before submission.

Yes, ICANN offers payment plans for both standard and ASP applicants:

• Installment options: Split the fee over multiple payments
• Timeline: Typically 6-12 month payment periods
• Interest: No interest charged

Request a payment plan during application submission.

Expert assignment process:

• ICANN maintains a roster of qualified pro-bono experts
• Applicants are matched based on TLD type and expertise needed
• Geographic and language preferences are considered
• You can request specific expertise (technical, financial, legal)

The expert relationship typically lasts through application submission.

Pro-bono services include:

• Application form completion guidance
• Technical documentation preparation
• Financial model review
• Registry service provider introduction
• Mock application review
• Ongoing consultation and support

Experts do not provide: legal advice, funding, or post-delegation operational support.

ASP Timeline:

• 2025: ASP application window opens (before main gTLD applications)
• Q1 2026: ASP applications reviewed and selections announced
• Q2 2026: Main gTLD application window
• 2026-2028: Evaluation period

Apply early for ASP consideration before submitting your gTLD application.

ASP Application Process:

1. Complete ASP eligibility questionnaire
2. Submit financial documentation
3. Describe your proposed TLD and its public benefit
4. Explain why you need support
5. Submit before the ASP application deadline
6. Wait for notification of acceptance
7. If accepted, proceed with gTLD application

The number varies by round based on available funding. In previous rounds:

• 2012 Round: Approximately 30 applicants received support
• Funding source: ICANN reserves a portion of application fees for ASP

Apply early and submit complete documentation for the best chance of selection.

If not selected for ASP, you can still:

• Submit a standard gTLD application with the full $227,000 fee
• Seek alternative funding sources
• Apply for a payment plan with ICANN
• Partner with other organizations

ASP rejection does not prevent you from applying for a gTLD.