Summary

Board directs staff to finalize the implementation plan for the launch of the Applicant Support Program in January 2012, approves the fee reduction to $47,000 for Applicant Support candidates, and directs staff to amend the communications campaign to incorporate the Applicant Support Program.

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Whereas, the JAS WG had published its Final Report with recommendations for a program to provide support to applicants requiring financial assistance in applying for and operating new gTLDs.

Whereas, a Board working group was formed during the Dakar ICANN Meeting (24-28 October 2011) to work with staff on an implementation model taking into account the JAS WG Final Report and timely implementation of program.

Whereas, the Board considered and discussed potential implementation models taking into account the current New gTLD Program development stage and timing.

It is hereby Resolved (2011.12.08.01), the Board directs staff to finalize the implementation plan in accordance with the proposed criteria and process for the launch of the Applicant Support Program in January 2012.

Resolved (2011.12.08.02), the Board approves the fee reduction to $47,000 Applicant Support candidates that qualify according to the established criteria.

Resolved (2011.12.08.03), the Board directs staff to amend the communications campaign as needed to incorporate the Applicant Support Program which should include the publication of a brief handbook.

Implementation Actions

  • Finalize the implementation plan. 
    • Responsible entity: ICANN staff 
    • Due date: January 2012
    • Completion date: January 2012
  • Amend the communications campaign to incorporate the Applicant Support Program, including the publication of a brief handbook.  
    • Responsible entity: ICANN staff
    • Due date: None provided 
    • Completion date: January 2012

Rationale

Delaying the evaluation of financial support applications provides additional time to raise funds. It is intended that the determination of financial need is to be made in parallel with the first batch of “regular” new gTLD applications. If the financial assistance awards are not made until the end of the first batch of new gTLD evaluations, fundraising can operate until November 2012.

Delaying also takes the recruitment of the financial assistance evaluation panel off of the critical path. In this new plan, the panel is not required until May 2012.

The $138K fee reduction is meaningful in size and follows JAS and GAC recommendations. It is thought that providing a meaningful level of assistance to a fewer number of applicants is better than providing a small benefit to all those who qualify.

Assistance is limited to the available funding, thereby mitigating risk.

The criteria (demonstrating need and operating in the public benefit) follow JAS recommendations.

Completed new gTLD applications are due at the same time the financial assistance applications are due. This will help ensure only serious participants apply for financial assistance.

Those who do not meet the criteria threshold will be disqualified from the new gTLD process altogether and lose their $47K fee. This will help ensure only bona fide candidates for assistance will apply.

Note: This process does not follow all JAS recommendations. In particular, the JAS recommendations state that the $2MM seed fund should not be used for fee reductions. The JAS intended the $2MM and other funds raised be paid out to needy and worthy applicants to help build out registries.

Other Related Resolutions

Additional Information

Explanatory text does not modify or override Resolutions.  See Board Resolutions Page for more information.

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