The ASP is anticipated to open on 19 November 2024 and will remain open for 12 months. ASP applications are expected to be assessed on an ongoing basis. ICANN org retains the option to modify the ASP application submission period and will communicate the change accordingly.
Important Note: ASP applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early for the following reasons:
- ICANN has budgeted support for up to 40 applicants at an 85% fee reduction. Should demand exceed this amount, the fee reduction can be reduced to 75% to cover up to 45 supported applicants. However, it is important to recognize program resource limitations.
- Since ASP evaluations are expected to be conducted on an ongoing basis, the first applicants to apply and qualify for support will be able to take advantage of the resources available. Those that apply after the available resources have been expended may have to wait until future cycles of the program.
- For example: an ASP applicant that applies and qualifies for support by April 2025 will have a full 12 months to take advantage of the non-financial support prior to the gTLD application submission period.
- In addition, New gTLD Program applicants need time to negotiate with Registry Service Providers (RSPs) in advance of submitting a gTLD application and may want to utilize pro bono (volunteer) services available. Access to additional non-financial support will be most beneficial if the supported applicant has adequate time to utilize those resources
- This also avoids a situation where the results of an applicant's ASP evaluation are pending during the gTLD application submission period. This may cause the applicant to have to pay the full gTLD evaluation fee to meet the deadline while waiting for the results of the ASP evaluation. Should the applicant later qualify for support, ICANN org would refund the applicant's supported portion of the gTLD evaluation fee.
For more information, see Section 3: Applicant Support Program Timeline in the ASP Handbook.