Subject: Update on the Grant Program Implementation
From: Xavier Calvez <[email-masked]>
To: Xavier Calvez <[email-masked]>
Cc: Giovanni Seppia <[email-masked]>
Date: Mon, 17 Jul 2023 09:48:31 -0700

Dear All,

As former members of the Cross-Community Working Group on New gTLD Auction Proceeds (CCWG-AP) I am writing to update you on the progress of ICANN org’s implementation of the CCWG-AP  Final Report and preview upcoming work. 

This implementation work will result in the launch of the ICANN Grant Program at the end of the first quarter of 2024. The program will distribute the 2012 New gTLD Program Auction  Proceeds in line with your recommendations, as adopted  by the ICANN Board in June 2022.

Implementation Progress

The ICANN Board directed ICANN org to develop a preliminary design and implementation plan within 120 days of its review  of the CCWG-AP report. ICANN org met this deadline and provided an update  to the Board in October 2022, followed closely by two public webinars in late 2022. The initial parameters of the Grant Program design, including key components of the first cycle,  were presented during these webinars and can be reviewed here.

Last month, ICANN org delivered another webinar update to the community as part of ICANN77 Prep Week. If you would like to review this meeting and the related materials, you can  do so here.  This update focused on providing the community with additional information on the areas of implementation focus and operational readiness for the anticipated launch of the first application window next year.

The implementation team, led by Giovanni Seppia, VP Implementation Operations, regularly updates the community wikispace on implementation and maintains a living list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) addressing key aspects of the program and the implementation work. In the coming months Giovanni will continue to keep you up to date on the progress.

The Board is following our implementation work closely and has a dedicated Board Caucus for the program. The Board Caucus Chair, Maarten Botterman, will shortly be providing you with a preview of current Board discussions regarding enhancing accountability and transparency in the Grant Program design.

Future CCWG-AP Engagement

As implementation progresses, we are considering to organize an update meeting, with former members of the CCWG-AP, should you be available and willing to participate. This will help to ensure that implementation preserves the intent of the group’s recommendations. The launch of  the ICANN Grant Program next year will be an exciting milestone and is an exceptional opportunity to make a difference in the Internet ecosystem. It is thanks to your time and dedication to the CCWG-AP process that we are moving forward to this goal, and we  look forward to future engagement with you as we approach this program’s launch.

In the interim, if you have any questions related to this work, please do not hesitate to contact Giovanni or me.

Best,

Xavier

 

Xavier Calvez

ICANN

SVP Planning and CFO

12025 Waterfront Drive, Suite 300

Los Angeles, California 90094

USA 

Office phone: +1 310 301 5800

Cell phone: +1 805 312 0052

Skype: Xavier.calvez.icann