From: The ICANN GNSO Council

To: The ICANN Board

Dear Tripti,

We write in response to your letter asking for input on new gTLD Applicant Support Program (ASP) use of $5M in Auction proceeds.  

It is our understanding that the ICANN Board and Org. seek a workaround to provide adequate funding to kick off the Applicant Support Program prior to the commencement of the next round of New gTLD application round. 

The GNSO Council support this intervention as we believe it is not in variance with advise previously provided the board through the Applicant Support Program GGP process, and we also believe this would enhance the success of the ASP such that a repeat of the challenges identified with the previous round would be avoided. 

It is our understanding also that by this action, meaningful support would be provided for up to 45 new gTLD applicants or an anticipated full support for at least half that number of applicants. 

The GNSO Council will continue to evaluate progress made with the ASP and provide feedback deemed necessary. 

DiBiase, Gregory 

GNSO Council Chair