ICANN allocates additional funding to support applicants in 2026 domain name expansion
ICANN has approved extra funding to help more organisations apply for new internet domain names, aiming to improve access and competition in the global domain system.
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) approved additional funding on 26 March 2026 to support organisations applying for new domain names in the upcoming 2026 expansion round.
ICANN oversees the system of internet domain names, such as ‘.com” or ‘.org’. Periodically, it allows new domain endings to be created. However, applying for and running a domain can be technically complex and costly, which may limit participation.
To address this, ICANN runs an Applicant Support Program (ASP). This programme helps organisations with limited financial resources, particularly those working in the public interest, to apply for new domain names.
The latest decision allocates up to an additional $4.9 million from funds generated in a previous round of domain auctions. These auctions took place when multiple applicants competed for the same domain name, generating significant revenue that ICANN set aside for future use.
The new funding increases the number of applicants eligible for support. Initially, assistance was planned for up to 45 applicants, but the expanded budget allows support for up to 75 organisations.
The support includes both financial and practical assistance. This can involve discounts on application fees, reduced operational costs, access to expert guidance, and training on how to manage a domain name.
The decision follows community input and reflects broader efforts to make the Domain Name System more accessible globally. By lowering financial and technical barriers, the programme aims to enable greater diversity in the management of internet infrastructure.
The funding applies to the New gTLD Program 2026 round, which is expected to introduce new domain name endings and expand the internet’s addressing system.
