ICANN Board approves funding changes and review reform measures ahead of 2026 gTLD round
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers Board approved a series of governance, budget, and review changes during its May 2026 meeting, including updates linked to the New gTLD Program and ICANN’s review processes.
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers Board adopted several operational and governance decisions during its regular meeting held in Manchester on 3 May 2026. The measures cover ICANN budgeting, internal review processes, IANA oversight, and support arrangements for the upcoming New gTLD Program: 2026 Round.
One major decision expands the scope of ICANN’s Supplemental Fund for Implementation of Community Recommendations. The fund will now be renamed the “Project Fund” and may support a broader range of projects beyond implementation of community recommendations, including technology upgrades, infrastructure improvements, and security-related work.
The Board also approved updated reserve fund targets. Under the revised investment policy, ICANN’s reserve fund will maintain a target equivalent to 16 months of operating expenses, with a maximum threshold of 21 months.
Several decisions focused on ICANN’s review system. The Board approved a transition bylaw amendment temporarily pausing obligations to initiate certain Specific Reviews while the Review of Reviews Cross Community Group continues discussions on reforming ICANN’s review framework. The pause is designed to address concerns about overlapping review cycles, community workload, and delays in implementing recommendations.
Additional bylaw amendments were approved concerning oversight of the IANA naming functions and the Customer Standing Committee. These changes include extending review cycles and allowing alternate representatives within the committee structure.
The Board also formally adopted ICANN’s FY27 Operating Plan and Budget and the IANA FY27 Operating Plan and Budget. The documents include funding linked to the New gTLD Program: 2026 Round and the ICANN Grant Program.
Another operational decision approved extensions for external professional services contracts supporting the New gTLD Program. ICANN said expanded on-call technical support is needed during the initial application and evaluation period because of expected operational complexity and higher demand.
