- ICANN has announced the first recipients of its Grant Program, allocating approximately $10 million to projects that support its mission of maintaining a secure and stable Internet.
- The funded initiatives cover various regions and focus areas, aiming to enhance Internet infrastructure, capacity, and community engagement worldwide.
What happened: ICANN gives $10 million to first grant recipients
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) announced the recipients of its inaugural Grant Program. Approximately $10 million will be distributed to support projects that align with ICANN’s mission to ensure a secure, stable, and interoperable Internet. The selected initiatives span various regions and focus areas, including technical infrastructure, capacity building, and community engagement.
The grant recipients were selected through ICANN’s internal review process, which considered factors such as feasibility and stated alignment with its organisational goals. The first round includes a mix of organisations with varied project focuses, though how these efforts will translate into measurable outcomes for Internet infrastructure or governance remains to be seen.
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Why it’s important
The launch of ICANN’s Grant Program introduces a new funding mechanism for Internet-related projects. By supporting initiatives that address regional needs or technical development, the programme aims to extend ICANN’s involvement in global Internet governance. However, questions remain about how the funding will be distributed long term and whether it will meaningfully shift power or participation dynamics within the Internet community. The effectiveness of this programme will depend on transparent oversight and measurable outcomes.
