What is a community new gTLD application?

A Community New gTLD Application is a specific type of application submitted to ICANN for a new Top-Level Domain that is intended to be operated primarily for the benefit of a clearly delineated community.

Unlike a generic, open-ended gTLD (like .blog or .shop) or a Brand gTLD (like .google), the community-based application is intrinsically tied to a specific group, and the applicant must make firm, enforceable commitments to operate the TLD in service of that community.

Key Characteristics and Requirements

The essential nature of a community-based application is defined by its commitment to a specific community and its eligibility for Community Priority Evaluation (CPE), which gives it a major advantage if the gTLD string is contested.

1. Operated for the Benefit of the Community: The primary purpose of the gTLD registry must be to serve the community named in the application.
2. Broad Definition of "Community": ICANN interprets "community" broadly. It can include:
   • Geographic: A city or region, such as .nyc or .paris (often also considered a Geographic TLD).
   • Cultural or Linguistic: Such as .thai or .bzh (for the Breton language).
   • Economic/Professional Sector: Such as .aarp (for a specific association) or .cpa (for certified public accountants).
3. Demonstrable Nexus to the String: The gTLD string itself must strongly and specifically relate to the community named in the application (e.g., an application for .cat must demonstrate a nexus to the Catalan linguistic community).
4. Community Endorsement and Support: The applicant must provide written evidence of support from established institutions that represent the community. Strong, multiple letters of support are critical for scoring well in the evaluation.
5. Dedicated Policies: The application must propose dedicated registration and use policies that restrict the registration of second-level domains to members of the named community, commensurate with its purpose. These commitments become binding terms in the Registry Agreement with ICANN (known as Specification 12).

Advantage in Contention

The most significant benefit of a community-based application is the concept of Priority in Contention Resolution.

If two or more applicants apply for the exact same gTLD string (a "contention set"), and one of those applicants successfully passes the rigorous Community Priority Evaluation (CPE) with a high enough score, that applicant is automatically given precedence over all others (Standard, Brand, or Geographic applications) and avoids the costly and time-consuming auction process.