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| note          = This article is neutral, and sponsored by [[Neustar]],<br> the technical provider for 358 new gTLD applicants <br>& a leading telecom information provider,<br> learn more about their services [http://www.neustar.biz/ here]

| note          = This article is neutral, and sponsored by [[Neustar]],<br> the technical provider for 358 new gTLD applicants <br>& a leading telecom information provider,<br> learn more about their services [http://www.neustar.biz/ here]

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A '''Community gTLD''' is a regulated type of [[gTLD|generic top level domain name]] (gTLD) made possible through [[ICANN]]'s [[New gTLD Program]]; it is intended for cohesive, community groups that are interested in operating their own TLD [[registry]]. Community gTLDs must represent and receive strong, written support from a clearly defined group of people such as cultural, religious, social groups or industry sectors. The existence of the group must be unquestionable.<ref>[http://www.newgtldsite.com/community-gtlds/ Community gTLDs]</ref> <ref>[http://digitalbrandnews.melbourneitblog.com/new-gtlds-standard-vs-community-based-applications/ New gTLDs – Standard vs. Community-based Applications]</ref> A good example of a community that represents a clearly defined group of people that may be qualified to apply for a community gTLD is the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), as this group is well-established and it can demonstrate that it has a continuous relationship with its members.<ref>[http://www.mindsandmachines.com/2011/07/will-anyone-qualify-as-a-community-tld/ Will Anyone Qualify as a Community TLD?]</ref>  

A '''Community gTLD''' is a regulated type of [[gTLD|generic top level domain name]] (gTLD) made possible through [[ICANN]]'s [[New gTLD Program]]; it is intended for cohesive, community groups that are interested in operating their own TLD [[registry]]. Community gTLDs must represent and receive strong, written support from a clearly defined group of people such as cultural, religious, social groups or industry sectors. The existence of the group must be unquestionable.<ref>[http://www.newgtldsite.com/community-gtlds/ Community gTLDs]</ref> <ref>[http://digitalbrandnews.melbourneitblog.com/new-gtlds-standard-vs-community-based-applications/ New gTLDs – Standard vs. Community-based Applications]</ref> An example of a community TLD used by ICANN, is the .SUGAR TLD. This example was used by ICANN staff to brief them on a proposed registry change request. <ref>[http://archive.icann.org/en/topics/new-gtlds/explantory-memo-community-change-request-21feb11-en.pdf]</ref>  

Community groups are given precedence for TLDs in contention; that is, if there are multiple applicants for a given string, and one of the applicants applies and proves community status, the community group is automatically given precedence to the TLD. Community status is proven through a process known as '''Community Priority Evaluation'''.

Community groups are given precedence for TLDs in contention; that is, if there are multiple applicants for a given string, and one of the applicants applies and proves community status, the community group is automatically given precedence to the TLD. Community status is proven through a process known as '''Community Priority Evaluation'''.