Changes

==Background==

==Background==

During the [[New gTLD Program]], string contentions that could not otherwise be resolved were often awarded based on [[Auctions of Last Resort|auctions of last resort]]. At the preference of the involved applicants, auctions were coordinated by ICANN or by a third party. In the event that these auctions were coordinated by ICANN, the proceeds of these auctions were placed in a fund under ICANN's control. Minus costs, ICANN-administered auctions from the new gTLD round have generated over $230,000,000.00.<ref>[https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/applicants/auctions/proceeds ICANN.org - New gTLD Program: Auctions & Auction Proceeds], as of August 2016</ref> In 2015, when the net proceeds amount was closer to $60,000,000, the ICANN board and org had noted that there was "broad and substantial interest" in the use of proceeds.<ref>[https://community.icann.org/display/gnsocouncilmeetings/Pre-CWG+Workshop+on+new+gTLD+Auction+Proceeds?preview=/53773817/54003920/Auctions_Pre-CCWG.pdf GNSO Council Meeting Presentation - Pre-CWG Workshop on Auction Proceeds], June 24, 2015</ref>

During the [[New gTLD Program]], string contentions that could not otherwise be resolved were often awarded based on [[Auctions of Last Resort|auctions of last resort]]. At the preference of the involved applicants, auctions were coordinated by ICANN or by a third party. In the event that these auctions were coordinated by ICANN, the proceeds of these auctions were placed in a fund under ICANN's control. Minus costs, ICANN-administered auctions from the new gTLD round have generated over $230,000,000.00.<ref>[https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/applicants/auctions/proceeds ICANN.org - New gTLD Program: Auctions & Auction Proceeds], as of August 2016</ref> In September 2020, ICANN's financial advisors reported that the auction proceeds account contained roughly $211,000,000.00.<ref>[https://www.icann.org/resources/board-material/minutes-bfc-2020-09-23-en ICANN.org - Board Finance Committee Meeting Minutes], September 23, 2020</ref> In 2015, when the net proceeds amount was closer to $60,000,000, the ICANN board and org had noted that there was "broad and substantial interest" in the use of proceeds.<ref>[https://community.icann.org/display/gnsocouncilmeetings/Pre-CWG+Workshop+on+new+gTLD+Auction+Proceeds?preview=/53773817/54003920/Auctions_Pre-CCWG.pdf GNSO Council Meeting Presentation - Pre-CWG Workshop on Auction Proceeds], June 24, 2015</ref>

The [[Applicant Guidebook]] set some parameters for the use of proceeds:

The [[Applicant Guidebook]] set some parameters for the use of proceeds: