As promised in today's OFB meeting, I went back to the Dec. 13 webinar to check out the response to my question re: use of SFICR funds for new GTLD program. I hope this summary of the discussion clarifies things. I don't think we need to ask for further clarification as Xavier's explanation was very clear. The decision to release $13M from the SFICR for this purpose was made by the board on Oct. 26, 2023 (as shown on the webinar slide deck at 44:21) Draft ICANN FY25 Operating Plan and Budget Community Webinar Dec. 13 -- 17:00 UTC session (52:33) -- 58:00) Question: Marita: I see that some of the funding for the new GTLD rounds is coming from the SFICR fund. Was that always the intention? Since the new GTLD round is meant to be cost neutral, would that money be returned to the SFICR? Response: Xavier The funds in the SFICR come from the surplus over the past few years and was designed to implement community recommendations. As the new GTLD program is a result of a community policy recommendation, it is appropriate to use some of the SFICR fund for that program. So it is consistent with the purpose of the SFICR. Cost of the new GTLD program is meant to be covered by the fees for the program and not more -- meaning that the organization should also not be excessively benefiting from the fees. So the SFICR funding relates to funding necessary for expenses incurred for development and preparation expenses during the period before the application window opens during which the fees will be collected. This is a timing issue and we are advancing the funding for those expenses and the fees will eventually reimburse the organization for those development and preparation costs. It is up to the board to decide where to allocate those funds in the end. There is no entitlement nor obligations to return that money to the SFICR. At the end of the day, it will depend on the needs of the community and organizational work at that time. Marita