From Longman Business Dictionary
earmarkear·mark /ˈɪəmɑːkˈɪrmɑːrk/ verb [transitiveT] to plan to use something for a particular purpose or to give someone a particular roleearmark somebody/something forOf the money provided, 80% was earmarked for use in metropolitan areas.
earmark somebody/something asHe had been earmarked as a possible successor to Bush.