WRI Opened Prize Applications for Urban Sustainability
Businesses and organizations can apply for grant funding for projects that improve city resilience and inclusivity.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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The World Resources Institute has launched the 2027-2028 WRI Ross Center Prize for Cities, offering cash awards to recognize transformative urban projects. The competition is open to businesses, local governments, and NGOs, with applications being accepted through early 2027.
Why it matters
The prize provides capital for organizations working on sustainable and resilient urban infrastructure. By highlighting successful models, the program offers a pathway for businesses to gain visibility and funding for initiatives that address city-wide operational challenges.
The WRI Ross Center Prize for Cities offers $250,000 to the grand prize winner and $25,000 to four finalists. The program has recognized 25 projects out of more than 1,200 submissions during its five previous cycles.
The players
World Resources Institute
A global research organization with over 2,000 staff members that works to transition the world to sustainable economic systems.
WRI Ross Center
An urban research division within the World Resources Institute that employs over 500 experts to focus on sustainable city development.
The details
Interested organizations must submit project applications via the WRI Ross Center Prize portal to be eligible for consideration. An independent jury will evaluate all entries based on their potential to drive sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban change. The competition accepts entries from a broad range of entities, including private businesses, partnerships, and NGOs.
Timeline
Applications for the prize opened on September 30, 2026.
The application period closes on January 13, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Market Landscape
This competition cycle follows the precedent set by the five previous iterations of the WRI Ross Center Prize for Cities. It reinforces a documented trend of global research institutions using grant-based recognition to codify best practices in sustainable urban infrastructure.
Businesses should evaluate whether their ongoing urban projects meet the criteria for sustainability and inclusivity to determine eligibility for grant funding. Organizations planning to apply should calendar the January 13, 2027, submission deadline to ensure timely compliance with portal requirements.
The takeaway
The prize highlights the increasing importance of measurable urban resilience as a competitive advantage for organizations. Interested operators should track this year's winner to identify the specific metrics and project structures that currently align with global sustainability standards.
What happens next
The application window will definitively close on January 13, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Further reading
For more opportunities in the sector, explore the latest developments in Openings & Closings.
More information
To review the full eligibility criteria or submit a project, visit the WRI Ross Center Prize application portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by World Resources Institute.
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