WRI Ross Center Prize for Cities 2027
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Quick Answer
A global award for proven urban projects: US$250,000 (about ₹2.38 crore) for the Grand Prize winner and US$25,000 for each of four finalists. Apply by 13 January 2027.
- Funding amount
- Varies
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- World Resources Institute
- Application deadline
- 68d — 14 Jan 2027
- Location
- International
About this competition
The WRI Ross Center Prize for Cities 2027 is a global award for urban transformation, run by the WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities, part of the World Resources Institute (WRI) in Washington, DC. One Grand Prize winner receives US$250,000 (about ₹2.38 crore) and four finalists receive US$25,000 each (about ₹23.75 lakh each). Applications close on 13 January 2027 at 11:59 PM US Eastern Time, which is 10:29 AM IST on 14 January 2027. This is the prize's sixth cycle, and the source says the money goes to organisations, not individuals.
What the program offers
The Grand Prize winner gets US$250,000 (about ₹2.38 crore). Four finalists each receive US$25,000 (about ₹23.75 lakh). The cash must be paid to one or more organisations and not to an individual. Finalist teams give WRI written instructions on how the money is divided if several organisations worked on the project.
The prize also brings recognition worldwide, exposure to international media and a world-class jury, and membership of a network of urban experts and changemakers. According to the information on the listing, WRI pays reasonable travel costs for up to two members of each finalist team to attend the awards celebration. The prize homepage does not repeat this, so confirm it in the terms.
Who can apply
The prize is for projects that are already proven. It invites businesses, NGOs, community groups, local governments and collaborations across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. A project can be a single activity or a linked set of activities in a city that has contributed to inclusive and sustainable urban change. It can be social, technological or institutional innovation, training or awareness-raising, policy or regulatory reform, or work on infrastructure. Projects can be anywhere in the world and must have started after 1 January 2000, according to the listing.
Some projects are excluded. Projects that were already honoured as Prize finalists, that received funding or technical help from WRI, or that include a WRI employee or a person convicted of corruption or similar crimes among the contributors are not eligible. Finalist teams must also not include anyone on the US OFAC SDN list or an entity excluded on SAM.gov.
For an Indian applicant, the prize is open to projects in any country, so an Indian city project, startup, NGO or local government can apply. It suits organisations with real results to show, and does not suit early ideas or individuals without an organisation.
How to apply
Read the 2027-2028 Terms and Conditions on the prize website. Then use the Apply Now link to submit one fully completed application per project before the deadline. You accept the terms, disclose any relationship with WRI, its staff, Board or Jury, list everyone substantially responsible for the project, and name a lead organisation that WRI will deal with. A practical tip: start gathering evidence of impact early, since the judging is about what has already changed for people.
How applications are judged and what happens next
Submissions open on 30 September 2026 and close on 13 January 2027. WRI's evaluation team picks five finalists, judged on three questions: how innovatively the project solves an important urban problem (the big idea), how it has changed people's lives (life-changing impact), and how far its impact has spread beyond its own boundaries (ripple effects). The Prize Jury then chooses the Grand Prize winner from the five finalists by deliberating and voting. Finalists are announced in September 2027 and the awards celebration is in February 2028. WRI may use closed AI tools to summarise submissions and check completeness, but people make all decisions.
About WRI and the Ross Center
WRI is a research organisation headquartered in Washington, DC. The Prize has received more than 1,200 submissions since 2018. The Jury is chaired by Stephen M. Ross, and its members include urban planners, designers, public-health and city leaders from around the world.
Things to check before you apply
- Only organisations can receive the cash, so individuals need to apply through an organisation.
- Finalists may be asked to go through due diligence with WRI.
- The prize homepage does not state whether there is an application fee. Check the terms.
- The finalists announcement is in September 2027, so there is a long wait before results.
- Check the FAQ on the prize website about project types, required information and languages before you write your answers.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Organizers
Prizes & Awards
What You Get
The Grand Prize Winner receives US$250,000 (about ₹2.38 crore) and each of four finalists receives US$25,000 (about ₹23.75 lakh). Finalists are recognised on a global stage, gain exposure to international media and a world-class jury, and join a global network of urban experts and changemakers. WRI pays reasonable travel expenses for up to two members of each finalist team to attend the Awards Celebration and a learning event.
- Cohort size
- 5 startups
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
WRI's evaluation team picks five finalists from eligible applicants based on the big idea, life-changing impact and ripple effects. The Prize Jury then selects the Grand Prize winner from the five through deliberation and a vote, and its decisions are final. Finalists are announced in September 2027 and the awards celebration is in February 2028.
Application Process
- 1
Submit project
Upload a complete submission to the Prize portal by 13 January 2027 (Eastern Time).
You - 2
- 3
- 4
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 2
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the WRI Ross Center Prize for Cities?
Businesses, NGOs, community groups, local governments and collaborations across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors can apply. A group must include at least one organisation. The project must already be proven.
Can Indian startups and NGOs apply for the Prize for Cities?
Yes, the prize is open to projects anywhere in the world, so an Indian company, NGO or city body can apply for work done in India. The cash must be paid to an organisation rather than an individual. Check the terms and FAQ on the prize website for the languages accepted.
How much is the Prize for Cities award?
The Grand Prize winner receives US$250,000 (about ₹2.38 crore). Four finalists each receive US$25,000 (about ₹23.75 lakh).
How is the Prize for Cities money paid?
The cash prize is paid to one or more organisations, not to an individual. Finalists give WRI written instructions on how it is split if several organisations are involved. The source does not say how long payment takes or in which currency.
What is the deadline for the Prize for Cities, and what if it has passed?
Applications close on 13 January 2027 at 11:59 PM US Eastern Time, which is 10:29 AM IST on 14 January 2027. The source does not name a date for the next cycle, so if you miss it, watch the prize website.
Is the WRI Prize for Cities a grant or equity?
It is an award, not an investment. The source describes no equity being taken. The money recognises projects that have already delivered results.
What do I need to submit for the Prize for Cities?
You submit one completed application per project through the online portal. You list everyone substantially responsible for the project, name a lead organisation and disclose any relationships with WRI or the Jury. The full list of questions is in the application and terms, which the prize homepage does not detail.
Do I have to travel to take part in the Prize for Cities?
There is no travel for applying. Finalists are invited to an awards celebration in February 2028, and the listing says WRI pays reasonable travel costs for up to two team members per finalist. Confirm this in the terms.
Is it free to apply for the Prize for Cities?
The prize homepage does not mention an application fee. Check the terms and conditions on the prize website before you submit.
When are the Prize for Cities finalists announced?
Finalists are announced in September 2027, and the awards celebration takes place in February 2028. The Prize Jury picks the Grand Prize winner from the five finalists.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
