Kyoto World Water Grand Prize 2027 for Grassroots Water Projects
Program: Kyoto World Water Grand Prize 2027
Host Organization: Japan Water Forum
Category: International award
Award Ceremony Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Application Period: March 31, 2026 – June 12, 2026
Prize Amount: 2,000,000 JPY
The Kyoto World Water Grand Prize 2027 is an international award for grassroots organizations working to solve water-related challenges in developing countries. The Japan Water Forum is accepting applications for the 2027 edition, and the award will be presented during the 11th World Water Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Program Overview
The prize was established in 2003 to recognize grassroots organizations addressing water issues in developing countries. The source explains that the award aims not only to honor local actors, but also to communicate the wider importance of grassroots action in solving water-related challenges.
The page also notes that the prize is guided by the idea that activities respecting the social and cultural characteristics of local communities contribute to sustainable development. It adds that previous awardees have used the support to expand and strengthen their work and to launch new initiatives.
What the Award Includes
✓ Prize money of 2,000,000 JPY
✓ Approximate value of USD 13,000, subject to exchange rate
✓ Support intended for the continuation and enhancement of the awarded activities
✓ Invitation for one representative of the winning organization to attend the award ceremony and deliver an acceptance speech
The source also states that the winning organization must submit a report on the activities carried out using the prize money within one year of receiving the award.
Eligibility Criteria
• Applicants must be non-profit, non-governmental, and locally led organizations based in a developing country
• Organizations must carry out activities that are non-sectarian in nature and conducted independently
• Initiatives must demonstrate clear local ownership and must not be primarily financed or controlled by external entities from developing countries
Application Process
Applications are accepted in English. The page instructs applicants to read the Application Guidelines carefully before starting the process. It also states that submissions must be completed through the online application form.
If applicants experience technical difficulties with the online form due to network issues, the source directs them to contact the Secretariat.
Review and Selection Process
• Eligible projects must have been implemented during the past five years, from 2020 to 2024
• Follow-up activities may extend through 2025
• Applications will be reviewed by the Kyoto World Water Grand Prize 2027 Selection Committee
• The committee will select one Grand Prize winner
Award Ceremony
The award will be presented at the Opening or Closing Ceremony of the 11th World Water Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in March 2027. The page also states that the World Water Forum will be held from March 21 to 25, 2027.
Deadline
The application period runs from March 31, 2026 to June 12, 2026, Friday, at 11:59 p.m. JST. The page clearly notes that applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.
