World Resources Institute is a 501(c)(3) organization based in Washington, District of Columbia, registered in 1982, with $267,358,799 in FY2023 revenue. CharityIndex grades it A+, and it directs about 91% of spending to programs.
Revenue (FY2023)
$267.4M
▼ 25.3% vs prior year
International median: $227K
Expenses (FY2023)
$240.8M
Net assets
$584.9M
Employees
948
Measures how much of every dollar spent actually reaches programs, plus what it costs to raise $100 of donations. The worse of the two measures sets the letter (85%+ to programs is an A; under $15 to raise $100 is an A), averaged over the three most recent filings. For World Resources Institute: 91% to programs · $1 to raise $100 earns a A+ on this criterion. See the exact thresholds →
Measures whether the organization is built to last: how many months its reserves would cover expenses (3+ months earns an A-range score, but hoarding 5+ years of budget is capped) and whether it runs a surplus or a deficit. For World Resources Institute: 29 mo reserves · +10% margin earns a A on this criterion. See the exact thresholds →
Checks how the organization is run, from its own Form 990: an independent board majority, a board of five or more, conflict-of-interest, whistleblower and document-retention policies, and independently audited financials. The share of disclosed checks that pass sets the letter. For World Resources Institute: 6 of 6 checks met earns a A+ on this criterion. See the exact thresholds →
Counts five disclosure signals: a recent filing, a mission statement, program descriptions, a listed website, and the full expense breakdown. More disclosure, better letter. For World Resources Institute: 5 of 5 disclosure signals earns a A+ on this criterion. See the exact thresholds →
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To create change that improves people's lives and ensures the natural world can thrive.
Climate, economics, finance, and governance - see schedule oclimate: wri works to advance climate strategies that cut greenhouse gas emissions while creating strong, job-rich, equitable and resilient economies. we develop tools and conduct analysis that measure emissions, set ambitious targets and take bold action. economics: wri conducts analysis and modeling to improve environmental management and advance economic development that is good for people, nature, and climate.finance: wri promotes the shift of global finance and investments away from environmentally destructive activities toward sustainable development. governance: wri aims to build resilient, just and sustainable future by working with the public sector, the private sector, civil society and citizens to address issues that matter most to vulnerable communities.
Wri ross center for sustainable cities - see schedule othe wri ross center for sustainable cities helps turn cities into resilient, inclusive, low-carbon places. through applied research, tools and advice, our international network of experts work on innovative projects that put cities on a sustainable trajectory.
Wri polsky center for the global energy transition: delivers pragmatic, scalable and urgently needed solutions to achieve a clean, abundant, affordable and reliable energy future.energy: wri collaborates with policymakers, cities, companies, utilities, regulators and development institutions to secure a future in which people everywhere have access to affordable, clean and reliable energy. business: wri's center for sustainable business works to change the approach of business to make a positive contribution to human well-being and the environment. our work centers on three main initiatives: the science based targets initiative drives corporate action that aligns with planetary boundaries; we encourage circular economy models to promote alternatives to unchecked consumption; and we support policy engagement to shift business influence on government policy. wri also plays a leadership role in two multi-stakeholder partnerships: pace, which seeks to advance a circular economy, and p4g, which supports sustainable development through public- private partnerships.program description expenses grants revenueenergy $ 14,730,937 $ 4,438,002 $ 0special projects $ 7,438,536 $ 2,565,070 $ 776,130business center $ 3,609,309 $ 878,370 $ 0
Revenue grew from $84.4M (FY2013) to $267.4M (FY2023) across 11 reported years.
Financial snapshot
Operating margin
9.9%
Revenue exceeded expenses in the latest fiscal year.
Total assets
$630.3M
Total liabilities
$45.4M
Net assets
$584.9M
Salaries & benefits
$107.4M
45% of expenses
Board members
26
25 independent
| Fiscal year | Revenue | Expenses | Net assets | Total assets | Form |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $267,358,799▼25.3% | $240,843,544▲13.7% | $584,905,101▲5.5% | $630,309,050▲5.9% | 990 |
| 2022 | $357,780,993▲84.5% | $211,894,739▲15.5% | $554,569,194▲36.0% | $595,261,608▲39.2% | 990 |
| 2021 | $193,968,394▼33.0% | $183,476,237▲20.7% | $407,678,781▲1.2% | $427,715,503▲2.0% | 990 |
| 2020 | $289,669,226▲24.3% | $151,998,641▲13.2% | $402,845,763▲52.7% | $419,325,566▲48.5% | 990 |
| 2019 | $233,076,503▲46.3% | $134,311,980▲11.2% | $263,865,928▲62.5% | $282,384,920▲53.8% | 990 |
| 2018 | $159,318,068▲13.6% | $120,793,841▲16.1% | $162,393,826▲31.8% | $183,559,255▲22.3% | 990 |
| 2017 | $140,234,162▲50.0% | $104,038,407▲10.0% | $123,230,194▲41.7% | $150,139,401▲42.2% | 990 |
| 2016 | $93,460,265▼5.9% | $94,564,842▲5.3% | $86,959,279▼4.2% | $105,616,805▼2.4% | 990 |
| 2015 | $99,339,072▲36.7% | $89,823,844▲15.8% | $90,746,134▲12.0% | $108,201,902▲11.0% | 990 |
| 2014 | $72,688,357▼13.9% | $77,539,897▲17.9% | $81,013,501▼9.3% | $97,500,992▲0.8% | 990 |
| 2013 | $84,401,990 | $65,763,955▲37.0% | $89,308,795▲27.6% | $96,765,491▲19.8% | 990 |
| 2012 | — | $48,011,355▲9.2% | $70,014,264▲8.0% | $80,784,738▲10.6% | 990 |
| 2011 | — | $43,950,960▲8.4% | $64,856,777▲8.3% | $73,015,976▲11.9% | 990 |
| 2010 | — | $40,533,012▲9.1% | $59,901,847▲12.1% | $65,224,571▲12.8% | 990 |
| 2009 | — | $37,145,082 | $53,435,050 | $57,805,357 | 990 |
Original Form 990 PDFs (the Form column) are served by ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, as filed with the IRS. Create a free account to download the CSV report.
Highest-paid: Aniruddha Dasgupta — $622,261 (0.26% of total expenses)
| Name | Title | Hours/week | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aniruddha Dasgupta | President & Ceo | 40 | $622,261 |
| Adriana Lobo - Md Global | Presence & Nat'l Action | 40 | $348,596 |
| Janet Ranganathan | Md, Strategy, Learning, & Results | 40 | $343,407 |
| Craig Hanson | Md, Programs | 40 | $343,356 |
| Elizabeth Cook | Evp, Governance & Development | 40 | $329,770 |
| Wanjira Mathai | Md, Africa & Global P'ships | 40 | $320,035 |
| Alik Hinckson | Cfo | 40 | $287,418 |
| Jocelyn Starzak - Gen Counsel | & Secretary - To 12/2023 | 40 | $285,633 |
| Moazzam Malik | Md, Global Delivery | 40 | $275,469 |
| Daniel Lashof | Director, Us Climate | 40 | $265,510 |
| Pankaj Bhatia | Deputy Dir., Climate Program | 40 | $253,211 |
| Jennifer Layke | Global Director, Energy | 40 | $245,182 |
| Pablo Vieira - Global | Director, Ndc Partnership | 40 | $236,141 |
| Kevin Moss | Chief Administrative Officer | 40 | $234,658 |
| Ian De Cruz | Dir. of P'ships, Innov. & Inv. | 40 | $214,680 |
| Donald Spencer | Sr. Grants & Contracts Dir. | 40 | $185,510 |
| Kylie Jameson - Acting Chief | Hr Officer - To 09/2023 | 40 | $169,178 |
| Afsaneh Beschloss | Director | 1 | — |
| Carlos Lopes | Director | 1 | — |
| Cecilia Martinez | Director - From 02/2024 | 1 | — |
| Contractor | Services | Paid |
|---|---|---|
| Simbiotica (vizzuality) | Consulting | $1,866,209 |
| Ricoh USA Inc | It Support | $1,467,121 |
| Genesis Analytics | Consulting | $1,369,442 |
| Blue Raster LLC | Consulting | $1,112,740 |
| Southbridge Investments | Consulting | $965,198 |
225 grants to World Resources Institute totaling $134.4M, reported by foundations on their Schedule I filings — showing the 15 most recent.
| Grantmaker | Purpose | Year | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gs Donor Advised Philanthropy Fund For Wealth Management Inc | Environment & animal protection | 2024 | $15,091,000 |
| Conservation International Foundation | The landscape restoration in the makuli-nzaui ecosystem, kenya; ppc india - trees for wildlife and villagers; ppc guatemala; ppc malawi; ppc drc-kinshasa - faja lobi reforestation project; systems change lab; gef-8 restoration; ppc high andes | 2024 | $7,362,721 |
| Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors Inc | Social science, environment, science & technology, environment, science & technology, social science, environment, environment, environment, agriculture & food, environment, environment, environment | 2024 | $4,321,172 |
| Windward Fund | Environmental programs | 2024 | $2,296,667 |
| Climateworks Foundation | To support the transition to a sustainable aviation sector ($400,000); to support responsible carbon removal and restore the climate ($300,000); the global transition to clean transportation ($165,000); the transition to a sustainable financial system ($100,000); to protect and support the potential of forested and other landscapes to mitigate climate change ($300,000); for climate-related research and analysis ($275,000) | 2024 | $1,540,000 |
| Climate Imperative Foundation | Environmental protection | 2024 | $950,000 |
| Greater Kansas City Community Foundation | Environment & animals | 2024 | $828,000 |
| Morgan Stanley Global Impact Funding Trust Inc | Unrestricted general support | 2024 | $750,000 |
| New Venture Fund | Environmental programs | 2024 | $573,450 |
| Multiplier | Transmission solutions for a clean energy future | 2024 | $525,000 |
| Breakthrough Energy Foundation | Policy development | 2024 | $455,000 |
| C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group Inc | Support and collaborating with scale partners | 2024 | $400,000 |
| World Wildlife Fund Inc | Conservation | 2024 | $259,999 |
| American Online Giving Foundation Inc | General support | 2024 | $250,749 |
| Sixteen Thirty Fund | Civil rights, social action, advocacy | 2024 | $250,000 |
72 grants totaling $15.0M in FY2023 — showing the 15 largest. All grants made by World Resources Institute →
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| One Tree Planted Inc | Reverse rapid degradation of ecosystems | $2,212,063 |
| University of Maryland | Reverse rapid degradation of ecosystems | $1,878,089 |
| C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group Inc | Promote envir sustainable transport solutions | $1,552,740 |
| Afef Inc | Reverse rapid degradation of ecosystems | $1,402,730 |
| Environmental Investigation Agency | Reverse rapid degradation of ecosystems | $875,285 |
| Michigan State University | Reverse rapid degradation of ecosystems | $540,322 |
| Realize Impact | Reverse rapid degradation of ecosystems | $515,595 |
| Environmental Defense Fund Incorporated | Promote envir sustainable transport solutions | $512,664 |
| Wildlife Conservation Society | Reverse rapid degradation of ecosystems | $359,844 |
| Sdsn Association Inc | Reverse rapid degradation of ecosystems | $292,789 |
| Nature Conservancy | Protect climate from greenhouse gas emissions | $247,611 |
| Bonneville Environmental Foundation | Promote envir sustainable transport solutions | $243,676 |
| The Linux Foundation | Reverse rapid degradation of ecosystems | $236,359 |
| United Nations Development Corporation | Reverse rapid degradation of ecosystems | $229,764 |
| Trustees of Purdue University | Reverse rapid degradation of ecosystems | $214,458 |
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Data for World Resources Institute (EIN 52-1257057) comes from the IRS Business Master File and e-filed Form 990 returns, via CharityIndex. Figures reflect what the organization reported to the IRS for each fiscal year.