RVA Weaver Awards is sponsored by PlanRVA. Micro-grants to support individuals and small nonprofits making a positive impact in Richmond communities.

RVA Weaver Awards | Engage PlanRVA Know someone who is weaving people together in your community? Let's connect! The US is living through a crisis of connection.

58% of Americans say they are lonely. Violence, hatred, and political gridlock have become normal. Death by suicide rates have risen dramatically, especially among youth.

The opioid epidemic has devastated communities. Weaving people and communities isn't "new" of course, but the practice is vital. This program seeks to amplify and encourage, with funding, the efforts--and impact--weaving is having all across the country.

Learn more about Weave: The Social Fabric Project and explore the Trust Map of nationwide Weavers. Info Sessions! Live & Recorded Kristin Hott - Community Engagement Coordinator Two people looking over a bed of flowers, outdoors.

Text reads: Awards Minimum $2500 Maximum $5000. Star Graphic text reads 20+ Awards annually aria-label="Awards: Minimum $2500 Maximum: $5000. 20+ Awards annually - Enlarge image"> Two people looking over a bed of flowers, outdoors.

Text reads: Awards Minimum $2500 Maximum $5000. Star Graphic text reads 20+ Awards annually Group of people standing in front of baseball stadium, smiling. Text Reads: RVA Application Opens June 1, 2026.

Weave logo at bottom. aria-label="Local Application Opens: June 2026 Stay Tuned! - Enlarge image"> Group of people standing in front of baseball stadium, smiling.

Text Reads: RVA Application Opens June 1, 2026. Weave logo at bottom. Weavers will be selected in October and awarded at a celebration in November 2026.

This is NOT your typical grant program. It is intended to be a "low lift" for applicants, so no grant writing experience is necessary! rvarising.

org Grow. Thrive. Here.

A group of people walking together behind a hand painted banner that reads Weave The People. building community, with sustained, hyper-local Nominate & Apply: June 1 - August 23! Reach out with immediate questions to: Kristin Hott: khott@planrva.

org Community Engagement Coordinator aria-label="RVA Weaver Awards Info Sessions (grid of images with people in community) dates and logos. - Enlarge image"> Reach out with immediate questions to: Kristin Hott: khott@planrva. org Community Engagement Coordinator Watch an On-Demand Info Session!

In communities throughout the country, in ways big and small, people are showing up for each other and building connection and trust. It's likely you already know some of them. They are the people neighbors count on - and many times they go unrecognized.

Weavers have hyper-local impact - making a difference where they live. Weavers value everyone no matter our differences, Weavers make us feel we belong , Weavers act to bring people together to address shared needs; Weavers build on l ocal strengths and expertise, Weavers i nvest time in meaningful connection. Weavers often know their neighborhoods deeply and are known and trusted in return .

They reach out to neighbors who may feel isolated or unseen and understand that lasting change often begins close to home. We know there are MANY weavers across the Richmond region: Ashland, Charles City, Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent, Powhatan, City of Richmond! New!

Weave: The Social Fabric Project at The Aspen Institute has shared some examples of what weaving looks like. See Example Page Here. Meet Aisaha, a Chicago Weaver!

Meet Brandan, a Louisiana Weaver! Meet Tony, a South Carolina Weaver! Meet Sam, an Ohio Weaver!

Meet Agnes, an Oregon Weaver! *** *** Trigger warning: This video discusses death by suicide. What are the Weaver Awards?

The Weaver Awards are all about shining a light on the small, local, and deeply personal ways people are bringing our communities closer together through kindness, mutual support, and a "we’re in this together" spirit. By providing financial support, new connections, and well-deserved public recognition , the Weaver Awards help these local leaders dream even bigger.

It’s our way of proving that real, lasting change starts with the quiet, powerful work of simply looking out for one another. Each year, over the next 4 years, 20+ individuals and small organizations will be selected from across the Richmond region , to receive a financial award or "micro-grant" ($2500 - $5000) to support the work they have already begun.

We'll bring weavers from the Richmond region together to build a like-minded network, with resources from Weave: The Social Fabric Project at The Aspen Institute and regional supporters who are excited about the weavers' work. PlanRVA was selected as one of 25 Community Hosts across the nation.

Applicants and nominators should live, work, or learn in the Richmond Region defined by the PlanRVA footprint of localities: Town of Ashland, Charles City, Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent, and Powhatan Counties, and the City of Richmond Live, work, or learn in the Richmond Region. Project does not support a political party or policy .

Project does not restrict participation based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual preference or identity, political party, or faith. Organization operates in the Richmond Region. A nnual operating budget under $250,000*** Project does not support a political party or policy.

Project does not restrict participation based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual preference or identity, political party, or faith. Does not need to have 501(c)3 non profit status. ***For Organizations (only): To verify your operating budget meets the criterion, please upload your 2025 Form 990 with your application.

If your current budget differs significantly from your 2025 filing, you may include a brief explanatory letter. If you are a new or informal organization with no previous filing status , upload your most recent financial statement. You may also decide that having an individual apply on behalf of your group or informal organization is a better option.

Individuals are not asked to share any personal financial information. What are good examples of weaving? Visit the "Who are Weavers" section above to hear stories from weavers across the nation.

They are all unique, with one thing in common, a dedication to their community and to bringing others together in sustained, open, trust-building ways. **There is no one way or a “right” way to weave. It’s about finding what works to connect and build relationships between your neighbors.

Weave: The Social Fabric Project at The Aspen Institute has shared some examples of what weaving looks like. We're sure you'll recognize these actions, ideas, and ways that folks right here in our region are bringing about positive change and increased connection. What makes a good application?

We encourage folks to review the 6 questions and think about how to share both your story and your impact... how the weaving you've been doing is changing your community. There are 4 main qualities that weaving has, distinguishing it from just gathering with others: Local: It brings together people who share the same neighborhood, town, or region.

Continuous: It builds relationships that deepen over time through ongoing engagement. Welcoming: It invites people to join as they are and doesn't exclude. Mutual: It celebrates everyone’s contributions and creates opportunities for everyone to both give and receive.

It really is OK to choose to record your application responses. Some people feel more comfortable speaking their stories. We don't mean you should produce anything fancy...

it's great to record yourself in a well-lit environment with a quiet background. Written responses won't be viewed more favorably. **Be sure to share examples.

The application questions will guide you. ** See examples of weaving and what distinguishes it from other acts of gathering folks together, here. Can I apply AND nominate someone else?

Why of course! Weavers know other weavers. You can nominate as many folks as you like - just be sure to communicate with them, in case someone else is nominating them, and be sure they are aware of what you'll submit, since it will serve as their recommendation and make their application easier to complete!

¡Sí! Los solicitantes de los Weaver Awards pueden enviar respuestas grabadas en video o por escrito a las preguntas. Nuestro equipo las traducirá para los evaluadores.

Yes! Weaver Awards applicants may submit recorded video or written responses to the questions. Our team will translate them for the evaluators.

Why can't nominators live outside of the Richmond region? This program is designed to be a "homegrown" localized process and program. We know that weavers may be known far and wide, but it's important that nominators know their work deeply, and potentially be involved in the weaving!

It's ok to have help developing the nomination, but the nominator should live, work or learn in the Richmond region: Ashland, the counties of Charles City, Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent, or Powhatan or Richmond City. Does my organization need 501(c)3 non profit status? Not at all!

Weaving is both a formal and informal practice that can be done by neighborhood groups, friends, colleagues - anyone who sees a need to build community and takes steps to begin weaving folks together. It's ok if you do have that federal status, though. You'll be asked to upload a 2025 990 form to verify your budget meets the maximum threshold of $250,000, annually.

Informal groups are encouraged to apply! Ideally, you would have a bank account to deposit the funding, and be able to share the group's financial statement to verify that same threshold. Why the $250K limit on organization budgets?

Weaver Awards are meant for those who don’t have the time, experience, or resources to apply for traditional grants. While we recognize that non-profit organizations with budgets at or over $250,000 still experience real financial challenges to support their work, these awards are designed to have impact at individual and small group/org levels, where the funding could potentially be transformational.

Should your organization need to share why your most recent financial statements show a non-eligible budget amount, which is no longer your current financial status, you will be able to upload an "exceptions" explanatory document to your application, that would shed light on this change. Will we have to submit a follow up report? Not exactly.

2026 Weavers will be invited to a grand celebration in November and to additional networking and support gatherings, where we'll also begin sharing your stories with the region. You inspire us! We don't require any kind of financial update or reporting of how you spent the funding, we'll be able to see it in your weaving!

Yes! We hope this program grows in awareness and joy across the region - and the more applicants and nominations we receive helps us learn more about all of the amazing things folks are doing to weave back together the social fabric that connects us. We aren't yet sure if weavers can be awarded in consecutive years.

As we roll out this program and identify the first cohort of RVA weavers, we'll learn more about how this kind of determination should be made. Be sure to apply this year - and stay tuned! Complete the "CONTACT US" Form to receive meeting link.

We're eager to share more and help folks nominate and apply with full information! Attend to learn more about weaving, weaver practices, eligibility, Year 1 timeline and ways to get involved! OR View the On-Demand option above!

Wednesday, June 17, 2026 8:30 am to 9:00 am 6/17 RVA Weaver Awards Info Session Wednesday, July 01, 2026 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm 7/1 RVA Weaver Awards Info Session Friday, July 17, 2026 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm 7/17 RVA Weaver Award Info Session Wednesday, June 17, 2026 8:30 am to 9:00 am 6/17 RVA Weaver Awards Info Session Wednesday, July 01, 2026 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm 7/1 RVA Weaver Awards Info Session Friday, July 17, 2026 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm 7/17 RVA Weaver Award Info Session June 17th - Join Us for a Join or Die Screening!

What happens when we stop showing up for each other? Join or Die explores the growing crisis of disconnection in America—and how rebuilding relationships, trust and belonging can strengthen our communities. Through powerful storytelling and research, this documentary challenges us to rethink how we engage with one another, participate in civic life and create spaces where people truly feel they belong.

Hosted in partnership with PlanRVA and connected to the broader vision of RVA Rising , this screening invites residents, organizations and community leaders to reflect on how stronger relationships and deeper community connection help shape a more thriving region.

Discover the RVA Weaver Awards As part of this movement, we’re also celebrating the launch of the RVA Weaver Awards —an opportunity to recognize and support the everyday neighbors, organizers and community-builders who are strengthening the social fabric of our region.

Sponsored by Weave: The Social Fabric Project at the Aspen Institute and led locally through PlanRVA as a Community Host, this initiative is part of a four-year effort to find, support, and celebrate the people building trust, nurturing belonging, and bringing communities together across the region.

These “local weavers” are creating meaningful change every day—and mini-grant opportunities will help expand their impact throughout the nine localities PlanRVA serves. Come connect with others, be inspired by stories of community impact and learn how you can help strengthen the social fabric of RVA. Together, we can build a more connected and thriving community.

aria-label="What happens when we stop showing up for each other? Join or Die explores the growing crisis of disconnection in America—and how rebuilding relationships, trust and belonging can strengthen our communities. Through powerful storytelling and research, - Enlarge image"> Handy Resources for Sharing!

Want to spread the word on your socials channels? We recommend following @planrva on Fb , Insta and LinkedIn , then reshare our posts or stories and add a personalized note for your followers. Easy button!

Press Release, Socials Post Graphics/Reel, Images RVA Weaver Awards Half-Sheet (to be cut) Print and cut this page into half-sheet sized info handbills to display or take to a meeting or event. Spanish Handbill (to be cut) Spanish Are YOU a Community Weaver?

Spanish Instagram Carousel 1 How to Translate this website aria-label="Image of the program webpage with animated hand clicking on the Translate button, to reveal a list of language options - Enlarge image"> How to Translate this website Kristin Hott - Community Engagement Coordinator How Can You Get Involved? Thank you for visiting this site and taking the first step!

We are excited about this first year of the RVA Weaver Awards program. As the Community Host, PlanRVA will lead a growing group of Guide String Ambassadors , people from all over the region who want to: nominate or help them apply, and join us in celebrating these neighbors. STEP 1: Click the FOLLOW button at the top of this page.

You'll get updates when we add new content, and reminders about important events. STEP 2: SHARE about the awards, NOMINATE and encourage weavers you know to APPLY! STEP 3: Contact our Weaver Awards Lead with questions or to become part of our sharing network of ambassadors.

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