Reach out with immediate questions to: Kristin Hott: khott@planrva.org Community Engagement Coordinator
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 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!
YOU may be one of them.
*** Trigger warning: This video discusses death by suicide.
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
Criterion:
Criteron:
***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.
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.
See Example Page Here.
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.
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:
Weaving is:
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
¡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.
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!
6/5 RVA Weaver Awards Info Session
Join this virtual information session to learn more about the RVA Weaver Awards, timeline and ways to get involved and share!
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.
Press Release, Socials Post Graphics/Reel, Images
Print and cut this page into half-sheet sized info handbills to display or take to a meeting or event.
How to Translate this website
| Name | Kristin Hott - Community Engagement Coordinator |
|---|---|
| Phone | 804-924-9610 |
| khott@planrva.org |
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:
STEP 3: Contact our Weaver Awards Lead with questions or to become part of our sharing network of ambassadors. BY EMAIL or by completing our Contact Us form on that tab.
Have questions or want to learn more about a project, contact us below:
| input@planrva.org | |
| Website | planrva.org |
