2026 Community Host for the Weaver Awards
Wichita, KS – The Neighboring Movement is honored to announce that we have been selected as one of 25 Community Host organizations for the 2026 Weaver Awards, a national initiative of Weave: The Social Fabric Project at the Aspen Institute.
The Weaver Awards are part of a constellation of activities designed to celebrate and support weavers—everyday neighbors who are building relationships, strengthening belonging, and weaving trust into the social fabric of their communities. As a Community Host, we will build a culture of weaving in Kansas by:
Identifying local weavers and sharing their stories with our community
Launching a local Weaver Awards program, distributing 20+ microgrants each year for four years to individuals and small nonprofits
Convening gatherings that bring people together and help them learn the skills of weaving
Joining a national network of local leaders rebuilding trust in communities across the U.S.
“While loneliness, isolation, and division seem to define our national story, these 25 Community Hosts show us another truth — that trust grows when neighbors show up for one another, build relationships, and work together,’ said Frederick J. Riley, Executive Director of Weave: The Social Fabric Project at the Aspen Institute. “Each organization is already deeply woven into the life of its community, and by going even deeper, they’re proving that a culture of belonging isn’t just possible — it’s already taking hold, block by block.”
Each Community Host receives $225,000 in startup funding, along with training, tools, technical assistance, and ongoing support from Weave. This partnership represents a four-year commitment to our community, signaling Weave’s belief in the strength, creativity, and leadership already alive here. The first cycle of Weaver Awards launches in fall 2026.
Why This Matters for Our Community
This program aligns with our decade-long commitment to increase trust, belonging, and connection in communities, neighbor by neighbor, block by block. The Weaver Awards will help us elevate weavers across Kansas whose work deserves greater visibility and support. This partnership will only further help us strengthen local communities, deepen trust, and build a lasting culture of belonging.
We’ll share more information in the months ahead, including details on how local residents can apply or nominate someone for a Weaver Award.
About Weave
Weave: The Social Fabric Project is an initiative of the Aspen Institute dedicated to strengthening trust, connection, and belonging in communities across the United States. Weave supports everyday weavers—neighbors who show up for others, bridge divides, and build community. Through storytelling, online learning, community-building programs, and the Weaver Awards, Weave works to repair America’s social fabric from the ground up and lift up the people who are already leading this work in their neighborhoods. Learn more at weavers.org.
About The Neighboring Movement
The Neighboring Movement is committed to building thriving Kansas communities by discovering, connecting, and mobilizing the strengths and gifts of neighbors to create powerful change right where they live. We envision thriving communities where neighbors recognize and mobilize their collective strengths to create lasting change—bridging divides, strengthening civic engagement, and improving health and well-being for all. Learn more at neighboringmovement.org.