What is weaving?

What is weaving?

Weaving is the practice of building meaningful relationships that set the conditions for social trust to grow in communities.

It begins with a simple commitment: to see one another as equal in dignity, even when experiences and viewpoints differ.

Weaving invites people to:

  • Discover what they have in common

  • Learn how their differences can make the community stronger

  • Work side by side toward common good.

Weaving can be formal or informal, and it is characterized by four qualities:

  • Local: It brings together people who share the same neighborhood, town, or region

  • Mutual: It celebrates everyone’s contributions and creates opportunities for everyone to both give and receive

  • Welcoming: It invites people to join as they are

  • Continuous: It builds relationships that deepen over time through ongoing engagement

Does this sound like someone you know?

nominate them!

Weaver Awards Applications will open June 2

There is no one right way to weave community together.

Weaving is more about how you make people feel than what you’re doing. A Weaver Awards project could look like:

A monthly park clean up that helps neighbors in the area meet each other, and work together to build a stronger sense of place and pride in the place they live.

A rotating community potluck hosted at different local businesses throughout a town, helping residents explore a new space and meet their neighbors.

A free tool library for a neighborhood, helping people get access to quality equipment, or learn a new skill from people who know how to use them.

See more ideas on the Weave Trust Map

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Weaver Awards recognize 20 people from Lancaster County who are leading efforts in their community to address local needs with $2,500 grants.

  • The awards are for individuals and small groups doing a project that brings people together, foster relationships with one another, and addresses a shared need in the community. The Awards are not intended for large organizations, though people who work for an organization can apply as long as their organization has an annual budget under $250,000. To get an award, you have to live and work in Lancaster County and be 18 or older. You don’t have to be part of a nonprofit organization.

    To receive a grant from Weave: The Social Fabric Project, applicants must be able to provide the tax identification number and corresponding physical address of the individual or organization that is applying for the grant.

  • Yes! You can recommend a neighbor or community member. To nominate someone, you must be 18 and older and live in Lancaster County. Once you submit the nomination, the person you are recommending will be notified via email and has to fill out some additional information for their application to be completed.

  • No! Anyone can get the Award. You don’t have to have a formal organization. Weaver Awards are meant for those who don’t have the time, experience, or resources to apply for traditional grants.

  • After you submit your application, your proposal will be reviewed by a panel of Lancaster County Weaver Awards team member and community members. If your idea is selected for a Weaver Award, we will let you know in September 2026 via email!

  • Spread the word by sharing the Awards home page at WeaverLancasterCounty.org! We will have a toolkit of promotional materials available for folks soon.

  • All applicants for a Weaver Award must be at least 18 years old and live and serve in Lancaster County.  Employees, family members of employees, Baldwin Leaders Class of 2027, or Board Members of Lancaster County Community Foundation or Lancaster County Local Journalism Fund are not eligible to receive a Weaver Award.