Partnership to Support local neighbors and uplift grassroot leaders in the Capital Region

United Way of the Greater Capital Region is honored to announce that it has 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 designed to celebrate and support weavers, who are everyday neighbors building relationships, strengthening belonging, and weaving trust into the social fabric of their communities.  As a Community Host, United Way will strengthen and invest in a culture of weaving in select counties over the next four years. In its first round, United Way will focus on Montgomery & Fulton Counties by:

• Identifying local weavers and sharing their stories
• Launching a local Weaver Awards program, distributing up to 20 microgrants annually for four years to individuals and small nonprofits
• Convening groups and individuals to help them learn the skills of weaving
• Joining a national network of local leaders rebuilding trust in communities across the U.S.

Peter Gannon, President and CEO of United Way of the Greater Capital Region, said, 

"To be selected as one of only 25 Community Hosts for the 2026 Weaver Awards underscores United Way’s impact in our community and the trust placed in our organization to respond appropriately to unmet and urgent needs responsibly and with care. This year’s Weaver Awards will affirm what we already believe at our core, that strong communities are built everyday by neighbors who show up for one another. We look forward to supporting more local individuals and nonprofits through this community partnership.”

Claire Reid, Chief Impact Officer at United Way of the Greater Capital Region, said, 

“We have a powerful opportunity to lift up local weavers, share their stories, and invest directly in the individuals and small organizations strengthening connection and belonging. Weavers are the trusted connectors who organize neighbors to solve local problems, often without resources or recognition. We are thrilled to start providing microgrants, tools, and visibility to help local weavers thrive and to join a national network of leaders committed to repairing the social fabric of communities across the country.”

Weaver Awards in the Capital Region

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 strength, creativity, and leadership already mobilized on the ground in the Capital Region. The first cycle of Weaver Awards launches in 2026.

United Way will share more information in the weeks and months ahead, including how local residents and community-based organizations can apply for a Weaver Award or nominate a local weaver who is making a difference.