CLEVELAND, Ohio, July 2026 — Neighborhood Connections, in partnership with the Aspen Institute’s Weave: The Social Fabric Project, is proud to announce the launch of the 2026 Weaver Awards, a new initiative recognizing the everyday neighbors who are strengthening relationships, building trust, and creating a greater sense of belonging throughout Cleveland and East Cleveland.
“Cleveland and East Cleveland are filled with residents already doing the work of bringing people together, often without recognition or funding. We want to change that by putting resources directly into the hands of the people already making a meaningful impact in their communities,” said Anijah Wright, Network Fellow at Neighborhood Connections.
Honoring Cleveland and East Cleveland Weavers
The Weaver Awards will honor 20 individuals and groups whose work brings people together, bridges divides, and strengthens the social fabric of their communities. Each award recipient will receive up to $3,000 to support their continued community-building efforts. The Weaver Awards seek to celebrate and support these community leaders—known as “weavers”—who help neighbors feel seen, valued, connected, and empowered.
What Is Weaving?
Weaving is the practice of building meaningful relationships that create the conditions for trust, connection, and collaboration to grow.
Weavers help people:
- Discover common ground
- Learn from differences
- Work together toward shared goals and community well-being
Whether through neighborhood gatherings, community projects, mutual support efforts, or informal acts of connection, weaving helps create stronger and more resilient communities.
Why the Weaver Awards Matter
Cleveland and East Cleveland are filled with residents already doing the work of bringing people together. The Weaver Awards recognize these efforts and provide resources to help them grow. The awards align with Neighborhood Connections’ vision of a united Cleveland powered by engaged residents who cultivate civic action and stronger neighborhoods every day.
In addition to funding, award recipients will receive:
- Local and national recognition through Neighborhood Connections and the Aspen Institute
- Professional photography and storytelling support
- Opportunities for media exposure
- Access to local and national networks of fellow weavers
- Invitations to learning, networking, and community-building events
How to Apply for the 2026 Neighbor Up Weaver Awards
Neighborhood Connections encourages residents, community organizations, faith communities, schools, and neighborhood groups to nominate someone making a difference—or apply themselves. If you know someone creating opportunities for neighbors to connect, fostering belonging, or strengthening trust in their community, now is the time to recognize their impact.
Applicants or nominees must:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Live and serve in Cleveland or East Cleveland
- Lead a project or effort that connects neighbors and builds relationships
- Ensure the project is open and accessible to community members
- Address a shared community need
- If affiliated with an organization, work with an organization whose annual budget is under $250,000
- Provide a recommendation from a community member who lives in the area served
Award recipients will be selected by a local advisory group composed of community advocates and leaders who understand the importance of building strong social connections.
Community Advisors include:
- Erika Brown, Network Manager, Training & Special Initiatives
- Dawn Arrington, Neighborhood Network Specialist, City of Shaker Heights
- Joseph Black, Program Director of Neighborhood Leadership Development Program (NLDP) and Community Development Corporation Leadership Program (CDCLP)
- Lindsay Wheeler, Senior Consultant, Engagement & Design, Cleveland Neighborhood Progress
- Lauren Johnson, Executive Director of Friends of Miles Heights, Board Member of Miles Heights Development Corporation
- Ian Heisey, Audience Engagement Coordinator, Ideastream Public Media; Coach, Neighborhood Leadership Development Program (NLDP)
Apply here
For questions regarding the application, please contact Anijah Wright at anijahwright657@gmail.com.
For questions regarding monetary awards and grant disbursements, please contact Dasha Pernell at dpernell@neighborhoodgrants.org.
About Neighborhood Connections
Neighborhood Connections is an innovative, nationally recognized community-building program established by the Cleveland Foundation in 2003 to support resident-led change. Through grantmaking, leadership development, and community engagement, Neighborhood Connections helps residents strengthen neighborhoods and create lasting change across Cleveland.
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