Selected Weaver awardees will receive:
Grants from $2,500 - $5,000
to support projects that strengthen connection and community.
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Celebrating the People Who Bring Us Together
Applications Open August 17, 2026
Join the Weave Fairfield County Advisory Board
Help Strengthen the Threads That Hold Our Communities Together
Strong communities don't happen by accident.
They are built every day by people who connect neighbors, bridge differences, create belonging, and strengthen the relationships that help communities thrive through challenges and change.
These individuals are what we call Weavers.
The Weaver Awards celebrate the people, groups and organizations whose work strengthens the social fabric and resilience of Fairfield County. To ensure these awards truly reflect community voice and lived experience, we're inviting community members to join the inaugural Weave Advisory Board.
This is more than a review committee.
The Weave Advisory Board is a community-centered group that helps shape, inform, and strengthen the Weaver Awards process. Together, members will help identify, uplift, and celebrate the people whose efforts make our communities more connected, equitable, and resilient.
What You'll Do
- Members are invited to contribute in ways that match their interests and availability.
- Share: Help spread awareness of the Weaver Awards through your networks and communities.
- Spot: Identify and encourage individuals and groups whose contributions may not always be recognized through traditional systems but whose impact is deeply felt.
- Select: Review applications and participate in community-centered discussions that help identify award recipients.
Amplify: Celebrate awardees and help share their stories across Fairfield County.
Who We're Looking For
We're seeking 12–18 individuals who care deeply about community and connection, including:
- Community members
- Grassroots leaders
- Nonprofit professionals
- Educators
- Organizers and advocates
- Neighborhood connectors
- Residents who understand the strengths and challenges facing Fairfield County
We welcome people from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives who are committed to creating stronger, more connected communities.
Guiding Principles
The Weave Advisory Board is guided by five core principles:
- Relationships Before Decisions: connection and trust come first.
- Stories Over Scores: community wisdom and lived experience matter.
- Shared Power: community members help shape the process.
- Accessibility & Inclusion: everyone deserves a voice and a sense of belonging.
Model the Work: the experience of the Advisory Board should reflect the same values we seek to celebrate—connection, trust, and community resilience.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Live, work, or learn in Fairfield County
- Be willing to engage in a collaborative and community-centered process
Commitment
The Weave Advisory Board is a 1-year commitment from July 2026-June 2027.
Estimated total commitment
- July-November: 10–12 hours
- January-June: 4-6 hours
Participation includes:
- Virtual kickoff meeting
- Supporting outreach and nominations
- Independent application review
- Selection discussion
- Opportunity to participate in celebration activities
- Opportunity to participate in Weave Cohort activities
Important Dates
- Advisory Board Recruitment: July 22 – August 17
- Advisory Board Selection Notifications: August 12
- Advisory Board Kickoff Meeting: August 19, 12-12:45pm (virtual)
- Application Review Period: September 21-October 2 (independent)
- Weave Cohort Selection Meeting: October 7, 8:30-10am (virtual)
- Weave Awards Luncheon: November 10, 11:30-1:30pm (in-person)
Become a Steward of Community Connection
If you believe strong relationships create stronger communities, we invite you to join us.
Help identify and celebrate the people who are weaving trust, belonging, and resilience throughout Fairfield County.
🔗 Apply to Join the Weave Advisory Board. Complete this short interest form between July 22-August 17th. Weave Fairfield County Advisory Board Interest Form – Fill out form
WHO ARE WEAVERS?
Weaver Awards support local people creating local change. Weavers can be volunteers, artists, mentors, parents, youth leaders, organizers, teachers, faith leaders, or simply trusted neighbors who care deeply about their communities.
Brings neighbors together.
Creates opportunities for connection across differences.
Creates belonging.
Builds welcoming spaces for all in the community.
Builds trust.
Strengthens relationships & understanding among neighbors
Helps communities grow stronger.
Supports others and creates lasting impact
The Fairfield County Weaver Awards celebrate these Weavers and invests in the relationships that help communities thrive.
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Awardees may also:
Join a growing network of Weavers.
Particpate in community gatherings.
Receive local and national.
Who Can Apply?
- Adults
- Individuals 18+
- Grassroots nonprofits and communtiy groups (budgets under $250,000)
- Fairfield County Based work
Key Dates
- Weaver Advisory Board outreach
July 22 to August 17 - Application Launches: August 17
(Coming Soon!) - Applications Close:
September 17th - Advisory Board Review Period:
September 21 to October 2 - Advisory Board Decision Meeting:
October 7 from 8:30 to 10 am - Weave Kickoff Convening:
November 10th from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm, location TBD
Community Led Selection
- Applications will be reviewed by a local advisory group made up of Fairfield County community members and leaders.
Do you know a Weaver? Maybe it's a neighbor organizing community dinners. A youth mentor. A cultural organizer. A block leader. A person creating spaces where people feel welcome. Or maybe... it's you!
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Join the Celebration!
The United Way Coastal and Western Connecticut will host community conversations, information sessions, networking events and storytelling gatherings. Come meet fellow weavers and learn more about the Weaver Awards.