The Weaver Awards are back, and applications are open!
This is the fourth year the Aspen Institute and M&T Bank are partnering for Weave: The Social Fabric Project to recognize 20 new individuals and groups in Baltimore City fostering community connection. Each individual or group will receive a $5,000 award, and they can be registered as nonprofits or not.
The Weaver Awards have recognized over 50 Baltimoreans who foster the emotional well-being and promote a sense of belonging in their neighborhoods. In 2023, Monique Bess, of Black Boxx Radio, and Tiny Adams of Leader Breeders were two of the 20 awardees. Bess’ organization focuses on community-centered, positive conversation across Baltimore. Adams’ group uses the power of sports to mentor and support educational and social success among youth.
Any Baltimore City resident 18 years and older can apply, though the awards are not intended for large nonprofits. The Weaver Awards spotlight those whose work results in creating lasting relationships and building trust through the work people are doing together to uplift their community, weaving a tighter social fabric.
“Weavers are showing us the way forward to heal our divisions across race, place, and beliefs as they help us come together as neighbors who care about each other,” said Frederick J. Riley, Executive Director of the Weave Project.
People can recommend themselves or a neighbor for a Weaver Award by clicking this link. Nominations are open until September 30, and applications are intentionally simple. They ask only a few questions about the people involved, the project, the community, and there is no need for a detailed budget. Each applicant must have at least one neighbor recommend them as a trusted community connector.
“Having grown up in Baltimore, I have seen the transformative power of weavers in my community,” said Dan Porterfield, president and CEO of the Aspen Institute. “The Weaver Awards let us honor the neighbors who may not have titles but foster authentic connections and make every person feel seen, heard, and valued.”
“Our commitment at M&T Bank is to support the communities we serve and to empower Baltimore residents to do the same,” said Brian Walter, M&T Bank Regional President for Greater Baltimore. “The Weaver Awards is our way of encouraging vital relationships that can significantly benefit residents and the local workforce.”
A panel of community advocates and past awardees will review the applications and select the 2024 Awardees. Even if an applicant does not win a monetary award, they can still get support for their neighborhood work by joining the Weave Baltimore online community. The community helps people meet other weavers, learn about other grants and fellowships, collaborate with potential partners in work, and access free training on topics like public speaking to grant writing.
“One of the most notable benefits of the Weaver Award has been the opportunity for heightened visibility,” said Crystal Forman of East Baltimore, and a 2023 Weaver Awardee. She used her Award to host community cooking classes that focus on health and wellness. “Through PR coverage on WBAL-TV and online write-ups highlighting our collaboration with the 6th Branch’s farm locations in East Baltimore, we’ve been able to showcase the vital work we’re doing to promote holistic wellness and healthy living within our community.”
People can get more information, join the Weave Baltimore online group, apply for an award, or recommend a neighbor, please click this link.
