Congratulations to the
2026 NWA Weaver Awardees!
Some people weave us together. They are the folks most people know and trust, those we count on to get neighbors together when we need to tackle a shared problem or get something done. They welcome everyone and connect us.
Join us as we celebrate 20 weavers from across Northwest Arkansas.
The Weaver Awards recognize folks who are building social trust by bringing neighbors together to tackle a shared problem where they live. Each Awardee will receive $5,000, for a total of $100,000, to support their grassroots work strengthening relationships and weaving stronger communities across Northwest Arkansas.
The Weaver Awards are part of a national movement to recognize, support, and uplift local trust builders who are weaving a stronger social fabric across the country. The initiative is led nationally by Weave: The Social Fabric Project and locally through Weaving NWA, which is shaped by the voices and needs of the Northwest Arkansas community.
The 2026 NWA Weaver Awardees represent a wide range of neighbors. Some are fostering connection over meals and storytelling, others use art, nature, or shared tradition. While each project looks different, all share the same belief: when folks show up for one another, build relationships, and work to solve shared issues, they strengthen the social fabric of their community. The Awardees serve different communities across Benton and Washington counties.
Are you inspired by local weavers and interested in bringing people together in person to build lasting relationships?
Weave has created a new opportunity for people who want to start regular in-person gatherings, clubs, or community groups in Northwest Arkansas.
Through the Weave Launchpad, selected applicants can receive up to $400 in support to help bring their gathering to life. Support may include materials, venue costs, food, or other approved needs that help create a welcoming space for connection.
Who can apply?
Individuals or groups in Benton or Washington County who are 18 years of age or older may apply.
What are we looking for?
Weave will review applications based on four key qualities of weaving. We are looking for gatherings that are:
Local: Bring together people who share a neighborhood, town, region, or sense of place.
Mutual: Celebrate everyone’s contributions and create opportunities for people to both give and receive.
Welcoming: Invite people to participate as they are and help create a space where people feel included.
Continuous: Build relationships that deepen over time through regular, ongoing engagement.
Whether you are hoping to start a book club, walking group, supper club, creative circle, neighborhood gathering, or something entirely new, the Weave Launchpad is designed to help you build a space where people can connect and belong.
July Events:
July 24th
Coffee & Conversation:
“Realtionship”Skills
Sicaru Coffee
716 W Sycamore St, Fayetteville, AR 72703
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
July 28th
Weave Monthly Gathering: The America We Are Weaving
The BloomHouse
302 Holcomb St.
Springdale, AR
11:00 am – 1:30 pm
Check back soon for updated July Coffee and Conversations! Details are rolling in!
Start your own Coffee & Conversations
Many people in our community feel lonely and disconnected. We can change that. We started the Coffee & Conversations to create spaces across NWA where folks can come together, have conversations, and bond over a coffee or tea. We are now opening it to neighbors and community leaders to host their own and create spaces where trust can be formed and social connection can be renewed. If you are interested in starting one, we’ll provide you with some conversations guides, a structured format to get you started, and some funds to buy the first round of coffee and tea.
Who are the 2026 Awardees and what are their projects?
Join the Weaving NWA newsletter
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter where you’ll get stories of NWA weavers, events, and other opportunities to connect and build community.
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Join the Online NWA Weave Community
The Weave Community is an online home where weavers gather for peer support, learning, and collaboration. They share resources, discuss challenges, offer mentorship, and celebrate successes. Once a member, you can join the Weave NWA Community to connect with other weavers in Benton and Washington counties.