GREEN BAY, WI, February 9, 2026 — NeighborWorks Green Bay, Basic Needs Giving
Partnership, and The Canary Fund together have been selected as one of only 25
Community Hosts in the U. S. for the 2026-2029 Weaver Awards, a national initiative of
Weave: The Social Fabric Project at the Aspen Institute.
The Weaver Awards are part of a constellation of activities designed to celebrate and
support “weavers”—those everyday neighbors who are building relationships,
strengthening belonging, and weaving trust into the social fabric of their communities.
As collaborative Community Hosts, the three Northeast Wisconsin organizations will work
together to build a regional culture of social connection and belonging by:
• Identifying local weavers and sharing their stories with the community.
• Launching a local Weaver Awards program, distributing 20+ microgrants each year for
four years to individuals and small nonprofits.
• Convening gatherings that bring people together and help them learn the skills of
weaving.
• Joining a national network of local leaders rebuilding trust in communities across the
U.S.
“This is a remarkable and timely opportunity and we are thrilled to have been chosen,” said
Julie Filapek, Neighborhood Partners Program Manager for NeighborWorks Green Bay.
“The partnership will shine a light on the quiet leaders in our local communities and
support the work they’re already doing to build trust, connection, and belonging.”
Frederick J. Riley, Executive Director of Weave: The Social Fabric Project at the Aspen
Institute described the program’s heightened importance.
“While loneliness, isolation, and division seem to define our national story, the
selected Community Hosts show us another truth—that trust grows when neighbors
show up for one another, build relationships, and work together,” said Riley. “Each
organization is already deeply woven into the life of its community, and by going even
deeper, they’re proving that a culture of belonging isn’t just possible, it’s already
taking hold, block by block.”
As a Community Host, together the three local organizations receive $225,000 in startup
funding, along with training, tools, technical assistance, and ongoing support from Weave.
The partnership represents a four-year community commitment, signaling Weave’s belief
in the strength, creativity, and leadership already alive in Northeast Wisconsin.
“As we continue to advance equity and economic well-being for everyone in Northeast
Wisconsin, this exciting partnership will help deepen relationships, support shared
learning across the region, and foster a culture of belonging in our communities,” said
Stephanie Gyldenvand, Director of Grantmaking, Basic Needs Giving Partnership.
“We actively support change at the local level,” said Pete Angilello, Board President, The
Canary Fund. “The Weave program aligns with our longstanding commitment to recognize
the activists, visionaries, and changemakers working to create a more compassionate,
just, and sustainable Northeast Wisconsin.”
The first cycle of Weaver Awards in Northeast Wisconsin launches in fall 2026. Details on
how local residents can apply or nominate someone for a Weaver Award will be
announced by early summer.
About Weave
Weave: The Social Fabric Project is an initiative of the Aspen Institute dedicated to
strengthening trust, connection, and belonging in communities across the United States.
Weave supports everyday weavers—neighbors who show up for others, bridge divides, and
build community. Through storytelling, online learning, community-building programs, and
the Weaver Awards, Weave works to repair America’s social fabric from the ground up and
lift up the people who are already leading this work in their neighborhoods. Learn more at
https://weavers.org/.
About NeighborWorks Green Bay
NeighborWorks Green Bay’s mission is to solve housing challenges and build stronger
communities. As a certified housing counseling agency, we have since 1982 helped more
than 4,000 families achieve their dream of home ownership, and provide affordable rental
housing to more than 250 households of modest means. We believe in the power of
community members, working together, to create positive change where they live, and
support the development of neighborhood organizations and other grassroots groups
working to achieve their community visions. Learn more about us at
https://nwgreenbay.org/.
About Basic Needs Giving Partnership
The Basic Needs Giving Partnership envisions thriving, equitable communities across
Northeast Wisconsin. Through grantmaking and convening, we invest in local and regional
solutions that address the root causes of poverty in alignment with our shared values of
trust and collaboration, curiosity and learning, and equity with a systems-based approach.
For more information about the Basic Needs Giving Partnership, please visit our website,
bngpwi.org.
About The Canary Fund
The Canary Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides seed grants throughout
12 Northeast Wisconsin counties to individuals and groups working to make communities
more just, compassionate, and sustainable. The organization has distributed over
$220,000 to more than 100 individuals since it began in 2019 to honor the life and lifelong
generosity of entrepreneur and community activist, Jim Rivett of Green Bay (1958-2018).
More information can be found at thecanaryfund.org.