Weavers see the big picture. Weavers are servants. Weavers unite communities.

Weavers are leaders.

The new Weaver Awards from the Lancaster County Community Foundation (LCCF) promote, advocate for and celebrate weaving - not the textile, yarns or thread type, but the social fabric kind.

"A weaver is someone who sees a need and invites their neighbors to pitch in and find a solution," said Val Schade, LCCF's communications manager. "They understand that a healthy community strengthens all of us and creates opportunities to build strong, lasting relationships in everyday places. A weaver may lead a monthly river cleanup, or have started a board game club for seniors, or host a book club or lead a group of stay-at-home parents. There are so many ways you can build lasting relationships and weave our community together."

Through a national Weaver Awards program, LCCF is distributing 20 awards of $2,500 - a total of $50,000 - to people or small organizations that foster connections in Lancaster County. Individuals or nonprofits can apply for or nominate others for the awards at http://www.weavelancastercounty.org through Friday, July 24.

Applicants must be 18 or older, serve or reside in Lancaster County, have a project that fosters relationships and be welcoming to any neighbor seeking to participate in the initiative. Organizations that apply must have an annual budget below $250,000. All completed applications will be reviewed by Lancaster County Weaver Awards team members and community members.

Successful recipients of the awards will be notified in September, and winners will be recognized at a public celebration on Thursday, Oct. 1.

"We know that no matter the size of their platform or influence, weavers are the ones seeing needs and inviting their neighbors to pitch in and find a solution," said Tracy Cutler, LCCF's executive vice president. "They're the ones creating opportunities to build strong, lasting relationships in their own backyards, on their blocks, at the park or in the coffee shop. They're doing things like creating gardens, managing regular creek cleanups, organizing walking groups or hosting clubs at libraries. Weavers understand that a healthy community strengthens all of us."

"We know there are countless folks in Lancaster County who are weaving their community together, so we hope to see many nominations come in," said Schade.

"The Lancaster County community is incredibly varied," said Schade. "There are so many types of people from so many different backgrounds who are interested in so many different things. But one thing we all have in common is our love and care for each other and this place. The community is uniquely committed to making Lancaster County strong, vibrant and resilient."

Established in 1924, LCCF, which is located at 24 W. King St., Suite 201, Lancaster, has been responsibly stewarding the community's endowment for more than a century. Currently, the foundation manages nearly $269 million in funds that support Lancaster County.

"The community foundation works with people throughout Lancaster County to care for what we all have in common - Lancaster County," said Schade. "The Weaver Awards is a unique opportunity to bring a national movement to our community that celebrates and elevates people who are building connection and trust with their neighbors and co-workers.

"We create impact by working with donors and volunteers to grant money to local organizations and students," concluded Schade. "We inspire giving by helping individuals, families and organizations support causes they care about. We ignite action by bringing people with different experiences, perspectives and ideas together to care for what we all have in common. We look forward with optimism by simultaneously meeting today's needs and shaping our shared tomorrow."

For additional information, go to http://www.lancfound.org.