The Prairie Landscape

Eligibility & Guidelines: Road Scholars Speakers Bureau

While some organizations may need to charge admission fees at an IHC Road Scholars Speakers Bureau presentation, we prefer that those admission fees be kept accessible.

1. Select a topic and speaker at least six weeks before your program. Our speakers and their presentations are located on the "Bios" page of this site. Secure the program meeting room.

2. Contact the speaker directly to see if he/she is available on your program date.

3. Download the "Application to Host a Speaker" form , fill it out completely, and submit the application and a check for $50.00 per speaker (processing fee) to the IHC address below. Make check payable to "Illinois Humanities Council." IHC must receive your application and check at least six weeks before the scheduled date of your program. (Note: Organizations are limited to two programs per year.)

Illinois Humanities Council, Suite 1400, 17 North State St. Chicago, IL 60602.3296

4. Wait for IHC acknowledgement of support. We will notify you of our funding decision. (Funding is limited. Programs are thus awarded on a first-come-first-served basis.) When funding has been approved, you will receive an Award Packet containing:

a. One copy of your award letter. This serves as a contract between your organization and the IHC.

b. Publicity information. You are required to give the IHC credit for funding the program in all of your publicity material.

c. Final Report. Please complete this form (which includes program evaluation and financial information) and return it to the IHC after your program.

d. Audience Profile Surveys. Please photocopy the audience profile survey in your Award Packet, distribute to your audience, and return with your Final Report.

5. Keep track of your time and expenses. After your project, you will report the amount of volunteer time you and other volunteers spent on the project, as well as any expenses incurred in conjunction with the program on your Final Report (which you will receive in your Award Packet.) This information is essential in helping us articulate need for programs like the IHC Road Scholars Speakers Bureau. Therefore, please begin keeping a written record of the time and these expenses now. The IHC will pay the speaker directly, but your organization is responsible for any other costs incurred. If you have questions on completing this form, please contact the IHC program office.

6. Call your speaker again one week before your program to confirm all details.

7. The IHC asks that your organization take the necessary steps to accommodate people with special needs.

If you have any questions, please call the IHC office at 312.422.5580.