Important: Currently, we are only accepting applications for events taking place between November 1, 2011 and October 31, 2012. In Summer 2012, we will be posting an updated roster with new topics and speakers. Please return at that time to apply for programs scheduled for after October 31, 2012.

ELIGIBILITY: 

Note: At the IHC, our goal is to provide accessible, high-quality programs for the widest possible public audience. The following guidelines are in place to ensure that our support reaches organizations that share this goal and depend on our funding to meet it.

• Private clubs cannot apply. In addition, presentations cannot be held in a private home. All Road Scholars events must be open to the public.  
• No event may have audience restrictions. Suggested audiences, such as a “recommendation for children” for programs aimed at a younger audience, are acceptable, but hard requirements or bans are not allowed.  
• Organizations are permitted to host a maximum of two programs per IHC-fiscal year (November 1 to October 31). The date counted is the event date, not the date you submit your application. For public entities, such as libraries or park districts, a related foundation or organization—e.g. “Friends of the Library”—is not, for these purposes, considered a separate organization, and therefore, will not be allowed to book two additional programs under a related foundation or ‘Friends of’ name.  
• Organizations must make a demonstrable effort to promote this event to communities beyond members/patrons. Proof of such efforts—providing examples/copies of promotion—is required along with the submission of your final report. 
• The IHC aims for accessible events that are completely free. However, we understand that there are rare cases when an organization is required to charge admission. If required, we can allow a small entrance fee, but the fee must be disclosed in your application and will factor in the approval process.  
• The IHC asks that your organization take the necessary steps to accommodate people with special needs.  

 ** Meeting all eligibility requirements does not guarantee that your application will be approved. Violations of the above policies may result in the denial of future programs.

HOW TO APPLY:

 1.    Select a topic and a speaker.

On our website you can view the 2011-2012 IHC Road Scholars Speakers Bureau roster, which includes a list of our current speakers and descriptions of their presentations. Or you can download a PDF version of the roster.  

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

When you have chosen a speaker and a topic, secured a location for your event, and decided upon a few possible event dates, you must contact the speaker directly to confirm their availability. Contact information can be found on speaker bio pages located on our website.

**Important: In addition to this verbal agreement with the speaker, you must submit an application for approval. Your event is not confirmed until you receive official paperwork from the IHC indicating our support.

 3. Submit the application form and fee. 

Download the "Application to Host an IHC Road Scholar" form, fill it out completely, and mail the application and a check for $75.00 per presentation (processing fee) to the following IHC address:

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

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.

**Important: Road Scholars speakers can book no more than 8 programs per fiscal year. However, organizations sometimes fail to submit an application, and in response to this, some speakers will tentatively agree to more than eight programs. Furthermore, programs are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Occasionally, an organization will wait too long to submit their application and a speaker will reach their maximum eight presentations before the application is ever received. To avoid this, we urge you to submit your application as soon as possible after you have agreed upon a date with a speaker.

 4.    Wait for IHC acknowledgement of support.

Please do not begin preparations for your event until you have received official approval from the IHC. We will notify you of our funding decision. If your application has been approved, you will receive an award packet by email. Honorarium and travel costs will be sent directly to the IHC Road Scholars speaker, not through your organization.