Please contact the Idaho Humanities Council staff for assistance or more information about any step in the application procedure.

• Select the speaker and topic at least seven weeks before your program date. Contact the speaker directly to set up the date for the presentation. These speakers have busy schedules, so it is advisable to have some alternate dates to propose.
  
  Tell the speaker what kind of audience to expect and how much time is allowed for the program. Please allow at least one hour for the presentation and discussion. Every program should include time for audience discussion.
  
  
• Apply online or sign and mail the application form to IHC AT LEAST six weeks before your program date. Use a separate application form for each presentation. IHC reserves the right to deny a speaker if the application is not received in a timely fashion. If you are close to the six weeks deadline and have not received approval notification from IHC, please call the office to verify receipt of the application. IHC cannot approve a speaker by phone if it is less than six weeks before the presentation date.
  
  
• Pay online or enclose a check made payable to the Idaho Humanities Council to cover the Speakers Bureau fee. The fee is $50.00 per presentation (not application). Please contact the IHC staff if you have questions.
  
  
• Allow two-three weeks for processing of the application. IHC will notify the sponsor and the speaker by sending an approval packet with forms and other information.The sponsoring group is responsible for the program planning, publicity, meeting space, and providing an audience of at least 20 as well as acknowledging IHC support verbally in introductions and in all printed publicity (logos provided) or risk approval of future bookings.
  
  Please market the program sufficiently to assure an audience of at least 20 people. This is the minimum needed to assure the program is cost effective for IHC and worthwhile for the speaker. Call IHC for help with marketing ideas and strategies.
  
  Sponsors must keep accurate records of donated time and services. Estimate your cost share on the application form. This may be the estimated value of donated time, space, materials, and services. A form and instructions will be provided in your notification packet for you to document the cost share match.
  
  IHC will pay the speaker's honorarium and travel expenses directly. IHC reimburses the speaker for travel, lodging and meals in accordance with IHC travel policies. If your event requires the speaker to seek accommodations and meals above the IHC rate, you may be asked to provide the cash difference. This amount would be included on the cost share form of donated services to IHC after the presentation.

What Happens Next

• When you receive the approval packet, confirm your arrangements with the speaker. Be sure to specify date, time, and location and clarify equipment needs and any other special requirements, such as meals or accommodations.
  
  
• Publicize the event to secure the largest possible audience. We encourage you to invite the general public; programs must be free and open to the public. (A minimal fee may be charged, but no one should be excluded for inability to pay the fee. Please notify IHC if you plan to charge a fee.) All press releases, posters, and printed materials must acknowledge IHC support. The packet will include an IHC logo sheet and publicity statement information.
  
  
• One week before your program, call the speaker to confirm all arrangements.
  
  
• In introducing your speaker, you must acknowledge that this event is made possible by the generous support of the Idaho Humanities Council, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and any other funding organizations.
  
  
• Return the evaluation form, cost-share form, and any other required forms that you received in your notification packet. You should complete the forms shortly after the program while it is still fresh in your mind.