Online Application form | Publicizing Your Event | Reporting Forms

Questions and Answers         Can my organization apply for a speaker? Is there a cost? How many speakers may I apply for? How do I request a speaker? What are my organization's responsibilities? What are the program restrictions? Can my organization videotape the speaker for further viewing? What happens if my organizations fails to follow the Speakers Bureau conditions? How do I contact the Maryland Humanities Council?

Can my organization apply for a speaker?
Any nonprofit organization in Maryland that has the potential to attract an audience of at least 25 is eligible to apply. Programs may be hosted by nonprofit groups such as libraries, museums, middle and high schools (grades 6 through 12), local governments, public radio and television stations, historical organizations, civic groups, senior citizens centers, churches and synagogues, correctional institutions, and ad hoc committees. Colleges and universities may co-sponsor a Speakers Bureau presentation, but the applicant organization must be a community-based organization.

Is there a cost?
The Maryland Humanities Council offers speakers free of charge to nonprofit organizations in Maryland. The speaker's fee and travel expenses are paid by the Maryland Humanities Council. However, the Council does require that applicants provide an estimate of the value of the time, services, and materials they will expend in hosting a presentation. All programs are booked on a first-come, first-served basis.

How many speakers may I apply for?
Because of limited resources, each nonprofit organization can request only one free speaker per fiscal year (November 1 through October 31). County library systems may request a maximum of two speakers, provided that the presentations are given at different branches or sites.

How do I request a speaker?

• Organizations should complete our easy online application form at least eight (8) weeks prior to the presentation date.
• The Council will contact the speaker and check his/her availability.
• When the details are agreed upon, the Council will send a letter of confirmation to the coordinator and to the speaker. It can take up to 2 weeks to receive confirmation.

What are my organization's responsibilities?
The sponsoring organization must:

• Make the program free and open to the public without any limitation or restriction.
• Arrange for program space and provide equipment needed by the speaker.
• Assure that the facility where the program is held is handicapped accessible and inform the public that sign language interpretation is available upon advance request in any program advertisement (The Maryland Humanities Council will provide an interpreter with a two-week advance request.)
• Contact the speaker several weeks before the scheduled presentation to provide travel directions and discuss other details.
• Publicize the program broadly to the general public in addition to your organization's constituency.
• Attract an audience of at least 25. Because speakers often travel long distances to give a presentation, the Maryland Humanities Council expects applicants to provide an audience of no fewer than 25 people. Organizations experienced in public programming often bring together 50 people or more. Applicants inexperienced in hosting lectures for adult audiences or located in sparsely populated areas may provide a smaller audience, but they should make every attempt to convene at least 25 people. Applicants are encouraged to co-sponsor the event with another organization to attract greater public attendance.
• Display the Maryland Humanities Council banner (provided by the Council) at the presentation; acknowledge support of the Maryland Humanities Council at the program and in all publicity; and distribute any materials provided by the Council.
• Allow the speaker at least 45-50 minutes to deliver his/her presentation and 10-15 minutes for questions and answers.
• Submit a short "cost-share" report which reports volunteer time and expenses incurred in carrying out the program.
• Submit a short evaluation of the program.

What are the program restrictions?
The sponsoring organization cannot:

• Charge admission to Speakers Bureau presentations.
• Use the speakers as advocates for a cause promoting an organization's agenda.
• Request speakers for:
  • Fundraising events;
  • Business meetings;
  • Events limited to an organization's membership;
  • Awards ceremonies;
  • Religious services.
• Exclude any person from attending or participating on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, disability, sex, sexual orientation, or age as prescribed in Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1973, and regulations issued pursuant thereto by the National Endowment for the Humanities as well as laws and regulations of the state of Maryland.
• Be debarred or suspended or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in federal assistance programs in violation of regulations implementing Executive Order 12546, "Debarment and Suspension."

Can my organization videotape the speaker for further viewing?
Prior consent from the speaker is required for video or audio taping a program.

What happens if my organization fails to follow the Speakers Bureau program conditions?
Non-compliance with these conditions may adversely affect future applications for speakers.

How do I contact the Maryland Humanities Council?
Requests for speakers are submitted through the easy online application form. If you have questions, you may call the Council at 410-685-0095, send an e-mail message to , fax an inquiry to 410-685-0795, or write to us at 108 West Centre Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21201-4565.