How does the speaker receive payment for his/her program?
About one week before your program, you will receive a check from the NHC made out to your organization. Please deposit this check and write a new check to the presenter for the same amount as the NHC check. The presenter(s) must be paid in full at the time of the presentation. If you have not received your check from the NHC at least five days prior to your program date, or have reason to believe it has been lost, contact our office at 402-474-2131 ext. 101 or ext. 103. NHC processes checks on the 15th and the 30th of each month.

Will the old application form be accepted?
Application forms from the 2000-2003 Speakers Bureau catalog or earlier will not be accepted. The incorrect form and processing fee will be returned to the organization with the correct set of forms. Correct forms are located on our website.

What is the timeline for sending in my application to the NHC?
Application forms must be received in the NHC office no more than one year and no less than 30 days before the confirmed program date. It is recommended that the sponsoring organization send the application form as soon as the program date and time are confirmed with the speaker.
 
How much will a speaker's presentation cost my organization?
The cost to the organization depends on the category under which the application is filed. If your organization has a question as to which category you should file under, please contact our office. To view eligibility requirements for each category, click here:

• Category I – Cost is $50 (processing fee). The following speakers have a $75 processing fee: Dale Clark, Darrell Draper, Charlotte Endorf, and Chris Sayre. 
• Category II – Cost is $50 (processing fee). The following speakers have a $75 processing fee: Dale Clark, Darrell Draper, Charlotte Endorf, and Chris Sayre. 
• Category III – Cost is $50 plus 50 percent of the speaker cost determined by the NHC. The following speakers have a $75 processing fee: Dale Clark, Darrell Draper, Charlotte Endorf, and Chris Sayre. 
• Category IV – Cost is $50 for each speaker plus $50 for each program the speaker presents.
• There is a $100 processing fee for an organization's second program in a calendar year.

Can my organization use a Speakers Bureau program for a fundraiser or charge for admission?
No. Speakers Bureau programs cannot be used as fundraisers and must be free and open to the public. However, organizations may charge for food service with prior approval from the NHC.

How do I pay the speaker and what amount should he/she receive?
The speaker should receive the amount determined by the NHC. The project director is notified of this amount on the back of the copied application page that is sent to him/her once the program is approved (usually one to two weeks after the application is received). This check (1) may be deposited by the project director and a new check written directly out to the speaker for the full amount or (2) may be endorsed by the organization and given to the speaker before the presentation.

When should I expect my check to be mailed?
Checks from the NHC are processed and mailed on the 15th and the last day of each month. If either of these falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the check is mailed on the previous Friday.

What should I do if I need to cancel a program?
The project director should notify the NHC office and the speaker immediately. To notify the NHC, call 402-474-2131 ext. 103 or ext. 101. If you are able to reschedule the program with the speaker, please confirm date and time and let the NHC know.

What should I do if the speaker does not show up for a scheduled presentation?
Try to contact the speaker and inform the NHC office by leaving a message at 402-474-2131 ext. 103.
 
What if someone wants to make a general donation to the NHC?
Tell them to send the check, cash or credit card information (Visa and MasterCard only) to the following address:

Nebraska Humanities Council
215 Centennial Mall South, Suite 330
Lincoln NE 68508

Or call 402-474-2131

What if someone wants to make a donation to a specific program (Chautauqua, Speakers Bureau, Lewis and Clark)?
Tell them to include a note with the donation stating which program it is for and send it to the following address:

Nebraska Humanities Council
215 Centennial Mall South, Suite 330
Lincoln, NE 68508

Or call 402-474-2131