STEP 1. Deciding on your goals and purpose.
Decide what you want to accomplish with this program and the audience you want to target. 

STEP 2. Determining the appropriate eligibility category.
Decide which category best fits the type of program you are planning, based on the eligibility requirements. For a description of the four categories of programs click here

STEP 3. Choosing a speaker.
Choose a speaker who will elaborate on the theme of your program. For a current index of speakers, program titles and contact information click here

STEP 4. Contacting the speaker.
Contact the speaker to secure the program date before applying to the council for funding. (Apply no more than a year but at least a month before the program date.) Get contact information for day of program from the speaker. Make sure you understand the needs of the speaker (microphone, etc.).

STEP 5. Understanding NHC policies as they apply to your program.
Once you have determined the appropriate category, make sure you understand the policies set forth by the Nebraska Humanities Council. Policies are different for each of the four category types. For a list of policies for each category click here

STEP 6. Applying for funding.
Fill out the appropriate application form. Go here and select the form you need listed under “Forms to Apply” on the left side of the page. This brings up a copy of the application that you can print out and fill in. There is also a box below the listing of the forms with the words “Apply Online.” Clicking in that box takes you to an online form you can fill out and submit electronically to the NHC. You are given the option of paying the processing fee by credit card or mailing a check. You can also request an application form via email. Let us know which category you are applying for. Forms must be received in the NHC office no more than one year and no less than 30 days from the confirmed program date.

Once the application is completed, send the form and the appropriate processing fee(s) to:

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

STEP 7. After approval of application.
Once your application has been approved, the NHC office will mail you confirmation, including a copy of your application (with an HRC number at the top), a congratulations sheet with instructions, a Project Directors Final Report, publicity requirements, a sample news release, an Audience Reaction Form (two per page for copying), a listing of board members and elected officials who can be invited to your program, and a NHC poster for displaying at the program location.

STEP 8. Publicizing the program.
To successfully publicize your program and acknowledge NHC funding:

• Send news releases out early to local and area newspapers and TV and radio stations.
• Send out postcards or invitations to people who may help your organization inform the community.
• Send invitations to NHC board members and state senators in your area.
• Place reminders of program date on community calendars in local newspapers and on TV and radio stations.

STEP 10. Canceling a program.
If for some reason the program must be cancelled, contact the speaker and the NHC office immediately. If you are able to reschedule a date and time for the program, confirm it with the speaker first, then let the NHC office know. 

If a speaker fails to show up for a program, the organization should attempt to contact the speaker and inform the NHC office by leaving a voicemail and/or e-mail message. 

STEP 11. Paying the speaker.
Approximately one week before your program, you will receive a check from the NHC made out to the speaker. Please present this check to the speaker on the day of the program after the program has concluded. If you have not received your check at least five days prior to your program or have reason to believe it has been lost, contact the NHC office as soon as possible at 402-474-2131. The NHC processes checks on the 15th and last day of each month.

STEP 12.  Arranging the room.
To help arrange the room on the day of the program:

• Arrive early enough to check the site.
• Check the sound equipment to make sure it works properly and everyone can hear.
• Make sure the room is ready with chairs and/or a refreshment center with beverages, food and napkins (if applicable).
• Prominently display the Nebraska Humanities Council poster provided to you by the office.
• Make sure sign-in sheets are easily available for program participants.
• Greet people as they come in to the program. Hand out program evaluation forms and writing utensils.
• Begin and end on time. Leave the participants wanting more, but not feeling cheated.  Encourage them to attend future programs.

STEP 13.  Introducing the speaker.

• Ask the speaker, when confirming the program date and time, how they would like to be introduced and try to accommodate their wishes.

• Give credit to the Nebraska Humanities Council for supporting this program (instructions are included in your publicity packet).
• Remind attendees to fill out the Audience Reaction Forms you will make available.