Commonwealth Speakers Frequently Asked Questions

View for materials to help you administer your Commonwealth Speaker presentation.

Please review these FAQs for a quick overview of the Commonwealth Speakers program. These questions and answers are not meant to supplant a careful reading of the guidelines, but rather to facilitate the application process—particularly for first-time applicants. Please contact the Commonwealth Speakers coordinator at commonwealthspeakers [at] pahumanities [dot] org with questions.

• What is the Commonwealth Speakers program?
• Who is eligible to apply for the Commonwealth Speakers program?
• How much does the program cost?
• How can I find information on a specific Speaker?
• How can I apply for a Speakers program?
• How will I know when my application has been received?
• Can I charge an admission fee for my Speakers event?
• What is a DUNS number?
• Why does PHC require participation in the Cultural Data Project?
• How do I create a Cultural Data Project funder report?
• I already am acquainted with the Speaker I want to host, can I just work out the details with him or her directly?
• If PHC awards me a Speakers event, what are my responsibilities?
• The date I requested will no longer work and/or I need to cancel my event. What should I do?
• PHC requires that all Speakers events be open to the general public. What does this mean?
• Can my college or university apply for a Speakers event?
• Can I have a Speaker come to my festival/reception/church service/special event?
• PHC asks that I recruit at least 25 people to my event. How do I know if there will be at least 25 people coming?
• I know that host organizations must go through an evaluation of the program. What do I need to do to complete an evaluation?
• What are the humanities?

• Commonwealth Speakers
• Administration Materials
• Applicant Responsibilities
• Application Form
[172K PDF]
• Application Process
• Costs & Eligibility
• Evaluating the Commonwealth Speakers Program
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Goals
• How to Apply
• Key to Presentations
• Presentations by Category
• Presentations by Speaker
• Presentations by Title
• Programming Suggestions
• Restrictions
• Speakers' Biographies