TALK Instructions and FAQs

Humanities Kansas's free TALK book discussions immerse readers in captivating stories and introduce different experiences through literature.*

• TALK book discussions are intended for out-of-school adult audiences.
• Watch a TALK book discussion in action.

Click on a question to find the answer faster. Have a question not listed? ​Contact Abigail Kaup, Program Officer, at abigail@humanitieskansas.org or (785) 357-0359. We’ll walk you through the process. 

• How do I create a TALK book discussion in my community?
• Who is eligible to receive funding?
• How much funding should I request?
• What is a closing report and when is it due?
• When is the deadline for submitting my application?
• What am I responsible for?
• How many Humanities Kanas programs can I receive?
• What is a UEID (SAM)?    

How to Create a TALK Book Discussion in Your Community

TALK Book Discussions can be conducted in person or online!

Up to three books per series are eligible for scholar-facilitated talk discussions. You may borrow all the available books in a series and lead discussions yourself for the remaining books.

1. Review the TALK catalog and select a TALK series. 

2. Reserve the TALK series from the Northwest Kansas Library System. Fill out the reservation form at nwkls.org to reserve your books.

3. Wait for confirmation of your series reservation.

4. Select a discussion leader for each of the three books.

5. Contact discussion leader(s) and confirm dates, location, and time. Book discussions can now be conducted online. Contact the discussion leader to discuss setting up a presentation online. Download this guide with step-by-step instructions for setting up an online presentation.

6. Apply for funding to bring the discussion leader(s) to your community. Find out how below. (Please note: Completed applications must be submitted 6 weeks before the event dates to be considered for funding.) Discussions are intended for out-of-school adult audiences and must be free and open to the public. Humanities Kansas is unable to fund applications that do not meet these requirements.

7. Publicize your event. Download press releases, discussion leader bios, and Humanities Kansas' logo poster.

8. Tell us how it went. After your final discussion, download and fill out the TALK Evaluation Forms and Cost Share Report. For applications submitted after November 1, 2023, please log in to your applicant dashboard to access your report. 

Who is Eligible to Receive Funding?

• Humanities Kansas programs are intended for out-of-school adults. Humanities Kansas is unable to support classroom visits or events designed for children or teens only.

• Presentations must remain free and open to the public.

• In-state nonprofits are eligible, including colleges and universities. Off campus venues are strongly preferred.
• 501(c)(3) status is not required.

• Still unsure if you're eligible to receive funding? Click here.

Award Amounts

HK now pays speakers and discussion leaders directly. 

• If the speaker/discussion leader is traveling up to 200 miles one-way for your event, the discussion leader will receive $300.

• If the speaker/discussion leader is traveling 201 miles or more one-way for your event, the discussion leader will receive $500.

• If the speaker/discussion leader is leading an online presentation, the discussion leader will receive $250.

Closing Reports: Evaluation and Cost Share

• Organizations who receive funding support from Humanities Kansas are required to submit closing reports within two weeks after the event takes place.
• All Humanities Kansas funds are matched with local contributions called cost share. This includes volunteer or staff hours needed to organize the event, the rental of a meeting room, and other items. It does not have to include a cash match. Click here to see a sample cost share form.
• Final Report: Evaluation and Cost Share. For applications submitted after November 1, 2023, please log in to your applicant dashboard to access your report. 
   

Deadlines

• Completed applications are due no later than six weeks before the event date. 
• The events should occur within six months of the date of the submission to HK. 

The Sponsoring Organization Will Be Responsible For:

• Coordinating and publicizing the event.
• Submitting a brief final report and cost share report to HK within two weeks after the event is held. (Filing your final report ensures that your organization can continue to receive Humanities Kansas support grants, as funding allows).

How Many HK Programs Can You Receive?

• In-state, nonprofit organization are eligible for up to 4 fundraising requests per HK fiscal year (November 1 through October 31) as funding allows. 
• All HK programs — Speakers Bureau and TALK — are intended for an out-of-school adult audience and must be free and open to the public. Please contact Abigail Kaup at abigail@humanitieskansas.org or 785-357-0359 if you have questions. It is possible that not every request for funding will be awarded. 

What is a UEID (SAM)?

• A Unique Entity ID (SAM) from SAM.gov is a 12-digit alphanumeric ID used to track federal funding. In April 2022, the federal goverment will stop using the DUNS number to uniquely indentify entities. 
• You do not need a UEID (SAM) to apply to host a Speakers Bureau event.
• How do you get a UEID? Follow this Quick Start Guide.

Questions? Contact Abigail Kaup at abigail@humanitieskansas.org or 785-357-0359. We'll walk you through the process.

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*Talk About Literature in Kansas is available to Kansas nonprofits free-of-charge, as funding allows.