GUIDELINES

Bring Maine Speaks to your community

Maine Speaks events may be structured in a variety of ways—as a talk, a workshop, a performance—but they all include an opportunity for the audience both to take in what the speaker has to share, and also to engage in discussion with them and with other audience members.

  • Applications for Maine Speaks are open two periods a year: Fall and Winter/Spring

  • We review applications every two weeks on a rolling basis, and notify applicants of our decisions as soon as possible after review.

  • Organizations serving and led by members of communities traditionally under-resourced in the humanities are encouraged to apply.

The cuts to the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) continue to impact us deeply. To help close the deficit left by the termination of our General Operating Support grant from NEH, we are reducing Maine Speaks programming by 50% during the 2026 fiscal year, with only 25 total programs offered. Despite this setback, we will continue to do our best to ensure that programs reach all 16 counties.

Common Questions

Who is eligible to apply?

Any individual or organization in Maine who wants to convene members of their community to learn from and engage with a gifted speaker is eligible to apply.

When should I apply?

 

  • Applications for Maine Speaks are open two periods a year: Fall and Winter/Spring. We review applications every two weeks on a rolling basis, and notify applicants of our decisions as soon as possible after review. Applicants should aim to apply 8 weeks before you plan to host a speaker.

 

Do I have to choose just one speaker?

We ask you to select the three speakers whose presentations seem most relevant to your community right now. Each Maine Speaks application is for one event with a single speaker. If you’re interested in creating a panel or series, please contact one of MHC’s Program Coordinators before applying.

Who is eligible to apply?

Any individual or organization in Maine who wants to convene members of their community to learn from and engage with a gifted speaker is eligible to apply.

When should I apply?

Applicants should aim to apply 8 weeks before you plan to host a speaker.

Do I have to choose just one speaker?

We ask you to select the three speakers whose presentations seem most relevant to your community right now. Each Maine Speaks application is for one event with a single speaker. If you’re interested in creating a panel or series, please contact us before applying.

Have further questions?

Don’t hesitate to contact us to learn how this program might work best for your community.

APPLY

Accepting Applications:

September 24, 2025 – November 18, 2025

January 12, 2026 – May 18, 2026

Application

We review applications every two weeks on a rolling basis, and notify applicants of our decisions as soon as possible after review.