Commonwealth Speakers:Restrictions


Gifford Pinchot is the subject of David Schell's presentation Keeping Control: Gifford Pinchot, State Stores and Liquor in Pennsylvania. Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress.

Please note: Your organization must be a nonprofit organization and be able to provide documentation of nonprofit status if requested by PHC.

Are There Restrictions on the Use of Speakers?

Speakers cannot be requested for the following:

  • Award ceremonies
  • Breakfasts, luncheons or dinners of any kind
  • Business meetings
  • Church services
  • Classroom instruction
  • Club meetings
  • Events restricted to members of an organization
  • Fund-raising events
  • Presentations outside of Pennsylvania
  • Slots that are part of a regularly scheduled lecture series
  • Any event for which you charge a fee, require a donation or demand any other monetary contribution from your audience. Note: If you normally charge an admission or lecture fee, you must waive this fee unless authorized to do so by PHC.

Are There Special Restrictions for College and Universities

College and universities:

  • May not apply for a Speaker unless the program is planned for an off-campus event, or is part of a community program taking place on campus intended to attract an audience from both inside and outside the institution.

  • Must make a payment of $400 for the event, unless a nonprofit community organization is co-hosting the event. If the presentation is co-hosted, a letter must be submitted from the co-host with the application stating that they have partnered to offer this event, and detailing how the organization and the college or university together will promote the program as a community event.

  • Cannot request a Speaker who is employed by their institution, including branch campuses.

Do Other Restrictions Apply?

Membership-driven or restricted membership groups, such as AAUW, DAR, clubs:

  • Must co-host the program with another local nonprofit organization to be eligible. At the time of application, a letter must be submitted from the co-host stating that they have partnered to offer this event, and detailing how both organizations together will promote the program as a community event.

  • May not request a Commonwealth Speaker who also is a member of that group.
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