Speakers Bureau Application Form

The Speakers Bureau of the NCR-SARE program was developed to provide financial assistance to organizations who want to bring speakers to their meetings, conferences, and workshops to speak on topics relevant to sustainable agriculture. Although many groups already have specific speakers in mind for their events, the NCR-SARE office may be contacted for assistance in finding an appropriate speaker for a meeting. Through the NCR-SARE's Administrative Council and Technical Committee, as well as previously approved speakers, we have a large pool of experts that will share their knowledge on sustainable agriculture.

Application: To apply for Speakers Bureau funds fill out the application form located at the top and bottom of this page and send it to the NCR-SARE office, along with a breakdown of speaker(s) expenses and a short biography on the speaker(s). No application will be reviewed unless it is received at least six weeks in advance of the proposed speaking engagement. You can submit your application by mail, fax, or e-mail, but applications submitted as attachments to e-mail messages can be processed the fastest.

Funding: Financial assistance may be available for up to one-half of speaker expenses (maximum $500) with a limit of $500 per event/organization. Organizations are eligible for funding once every other year. Funds may be included in speaker(s) expenses up to $200 per day.

Speaker Budget: A breakdown of speaker(s) expenses (airfare, mileage, lodging, reimbursements, meals, etc.) must accompany the application. In addition, please provide the names of event co-sponsors, as well as their anticipated financial contribution. Your budget should show total speaker expenses and the amount requested from NCR-SARE.

Additional Resources: A variety of Regional and National sustainable ag publications are available for distribution at your event. Limited quantities of publications are available from the NCR-SARE office and larger quantities can be ordered from the Sustainable Ag Network (SAN). Contact the NCR SARE office for more information about obtaining publications for your event.

In addition, a traveling table-top display has been developed and features the North Central Regional program through graphic images, text panels, and photographs. The display is a smart way to add interest to your program, as well as inform farmers, researchers, educators, and others about grant opportunities. The display may be reserved by contacting the NCR SARE office.

Reporting: A one-page follow-up report should be submitted within one month after your event. The following points should be included in the report:

• Would you invite the speaker to address another of your events?
• What was the main sustainable agriculture point emphasized in the speaker's presentation?
• What will change in sustainable agriculture as a result of your meeting?
• What were the exact attendance figures?
• How were SARE funds actually spent?
• How was the NCR SARE program acknowledged at your event (banner, ads, brochures, verbal acknowledgment during the event, etc.)?

Speakers Bureau Application

Please submit the following form via e-mail, fax (612-626-3132) or regular mail (NCR-SARE, UMN, 1390 Eckles Ave, Suite 120, St Paul, MN 55108)

Speakers Bureau Application Form

The following information is asked for in the form:

• Organization name, contact name, address, phone, fax, e-mail
• Federal I.D. # (to expedite release of funds if the request is approved)
• Event title
• Event date, time and location
• Type of meeting (annual, field day, workshop, etc.)
• Target audience(s) (extension, farmers, etc.)
• Acknowledgement of NCR-SARE (note in program, announcement, etc.)
• Expected number of attendees
• Brief biography of speaker
• Budget details for speaker

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