Want to host an Indiana author in your community? For more than 15 years, Indiana Authors Awards’ Speaker Program has sent former and current Indiana Authors Award winners and finalists to organizations across Indiana for readings and discussions with local audiences.

Nonprofits interested in bringing a winning or shortlisted author from the 2026 round of the Indiana Authors Awards to their community (either in-person or virtually) to speak to a public audience can apply for funds to cover speaking fees as part of the Indiana Authors Awards Speaker Program. The program, open to public libraries, schools, churches, museums, community centers, prisons, and other nonprofit organizations, is made possible by Glick Philanthropies.

Each year, Indiana Humanities will select up to 30 host organizations and match them to their preferred authors through an application process. Application guidelines, author bios, and an event toolkit are available below. Participating organizations are responsible for working with authors to schedule engagements, as well as planning and promoting the event.

Applications for the 2027 round of programs are open until November 20.  For awarded organizations, Indiana Humanities will pay the author’s speaking fee directly. Host organizations are responsible for covering any travel or lodging costs for the author, or other event expenses.

Please contact Bronwen Carlisle at bcarlisle@indianahumanities.org with any questions.