The deadline for Schwartz Prize nominations was Thursday, August 3, 2023.
Following are frequently asked questions regarding the Awards Process and Ceremony, and Promoting the Schwartz Prize.
Schwartz Prize FAQs
Awards Process and Ceremony
Q: When and where is the Schwartz Prize Awards Ceremony?
A: The 2023 Schwartz Prize awards ceremony will take place in Indianapolis, Indiana on Friday, October 27, 2023. The ceremony is held in conjunction with and as a part of the National Humanities Conference, which runs from October 25-29, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. To attend the Schwartz Prize awards ceremony, you must be registered at the National Humanities Conference.
Q: When are the winners notified?
A: Winners of the 2023 Schwartz Prize will find out during the live Schwartz Prize awards ceremony on Friday, October 27, 2023.
Q: Do I need to be at the Schwartz Prize Awards Ceremony in November to submit a nomination?
A: While we’d love to see you at the awards ceremony, you do not have to be in attendance. We do recommend appointing a representative to receive the award on your behalf. Please note that if it is funding that is preventing you from attending the National Humanities Conference and the Schwartz Prize, the National Humanities Conference offers to help offset the cost of the conference for eligible attendees. Contact events@statehumanities.org with questions.
Q: I submitted a nomination but cannot attend the Schwartz Prize Awards Ceremony in Indianapolis on October 27. Is my nominated program still eligible, and how do I find out whether or not it won?
A: While plans are still being made for this year’s Schwartz Prize, in past years we have either live streamed the awards ceremony through Facebook or recorded the ceremony and published the video on the Federation’s YouTube channel. We also post about it on our social media channels and tag the council winners. Additionally, the Federation reaches out to the main contact on the Schwartz Prize nomination packet to share the official press release, a template press release, and the judges’ statement about the winning program(s) to the Schwartz Prize winner(s).
Q: What do the winners receive?
A: In addition to a modest financial award, Schwartz Prize-winning programs have typically received increased publicity, press, and national interest. As the nominations are judged by peers and partners, the programs naturally receive increased exposure, and the Federation uses the winning programs to demonstrate council capabilities, reach, and innovation to potential partners, funders, and other supporters.
Q: Who are the judges and how are they selected?
A: The judges for the Schwartz Prize come from the previous year’s Schwartz Prize winners and Federation national partners or board. Typically, the judging panel comprises an executive director, program officer, board member, and/or partner. The judges for the Schwartz Prize (requests received by July 31) remain anonymous until the Schwartz Prize awards ceremony.
Promoting the Schwartz Prize
Q: Can I let my community know that our council nominated a program for the Schwartz Prize?
A: Yes, but we ask that you wait until September before promoting your nominated program. This gives the judges enough time to review and make their decision without the influence of social media or other promotional activities. After September, please tag @humfed and #SchwartzPrize in your social media promotion and forward any Schwartz Prize-related content from your newsletters to Carrie deGuzman at cdeguzman@statehumanities.org.
Once winners are announced, the Federation provides a logo, Federation announcement, template press release, graphics, and judges’ statements to the winner(s) to help in additional promotion.
Q: How does the Federation promote the Schwartz Prize winners and nominees?
A: The Federation uses the nominated programs in its efforts to increase visibility of the work of the humanities councils to its partners, supporters, funders, and interested public. Throughout the year, the Federation highlights winners and nominees in its newsletters, social media, and in conversations with partners to demonstrate the award-winning work and capabilities of its members. We use #SchwartzPrize on social media.
Additionally, once all nominations are received, the Federation may contact nominees to schedule an interview, obtain optional audio, additional images, or video related to the nominations to be used for promotional and archival purposes.
Once winners are announced, the Federation provides a logo, Federation announcement, template press release, graphics, and judges’ statements to the winner(s) to help in additional promotion.
Q: What is the Schwartz Prize hashtag and should I tag anyone on our social media posts regarding the Schwartz Prize?
A: So glad you asked! Yes, please use #SchwartzPrize and tag us @humfed when posting across all social media channels.
I still have questions, who do I ask?
A: For any other questions, please contact events@statehumanities.org.
