The Future of the JREF

arthwollipot · 3rd September 2015, 04:43 AM

Quote:

Since James Randi's retirement earlier this year, the Board has considered how to continue the Foundation without his direct involvement.

The Board has decided that it will convert the foundation into a grant making foundation.

Starting in 2016, we will be making grants to non-profit groups that we believe are promoting activities that encourage critical thinking and a fact-based world view. We expect to make a small number of grants each year totaling approximately $100,000 per year. We will NOT accept suggestions, applications or proposals for these grants. We hope they will come as a pleasant surprise to the recipients, just as Randi's MacArthur foundation grant was a pleasant surprise to him.

About the Challenge:

Quote:

We plan on continuing the Million Dollar Challenge as a means for educating the public about paranormal claims.

...

Effective immediately, JREF will no longer accept applications directly from people claiming to have a paranormal power. We will however offer our Challenge to anyone who has passed a preliminary test that meets with our approval. We will provide example protocols early next year. Of course, any established psychic may always contact JREF to be tested directly (preferably with an independent, third party TV crew.)

marplots · 3rd September 2015, 04:52 AM

End of an era.
I assumed Deyvi would take over, but alas, this is not to be.

Norman Alexander · 3rd September 2015, 05:03 AM

They could re-write the Challenge application form. IMHO it is a bit of a mess and has been for years. Looks like it was written as Randi dictated it on a carefree Saturday afternoon, not as a well-constructed legal form.

rjh01 · 3rd September 2015, 05:32 AM

It shows they are in slow decline and they know it.

zooterkin · 3rd September 2015, 06:04 AM

Originally Posted by marplots

End of an era.
I assumed Deyvi would take over, but alas, this is not to be.

Has he shown any sign of involvement in the JREF's work, since appearing as Carlos?

Originally Posted by rjh01

It shows they are in slow decline and they know it.

There isn't very much there that can decline, the JREF itself is just about as small as it can get without disappearing. I don't know what the figures for the last two TAMs were, but they were growing in size up until two years ago; that the JREF has decided to stop organising TAM isn't to do with the size of it decreasing. I've seen it suggested elsewhere that it's all about a major donor wanting to maintain control, and not be overshadowed by the mass of a community attached to the JREF (hence casting the forum adrift, among other actions).

marplots · 3rd September 2015, 06:07 AM

What happens to the million dollars if the doors close?

fuelair · 3rd September 2015, 06:58 AM

Originally Posted by marplots

What happens to the million dollars if the doors close?

They quietly estivate for a century or two........

fromdownunder · 3rd September 2015, 04:30 PM

Originally Posted by marplots

What happens to the million dollars if the doors close?

I would suggest that it goes back to the individual who provided the funds in the first place. It was never JREF's money.

Norm

Trebuchet · 3rd September 2015, 06:35 PM

Is the full membership of the board listed anywhere?

I fondly remember waiting every week for Friday to come so I could read the new Swift. It makes me sad.

rjh01 · 3rd September 2015, 08:23 PM

Originally Posted by zooterkin

Has he shown any sign of involvement in the JREF's work, since appearing as Carlos?

There isn't very much there that can decline, the JREF itself is just about as small as it can get without disappearing. I don't know what the figures for the last two TAMs were, but they were growing in size up until two years ago; that the JREF has decided to stop organising TAM isn't to do with the size of it decreasing. I've seen it suggested elsewhere that it's all about a major donor wanting to maintain control, and not be overshadowed by the mass of a community attached to the JREF (hence casting the forum adrift, among other actions).

A few years ago there were 5 on the staff. Now it probably is as you say about as small as it can get. A one person organisation?

Skeptic Ginger · 3rd September 2015, 08:27 PM

Originally Posted by marplots

What happens to the million dollars if the doors close?

I'm guessing it returns to the ownership of the millionaire who put the money up. I don't recall his name but Harriet Hall has been to his house.

rjh01 · 3rd September 2015, 08:27 PM

Originally Posted by Trebuchet

Is the full membership of the board listed anywhere?

I fondly remember waiting every week for Friday to come so I could read the new Swift. It makes me sad.

Try looking here https://www.guidestar.org/organizati...spx#financials.

Joey McGee · 3rd September 2015, 10:53 PM

The million dollars came from Rick Adams, who`s still running things. I`m guessing the challenge will remain as long as there are psychic television shows. So, most of us will be dead by then...

arthwollipot · 3rd September 2015, 11:02 PM

Originally Posted by rjh01

A few years ago there were 5 on the staff. Now it probably is as you say about as small as it can get. A one person organisation?

Two - Chip Denman and Rick Adams. They're basically the whole organisation now.

DevilsAdvocate · 4th September 2015, 12:46 AM

Originally Posted by Norman Alexander

They could re-write the Challenge application form. IMHO it is a bit of a mess and has been for years. Looks like it was written as Randi dictated it on a carefree Saturday afternoon, not as a well-constructed legal form.

See the original post. They are no longer accepting applications. There is no application anymore. It has been removed from their website.

Originally Posted by marplots

What happens to the million dollars if the doors close?

It is listed as a restricted asset on the 990. A number of years ago JREF was planning on ending the MDC and using the million dollars for other purposes. Adams probably put restrictions on the use of the money when he donated it. But that doesn’t really matter now because with JREF being just Adams and Denman, Adams probably has the authority to just decide to do whatever he wants with the money. I expect it would be given away as a grant or grants. I’m sure Randi would have an unofficial say that would be considered.

With Randi retired and the JREF no longer accepting memberships or donations, they won’t have much income. Investment returns on the million. Maybe some money from TAM. Maybe they can get $100,000 per year.

This sounds like a going out of business sale. Start dumping off the money while they try to find someone to take over the MDC and TAM.

ETA: Doubtful News says Sharon Hill is no longer with JREF.

Trebuchet · 4th September 2015, 08:26 AM

Originally Posted by DevilsAdvocate

ETA: Doubtful News says Sharon Hill is no longer with JREF.

Hadn't seen that. She seemed to be the entire staff for a while.

zooterkin · 4th September 2015, 08:49 AM

Originally Posted by Trebuchet

Hadn't seen that. She seemed to be the entire staff for a while.

She was, apart from Mr Adams dancing on the hidden parts of the forum in hobnail boots.

Trebuchet · 4th September 2015, 10:22 AM

Originally Posted by zooterkin

She was, apart from Mr Adams dancing on the hidden parts of the forum in hobnail boots.

I assume that refers to before the split?

3rd September 2015, 04:43 AM	#1
arthwollipot Observer of Phenomena Pronouns: he/him Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Ngunnawal Country Posts: 71,117	The Future of the JREF JREF Status Quote: Since James Randi's retirement earlier this year, the Board has considered how to continue the Foundation without his direct involvement. The Board has decided that it will convert the foundation into a grant making foundation. Starting in 2016, we will be making grants to non-profit groups that we believe are promoting activities that encourage critical thinking and a fact-based world view. We expect to make a small number of grants each year totaling approximately $100,000 per year. We will NOT accept suggestions, applications or proposals for these grants. We hope they will come as a pleasant surprise to the recipients, just as Randi's MacArthur foundation grant was a pleasant surprise to him. About the Challenge: Quote: We plan on continuing the Million Dollar Challenge as a means for educating the public about paranormal claims. ... Effective immediately, JREF will no longer accept applications directly from people claiming to have a paranormal power. We will however offer our Challenge to anyone who has passed a preliminary test that meets with our approval. We will provide example protocols early next year. Of course, any established psychic may always contact JREF to be tested directly (preferably with an independent, third party TV crew.)
	__________________ We will meet them on the beach, we will meet them on the phone hook-ups. - Scott Morrison, probably

3rd September 2015, 05:03 AM	#3
Norman Alexander Philosopher Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Gundungurra Posts: 9,208	They could re-write the Challenge application form. IMHO it is a bit of a mess and has been for years. Looks like it was written as Randi dictated it on a carefree Saturday afternoon, not as a well-constructed legal form.
	__________________ _{...our governments are just trying to protect us from terror. In the same way that someone banging a hornets’ nest with a stick is trying to protect us from hornets. Frankie Boyle, Guardian, July 2015}

3rd September 2015, 05:32 AM	#4
rjh01 Gentleman of leisure Tagger Join Date: May 2005 Location: Flying around in the sky Posts: 26,640	It shows they are in slow decline and they know it.
	__________________ This signature is for rent.

3rd September 2015, 06:04 AM	#5
zooterkin Nitpicking dilettante Administrator Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Berkshire, mostly Posts: 48,855	Originally Posted by marplots End of an era. I assumed Deyvi would take over, but alas, this is not to be. Has he shown any sign of involvement in the JREF's work, since appearing as Carlos? Originally Posted by rjh01 It shows they are in slow decline and they know it. There isn't very much there that can decline, the JREF itself is just about as small as it can get without disappearing. I don't know what the figures for the last two TAMs were, but they were growing in size up until two years ago; that the JREF has decided to stop organising TAM isn't to do with the size of it decreasing. I've seen it suggested elsewhere that it's all about a major donor wanting to maintain control, and not be overshadowed by the mass of a community attached to the JREF (hence casting the forum adrift, among other actions).
	__________________ The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, and wiser people so full of doubts.Bertrand Russell Zooterkin is correct Darat Nerd! Hokulele Join the JREF Folders ! Team 13232 Ezekiel 23:20

3rd September 2015, 06:58 AM	#7
fuelair Banned Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 58,581	Originally Posted by marplots What happens to the million dollars if the doors close? They quietly estivate for a century or two........
fuelair Banned Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 58,581

3rd September 2015, 04:52 AM	#2
marplots Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 29,167	End of an era. I assumed Deyvi would take over, but alas, this is not to be.

3rd September 2015, 06:07 AM	#6
marplots Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 29,167	What happens to the million dollars if the doors close?

3rd September 2015, 04:30 PM	#8
fromdownunder Philosopher Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 6,720	Originally Posted by marplots What happens to the million dollars if the doors close? I would suggest that it goes back to the individual who provided the funds in the first place. It was never JREF's money. Norm
	__________________ Against stupidity, the Gods themselves contend in Vain

3rd September 2015, 06:35 PM	#9
Trebuchet Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Port Townsend, Washington Posts: 31,338	Is the full membership of the board listed anywhere? I fondly remember waiting every week for Friday to come so I could read the new Swift. It makes me sad.
	__________________ Cum catapultae proscribeantur tum soli proscripti catapultas habeant.

3rd September 2015, 08:23 PM	#10
rjh01 Gentleman of leisure Tagger Join Date: May 2005 Location: Flying around in the sky Posts: 26,640	Originally Posted by zooterkin Has he shown any sign of involvement in the JREF's work, since appearing as Carlos? There isn't very much there that can decline, the JREF itself is just about as small as it can get without disappearing. I don't know what the figures for the last two TAMs were, but they were growing in size up until two years ago; that the JREF has decided to stop organising TAM isn't to do with the size of it decreasing. I've seen it suggested elsewhere that it's all about a major donor wanting to maintain control, and not be overshadowed by the mass of a community attached to the JREF (hence casting the forum adrift, among other actions). A few years ago there were 5 on the staff. Now it probably is as you say about as small as it can get. A one person organisation?
	__________________ This signature is for rent.

3rd September 2015, 08:27 PM	#11
Skeptic Ginger Nasty Woman Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 87,965	Originally Posted by marplots What happens to the million dollars if the doors close? I'm guessing it returns to the ownership of the millionaire who put the money up. I don't recall his name but Harriet Hall has been to his house.

3rd September 2015, 08:27 PM	#12
rjh01 Gentleman of leisure Tagger Join Date: May 2005 Location: Flying around in the sky Posts: 26,640	Originally Posted by Trebuchet Is the full membership of the board listed anywhere? I fondly remember waiting every week for Friday to come so I could read the new Swift. It makes me sad. Try looking here https://www.guidestar.org/organizati...spx#financials.
	__________________ This signature is for rent.

3rd September 2015, 10:53 PM	#13
Joey McGee Banned Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 10,307	The million dollars came from Rick Adams, who`s still running things. I`m guessing the challenge will remain as long as there are psychic television shows. So, most of us will be dead by then...
Joey McGee Banned Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 10,307

3rd September 2015, 11:02 PM	#14
arthwollipot Observer of Phenomena Pronouns: he/him Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Ngunnawal Country Posts: 71,117	Originally Posted by rjh01 A few years ago there were 5 on the staff. Now it probably is as you say about as small as it can get. A one person organisation? Two - Chip Denman and Rick Adams. They're basically the whole organisation now.
	__________________ We will meet them on the beach, we will meet them on the phone hook-ups. - Scott Morrison, probably

4th September 2015, 12:46 AM	#15
DevilsAdvocate Philosopher Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,630	Originally Posted by Norman Alexander They could re-write the Challenge application form. IMHO it is a bit of a mess and has been for years. Looks like it was written as Randi dictated it on a carefree Saturday afternoon, not as a well-constructed legal form. See the original post. They are no longer accepting applications. There is no application anymore. It has been removed from their website. Originally Posted by marplots What happens to the million dollars if the doors close? It is listed as a restricted asset on the 990. A number of years ago JREF was planning on ending the MDC and using the million dollars for other purposes. Adams probably put restrictions on the use of the money when he donated it. But that doesn’t really matter now because with JREF being just Adams and Denman, Adams probably has the authority to just decide to do whatever he wants with the money. I expect it would be given away as a grant or grants. I’m sure Randi would have an unofficial say that would be considered. With Randi retired and the JREF no longer accepting memberships or donations, they won’t have much income. Investment returns on the million. Maybe some money from TAM. Maybe they can get $100,000 per year. This sounds like a going out of business sale. Start dumping off the money while they try to find someone to take over the MDC and TAM. ETA: Doubtful News says Sharon Hill is no longer with JREF.
	__________________ I don't need to fight to prove I'm right. - Baba O'Riley Last edited by DevilsAdvocate; 4th September 2015 at 12:55 AM.

4th September 2015, 08:26 AM	#16
Trebuchet Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Port Townsend, Washington Posts: 31,338	Originally Posted by DevilsAdvocate ETA: Doubtful News says Sharon Hill is no longer with JREF. Hadn't seen that. She seemed to be the entire staff for a while.
	__________________ Cum catapultae proscribeantur tum soli proscripti catapultas habeant.

4th September 2015, 08:49 AM	#17
zooterkin Nitpicking dilettante Administrator Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Berkshire, mostly Posts: 48,855	Originally Posted by Trebuchet Hadn't seen that. She seemed to be the entire staff for a while. She was, apart from Mr Adams dancing on the hidden parts of the forum in hobnail boots.
	__________________ The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, and wiser people so full of doubts.Bertrand Russell Zooterkin is correct Darat Nerd! Hokulele Join the JREF Folders ! Team 13232 Ezekiel 23:20

4th September 2015, 10:22 AM	#18
Trebuchet Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Port Townsend, Washington Posts: 31,338	Originally Posted by zooterkin She was, apart from Mr Adams dancing on the hidden parts of the forum in hobnail boots. I assume that refers to before the split?
	__________________ Cum catapultae proscribeantur tum soli proscripti catapultas habeant.