The James Randi Educational Foundation will pay US$1,000,000 (One Million US Dollars) ("The Prize") to any person who demonstrates any psychic, supernatural, or paranormal ability under satisfactory observation. Such demonstration must take place under the rules and limitations described in this document. An applicant can be from or in any part of the world. Gender, race, and educational background are not factors for acceptance. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and legally able to enter into binding agreements.
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Download The Million Dollar Challenge application here:
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Million Dollar Challenge FAQ
Below is list of frequently asked questions about the Million Dollar Challenge and their answers. Please consult this along with the rules and information outlined in the Million Dollar Challenge Application before emailing challenge@randi.org with your questions.
1. Challenge History
1.1 How long has this Challenge been open?
The Challenge was first introduced in 1964 when James Randi offered $1,000 of his own money to the first person who could offer proof of the paranormal. During a live radio panel discussion, James Randi was challenged by a parapsychologist to "put [his] money where [his] mouth is", and Randi responded by offering to pay $1,000 to anyone who could demonstrate paranormal powers in a controlled test. The prize has since grown to One Million Dollars.
1.2 How many people have applied for the Challenge?
Between 1964 and 1982, Randi declared that over 650 people had applied. Between 1997 and 2005, there had been a total of 360 official, notarized applications. New applications for the Million Dollar Paranormal Challenge continue to be received every month.
1.3 Has anyone ever passed the preliminary test?
No.
1.4 Has anyone taken a formal test?
Yes. However, the vast majority of applicants and claimants for the Million Dollar Challenge have not taken a formal test, because none of them have passed the preliminary phase of the Challenge.
This being said, the JREF does reserve the right to waive the preliminary phase of the Million Dollar Challenge. This has happened on special occasion, such as the Primetime Nightline episode where JREF tested a number of paranormal claimants with the one million on the line. (See: http://archive.randi.org/site/index.php/swift-blog/1388-randi-challenges-top-qpsychicsq-after-nightline-episode.html and http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/beyondbelief/ )
2. Protocols
2.1 Protocols must be “mutually agreed upon.” What does that mean?
Neither the Foundation nor the claimant can force a testing procedure without the approval of the other party. In fact, applicants are encouraged to formulate their own protocol. However, if the protocol you submitted with your application does not qualify as a sufficient test of the claimed ability, the JREF will develop alternate testing protocol that you may agree to. The testing procedure is a negotiation. If at any time a deadlock is reached, the application process will be terminated, and neither side will be blamed or considered at fault. On occasion, an applicant may agree to a protocol previously designed by the JREF for testing various paranormal claims. Most of the time, however, new test protocols are developed jointly between the applicant/claimant and the JREF so that each party agrees to the terms of the test.
2.2 What is the definition of “paranormal” in regards to the Challenge?
“Paranormal” is a generic term used to refer to occurrences beyond the scope of conventional experience or scientific explanation. It implies that certain phenomena are to be understood independent of science’s present measure. Paranormal experiences are different from certain hypotheses, i.e. dark matter or String Theory, because the paranormal events are not consistent with our current scientific conception of the way the world works through empirical observation and the scientific method.
2.3 Does my claim count as paranormal?
Past claims have included: psychic or mediumistic powers, ESP, dowsing, magnetic humans, astrology, faith healing, etc. Read through the JREF forum for a list of previous applicants if you’d like to see whether or not your claim has been tested before. A partial list can be found at: http://www.internationalskeptics.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=43
If you are submitting a claim that works off a previous assumption, you have to present evidence proving the assumption correct first. For instance, there was a man who claimed that his mustache curled in the presence of ghosts. In order to test this, you would first have to prove the existence of ghosts. And if you did that, the person who proved that ghosts exist would win the million dollars.
Another true situation: A man claimed he could stop earthquakes prior to them happening. When asked how we would test this, he replied: "I will predict an earthquake in advance. You will get a clairvoyant, who is real, to validate my prediction. I will then stop the earthquake six months prior to it happening." If we found a "genuine clairvoyant" surely that person would win the million dollars. (For the record, this was prior to a big earthquake in Japan, which he did nothing about.)
Furthermore, some claims are simply untestable. For example, claiming that you are able to make someone feel happy by talking to them is untestable, because it is impossible to objectively gauge someone’s level of happiness, especially if they have been told that after talking to you they should feel happy. If your claim is untestable, there is nothing that can be done to alter that status unless you find a new claim or negotiate a protocol in which the results are self-evident and objectively testable.
You may receive communications from the JREF about the nature of your claim. The JREF will want extremely specific details about the precise scope of your ability.
2.4 Why do you reject applications with claims that might cause injury?
The JREF doesn’t want anyone to get hurt or die, for both legal and humanitarian reasons. We will not condone or support any claim where injury may occur, either to yourself or others.
For example, if you claim you can jump off a ten story building and survive, the JREF is not going to test you at it because people jumping off buildings doesn’t normally end well.
Additionally, testing certain claims -- faith-healing, for example -- could require consultation from a data monitoring committee to keep track of patient safety and effectiveness of treatment. This independent group of experts may deem a clinical trial unsafe, in which case the JREF will most likely not conduct the test.
2.5 Why can’t I submit a religious or spiritual claim?
While we do not reject religious or spiritual claims on principle, many religious claims are based on faith or on interpretation of anecdotal evidence, making them inherently untestable. For example, you can look at a series of events – such as surviving an automobile crash, surviving a plane crash, surviving a near-drowning, and say, “This was the hand of God.” However, the point of the Challenge isn’t to present testimony. It is to present something testable. Besides this, most religious people believe it’s impossible to test God, and we agree.
2.6 I’d like to change a rule.
The JREF doesn’t cut corners or make exceptions when it comes to the application. The Challenge rules are in place for a reason. When you fill out the JREF Challenge application, you are entering into a contract.
3. Prize Money
3.1 I heard the prize money doesn’t really exist, and that it’s all just a scam.
The money is real. It is held in an account at BNY Mellon. The JREF is a “tax exempt” organization, so we are required by law to provide annual public disclosure of our finances. That means that the public can review copies of JREF's tax return (Form 990). You can go to http://web.randi.org/our-financials to view JREF's 990, which was prepared by an independent CPA firm. Part X, Line 11 shows the amount of Investments in Publicly Traded Securities which is greater than a million dollars.
The contract between the claimant and JREF is binding enough that the JREF must pay the prize if someone wins it. This is a published, legal obligation, not just a casual offer. Also, if JREF were not able to hold up its end of the bargain, the IRS could investigate and revoke the JREF's tax exempt status. It could mean severe penalties for the JREF. Rest assured: The money is there.
Should you remain unconvinced of the existence of the prize funds, you are free to choose not to apply. The JREF will not provide further proof of the prize fund's existence.
3.2 If I pass the formal test and win the Challenge, how will I be paid?
The first $10,000 of the prize money will be paid by check, as stated in the Challenge rules, immediately upon successful demonstration of the claim. The remaining $990,000 will be transferred to the winner within ten days of passing the formal test.
4. Application Process
4.1 How do I apply?
First, make sure you qualify by reading the rules and guidelines. If you do, print, fill out, sign the application, and have it notarized. Send it with your affidavits, proof of media presence or other required documents, and a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Please also include a summary in three paragraphs or less of the nature of your claim, the conditions required to perform it, and the accuracy rates with which you can perform it.
All of this should be sent to:
Million Dollar Challenge
James Randi Educational Foundation
2941 Fairview Park Drive, Suite 105
Falls Church, VA 22042 USA
The application should be typed, and filled out in comprehensible English. If you are not a native English speaker, you should have a translator help you with the application process as any misunderstandings will cause delays.
The Challenge Application, once it is signed by James Randi or an authorized representative of The James Randi Educational Foundation, is a legally binding contract. So, again, remember to sign your application.
4.2 What should I do before I apply?
Make sure you are up to the task of taking the Challenge. Some of the people who apply for the Challenge may be mentally ill, and this is a point that has the potential to be examined during the application process. The Million Dollar Challenge can be emotionally taxing, as your personal beliefs are being put on the line.
It can be helpful to see a physician for a physical and psychological examination. Discuss your claimed paranormal ability to your doctor, and get their feedback, as well.
It is best to be able to demonstrate your ability reliably before you apply. Test your power at home, in a controlled setting like the one described in your suggested protocol. It can be beneficial to video record your exercises, and to invite skeptics to watch. Keep in mind that if you cannot reliably perform your claim on command, it will be difficult to perform during the Challenge test. Jot down lots of notes regarding “hits” and “misses” to make sure you aren’t retrospectively improving your results.
4.3 What kind of communication will I receive during my application process?
When your application has been received and processed, you will get message from the JREF notifying you that your application has been received. You will be notified if your application has been accepted, or if not, why not (it was incomplete, not filled out entirely, etc.). You will also receive a message about any concerns or protocol alterations that might be helpful.
Developing a mutually agreed upon protocol can be a long process, so please do not send an e-mail asking about updates. Your application was not the only one received, and it takes time to create workable protocols. You will be notified how you can check for yourself online as to the status of your application.
Once you have received your message either asking for clarification or approving the protocol you have outlined, the protocol will be forwarded to members of JREF’s Million Dollar Challenge committee to work out an approved Challenge, and the details for a preliminary test will be put in place.
4.4 How long does an application take to process?
This depends on the number of applications received, how workable your protocol is, and how testable your claim is.
4.5 Can’t I just e-mail the application?
No. Applications must be sent through postal mail to the JREF, as there is no way to notarize e-mail. You may, however, e-mail a copy of your application to challenge@randi.org, but this will only serve as a reference to the official Challenge application.
4.6 How much of my application is confidential?
Your application is not considered to be confidential. The JREF reserves the right to publish any and all materials regarding your application, your paranormal claim, the protocol design, and other aspects of the Challenge.
In fact, by filling out an application you are agreeing that all materials and peripheral properties (photographic, recorded, written, etc.) gathered as a result of the test procedure, the protocol, and the actual testing, may be used freely by the JREF. This is outlined in the Applicant rules.
Furthermore, the JREF cannot give away one million dollars without revealing to whom it has been given. We have accountability to the IRS, the media, the scientific community, and society as a whole.
4.7 Why do I have to provide affidavits, media coverage, or a video?
This policy is in the favor of those who are sincere with their applications. Offering the additional material will help the applicant to demonstrate that they are truly serious in their claim. In the past, the JREF has spent valuable time and resources investigating claims that were submitted by people who were only suffering from a mental ailment, or who had no intention of following through, but rather were interested in wasting our time. By maintaining these requirements, the JREF is able to separate out those who are either unable or unwilling to comply with the Challenge rules and guidelines.
4.8 If I want to provide affidavits, whom should I get to supply them?
You should approach individuals of an academic or professional standing who are not related to you. The affidavits must be from individuals who are familiar with the scientific method and logical deduction, and can witness your claim from an unbiased standpoint and offer their feedback. Most importantly, they must be familiar with the field your claim is related to. If your claim is regarding a fuel saver, a paleontologist may not be the most helpful.
You may consider e-mailing professors at a nearby university. Some would-be applicants have noted that most academics do not believe in the paranormal, and would therefore not be the right type of person to approach with paranormal claims. However, an academic’s opinion will not be swayed by a desire to believe, and the evidence will be taken at its own value.
The affidavit should read something like the following:
I have personally witnessed the phenomenon claimed by "(applicant's name)" in their application for the JREF One Million Dollar Paranormal Challenge, and I can offer no rational explanation for it.
4.9 If my claim involves healing or diagnosing, can I use affidavits from those I have healed or diagnosed?
No. Remember, the point of affidavits is to have responses from unbiased individuals.
5. Processing
5.1 What happens between a preliminary test and a formal test?
At any time prior to a formal test, the JREF reserves the right to re-negotiate the protocol if issues are discovered that would prevent a fair and unbiased test. After an agreement is reached on the protocol, no part of the testing procedure may be changed in any way without an amended agreement, signed by all parties concerned.
A final test may be longer, or require more conclusive results through more sets of the test to ensure that the preliminary test was not a fluke.
All tests are videotaped and stored. You will be asked to state, on camera, that the protocol is fair prior to the test. You will be asked to state it again afterward.
5.2 Who pays for all this?
The claimant must pay their own costs of all items necessary to prove their claim. The JREF will not pay travel and testing expenses for applicants for the Million Dollar Paranormal Challenge. According to the rules set forth in the Challenge application, “All of the Applicant's expenses such as transportation, accommodation, materials, assistants, and all other costs for any persons or procedures incurred in pursuit of the Challenge, are the sole responsibility of the Applicant. Neither the JREF nor any representative of the JREF will bear any of the costs.”
The JREF will not pay for items to help claimants prove their psychic claims. For example, there was a test where we would have needed at least 10 cars, 6 tanks of gas for each car, a mechanic, and people to drive those cars using the 6 tanks over 30 miles. Then if the claimant passed the test, we would have to repeat it. That is a lot of money for anyone to spend to test something that may not be genuine. We will not spend that kind of money, nor should we be expected to.
Below is list of frequently asked questions about the Million Dollar Challenge and their answers. Please consult this along with the rules and information outlined in the Million Dollar Challenge Application before emailing challenge@randi.org with your questions.
1. Challenge History
1.1 How long has this Challenge been open?
The Challenge was first introduced in 1964 when James Randi offered $1,000 of his own money to the first person who could offer proof of the paranormal. During a live radio panel discussion, James Randi was challenged by a parapsychologist to "put [his] money where [his] mouth is", and Randi responded by offering to pay $1,000 to anyone who could demonstrate paranormal powers in a controlled test. The prize has since grown to One Million Dollars.
1.2 How many people have applied for the Challenge?
Between 1964 and 1982, Randi declared that over 650 people had applied. Between 1997 and 2005, there had been a total of 360 official, notarized applications. New applications for the Million Dollar Paranormal Challenge continue to be received every month.
1.3 Has anyone ever passed the preliminary test?
No.
1.4 Has anyone taken a formal test?
Yes. However, the vast majority of applicants and claimants for the Million Dollar Challenge have not taken a formal test, because none of them have passed the preliminary phase of the Challenge.
This being said, the JREF does reserve the right to waive the preliminary phase of the Million Dollar Challenge. This has happened on special occasion, such as the Primetime Nightline episode where JREF tested a number of paranormal claimants with the one million on the line. (See: http://archive.randi.org/site/index.php/swift-blog/1388-randi-challenges-top-qpsychicsq-after-nightline-episode.html and http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/beyondbelief/ )
2. Protocols
2.1 Protocols must be “mutually agreed upon.” What does that mean?
Neither the Foundation nor the claimant can force a testing procedure without the approval of the other party. In fact, applicants are encouraged to formulate their own protocol. However, if the protocol you submitted with your application does not qualify as a sufficient test of the claimed ability, the JREF will develop alternate testing protocol that you may agree to. The testing procedure is a negotiation. If at any time a deadlock is reached, the application process will be terminated, and neither side will be blamed or considered at fault. On occasion, an applicant may agree to a protocol previously designed by the JREF for testing various paranormal claims. Most of the time, however, new test protocols are developed jointly between the applicant/claimant and the JREF so that each party agrees to the terms of the test.
2.2 What is the definition of “paranormal” in regards to the Challenge?
“Paranormal” is a generic term used to refer to occurrences beyond the scope of conventional experience or scientific explanation. It implies that certain phenomena are to be understood independent of science’s present measure. Paranormal experiences are different from certain hypotheses, i.e. dark matter or String Theory, because the paranormal events are not consistent with our current scientific conception of the way the world works through empirical observation and the scientific method.
2.3 Does my claim count as paranormal?
Past claims have included: psychic or mediumistic powers, ESP, dowsing, magnetic humans, astrology, faith healing, etc. Read through the JREF forum for a list of previous applicants if you’d like to see whether or not your claim has been tested before. A partial list can be found at: http://www.internationalskeptics.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=43
If you are submitting a claim that works off a previous assumption, you have to present evidence proving the assumption correct first. For instance, there was a man who claimed that his mustache curled in the presence of ghosts. In order to test this, you would first have to prove the existence of ghosts. And if you did that, the person who proved that ghosts exist would win the million dollars.
Another true situation: A man claimed he could stop earthquakes prior to them happening. When asked how we would test this, he replied: "I will predict an earthquake in advance. You will get a clairvoyant, who is real, to validate my prediction. I will then stop the earthquake six months prior to it happening." If we found a "genuine clairvoyant" surely that person would win the million dollars. (For the record, this was prior to a big earthquake in Japan, which he did nothing about.)
Furthermore, some claims are simply untestable. For example, claiming that you are able to make someone feel happy by talking to them is untestable, because it is impossible to objectively gauge someone’s level of happiness, especially if they have been told that after talking to you they should feel happy. If your claim is untestable, there is nothing that can be done to alter that status unless you find a new claim or negotiate a protocol in which the results are self-evident and objectively testable.
You may receive communications from the JREF about the nature of your claim. The JREF will want extremely specific details about the precise scope of your ability.
2.4 Why do you reject applications with claims that might cause injury?
The JREF doesn’t want anyone to get hurt or die, for both legal and humanitarian reasons. We will not condone or support any claim where injury may occur, either to yourself or others.
For example, if you claim you can jump off a ten story building and survive, the JREF is not going to test you at it because people jumping off buildings doesn’t normally end well.
Additionally, testing certain claims -- faith-healing, for example -- could require consultation from a data monitoring committee to keep track of patient safety and effectiveness of treatment. This independent group of experts may deem a clinical trial unsafe, in which case the JREF will most likely not conduct the test.
2.5 Why can’t I submit a religious or spiritual claim?
While we do not reject religious or spiritual claims on principle, many religious claims are based on faith or on interpretation of anecdotal evidence, making them inherently untestable. For example, you can look at a series of events – such as surviving an automobile crash, surviving a plane crash, surviving a near-drowning, and say, “This was the hand of God.” However, the point of the Challenge isn’t to present testimony. It is to present something testable. Besides this, most religious people believe it’s impossible to test God, and we agree.
2.6 I’d like to change a rule.
The JREF doesn’t cut corners or make exceptions when it comes to the application. The Challenge rules are in place for a reason. When you fill out the JREF Challenge application, you are entering into a contract.
3. Prize Money
3.1 I heard the prize money doesn’t really exist, and that it’s all just a scam.
The money is real. It is held in an account at BNY Mellon. The JREF is a “tax exempt” organization, so we are required by law to provide annual public disclosure of our finances. That means that the public can review copies of JREF's tax return (Form 990). You can go to http://web.randi.org/our-financials to view JREF's 990, which was prepared by an independent CPA firm. Part X, Line 11 shows the amount of Investments in Publicly Traded Securities which is greater than a million dollars.
The contract between the claimant and JREF is binding enough that the JREF must pay the prize if someone wins it. This is a published, legal obligation, not just a casual offer. Also, if JREF were not able to hold up its end of the bargain, the IRS could investigate and revoke the JREF's tax exempt status. It could mean severe penalties for the JREF. Rest assured: The money is there.
Should you remain unconvinced of the existence of the prize funds, you are free to choose not to apply. The JREF will not provide further proof of the prize fund's existence.
3.2 If I pass the formal test and win the Challenge, how will I be paid?
The first $10,000 of the prize money will be paid by check, as stated in the Challenge rules, immediately upon successful demonstration of the claim. The remaining $990,000 will be transferred to the winner within ten days of passing the formal test.
4. Application Process
4.1 How do I apply?
First, make sure you qualify by reading the rules and guidelines. If you do, print, fill out, sign the application, and have it notarized. Send it with your affidavits, proof of media presence or other required documents, and a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Please also include a summary in three paragraphs or less of the nature of your claim, the conditions required to perform it, and the accuracy rates with which you can perform it.
All of this should be sent to:
Million Dollar Challenge
James Randi Educational Foundation
2941 Fairview Park Drive, Suite 105
Falls Church, VA 22042 USA
The application should be typed, and filled out in comprehensible English. If you are not a native English speaker, you should have a translator help you with the application process as any misunderstandings will cause delays.
The Challenge Application, once it is signed by James Randi or an authorized representative of The James Randi Educational Foundation, is a legally binding contract. So, again, remember to sign your application.
4.2 What should I do before I apply?
Make sure you are up to the task of taking the Challenge. Some of the people who apply for the Challenge may be mentally ill, and this is a point that has the potential to be examined during the application process. The Million Dollar Challenge can be emotionally taxing, as your personal beliefs are being put on the line.
It can be helpful to see a physician for a physical and psychological examination. Discuss your claimed paranormal ability to your doctor, and get their feedback, as well.
It is best to be able to demonstrate your ability reliably before you apply. Test your power at home, in a controlled setting like the one described in your suggested protocol. It can be beneficial to video record your exercises, and to invite skeptics to watch. Keep in mind that if you cannot reliably perform your claim on command, it will be difficult to perform during the Challenge test. Jot down lots of notes regarding “hits” and “misses” to make sure you aren’t retrospectively improving your results.
4.3 What kind of communication will I receive during my application process?
When your application has been received and processed, you will get message from the JREF notifying you that your application has been received. You will be notified if your application has been accepted, or if not, why not (it was incomplete, not filled out entirely, etc.). You will also receive a message about any concerns or protocol alterations that might be helpful.
Developing a mutually agreed upon protocol can be a long process, so please do not send an e-mail asking about updates. Your application was not the only one received, and it takes time to create workable protocols. You will be notified how you can check for yourself online as to the status of your application.
Once you have received your message either asking for clarification or approving the protocol you have outlined, the protocol will be forwarded to members of JREF’s Million Dollar Challenge committee to work out an approved Challenge, and the details for a preliminary test will be put in place.
4.4 How long does an application take to process?
This depends on the number of applications received, how workable your protocol is, and how testable your claim is.
4.5 Can’t I just e-mail the application?
No. Applications must be sent through postal mail to the JREF, as there is no way to notarize e-mail. You may, however, e-mail a copy of your application to challenge@randi.org, but this will only serve as a reference to the official Challenge application.
4.6 How much of my application is confidential?
Your application is not considered to be confidential. The JREF reserves the right to publish any and all materials regarding your application, your paranormal claim, the protocol design, and other aspects of the Challenge.
In fact, by filling out an application you are agreeing that all materials and peripheral properties (photographic, recorded, written, etc.) gathered as a result of the test procedure, the protocol, and the actual testing, may be used freely by the JREF. This is outlined in the Applicant rules.
Furthermore, the JREF cannot give away one million dollars without revealing to whom it has been given. We have accountability to the IRS, the media, the scientific community, and society as a whole.
4.7 Why do I have to provide affidavits, media coverage, or a video?
This policy is in the favor of those who are sincere with their applications. Offering the additional material will help the applicant to demonstrate that they are truly serious in their claim. In the past, the JREF has spent valuable time and resources investigating claims that were submitted by people who were only suffering from a mental ailment, or who had no intention of following through, but rather were interested in wasting our time. By maintaining these requirements, the JREF is able to separate out those who are either unable or unwilling to comply with the Challenge rules and guidelines.
4.8 If I want to provide affidavits, whom should I get to supply them?
You should approach individuals of an academic or professional standing who are not related to you. The affidavits must be from individuals who are familiar with the scientific method and logical deduction, and can witness your claim from an unbiased standpoint and offer their feedback. Most importantly, they must be familiar with the field your claim is related to. If your claim is regarding a fuel saver, a paleontologist may not be the most helpful.
You may consider e-mailing professors at a nearby university. Some would-be applicants have noted that most academics do not believe in the paranormal, and would therefore not be the right type of person to approach with paranormal claims. However, an academic’s opinion will not be swayed by a desire to believe, and the evidence will be taken at its own value.
The affidavit should read something like the following:
I have personally witnessed the phenomenon claimed by "(applicant's name)" in their application for the JREF One Million Dollar Paranormal Challenge, and I can offer no rational explanation for it.
4.9 If my claim involves healing or diagnosing, can I use affidavits from those I have healed or diagnosed?
No. Remember, the point of affidavits is to have responses from unbiased individuals.
5. Processing
5.1 What happens between a preliminary test and a formal test?
At any time prior to a formal test, the JREF reserves the right to re-negotiate the protocol if issues are discovered that would prevent a fair and unbiased test. After an agreement is reached on the protocol, no part of the testing procedure may be changed in any way without an amended agreement, signed by all parties concerned.
A final test may be longer, or require more conclusive results through more sets of the test to ensure that the preliminary test was not a fluke.
All tests are videotaped and stored. You will be asked to state, on camera, that the protocol is fair prior to the test. You will be asked to state it again afterward.
5.2 Who pays for all this?
The claimant must pay their own costs of all items necessary to prove their claim. The JREF will not pay travel and testing expenses for applicants for the Million Dollar Paranormal Challenge. According to the rules set forth in the Challenge application, “All of the Applicant's expenses such as transportation, accommodation, materials, assistants, and all other costs for any persons or procedures incurred in pursuit of the Challenge, are the sole responsibility of the Applicant. Neither the JREF nor any representative of the JREF will bear any of the costs.”
The JREF will not pay for items to help claimants prove their psychic claims. For example, there was a test where we would have needed at least 10 cars, 6 tanks of gas for each car, a mechanic, and people to drive those cars using the 6 tanks over 30 miles. Then if the claimant passed the test, we would have to repeat it. That is a lot of money for anyone to spend to test something that may not be genuine. We will not spend that kind of money, nor should we be expected to.
