TransAtlantic Fan Fund

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The Trans-Atlantic Fan Fund was created in 1953 for the purpose of providing funds to bring well-known and popular members of science fiction fandom familiar to fans on both sides of the ocean, across the Atlantic. It's roots lie in the successful effort to bring Walt Willis to the 1952 World Science Fiction Convention in Chicago. Since that time TAFF has regularly brought North American fans to European conventions and European fans to North American conventions. TAFF is funded through the support of fandom. Candidates are voted on by interested fans all over the world, and each vote is accompanied by a donation of not less than $3 or £2. These donations, and the continued generosity of fandom, are what make TAFF possible.

Each candidate posts a bond, promising to travel (if elected) to a major convention on the other side of the Atlantic; and has provided signed nominations and a platform. Winning TAFF candidates are expected to write a trip report, which customarily takes the form of a fanzine or a series of fanzine articles.

Voting is by secret ballot, using instant-runoff voting; and is open to anyone who has been active in fandom for the prior year or more and who contributes to the Fund. Ballots are signed, to prevent ballot-box stuffing and to enable the election administrators to identify each voter as a known member of fandom.

Past TAFF winners through 2005 are as follows (Westbound races marked << and eastbound >>.)