Fund for UFO Research Inc.

Magazine Overview

This document is the Quarterly Report for the Fund for UFO Research Inc. covering the period of April to June 1986. It details the organization's activities, financial status, and future plans, primarily focusing on preparations for the upcoming MUFON Symposium and ongoing research support.

Key Activities and Announcements

1987 MUFON Symposium Preparations

The Executive Committee has begun extensive preparations for the 1987 MUFON Symposium, scheduled to be held at the American University in Northwest Washington. The symposium is planned to have a dual theme: "UFO sightings: an international phenomenon" and "What have we learned in 40 years?" A significant goal is to invite international speakers, with efforts underway to raise approximately $20,000 to cover their travel expenses. The conference will also feature invited lectures and a new concept of contributed papers, with the first call for papers included in this report. If excess funds are raised, they will be allocated to research projects.

Frances Graham's Lunar Study

Following up on a proposal discussed in the previous report, the Executive Committee reviewed Frances Graham's request for funding to study photographs of the moon. Graham, a doctoral student in astronomy, aims to clarify claims made in several books about alien artifacts appearing in satellite photos of the moon. The Fund voted to contribute $1,000 towards Graham's requested $1,900. They also contacted the Committee for Scientific Investigation into Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP), suggesting they provide the remaining $900. However, CSICOP, reportedly on James Oberg's recommendation, declined the suggestion. Despite the partial funding, Mr. Graham has stated his intention to proceed with the investigation.

Dr. Bruce Maccabee's Activities

Dr. Bruce Maccabee, Chairman of the Executive Committee, was active in public outreach during this quarter. He participated in a debate with Philip Klass on a Cable News Network program and delivered a lecture at the Martin Luther King Library in Washington, D.C. Articles featuring Dr. Maccabee and his comments on a UFO landing were published in OMNI magazine in May and June.

New Publication

A new publication is now available: Jean-Jacques Velasco's presentation to the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) in April 1986. Velasco, who heads the French investigating group GEPAN, discusses the "Contini" case in his paper. The package includes a reprint of MUFON's translation of the original GEPAN investigation report.

Award

During this quarter, the Executive Committee decided to present an award of $250 at the 1986 MUFON Symposium.

Treasurer's Report

The Treasurer's Report for the second quarter of 1986 shows the financial status of the Fund. Total assets increased from $4,619.27 at the end of the first quarter to $5,380.80 at the end of the second quarter, with a net increase of $761.53.

Expenditures for the quarter totaled $2,751.85, including $1,162.83 for Research/Investigation, which included a $500 initial payment for the lunar artifact study and $662.83 for government cover-up investigations. Other expenditures covered printing, mailing services, postage, and supplies.

Income for the quarter totaled $3,513.42, with $2,715.00 from sales and $754.00 from donations. The donations figure includes $620 for the Rapid Deployment Fund, established to ensure prompt investigation of significant new reports. Interest from savings and appreciation in the Dreyfus account also contributed to income.

Future Plans and Contributor Bonus Plan

Later in the year, a new contributor bonus plan will be implemented. For payments exceeding $25 in a calendar year, contributors will receive a bonus certificate of $1 for every $10 sent, which can be applied towards documents or publications. The report emphasizes that contributions and publication orders are vital to the Fund's operations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The report reflects a strong commitment to advancing the study of UFO phenomena through organized research, symposia, and public engagement. The Fund actively seeks to foster international collaboration and rigorous investigation, as evidenced by the MUFON Symposium plans and the support for Frances Graham's study. There is also an underlying theme of engaging with and responding to skeptical viewpoints, as seen in the interaction with CSICOP and Dr. Maccabee's debate with Philip Klass. The organization relies heavily on public support and aims to provide value to its contributors through publications and bonus plans.