Fund for UFO Research Inc. QUARTERLY REPORT

Magazine Overview

This document is the Quarterly Report from the Fund for UFO Research Inc., covering the period of July to September 1988. The report details the organization's activities, financial status, and future plans, with a strong emphasis on the need for increased funding to advance UFO research.

Key Activities and Events

The quarter was marked by significant media attention surrounding two upcoming national TV UFO specials: 'Unsolved Mysteries,' focusing on the Gulf Breeze sightings, and the syndicated 'UFO Cover-up?...Live.' Dr. Bruce Maccabee, Chairman of the Fund, was actively involved in both productions and appeared in them. The Fund also facilitated the distribution of 'Mr. Ed's' photos from the Gulf Breeze case to TV production crews and had representatives conduct interviews with approximately 100 radio and TV stations nationwide.

Timothy Goode, author of 'Above Top Secret,' was a guest at the July meeting, discussing his views on a worldwide UFO information cover-up.

Funding Needs and Projects

A major focus of discussions during this quarter was the urgent need to raise substantial funds, estimated in the tens of thousands of dollars, to support UFO research related to government cover-ups, abduction reports, and educational initiatives. This need is highlighted by a proposal from Stanton Friedman for a four-month, full-time research effort into the MJ-12 document, which he estimates would cost $16,000. This project involves traveling to Presidential libraries and interviewing key individuals.

The Fund is also supporting the 'DC Area UFO Abduction Project,' led by Richard Hall and Elaine Douglass, with $500 for the first year. This project aims to provide psychological support to abductees and study the social dynamics of abduction experiences, while also gathering UFO-related information. The project's costs are primarily clerical and for report writing, but could escalate if more abductees come forward.

Scientific Endorsements and Future Office

Another initiative involves soliciting signatures from a large number of scientists to a statement affirming that UFO research is a worthy endeavor. The goal is to use these endorsements to approach funding agencies like the National Science Foundation or NASA.

Discussions have also taken place regarding the establishment of a physical office for the Fund, staffed full-time to administer grants, manage research projects, handle mailings, and coordinate publicity. Such an undertaking would require raising over $100,000.

Graduate Studies and Academic Support

The Fund is considering supporting graduate students at universities for Masters and Ph.D. research in UFO-related subjects, spanning fields such as history, religion, psychology, and physics. Additionally, they are contemplating organizing meetings between ufologists and non-ufologists from various scientific fields to discuss the implications of recent UFO research.

Treasurer's Report

The Treasurer's Report for the 3rd Quarter of 1988 shows total assets of $5,469.11 at the end of the quarter, a decrease from $7,138.93 at the end of the 2nd quarter. Expenditures for the 3rd quarter totaled $4,749.56, exceeding income of $3,157.70. Major expenditures included Mail Services ($2,431.25) and Grants/investigations ($1,153.82). Income was primarily from Donations ($1,545.40) and Sales ($1,611.80).

New Publications and Available Materials

The report highlights several new publications: Dr. Maccabee's 'TRUE UFOs, Fantasy or Reality' (a UFO Primer) and 'The Case of the Flying Christmas Tree' (an investigation of a 1981 Connecticut case). A special hardcover edition of Budd Hopkins' 'Intruders' is available for $5.00, with the first 20 copies autographed. Additionally, a limited supply of government document packages (over 600 pages) is available for $80, with a 10% discount on orders over $100.

Call for Support

The Fund urges readers to contribute to their efforts, especially before the end of the tax year. They also request contacts with individuals who might be willing to provide major funding for UFO-related projects.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this report are the critical need for increased funding for UFO research, the importance of investigating government cover-ups and abduction phenomena, and the desire to legitimize UFO research through scientific endorsement and academic study. The editorial stance is one of urgency and a call to action, emphasizing the potential for significant advancements in understanding if adequate financial resources are secured. The Fund appears committed to rigorous investigation and public education on UFO-related topics.