FUFOR - 1988 Q4 - Quarterly Report Oct-Dec

Magazine Overview

This document is the Quarterly Report from the Fund for UFO Research, covering the period of October to December 1988. It details the organization's activities, research projects, fundraising efforts, and financial status.

Key Activities and Research Projects

Media Appearances and Public Outreach

Dr. Bruce Maccabee, Chairman of the Fund for UFO Research, was featured on two national television shows discussing the Gulf Breeze UFO sightings. He appeared on NBC's "Unsolved Mysteries" on October 5 and on Seligman Productions' "UFO Cover-up?...Live" on October 14. The latter was a live broadcast from a studio near the White House, which, despite an estimated 40 million viewers and over 75,000 phone calls, received minimal media attention.

Fundraising for MJ-12 Research

A significant focus of the quarter was fundraising for Stanton Friedman's MJ-12 related research, with a goal of $16,000. By the end of December, $8,365 had been raised, bringing the total committed amount for this research to $10,310.69. Whitley Strieber's Communion Foundation has pledged a matching grant of $5,000, which is expected to help complete the fundraising effort by the first quarter of 1989. Contributors of $50 or more will receive a copy of Friedman's report.

Abduction Research Support

The Fund is also supporting Budd Hopkins' abduction research, which requires financial assistance for clerical help due to a large volume of correspondence. A major sponsor has agreed to contribute to this effort. Several other abduction research projects have been submitted:

• Dr. Richard Haines proposed creating an educational videotape for abduction researchers and clinical psychologists, with an estimated cost of $20,000.
• Dr. Rima Laibow proposed an abduction "crisis center" with a hotline for emotionally disturbed individuals, to be staffed by trained personnel and run by a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist.
• Dr. Laibow also proposed a conference for clinical psychologists and psychiatrists to examine the abduction phenomenon, particularly its connection to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a condition identified in Vietnam veterans. This conference could cost several hundred thousand dollars.

The Fund is entertaining proposals for research into government secrecy and abduction cases, and interested parties can request a grant proposal form.

Scientific Collaboration

An initiative was launched to gather signatures from scientists who support the conduct of UFO research. This project is a collaboration with the Center for UFO Studies and the Mutual UFO Network, coordinated by Fund Associate Howard Hoffman.

Available Publications

Several papers by Dr. Maccabee are now available. "The Scientific Investigation of Unidentified Flying Objects" offers an exhaustive discussion of Project Blue Book Special Report #14. "The Fantastic Flight of JAL 1628" by CUFOS details the Japan Air Lines sighting of November 17, 1986. Additionally, a previously unpublished paper, "An Analysis of an Anomalous Image Found in a DMSP Weather Satellite Photograph," describes a UFO resembling a car without wheels. "The Mundrabilla Incident" by Keith Basterfield, investigating an Australian vehicle interference case, is also available, supported by a $1,000 grant from the Fund.

Treasurer's Report

Financial Overview (4th Quarter 1988)

• Total Assets: $13,483.33 (compared to $5,469.11 at the end of Q3).
• Checking Account: $11,229.41
• Savings & Loan: $1,524.45
• Dreyfus Account: $729.47
• Expenditures: $4,218.80 (compared to $4,749.56 at the end of Q3).
• Mail Services: $3,227.85
• Grants/investigations: $0 (compared to $1,153.82 in Q3)
• Supplies: $27.22
• Phone: $175.27
• Other: $788.46
• Income: $12,374.73 (compared to $3,157.70 at the end of Q3).
• Donations: $9,422.90
• Sales: $2,890.90
• Interest: $33.93

Financial Commentary

Despite a healthy bank balance, the report notes that over $10,000 is committed to MJ-12 research and over $1,000 to abduction cases, leaving less than $3,000 for general operating expenses and other research projects. Supporters are asked to contribute at least $5.00 to offset printing and mailing costs for the Quarterly Report.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Fund for UFO Research consistently supports rigorous investigation into UFO phenomena, including sightings, abductions, and potential government involvement. The organization actively seeks funding for specific research projects and collaborates with other UFO research groups. The editorial stance emphasizes the importance of scientific inquiry and the dissemination of findings through publications and reports. There is a clear focus on providing detailed information on cases and research, often making previously unavailable reports accessible to the public.