FUFOR - 1989 Q2 - Quarterly Report Apr-Jun

Magazine Overview

This document is a Quarterly Report from the Fund for UFO Research Inc., covering the period of April to June 1989. The report details the organization's activities, research projects, financial status, and publications.

Key Activities and Research Projects

Conference on Abduction Phenomenon

A significant event sponsored by the Fund was a conference titled "Treatment Research on Experienced Anomalous Trauma." This was a first-of-its-kind conference designed for professionals in the mental health field, focusing on the abduction phenomenon. Coordinated by Dr. Rima Laibow, a New York psychiatrist who has worked with clients reporting abduction experiences, the conference was attended by approximately 40 psychiatrists, psychologists, and UFO investigators. It was cosponsored by the Fund, the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON), and the Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS). Most of the conference costs were covered by a major supporter of the Fund, and a report on the conference was in progress.

MJ-12 Documents Research

Nuclear physicist Stanton Friedman continued his research into the "MJ-12" documents during this quarter. A progress report on his findings was made available to contributors of $50 or more to the project. Mr. Friedman stated that his research had not uncovered any information that would cast doubt on the legitimacy of the documents, and some further aspects had been identified. A final report was expected later in the year.

"Discovery" Transmission Analysis

The Fund undertook a major case investigation involving the analysis of an audiotape of a purported transmission from the space shuttle Discovery during its mission earlier in the year. The transmission included a puzzling statement: "Uh, Houston, this is Discovery. We still have that alien spacecraft under observance." The Fund invested $1,150 for a professional analysis of the tape. The study concluded that there was insufficient evidence to prove the authenticity of the transmission. A final report on this investigation was to be made available in the near future.

"Mystery Helicopters" Study

The Executive Committee of the Fund approved a proposal submitted by Nigel Watson to conduct a study of "mystery helicopters" in England. This research was intended to shed light on the phenomenon, which has been reported extensively throughout the U.S. in recent years.

Fundraising and Media Relations

The Fund conducted an active campaign to raise money for research into the abduction phenomenon, generating over $1,700 in revenue, which was earmarked for scientific research. Additionally, the Fund engaged in a media relations campaign. A survey sent to media representatives indicated a significant lack of awareness regarding the evidence that UFOs warrant serious consideration.

Journalism Award and Distribution

To encourage quality journalism, the Committee approved a $1,000 award in memory of the late Donald Keyhoe for the best article or story published or broadcast on the UFO subject in 1989. The Committee also decided to distribute a news column on the UFO mystery to over 9,000 newspapers in the U.S.

Financial Report (Treasurer's Report)

Total Assets

As of the end of the second quarter of 1989, total assets were $8,947.87, comprising Checking Account ($2,011.69), Savings & Loan ($6,608.50), and Dreyfus Account ($327.68). By the end of 1989, total assets had increased to $15,603.52, with Checking Account at $7,092.52, Savings & Loan at $1,524.45, and Dreyfus Account at $6,986.55.

Income

Total income for the second quarter of 1989 was $31,283.10, with donations ($28,952.70) being the largest component, followed by sales ($1,887.38) and interest ($443.02). By the end of 1989, total income had decreased to $10,475.54, with donations at $7,394.85, sales at $2,923.17, and interest at $157.52.

Expenditures

Total expenditures for the second quarter of 1989 were $40,362.99, including Grants/investigations ($34,338.80), Mail services ($3,885.99), Phone ($162.07), Supplies ($94.13), and Other ($1,882.00). By the end of 1989, total expenditures had significantly decreased to $9,598.54, with Grants/investigations at $4,949.70, Mail services at $2,800.25, Phone at $401.48, Supplies at $152.75, and Other at $1,294.36.

Record-Shattering Quarter

The Treasurer's Report indicated that this was a "record-shattering quarter" for the Fund, in terms of both income and expenditures. This was largely attributed to the TREAT Conference, which generated nearly $29,000. Expenditures included $21,000 for the conference, $10,000 for MJ-12 document research, $2,000 to assist Budd Hopkins with abduction research, and over $1,100 for the "Discovery" audio transmission investigation. The report acknowledged the generous support of major contributors, including Whitley Strieber, MUFON, and CUFOS, as well as an anonymous individual.

Publications

Two new publications were offered: "Analysis of the Gulf Breeze Videotape" by Dr. Bruce Maccabee and "The Blue Book Unknowns" by Don Berliner. Dr. Maccabee's paper complements his previous work on the Gulf Breeze sightings, and Mr. Berliner's paper provides a catalog of "unknowns" identified by the U.S. Air Force, including witness names.

Operational Changes

To improve response time for sales items, the Executive Committee decided to outsource fulfillment to a professional management firm, which resulted in a slight increase in postage and handling costs. The report emphasized that half of the proceeds from sales and contributions go towards supporting scientific research into the UFO phenomenon.

Awards and Recognition

Isabelle Davis Award

Once again, the Executive Committee made a cash award in memory of Isabelle Davis, one of the Fund's organizers. This award is given to the recipient of the MUFON award for the most significant contribution to ufology during the previous year. The award amount was increased to $500 this year. The Committee made the decision before the nominees were announced, and the recipient was Dr. Bruce Maccabee, who is MUFON's State Director for Maryland and also serves as Chairman of the Fund.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This report highlights the Fund for UFO Research Inc.'s commitment to rigorous scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, particularly the abduction experience. The organization actively engages in research, analysis of evidence, and dissemination of information through publications and media outreach. There is a clear emphasis on supporting quality journalism and encouraging serious consideration of the UFO subject. The editorial stance is one of promoting scientific inquiry and providing resources for researchers and the public.