Magazine Summary
Fund for UFO Research Inc. QUARTERLY REPORT
Summary
The Fund for UFO Research Inc. sponsored an Abduction Study Conference in June 1992, which led to a videotaped panel discussion titled 'Abduction Roundtable.' The organization also approved a $2,000 grant for Michael Chorost to study crop circles in England and received a research proposal from Russia concerning an anomalous mineral. Key personnel presented at scientific and convention events, and the Fund was mentioned in national media. Financial reports for the second quarter of 1992 show total income of $54,255.40 and total expenses of $58,023.21, resulting in a net worth of ($1,198.75). New items offered include the book 'Crash at Corona' and the videotape 'Recollections of Roswell (Part 2).'
Magazine Overview
This document is a Quarterly Report from the Fund for UFO Research Inc. covering the period of April to June 1992. It details the organization's activities, research initiatives, media mentions, and financial status.
Key Activities and Events
Abduction Study Conference The most significant event was the Fund's sponsorship of the Abduction Study Conference, held from June 13-17 at a major university in the Northeast. The Fund administered $48,000 contributed to the conference, which was attended by 100 mental health practitioners, UFO investigators, and abduction witnesses. Following the conference, a panel discussion on the UFO abduction phenomenon was videotaped and produced as an hour-long program titled "Abduction Roundtable," available from the Fund.
Research Grants and Proposals During this period, the Fund's National Board approved a $2,000 grant for Michael Chorost to support a trip to England for the analysis of soil samples from crop circle formations. This was intended as the first American scientific exploration of the crop circle phenomenon, aiming to discover characteristics that might refute the hoax hypothesis. Additionally, in April, the Fund received a research proposal from Russia to conduct an analysis of an anomalous mineral, marking the first such proposal from a member of the Commonwealth of Independent States.
Presentations and Media Coverage Fund Chairman Bruce Maccabee, Ph.D., presented on the UFO phenomenon at a joint meeting of the American Physical Society and the American Association of Physics Teachers in April in Washington, D.C. Executive Committee member Rob Swiatek addressed the INFO (International Fortean Organization) conference in May in Northern Virginia. Secretary-Treasurer Fred Whiting participated in a debate on the UFO subject at a science fiction convention in Washington, D.C.
In May, the Fund was mentioned in articles in Omni magazine and The Wall Street Journal. This media attention was likely linked to the CBS-TV miniseries "Intruders" and the release of the Roper Organization survey on UFO abductions. Executive Committee member Don Berliner reported conducting an average of one interview per week due to this coverage.
Organizational Matters The Board of Directors approved amendments to the organization's by-laws, including changes related to the Isabel L. Davis Award. This award recognizes long-term accomplishments and excellence in promoting rational inquiry into UFO sightings and related phenomena. Supporters are asked to vote for the nominees.
Treasurer's Report (2nd Quarter, 1992)
Income Total income for the quarter was $54,255.40, primarily from donations ($51,468.36), sales ($2,315.71), postage ($225.40), and interest ($245.93).
Expenses Total expenses amounted to $58,023.21, with the largest portion allocated to Program Services ($56,097.02), followed by Administration ($1,068.92) and Fundraising ($857.27).
Financial Summary The quarter resulted in a balance of ($3,767.81). Total assets were $11,982.32, including Checking Account ($1,910.72), Hanson S&L ($2,238.74), Dreyfus Account ($6,165.30), and Accounts Receivable ($1,667.56). Total liabilities were $13,181.07, encompassing various research projects and trips. The Net Worth at the end of the quarter was ($1,198.75).
New Offerings
Two items were offered for the first time: the book "Crash at Corona" by Stanton T. Friedman and Don Berliner, and the videotape "Abduction Roundtable." Additionally, the videotape "Recollections of Roswell (Part 2)" was offered as a sales item. The booklet "Unusual Personal Experiences," based on the Roper Organization's abduction survey, is also available.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The report highlights the Fund's commitment to sponsoring conferences, supporting scientific research into UFO phenomena (including crop circles and anomalous minerals), and disseminating information through publications and media. The organization appears to promote a rational and scientific approach to UFO inquiry, as evidenced by the Isabel L. Davis Award criteria and the mention of various research projects. The financial report indicates a period of significant expenditure, leading to a negative net worth, but also substantial income from donations and sales.
The ballot is printed on the opposite side of the enclosed Reply Form; we ask that you make your choice and return the ballot in the enclosed self-addressed envelope.
Key Incidents
The Fund sponsored the Abduction Study Conference, attended by 100 mental health practitioners, UFO investigators, and abduction witnesses.
The Fund received a proposal from a Russian researcher to analyze an anomalous mineral.
Fund Chairman Bruce Maccabee presented on the UFO phenomenon to a joint meeting of the American Physical Society and the American Association of Physics Teachers.
Executive Committee member Rob Swiatek addressed the INFO conference.
The Fund was mentioned in Omni magazine and The Wall Street Journal, likely due to media coverage of the CBS-TV miniseries 'Intruders' and the Roper Organization survey on UFO abductions.
The Fund's Board of Directors approved amendments to the organization's by-laws concerning the Isabel L. Davis Award.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the main event sponsored by the Fund for UFO Research in the second quarter of 1992?
The main event was the sponsorship of the Abduction Study Conference, held from June 13-17 in the Northeast.
What research grants were approved by the Fund during this period?
A grant of $2,000 was approved for Michael Chorost to analyze soil samples from crop circle formations in England, and a proposal from Russia for analysis of an anomalous mineral was received.
What new publications or media were offered by the Fund?
The Fund offered the book 'Crash at Corona' by Stanton T. Friedman and Don Berliner, the videotape 'Abduction Roundtable,' and the videotape 'Recollections of Roswell (Part 2).'
What is the Isabel L. Davis Award?
The Isabel L. Davis Award is given annually to recognize long-term accomplishments and excellence in promoting rational inquiry into UFO sightings and related phenomena, with supporters voting for the nominee.
In This Issue
People Mentioned
- Michael Chorost
- Bruce Maccabee, Ph.D.Fund Chairman
- Rob SwiatekExecutive Committee member
- Fred WhitingSecretary-Treasurer
- Don BerlinerExecutive Committee member and primary Fund spokesperson
- Isabel L. DavisFounding member
- Stanton T. Friedman
Organisations
- Fund for UFO Research Inc.
- INFO (International Fortean Organization)
- American Physical Society
- American Association of Physics Teachers
- Roper Organization
- Hanson S&L
Locations
- Northeast, USA
- England, United Kingdom
- Russia, Russia
- Washington, D.C., USA
- Northern Virginia, USA
- Corona, USA
- Roswell, USA