Fund for UFO Research Inc.

Magazine Overview

This document is the QUARTERLY REPORT from April to June 1994, published by the Fund for UFO Research Inc., based in Mount Rainier, MD, with a Washington D.C. address. It details the organization's activities and financial status during the second quarter of 1994.

Key Developments and Projects

Cooperative Funding Initiative A significant development in June 1994 was a meeting in St. Louis involving representatives from three leading UFO organizations: the Center for UFO Studies, the Fund for UFO Research, and the Mutual UFO Network. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss cooperative funding for UFO research. An agreement was reached where the Bigelow Foundation will provide substantial funding for UFO research projects. This funding will be administered by the three organizations collectively, under the banner of the "CFM Coalition." Further details on this joint venture are promised for future issues.

Jerome Clark's Research During this period, the Fund's Board of Directors approved a proposal from Jerome Clark to support his research expenses. Clark will investigate UFO events that occurred during the 1960s and 1970s. This project is expected to yield a report for distribution by the Fund and will also contribute to the third volume of Clark's UFO encyclopedia, a work previously recognized by the American Library Association. A grant of $2,000 was allocated to cover Clark's travel expenses for on-site research at various archives. Jerome Clark is also noted as the editor of the International UFO Reporter, published by CUFOS.

UFO Abduction Phenomenon Conference In June, the Fund sponsored a mini-conference focused on the UFO abduction phenomenon. Organized by Melanie Green, a supporter of the Fund, the event took place in the Northern Virginia area and was aimed at mental health professionals, abduction case investigators, and witnesses. Dr. David Jacobs, a researcher and author of "Secret Life," was the featured speaker. The costs associated with the conference were partially covered by a modest registration fee.

Public Outreach and Media Engagement To mark the 47th anniversary of the Kenneth Arnold sighting and the Roswell UFO crash, the Fund undertook efforts to inform a broad segment of the public about the UFO phenomenon. Information was disseminated to over 800 radio and television talk shows nationwide. This initiative resulted in nearly 30 requests for interviews. A particularly significant appearance was on "The Jim Bohannon Show" on the Mutual UFO Network, which boasts millions of listeners. Fund representatives also appeared on radio talk shows in numerous states, including California, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.

John Kasher's Videotape Analysis A proposal from physicist John Kasher, Ph.D., a faculty member at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, was approved by the Fund. Dr. Kasher plans to examine a videotape containing recordings of anomalous objects captured during the space shuttle Discovery mission on September 15, 1991. The Fund granted $400 to support this project. Dr. Kasher's report, along with a copy of the videotape, is expected to be made available by the Fund later in 1994.

Isabel L. Davis Award The Fund for UFO Research continues its tradition of honoring outstanding individuals in UFOlogy through the Isabel L. Davis Award. This annual award recognizes long-term accomplishments and excellence in promoting rational inquiry into reported UFO sightings and related phenomena. Last year's recipient was Raymond Fowler, an investigator and author with six books on the UFO subject, who received the award along with a $1,000 cash prize.

Award Nomination and Voting Process Members of the Fund's Executive Committee have nominated candidates for the Isabel L. Davis Award. The names of these nominees are being sent to supporters, who are invited to vote for the individual they believe is best qualified. A ballot is provided for this purpose, and supporters are asked to return it via a self-addressed envelope. The announcement of the award recipient and the presentation of the cash award will occur by the end of the year.

Support for the Award Contributions to support the Isabel L. Davis Award are welcomed. As a token of appreciation for donations of $25 or more, contributors will receive a special premium: a chocolate "flying saucer" complete with a crew of "little green men," while supplies last.

Treasurer's Report (January - June 1994)

Income Total income for the period was $14,990.15, derived from donations ($8,824.56), postage ($543.62), interest ($121.73), and sales ($468.00 + $5,032.24).

Expenses Total expenses amounted to $24,695.35, allocated across administration ($2,964.42), fundraising ($5,478.99), and program activities ($16,251.94).

Assets The Fund's assets totaled $8,468.66, comprising a checking account ($2,409.86), an asset manager account ($5,051.66), and a short-term bond fund ($1,007.14).

Liabilities Total liabilities were $8,423.33, including Abduction Research ($350.00), McDonald Papers ($325.00), Roswell Video ($4,000.00), Russian History ($50.00), Shag Harbor Crash ($1,698.33), and UFO History ($2,000.00).

Balance and Net Worth The balance for the period was a deficit of ($9,705.20). The Net Worth was calculated at $45.33.

Financial Outlook The Treasurer's Report indicates that the Fund's assets are nearly offset by its liabilities, which presents a challenge in awarding a substantial amount for the Isabel Davis Award. The report concludes with an appeal for donations to support the award and encourage serious scientific research into the UFO phenomenon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this report are the advancement of UFO research through cooperative efforts, the investigation of specific UFO phenomena (abductions, historical sightings), public education, and the recognition of significant contributors to the field. The editorial stance is one of promoting "rational inquiry" and "serious scientific research" into UFOs, as evidenced by the criteria for the Isabel L. Davis Award and the nature of the projects supported. The organization actively seeks to engage the public and media, suggesting a commitment to transparency and broader awareness of UFOlogy.