Fund for UFO Research Quarterly Report

Magazine Overview

This document is a Quarterly Report from the Fund for UFO Research Inc., covering the period of April-June 1995. It details the organization's activities, financial status, and ongoing projects, reflecting a period of steady work despite a lull in public sightings.

Overview

The Spring months of 1995 were described as an "active, workmanlike period" for the Fund for UFO Research. With a low ebb in sightings and few abduction cases, the executive committee focused on monitoring several C-F-M (Coalition-Funded Mutual) projects, evaluating grant proposals, tracking news from the GAO, and addressing the controversy surrounding the Santilli film footage. A significant event during this quarter was the fourth Coalition meeting held in Las Vegas, Nevada, in April, which was attended by representatives from the three major UFO organizations.

C-F-M Activity

The Fund was represented at the Las Vegas Coalition meeting by Don Berliner and Rob Swiatek. During this meeting, several new proposals were reviewed and approved. Status reports were also presented on ongoing projects. Key projects highlighted include the update on Volume II of 'The UFO Evidence,' with Richard Hall as the chief researcher and writer, and the summary of activity for Project 1947, an extensive survey of newspaper coverage being conducted by Jan Aldrich. The Aldrich survey is administered by the Fund, while the Center for UFO Studies oversees Richard Hall's follow-up work. Discussions also took place regarding the continuation of Coalition activities into the next fiscal year.

Office Activity and Announcements

Office activity for the second quarter of 1995 was steady, though there were fewer radio interviews compared to previous periods. Even the appearance of three UFO articles in The Washington Post did not significantly boost media interest. A notable development was the increasing attention given to the Santilli film, which purports to show the dissection of an alien body. The Fund's stance is that while the film cannot currently be proven a hoax, the circumstances of its discovery and the appearance of the "alien" raise doubts about its authenticity as a genuine government record. On May 28, 1995, members Hall and Swiatek discovered a cache of "lost" NICAP files at the estate of the late Major Donald E. Keyhoe in Luray, Virginia. These files, including letters from Keyhoe and scarce Air Force documents, are now housed at Richard Hall's residence for future archival work, potentially forming the basis of a "Keyhoe archives" fund-raising effort.

Fund-Raising

The Fund's balance sheet indicates that the majority of income for the period came from the Coalition's benefactor, primarily through donations earmarked for specific Coalition-approved projects overseen by FUFOR. Traditional income sources, such as document sales and individual donations, remained steady. To support more ambitious plans in scientific and public education, the executive committee discussed initiatives to augment income. These included selling Keyhoe documents and memorabilia (like the original manuscript of 'Flying Saucers From Outer Space'), compiling a casebook of significant sightings, hosting a one-day symposium in the Washington D.C. area, preparing a chronological history of the UFO phenomenon, and organizing social events. These initiatives are also expected to enhance the Fund's reputation as a source of quality, objective UFO information. The report urges contributors to make tax-deductible donations or document purchases, thanking "regulars" and welcoming ideas for operational improvements.

Roswell Premium

Through a special agreement with the International UFO Museum and Research Center in Roswell, New Mexico, contributors of at least $25.00 to the Fund will receive a bronze medallion commemorating the Roswell Incident. The medallion features a crashed UFO on one side and an alien being on the other.

New Publications

Three new publications are available for sale:
1. 'A Scientific Analysis of the Videotape Taken By Space Shuttle Discovery on Shuttle Flight STS-48 Showing Sharply Accelerating Objects' by Dr. Jack Kasher, which the Fund helped underwrite. This study examines glowing objects photographed from the shuttle and concludes they were not ice particles.
2. 'The Sympathetic Ear' by Thomas E. Bullard, which analyzes abduction reports based on an investigator survey.
3. 'UFOs and Science: The Collected Writings of James E. McDonald,' edited by Valerie Vaughan, featuring meticulous research and clear thinking from the late Dr. McDonald.

Financial Summary (April-June 1995)

Income: Total income for the quarter was $41,125.91, primarily from Coalition ($36,332.70), donations ($2,174.60), and sales ($1,947.86).

Expenses: Total expenses were $35,485.48. Major expense categories included Grant Programs ($25,759.62, largely Coalition-funded projects), Administrative Expenses ($8,288.55, including books and publishing), Other Business Services ($807.31), and Travel/Meetings ($600.00).

Net Gain/Loss: The net income over expenses was $5,640.43, resulting in a net gain for the quarter of $5,610.18 after accounting for refunds.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The report consistently emphasizes the Fund's role in conducting research, legitimizing the UFO subject, and providing objective information. There is a clear focus on collaborative efforts through the Coalition and the development of archival resources. The organization actively seeks funding and encourages public engagement through donations and publications. The editorial stance regarding the Santilli film highlights a critical yet open-minded approach, prioritizing factual evidence and skepticism towards sensational claims without outright dismissal. The Fund appears committed to rigorous research and the preservation of historical UFO-related materials.