FUFOR - 1996 Q1 - Quarterly Report January-March

Magazine Overview

This document is a quarterly report from the Fund for UFO Research Inc., covering the period of January-March 1996. It details the organization's activities, including research initiatives, publications, and collaborations.

Overview of the Quarter

The quarter began with a significant development: the formal meeting of the three major UFO research organizations—the Fund, the Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS), and the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON)—for the first time since their relationship with the Bigelow Foundation dissolved. This collaboration led to the formation of the UFO Research Coalition.

The UFO Research Coalition

The demise of the previous C-F-M Coalition was attributed to irreconcilable differences between the Bigelow Foundation and the three major UFO organizations. However, the smooth working relationship established among the Fund, MUFON, and CUFOS proved to be a driving force for continued association. The UFO Research Coalition was established to undertake cooperative endeavors sponsored jointly by these three organizations. While not yet a legal entity, the Coalition plans to sponsor scientific research related to ufology and to enhance public awareness of UFOs. Funding will come from the sponsoring organizations, individual donations, and sales of documents.

A meeting of representatives in New York City on January 19-21, 1996, focused on specific projects for the coming year. A primary initiative was the distribution of a 169-page briefing book, authored by Don Berliner, Marie Galbraith, and Antonio Huneeus. This book is intended for distribution to individuals in government, academia, and the media to generate interest in the UFO phenomenon by presenting compelling evidence.

The Fund agreed to act as the distributor for this briefing book, with its management firm handling the bulk of the distribution. Other projects receiving attention from the UFO Research Coalition for future funding include research in the areas of abductions, field investigations, and government UFO documents. These projects are in early discussion stages, with costs and implementation yet to be determined.

Office and Other Activities

The Fund awarded a grant to researcher Ann Druffel to organize the late Dr. James McDonald's files in Arizona. These files will be archived, cataloged, and boxed before being moved to the University of Arizona for public access. Payment for the grant is contingent upon the completion of the work and submission of a final report.

The executive committee also passed a proposal from Revas Jorbenadze in Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia. This research aims to determine the personality profiles and collect demographic information of suspected abductees in Georgia using psychological instruments. Proposals exceeding one thousand dollars require majority approval from the Fund's board of directors.

On February 10, 1996, the Fund hosted a book-signing party for Beth Collings and Anna Jamerson, authors of 'Connections: Solving Our Alien Abduction Mystery.' The Fund's executive committee had played a role in investigating the abduction events reported by the women and connecting them with therapists and researchers. Local MUFON members and other supporters attended.

Isabel Davis Award Balloting

The Fund announced the balloting for the 1996 Isabel Davis Award, which recognizes long-term research contributions to ufology. Past recipients include Budd Hopkins, Leonard Stringfield, and Bruce Maccabee. The winner is determined by a popular vote from current contributors, with candidates nominated by the Fund's board of directors. The nominees for 1996 were Ms. Ann Druffel, Ms. Jenny Randles, Dr. Mark Rodeghier, and Mr. Walt Webb. Ballots were to be accepted through November 1996.

New Publications

The report lists several new items available for sale:

• Final Report on the America West Airline Case, May 25-26, 1995 by Walter N. Webb. This UFO Research Coalition publication complements the Interim Report and includes a pilot-flight controller transcript, Webb's conclusions, and MUFON sighting questionnaires.
• Colorado Probe: An Inquiry into the 1995 Salida UFO Sightings and Videotape by Jennie Zeidman. This report examines the Salida, Colorado, events, suggesting they reveal more about human nature than UFOs.
• Flying Saucer Review 1955-1994 Volume-Author-Article Index by Edward G. Stewart. A comprehensive index to the journal 'Flying Saucer Review'.
• (Video) Mysteries of the Sky: 26 August 1995 Fund for UFO Research Seminar. A videotape featuring highlights from the Fund's annual seminar, with talks by various Fund associates and board members.

Members of the Fund's Executive Committee

The report lists the members of the Fund's Executive Committee: Richard Hall (Chairman), Craig Phillips (Vice Chairman), Don Berliner, and Rob Swiatek (Secretary-Treasurer).

Financial Information

A balance sheet for the Fund for UFO Research as of March 31, 1996, is included. Total assets were $39,374.42, with total liabilities and equity also at $38,374.42. The equity section shows Opening Bal Equity of $7,415.21, Retained Earnings of $30,872.67, and Net Income of $86.54.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The report emphasizes a commitment to scientific inquiry, collaboration among UFO research organizations, and the dissemination of information to the public and relevant authorities. The formation of the UFO Research Coalition signifies a move towards unified efforts in the field. The Isabel Davis Award highlights the importance of recognizing long-term contributions to ufology. The publications offered reflect the organization's focus on documenting and analyzing UFO-related events and research.