The universe, a vast, ever-expanding space, full of mystery, just waiting to be discovered. With mystery comes speculation; a multitude of researchers focus on one question: are there extraterrestrials out there? Although highly controversial, scientists with the help of SETI have proven that this is possible. To be prepared for possible ETs, SETI researchers are constantly working to find answers. Due to the growing research into the possibility of obtaining extraterrestrial intelligence, SETI, a credible organization, should receive funding from the government to continue its research. The SETI Institute, a non-profit organization, was founded by Tom Pierson in 1984, beginning its journey through the next twenty years. In the winter of November 1984, Pierson was hard at work trying to launch SETI, a nonprofit research organization. After completing a huge amount of paperwork and a lot of planning, he says, “By 2pm the items were on file and I had a certified copy signed by the California Secretary of State, March Fong Eu. The SETI Institute is born!” (Pierson). This was a proud achievement for Pierson who dreamed of creating an efficient and cost-effective non-profit research organization. This dream was born out of collaboration with other non-profit organizations that were wasting money on overhead paid to partner organizations, universities, or corporations. He wanted all the funds to go to the institute, its researchers and what they need. This is how SETI will be handled to this day. Through many notable events, including the lack of funding that led to the shutdown, SETI survives and continues to make waves. The worst thing an organization can imagine is to run out of... half the paper... Kaufman, Marc. “A global extraterrestrial chase.” Washington Post. 07 November 2010: A.4. SIRS Problem Researcher. Network. March 18, 2014. Krieger, Lisa M. “SETI Institute to Shut Down Radio Antennas to Search for Aliens.” San Jose Mercury News. 26 April 2011: np SIRS Issues Researcher.Web. March 17, 2014.Goodbye, Dennis. “The search for aliens is on again, but the next mission is to find money.” New York Times. 30 January 2012: A.1. SIRS Issues Researcher.Web. March 03, 2014.Pierson, Tom. "The birth of the SETI Institute." SETI Institute. Np, 2010. Web. March 17, 2014. Pitzer, Andrea. “Is there truth out there?” USA TODAY. 18 August 2009: D.6. SIRS Problem Researcher. Network. March 18, 2014."SETI at 50 years." Nature 461.7262 (2009): 316. Premier Academic Research. Network. February 25, 2014. Tarter, Jill. "Objective of the research." New Scientist 213.2851 (2012): 28-29. Premier of academic research. Network. March 21. 2014.