Introduction:

The socio-economic growth of a country is reflected by the development of science and technology. Partnership with the third sector is therefore positive in terms of financial support for scientific projects.

Objective:

Accordingly, the present study aims to evaluate the most commonly used methods of fundraising by medical professors to conduct their scientific studies and whether there is recognition of the third sector as an option for such fundraising.

Method:

A cross-sectional analytical study with a qualitative and quantitative approach. The data were collected using an individual form, applied to medical course professors from five different universities in the north of Brazil, and analyzed using descriptive-analytical statistics.

Results:

The study included 138 professors, of both sexes, with an average age of ± 43.2 years. The type of research most commonly performed by professors was basic (56.1%); 68.8% used their own resources to develop their studies; 18.8% obtained funds from research support entities; 75.4% knew of a research support foundation, primarily FAPESPA (26.9%) and CNPQ (26.9%); 13.8% reported knowledge of websites and multinational companies that promote research projects, but only 2.2% submitted their initiative to public calls for funding from international institutions; when asked about the third sector, its fundamentals and actors defined by legislation, the study indicated a lack of knowledge, with 100% of inadequate answers about such entities; regarding partnership between the third sector and the State, 83.3% signaled ignorance; 100% of the interviewees were unaware of the criteria for an entity to be part of the sector, while 76.8% stated that lack of orientation about the concepts of the area is not an obstacle to raising funds for research.

Conclusion:

Most professors use their own funds to carry out their projects, followed by the use of public funds. Furthermore, most professionals did not recognize the third sector as a source of sponsorship, lacking information that would allow them to develop broad activities and enjoy the various opportunities offered by entities in this sector.

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