Science advances when it finds conditions to experiment, take risks, and invest in questions whose answers are not always immediate. In this process,philanthropy plays a strategic roleby expanding the possibilities of funding frontier research, long-term projects, and innovative initiatives with high scientific and social impact.
From this perspective, Brazil has the conditions to developa culture of donation for science and innovation, as already occurs in different parts of the world. To do this, it is necessary to bring the academic environment closer to philanthropy, professionalize resource fundraising, and produce knowledge about this relationship.
This is the pioneering initiative of the University of São Paulo, to be held until October 2, 2026, the courseMobilization of Resources for the University and Development of Institutional Relationships
The initiative was conceived byGroup of Studies on Models of Support for Science(Gema Filantropia). As atividades do curso, em caráter experimental, ocorrem no Instituto de Estudos Avançados (IEA-USP) e contam com o apoio da Fundação José Luiz Setúbal.FJLS) and the Pro-Rectorate of Culture and University Extension (PRCEU).
The Gema Filantropia organization has a strategic partnership with the Brazilian Association of Fundraising Professionals (ABRAP).ABCR, which aggregates its accumulated experience in 25 years of activity in this field.
Throughout the course, the 60 participants, nominated by the leaders of units, institutes, museums and bodies of the University, develop a fundraising project aimed at their needs. They will be presented and discussed by experts on the topic, on October 2, in the room of the University Council of USP.
Field to be expanded
The program aims to develop competencies for resource mobilization within the University. It also intends to strengthen an institutional culture capable of bringing academic projects closer to potential supporters, diversifying funding sources, and creating conditions for research to find new sustainability options.
There is currently a consolidated research agenda on charitable giving, developed in an interdisciplinary manner, with contributions from economics, psychology, sociology, behavioral science, marketing, and studies onnon-profit organizations.
One of the barriers to expanding donations in Brazil is precisely the lack of solicitation. Data from the 3rd edition of the researchPortrait of Solidarityshowed that 67% of Brazilians claim not to receive donation requests (Instituto Pensi, 2026).
International studies have shown that being explicitly asked significantly increases the likelihood of donating – the so-calledpower of askingBut it is not enough to increase the frequency of requests: the effectiveness of fundraising depends on knowing who, when, how much, and in what way to ask.
The mobilization of resources needs to beresearched, taught, and practiced to improveCapturing does not only mean "having a good cause," but requires method, knowledge, and professional training.
Resources and autonomy
The course brings up a fundamental issue: philanthropic resources should complement public investment, and not replace it, preserving academic autonomy. The challenge is to mobilize additional resources and bring new actors closer to the production of knowledge.
This complementarity is particularly relevant for frontier research, innovative projects, and long-term initiatives, which require a greater willingness to take risks and do not always produce immediate results.
The University of São Paulo, which already has a significant portion of its revenue coming from sources other thanthe State Treasury,is one of the institutions that are discussing progress in this direction.
At the opening of the course, Professor Aluisio Segurado, rector of USP, highlighted that strengthening partnerships with philanthropy allows for expanding the impact of actions, translating scientific knowledge into benefits for the population, and strengthening inclusion and belonging policies.
Therefore, there is an opportunity that exceeds the limits of this first group: the expectation is that the experience of the pilot course will, in conjunction with theBrazilian Society for the Progress of Science (SBPC), generate a spillover, disseminating knowledge and skills to other actors, including public universities. This may be its most promising outcome: transforming dispersed fundraising initiatives into a shared institutional capacity.
A university that learns to better dialogue with donors, foundations, companies and citizens expands its network of allies and its ability to convert knowledge into collective benefit.
SeekAdditional sources of resources, in a continuous and solid dialogue with society, is part of fulfilling the social mission of the public university.
The challenge going forward will be to transform this pioneering training into a lasting institutional policy, preserving transparency, academic autonomy, and unequivocal commitment to the public interest.
Andréa Martini Pineda is a postdoctoral researcher at the Institute of Advanced Studies of USP (IEA-USP) and receives funding from the Fundação de Apoio à Universidade de São Paulo (FUSP).
Guilherme Ary Plonski does not provide consulting services, works, owns shares, or receives funding from any company or organization that could benefit from the publication of this article, and has not revealed any relevant links beyond his academic position.