SOUSA, M. R. O.; SOUSA, Maria Renata Oliveira de.
Abstract:
Organizations are part of the third sector, which encompasses civil society initiatives aimed at
executing public policies that favor individuals who are inadequately assisted by the
government. The research aimed to analyze how the Association of Parents and Friends of the
Exceptional (APAE) faces challenges related to fundraising, financial sustainability, and the
inclusion of exceptional individuals in society. As for the specific objectives, they are:
Identifying the strategies used by APAE to continuously and diversely raise financial
resources; evaluating the mechanisms and practices adopted by APAE to ensure the long-term
financial sustainability of the organization; investigating the initiatives and programs promoted
by APAE for the social and educational inclusion of exceptional individuals; and proposing
improvements or new strategies that can be implemented by APAE to address challenges
related to fundraising, financial sustainability, and social inclusion. Methodologically, this
research consisted of a descriptive and exploratory study, with a fundamental character and a
qualitative approach. An interview was conducted using a questionnaire that included open-
ended questions directed at the association's managers. The evidence showed that the
association carried out essential work, as they seek to include people with disabilities in society
and highlighted the importance of financial sustainability for improvements and development
within APAE. Therefore, it is concluded that the association's initiatives for inclusion and
development towards more solid sustainability were highly relevant to the quality of life of
people with disabilities in the city of Serra Branca, Paraíba.