EN
The analyses of relations between modern universities and social environment usually focus on correlations between universities and the state or universities and the market. The authors of this article remark the lack of publications about universities' relations with non-governmental sector and, overall, civil society, which is believed to be an important actor within academic world. The main aim of this paper was to attempt to fill in the existing gap indicating the most significant issues. The authors propose to extend the general meaning of the third mission of universities (while the first mission is to educate and the second - to research) including NGOs as equal partners besides business entities and public institutions. To illustrate this analysis the examples of good practices in relationships between universities and NGOs are presented. In conclusion, some recommendations are given. The authors believes that following those directions might contribute to fulfilling the third mission of the universities.