This case study was produced as part of the Danish Refugee Council’s (DRC) Global Civil Society Learning Initiative. The thematic focus is of the learning initiative, including this case study, is anchored in DRC’s theory of change for engaging with civil society. The means by which we will contribute to influencing change in civil society capacity, agency, and space is through key intervention areas in which DRC sees as having a value-add in engaging with civil society. These intervention areas are partnering with civil society, capacity development support to civil society, facilitating participation of civil society, and supporting advocacy and policy change by civil society. This particular case study explores the first two areas – partnering and capacity development. Geographically the case study covers South Caucasus – Abkhazia and Italy. The two geographical contexts were selected to reflect a context where DRC is downscaling and eventually exiting its operation through an increased investment in partnerships with local civil society; and a context where DRC is entering a context through the development of strategic partnerships with existing local civil society organisations.