Capacity building is likely to become increasingly important throughout the life of the Civil Society Partnerships Programme. The team recognises that it is important, early on, to develop a clear understanding of current principles and practice in capacity building for Southern organisations involved in using research-based evidence in policy processes, and establish a common position and vocabulary as a starting point for engagement with potential partners. This Working Paper is meant to facilitate this process.It presents a summary of current thinking on issues of capacity building for Northern and Southern organisations involved in using research-based evidence in policy processes, and provides some examples of current practice among organisations involved in work similar to that of the CSPP.