Strengthening capacities for networking will be carried out through:

• Support to existing association/foundation networks;
• Encouraging information sharing and collaboration (networking) among associations/ foundations outside of formal network structures and
• Encouraging and facilitating networking between associations/foundations and other development actors, including government, donors and other international organizations.

PDP will not work to establish new networks; nor does the Program view networks as an end in themselves. Rather, the PDP's strategy will include first identifying networks that are characterised by:

• a clear purpose and mission;
• member organizations who value the work of the network and actively participate;
• evidence of clear advantages to be gained by joint action in the network's sector of activities;
• activities that promote key PDP areas of interest, i.e. gender equality, child protection, human rights and participatory development;
• have at least some experience in carrying out effective advocacy activities or demonstrated potential to develop this capacity

Once these networks have been identified, PDP will work with them to explore capacity development issues. Should there be sufficient interest on the part of networks and their members to engage in capacity development, the PDP can engage with them in one of two ways:

1. Direct financial and capacity development support through either the PDF, GEDF or CPDF when the network meets the selection criteria or if a member of the network meets the criteria and is willing to play the role of lead organization in a contribution agreement; or
2. Through non-financial capacity development support.

Even more important than strengthening association/foundation networks, however, is the development of networking capacities among all associations/ foundations. The PDP will work to facilitate opportunities for dialogue and exchange between supported associations/foundations and relevant government officials to address gender equality, child protection, participatory development, and other rights based issues.