This publication reports the results of an exploratory study on civil society organization (CSO) engagement—particularly nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and community-based organizations (CBOs)—in ADB operations. The focus is on South Asia and the starting point of inquiry is on 33 projects that illustrate the roles and forms of NGO and CBO engagement in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. The report includes a section on ADB technical assistance and grant projects, areas of CSO engagement, and puts forward challenges and areas of innovation that may be considered with the aim of enhancing the quality of ADB development efforts.