This study attempts to answer the following research question: Can efforts to strengthen local partners take us farther in our quest to respond to unprecedented global displacement?  Core to Catholic Relief Services’ guiding principles is that of subsidiarity—that local organizations and communities who are closest to the challenges of poverty are also the architects of their own development. CRS believes that strengthening the capacity of local partner organizations—whether they are faith based or secular—is important for advancing human development. Through its PEER (Preparing to Excel in Emergency Response) project, funded and implemented by CRS over three years in four countries, the project combines critical best practices with technical expertise to professionalize knowledge, skills and attitudes of local emergency first responders through three pillars: financial and institutional systems, human resources management and adherence to SPHERE standards. The research focuses on those local institutions engaged with the PEER project in Lebanon.