This chapter provides an in-depth exploration of the methodologies and data utilised in our comparative study of civil society elites across Europe, with a particular emphasis on Italy. The study incorporates data from 133 respondents in Italy, supplemented by comparative data from Sweden (308 respondents), the UK (123 respondents), and the EU level (158 respondents) to offer a broader context. It begins by mapping elite organisations and their leaders, identifying and categorising resource-rich civil society organisations and their leaders. Following this, it details an online survey conducted in the spring of 2021, which captures various aspects of the composition, reproduction, integration, and contestation of civil society elites. The analysis and discussion of the survey data highlight significant findings and trends that shed light on the dynamics of civil society elites across different European contexts. Additionally, supplementary interview data from Italian civil society leaders illustrates specific phenomena such as career paths, professionalisation, and the unique challenges they face. With these methodological approaches and empirical findings, the chapter contributes to a comprehensive understanding of civil society elites in Europe and offers valuable insights into their roles, influence, and the broader socio-political landscape within which they operate.