The first alternative explanation is based on an assumption that geographical proximity has a positive impact on the ability of organizations to contact each other. Being in the same region may affect likelihood of a tie through different, and sometimes intersecting, mechanisms (e.g. homophily, social foci). It is also important to note that Kazakhstan is a country with one of the largest areas in the world and a small population which was settled relatively closely around the regional centers. Inasmuch as some regional centers are located at a considerable distance from each other, the collaboration between some NGOs may be significantly impeded. It is worth to assume that the given alternative does not demolish our main assumption (strictly speaking it is not an alternative but supplementation).