Donors’ focus on low administrative costs can hamper the ability of nonprofit groups to operate in an efficient manner, reports The Financial Times.

It is harder to attract donations for employee training, upgrading computer systems, and other office updates aimed at increased efficiency because these are less tangible and compelling than programs. To remedy this, says Paul Shoemaker, director of Social Venture Partners Seattle, a network of donors who work with nonprofit organizations, donors must become more flexible and effective in their giving practices, while nonprofit groups need to do a better job of demonstrating and communicating the impact of their activities.