Top Board Portal Software for Nonprofits Which One Fits Your Needs
Nonprofit organizations are a key component of the American economy contributing 5%-7% of the nation’s GDP and providing employment opportunities to over 12 million people. However, the industry is up against challenges like funding shortage, burnout, lack of sufficient workforce, and inefficiencies in communication management. These problems get worse when they affect the top leadership in nonprofits.
Digital board portal software has proved to be handy in tackling these challenges. It is a cost-efficient and remotely accessible platform that simplifies multiple processes in nonprofit’s board management. Here is a detailed guide on board portal software for nonprofits, its benefits, and how to choose the right board software.
What is board management software for nonprofits?
Board portal or board management software is a centralized, sophisticated online platform used to streamline some major processes in board management, such as:
- Board document management
- Board communications
- Board meeting management
Board software essentially unifies outdated email systems and messy paper documentation in one single and remotely accessible place. Board management software has become a key component of modern-day board management as the billion-dollar board industry promises further growth. Here are some key benefits of board portals for nonprofits.
Benefits of virtual board portal for nonprofits
As mentioned above, board portals address major challenges like board communication, document management, and board meeting management. Here is how.
Efficient board document management
1. Remote centralized data access
Board portals are online cloud-based document management solutions that are easily accessible with a secure internet connection. Boardroom users can access the board software from their desktops and smartphones. Modern-day boardroom vendors offer dedicated apps for Android, Windows, and iOS users. In other words, the users have board data at their fingertips.
2. File management
Board of Directors software is not just a simple storage platform, it is a complete data management solution. That said, the administration can store and categorize the information just the way they want. They can create folders and subfolders and even import data from external sources without compromising the data structure.
What’s more, the board portal automatically indexes files and folders to make data easily accessible to anyone. The bulk upload feature allows you to upload multiple files simultaneously. Users can add comments in live documents and update data in real time. The software also notifies concerned users whenever there is a change in documents.
Board meeting management
1. Easier meeting preparations
Board portals are also known as board meeting software as you can automate board meetings with maximum ease. For example, the administration can create yearly board meeting calendars and share them with all board members. Users also get notifications whenever an event approaches. This allows boardroom users to prepare better.
2. Simplified meeting minutes and agenda-building
Online board portals for nonprofits offer customizable templates for building board meeting minutes and agenda. The board secretary can effortlessly prepare the board meeting agenda and send it to all meeting participants. The good thing is that any updates or changes in the agenda will be immediately notified to users. Similarly, recording, summarizing, and sharing board meeting minutes is an equally easier process.
3. Better board engagement
The board portal keeps everyone engaged in the meetings. Meeting participants can view other members’ activities during the meeting. Board portals allow casting online votes if there is a motion in the process. They can create discussion boards to discuss important matters before and after meetings.
Board communication management
Board members need to stay updated and connected throughout the year. Virtual board replaces traditional email communication with built-in communication tools. For example, board software offers an instant messaging feature that allows users to send end-to-end encrypted chats. What’s more, board software can be easily integrated with Slack and other third-party apps.
Top 4 board portals for nonprofits—board portal software comparison
| Nasdaq Boardvantage | Diligent Boards | OnBoard | Ideals Boards | |
| Key features | · Access Permissions · Calendar Management · Agenda Management · Approval Process · Secure Data Storage · Control · Document Management · Meeting Notes · Task Management |
· Access Controls · Agenda Management · Approval Process Control · Calendar Management · Document Management · Secure Data Storage · Task Management · Meeting Notes |
· Access Controls · Secure Data Storage · Agenda Management · Approval Process Control · Document Management · Meeting Notes · Task Management · Calendar Management |
· Approval Process · Access Permissions · Agenda Management · Control · Task Management · Calendar Management · Document Management · Meeting Notes · Secure Data Storage |
| Best for | Nasdaq Boardvantage helps organizations of all sizes across nonprofit, public, and private sectors boost their performance globally | Diligent empowers board members and executives to collaborate efficiently and focus on governance, risk, audit, or compliance functions | Best suited for board directors, board administrators, executive administrators, IT leaders, C-level executives (CEO, President, CFO, CIO/CTO, COO, CMO), and Corporate Secretaries. | iDeals Board is a powerful tool for boards, committees, councils, and teams across corporate, nonprofit, and government sectors |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Choose the right board portal software
Choosing the right board portal is a step-by-step process. Here are some essentials to remember.
- Clearly define why your nonprofit needs board portal software. Evaluate your board’s document management needs and intensity of workflow. This will help you decide what type of solution you need.
- Determine the necessary features in your board software. Security should be a top concern, and always look for ISO and GDPR-compliant boardroom solutions.
- Look for board portal vendors that have a good reputation in serving nonprofits.
- Compare board portals based on their features, security, and pricing structure.
- Always ask for a free trial before finalizing any boardroom software.
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