In this episode of the Strategic Nonprofit podcast, our host Trista speaks with Meghan Day, Senior Director of Board Management Experience from Diligent. Join them as they discuss the benefits of using Board Management Software for nonprofits.
Megan is a self-proclaimed results-oriented and highly motivated marketing professional with notable experience building teams from scratch, establishing department best practices while designing a new brand and demand gen strategies that move businesses forward.
Join their discussion as they reflect on what NPOs should look for in Board Management Software, recording meeting minutes with software, and the benefits of also utilizing it for voting and digital signatures. Therefore, many NPOs are now looking for digital solutions to handle their board meetings and manage board members whilst practising physical distancing, naturally turning to Board Management Software.
Also read:
- When Nonprofits Should Adopt New Technology with Farhad Khan
- Analyzing Membership Management Software with Member365
Introducing Diligent
Diligent is the world’s leading provider of Governance and Board Management technology. They work with over 650,000 board members and governance professionals organizations of all sizes on a global scale. Megan works with ORD members to equip them with the right tools to be effective in their role related to the board.
Why Do NPOs Need Board Management Software?
Using a digital tool such as Diligent in the board management space, generally speaking, helps eliminate outdated painstaking paper processes. For sort of first and foremost if you think about, you know, back to even ten years ago and there’s probably still plenty of nonprofits out there today, printing off the paper and distributing it at their board meetings.
It helps manage last-minute changes much more efficiently, which improves communication in terms of access to information. Because being able to do that anytime, anywhere from any device, is crucial to collaborate with your peers.
Benefits Of Software In An NPO
Using various software types in your NPO will cause you to discover efficiencies that you wouldn’t be able to otherwise, partially because you’re using this technology and not focused on trivial one-off tasks.
So you now spend that time being strategic in meetings, clearing up additional time and resources to focus on other things like serving your members and serving your community more effectively – rather than wasting time trying to track down people and capture signatures.
Six Popular Board Management Software Packages
But with so many board management software options available, it is challenging to choose which one is right for your organization. Therefore, this short guide can help you choose which one will work the best for you.
1. Diligent Board
The aforementioned Diligent Board is a no non-sense application focusing on efficiency without including all the bells and whistles of other software packages on this list. But that does not mean that it does not deliver all the functionality a board needs, including online voting and offline access. Specifically, the software allows an easy reference to critical files, discussion groups, notes and minutes of prior meetings. Also, the software is available for all mobile operating systems, and the company behind Diligent Board is known for its customer support.
So if you are thinking of switching to Diligent Board, contact the company to request pricing or a demonstration.
2. Boardable
Built with nonprofits in mind, Boardable has plenty of Board Management tools to make scheduling your Board’s regular meetings easier and has 1 place to store common documents. You can also hold live online voting during board meetings and set up remote votes when pressing issues arise. The built in Agenda Builder allows you to quickly build and share meeting agendas. During the meeting, the Minutes Maker can be used to record the meeting directly from your agenda.
3. Board Management
Board Management offers all of the basics but throws in a few interesting features. The software has an easy-to-use task management system where the administrator can assign a specific task for individual board members to complete. Each board member will receive a private message along with file attachments. The software also includes a calendar where each event is linked to a private discussion page.
4. Convene
Azeus Convene‘s robust range of meeting management tools really make this solution stand out. These features include electronic distribution of files, e-signing, remote voting, interactive whiteboards and the ability to mark up a document from just about any device. The included calendar includes meeting reminders as well as the ability to RSVP. Post-meeting minutes and documents can easily be sent to all board members.
Those who are interested in Azeus Convene can contact the company for pricing information and to set up a trial.
5. Board Effect
Board Effect offers a clean, easy-to-navigate user interface and bills itself as a ‘true paperless meeting solution.’ The software allows the administrators to schedule board meetings and allows board members to RSVP at the touch of a button along with assigning pre-meeting and post-meeting tasks. Where Board Effect really shines is its ability to create online orientation and policy handbooks to get new board members up to speed as quickly as possible.
Different tiered plans are available to match the needs of any-sized board. Contact the company for pricing options or to set up a trial.
6. Aprio
Aprio offers everything a board needs to run a successful meeting. Board members can instantly synch meeting dates with their existing calendars and review agendas and other files online or offline. Administrators can easily create different groups and set access permission for members. Board members can work together in discussion groups and can make direct annotations. Voting and e-signing are simple from almost any mobile device.
Need help increasing your nonprofit’s effectiveness?
An efficient board starts with the implementation of an effective governance model.
AMC’s governance training helps nonprofit boards navigate governance and management to stay focused on their organization’s mission and visions. It includes valuable tools and clear guidance to address many not-for-profit organizations’ governance challenges.
Join NPO Academy’s Online Board Governance Training and implement the Complementary Model of Board Governance to build an effective partnership between the volunteer board, CEO and staff.
