Digital boards: Empowering mission-driven organizations for success in the digital age

Mission-driven organizations need more than the latest app to succeed in the digital age; they need a clear strategy for adopting technology in a way that improves how staff and volunteers work, how operations function, and how the board manages risks.

When digital transformation is executed well, it can help nonprofits further their missions by improving their efficiency, effectiveness and risk management.

Here, we’ll explore how digital boards create value for their organizations, and how digital tools can enable your board to be adaptable and resilient while addressing risks and strategizing for success.

Digital boards can create value

To create value, mission-driven boards must first have a deeper conversation about how they can use technology to further their goals.

Allyson Fryhoff, managing director of nonprofit and nonprofit health at AWS says, “One of the advantages of moving to the cloud is that nonprofits with limited resources don’t have to make large upfront investments in hardware or spend time and effort managing that hardware in order to begin their digital transformation.”

Here are ten areas where your board can deploy technology to create value for your organization’s stakeholders.

1.      Efficiency and productivity

Mission-driven organizations can enhance efficiency and productivity by replacing manual processes with digital solutions. Automation increases overall output while reducing human errors. A good starting point is using board management software to manage all your board business, including the creation and storage of board books, agendas and minutes.

2.      Transparency

Technology fosters transparency by making information accessible, and with BoardEffect, board members have access to a central repository of documents. Providing access to data, reports and financial records inspires accountability and trust among trustees.

3.      Collaboration

Unlike past processes that required in-person collaboration, digital platforms make it possible to collaborate and share documents virtually at any time. A board management solution with unlimited cloud-based storage enables board members to share and annotate documents in real time.

4.      Data-driven decision-making

Digital solutions allow boards to collect, analyze, and access vast amounts of information and place it at their fingertips. With reports available via their board management system, trustees have all the right information at the right time to make more informed decisions.

5.      Cost savings

Nonprofits are always looking for ways to save money, and digital tools can help them do so in several ways. For example, technology can automate many of the tasks required for donor tracking, donor communication, fundraising, and matching staff and volunteer skills with organizational needs to maximize human potential.

6.      Engagement and communication

A variety of digital tools are available to streamline communications with stakeholders and donors such as websites, email marketing, and social media platforms. Your board management solution should also facilitate communication between board members while keeping conversations secure.

7.      Scaling impact

Online fundraising platforms and crowdfunding apps enable nonprofits to reach a broader base of supporters and volunteers. Board management software scales impact by giving leaders the necessary tools to help them reach their strategic goals.

8.      Data security

Board management solutions, such as BoardEffect, incorporate robust encryption and multi-factor authentication, which protects sensitive information while in transit and at rest to ensure it doesn’t get into the wrong hands. This level of security is crucial, given the high risk of cyberattacks.

9.      Reporting and accountability

Technology is a huge asset when it comes to collecting, managing and analyzing data efficiently. Board management software provides the tools to track finances and donations, evaluate outcomes while reducing fraud, and ensure accountability and compliance.

10.  Innovation

Digital transformation allows nonprofit and mission-driven organizations to explore new ideas and strategies. Innovation can increase engagement with stakeholders and enable better outcomes.

To sum things up, digital tools empower volunteer boards to be more efficient, effective, and transparent. This, in turn, allows the organization to better serve its mission, engage stakeholders, and achieve its goals.

Digital boards are adaptable and resilient

Strong governance and an environment of trust, along with smart use of technology, can help volunteer boards create value, manage risk and successfully navigate today’s uncertainties.

A lack of oversight can cause boards to become reactive rather than proactive. Fraud, data breaches, and crises happen when the board doesn’t have the right information at the right time to confront issues in a timely and direct manner.

The right technology can also deliver resilience and adaptability by offering more learning opportunities. Online training means board members can stay current with industry issues and trends. Onboarding new trustees via your board management software can help them quickly absorb the organization’s culture and values while sharing key documents to help them hit the ground running.

Digital boards oversee existing and emerging risks 

A board’s primary role is oversight. This encompasses all aspects of good governance, including risk management.

Today’s mission-driven organizations face a host of risks including the following areas:

• Legal and compliance risk
• Financial risk
• Reputational risk
• Cybersecurity risk

To address these successfully, boards need to educate themselves on emerging issues like cybersecurity, secure digital communications, and valuable digital software solutions, such as BoardEffect’s board solution.

Digital boards are eager to use technology to obtain the right information so they can discuss it, debate it, research it, and act on it.

Digital boards strategize for success

A clear vision can help bring a mission-driven organization to life, and the right strategies will help align that vision with the organization’s goals.

As automation reduces paperwork and streamlines tasks and processes, boards can spend more time strategizing for the future. Digitization frees board members’ time, which they can use to take a more hands-on approach to programs and services, meet with donors personally, and engage with stakeholders.

The information board members gain, combined with data maturity, will better position them to comprehensively plan for success.

Your board nanagement software is a key digital board tool

BoardEffect is a crucial tool for today’s boards, as it supports each of the board’s responsibilities.

For example, a simple keyword search pulls up relevant documents any time a board member needs them. Board secretaries or administrators can quickly create board meeting materials and distribute them efficiently, while also reducing costs.

Meanwhile, top-level security protects all aspects of the board’s work, and user permissions ensure that only those who need information can access it. BoardEffect’s features also make board member onboarding and training effective and efficient.

See how BoardEffect, a Diligent brand, can help support your mission-driven organization in the digital age. Request a demo today.