E-governance for Nonprofit Boards Gets Boost from BoardEffect
New tool for managing boards from Verve lets nonprofits focus on mission goals.
Cambridge, MD (PRWEB) November 9, 2007
Today at the Maryland Nonprofits' Annual Conference, Philadelphia-based Verve Internet Solutions announced the launch of BoardEffect®, the only web-based tool specifically designed to enable comprehensive e-governance for nonprofit boards of directors.
As many nonprofits evolve, executive directors, founders and other leaders find that managing and communicating with boards of directors becomes a more arduous task, and one that distracts from their original mission and goals.
The administrative work of managing a board - arranging meetings and materials, facilitating collaboration among the board and ensuring that all board members are fully informed about organizational history, policies and issues - can bog down even the most efficient of nonprofits. Plus, many organizations must also expend resources to maintain transparency and stay compliant with local, state and federal regulations governing nonprofit operations.
BoardEffect® is the first comprehensive e-governance tool (http://www. boardeffect. com/overview/) that enables nonprofits to reduce administrative burdens of managing boards and mitigate regulatory and legal risks.
The system's secure (http://www. boardeffect. com/overview/security. php), web-based portal allows leaders to log in from anywhere and work efficiently on governance tasks - providing the convenience of 24/7 access combined with top-level security of information. Each organization has its own unique portal, which includes dedicated online "workrooms" for board committees. BoardEffect® also offers easy-to-digest fundraising information through the Development Dashboard, easy-to-update board member contact information through the member directory, events scheduling and RSVP functionality, and online Meeting Book and Board Manual tools to keep members up to date on changes in policies, agendas, and more. A comprehensive Resource Library provides secure storage for all the board's important documents and data.
All of BoardEffect's tools (http://www. boardeffect. com/pdf/BoardEffect_Oct_07.pdf) can be easily customized to fit each nonprofit's unique needs and the technical proficiency of its board members.
As a Software as a Service (SaaS) model, BoardEffect's fee structure is based on a sliding subscription rate, depending on the size of the organization. Quarterly subscriptions start at $300.
"Too many nonprofits still rely on antiquated and risky approaches to managing their boards of directors," says Verve president Leanne Bergey, a 15-year veteran in bringing technology to nonprofits. "Updating printed briefing books, distributing detailed policy memos, and hours of administrative time all divert resources and attention from a nonprofit's original mission. We created BoardEffect® to help nonprofits refocus on mission goals and efficiently align their boards with those goals."
With e-governance practices already in place at many major corporations, a growing number of board members are already familiar with the use of web portals for e-governance. And, for those who are unfamiliar with e-governance, the transition is usually an easy one.
"When it comes to adopting new technology and practices, many nonprofits don't give their board members the credit they deserve," said Troy Woolley, Director of Development at The Enterprise Center, a Philadelphia-based minority business accelerator. "Most are already walking into board meetings with cell phones and Blackberries, so they are adept at learning new technologies. If they can log into an email account, they can use simple e-governance tools."
BoardEffect® and e-governance are new approaches to the age-old challenge of maintaining and enhancing relationships between nonprofits and their boards.
"In the end, any organization that can augment their ability to get the most out of their board will be better for it," said Mike Burns, Principal of Brody, Weiser Burns, a national nonprofit consulting firm. "BoardEffect® is the first comprehensive way for nonprofits to do that efficiently and painlessly. And, the boards of directors enjoy the ease and efficiency of collaborating and contributing online."
Once a nonprofit organization subscribes to BoardEffect®, Verve's dedicated support staff provides orientation webinars for both staff and board members. Nonprofit staff can do their own customization easily and Verve technical support is available around the clock for troubleshooting.
For more information and a demonstration of BoardEffect, visit www. boardeffect. com.
About Verve Internet Solutions:
Verve Internet Solutions is a full-service Internet communications firm located in the Manayunk section of Philadelphia, PA. Verve has an 11-year track record creating sophisticated and effective online presences for nonprofit organizations in human services, education, health care, philanthropy, aging services and retirement, environment, and more. Through web design and development, consulting and custom application programming, Verve helps organizations bring their missions to life online. For more information, visit www. verveinternet. com.
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