You know how board members used to show up with stacks of printed documents, and someone always forgot their copy? Those days are fading fast. More boards are moving to cloud-based platforms that make everything easier.
Here’s the thing: if you’re running a nonprofit with a tight budget and plenty of compliance boxes to tick, this kind of software is actually becoming essential. Companies should think of it as investing in something that makes organizing meetings way less of a pain, so their teams can spend more time on the actual mission work.
So what are the best options for board meeting software this year? Let’s dive into some options that are worth your attention.
Why board meeting software matters for nonprofits
Digital tools are genuinely changing the game for nonprofit boards. In fact, a major 2024 survey of nonprofit leaders shows increasing use of technology solutions to support operations and mission delivery.
According to this survey:
- 85 % of respondents said they use financial management/accounting software,
- 64 % use donor-management/CRM solutions,
- 28 % now use budgeting and planning tools — up from 18 % in 2022.
This actually signals us about a broader trend: nonprofits are now more open to using digital tools to automate their core processes, including board management.
And for a good reason because board portals pull all important and confidential data (e.g. budgets, plans, and reports) into one secure place. Everything you need: documents, communications, voting, lives in one spot. This can be a life changer for global nonprofits and distributed teams.
However, despite increasing digital adoption, many nonprofits still rely on manual workflows. According to a report summarizing nonprofit operations between 2021–2023, many employees spent significant amounts of time on manual data manipulation, redundant systems, and other inefficient tasks.
For example, per that report, some employees were spending hundreds of hours per year on manual processes and data handling. This time could easily be freed up with better software.
It’s pretty clear that board portals could solve a lot of these problems. The right software can reduce workload and cut down on needless processes. Here’s what that means in practice:
- You get your time back
Board administrators can save between 5 and 10 hours per meeting cycle. Board members can pull up materials instantly, whether they’re on their laptop or phone.
- Your records stay clean and compliant
These platforms keep a complete record of every decision, vote, and document version. When you’re managing donor funds or government grants, that audit trail is necessary.
- Everyone can see what’s happening
Donors and stakeholders want to know their contributions are being managed responsibly. Good governance technology for nonprofits creates clear, searchable records that show exactly that.
- Geography stops being a barrier
Virtual board meetings mean you can bring in expert board members from anywhere. Someone traveling for work can still review materials and participate meaningfully.
Top board meeting software for nonprofits in 2025
Here are the 7 best board meeting software options available on the market today. This rating is based on a close review of each platform’s core features, how secure they are, whether they’re actually user-friendly, and if they work for nonprofits like yours.
1. Ideals Board: The complete package for nonprofit governance
Ideals Board brings together serious security with tools that are actually easy to use. It handles the full meeting cycle:
- creating agendas
- managing documents
- collecting e-signatures
- running secure votes
What users appreciate about Ideals Board is how comprehensive it is without feeling overwhelming. You get bank-level encryption and compliance standards, but the interface stays clean and straightforward.
Another key benefit is their support team. They stick with you from setup through daily use, making sure you’re getting real value. If you’re ready to bring some real professionalism to your governance process without making it complicated, this is the platform to look at seriously.
Works best for Nonprofits looking for an all-in-one solution with solid security and people who actually help you use it.
2. BoardEffect: Built with nonprofits in mind
BoardEffect focuses entirely on the nonprofit world, which means the templates and workflows actually make sense for how you operate. There are built-in tools for Form 990 prep and tracking conflicts of interest. They’ve structured their pricing so it works whether you’re a small community foundation or a larger organization.
Is best suited for nonprofits that want templates designed for their sector and compliance help built right in.
3. Boardable: A solid start for smaller groups
Boardable keeps things simple and affordable, which is why community nonprofits and volunteer boards like it. You get the essentials:
- document sharing
- task management
- basic voting
It’s not as feature-rich as the enterprise options, but if you’re taking your first steps into digital governance, it’s good value.
A good choice for small nonprofits working with limited budgets who need basic digital meeting tools.
4. Diligent Boards: For large organizations with complex needs
Diligent serves the big players, such as large nonprofits, health systems, as well as universities that need advanced security and integration. You get sophisticated analytics, board evaluations, tools for managing multiple entities, and much more. Users highlight that implementation is pretty thorough, with dedicated project management and training.
Is a reliable option for large nonprofits and healthcare organizations with extensive governance requirements.
5. OnBoard: Clean design, great mobile experience
OnBoard combines good looks with practical features for boards working in hybrid mode. The mobile experience is particularly strong. Directors can mark up documents, join discussions, and vote right from their phones. Everything updates in real time, so nobody’s working from outdated information.
Can be a good solution for tech-comfortable nonprofits with board members who prefer working on mobile devices.
6. Aprio: Straightforward and budget-friendly
Aprio delivers the core features board portals for nonprofits need through a clear subscription model. It handles document distribution, meeting minutes, and basic collaboration without throwing too many bells and whistles at you. Their support includes live training and good documentation.
It is suitable for mid-sized nonprofits looking for reliable functionality without complexity.
7. BoardPaq: An entry point for going paperless
BoardPaq targets volunteer boards and smaller nonprofits who are ready to move past email and shared drives. You get the essential paperless tools:
- agendas
- meeting minutes
- secure file sharing
It’s less fancy than other options, but it solves the most common governance headaches at a minimal cost.
Works best for all-volunteer boards starting their digital journey.
For your convenience, here is a table summarizing key points for each board meeting software option:
| Platform | Best for | Security | Mobile access | Compliance tools | Support quality | Pricing range |
| Ideals Board | Comprehensive governance | Enterprise-grade | Excellent (offline capable) | Advanced audit trails | Dedicated account manager | Mid to Premium |
| BoardEffect | Nonprofit-specific needs | Strong | Good | Form 990 integration | Sector expertise | Mid-range |
| Boardable | Small organizations | Standard | Good | Basic | Self-service + email | Budget-friendly |
| Diligent Boards | Large institutions | Enterprise-grade | Excellent | Advanced analytics | Premium support | Premium |
| OnBoard | Mobile-first teams | Strong | Excellent | Standard | Responsive | Mid-range |
| Aprio | Mid-sized nonprofits | Strong | Good | Standard | Live training included | Budget to Mid |
| BoardPaq | Volunteer boards | Standard | Basic | Basic | Documentation | Entry-level |
How to evaluate the right solution for your nonprofit
When looking for board meeting software, one needs to look beyond a set of features or a price tag. Nonprofits should keep in mind:
Budget & Costs
- Upfront setup and training fees
- Monthly or annual subscription cost
- Cost if you grow (more users/data)
- Any hidden fees (support, updates)
- Nonprofit discount available?
User support
- Free training included
- Support 24/7 (via phone, chat, and email)
- Guides or tutorials
- Good reviews from other nonprofits
Data security
- Your data is encrypted
- You control who sees what
- Regular backups are automatic
- You can export your data anytime
- Meets privacy laws you must follow
Integrations
- Works with tools you already use
- Connects easily (no coding needed)
- Can connect to other tools if needed later
Final checks
- Tried it yourself with a free trial
- Talked to similar nonprofits that use it
- Read the contract terms carefully
- Your team agrees it’s the right choice
Why nonprofits are switching to digital board meeting solutions
This shift to digital governance reflects how organizations are changing and what board members expect now. Platforms like Ideals Board make governance simpler as they help to remove administrative friction and create a safer and more collaborative space.
The best nonprofit board software takes old processes and makes them digital. What’s really exciting, though, is how it completely rethinks the whole governance game, because let’s face it, board members want their info now, they want to collaborate easily, and they deserve tools that don’t make them feel like they’re stuck in 1995.
If you’re evaluating options in 2025, make sure it’s secure, actually easy to use, and does what you need. Then you’ll end up with something that makes your board work better without breaking the bank. Going digital with your board stuff? It’s worth it, your whole organization will run smoother.
Pallavi Singal is the Vice President of Content at ztudium, where she leads innovative content strategies and oversees the development of high-impact editorial initiatives. With a strong background in digital media and a passion for storytelling, Pallavi plays a pivotal role in scaling the content operations for ztudium’s platforms, including Businessabc, Citiesabc, and IntelligentHQ, Wisdomia.ai, MStores, and many others. Her expertise spans content creation, SEO, and digital marketing, driving engagement and growth across multiple channels. Pallavi’s work is characterised by a keen insight into emerging trends in business, technologies like AI, blockchain, metaverse and others, and society, making her a trusted voice in the industry.
