BoardEffect GovernAI for Nonprofits: AI-Powered Board Management and Governance
BoardEffect GovernAI transforms board governance for mission-driven organizations with four AI-powered features that save 8-12 hours per meeting cycle while ensuring compliance and enhancing decision-making. Built by Diligent, the platform serves 14,000+ nonprofits, foundations, and volunteer boards with purpose-designed tools for the complexity of nonprofit governance.
What It Does
Drowning in 200-page board books? Spending two days preparing for every board meeting? Scrambling to produce accurate meeting minutes while tracking action items and compliance requirements?
BoardEffect GovernAI eliminates the administrative burden that consumes 8-12 hours per meeting cycle. Unlike generic board software, GovernAI is designed specifically for nonprofit governance complexity—understanding compliance standards, fiduciary responsibilities, and the nuanced language that defines mission-driven work.
The platform's four AI-powered features work together to transform how your board operates: AI Smart Book Summary condenses lengthy materials into actionable insights with one click, AI Smart Minutes auto-generates professional documentation from notes, AI Smart Prep extracts key topics to help board members arrive prepared, and AI Smart Search finds any document instantly using natural language. By automating what historically slowed nonprofits down, your board can focus on strategic decisions that advance your mission.
Best For
Organization Size
- Small to large nonprofits
- Foundations and trusts
- Healthcare systems
- Higher education institutions
- Credit unions
Use Cases
- Board meeting management
- Governance compliance
- Document management
- Meeting minutes automation
- Strategic preparation
Key Roles
- Board administrators
- Executive directors
- Board chairs and members
- Governance committees
- Compliance officers
Key Features for Nonprofits
AI Smart Book Summary
Transform 200-page board books into concise, actionable summaries with a single click
Board members no longer need to spend hours reviewing lengthy materials. AI Smart Book Summary analyzes dense documentation and extracts key topics, decisions requiring attention, and critical information—enabling your board to understand the essentials in minutes rather than hours.
- One-click summaries of lengthy board books
- Extracts key decisions and action items automatically
- Enables board members to arrive prepared and engaged
- Saves hours of pre-meeting review time
AI Smart Minutes
Automatically generate professional meeting minutes from typed notes and transcripts
Stop spending hours after each meeting typing up formal minutes. AI Smart Minutes transforms your meeting notes and transcripts into professional-grade documentation that tracks decisions, action items, and ensures audit-ready compliance—in seconds instead of hours.
- Auto-generates minutes from notes and transcripts
- Tracks decisions and action items automatically
- Ensures audit-ready compliance documentation
- Professional formatting following governance standards
AI Smart Prep
Extract critical topics and questions from meeting materials to help board members prepare
Board members arrive at meetings unprepared because they lack time to review everything. AI Smart Prep analyzes meeting materials and generates key topics, critical decisions, and thoughtful questions—helping every board member contribute meaningfully from the moment the meeting starts.
- Extracts critical topics requiring board attention
- Generates thoughtful questions for deeper discussion
- Helps board members arrive ready to contribute
- Improves meeting quality and strategic focus
AI Smart Search
Find documents, events, and highlights instantly using natural language queries
Searching through years of board documents to find that one policy discussion shouldn't require excavating digital filing cabinets. AI Smart Search understands natural language questions—ask "What did we decide about the building renovation?" and get instant answers without remembering file names or dates.
- Natural language search without filters or keywords
- Instant access to relevant documents and events
- Finds historical decisions and highlights effortlessly
- Eliminates time spent digging through archives
Purpose-Built for Nonprofit Governance
Designed specifically for compliance standards and fiduciary responsibilities
Unlike generic AI tools, GovernAI understands nonprofit governance complexity. The platform is trained on the nuanced language, compliance requirements, and fiduciary responsibilities that define mission-driven work—ensuring outputs align with nonprofit governance best practices.
- Understands nonprofit compliance and governance standards
- AI trained only for your organization's use (privacy-focused)
- All AI features are opt-in and clearly labeled
- Backed by Diligent's security and compliance commitment
Complete Board Management Platform
Beyond AI: Comprehensive tools for every aspect of board governance
GovernAI sits on top of BoardEffect's full board management platform, which has served mission-driven organizations for 20 years. You get AI-powered features integrated with proven tools for scheduling, document management, voting, communication, and compliance.
- Centralizes agendas, calendars, and materials in one platform
- Streamlines board communications and collaboration
- Board member recruitment and onboarding tools
- Reduces paper usage and improves organization
Real-World Nonprofit Use Case
A mid-sized community foundation manages multiple boards and committees with quarterly meetings. Before BoardEffect GovernAI, their board administrator spent:
- 10 hours compiling board books from various departments and formatting them for distribution
- 4 hours fielding board member questions about what's in the 150-page packet
- 6 hours after each meeting typing up formal minutes with proper governance language
- 2 hours searching historical documents when questions arise about past decisions
After implementing BoardEffect GovernAI:
- AI Smart Book Summary generates executive summaries of board books in under 2 minutes, which the administrator includes at the beginning of each packet. Board members now review the summary first, arriving with focused questions.
- AI Smart Prep automatically creates a "Key Discussion Topics" document highlighting critical decisions and questions—board members report feeling more prepared and meetings are more productive.
- AI Smart Minutes transforms the administrator's meeting notes into professional governance documentation in under 30 minutes (previously 6 hours). Minutes are now distributed within 24 hours instead of a week later.
- AI Smart Search allows anyone to ask "What was our scholarship fund allocation policy from 2022?" and get instant answers—eliminating lengthy document searches.
The result: The board administrator reclaimed 18 hours per quarter—time now redirected to strategic planning support, donor research, and grant writing. Board members report feeling more engaged and prepared. Governance compliance improved because documentation is timely and thorough. The executive director noted: "Our board meetings went from administrative updates to strategic conversations about advancing our mission."
Pricing
BoardEffect offers flexible, affordable pricing packages created specifically with the diverse needs and budgets of mission-driven organizations in mind. While specific pricing varies based on organization size and features, BoardEffect pricing starts as low as $79/month compared to competitors.
Note: Prices may be outdated or inaccurate.
Nonprofit-Focused Pricing
BoardEffect is purpose-built for nonprofit boards, foundations, healthcare systems, higher education institutions, and credit unions. Unlike generic board software with enterprise pricing, BoardEffect structures pricing with mission-driven organizations' budget constraints in mind.
During the COVID-19 crisis, Diligent demonstrated its commitment to nonprofits by offering BoardEffect free of charge to local 501(c)3 organizations. This reflects the company's understanding of nonprofit sector challenges.
How to get pricing: Contact BoardEffect directly through their website (boardeffect.com/pricing) to request a free demo and discuss your board size, user needs, and get accurate nonprofit pricing for your organization.
Request Custom Pricing
Get nonprofit pricing tailored to your organization's size and needs
- Free demo to explore GovernAI features
- Flexible packages for nonprofit budgets
- Pricing based on organization size and features
- 20 years serving mission-driven organizations
Nonprofit Pricing Available
BoardEffect offers flexible, affordable pricing packages created with the diverse needs and budgets of mission-driven organizations in mind. While specific discount percentages are not publicly listed, BoardEffect is purpose-built for nonprofits, foundations, healthcare, higher education, and credit unions.
The platform serves 14,000+ mission-driven organizations globally with pricing structures designed specifically for nonprofit budget constraints. BoardEffect's parent company Diligent has demonstrated commitment to the sector—offering free access during COVID-19 crisis to support local 501(c)3 organizations.
How to Access Nonprofit Pricing:
- 1.Visit boardeffect.com/pricing and request a free demo
- 2.During the demo, discuss your organization type, board size, and specific needs
- 3.BoardEffect will provide custom nonprofit pricing tailored to your organization
- 4.Mention you're a nonprofit or mission-driven organization to ensure appropriate pricing
Note: BoardEffect's pricing starts as low as $79/month compared to competitors, reflecting its nonprofit-first design philosophy. The platform's 20-year track record serving 14,000+ mission-driven organizations demonstrates sustained commitment to affordable, purpose-built governance solutions.
Learning Curve
BoardEffect is designed to be intuitive for users of varying technical skills. If board members can use email and a web browser, they can use BoardEffect. The platform has built its reputation over 20 years on being easy-to-use for volunteer boards—where technical expertise varies widely.
What Makes It Easy
- Purpose-built for nonprofits: Interface designed for volunteer board members, not tech professionals
- AI features are opt-in: Use as much or as little AI as you're comfortable with
- Self-guided onboarding: Resources and knowledge base walk you through setup
- In-product support: Chat assistance available when you need help
- Minimal training required: Most users navigate successfully without extensive training
- Mobile apps available: iOS and Android apps for on-the-go access
Potential Challenges
- Migration from paper-based systems: Boards transitioning from paper may need time to adjust to digital workflows
- AI trust building: Some board members may initially be skeptical of AI-generated content and need reassurance
- Document organization setup: Initial time investment required to upload historical documents and establish structure
- Administrator learning curve: Board administrators will need to learn features like document management and AI settings
Quick Start Recommendation
Start with the basic board management features (document upload, agenda building, scheduling) before enabling AI features. Once your team is comfortable with the core platform, gradually introduce GovernAI capabilities one at a time:
- 1.Begin with AI Smart Search (easiest to demonstrate value immediately)
- 2.Add AI Smart Book Summary for your next board meeting
- 3.Try AI Smart Minutes after the meeting to save documentation time
- 4.Finally, implement AI Smart Prep for subsequent meetings once everyone sees the value
Integration & Compatibility
BoardEffect is a centralized platform designed to be your single source of truth for board governance. While it centralizes board materials, agendas, and calendars, it maintains compatibility with tools your organization already uses.
Platform Access
- Web-based: Access from any browser on any device
- iOS app: Native mobile experience for iPad and iPhone
- Android app: Full functionality on Android devices
- Offline access: Mobile apps allow document review without internet
Calendar & Communication
- Google Calendar: Sync board meetings and deadlines
- Outlook Calendar: Integration with Microsoft ecosystem
- Email notifications: Automated reminders and updates
- In-platform messaging: Secure board communication
Document Management
- Cloud storage: Secure document storage within BoardEffect
- Google Drive compatibility: Can work with existing Drive files
- File format support: PDF, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more
- Version control: Automatic tracking of document revisions
Data Portability Considerations
BoardEffect is designed as a centralized platform rather than an integration hub. While you can export documents and meeting materials, the platform functions best when it's your primary board management system. Consider these factors:
- Document export: You can download and export your documents, but AI-generated summaries and metadata may not transfer to other systems
- Meeting history: Historical meeting records, minutes, and action items are stored in BoardEffect's format
- AI features tied to platform: GovernAI features only work within BoardEffect—you can't take the AI functionality to another system
Bottom line: BoardEffect is designed to be your long-term board governance solution. If you're considering it, plan for it to be your primary system rather than a tool that integrates deeply with many other platforms.
Honest Pros & Cons
Pros
- Purpose-built for nonprofits: Designed specifically for mission-driven governance, not adapted from corporate software
- Proven track record: 20 years serving 14,000+ mission-driven organizations demonstrates stability and commitment
- Four integrated AI features: Complete AI suite (Summary, Minutes, Prep, Search) saves 8-12 hours per meeting cycle
- Privacy-focused AI: Opt-in features, organization-specific training, clearly labeled outputs, backed by Diligent's security commitment
- Compliance understanding: Platform understands nonprofit governance standards, fiduciary responsibilities, and audit requirements
- Comprehensive platform: Beyond AI, includes full board management tools (scheduling, documents, voting, communication)
- Nonprofit-friendly pricing: Starts at $79/month with flexible packages for mission-driven organization budgets
- Easy to use: Designed for volunteer boards with varying technical skills; minimal training required
- Proven ROI: Real-world case studies show 10+ hours saved per board book, prep time reduced from 2 days to 1-2 hours
- Multi-platform access: Web, iOS, Android apps with offline capabilities for mobile board members
Cons
- No public pricing: Must contact sales for pricing details, which can slow evaluation process for budget-conscious nonprofits
- Limited integration ecosystem: Functions as centralized platform rather than integration hub—doesn't connect deeply with many third-party tools
- Platform lock-in: AI features and governance workflows are BoardEffect-specific—difficult to migrate historical data to other systems
- AI requires time investment: To get accurate AI outputs, you need well-organized documents and consistent meeting note practices
- Migration effort from paper: Boards transitioning from paper-based systems face initial time investment uploading historical documents
- May be overkill for simple boards: Very small boards (under 5 people) with minimal documentation needs might not need this level of functionality
- AI trust building needed: Board members unfamiliar with AI may need reassurance about accuracy and appropriate use of AI-generated content
- Part of larger company: BoardEffect is owned by Diligent Corporation—future direction depends on parent company strategy
Alternatives to Consider
BoardEffect GovernAI is one of three leading AI-powered board management platforms designed for nonprofits. Each has distinct strengths depending on your organization's size, budget, and technical sophistication.
Boardable AI
Simpler, more affordable option for small to mid-sized nonprofits
Best for: Smaller nonprofits prioritizing affordability and simplicity over comprehensive features. Boardable is built exclusively for nonprofits with transparent pricing starting at $20.99/user/month.
Advantages over BoardEffect:
- Transparent pricing (no sales contact required)
- Lower starting price point
- 14-day free trial (no credit card)
- Simpler interface with minimal onboarding
BoardEffect advantages:
- Four AI features vs. Boardable's three
- 20-year track record serving 14,000+ orgs
- Enterprise-grade security from Diligent
- More comprehensive governance features
OnBoard AI
Sophisticated security with higher user satisfaction for tech-savvy boards
Best for: Boards prioritizing security, user experience, and advanced features. OnBoard serves 6,000+ organizations with sophisticated security (2FA, biometric ID) and consistently higher user satisfaction scores.
Advantages over BoardEffect:
- Higher user satisfaction scores on G2
- More sophisticated security features
- Mobile-friendly design praised by users
- Real-time collaboration capabilities
BoardEffect advantages:
- Larger customer base (14,000+ vs 6,000+)
- More established (20 years vs newer platform)
- Four AI features vs. OnBoard's three
- More nonprofit-specific governance focus
Traditional Board Portals (No AI)
Document management without AI features for boards not ready for automation
Best for: Boards that want digital document management and scheduling without AI features. Options like Aprio or basic BoardEffect without GovernAI may be appropriate if your board isn't ready for AI or prefers traditional manual processes.
Note: If you're considering a traditional board portal, it may be worth starting with BoardEffect's basic features and adding GovernAI later when your board is ready—rather than selecting a platform without AI capabilities that you'd need to migrate away from in the future.
Getting Started with BoardEffect GovernAI
Ready to save your board 8-12 hours per meeting cycle? Here's how to evaluate and implement BoardEffect GovernAI for your nonprofit:
Request a Demo and Discuss Nonprofit Pricing
See GovernAI features in action and get custom pricing for your organization
Visit boardeffect.com/pricing and request a free demo. During the demo, be prepared to discuss:
- Your organization type (nonprofit, foundation, healthcare, higher ed, credit union)
- Number of board members and users who need access
- Current pain points (long board books, slow minutes, document search challenges)
- Budget constraints and timeline for implementation
Ask specifically about nonprofit pricing—BoardEffect offers flexible packages for mission-driven organizations. Request to see real examples of AI Smart Book Summary and AI Smart Minutes in action.
Start with Core Features Before Enabling AI
Build board comfort with digital platform before introducing AI capabilities
After purchasing, implement BoardEffect's core board management features first:
- Upload your organizational documents, bylaws, policies, and historical board materials
- Set up your first digital board meeting: agenda, supporting documents, calendar invites
- Invite board members and walk them through accessing materials on their devices
- Complete one full meeting cycle using the basic platform features
This allows your board to become comfortable with digital board management before introducing AI capabilities. Many boards need time to trust technology before embracing AI-generated content.
Gradually Introduce GovernAI Features
Enable AI capabilities one at a time to demonstrate value and build trust
Once your board is comfortable with the platform, introduce GovernAI features in this order:
Start: AI Smart Search
Easiest feature to demonstrate immediate value. Ask "What did we decide about the strategic plan in 2023?" and show instant results.
Next: AI Smart Book Summary
Before your next board meeting, generate a summary of the board book and include it at the beginning of your packet. Board members will appreciate the quick overview.
Then: AI Smart Minutes
After a meeting, use your notes to generate draft minutes. Review and edit them (AI outputs should always be reviewed), then share with the board. Highlight how much faster this process was.
Finally: AI Smart Prep
Once the board sees value from other features, enable Smart Prep to help board members identify key topics and questions before meetings.
Pro tip: All GovernAI features are opt-in and produce clearly labeled AI outputs. Communicate to your board that AI is a tool to assist, not replace, human governance judgment.
Measure Time Savings and Gather Board Feedback
Track impact and continuously improve your board governance processes
After 2-3 meeting cycles using GovernAI, evaluate the impact:
- Track time savings: How many hours are you saving on board book prep? Meeting minutes? Document searches?
- Survey board members: Are they feeling more prepared? Are meetings more productive? Is governance improving?
- Assess decision quality: Has strategic discussion time increased now that administrative overhead is reduced?
- Review compliance: Are minutes more timely and thorough? Is document organization improved?
Use this data to demonstrate ROI to your leadership team and board. Organizations typically see 8-12 hours saved per meeting cycle—which translates to meaningful cost savings and improved governance focus.
Need Help with Implementation?
Implementing board management software involves change management, training, and process redesign. If you need support setting up BoardEffect, migrating from paper-based systems, or training your board members, we can help.
Get Implementation SupportNeed Help with BoardEffect Implementation?
We help nonprofits select, implement, and optimize AI tools for board governance
Implementing board management software is more than buying a tool—it requires change management, board buy-in, process redesign, and ongoing optimization. We provide:
- Platform selection guidance: Comparing BoardEffect, Boardable, and OnBoard for your specific needs
- Implementation planning: Roadmap for rolling out digital governance and AI features
- Board training: Helping board members understand and trust AI-powered governance tools
- Process optimization: Redesigning board workflows to maximize time savings
- Ongoing support: Troubleshooting, best practices, and continuous improvement
Frequently Asked Questions
Does BoardEffect offer nonprofit pricing or discounts?
Yes. BoardEffect offers flexible, affordable pricing packages created specifically with the diverse needs and budgets of mission-driven organizations in mind. While specific pricing is available upon request, BoardEffect is purpose-built for nonprofit boards, foundations, healthcare systems, higher education institutions, and credit unions. Pricing starts as low as $79/month compared to competitors. During the COVID-19 crisis, Diligent offered BoardEffect free of charge to local 501(c)3 nonprofits. Contact BoardEffect directly for nonprofit pricing details.
What are the four GovernAI features and how do they work?
GovernAI includes four AI-powered features:
- (1)AI Smart Book Summary transforms lengthy board books into concise, actionable summaries with a single click.
- (2)AI Smart Minutes automatically generates professional-grade meeting minutes from typed notes and transcripts with decision tracking.
- (3)AI Smart Prep extracts critical topics, decisions, and questions from meeting materials to help board members prepare.
- (4)AI Smart Search allows natural language queries to find documents, events, and highlights instantly without filters.
All features are opt-in, trained only for your organization's use, and produce clearly labeled AI outputs.
Is BoardEffect data secure and compliant?
Yes. BoardEffect is backed by Diligent's commitment to security, privacy, and responsible AI use. The platform is designed with principles that put customers in control: AI is only trained for your organization's use, all AI outputs are clearly labeled, and AI features are always opt-in. Your data is protected and your governance practices remain compliant. Diligent serves 14,000+ mission-driven organizations globally.
How much time does BoardEffect save?
Board administrators typically spend 8–12 hours per meeting cycle on manual preparation and documentation. BoardEffect's GovernAI eliminates this burden. Real-world examples:
- ELCO Mutual Life reduced board prep time from two days to just 1-2 hours.
- Atlantic Street Center saved up to 10 hours per board book using AI-powered tools like AI Smart Book Summary.
By automating administrative tasks, boards can redirect energy toward strategic initiatives that advance their organization's mission.
What types of organizations use BoardEffect?
BoardEffect is purpose-built for mission-driven organizations including nonprofit boards, foundations, healthcare systems, higher education institutions, credit unions, and volunteer boards. The platform serves 14,000+ organizations globally. Unlike generic board software, BoardEffect is designed specifically for the complexity of nonprofit and charity governance, understanding nuanced language, compliance standards, and fiduciary responsibilities that define nonprofit work.
How does BoardEffect compare to Boardable and OnBoard?
BoardEffect, Boardable, and OnBoard all serve nonprofit boards with similar pricing starting around $79/month. Key differences:
- BoardEffect (Diligent) serves 14,000+ mission-driven orgs with four integrated GovernAI features and 20 years in business.
- Boardable is simpler and more affordable for small nonprofits with 3 AI features powered by Claude.
- OnBoard offers more sophisticated security (2FA, biometric ID) with higher user satisfaction scores.
BoardEffect stands out for its purpose-built nonprofit governance focus, proven track record at scale, and comprehensive AI suite designed specifically for compliance and fiduciary responsibilities.
Does BoardEffect require all board members to have paid accounts?
Pricing and user requirements vary based on organization size and features selected. BoardEffect offers flexible packages designed for nonprofit budgets. Contact BoardEffect directly to discuss your board size, user needs, and get accurate pricing. Many board management platforms use per-user pricing, but BoardEffect's nonprofit-focused approach means pricing is structured with mission-driven organizations' constraints in mind.