How a Board Portal Can Improve Board Member Recruitment

Using a board portal can significantly improve the recruitment process for new nonprofit board members. This happens in two distinct ways. A board  portal: 

• Increases the likelihood that an individual will want to join the board
• Supports more efficiency in your recruitment process. 

“Professionalize the Perception of Your Board” 

Potential board members are typically busy people, with multiple responsibilities and obligations. Anything that can save these individuals time and increase their efficiency is going to be seen as a benefit. In fact, the absence of a board portal will be seen as an impediment when an individual is considering joining aboard. 

Ray Mohler, President of the Little Saint Nick Foundation, said having a board portal in place is a key factor in a new board member’s decision to join his  organization. 

Another way that a board portal can be useful in an organization’s recruitment efforts involves facilitating member engagement.  

Since members do not engage with board activity on a regular basis, it is important that when a board member needs to find information, they can do so quickly, without having to search through emails, files, and paper documents. Showing a potential recruit how easy it is to find information will be another attraction when considering joining the board. 

Also, as boards look to recruit new, and younger members, these individuals will typically expect that the organization is using technology to make their involvement as efficient as possible. 

Obviously, a new board member must relate to and embrace the organization’s mission. Demonstrating that the organization also operates efficiently and professionally will further increase the likelihood that an individual will want to join the board.

Here are some specific benefits that a board portal provides in the recruitment of new members. 

1. Centralized Information: A board portal provides a centralized platform where all relevant information about the organization, including its mission, vision, strategic goals, financial reports, and governance  documents can be stored, and accessed. This makes it easier for potential board members to learn about the organization and its  activities, thereby facilitating the recruitment process. 
2. Document Sharing and Collaboration: Board portals enable seamless document sharing and collaboration among board members and potential recruits. Organizations can share board meeting agendas, minutes, and other important documents with prospective board members, allowing them to get a better understanding of the organization’s operations and governance practices. 
3. Secure Communication: Board portals offer secure communication channels for discussions and interactions between current board members and potential recruits. Organizations can use these channels to communicate with prospective board members, answer their questions, and provide them with additional information about the organization and its board structure. 
4. Customized Access Levels: Board portals allow organizations to set customized access levels for different users, including potential board  members. This ensures that sensitive information is protected while still providing potential recruits with access to relevant documents and resources needed to make informed decisions about joining the board. 
5. Virtual Meetings and Presentations: Board portals often include features for hosting virtual meetings and presentations. Organizations can use  these features to conduct virtual interviews with potential board members, showcase presentations about the organization’s mission and activities, and facilitate discussions about the role and expectations of board membership. 
6. Tracking and Reporting: Board portals provide tools for tracking recruitment activities and generating reports on the status of board recruitment efforts. Organizations can use these tools to monitor the  progress of recruitment campaigns, track interactions with potential recruits, and evaluate the effectiveness of different recruitment strategies. 

Increase the Overall Efficiency of Your Recruitment Process

Here are some specific examples of how it does so:

1. Enhanced Efficiency and Productivity: By streamlining the recruitment process and providing easy access to relevant information and resources, board portals can help nonprofit organizations save time and resources while improving its overall efficiency and productivity. 
2. Define Board Member Profiles: A board portal enables the organization to outline the skills, expertise, and attributes needed in potential board members. This can help in targeting individuals who possess the specific qualities needed to support the organization’s mission and goals. 
3. Offer Board Training and Orientation: A board portal will enable the organization to offer comprehensive training and orientation sessions to familiarize new board members. This can help onboard new members more effectively and ensure they are well-prepared to contribute to the board’s work. 
4. Cultivate Relationships: A board portal can be used to build strong relationships with potential board members over time by involving them in volunteer opportunities, committee work, or other roles within the organization. This can help cultivate their interest in board service and  demonstrate the value of their involvement. 
5. Provide Ongoing Support and Recognition: A board portal makes the experience of supporting the organization’s mission more rewarding and satisfying. A positive board culture and supportive environment can help attract and retain new members. 

Summary 

By implementing these strategies, nonprofit organizations can enhance their recruitment efforts and attract qualified individuals who are passionate about advancing the organization’s mission and making a positive impact in the community. For more information, schedule a BellesBoard demo or contact Frank Orzo, Co-founder of BellesBoard and Nonprofit Sector Strategies PBC, at 516-902-4638, or forzo@bellesboard.com.