For many non-profit organizations that use email for voting on board decisions offers a convenient alternative to meeting in person. Volunteers who aren't able to travel to a meeting still participate by email. Furthermore, it cuts out costs for tickets to the train or plane as well as gas, lodging, and business lunches.

The voting process via email is not suitable for boards due to a variety of issues. The main issue is that emails can't provide simultaneous communication that allows board members to listen to each one another and respond at the same time which is essential in order to have a valid vote. Email communications are also vulnerable to hacking or spoofing. Finally, a lack of clarity could cause issues with third parties who depend on the validity of board vote (such as lawyers and banks).

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many organizations informed The Center for Nonprofits that they were surprised that their bylaws didn't permit them to use email to get unanimous written consent votes. Most state laws that govern the operation of nonprofits don't specifically address the use browse around here of this technology. Instead they rely on general rules for taking action without a formal meeting, such as the unanimous written consent.

If a board of a non-profit organization wants to make a major decision without any meeting, the directors must agree. This can be accomplished by creating a written procedure that requires all directors to respond via email or fax. Then, the entire vote must be confirmed at the next board meeting and documented in the minutes.