Seeking to start up a donation effort for your King County non-profit … but unsure where to start? Maybe the staffer who oversaw the earlier outreach retired or left? Or, you’re just low on help and long on tasks to be done?
You need a turnkey mailing service that comprehends how direct mail for charities works. Simply put, you need Bresser’s Information Services, a mail service provider (MSP) that does the charity fund-raising can be imposing, and ripe for mistakes. How do non-profit postage rates work? Which types of operations are eligible? Can any materials be mailed, or only certain types?
First, a definition. Non-profit mail is printed material eligible to be sent as USPS Marketing Mail®, by organizations authorized by the Postal Service™, at considerably reduced non-profit postage rates.
You can realize momentous savings on postage … as long as you adhere to the rules. Bresser’s Information Services understands them inside and out, and is ready to assist.
Remember, nothing that has to be sent via First Class Mail® is eligible for non-profit rates. The rules are clearly laid out. Unbendable. Don’t even try.
So, what can you send at non-profit rates? Self-mailers, letters, newsletters and booklets weighing less than 16 ounces can be eligible for USPS Marketing Mail®.
Only materials of authorized organizations, registered as non-profits with USPS, can be mailed at non-profit rates. Stated otherwise, don’t try to utilize the non-profit status of another King County organization. It won’t fly. Authorized organizations are prohibited from sharing their mailing privilege. Apply for your own.
How? Complete PS Form 3624, Application to Mail at Nonprofit USPS Marketing Mail® Prices. Be ready to show evidence that your organization is a legal non-profit. Fill out the form entirely. Doing so can be the difference in a decision returning in days, versus weeks.
Is your King County organization eligible? Probably, as long as your due diligence is complete. The classifications of organizations eligible for Nonprofit USPS Marketing Mail® rates are lengthy: philanthropic, religious, educational, veterans, scientific, labor, fraternal, political … the list goes on.
Got your non-profit authorization? Great. Let’s get down to business. Bresser’s Information Services will mail on your organization’s behalf, using our mailing permit.
There’s a reason our name includes “services,” though. We don’t stop at readying your mail for the greatest postage savings, and delivering it at the post office.
We provide advice on designing your mail piece. Print your materials in full color. Populate and expand your mailing list, using recipients known to donate to certain causes. Polish up your list, deleting vacant and duplicate addresses. Find new addresses for recipients who have moved.
Since its founding in 1946, Bresser’s Information Services has printed, addressed and mailed millions of fund-raising pieces. We understand the regulations, the rates, and how to get your fund-raising outreach in the right hands.
Contact us to start your next King County fund-raising effort. We’re a mail house, for sure – one focused on keeping your non-profit house strong, vibrant, and doing good work in the community.