Looking to launch a fund-raising effort for your West Allis non-profit … but unsure where to start? Maybe the staffer who oversaw the prior outreach retired or departed? Or, you’re just low on staff and long on work?
You want a turnkey mailing service that knows how direct mail for charities operates. Put differently, you need Bresser’s Information Services, a mail service provider (MSP) that does the heavy lifting fund-raising can be ambiguous, and ripe for errors. How do non-profit postage rates operate? Which types of organizations qualify? Can any materials be mailed, or only specific 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 substantially reduced non-profit postage rates.
You can realize serious savings on postage … as long as you obey 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 strict. Unbendable. Don’t even try.
So, what can you mail 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 jump onto the non-profit status of another West Allis organization. It won’t fly. Authorized organizations are barred from sharing their mailing privilege. Obtain your own.
How? Complete PS Form 3624, Application to Mail at Nonprofit USPS Marketing Mail® Prices. Be prepared to show documentation that your organization is a legal non-profit. Fill out the form completely. Doing so can make the difference in a decision returning in days, versus weeks.
Is your West Allis organization eligible? Very likely, as long as your due diligence is complete. The categories of organizations approved for Nonprofit USPS Marketing Mail® prices 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 preparing your mail for the greatest postage savings, and dropping 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 give to certain causes. Clean up your list, removing 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 donation campaign materials. We know the rules, the rates, and how to get your fund-raising outreach in the right hands.
Contact us to launch your next West Allis fund-raising campaign. We’re a mail house, for sure – one dedicated to keeping your non-profit house strong, vibrant, and doing good work in the community.