Seeking to fire up a fund-raising effort for your Alhambra charity … but uncertain where to begin? Maybe the professional who directed the last outreach retired or departed? Or, you’re just low on workers and long on tasks to be done?
You want a turnkey mailing service that knows how direct mail for non-profits works. Simply put, you need Bresser’s Information Services, a mail service provider (MSP) that does the heavy lifting fund-raising can be daunting, and ripe for errors. How do non-profit postage rates function? Which types of operations 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 significantly reduced non-profit postage rates.
You can realize sizable savings on postage … as long as you adhere to the rules. Bresser’s Information Services knows them thoroughly, and is ready to assist.
Remember, nothing that has to be sent via First Class Mail® qualifies for non-profit rates. The rules are clearly laid out. 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 classify 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 Alhambra organization. It won’t end well. 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 evidence that your organization is a legal non-profit. Fill out the form entirely. Doing so can make the difference in a decision returning in days, versus weeks.
Is your Alhambra organization eligible? Most likely, as long as your due diligence is complete. The classifications of organizations approved 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 your mailing moving. Bresser’s Information Services will mail on your organization’s behalf, using our mailing permit.
There’s a reason our name includes “services,” however. 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 specific 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 know the rules, the rates, and how to get your fund-raising outreach in the right hands.
Contact us to begin your next Alhambra fund-raising campaign. We’re a mail house, for sure – one focused on keeping your non-profit house strong, vibrant, and doing good work in the community.