Planning to start up a fund-raising effort for your Compton charity … but unclear where to begin? Maybe the staffer who oversaw the last outreach retired or exited? Or, you’re just low on staff and long on work?
You need a turnkey mailing service that knows how direct mail for charities works. In other words, you need Bresser’s Information Services, a mail service provider (MSP) that does the hard work fund-raising can be uncertain, and ripe for pitfalls. How do non-profit postage rates work? Which types of operations qualify? 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 significantly reduced non-profit postage rates.
You can reap tremendous savings on postage … as long as you stick to the rules. Bresser’s Information Services understands them thoroughly, and is prepared to assist.
Remember, nothing that requires sending 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 qualify 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 ride the non-profit status of another Compton organization. It won’t work. Authorized organizations are barred from sharing their mailing privilege. Get your own.
How? Complete PS Form 3624, Application to Mail at Nonprofit USPS Marketing Mail® Prices. Be ready to show documentation 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 Compton organization eligible? Probably, as long as your due diligence is complete. The categories of organizations eligible for Nonprofit USPS Marketing Mail® rates are many: philanthropic, religious, educational, veterans, scientific, labor, fraternal, political … the list goes on.
Got your non-profit authorization? Great. Let’s get to work. 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 largest 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 donate to certain causes. Polish up your list, removing vacant and duplicate addresses. Find new addresses for recipients who have relocated.
Since its founding in 1946, Bresser’s Information Services has printed, addressed and mailed millions of donation campaign materials. We understand the regulations, the rates, and how to land your fund-raising outreach in the right hands.
Contact us to launch your next Compton 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.