Seeking to start up a fund-raising effort for your Tamarac non-profit organization … but uncertain where to start? Has the staffer who supervised the previous outreach retired or departed? Or, you’re just low on workers and long on work?
You need a turnkey mailing service that understands how direct mail for non-profits works. In other words, you need Bresser’s Information Services, a mail service provider (MSP) that does the charity fund-raising can be mysterious, and ripe for mistakes. How do non-profit postage rates operate? Which types of organizations 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 substantially reduced non-profit postage rates.
You can glean sizable savings on postage … as long as you follow the rules. Bresser’s Information Services knows them intimately, and is prepared to assist.
Remember, nothing that has to be sent via First Class Mail® qualifies for non-profit rates. The rules are well defined. 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 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 Tamarac organization. It won’t work. 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 prepared to show evidence that your organization is a legal non-profit. Fill out the form completely. Doing so can be the difference in a decision returning in days, versus weeks.
Is your Tamarac organization eligible? Very likely, as long as your due diligence is complete. The classifications of organizations eligible for Nonprofit USPS Marketing Mail® prices are many: 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,” however. 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 give to specific causes. Clean 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 donation campaign mailers. We understand the rules, the rates, and how to land your fund-raising outreach in the right hands.
Contact us to start your next Tamarac 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.