Ready to fire up a fund-raising campaign for your Ben Hill non-profit organization … but unsure where to begin? Perhaps the team member who directed the prior outreach retired or departed? Or, you’re just low on help and long on tasks to be done?
You need a turnkey mailing service that understands how direct mail for non-profits operates. In other words, you need Bresser’s Information Services, a mail service provider (MSP) that does the heavy lifting fund-raising can be uncertain, and ripe for slip-ups. How do non-profit postage rates work? Which types of organizations are eligible? 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 reap tremendous savings on postage … as long as you follow the rules. Bresser’s Information Services understands them completely, and is ready to help.
Remember, nothing that requires sending 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 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 ride the non-profit status of another Ben Hill 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 documentation 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 Ben Hill organization eligible? Probably, as long as your due diligence is complete. The categories of organizations eligible 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 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 preparing your mail for the largest 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. 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 fund-raising materials. We know the regulations, the rates, and how to get your fund-raising outreach in the right hands.
Contact us to launch your next Ben Hill 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.