Prepared to start up a fund-raising effort for your Lakewood Heights charity … but unclear where to begin? Maybe the professional who directed the earlier outreach retired or left? 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 operates. In other words, you need Bresser’s Information Services, a mail service provider (MSP) that does the charity fund-raising can be daunting, and ripe for mistakes. How do non-profit postage rates operate? Which types of operations 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 reap sizable savings on postage … as long as you stick to the rules. Bresser’s Information Services understands them thoroughly, and is ready 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 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. Put differently, don’t try to utilize the non-profit status of another Lakewood Heights organization. It won’t end well. 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 prepared to show evidence 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 Lakewood Heights organization eligible? Probably, as long as your due diligence is complete. The categories of organizations eligible 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 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 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. 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 fund-raising mailers. We know the rules, the rates, and how to get your fund-raising outreach in the right hands.
Contact us to initiate your next Lakewood Heights 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.