Planning to fire up a fund-raising effort for your Eastgate non-profit … but unsure where to begin? Perhaps the professional who directed the previous outreach retired or departed? Or, you’re just short on employees and long on work?
You want a turnkey mailing service that grasps how direct mail for non-profits operates. Put differently, you need Bresser’s Information Services, a mail service provider (MSP) that does the heavy lifting fund-raising can be uncertain, and ripe for mistakes. How do non-profit postage rates operate? 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 mailed as USPS Marketing Mail®, by organizations authorized by the Postal Service™, at substantially reduced non-profit postage rates.
You can reap momentous savings on postage … as long as you follow the rules. Bresser’s Information Services understands them intimately, and is prepared to assist.
Remember, nothing that requires sending via First Class Mail® is eligible 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 Eastgate organization. It won’t fly. 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 entirely. Doing so can be the difference in a decision returning in days, versus weeks.
Is your Eastgate organization eligible? Very likely, as long as your due diligence is complete. The categories of organizations approved for Nonprofit USPS Marketing Mail® costs are lengthy: 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 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 support 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 pieces. We understand the regulations, the rates, and how to land your fund-raising outreach in the right hands.
Contact us to initiate your next Eastgate 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.