Planning to launch a donation effort for your Lake City non-profit organization … but uncertain where to start? Maybe the person who supervised the previous outreach retired or exited? Or, you’re just low on employees and long on tasks to be done?
You need a turnkey mailing service that grasps how direct mail for charities operates. 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 errors. 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 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 completely, and is prepared 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 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 piggyback on the non-profit status of another Lake City 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 entirely. Doing so can make the difference in a decision returning in days, versus weeks.
Is your Lake City organization eligible? Very likely, as long as your due diligence is complete. The categories of organizations approved 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 your mailing moving. 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 donate to certain 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 donation campaign pieces. We understand the rules, the rates, and how to get your fund-raising outreach in the right hands.
Contact us to start your next Lake City fund-raising effort. We’re a mail house, for sure – one dedicated to keeping your non-profit house strong, vibrant, and doing good work in the community.