Planning to undertake a donation effort for your Lake City non-profit organization … but not sure where to start? Has the staffer who supervised the prior outreach retired or left? Or, you’re just low on employees and long on work?
You need a turnkey mailing service that comprehends how direct mail for non-profits works. Put differently, you need Bresser’s Information Services, a mail service provider (MSP) that does the heavy lifting fund-raising can be intimidating, and ripe for errors. How do non-profit postage rates work? 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 mailed as USPS Marketing Mail®, by organizations authorized by the Postal Service™, at significantly reduced non-profit postage rates.
You can realize sizable savings on postage … as long as you stick to the rules. Bresser’s Information Services knows them completely, 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 mail 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. Put differently, don’t try to piggyback on the non-profit status of another Lake City organization. It won’t work. 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 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? Most likely, as long as your due diligence is complete. The classifications of organizations approved 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 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 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 regulations, the rates, and how to land your fund-raising outreach in the right hands.
Contact us to start your next Lake City 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.