Planning to start up a donation effort for your River Hills non-profit organization … but uncertain where to begin? Has the staffer who oversaw the last outreach retired or exited? Or, you’re just low on staff and long on work?
You need a turnkey mailing service that comprehends how direct mail for non-profits operates. Put differently, you need Bresser’s Information Services, a mail service provider (MSP) that does the hard work fund-raising can be intimidating, and ripe for mistakes. How do non-profit postage rates operate? Which types of organizations qualify? 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 glean momentous savings on postage … as long as you stick to the rules. Bresser’s Information Services knows them inside and out, 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 be eligible 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 River Hills organization. It won’t end well. 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 ready to show evidence 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 River Hills organization eligible? Very likely, as long as your due diligence is complete. The classifications of organizations eligible 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, removing vacant and duplicate addresses. Find new addresses for recipients who have relocated.
Since its founding in 1946, Bresser’s Information Services has printed, addressed and mailed millions of donation campaign materials. We understand the regulations, the rates, and how to get your fund-raising outreach in the right hands.
Contact us to start your next River Hills 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.