Prepared to undertake a fund-raising effort for your West Milwaukee charity … but uncertain where to start? Maybe the staffer who ran the prior outreach retired or departed? Or, you’re just low on employees and long on tasks to be done?
You want a turnkey mailing service that comprehends how direct mail for non-profits works. Simply put, you need Bresser’s Information Services, a mail service provider (MSP) that does the charity fund-raising can be uncertain, and ripe for slip-ups. How do non-profit postage rates function? 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 sent as USPS Marketing Mail®, by organizations authorized by the Postal Service™, at substantially reduced non-profit postage rates.
You can reap serious savings on postage … as long as you adhere to the rules. Bresser’s Information Services understands them intimately, and is prepared to help.
Remember, nothing that has to be sent via First Class Mail® is eligible for non-profit rates. The rules are strict. 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 utilize the non-profit status of another West Milwaukee 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 documentation 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 West Milwaukee organization eligible? Very likely, as long as your due diligence is complete. The classifications 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 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,” though. We don’t stop at preparing your mail for the largest 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. Polish 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 pieces. We know the rules, the rates, and how to land your fund-raising outreach in the right hands.
Contact us to launch your next West Milwaukee fund-raising effort. We’re a mail house, for sure – one focused on keeping your non-profit house strong, vibrant, and doing good work in the community.