Planning to undertake a fund-raising effort for your Issaquah charity … but unsure where to start? Perhaps the staffer who oversaw the prior outreach retired or left? Or, you’re just low on workers and long on work?
You want a turnkey mailing service that grasps how direct mail for non-profits works. 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 work? Which types of operations qualify? 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 significantly reduced non-profit postage rates.
You can realize tremendous savings on postage … as long as you adhere to the rules. Bresser’s Information Services knows them completely, and is prepared to assist.
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 be eligible 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 Issaquah organization. It won’t fly. Authorized organizations are prohibited from sharing their mailing privilege. Get 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 completely. Doing so can make the difference in a decision returning in days, versus weeks.
Is your Issaquah organization eligible? Probably, 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 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 readying 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 support certain causes. Polish 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 know the regulations, the rates, and how to land your fund-raising outreach in the right hands.
Contact us to launch your next Issaquah 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.