Planning to undertake a donation effort for your Artesia charity … but uncertain where to start? Maybe the team member who ran the earlier outreach retired or exited? Or, you’re just low on help and long on work?
You want 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 charity fund-raising can be uncertain, and ripe for pitfalls. How do non-profit postage rates work? Which types of organizations qualify? Can any materials be mailed, or only specific 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 significantly reduced non-profit postage rates.
You can reap tremendous savings on postage … as long as you stick to the rules. Bresser’s Information Services understands them intimately, 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 clearly laid out. 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 jump onto the non-profit status of another Artesia organization. It won’t work. Authorized organizations are prohibited 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 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 Artesia 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 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 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 support specific 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 mailers. We know the rules, the rates, and how to land your fund-raising outreach in the right hands.
Contact us to start your next Artesia 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.