Hoping to fire up a fund-raising campaign for your Obrien non-profit … but unclear where to start? Has the team member who oversaw the prior outreach retired or exited? Or, you’re just low on workers and long on work?
You need a turnkey mailing service that comprehends how direct mail for charities works. Simply put, you need Bresser’s Information Services, a mail service provider (MSP) that does the logistical limbo) for your Obrien direct mail fund-raising.
Using direct mail for {non-profit fund-raising can be mysterious, and ripe for pitfalls. How do non-profit postage rates operate? 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 considerably reduced non-profit postage rates.
You can glean momentous savings on postage … as long as you adhere to the rules. Bresser’s Information Services understands them intimately, and is ready to help.
Remember, nothing that has to be sent via First Class Mail® qualifies 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 jump onto the non-profit status of another Obrien 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 ready to show proof 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 Obrien organization eligible? Very likely, as long as your due diligence is complete. The classifications of organizations approved 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 to work. 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 readying 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 donate 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 fund-raising pieces. We understand the rules, the rates, and how to land your fund-raising outreach in the right hands.
Contact us to begin your next Obrien fund-raising campaign. We’re a mail house, for sure – one focused on keeping your non-profit house strong, vibrant, and doing good work in the community.