Ready to launch a donation effort for your Lauderdale by the Sea charity … but uncertain where to begin? Has the team member who directed the previous outreach retired or departed? Or, you’re just low on staff and long on work?
You want a turnkey mailing service that knows how direct mail for non-profits operates. Simply put, you need Bresser’s Information Services, a mail service provider (MSP) that does the charity 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 mailed as USPS Marketing Mail®, by organizations authorized by the Postal Service™, at significantly reduced non-profit postage rates.
You can reap sizable savings on postage … as long as you follow 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® qualifies 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 utilize the non-profit status of another Lauderdale by the Sea organization. It won’t work. Authorized organizations are barred 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 Lauderdale by the Sea organization eligible? Most likely, as long as your due diligence is complete. The categories 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 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 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 certain causes. Polish up your list, deleting 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 know the rules, the rates, and how to get your fund-raising outreach in the right hands.
Contact us to start your next Lauderdale by the Sea fund-raising campaign. We’re a mail house, for sure – one dedicated to keeping your non-profit house strong, vibrant, and doing good work in the community.