Nonprofit organizations that want to utilize direct mail marketing can qualify for reduced nonprofit postage rates. Nonprofit mailing basics are simple – it is technically standard mail so it cannot be first class. Marketing mail in the form of nonprofit mailing is a great way to send updates or fundraising to donors, prospective donors, attendees, colleagues and more. This is one of the most effective ways to utilize your marketing budget. Let’s dive into the basics of nonprofit mailing.
Here is the definition directly from the USPS: “An organization is eligible to use Nonprofit USPS Marketing Mail if it is not organized for profit and none of its net income accrues to the benefit of any private stockholder or individual.” You must qualify and apply for qualification through the USPS to gain eligibility. Just because the IRS approved your nonprofit status does not mean you qualify for nonprofit USPS marketing mail postage. Here are the 10 organization categories that can be approved for nonprofit mail:
1. Agricultural
2. Educational
3. Fraternal
4. Labor
5. Philanthropic
6. Religious
7. Scientific
8. Veterans
9. Qualified Political Committees
10. State or Local Registration Officials
To apply, you will need specific authorization to be used with PostalOne! Access at any post office. The following steps will need to be completed, as stated on the USPS website:
1. Complete PS Form 3624 – link here – this is the official application form.
2. Provide evidence that your organization is a nonprofit. This evidence can include a letter of exemption from payment of taxes from the IRS, or a complete financial statement obtained from an independent auditor. This can be from a certified public accountant as well.
3. Describe your organization’s primary purpose by providing documents that might include:
a. Documents that state your purpose of your organization – like articles of incorporation, trust indenture, or articles of association.
b. Materials that show how your organization actually operates, specifically in the past 6-12 months and in the future. These can be financial statements, meeting minutes, bulletins, or a list of your activities.
4. Someone in authority of your organization must sign the application, like the treasurer or president.
5. Submit the completed application/form to the Post office where you will be depositing your nonprofit mail. If approved, your authorization will apply to the entire country.
Direct mail marketing is a great tool for nonprofits since donors and most people trust the post office and mail system. Bulldog Marketing has been handling nonprofit mailing and direct mail for over two decades. With over 2000 clients that trust us in Palm Beach County, we put our clients first and that is part of our success. If you want to get started or learn more about our nonprofit mailing services, check out our direct mail page here. Or you can give us a call or stop by our office by going to our contact page.
Check out these other resources to learn more about nonprofit mailing:
Resource 1 | Resource 2 | Resource 3
561 689 7887
info@bdmk.net
