Vol. 8 No. 1

Tips for nonprofits

Fund raising mailings always include a return envelope to send a donation check. Many organizations provide postage paid BREs. To reduce the cost of postage, print a line on the BRE that says, “Your $0.37 cent stamp helps save much needed funds.” Sort and save all the BREs that are returned with a stamp. USPS sorting equipment can’t see the stamps and your account will still be debited for each one. You’ll need to return the stamped BREs to the post office for a credit - no fewer than 100 at a time.

An organization with a nonprofit permit in New York could still enter their mailing though a mail house in another city or state. USPS Form 3623 allows nonprofits to apply for Nonprofit Standard Mail Rates at an additional mailing office. There is no fee for the request. Once authorization for additional entry is approved, they can use the mailing houses permit in that city. This allows a nonprofit to shop the nation for competitive printing and mailing rates. It could also reduce delivery time. Dropping a nationwide mailing in the Midwest provides a shorter in home window than if the mailing is sent from the east or west coasts.