Fundraising Appeals
Donation requests, annual appeals, capital campaigns and year-end fundraising communications.
Nonprofit Mailing Services & USPS Nonprofit Marketing Mail
NONPROFIT DIRECT MAIL
Nonprofit Mailing Services & USPS Nonprofit Marketing Mail
Eligible nonprofit organizations can substantially reduce direct-mail postage costs by using Nonprofit USPS Marketing Mail. MMPrint helps nonprofits print, prepare and coordinate mailings that meet current USPS requirements.
Printing and postal preparation for nonprofit direct mail
Support for letters, postcards, appeals, newsletters and fundraising mail
Current USPS nonprofit mailing requirements considered before production
USPS PreparationMailing Requirements Reviewed
Print + MailOne Coordinated Project
50+ YearsCommercial Printing Experience
NONPROFIT MAIL AT A GLANCE
What Organizations Need to Know
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USPS authorization is required
Being a nonprofit organization does not automatically qualify your mail for nonprofit postage.
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Minimum mailing quantities apply
Presorted nonprofit mailings generally require at least 200 addressed pieces or 50 pounds.
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Every mailing must qualify
USPS authorization does not mean every piece of mail automatically qualifies for nonprofit prices.
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Postage varies by mailing
Rates depend on size, weight, automation, sortation, destination entry and other postal factors.
Fundraising AppealsDonation and campaign mailings
NewslettersMember and supporter communications
Postcards & LettersMultiple nonprofit mail formats
Postal PreparationAddressing, sorting and documentation
WHAT IS NONPROFIT MAIL?
Reduced USPS Marketing Mail Prices for Qualifying Organizations
Nonprofit USPS Marketing Mail is not a separate type of mailpiece. It is a special USPS Marketing Mail price category available to organizations that meet specific eligibility requirements and receive USPS authorization.
Qualifying nonprofit organizations can use these prices for eligible direct mail campaigns including fundraising appeals, newsletters, membership communications, event announcements and other promotional or informational mail.
The important distinction is that nonprofit status by itself is not enough. USPS independently determines whether an organization qualifies for Nonprofit USPS Marketing Mail authorization.
Once authorized, the organization must still make sure each individual mailing qualifies under the applicable USPS rules.
IMPORTANT DISTINCTION
Nonprofit Status ≠ Automatic Postal Eligibility
An organization can be legally organized as a nonprofit or tax-exempt organization and still need separate approval from USPS before using nonprofit postage prices.
USPS evaluates the organization's primary purpose, nonprofit status and supporting documentation before issuing authorization.
That authorization is what permits eligible mailings to be entered at Nonprofit USPS Marketing Mail prices.
WHO MAY QUALIFY?
Organizations Eligible to Apply for Nonprofit Mailing Rates
USPS identifies eight primary categories of nonprofit organizations that may qualify, provided the organization is both organized and operated for a qualifying purpose.
USPS AUTHORIZATION
How to Apply for Nonprofit Mailing Privileges
Organizations that have not already received USPS nonprofit mailing authorization generally need to complete the USPS application process before using nonprofit postage prices.
1
Confirm Your Organization Type
Determine whether the organization's primary purpose fits one of the nonprofit categories recognized by USPS.
2
Complete PS Form 3624
The organization generally applies using PS Form 3624, Application to Mail at Nonprofit USPS Marketing Mail Prices.
3
Provide Supporting Documentation
USPS may require organizational documents, financial information, proof of nonprofit status and evidence supporting the organization's qualifying purpose.
4
Receive USPS Authorization
USPS reviews the application and determines whether the organization qualifies to use Nonprofit USPS Marketing Mail prices.
5
Prepare a Qualifying Mailing
Each mailing must meet the applicable USPS Marketing Mail, nonprofit eligibility, address and preparation requirements.
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Submit the Mailing
The mailing is entered with the appropriate postage statement, documentation and nonprofit authorization information.
CURRENT USPS REQUIREMENTS
Authorization Is Only the First Step
An authorized nonprofit organization must still meet the requirements for each individual mailing.
- Minimum quantity: Generally at least 200 addressed pieces or 50 pounds of addressed pieces.
- Eligible content: The mailing must contain matter eligible for USPS Marketing Mail and nonprofit prices.
- Organization's own mail: The authorization generally cannot be lent, rented or used to mail another organization's material.
- Postal preparation: Mail must be prepared and sorted according to the applicable USPS standards.
- Postage statement: Each qualifying mailing must be accompanied by the appropriate postal documentation.
- Address quality: USPS address accuracy and Move Update standards can apply depending on the mailing.
Why This Matters Before Printing
Postal eligibility should be reviewed before thousands of pieces are printed. Size, shape, weight, addressing method and mailpiece content can all affect both postage and preparation.
Building the mailpiece around postal requirements from the beginning can prevent unnecessary redesign, reprinting or higher-than-expected postage.
Request a Mailing QuoteCURRENT POSTAGE
There Is No Single Nonprofit Postage Rate
Nonprofit USPS Marketing Mail pricing is determined by how the mailing qualifies within the postal system, not simply by whether the sender is a nonprofit.
USPS implemented updated Marketing Mail pricing effective July 12, 2026. Because nonprofit prices vary by mailpiece and preparation level, MMPrint calculates postage using the specifications of the actual mailing rather than advertising a single per-piece nonprofit rate.
COMMON NONPROFIT MAILINGS
What Nonprofit Organizations Send
Direct mail remains useful when organizations need to reach donors, members, alumni, families, congregations and supporters with a physical message.
Newsletters
Printed updates for donors, members, supporters, families, alumni and community stakeholders.
Membership Campaigns
Membership renewals, acquisition mailings, member benefits and organization updates.
Event Invitations
Gala invitations, fundraising events, open houses, community programs and special-event announcements.
Postcards
Compact mailpieces for events, donation reminders, announcements and awareness campaigns.
Donor Communications
Program updates, impact reports, campaign communications and other supporter outreach.
ADDRESS QUALITY
Accurate Mailing Data Matters
Postal discounts depend not only on the printed piece but also on the quality and preparation of the mailing list.
USPS commercial mail standards require qualifying addresses to meet applicable ZIP Code accuracy requirements. Automation and presorted mail can also be subject to Move Update requirements designed to reduce mail being sent to outdated addresses.
Current USPS standards generally require an approved process to verify 5-digit ZIP Code accuracy within 12 months before mailing and require applicable addresses to meet Move Update standards within 95 days before the mailing date.
Cleaning and preparing the mailing list before production can reduce undeliverable mail and improve the usefulness of the campaign.
MAIL LIST CHECKLIST
Before Your Mailing
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Provide a clean data file
Keep recipient names, address fields, city, state and ZIP information consistently organized.
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Remove known duplicates
Duplicate records can waste printing and postage.
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Account for address changes
Move Update processing can help identify recipients who have moved.
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Plan personalization early
Variable names, donation history or other personalized fields should be considered during design and data preparation.
COOPERATIVE MAILINGS
Your Nonprofit Authorization Cannot Simply Be Used for Someone Else's Mail
USPS applies special rules when an authorized nonprofit organization participates in a mailing with another organization or commercial entity.
Nonprofit USPS Marketing Mail authorization belongs to the qualifying organization and generally cannot be transferred, lent or rented.
USPS may examine who designed the mailing, who paid for it, who paid the postage, who controls the content, who assumes the financial risk and who benefits from the mailing when determining whether a cooperative mailing qualifies for nonprofit prices.
This can become particularly important when a nonprofit works with sponsors, commercial partners, outside fundraising organizations or another entity that appears prominently in the mailpiece.
IMPORTANT
Review Partnership Mailings Early
If a mailpiece promotes another organization, contains commercial advertising or is being produced jointly with an outside party, postal eligibility should be reviewed before printing.
The existence of an authorized nonprofit participant does not automatically make a cooperative mailing eligible for nonprofit postage.
FUNDRAISING PREMIUMS & PRODUCTS
Some Mailings Have Additional Content Rules
Nonprofit mail can be subject to additional restrictions when a mailpiece advertises or contains products, premiums or other commercial material.
- Fundraising appeals: Standard donation solicitations can qualify when the organization and mailing meet USPS requirements.
- Commercial advertising: Advertising for outside commercial entities can affect nonprofit eligibility.
- Products: Special USPS restrictions apply when products are advertised or included in nonprofit mail.
- Low-cost items: For 2026, USPS identifies $13.90 as the maximum cost threshold for certain qualifying low-cost items under the applicable nonprofit standard.
- Joint promotions: Cooperative-mail rules may apply when another organization benefits from the mailing.
IMPORTANT
Don't Assume the Previous Mailing Rules Still Apply
USPS mailing standards and postal prices change. A format or premium used successfully in a previous campaign should still be reviewed against the current requirements before the next mailing.
PRINT + MAIL WORKFLOW
How a Nonprofit Mailing Project Comes Together
1
Define the Campaign
Determine the audience, quantity, mailpiece format, fundraising goal and desired mail date.
2
Confirm Postal Eligibility
Verify the organization's USPS nonprofit authorization and review the planned mailpiece for nonprofit mailing eligibility.
3
Prepare Artwork & Data
Set up the printed piece, postal areas, addressing fields and any variable information required for the campaign.
4
Process the Mailing List
Prepare address data for the appropriate postal processing and presort requirements.
5
Print & Personalize
Produce the mailpieces and apply recipient-specific addressing or variable data where required.
6
Sort, Document & Mail
Prepare the mailing according to USPS requirements and enter the completed project into the postal system.
PLANNING YOUR MAILING
Information That Helps Us Quote a Nonprofit Mailing
NONPROFIT MAILING FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nonprofit USPS Marketing Mail?
Nonprofit USPS Marketing Mail is a USPS mailing category that provides eligible and specifically authorized nonprofit organizations access to reduced USPS Marketing Mail prices for qualifying mailings.
Does every nonprofit automatically qualify for nonprofit postage rates?
No. An organization must meet USPS eligibility standards and receive specific authorization from USPS before mailing at Nonprofit USPS Marketing Mail prices.
Which organizations may qualify for Nonprofit USPS Marketing Mail?
USPS identifies eight general nonprofit categories that may qualify: religious, educational, scientific, philanthropic or charitable, agricultural, labor, veterans and fraternal organizations. Eligibility depends on how the organization is organized and operated.
How does a nonprofit apply for USPS nonprofit mailing authorization?
An organization generally applies using PS Form 3624 and provides documentation showing its nonprofit status and qualifying organizational purpose. USPS must approve the authorization before nonprofit prices can be used.
Is there a minimum quantity for Nonprofit USPS Marketing Mail?
A qualifying presorted Nonprofit USPS Marketing Mail mailing generally requires at least 200 addressed pieces or 50 pounds of addressed mail.
Is there one fixed nonprofit postage rate?
No. Nonprofit postage depends on factors including mailpiece type, weight, automation eligibility, address quality, sortation and where the mailing is entered into the postal network.
Can a commercial printer prepare nonprofit mail for an authorized organization?
Yes. A commercial mailing agent can prepare and enter eligible mail on behalf of an authorized nonprofit organization when the mailing complies with USPS nonprofit mailing requirements.
Does nonprofit authorization mean every mailing qualifies for nonprofit postage?
No. Each mailing must independently meet USPS requirements. The mailing must contain eligible USPS Marketing Mail matter, belong to the authorized organization and comply with nonprofit content, preparation and postage requirements.
Can nonprofit mail include fundraising materials?
Fundraising appeals are commonly mailed by eligible nonprofit organizations, but the mailpiece and any products, premiums, advertising or cooperative arrangements must comply with current USPS nonprofit mailing standards.
Can MMPrint help prepare a nonprofit mailing?
Yes. MMPrint can print and prepare nonprofit direct mail projects and review the mailing specifications, quantity, mailpiece format and postal preparation requirements before production.
NONPROFIT PRINT + MAIL
Request a Nonprofit Mailing Quote
Planning a Nonprofit Mailing?
Send us your quantity, mailpiece specifications, mailing-list details and target mail date. MMPrint can review the project and provide printing, personalization and postal preparation pricing.
