Nonprofit USPS discounted postage rates can be roughly 40–50% lower than commercial USPS Marketing Mail rates
Every dollar matters when you’re running a nonprofit. Between program costs, staffing, and operational expenses, finding ways to stretch your budget is essential to fulfilling your mission. That’s why understanding USPS discounted postage rates for nonprofits can be a game-changer for your organization.
The USPS offers various postage rates based on size, weight, and delivery time. Of all the USPS rate structures, the nonprofit postage rate is the lowest rate available. If you qualify for them, mailing at these rates will significantly reduce your mailing costs.
How Much Can You Actually Save?
Let’s talk numbers. Nonprofit rates can save your organization up to 40-50% on postage costs compared to standard commercial, also called marketing mail, rates. For a nonprofit mailing 10,000 fundraising letters annually, that could mean saving $1,500-$2,000 per year. For larger organizations sending monthly newsletters and quarterly appeals, the savings multiply quickly. That’s funding that can go directly toward programs, not postage.
Getting Started: Qualifying for USPS discounted postage rates for non-profits
To access non-profit postage rates, you must meet two key requirements:
First, your organization must be recognized as tax-exempt and operate as a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit organization. These include educational institutions, religious organizations, charitable foundations, and community service organizations.
Second, the mailing itself must serve a charitable purpose. This means its content should directly relate to your nonprofit mission—fundraising letters, program information, volunteer recruitment, donor updates, event announcements, and educational materials all qualify. Personal correspondence or commercial advertising does not.
The Application Process: Form 3624
Applying for nonprofit USPS postage rates requires completing USPS Form 3624, the “Application to Mail at Non-profit USPS Marketing Mail Rates.” Don’t let the paperwork intimidate you—while it requires some documentation, the process is straightforward.
The form asks for basic organizational information as well as documentation that proves your tax-exempt status and charitable activities. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Your organization’s articles of incorporation
- IRS determination letter confirming 501(c)(3) status
- Recent financial statements
- A detailed list of your organization’s activities during the past 12 months
- Names and addresses of your organization’s officers and directors
*Helpful tip: Before you start filling out the form, gather all your documentation first. Having everything in one place makes the process much faster and reduces the chance of errors or omissions that could delay approval.
Where to Submit Your USPS Non-profit Application
Once you’ve completed USPS Form 3624 and gathered your supporting documents, you have three submission options:
- By Mail
Send your completed application to the USPS Non-profit Mail Entry Unit that serves your area. Find the address of your local BMEU
- In Person
You can submit Form 3624 at your local post office, but it is typically forwarded to a Business Mail Entry Unit (BMEU) for review, which may slow processing and limit access to immediate assistance. For faster service it’s best to submit your application at a Business Mail Entry Unit (BMEU). Locate a BMEU
- Through a Mail Service Provider
A professional non-profit mailing service, like Metro Presort, can assist you and submit the application on your behalf to ensure everything is completed correctly.
What Can You Mail at Non-profit Rates?
Nonprofit rates apply to specific classes of mail:
Marketing Mail (formerly Standard Mail): This is the most common category for nonprofit mailings and includes fundraising letters, newsletters, brochures, and donor appeals. Items must weigh less than 16 ounces.
Periodicals: If your organization publishes a regular newsletter or magazine (at least four times per year), you may qualify for even deeper discounts through periodical nonprofit rates.
*Important note: First-Class Mail and Priority Mail do not offer non-profit discounts. For time-sensitive correspondence that requires First-Class service, you’ll pay standard rates.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many nonprofits miss out on maximum savings because they’re unaware of a few key details:
Presorting is required: Non-profit rates require that mail be presorted and prepared according to USPS standards. This means organizing your mailing list by ZIP code and bundling mail accordingly. If this sounds complicated, don’t worry—this is where working with a mail service provider makes sense.
Minimum quantities apply: Most non-profit mailings must meet minimum quantity requirements (typically 200 pieces or 50 pounds). Smaller mailings may not qualify for the lowest rates.
Annual verification: While your nonprofit authorization doesn’t expire, the USPS may periodically request updated documentation to verify your 501(c)(3) status remains active.
Unlock the Full Value of Your Nonprofit Mailing Status
Once you’re approved for nonprofit rates, maximizing your savings requires proper mail preparation. Many nonprofits find that partnering with an experienced non-profit mailing service provider—one familiar with USPS requirements and non-profit mailings—ensures their mail is prepared correctly and qualifies for the best possible rates.
Professional mail services can handle data processing, address verification (which reduces undeliverable mail and wasted postage), printing, sorting, and USPS delivery, allowing your team to focus on mission-critical work rather than mailing logistics.
Next Steps
Applying for non-profit postage rates is an investment of time upfront that pays dividends for years to come. If your organization regularly communicates with donors, supporters, or program participants through mail, these savings add up quickly.
Have questions about the application process or want to ensure your mailings are prepared to maximize savings? Metro Presort specializes in non-profit mailing services and can guide you through every step—from application assistance to mail preparation that will qualify for the lowest possible rates.
Your mission matters, and we’re here to help you make every dollar count. Contact us today!