How Nonprofits Can Save 40% on Postage with USPS Nonprofit Mail Rates

Nonprofit organizations have the opportunity to access reduced postage rates through the U.S. Postal Service. If your organization meets the necessary criteria— which most nonprofits do— you can qualify for Nonprofit Standard Mail rates, offering savings of approximately 40% compared to standard postal rates.

Savings for Nonprofit Mailings

If your nonprofit regularly sends periodicals, membership updates, newsletters, or other mass mailings, applying for Nonprofit Standard Mailing status can significantly reduce costs and streamline the mailing process. The application is free and can lead to considerable time and financial savings for your organization.

Determining Eligibility

To qualify for these discounted rates, a nonprofit must ensure that no part of its funds benefits private shareholders or members. Eligible organizations include:

• 501(c)(3): Charitable, educational, religious, scientific, and philanthropic groups

• 501(c)(5): Agricultural and labor organizations

• 501(c)(8): Fraternal societies

• 501(c)(19): Veteran groups

If your nonprofit is still in the process of obtaining tax-exempt status, you can apply for Nonprofit Standard Mail eligibility while your IRS tax-exempt determination is pending. Your organization can continue mailing under a pending status until a final decision is made.

How to Apply

To apply, submit PS Form 3624, Application to Mail at Nonprofit Standard Mail Rates, along with supporting documentation, to the post office where you plan to send mail. Required documents include:

• Official formation documents, such as Articles of Incorporation, a charter, or a constitution

• An IRS exemption letter confirming nonprofit tax-exempt status (or proof of a pending application)

• Additional optional documents, such as financial statements, a list of nonprofit activities, past newsletters, meeting minutes, or brochures

Mailing Restrictions

The USPS and IRS enforce strict rules regarding what can be sent at nonprofit postage rates, including:

• A minimum of 200 pieces or 50 pounds of addressed mail per mailing

• Mailings must comply with postal preparation standards outlined in the Domestic Mail Manual (link)

• Only the nonprofit’s own mail can be sent—joint mailings require special approval

• Mailings must not include unauthorized advertising content

• A properly completed and signed postage statement must accompany each mailing

• The return address must match the organization’s registered name on Form 3624

Be cautious of wording that might raise red flags with the Postal Service, such as "sponsored by" or promotions related to travel, insurance, or credit card sales, as this could result in higher postage charges.

Important Notes

• To maintain nonprofit mailing authorization, your organization must send at least one bulk mailing every two years from the location where you were approved.

• Certain groups do not qualify for nonprofit postage rates, including business leagues, automobile clubs, chambers of commerce, social clubs, and mutual insurance organizations.

Additional Resources

• U.S. Postal Service

• Nonprofit Mailing Eligibility Rules

• PS Form 3624 Application

If your nonprofit needs further guidance on the application process or mailing regulations, feel free to reach out—we're here to assist!