Who qualifies for nonprofit postage rates?
Only organizations USPS has authorized for nonprofit prices may use them, and only for their own mailings. Eligible types include religious, educational, scientific, philanthropic, agricultural, labor, veterans, and fraternal organizations, among others defined in DMM 703. Being a nonprofit under tax law does not by itself grant postal nonprofit status.
How do I get nonprofit mailing authorization?
Apply for nonprofit authorization with PS Form 3624 at the Post Office where mailings will be entered, with supporting documents (for example the IRS exemption letter and organizing papers). USPS reviews and grants or denies eligibility. Authorization is tied to the organization and the location. See DMM 703.
What content rules apply to nonprofit mail?
Nonprofit Marketing Mail has content restrictions. Certain advertising is limited or not allowed at nonprofit prices, for example some content promoting travel, insurance, credit or debit cards, and other specified products or services, and cooperative mailings with non-authorized parties. Review the mailing against DMM 703 before claiming nonprofit prices; a rep can confirm eligibility.
Preparation and quantity
Nonprofit mailings follow the same Marketing Mail preparation, the 200-piece or 50-pound minimum (see How many pieces do I need for presort pricing), and the same address-quality rules (see What is CASS processing and why does it matter and What is the Move Update requirement). The savings over commercial Marketing Mail come only from the authorized nonprofit rates in Notice 123. See Who can use Nonprofit Marketing Mail prices.