Contact Us at 760-480-2323

How an Organization Can Qualify for Nonprofit Mailing

In order to be mail at non-profit rates the following criteria will need to be met. The USPS does have an option of a collaborative mailing where a for profit organization may mail with a non profit, but this can only be done if the messaging only benefits the non profit.

1. Meet Eligibility Criteria

An organization must fall into one of these categories:

  • Religious

  • Educational

  • Scientific

  • Philanthropic

  • Agricultural

  • Labor

  • Veterans

  • Fraternal (with some restrictions)

  • Political or voter registration organizations

  • Other nonprofits serving specific community or charitable purposes

Note: The organization must be nonprofit and recognized as tax-exempt under IRS Section 501(c)(3) or other qualifying 501(c) categories.

2. Apply for Authorization

  • File PS Form 3624: "Application to Mail at Nonprofit USPS Marketing Mail Prices"

  • Submit it to the Mailing Standards Specialist at the post office where you hold (or will open) your mailing permit.

Required documents:

  • Copy of IRS tax-exempt determination letter

  • Organizing documents (e.g., Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws)

  • Financial records if requested

3. Maintain Eligibility

  • The content of the mail must relate to the organization's mission.

  • You cannot use nonprofit rates for mail that primarily promotes a business, contains excessive advertising, or benefits a for-profit entity.

  • Reauthorization is not required yearly, but the USPS can review and revoke status if rules are violated.

What Is Cooperative Mailing?

Cooperative mailing occurs when two or more organizations collaborate to send out mail together under one nonprofit authorization.

Rules for Cooperative Mailings:

  • Only permissible if all parties are eligible nonprofit organizations AND the mailing promotes their mutual nonprofit purposes.

  • The nonprofit organization must control the mailing: content, purpose, and beneficiary.

  • No for-profit benefit is allowed.

  • All content must relate to the nonprofit’s mission.

  • Violating these rules can lead to revocation of nonprofit mailing privileges and retroactive postage charges at regular rates.

Common Violations:

  • A nonprofit includes advertising from a for-profit business in their mailing in exchange for sponsorship.

  • A nonprofit mails on behalf of a for-profit company (even if they share similar goals).

Acceptable Example:

  • Two 501(c)(3) educational nonprofits jointly send a newsletter promoting a collaborative program.