How Nonprofits Can Save on Postage: USPS Nonprofit Rates Guide

For nonprofits, every dollar saved on postage is a dollar that goes toward mission. USPS offers significant postage discounts for qualifying nonprofit organizations — but many nonprofits either don't know about them or aren't taking full advantage. This guide covers every postage savings strategy available to nonprofits, from USPS nonprofit authorization to presort discounts and list hygiene.

Quick Answer

Qualifying nonprofits can mail at USPS Nonprofit Marketing Mail rates, which are 40–50% lower than standard Marketing Mail. A 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), or similar organization can apply for nonprofit mailing authorization using USPS Form 3624. Combined with presort discounts and list hygiene, nonprofits can reduce their total mailing cost by 50–60% compared to retail First-Class rates.

How Much Can Nonprofits Save?

~40–50%

Nonprofit vs. Standard Marketing Mail

Nonprofit Marketing Mail letters: ~$0.121 vs. $0.194 standard

Additional 15–20%

Presort discount on top of nonprofit rate

Presorting to carrier route level earns the deepest discount

Varies

List hygiene savings (NCOA + CASS)

Eliminating bad addresses avoids wasted postage on undeliverables

Example: 10,000-Piece Appeal Letter

Scenario	Postage Per Piece	Total Postage (10,000)	Savings vs. First-Class
First-Class Mail (no discount)	$0.73	$7,300	—
Standard Marketing Mail	$0.194	$1,940	$5,360
Nonprofit Marketing Mail	$0.121	$1,210	$6,090
Nonprofit + Carrier Route Presort	~$0.098	~$980	~$6,320

* Rates approximate as of 2026. Actual rates depend on weight, size, and presort level. Contact us for exact pricing.

How to Qualify for USPS Nonprofit Rates

Getting USPS nonprofit authorization is a one-time process. Once approved, your authorization is permanent (as long as you mail at least once every two years).

Confirm your organization qualifies

Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) charities, religious organizations, educational institutions, scientific organizations, labor unions, veterans' organizations, and certain other nonprofit categories. Agricultural organizations and political organizations do not qualify.

Complete USPS Form 3624

Download Form 3624 (Application to Mail at Nonprofit Marketing Mail Prices) from USPS.com. Complete all sections and gather supporting documentation — your IRS determination letter (for 501(c)(3)s), articles of incorporation, and a sample of the mail you plan to send.

Submit to your local Business Mail Entry Unit (BMEU)

Submit your completed Form 3624 and documentation to the BMEU at your local post office. Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks. You'll receive written notification of approval.

Obtain a permit imprint account (optional but recommended)

A permit imprint account lets you print postage directly on your mailpieces rather than using stamps or a meter. It's required for presorted mailings and is how most nonprofit mailers pay postage.

Work with a mail house to apply the authorization

Once authorized, provide your nonprofit permit number to your mail house (us). We apply your authorization to your mailings and file all required USPS documentation on your behalf.

Additional Ways Nonprofits Can Reduce Mailing Costs

Presort to Carrier Route Level

Sorting your mail to the carrier route level (the deepest presort level) earns the maximum postage discount on top of your nonprofit rate. We handle all presort processing — you don't need to do anything extra.

NCOA and List Hygiene

Running your donor list through NCOA (National Change of Address) and CASS certification removes bad addresses and updates moved donors. Every piece that doesn't get delivered is wasted postage. We process all lists through NCOA and CASS before every mailing.

Commingling

Commingling combines your mailing with other mailers' pieces to achieve deeper presort levels than your volume alone would qualify for. This can reduce postage by an additional 5–15% on smaller mailings.

Periodicals Authorization

If you mail a newsletter or other publication on a regular schedule (at least 4 times per year), you may qualify for USPS Periodicals rates, which can be lower than nonprofit Marketing Mail rates for qualifying publications.

Co-Mailing with Other Nonprofits

Some mail houses (including us) offer co-mailing programs where multiple nonprofits' mailings are combined to achieve volume discounts. Ask us about co-mailing options for your next appeal.

Right-Sizing Your Mailpiece

Choosing the right size and weight for your mailpiece can significantly affect postage. A letter that weighs just over 1 oz. costs significantly more than one that stays under 1 oz. We review all mailpiece specs for postage efficiency before printing.

Frequently Asked Questions

To qualify for USPS nonprofit Marketing Mail rates, your organization must be authorized by USPS as a nonprofit mailer. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) charities, religious organizations, educational institutions, scientific organizations, and certain other nonprofit categories. You apply at your local Post Office using USPS Form 3624. Once approved, your authorization is permanent (no annual renewal required) but must be used at least once every two years.

Nonprofit Marketing Mail rates are approximately 40–50% lower than standard Marketing Mail rates. As of 2026, nonprofit Marketing Mail letters cost approximately $0.121 per piece (vs. $0.194 for standard Marketing Mail). For a mailing of 10,000 pieces, that's a savings of roughly $730 in postage alone.

Yes. Your USPS nonprofit authorization is tied to your organization, not to a specific mail house. You can use your authorization at any USPS-authorized mail house, including Mail Movers. We file the required USPS documentation on your behalf and apply your nonprofit permit number to your mailings.

Nonprofit rates apply to Marketing Mail (formerly Standard Mail) — letters, flats, and parcels that meet USPS Marketing Mail requirements. First-Class Mail does not have a nonprofit rate. Periodicals (newsletters mailed on a regular schedule) have a separate nonprofit periodicals rate that can be even lower than nonprofit Marketing Mail.

Yes. USPS requires that mailings sent at nonprofit rates be primarily for the organization's nonprofit purpose. Mailings that are primarily commercial in nature (selling products or services unrelated to the nonprofit mission) do not qualify. We review all nonprofit mailings to ensure they qualify before submission.

We've Been Helping Nonprofits Save on Postage for Over 48 Years

From USPS nonprofit authorization to presort and list hygiene, we handle every detail so you can focus on your mission. Get a free quote for your next appeal mailing.