Non-Profit Mailing Guide

Everything your 501(c)(3) needs to know about discounted USPS non-profit postage rates and the PS Form 3624 application.

Save 40–60% on Postage with Non-Profit Rates

If your organization has 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, you may qualify for dramatically reduced USPS postage rates. Non-profit Marketing Mail rates are among the lowest postage rates available — often saving organizations thousands of dollars per year on fundraising appeals, newsletters, event invitations, and membership mailings.

Cornerstone has helped dozens of non-profit organizations across the Hudson Valley apply for and maintain their USPS non-profit mailing authorization. We guide you through the PS Form 3624 application, handle all presort processing, and ensure every mailing meets USPS requirements for non-profit pricing.

Non-Profit vs. Commercial Rate Comparison

Mail Type Commercial Rate* Non-Profit Rate* Savings
Marketing Mail Letter (5-digit auto) $0.247 $0.146 41%
Marketing Mail Flat (5-digit auto) $0.558 $0.285 49%
Marketing Mail Letter (AADC auto) $0.296 $0.174 41%
Marketing Mail Letter (Mixed AADC) $0.347 $0.207 40%

*Rates approximate as of 2025. Actual rates depend on presort level, weight, and volume. Contact us for current pricing.

Real Savings Example

A non-profit sending 5,000 fundraising letters per quarter (20,000 annually) at 5-digit automation rates saves approximately $2,020 per year compared to commercial rates. Over five years, that's more than $10,000 back in your budget for programs and services.

Who Qualifies for Non-Profit Rates?

USPS non-profit mailing authorization is available to organizations that meet specific criteria established by the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM). Eligible organization types include:

501(c)(3) charitable organizations
Religious organizations
Educational institutions
Scientific organizations
Veterans' organizations
Fraternal organizations
Qualified political committees
Volunteer fire departments

PS Form 3624: The Application

PS Form 3624 (Application to Mail at Nonprofit USPS Marketing Mail Prices) is the official USPS form your organization must complete to receive non-profit mailing authorization. The application is submitted to your local USPS Postmaster along with supporting documentation.

Required Documentation

Your PS Form 3624 application must include: your IRS determination letter (for 501(c)(3) status), articles of incorporation or charter, a description of your organization's activities and purposes, financial statements showing sources of income, and a sample of the type of mail you intend to send at non-profit rates.

Processing Timeline

USPS typically processes PS Form 3624 applications within 30–60 days. During this period, USPS reviews your documentation, may request additional information, and issues a written authorization if approved. Cornerstone can prepare and review your application before submission to minimize delays.

Content Restrictions

Not all mail qualifies for non-profit rates. The content must further your organization's stated purpose. Items that don't qualify include: cooperative mailings with for-profit entities, mailings primarily designed to sell goods/services, and travel advertising (even for non-profit tours). Cornerstone helps ensure your mail content meets USPS non-profit content standards.

How Cornerstone Helps Non-Profits

1
Application Guidance
We walk you through PS Form 3624 and help gather the required documentation.
2
Mail Piece Design
We design your mailpiece to meet both USPS non-profit content standards and automation requirements.
3
List Processing
We process your donor/member list through CASS/DPV and NCOA to ensure deliverability and presort accuracy.
4
Presort & Postage
We presort your mailing for maximum non-profit postal discounts and handle all postage payment.
5
Annual Maintenance
We help you maintain your authorization and ensure each mailing continues to meet USPS requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is PS Form 3624?
PS Form 3624 is the USPS application form that non-profit organizations must submit to qualify for discounted non-profit mailing rates. It requires documentation of your tax-exempt status, organizational purpose, and the type of mail you plan to send.

How much can our non-profit save on postage?
Qualifying non-profits typically save 40–60% compared to standard commercial mailing rates. A non-profit sending 5,000 letters quarterly could save over $2,000 annually in postage alone.

Do we need our own mailing permit?
Yes. Unlike commercial mailings where Cornerstone can mail under our permit, USPS non-profit authorization must be tied to the non-profit organization's own mailing permit. We'll help you set up a permit and apply for non-profit authorization.

Can we send fundraising appeals at non-profit rates?
Yes. Fundraising solicitations are one of the most common uses of non-profit mailing rates. As long as the appeal furthers your organization's stated charitable purpose, it qualifies. Annual appeals, capital campaigns, and membership renewals all typically qualify.

Ready to Apply for Non-Profit Rates?

Contact us for a free consultation. We'll review your organization's eligibility, estimate your postage savings, and guide you through the PS Form 3624 application process.

Get a Free Estimate Non-Profit Mailing Services →

Ready to Start Your Next Mailing?

Get a free estimate from Hudson Valley's most trusted direct mail team. 2.3M+ pieces mailed and counting.

Get Free Estimate Call (845) 255-5722