USPS Nonprofit Postage Authorization helps nonprofit organizations send mailers at discounted rates. 501(c)(3) organizations use this authorization to send letters, newsletters, and fundraising materials at almost half the price of commercial mail. 

These savings are necessary when you want to reach more donors, expand a campaign, or stretch a limited budget without compromising the personal touch that direct mail offers. However, there are strict USPS eligibility rules, content restrictions, and preparation requirements. The timing is also critical, like the paperwork. Most nonprofits are preparing for Giving Tuesday, holiday appeals, and year-end donor outreach in Q4. 

This blog will help you learn the eligibility criteria, content restrictions, steps, and required documentation for USPS Nonprofit Postage Authorization. 

TL;DR 

• 501(C)(3)s can send mailers at roughly half of commercial rates with nonprofit authorization. 
• Authorization unlocks the discount, while the permit handles how you pay for bulk mail. 
• Nonprofits cannot send ads, invoices, statements, and handwritten letters at the discounted price. 
• Apply with PS Form 3624 and back it up with supporting documents. 

Key Takeaways 

• USPS Nonprofit Postage Authorization allows nonprofits to send mailers at a highly discounted rate. 
• Authorization helps you access USPS nonprofit rates, and a mailing permit provides a commercial postage-payment method. 
• An organization must be operating on a nonprofit basis to become eligible for these discounted rates. 
• Organizational formation papers, IRS letter of exemption, nonprofit status, financial statements, and a list of activities could be useful as proof. 
• USPS recommends that nonprofits presort and group their mailers by ZIP codes to take advantage of discounted rates. 

USPS Nonprofit Postage Authorization is an approval from the postal service to send mailers at a highly discounted rate as compared to regular mail. This authorization is vital for nonprofits to send letters, newsletters, fundraising materials, and self-mailers weighing less than 16 ounces. After all, you cannot use this service for advertising purposes. Your organization must be recognized as a 501(c)(3), and mailings must serve a charitable purpose. 

The organization has to use the USPS Marketing Mail Authorization number on each postage statement. You can only use this service for domestic mailing, as USPS restricts international mail. Besides, there are certain content, ownership, volume, preparation, and postage requirements set by the USPS. 

Nonprofit Mailing Permit at a Glance 

You might be using the terms “USPS nonprofit postage authorization” and “nonprofit mailing permit” interchangeably. However, there are certain differences between the two and how they work in the mailing process. 

Firstly, a nonprofit authorization helps you become eligible to access USPS nonprofit rates. In contrast, a mailing permit provides access to the commercial postage-payment method. 

How Much Can You Save on Postage With Nonprofit Mail in 2026? 

You can expect good savings while using nonprofit postage authorization and mailing permits. The exact amount highly depends on the mailer’s size, machinability, presort level, and density. 

Let’s take a look at the rate changes for nonprofit mail and USPS Marketing Mail (commercial). 

Source: USPS July 2026 Rates

With this pricing, you can see substantial savings for letters. For example, mailing 1,000 pieces at nonprofit rates will save $210 as compared to Commercial Marketing Mail. 

Why Is Q4 the Best Time to Acquire the Authorization? 

October to December is the ideal time for many nonprofits to generate most of their annual donations. There are multiple occasions, such as Giving Tuesday, holiday fundraising, membership renewals, and year-end donor appeals. 

It usually takes two weeks for USPS to review a nonprofit postage authorization request. So, organizations should apply for authorization before their creative and production deadlines. 

USPS enforces strict guidelines to classify eligible organizations for nonprofit rates. Your organization must be operating on a non-profit basis and shall not generate income from private stockholders or individuals. 

USPS Eligible Categories 

USPS extends its nonprofit mailing rates to the right types of organizations. Their sole purpose should be a nonprofit cause. The following are eligible types: 

• Religious Organizations: Churches, synagogues, temples, and mosques. 

• Educational Organizations: Schools, museums, colleges, zoos, planetariums, etc.

• Scientific Organizations: Applied, pure, or natural sciences, or technical science. 

• Philanthropic or Charitable Organizations: working for the underprivileged, education, science, civil rights, etc. 

• Agricultural Organizations: working for product quality, efficiency, education, livestock management, cultivation, etc. 

• Labor Organizations: Unions and employee associations working to improve workers’ conditions. 

• Veterans’ Organizations: auxiliary units, societies, trusts, and foundations. 

• Fraternal Organizations: fostering fellowship and mutual benefits.  

Who Does Not Qualify for USPS Nonprofit Mail 

USPS also lists the types of organizations ineligible for nonprofit mailing. It includes:

• State, county, and municipal governments
• Automobile clubs 
• Business leagues 
• Chambers of commerce 
• Citizens’ and civic improvement associations
• Individuals 
• Mutual insurance associations 
• Most political organizations 
• Service clubs 
• Social and hobby clubs 
• Trade associations 
• Association of rural electric cooperatives 

Content Restrictions for Nonprofit Mailing 

You can only send specific mailers at a lower price using nonprofit mailing rates. It is prohibited to send mailers containing: 

• Statements
• Invoices
• Handwritten letters
• Commercial advertisements
• Insurance policies 

Before you consider filling out Form 3624, you need to gather several supporting documents for the USPS nonprofit postage authorization application. 

Organization Formative Papers 

These documents are vital to explain the goal of your organization and establish its legal purpose. USPS accepts formative documents, such as 

• Articles of incorporation
• Constitution or bylaws 
• Charter 
• Trust indenture 

IRS Letter of Exemption From Federal Income Tax 

Next, you can use a copy of the IRS determination letter as proof of your nonprofit status. It must identify the section of the Internal Revenue Code under which your organization is exempt. 

Nonprofit Status Evidence 

You can also show annual reports, program brochures, fundraising solicitations, or bulletins to help USPS understand your organization’s existence. 

List of the Organization’s Activities 

Your authorization request can also include a list of activities completed in the last 12 months. So, try to mention specific programs, services, events, beneficiaries, publications, or community projects instead of using broad mission statements. 

Financial Statements 

It is often advisable to provide financial documentation that shows your organization’s operations. You can use receipts, expenditures, the current-year budget, or independent financial statements. 

💡Also Read: What is USPS Standard Mail?

Get the PS Form 3624

First, begin by getting a PS Form 3624. You can also find this form at a Post Office or a Business Mail Entry Unit. Above all, there’s no charge to file a PS Form 3624. 

Fill Out the Form With Necessary Details 

Start filling out the form with the appropriate name, address, contact details, incorporation information, tax status, and other relevant information. 

Line 9 on the form has multiple categories under which an organization might be applying for authorization. So, select the correct category by matching your organization’s purpose and supporting documentation. 

Attach the Required Documentation 

Now, add the supporting documentation we just discussed above. Besides, adding operational and financial evidence might give you an advantage in the review process. 

Your organization’s legal name must be consistent on the authorization form, incorporation records, IRS correspondence, financial statements, and other documents. 

Submit the Application: Online or In Person 

You can submit the PS Form 3624 online, at a Post Office, or at a Business Mail Entry Unit. It is recommended to request a date-stamped copy of the application if you are submitting in person. Above all, you need the application date later to determine eligibility for a postage refund. 

Wait for USPS Review 

The review process might take up to two weeks as the local facility checks the form for completeness and accuracy. Then, they forward the form to the Pricing and Classification Service Center. USPS might demand further information if necessary, depending on your form. 

An organization can write an appeal within 15 days if USPS denies the authorization application. However, this new appeal must have new evidence and clarifications. 

Keep Mailing While You Wait for the Review 

A nonprofit should continue sending mail while the authorization application is pending review. So, you will continue to pay the regular applicable USPS Marketing Mail prices. However, it is vital to note that First-Class Mail prices cannot qualify for nonprofit postage refunds. 

Meanwhile, you should maintain records, such as; 

• Postage statements 
• Mailing dates 
• Postage paid 
• Piece counts 
• Entry locations
• Form 3624 dated copy 

File PS Form 3533 to Claim a Refund 

You can request a refund for the regular USPS Marketing Mail postage you’ve paid after receiving approval. For this reason, fill out the PS Form 3533 to request a refund of fees. Then, support the form with: 

• Dated nonprofit application copy
• Relevant postage statement copies 
• Additional documentation requested by USPS

USPS won’t let you apply for refunds before the authorization’s effective date. Mailings sent with First-Class mail are also out of the equation. 

Save the Authorization Letter

You should retain the original approval notice, NPA number, and supporting documentation for compliance and record-keeping purposes. The NPA number and registered organization details will be useful for your employees, mail providers, and agencies. 

💡Also Read: USPS Address Verification

USPS updated its pricing for commercial and nonprofit USPS Marketing Mail on July 12, 2026. There has been a 4.8% increase in pricing across all USPS mailing services. Besides, this update affects First-Class Mail, Marketing Mail, EDDM, Periodicals, and Nonprofit Mail rates. 

Let’s take a glance at the rate changes; 

 Sources: 

• USPS Notice 123 • Effective January 18, 2026

• USPS Notice 123 • Effective July 12, 2026

Nonprofit Postage Rates in July 2026

After the July 12, 2026, price update, a standard commercial Marketing Mail costs $0.467 per piece for the Presort Mixed tier. In contrast, nonprofit letters cost $0.257 for the Mixed tier, $0.225 for 3-Digit, and $0.185 for 5-Digit Automation. The exact figure is determined by the weight, automation tier, and presort density. 

These are the rates for nonprofit mailings without automation; 

💡Also Read: How to Track USPS Package

Organizations use specific strategies to take full advantage of nonprofit bulk mail rates. You need to focus on presorting mailers, use permits appropriately, and use the available efficient discounts. 

Fulfill Presorting and Addressing Requirements 

USPS recommends that nonprofits presort their mailers to access the lowest postage rates. Grouping mailers by ZIP codes means preparing them according to delivery routes. However, you also need to follow the official addressing format to reduce undeliverable pieces. 

Bulk Mail Permit for Discounts 

Use a bulk nonprofit permit imprint instead of stamps. These mailers have an indicia tied to a permit account. So, you only have to maintain the permit costs ($370 annually) at each post office. However, ensure that the organization-provider relationship and mail ownership follow USPS’ principal agent requirements. 

Verify Permit and Nonprofit Authorization Status 

It is essential to check your authorization and permit status before you start a new campaign. Start by checking the NPA number. Then, cross-check the registered organization and address; they must match your organization. The permit or provider arrangement should also match your records. 

Schedule Mail Production Before Year-End Deadlines 

Do not wait for the last moment to start your campaign this Q4. Otherwise, you could face complete chaos between your teams, creative agencies, printers, mail providers, and USPS. So, buy enough time for copywriting and design, compliance review, proof approvals, list segmentation, printing and personalization, postage funding, and USPS verification.  

Check Your Design and Mailpiece Weight 

The design of your mailers can impact postage. Inserts, reply envelopes, cards, or heavier paper are often the primary reasons behind higher postage and weight. Besides, some design aspects could even make your mailers nonmachinable, further increasing the postage costs. For example, including any type of advertisement will directly disqualify you from nonprofit eligibility. 

💡Also Read: USPS Certified Mail

USPS nonprofit postage authorization is only the first part of the story. Nonprofits also have to connect the USPS authorization to their mailing workflows and apply it to eligible campaigns. 

PostGrid’s Direct Mail Automation Software is an online solution that lets you send nonprofit mailers at scale. So, there’s no need to run time-consuming and resource-intensive in-house mailing workflows. You can manage entire campaigns from an online dashboard. Register your existing USPS nonprofit authorization to apply it to supported mail orders. 

Postage Discount Authorization (PDA) in PostGrid 

A PDA is a record that helps you connect your discount authorization to a PostGrid account. This record consists of your USPS identifiers and authorized return-address information. So, you can use the PDA for qualifying campaigns after verification instead of a default contact. 

Note: A PostGrid PDA does not replace USPS authorization or preparation requirements. Neither can it approve your organization for nonprofit rates. So, you still have to fill out the PS Form 3624 to request authorization from the USPS. 

Steps to Set Up Authorization 

Prerequisites 

You must gather your USPS Registration ID or CRID before setting up a PostGrid PDA. The USPS Nonprofit Authorization Number (NPA) will play the main role in this process. Also, your organization’s name and address information must match the carrier’s records. 

Steps  

1. Sign up with your PostGrid account and navigate to the dashboard. 
2. Go to Resources and then select Postage Discounts. 
3. Click on the Create Postage Discount Authorization button and fill out the form by specifying the authorization type, Customer Registration ID, Nonprofit Authorization Number, Company, and Address. 
4. Lastly, review all the respective details and click on Create. 

You can use this authorization workflow to send USPS nonprofit mailings via PostGrid.

How to Apply a Verified PDA to a Mailing Campaign 

You have two options to apply the PDA to letters, postcards, and self-mailers after verification. 

PostGrid Dashboard 

Simply log in with your PostGrid account to access an online dashboard. The intuitive UI helps you segment your audience, create mailers, set up campaigns, and send mailers with minimal manual effort. 

PostGrid API 

You can integrate PostGrid into custom existing applications via its API. Then, the REST API can make calls to PostGrid to schedule mailers depending on different workflows. 

Sign up now to set up USPS nonprofit postage authorization in PostGrid.