WARNING:  THE U.S. POSTAL SERVICE HAS INCREASED THEIR ENFORCEMENT OF DESIGN AND CONTENT ELIGIBILITY REGULATIONS.  THIS ESCALATED EFFORT IS DUE TO NATIONWIDE ABUSE OF NON-PROFIT ELIGIBILITY.

Non-Profit Standard Mail

Non-Profit Standard rate is a cost effective way to send large quantities of identical mail.  The postage is less than first class rate, but to qualify, the mail must be prepared to meet specific requirements established by the U.S. Postal Service. 

The Requirements

1. The top line of the return address MUST BE Illinois State University.
2. 200 piece minimum.
3. If the mailing is a cooperative mailing, you must show proof by attaining the organization’s non-profit authorization number and providing this to the post office of mailing.
4. Each piece must contain identical materials to ensure uniform weight: same envelope size, same materials inside envelope (e.g. one brochure and one letter in each envelope).
5. No personal correspondence, travel advertisements, or insurance solicitations may be enclosed.
6. No pieces may be mailed to foreign countries, including Canada and Mexico.

Non-profit standard mail is subject to postal inspection. The mail piece may be reviewed by the postal facility prior to acceptance to ensure that contents meet the eligibility requirements of nonprofit mail. If the contents fail inspection, the mail may be returned or sent at either the regular standard mail or the first class rate.

The content and design of all mail pieces should be reviewed by Mail Service Center (438-8383). To ensure that your mailing meets the non-profit standard mail requirements, please contact the Mail Service Center prior to printing the mail piece. We will review the contents to guarantee that it will qualify for the non-profit rate.

When planning a non-profit mailing, remember to take into consideration the extra time necessary for processing at the Mailing Center, which (depending on the quantity of the mailing) can be up to three business days.