Page 159 - Washington Nonprofit Handbook 2018 Edition

• The person or entity’s role is passive (e.g., there is simply a “donate
here” button with no further outreach to encourage residents in that
state to donate).

“Donate Here” button: If the organization merely has a “donate here” button
on its website, its work is solely in Washington and only solicits donations in
Washington, it is commonly accepted that the organization does not have to
register in states outside of Washington.

CHAPTER 47. Nonprofit Mailings

Many nonprofit organizations qualify for discounted rates when sending U.S.
Postal Service marketing mail (also known as “bulk mail”). To qualify for special
nonprofit rates, the organization must complete PS Form 3624, Application to Mail
at Nonprofit USPS Marketing Mail Prices and wait for the Post Office to approve its
request.

The cost of mailing at nonprofit marketing rates is lower than ordinary first-
class mail but determining the actual rate depends on many factors including the
size and weight of the mail, how it is addressed and sorted, and whether
automated processing is possible. A rate chart is available online and should be
consulted before mailing.

Also, under United States Postal Service rules, not only must the organization
must qualify to use these preferential rates but it must also maintain its eligibility
by making at least one qualifying mailing during a two-year period.

a. How to Apply for Nonprofit Rates

As mentioned above, the first step is to fill out Postal Service Form 3624,
which is available online. Once authorization is granted, arrangements will need to
be made to pay the postage for mailings. There are several options: special

stamps, postage metering, or use of a PostalOne account from which the Postal
Service will deduct the postage charges for each mailing as it occurs.

Many organizations may be recognized as tax-exempt by the IRS under
section 501(c)(3), but such recognition is not, in and of itself, sufficient to assure
eligibility under the Postal Service regulations. Generally, organizations are eligible
if their primary purpose is religious, educational, scientific, philanthropic
(charitable), agricultural, labor, veterans, or fraternal. The Postal Service’s

WASHINGTON NONPROFIT HANDBOOK -148- 2018