Postage Rates Increase

Among other news from Independent Sector:

Postal rates will go up across the board on May 14. While the average increase for nonprofits was less than anticipated, certain types of mailings with enclosures will have a higher rate. Of particular concern to charities that send premiums, such as note cards or other gifts, with their fundraising letters is the new higher rate for large envelopes that are not uniform in thickness. The higher rate is intended to reflect the additional cost of handling such mailings.

Other changes include a 41-cent first-class stamp, up from 39 cents, and a new Forever Stamp that can be purchased for 41 cents now and used at any time in the future, even if rates increase.