The Real Media Collective (TRMC), in partnership with Fundraising Institute Australia, has had further success in negotiations with Australia Post, this time across Charity Mail during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The temporary relief came into effect on May 25 and provides charities with a 10 per cent postage rebate on any incremental Charity Mail activity undertaken in May and June this year, compared to May and June 2019. It also includes PO Box application fee assistance to speed up the return of donations
It includes relief on thickness and weight for campaigns previously mailed as small sized articles.
“Our members include printers and mail-houses across Australia. Working with Fundraising Institute Australia and Australia Post to develop relaxations for the charities provide solid volumes for our members and broader industry, as well as support to Charities who use direct mail for donor acquisition campaigns,” TRMC CEO Kellie Northwood said.
Fundraising Institute Australia CEO Katherine Raskob said these initiatives will assist all charities.
“Those larger organisations who are already lodging large fundraising appeals at this time of year will benefit from the thickness and weight latitude to include new material and information for their regular donors,” she said.
“New entrants will receive benefit from the 10 per cent incremental solution and the smaller, grass-roots charities will be able to set up faster donation receipts.
“We are delighted to be part of this initiative for our members – a great example of how working with Industry, Australia Post and charities can deliver support for us all during this difficult time.”
This isn’t TRMC’s first time in successfully securing postage relief – Print Post saw the first relaxations, which is now followed closely by Charity Mail.
Northwood previously said the organisation will review the three major mail products, with the final under review being Promo Post.
“These discussions take some time to work through the regulations, the impact on Australia Post processes and the benefit to the industry,” Northwood said.
“We are in regular contact with Australia Post on all postage matters and I have to commend the Australia Post team who have worked with a strong focus on outcomes to provide solutions.
“I would like to thank Australia Post, Fundraising Institute Australia, the Charities and our Members who worked through the possible solutions – without your insights we wouldn’t have been able to develop these relaxations.”
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