Postal Explorer > Publication 417 - Nonprofit Standard Mail Eligibility > 2 Eligible and Ineligible Organizations > 2-3 Ineligible Organizations

2-3 Ineligible Organizations

2-3.1 Governmental Organizations

Regulations provide that state, county, and municipal governmental organizations are generally not eligible for the Nonprofit Standard Mail rates. However, a separate and distinct state, county, or municipal governmental organization that meets the criteria for any one of the categories in 2-2-1 may be eligible, notwithstanding its governmental status. Examples include school districts, public libraries, and soil and water conservation districts. Nevertheless, governmental organizations are normally not eligible under the philanthropic category since their income is not generally derived from voluntary contributions or donations.

2-3.2 Other Typical Ineligible Organizations

Even if organized on a nonprofit basis, these and similar organizations are ineligible for the nonprofit rates:

• Associations of rural electric cooperatives.

• Automobile clubs.

• Business leagues.

• Chambers of commerce.

• Citizens' and civic improvement associations.

• Individuals.

• Mutual insurance associations.

• Political organizations (other than those specified in 2-2.2).

• Service clubs - e.g., Civitan, Kiwanis, Lions, Optimist, and Rotary.

• Social and hobby clubs.

• Trade associations.