How to stop unwanted mail from charities

The never-ending battle against unwanted mail from charities! Here are some steps to help you reduce or stop receiving unwanted mail from charities:

  1. Register with the Direct Marketing Association (DMA): The DMA is a non-profit organization that helps consumers control their mail and email preferences. You can register your name and address on their website to opt-out of receiving mail from participating charities.
  2. Contact the charity directly: If you receive mail from a specific charity, you can contact them directly to ask to be removed from their mailing list. You can usually find their contact information on the mailing label or on their website.
  3. Use the USPS "Do Not Mail" service: The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers a "Do Not Mail" service that allows you to request that charities not send you mail. You can submit a request online or by mail.
  4. Use the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) "Do Not Call" registry: While this registry is primarily for telemarketing calls, some charities may also respect your request to not contact you by mail.
  5. Check your state's charity registration database: Many states have databases that list registered charities. You can search these databases to see if a charity is registered in your state and contact them to request to be removed from their mailing list.
  6. Use a mail-blocking service: Services like Catalog Choice, 41pounds.org, and DMAchoice allow you to opt-out of receiving mail from specific charities or categories of charities.
  7. Be cautious of charity solicitations: Be wary of charities that send unsolicited mail or ask for donations without providing clear information about their organization or the purpose of the donation.
  8. Report unwanted mail to the charity: If you continue to receive unwanted mail from a charity despite your requests to stop, you can report it to the charity's regulatory agency, such as the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance or the National Association of State Charity Officials.
  9. Consider using a postal service filter: Some postal services, like the USPS, offer filters that can help block unwanted mail from specific charities or categories of charities.
  10. Keep your contact information up to date: Make sure your contact information is up to date with the charities you support, so you can easily request to be removed from their mailing list if needed.

Remember, it's essential to be proactive in managing your mail preferences to avoid receiving unwanted solicitations from charities.