Remittance envelopes are a specialized envelope designed to return donations by mail. All donation envelopes come with a large back flap and are available in two styles and various sizes to fit your needs. The fronts of remittance envelopes resemble standard envelopes and are typically printed with your organization’s address in the middle, FIM, and sometimes a business reply or “stamp here” copy. While these envelopes are very versatile, their unique flap design can make them difficult to print on. Read about the types of fundraising envelopes below, and don’t hesitate to call your print shop for help setting up your mailing copy.

non-perforated remittance Envelopes

The non-perforated or “non-perforated” remittance envelope has a large flap that must be closed on the back of the envelope. When closed, it will almost cover the back of the envelope. Since this flap acts as a closing flap, it is gummed up last. The flap is large so that you can use this space to collect information or take requests from your donors and contributors, and the information will be perfectly sealed with the envelope. But care must be taken not to push the printout too close to the edges of the flap, especially the gummed edge, as anything printed or handwritten there will tear when you open the envelope to remove the donation. The same goes for the back of the envelope, should you choose to put a copy there. Where the gum hits, the copy will tear out of the envelope when opened. That being said, you still have plenty of room to collect information like the name of the donor, take orders for any gifts they are eligible for with the donation, etc. Unpunched remittance envelopes are less expensive than perforated, easy to use, and work well for most fundraising purposes. They are available in various sizes, from 6 and 1/4 to #9.

Perforated envelopes for remittances

Perforated consignment envelopes resemble their non-perforated counterparts, except that the long flap is torn at the perforated line just above the top of the envelope, creating a short flap to close the envelope. The giver can then fill out the separate flap piece with dedication, gift, or subscription information and place it securely inside the envelope. With the perforated flap, you can print more copies and have your copy close to the edge of the flap, since there is no gum to work with. Perforated envelopes are best if you need to collect a lot of information or if it’s important to have visible print on the back of the envelope. Perforated envelopes are available in sizes 6 and 3/4 and #9.

Remittance Envelope Templates

Before finalizing your printout, you can ask your printer for a template for your envelope size and type. With standard envelopes, the measurements provide enough information, but with remittance envelopes, there are lots of curved edges, tapers, and of course those gum lines to avoid. Ask what tolerance your printer prints for these envelopes. If you put something near the edge, you may end up cutting yourself.

one final note

Nonprofit remittance envelopes are complicated to print, but with the help of your printer and prepress department, you’ll ensure a quality product that meets your fundraising goals much better than an envelope. standard. And remember, when ordering envelopes to send your donation requests in, always be sure to order the next size up from your donation envelope size.