CAN-SPAM For Nonprofits

Tips for nonprofits to comply with the CAN-SPAM act

In late 2004, the U.S. government put out its final regulations for the CAN-SPAM act, which is intended to cut down on unsolicited email ("spam").

Nonprofits are not exempt from CAN-SPAM!

Our friends at Guidestar have some brief, helpful advice about how to send email that complies with the CAN-SPAM act.  Their tips:

• Send all e-mails from a legitimate, active e-mail address.
  If the recipient hits "Reply" and responds to the message, the answer should go to an in-box that is monitored, not just disappear into cyberspace.
• Provide accurate header information and a postal address for the sender.
  The "From" section of the e-mail should identify either the sender or the organization, or both. The body of the message should contain a snail-mail address.
• Give the message an accurate subject line.
  It is unlawful to use subject lines that mislead the recipient about the contents or subject matter of the message.
• When in doubt, err on the side of caution.
  If it's likely a recipient would view the message as an advertisement or promotion, put the word Advertisement in the subject line or body of the e-mail, even if the message is related to your mission.
• Provide recipients a way to opt out of future mailings.
  Either include a link to a page where recipients can remove their addresses or provide an e-mail address where they can write to have their addresses removed.
• If someone opts out of future mailings, respect their wishes.
  You have 10 days to remove them from your mailing list(s).