LettrLabs for Nonprofits: AI Handwritten Direct Mail at Scale
Your email open rates are stagnating and your printed postcards look like everyone else's. LettrLabs uses robotic handwriting technology to send authentic ballpoint-pen mail that donors actually open, read, and respond to. With documented nonprofit results like a 26.6% response rate and 55x ROI for a lapsed donor campaign, handwritten mail delivers what digital outreach struggles to match: genuine human connection, at scale.
What It Does
Struggling to break through inbox clutter with email open rates under 20%? LettrLabs automates the creation and delivery of authentic handwritten mail using proprietary robotics that write with real ballpoint pens. Founded in 2020, the platform combines physical mail with digital-era targeting: you can trigger a personalized thank-you card 48 hours after a donation, retarget website visitors who viewed your giving page but didn't donate, or send handwritten year-end appeals to your top donor segments, all without manual effort.
Every piece LettrLabs produces includes real ink with natural pen pressure variations across 60 unique handwriting styles. Donors can tell the difference between a computer-generated handwriting font and actual ballpoint pen on paper, and that authenticity drives response. The platform handles design, printing or handwriting, postage, and USPS delivery in one all-inclusive price with no minimum order requirements.
Beyond mail production, LettrLabs provides audience-building tools including Recipient Search (filtering potential donors by income, geography, and household data from 4,000+ data points), New Mover Targeting (reaching people who just moved into your service area), and LeadReveal (identifying anonymous website visitors and automatically mailing them). For nonprofits looking to complement digital fundraising with a high-touch physical channel, LettrLabs offers a compelling combination of authenticity and automation.
Best For
Organization Size
Small to mid-sized nonprofits with active fundraising programs. The free Starter plan works for organizations just testing direct mail; Core ($199/month) is practical for organizations sending automated stewardship mail regularly.
Best Use Cases
- Lapsed donor reactivation campaigns
- Major donor thank-you stewardship
- Year-end giving appeals
- Event invitations (galas, volunteer appreciation)
- Website visitor follow-up via LeadReveal
Ideal For
- Development Directors and Major Gift Officers
- Fundraising teams wanting to stand out
- Small teams that need automation
- Organizations with older or mid-level donors who prefer physical mail
Key Features for Nonprofits
Robotic Handwriting Technology
Real ballpoint pen on physical paper, not a printed font. 60 unique handwriting styles with natural ink pressure variations. Donors can feel the pen indentation, making each piece feel genuinely personal, even when sent at scale.
LeadReveal Website Retargeting
Install a tracking pixel and LettrLabs identifies anonymous website visitors by name and mailing address. Automatically send a personalized mail piece to anyone who viewed your donation page but didn't give. Available free on the Starter plan.
Recipient Search and Audience Building
Filter 4,000+ data points to build prospecting lists without buying external data: household income, geography, length of residency, property type, and more. Find new donors who match your existing major donor profile.
Trigger-Based Donor Automation
Set workflows that automatically send mail when a donor action occurs: send a handwritten thank-you 3 days after a gift, a welcome card after a first donation, or a re-engagement appeal 90 days after lapsing. Requires Core plan ($199/month).
Personalization and Attribution
Merge fields for donor name, last gift amount, and custom ask amounts. Trackable QR codes linked to personalized donation pages. Dedicated phone numbers per campaign for offline conversion tracking. A/B testing available on Premium.
No Minimums, All-Inclusive Pricing
Send 1 card or 100,000 with no minimum order. Pricing includes design, handwriting or printing, postage, and USPS delivery in one per-piece rate. No coordination across multiple vendors. Free in-house design services available.
How LettrLabs Uses AI
LettrLabs is primarily a physical mail automation platform, with AI playing a supporting role in specific targeting and analysis features rather than being central to its core technology. Understanding what is and isn't AI-powered helps set realistic expectations.
What's AI-Powered
LeadReveal Visitor Identification
Uses machine learning and identity resolution algorithms to match anonymous website IP addresses to real physical mailing addresses from consumer databases. This is genuine AI applied to identity resolution, not simple cookie tracking.
Recipient Search Matching
AI-assisted filtering across 4,000+ data points to surface prospecting lists that match your target donor profile. The more you define your ideal donor, the better the algorithm narrows results.
AI Copywriting Assistant (Coming Soon)
LettrLabs lists an AI-powered writing assistant as forthcoming. When released, this will help generate personalized letter and card text. It is not available as of early 2026.
What's Not AI (But Still Useful)
- The robotic handwriting itself is precision robotics, not AI, though the result looks identical to genuine handwriting
- Trigger-based workflows are rule-based automation, not AI-driven (you define the rules)
- Analytics and reporting are standard dashboards, not AI-generated insights
- A/B testing surfaces results but you analyze and decide next steps yourself
Bottom Line: LettrLabs' core value is physical mail automation and robotic handwriting quality, not AI sophistication. If you're evaluating it as an "AI tool," the AI components are the identity resolution behind LeadReveal and the data matching in Recipient Search. These are genuinely useful, but the platform's primary differentiator is the authenticity of handwritten physical mail, not cutting-edge AI.
Real-World Nonprofit Use Case
Lapsed Donor Reactivation: 55x ROI
Documented nonprofit fundraising result
A national nonprofit ran a targeted handwritten card campaign to 941 midlevel and lapsed donors using LettrLabs. The organization segmented donors who had given $100+ in past years but had not given in 12 or more months, then sent personalized handwritten cards referencing each donor's previous giving history with a specific ask amount.
Imagine your 2-person fundraising team identifying 500 lapsed donors in your CRM, uploading the list to LettrLabs, and setting up a handwritten card campaign in an afternoon. Three days later, personalized cards arrive in donor mailboxes with their name, a reference to their last gift, and a specific matching ask. You track responses through QR codes on your donation page and watch reactivated donors return at gifts averaging 4x their historical level.
Pricing
Platform Subscription Plans
Annual billing pricing shown (monthly billing is higher)
Per-Piece Mail Costs
All-inclusive: printing, postage, and delivery
No minimum orders. $30 in free credit when you create a free account. No credit card required to start.
Pricing information is subject to change. Please verify current pricing directly with LettrLabs.
Nonprofit Discount
LettrLabs offers special discounts for verified 501(c)(3) organizations. The exact discount percentage is not publicly listed on their website; nonprofits must contact LettrLabs directly to apply and confirm current pricing.
Learning Curve
Non-technical staff can handle basic campaigns; advanced automation requires more comfort with workflows
Time to First Value
Technical Requirements
- No coding required for basic campaigns
- Zapier familiarity helpful for CRM integration
- Clean CSV or CRM list for best results
- API access requires Enterprise tier
Support Available
- Help guide library (beginner to advanced)
- Free in-house design services
- Team walkthrough onboarding available
- Managed services option for hands-off campaigns
Quick Win: Send Your First Handwritten Campaign in 24 Hours
- Create a free LettrLabs account and claim your $30 in free credit (no credit card required)
- Export your top 20-30 lapsed donors or major donors from your CRM as a CSV with name and mailing address
- Choose the "Card and Envelope" format and select a handwriting style you like from the 60 options
- Write a short personal note (5-7 lines) using merge fields for donor name and their last gift amount
- Add a QR code linking to your donation page so you can track who responds
- Preview, approve, and launch; your free credit covers approximately 10 handwritten cards
What you'll learn: whether handwritten mail generates a response from your specific donor base before committing to a subscription or larger campaign.
Integration & Compatibility
Native Integrations
Direct connections available today
- Shopify - E-commerce (less relevant for nonprofits)
- Klaviyo - Email marketing platform
- OneCause - Nonprofit fundraising platform (partnership)
- Bloomerang, Fundraise Up, Salesforce, HubSpot - Listed as "coming soon" as of early 2026
Via Zapier
7,500+ app connections (requires Zapier subscription)
- Salesforce (including Nonprofit Cloud)
- HubSpot CRM
- Most major CRMs and donation platforms
- Zapier adds cost ($20-69/month) and requires workflow setup
Integration Reality Check: For nonprofits using Bloomerang, DonorPerfect, or other nonprofit-specific CRMs, native integration isn't available yet. You'll need to use Zapier (intermediate difficulty, 2-4 hours setup) or manually export CSV lists for campaigns. This is the platform's most significant current limitation for nonprofits with established CRM workflows.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Genuine handwriting technology with real ballpoint pens, not fonts designed to look handwritten
- No minimum orders: send 1 card or 100,000 on the same platform
- LeadReveal website retargeting is a powerful donor conversion feature available free on Starter
- Documented nonprofit results: 26.6% response rate and 55x ROI in lapsed donor campaign
- All-inclusive per-piece pricing with no hidden fees (postage included)
- Free Starter plan allows evaluation with real mail before committing
- $30 in free credit when signing up (no credit card required)
- Recipient Search for targeting prospective donors without a separate data vendor
- Partnership with OneCause shows investment in the nonprofit market
- Free in-house design services available
- Nonprofit discounts available for 501(c)(3) organizations
Cons
- No native integrations with major nonprofit CRMs (Bloomerang, DonorPerfect) yet; requires Zapier workaround
- Does not appear to support USPS nonprofit mailing permit rates (competitors like Postalytics do, saving up to 60% on postage)
- Handwritten formats are significantly more expensive per piece than printed alternatives ($1.46-2.83 vs. $0.54 for a postcard)
- Trigger-based automations require the $199/month Core plan; free plan is limited to manual campaigns
- Multi-user access requires Enterprise tier, limiting team collaboration on smaller plans
- Very few independent public reviews make external validation difficult
- Platform is relatively young (founded 2020); nonprofit features still maturing
- API access limited to Enterprise tier only
- AI copywriting assistant not yet available (listed as coming soon)
Hidden Costs to Consider
- Zapier: If connecting your CRM, budget $20-69/month for a Zapier subscription plus 2-4 hours of setup time
- Volume cost math: 500 handwritten cards and envelopes on the Core plan = $595 per campaign in per-piece costs alone, plus $199/month subscription
- Per-piece postage gap vs. nonprofits: If you're sending large volumes (2,000+ pieces), the absence of USPS nonprofit mailing rates adds meaningful cost versus Postalytics
- Month-to-month premium: Annual billing at $199/month vs. $249/month monthly means committing to a year adds pressure to use the platform consistently
Alternatives to Consider
Postalytics - Best for High-Volume Printed Direct Mail
Postalytics is the strongest alternative if postage cost is a priority. It's the only direct mail automation platform with built-in USPS nonprofit mailing permit support, saving nonprofits up to 60% on postage. Postcards from $0.57 all-inclusive. Better CRM integrations (native HubSpot, Salesforce, ActiveCampaign). The trade-off: no handwritten formats; all output is printed. Best for organizations sending 500+ pieces regularly where postage savings justify the trade-off in personalization.
Lob - Best for Developer-Led Organizations
Lob is an API-first direct mail platform serving 12,000+ brands including major enterprises. It requires technical resources to implement but offers powerful programmatic control over mail campaigns. No handwritten formats. Starts at $260/month. Best for nonprofits with a technical staff member who wants to embed direct mail into custom software or complex workflows. Not practical for small nonprofits without developer resources.
Handwrytten - Best for Simpler Handwritten Card Needs
Handwrytten is a focused handwritten card service ($3.75/card or $99/month) with fewer platform features than LettrLabs. No postcards, no targeting tools, no LeadReveal. It integrates with Salesforce and HubSpot natively, which may appeal to nonprofits where CRM connection is more important than advanced targeting. Choose Handwrytten if you want a simpler, more established handwriting service with better CRM integration; choose LettrLabs if you want targeting, automation, and LeadReveal alongside handwriting.
Getting Started
Create a Free Account and Test with Real Mail
30 minutesVisit lettrlabs.com and create a free Starter account. No credit card required. You'll receive $30 in credit immediately. Use this to send 10-15 real handwritten cards to staff members or board members to see the quality firsthand before sending to donors.
Set Up LeadReveal on Your Website
15 minutesEven on the free Starter plan, install the LeadReveal pixel on your donation page. This begins identifying anonymous visitors immediately. Let it run for 2-4 weeks while you evaluate the platform, so you have a list of warm prospects ready when you're ready to launch a campaign.
Design Your First Donor Campaign
2-3 hoursExport your lapsed donor list (donors who gave in the past but not in 12+ months) as a CSV. Use the card designer to create a personalized appeal. Contact LettrLabs' design team for free design help if needed. Set up merge fields for donor name and a personalized ask amount. Add a QR code linking to your donation page.
Decide on a Plan and Connect Your CRM
2-4 hoursIf results from your first campaign justify a subscription, upgrade to Core ($199/month) to unlock automations. Connect your CRM via Zapier to enable trigger-based stewardship mail (automatic thank-yous after gifts, lapsed donor alerts, etc.). Contact LettrLabs to apply for the nonprofit discount before subscribing.
Need Help with Implementation?
Setting up handwritten mail campaigns, Zapier integrations, and donor targeting can feel overwhelming when your team is already stretched thin. If you'd like expert guidance configuring LettrLabs for your specific donor stewardship strategy, we can help.
Contact Us to Learn MoreFrequently Asked Questions
Does LettrLabs offer nonprofit discounts?
Yes. LettrLabs offers special discounts for verified 501(c)(3) organizations, though the exact percentage is not publicly listed. Contact LettrLabs directly to inquire. The free Starter plan is available to all organizations and includes LeadReveal, analytics, and delivery tracking.
Is LettrLabs handwriting really authentic?
Yes. LettrLabs uses proprietary robotics to write with real ballpoint pens on physical paper. The result uses actual ink with natural pen pressure variations across 60 unique handwriting styles. Donors can feel the pen indentation, unlike printed handwriting fonts. This is the platform's core technological differentiator.
What CRM systems does LettrLabs integrate with?
As of early 2026, native nonprofit CRM integrations (Bloomerang, Fundraise Up, Salesforce, HubSpot) are listed as coming soon. Nonprofits currently connect CRMs via Zapier (7,500+ apps, requires a Zapier subscription) or by manually uploading CSV lists. Enterprise tier includes open API access for custom integrations.
What is LettrLabs LeadReveal?
LeadReveal identifies anonymous website visitors by name and mailing address using identity resolution technology, then automatically sends them a direct mail piece. Install a pixel on your donation page and LettrLabs does the rest. Available free on the Starter plan. Particularly valuable for converting website visitors who viewed your donation page but didn't complete a gift.
How much does LettrLabs cost per handwritten piece?
Per-piece pricing depends on your plan and format. On the Premium plan ($399/month): postcards $0.54, handwritten envelope with printed letter $0.85, fully handwritten card and envelope $1.46. On the free Starter plan: postcards $0.73, handwritten envelope with printed letter $1.53, fully handwritten card and envelope $2.83. All prices include printing, postage, and delivery with no minimums.
Does LettrLabs support USPS nonprofit mailing rates?
Based on available information, LettrLabs does not appear to support USPS nonprofit mailing permit rates, which can save nonprofits 40-60% on postage for bulk mailings. Their pricing includes standard postage rates. If low postage cost is a top priority for high-volume mailings, Postalytics explicitly supports USPS nonprofit rates through their platform.
Is there a minimum order requirement?
No. LettrLabs has no minimum order requirements. You can send a single handwritten card or hundreds of thousands of pieces at the same per-piece pricing for your plan tier. This makes it accessible for small nonprofits sending personalized major donor stewardship without committing to large print runs.