š” No. HCB organizations can't sell merch, products, or other goods. Selling means collecting and reporting sales tax, which fiscally sponsored projects can't take on. You can still bring in money through donations.
Why selling isn't allowed
When you sell goods, you become responsible for collecting sales tax and reporting it in every state where you sell, along with the filings that come with it. As a project operating under The Hack Foundation's 501(c)(3), that reporting burden isn't something we can take on, so selling merch or products through HCB isn't supported.
What to do instead
You can still raise money in ways that don't involve selling:
Donations. Set up a donation page and share it; supporters can give online, one time or monthly. See How do I set up and share my donation page?
Invoices. To collect a sponsor's pledge or a payment owed to your project, send an invoice. See What are invoices, and how do I send one?
In person. At an event, collect donations on the spot with Tap to Pay in the HCB Mobile app. See Accept donations with Tap to Pay.
Questions?
If you're not sure whether something counts as selling, email hcb@hackclub.com before you start and we'll help you find a compliant way to do it.
