š” HCB fiscal sponsorship is for teenagers (ages 13 to 18) leading mission-driven projects that would qualify as nonprofit work. If that's you, and you don't already have your own nonprofit status, you can apply.
Who HCB is built for
Hack Club is a nonprofit focused on high school students, and HCB's fiscal sponsorship is designed primarily for teenagers aged 13 to 18 who lead or organize mission-driven projects. HCB cannot provide accounts for individuals under 13, even with parental consent.
Eligibility checklist
To be a good fit, your group should:
Be led and primarily run by teenagers (ages 13 to 18).
Pursue a mission that would qualify as a nonprofit activity under IRS 501(c)(3) guidelines (the section of U.S. tax code for tax-exempt charities).
Not already have nonprofit or tax-exempt status.
What kinds of projects qualify?
Almost any charitable purpose permitted under 501(c)(3) guidelines. HCB rarely restricts to specific categories. Past projects include hackathons, peer tutoring programs, environmental cleanups, science clubs, coding workshops, art initiatives, and community service events. When in doubt, apply. Every application is reviewed individually.
Adult-led groups
HCB is exclusively focused on teen-led organizations, and only accepts new groups that are run by teenagers, to stay aligned with its mission of supporting youth-led initiatives. Because of program capacity and that mission, HCB may not be the right fit for every group.
International projects
HCB is still building out its support for organizations outside the US, so there isn't a definitive answer for most countries yet. If you're running an international project, you're welcome to apply, and the team will talk with you about whether HCB can work for you. Two things to know: HCB is currently unable to support organizations in India, and HCB can provide support only in English.
Who is not eligible
Existing nonprofits or 501(c)(3) organizations. If you already have tax-exempt status, fiscal sponsorship isn't the right tool.
Projects that wouldn't qualify under 501(c)(3), such as for-profit ventures, political campaigns, or activities that mainly benefit private individuals.
How to apply
Tell us about your project. The team reviews every application individually and will reach out if they need more information.