Frequently Asked Questions
Who can participate?
Forge is open to builders aged 13 to 18. You must be a member of the Hack Club Slack.
When does Forge end?
There's no set date right now, but expect it to last at least until June-July 2026.
How much funding can I get?
Theoretically unlimited! Depending on the compexity of your project (the tier), you can earn between 4c to 7c per hour. You can then exchance these coins for funding where 1c = 1 USD.
What kind of projects can I make?
You can make anything related to hardware where you put majority of the work in making the hardware side of the project. This includes things like keyboards, 3D printers and custom pcbs. Projects like home servers where you are mainly working on the software aspect are not allowed for Forge. If you are ever unsure of what your project may be considered as, ask in #forge on the Hack Club slack
Do I need to know how to code?
Not necessarily - Forge is about hardware. If your project involves firmware, great. If it's purely mechanical, that's fine too. What matters is that you're designing and building something physical.
Can I use a non-GitHub repo?
Yes!
Why do I have to pitch?
For advanced projects, we want the community to help each other out with advanced projects! By pitching in #forgery, other Hack Clubbers can give you feedback and suggestions, and it also allows our reviewers to check your project before you start putting in the work.
What happens if my pitch is rejected?
You can edit and resubmit your pitch! Read the feedback and try again, just by editing your original slack message. Common reasons for rejection:
- Project is too vague
- Cost is disproportionate to the engineering work
- Project is primarily software, not hardware
How do I get my money?
Once your project is approved, you'll receive funding through a virtual card on HCB. Please keep and upload all of your receipts, since it is a requirement from the IRS!
We monitor your transactions. Misuse of your funds will lead to a ban from Forge and potentially Hack Club as a whole. If you're not sure if something is an appropriate use of your funds, ask us before buying it!
Can I work on a team?
Each person should pitch their own project. If you're working together, each person should have a distinct contribution and their own project page.
Can I buy parts myself and get reimbursed later?
This depends on a case-by-case basis. Please ask in #forge-help before you make any purchases as some things you buy may not get approved or your whole project may not be eligible for Forge.
Can I get reimbursed for 3D Printed parts!
Yep! We will partially reimburse you to the nearest 250g of filament.
Can I submit an existing project or one that I previously started?
If it's already finished, unfortunately not, sorry! Start a new project.
If you've just started/are in the middle of designing, you need to have journaled the entire process beforehand..
If you're almost done designing, unfortunately not.
Can I double dip with Stardance, Stasis or any other Hack Club program?
No! Double-dipping is not allowed. If you have coding time for your project, you can journal it, and get coins to use in the shop!
How will I get my 3D printed parts?
Through printing legion! It's an international network of Hack Clubbers 3D printing for each other! Check out their website
How likely is it that my project will be approved?
It's hard to say without seeing your project, but generally speaking, as long as you follow the guidelines on the submitting page for your project then you're more than likely to be approved!
Are hackatime-banned individuals allowed to participate?
Sorry, No!
Can we use tools like Ergogen?
You're free to use it to experiment with layouts and make design decisions, but the actual placement of the footprints and schematic has to be done manually by you.
Can I journal research?
Yes!
Can I use auto-routing software?
No. You must do your routing manually.
What is the purpose of streak system in forge?
The streak system increases your payout according to your streak.
What is the payout increase of streaks?
| streak | increase |
|---|---|
| 3+ days | 1.02x |
| 7+ days | 1.05x |
| 14+ days | 1.1x |
| 30+ days | 1.15x |
| 60+ days | 1.20x |
| 100+ days | 1.25x |
Is hackatime or lapse url necessary for coding time?
Hackatime or lapse is necessary for coding time more than 1 hour. If not included, time will be deflated accordingly.