This document provides common understanding around shared concepts for all Hack4Impact stakeholders. For detailed operational procedures, refer to specific policies referenced throughout this document.
Hack4Impact: The independent nonprofit organization (formally "Hack4Impact Corporation") that encompasses the Board of Directors, Executive Team, and all University Chapters. This is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization incorporated in Pennsylvania.
Board of Directors: The governing body of Hack4Impact responsible for strategic oversight, policy approval, organizational governance, and legal compliance. The Board appoints the Executive Director and establishes policies for chapter operations.
Executive Team: The operational leadership team consisting of volunteer officers and the Executive Director who provide strategic, technical, and operational support to chapters and oversee routine operations between Board meetings. Colloquially referred to as "Nationals," "Hack4Impact Headquarters," or "HQ."
Executive Director: Chief executive officer appointed by the Board to manage day-to-day operations. If appointed, serves as a voting member of the Board of Directors while recusing from decisions involving personal conflicts of interest.
University Chapters: Programs and activities of Hack4Impact established at individual universities to carry out the organization's purposes. Chapters operate under Hack4Impact bylaws and Board-approved policies as programs of the Hack4Impact, not as separate legal entities.
Hack4Impact Volunteers: Students, faculty, and other individuals actively involved with the organization. While often called "members" informally, all participants are legally volunteers since Hack4Impact has no legal members. Active participation is defined as being on a project team, in a bootcamp, in a committee, or serving in chapter leadership.
501(c)(3) Status: Hack4Impact's federal tax-exempt status as a charitable organization, which requires compliance with specific operational and governance requirements including limitations on political activity and ensuring no private benefit.
Conflict of Interest: Situations where a volunteer's personal interests could reasonably impair their objectivity in Hack4Impact decisions. All volunteers must disclose potential conflicts and recuse themselves from related discussions and decisions. See Conflict of Interest Policy for detailed procedures.
Board-approved Policies: Detailed operational policies established by the Board of Directors to govern chapter operations, financial management, risk management, and other organizational functions.
Chapter Authorization: The process by which new university chapters are approved and established, following Hack4Impact policies and procedures. See Chapter Establishment and Management Policy for detailed procedures.
Policy Compliance: Adherence to all Hack4Impact bylaws, Board-approved policies, and applicable laws that govern chapter operations.
Indemnification: Hack4Impact protection provided to volunteers acting within their authorized roles, as detailed in Hack4Impact policies and Pennsylvania law.
Project: A specific scope of work defined by a project proposal and finalized by the completion of a PRD. A project is limited to one project type which is performed by Hack4Impact.
Project Types: Hack4Impact currently works with: