Classes happen when enough people commit
HandStack is a community event platform built for homeschool families, local educators, and small-group hosts who want certainty before they run a class.
The problem
Hosting a great class takes work — finding a venue, building a curriculum, picking dates that fit families. The hardest part is knowing whether anyone will actually show up. A teacher prepares for twelve students; three arrive. Half the lessons get cut, the host loses money, and everyone goes home disappointed.
How HandStack works
Hosts post an event with a minimum: a number of participants, a funding goal, or both. Supporters pledge — their card is authorized but not charged. When the threshold is met, the event “unlocks”: cards capture, the host gets paid, and everyone shows up to a class that's actually going to happen. If the threshold isn't met by the deadline, every authorization is released and no one is charged.
Card on hold, not charged
Stripe authorizes the pledge so the spot is held — you only pay if the class actually unlocks.
Group commitment
See the running pledge count. The class only happens if the group actually shows up for it.
Single events or series
Whether it's a one-off field trip or a 12-week recurring class, HandStack handles the math.
Refunds before unlock
Plans change. Withdraw any time before the event unlocks and your authorization is released.
How we make money
HandStack keeps a 5% platform fee on captured revenue (after refunds). Stripe takes its standard processing fee separately. The remainder settles to the host's Stripe Connect account 14 days after the event. We don't sell ads, we don't resell user data, and supporters never pay HandStack — only the host. See our Terms of Service for the full details.
Who we're built for
Homeschool co-ops, microschools, after-school programs, scout troops, weekend workshops, parent-led enrichment groups. Anywhere a committed group can make something great happen but the host needs certainty before committing their own time and money.
Get in touch
Questions, feature requests, or feedback? hello@handstack.app — we read every message.
Ready to commit?
Browse what your community is putting on, or post your own class.