The Magic Hat is passed at mealtimes and around camp. Donations are used to buy food in bulk for the kitchens and whatever else may be necessary for the communal well-being (tents,lime for the latrines (shit pit), first aid centers and supplies, etc.).
The family's policies have always been that the gatherings themselves are free of charge we do not depend upon advance ticket sales and such devices for funding.
In addtion to financial contributions, the family seeks and accepts contributions from local/regional groups and individuals interested in creating the Gathering. We welcome volunteers to cover all the various work needs in preparation for the event, i.e. scouting for an appropriate site, dealing with obtaining whatever permissions are needed, arranging supply sources and delivery of materials,, having ecological experts assess all proposed sites so as not to use overly sensitive locations, etc., etc., etc..
Gathering policy has always been that we discourage and DO NOT ALLOW under any and all circumstances the buying or selling of anything on site as this is not a "commercial event". The only money exchanges at the Gathering itself are donations to the Magic Hat (General Gathering Fund) to cover the gathering's cost factors, and contributions to emergency needs, medical etc., of individuals/groups with dire problems that general participants care to contribute to.
Because of the Gathering's non-commercial policies we have to make it clear that we do not endorse any commercial products. Some companies do donate supplies and of course their packaging identifies them to Gathering participants.
This is a 100% volunteer effort and we invite all concerned people to participate on a personal level.