Is funding for projects provided by websites (such as Kickstarter), which involves collecting financial contributions from individuals whose religion is unknown, with the project owner committing to providing a (non-binding) return to the contributors, considered permissible (halal) or forbidden (haram)? And is it considered a charity (sadaqah), a gift (hibah), or something else? If it is a charity or a gift, is it permissible to take it?

It is necessary to investigate the details of the funding and its objectives for the Shariah ruling to accurately reflect the reality. This funding from contributors is considered a gift for reward (sawab). If there is a condition for reward or compensation, then it is obligatory to fulfill it or return the contribution. The commission taken by the website is permissible in principle, and it does not matter if it is a percentage of the project cost, provided the cost is known and specified, even if it is a percentage of an unknown amount according to some scholars. It is permissible to participate in projects funded in this way, but it is more cautious to refrain from doing so to avoid disagreement. If the website seizes contributions that did not reach the project cost, then this is a form of gambling (maysir) and devouring people's wealth unjustly, and in that case, it is not permissible to benefit from funding managed in this manner.