Help Build Fluid Community Garage
Durham’s first women-, queer-, and non-binary-led community auto repair shop
Imagine a garage where everyone feels welcome asking questions about their car.
A place where learning how your vehicle works is empowering instead of intimidating.
A place where the work is professional, the tools are serious, and the atmosphere leaves plenty of room for curiosity, fun, and a little cheeky humor.
Fluid Community Garage is building exactly that in Durham.
Fluid Community Garage is a collective of women, queer, and non-binary mechanics and engineers working together to create a new kind of neighborhood garage — one that combines high-quality auto repair with community education and inclusive space.
Our vision is bigger than fixing cars – but we’re great at that too! We are building a garage combined with a community center that provide educational classes that will create empowering experiences for all ages and sustainable transportation.
In a field where many people have historically felt excluded or unsafe, Fluid Community Garage is building a shop where respect, transparency, and empowerment come first. Durham is the perfect place for this kind of community-rooted experiment, and we’re excited to bring it to life with your help.
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What's Our Vision
Reliable transportation is essential to daily life — work, school, healthcare, and connection to community.
But auto repair spaces can often feel intimidating or inaccessible, especially for women, LGBTQ+ folks, and young people curious about the trades.
Fluid Community Garage is changing that. Our space will provide:
- Inclusive, professional auto repair services
- Hands-on educational classes for youth and adults
- Skill-building workshops that empower people to understand and care for their vehicles
- A welcoming environment where curiosity and questions are encouraged
We believe knowledge is power — and that everyone deserves access to the tools and confidence that come with it.
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What Your Support Will Build
Your early investment helps us transform a space into a fully functioning community garage and learning center.
Renovation & Space Preparation - $35,000
Cleaning and renovating the building, improving the workspace, and purchasing upgraded materials to prepare the shop for service.
- Shop Upfit — $10,000 - Preparing the shop for opening: painting, furniture, landscaping, and creating a welcoming waiting area.
- Equipment — $20,000 - Professional tools that allow us to safely and effectively serve the community, including tire equipment, diagnostic equipment, fluid exchange machines, and other essential equipment.
- Software & Overhead — $5,000 - Operational tools that keep the shop running smoothly, including systems like ShopMonkey and other essential subscriptions.
Community Education Building — $20,000
We’re also raising funds to renovate a dedicated education space. This space will allow us to host hands-on classes for youth and adults, expanding access to practical automotive knowledge and sustainable transportation education. We have a contractor willing to help pro bono, but could use some help with the materials and furnishings, including
- Drywall, ceiling repair, and fixing leaks
- Furniture, tables, and chairs
- Tools and supplies for students taking classes
- New doors and windows
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Join the Community: Workdays & Opening Events
We’re not just building a garage — we’re building it together with our community.
Fluid Community Workdays
April 18 | 10am–3pm
Come help us prepare the space! Families welcome!
Activities include:
- Painting the shop
- Landscaping and site cleanup, including a neglected creek running behind the property
- Renovating the waiting room
Food and drink partners will be joining us to keep everyone fueled. These workdays are a chance to meet the team, connect with neighbors, and help shape the space from the ground up. More information on how sign-up for workdays will be shared with supporters or follow-us on Instagram.
Grand Opening Celebration
May 16 | 10am–2pm
Celebrate the launch of Fluid Community Garage with us!
The day will include:
• Family activities like a bounce house and story time
• Food and vendors from local businesses
• Educational mini-classes and demonstrations
• Merch sales and supporter benefits pickup
• Community celebration of the new space
It will also be our final fundraising push to complete the Education Building, ensuring classes can begin as soon as possible.
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Thank You for Helping Us Build Something Different
Fluid Community Garage is about more than opening another auto shop.
It’s about creating opportunity, sharing knowledge, and building a space where people feel respected and empowered.
With your support, we can create a garage that reflects the creativity, diversity, and collaborative spirit that makes Durham so special.
Please donate, share, and join us in building the future of community-centered auto repair. THANK YOU!
Disclaimer: No raffles, sweepstakes, giveaways, or returns on investment are offered in exchange for any donations made to this GoFundMe.
Organizer
