Help Us Launch the Caboose!

Building a strong, community-centered beginning.

Ruby’s Caboose Community Collective is launching with a clear and heartfelt mission: food access, community meals, garden workshops, and neighbor-to-neighbor support. Our initial $5,000 goal gives us the foundation to begin serving families immediately while responsibly completing our essential federal filing to secure long-term nonprofit status.

Every dollar supports programs, operations, and the one required filing cost to move forward sustainably.

PROGRAM COSTS — $3,300 (66%)

These funds directly nourish families, support volunteers, and kickstart our workshops.

• Pantry Inventory – $1,400

Shelf-stable food, children’s snacks, hygiene items, and family pantry boxes.

• Community Meal Supplies – $900

Ingredients, compostable serving items, cookware, and equipment for pay-what-you-can meals.

• Garden Workshop Materials – $600

Soil, seeds, pots, small tools, starter kits, and educational materials.

• Volunteer Support – $400

Sorting bins, gloves, labels, water, aprons, first-aid items, and organization tools.

OPERATIONS — $1,200 (24%)

These essentials allow us to safely store, organize, and run our programs.

• Storage or Shared Space – $900

A storage unit or community space to house pantry goods, workshop supplies, and packaging materials.

• Program Equipment & Supplies – $200

Shelving, tables, baskets, signage, and items needed for meal and pantry preparation.

• Printing & Outreach – $100

Flyers, donation basket signs, event cards, workshop handouts.

COMPLIANCE — $500 (10%)

The only administrative cost included in this budget.

• Federal 501(c)(3) Filing – $600

IRS Form 1023-EZ or 1023 filing to secure tax-exempt status, required for grants and long-term stability.

This launch budget ensures Ruby's Caboose can serve families immediately, host community meals, teach garden skills, support volunteers, and complete our federal filing to secure nonprofit status - all with the foundation of care, dignity, and integrity. 

Your support helps us begin this journey with heart and stability.