one piece of rather obvious advice is only go to one regional. i don't know if this is possible, but it'll cut their costs in half obviously.
have they tried huge corporations? i know wal mart's grant writing period starts in the beginning of february. it's not a lot but it would help. UAW will give you some (little) money. they live near detroit...they should try the bigger car companies.
that's the only ones that spring to mind other than fundraise fundraise fundraise (put on concerts with local bands at the school every weekend...charge 5 dollars admission. people will come, trust me
)
*jeremy