If you are an official nonprofit organization (a 502(c)3) you will have a much better chance of getting a grant. Whether that's the case of not, a good place to start looking is on your state's website. States often have grant programs for groups which are working to strengthen ld also their communities. If you are a nonprofit group, or if you could partner with one in your area, you could also take a look at Grants for Nonprofits to find some other potential sources.
It's great that you are a 501(c)3! This opens up a much broader range of opportunities for you to find grants. It sounds like you have tried to get some local assistance wihtout much luck, but it might still be worthwhile for you to check your state's website and see if there are any relevant grants that might be available to you.
You might have better luck checking out Grants for Nonprofits. It's a very handy guide to the types of grants available not only from the government but also from private foundations.
Another option could be to go to your local newspaper and see if you can generate some community support. Or try a crowdfunding campaign.