Michielle---For what it's worth, and taking it on myself to speak for the group because I know well their generosity, we'll be happy to continue our dialogue, for starters with mostly random ideas, which ultimately will help to lead to a clearer assessment of your challenges and needs, thus for us to make recommendations.You said you solicited private foundations and corporations, getting no response. How about selecting the most likely (based on research) and following-up with phone calls? Ask for a “no solicitation-information only-guidance” meeting while you are at it when there is a turn down.
Take note regarding why you were turned down. If no good reason is given---only “we have no funds available at this time,” or “try some other time,” etc., continue to ask following those directions. There is always hope.
Look for the opportunity for a friendly hearing with a foundation program officer or two, again, just exploring and needing, not their money at this time, but their valuable counsel. That way, you can get a critique of your mission statement, be encouraged to write a strategic plan, agree that your budget is reasonable and defensible, etc. Such guidance would be invaluable.
If your base of military families can have as many as possible known to be assigned to a particular military base---or bases---use your connections and enterprise to see if you can learn which vendors sell the most product in terms of dollars---which could be millions. Rules, regulations, and policies there very well may be, but you might find a way around them to a friendly base purchasing department and learn which companies are making the most money selling to the base. There, you may have choice, and perhaps very willing, prospects.
And do consider that the “back home” employers of the men and women---whose families you are serving---could be good giving prospects, regardless what those employers do to keep up the salaries of their employees while they are in the military. There are always those who step up even faster and higher with their patriotism and concern for their employees, no matter what they already do.
For some possible "hands-on," and at least initial and free advice, here are two ways which I suggest you can go to talk to an experienced, true fund-raising consultant.
--- The Association of Fundraising Professional's chapter nearest to you can be contacted through the link following. Contact the officials there to get leads to possible consultants. All first visits do not cost anything. What they do is discuss with you your needs after they make assessments, then they will provide written proposals, which you can accept or not. But, what you have is at least an initial good reading of your situation and a guide to what to do next, on your own, or with the consultant.
AFP: MA Chapters
http://www.afpnet.org/chap_state.cfm?st=MA&folder_id=932
--- And there are possible support centers where you can get such advice free. From the following link, scroll down to Massachusetts and do explore some of those potential support resources:
Idealist.org: The Nonprofit FAQ
http://www.nonprofits.org/npofaq/12/01.html
Just some random thoughts. What do you say?
P. S. Maybe a reading of my following articles will help---and a few others you will see in my "Library" which might be adaptable to your plans.
--- Don't Make Your Organization's Statement Of Purpose A "Mission Impossible"
http://www.raise-funds.com/1101forum.html
--- Know Your Organization
http://www.raise-funds.com/1199forum.html
Tony Poderis
Fund Raising Forum Library: Forty-Five articles to Date
http://www.raise-funds.com/library.html
Latest: “What’s a Good Director of Development Worth?"
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