Sounds like first thing you need is a grant writer. They know how to play nice with the money men, and they also know who is out there.

As for where to look for the money, a large enough library, particularly a college library, should have a book that is basically a listing of grant providing agencies. I wish I could rememember the title, if you pm a reminder, I'll ask my mother. She's gotten grants for the hospital she works for, so she knows the book in question.

You might also try your local ag extension, if you have one. Odd how the funny stuff we go looking for is tied to small farms....