"in our rural town of pop. 5000"

As I noted, there likely is a NFP network. It doesn't have to be someone local, given today's life issues. For instance, my mother became president on a "women's league" and the State of FL provides this guidance (I think it was through their Ag Dept, which was sort of strange). I helped her know the issues and what to ask about, and then FL helped her learn what they needed to know and do.

"The bulk of local large donations go to one of our 53 churches."

I guarantee you that one or more of these churches have a professional that is up to speed on this, then. Their networks are world-wide and even a newly planted church is well supported for these issues.

Can you imagine calling a church to ask them to help you learn about supporting them, and them answering, "Sorry, we can't help with that?" Of course, they would help with that.