Hi Aspen -
I have a friend in NC who works for a rescue, and her specialty is rescueing and saving high risk puppies they have rescued in cases similar to this - Nana Betty has saved countless puppies, so I e-mailed her this thread - perhaps she has some ideas that might help you, or maybe even her rescue might be able to take them in.
I think it's great you are trying to help and I admire your big heart- but i am really worried about transporting puppies that young, that far - esp if their momma can't make it. The pups probably have worms and health problems, too - if mom is in that bad a shape.
As far as funding - have you tried applying to any of the pet emergency charities, like IMOM? they helped me cover the bills when my Tristan had Cancer, and have an 'emergency fund' for immediate needs like this -
http://www.imom.org/
also
http://www.thepetfund.com/
or
http://www.uan.org/lifeline/index.html
also - for ongoing and very EASY fundraising for YOUR rescue, try this -
http://www.cashforcritters.com/
collecting and recycling cartridges is a great 'base' for fundraising - it doens't make tons of money, but it can be a very steady income for a small group. best of all, in these tight times when donations are hard to come by - people are very willing to donate ink cartridges to you, as it doesn't cost anyone, anything!
You get a couple of businesses to save their cartridges for you, and you've got a nice steady income for vet bills and food!
I set up an account to raise fund myself for Tristan, and am keeping it going to pay off the small amount i still owe on his cancer treatment. when I get it paid off, I plan to continue to send the proceeds from collecting cartridges to IMOM, in Tristan's memory.
I'll keep this poor, sick little family in my prayers!
Laura