In 1988, after I'd published one issue of Avec, I began working on getting non-profit status for our organization. There is a very good book on how to do this called The California Non-Profit Corporation Handbook, published by The Nolo Press and written by Anthony Mancuso, his attorney. If you are a non-profit organization, act like one. This means doing benefits and fundraisers for your magazine or press. Many prominent writers and poets are happy to read for a fundraiser.
Volunteers are important.
If a board member, managing editor, or contributing editor is associated with a university, it is likely that they will come in contact with people who would be interested in interning for your magazine or press. Interns have a lot of energy and can really help out doing consignment business with bookstores, soliciting ads, proofreading, typesetting and business correspondence. Don't be afraid to ask questions. There is a sizable literary publishing network in the US, so don't be afraid to call or write publishers and ask them questions. Don't over extend yourself.