Don't discount the importance of fundraising for board members - you should have board members who have ties to deep-pocket individuals and companies in your area. Use those personal relationships. If no one on your board has those relationships, consider developing your board to include such "connected" members.
Ask your board members to each identify five prospects to donate $1,000 - $5,000 each (or more or less, depending on your fund goals). The rest is as simple as making your case to the potential donor and asking for the donation.
