How to find possible donators?

In the US universities, many positions are endowed by donators. Is it possible/common for individual academics to directly contact possible donators with some plans.

How one can find possible donators?

For instance, an academic can propose a plan for establishing an innovative research center to the university. University officials check if they can raise fund for the plan or not. In parallel, the person can individually find donators to secure the plan budget.