Besides seeking new sources of its funding, the board was content to rely on the contributions of reliable donors.
A.
Besides seeking new sources of its funding
"Besides" mean "in addition to"
I don't see any V-ing follows before. Besides + Noun / Besides + Comma + clause.
Ex: Do you play any other sports besides golf?
or She won't mind if you're late - besides
, it's hardly your fault.
-> eliminate
B.
Instead of seeking new sources of funding
-> structure is correct. It seems to emphasize that The board don't want any other way rather just sit their and be happy with the contributions of reliable donors.
C. Instead of seeking new sources of
how it was going to be funded-> the topic talks about the different sources of fund not how. it seems nonsense to add this clause.
-> eliminate
D.
While not seeking new sources of its funding
"While" means "at the same time as" or "although" -> a whole phrase gives an awkward meaning.
-> eliminate
E.
Besides seeking its new funding sources
same A -> eliminate
Pls correct me if necessary. Thanks.