The point is for him to position himself not just as a guy with a fat checkbook, but as a macher (see https://jel.jewish-languages.org/words/325 https://jel.jew

The point is for him to position himself not just as a guy with a fat checkbook, but as a macher (see https://jel.jewish-languages.org/words/325 https://jel.jewish-languages.org/words/325) -- a guy who can make connections, put people together. "I don't think your project is a good fit for my foundation, but let me introduce you to my friend Jeffrey and these four other rich guys who fund projects like yours all the time." So now you still owe him a favor, but without him having to spend a penny.