Much like a child - every good project needs somebody who loves it, believes in it and will champion its worth to anybody who will listen - and even those who won't. It helps if they have some money - but that is the really the role of the Investors - who may have more faith in the Sponsor than the Project, but the Sponsor has convinced them that they are doing the right thing by enabling the process financially.
Oddly - the person who came up with the project is often NOT the best person to champion the project before those who don't understand how elegant and inspired the concept is. It often requires the touch of the politician or the evangelist to bridge the gap between the the unwashed masses of doubters (especially doubters with money) and the priesthood of the project.
So - if you have a great idea for a business or gadget or even a charitable cause but arn't the greatest salesman in the world - consider finding yourself someone with the gift of gab who can schmooze on your behalf in situations where you might otherwise just fall flat on your presentation.