What is the purpose of Nick Naylor's meeting with Reverend Griggs in Chapter 10?

At the end of Chapter 10, Nick meets with Reverend Griggs at St. Euthanasius. Griggs delicately asks him if the Academy of Tobacco Studies would be willing to make a donation to the school, which is risking a shortfall. Nick is amused, thinking about the Church's relationship with tobacco, never a friendly one. He pointedly asks the reverend if he can smoke and agrees to arrange a donation under an appropriate pseudonym. Griggs is elated.