If I’m a guest preacher or fulfilling some other official religious role I prefer to stand behind the lectern. It gives me a place to set any notes I have, as well as any other materials I may need (Bible, bulletin, etc). The lectern also provides a ready-made place for a water glass; something that many a lectern-less sermon could well have benefited from.

On the other hand, if my material is of a more personal and less formal nature, I prefer to leave the lectern behind. I am quite tall, and I can use every inch to my advantage.

Were I in the position of the person asking this question, I’d look at what my requested donation was to be used for and base my lectern decision on that. Essentially I’d ask myself how I’d give a presentation about the recipient of these donations. If I’d be more comfortable giving a talk on this subject from behind the lectern, I’d ask for donations from behind the lectern. If I feel I’d be better served talking about the cause away from it, so too should my donation request.