The Generosity Paradox | Andrew Dayton | TEDxFargo

What if the way we give is getting in the way of the change we want to create?

Andrew Dayton challenges the idea that wealth should be treated as a proxy for wisdom in philanthropy. Instead, he argues for giving guided by evidence, measurable outcomes, and the wisdom of the communities closest to the problems.

By focusing less on donor preferences and more on what actually works, philanthropy can help prove solutions that lead to broader, lasting change.

Sometimes, the most powerful thing a donor can do is step out of the way.
Andrew Dayton is the founder and CEO of the Constellation Fund, a Minnesota-based foundation dedicated to effective poverty alleviation. Constellation deploys rigorous data and analytics to identify, fund, and empower the people and organizations making the greatest measurable impact on poverty in the Twin Cities. Through its research arm, CoLab, Constellation also catalyzes and funds longitudinal research on what actually drives economic mobility.

Before founding Constellation, Andrew served as Deputy Legislative Director to former San Francisco Mayor Edwin M. Lee, directing the city's state and federal policy priorities in Sacramento and Washington D.C. He previously co-owned a trio of award-winning hospitality and retail businesses in the Twin Cities.

Andrew holds a B.A. in History from Yale University and a J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School. He lives in Minneapolis with his wife and daughters. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx