In an unprecedented charitable donation, they will give 25 million American children $250 each to start an investment account for their future.
The donation of US$6.25 billion is based on this initiative Invest in America – known as “Trump Accounts” – were created earlier this year as part of the law One big, beautiful bill From the president Donald Trump. Under the programme, the government will automatically deposit US$1,000 into an account for every child born between 2025 and 2028.
Dell’s contribution will go to the Treasury Department and fund accounts for another 25 million children up to age 10 who are not eligible for government funds. Deal, 60, said he will initially focus on ZIP codes where the median household income is less than $150,000, and hopes to reach 80% of American children in that age group.
“We believe that if every child can see a future worth saving for, we will build something much bigger than just a bill,” Dell said in an interview. “We will build hope, opportunity and prosperity for generations to come.”
Deal, who is the 11th richest person in the world with a fortune of $148 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, has been a public defender of Trump’s “calculation.”
In June, the founder and CEO of Dell Technologies attended a roundtable discussion about the initiative.”Invest in America“Along with other CEOs, including David Solomonfrom the Goldman Sachs Group; and Dara Khosrowshahifrom Uber Technologies.
At the event, Trump promoted investment accounts and credited Dell with coming up with the idea. Dell announced that its company will match the government’s $1,000 contribution for the children of its employees.
Under the government initiative, which begins on July 4, 2026, any parent can open an account for their child and contribute up to $5,000 annually. Employers can contribute $2,500 per year without affecting workers’ taxable income. Additional donations from charities such as Dell or governments do not count toward the cap.
The money will be invested in diversified, low-cost index funds, and cannot be withdrawn until the child turns 18, at which time it can be used for expenses such as a university education, a house deposit, or the costs of starting a business. It is possible for assets in Trump’s accounts to grow tax-free, although beneficiaries must pay taxes on their earnings when they withdraw the money.
“For us, it’s really an opportunity to give every child a little start in building their future,” Dale said.
Silicon Valley venture capitalist Brad Gerstner launched the nonprofit Invest America in 2023 with the idea of distributing money to American children to reduce the wealth gap and increase financial literacy.
The funds will be invested in diversified, low-cost index funds and cannot be withdrawn until the child turns 18.
“The wealth gap has widened and we haven’t found anything concrete to address it,” Gerstner, founder of Altimeter Capital, said in an interview. “This will dramatically change the fortunes of those left behind.”
Gerstner said he hopes the accounts will open a new way for government, companies and people like Dell to invest in children’s futures.
“It’s not just a special account for each child at birth with $1,000 that the federal government contributes,” Gerstner explained. “This becomes a platform for every company in the United States to contribute to their employees’ children; for mothers and fathers, churches and synagogues to contribute to their family or community’s children’s accounts.”
Dell knows the transformative power of $1,000.
On his LinkedIn page, his profile simply says: “I started Dell in 1984 with $1,000 in my freshman dorm room at the University of Texas.” His company became a computer giant with a market value of about $90 billion.
Dell and his wife own about 40% of Dell Technologies, according to the Bloomberg Wealth Index. It also took a significant stake in Broadcom when it bought VMWare – which was spun off from Dell Technologies – in 2023. Broadcom shares have risen about 300% since then, boosted by spending on artificial intelligence.
The couple’s contributions to their foundation have increased significantly, from an average of about $57 million annually between 2020 and 2022, to nearly $3.6 billion in 2023, including $1.7 billion in Broadcom stock. Total donations in 2024 reached $1.45 billion.
yet, Michael and Susan Dell Foundation It has committed more than $2.9 billion in donations, according to its website. Children have been a major focus of their contributions, including scholarships, charter school expansion, and Dell Children’s Medical Center In Austin.