In one of the most ambitious philanthropic moves in modern American history, Michael and Susan Dell have pledged a staggering $6.25 billion to help millions of children begin building long-term wealth. The commitment, unveiled on Tuesday, is designed to seed investment accounts for roughly 25 million children across the United States, particularly those from middle- and lower-income communities.

The funding will support a new nationwide effort that enables families to open investment accounts for minors under 18, providing children with an early financial footing that could shape their futures for decades. According to Invest America, the nonprofit collaborating with the Dells, this is the largest private donation ever directed at U.S. children’s financial security.

A Vision for Long-Term Wealth Building

Speaking about the initiative, Michael Dell emphasized the goal of supporting families earlier in the child’s life, enabling savings habits that grow over time. Research consistently shows that children with early investment or savings accounts are far more likely to graduate high school, attend college, start businesses, and purchase homes. They are also less likely to experience long-term financial hardship or incarceration.

“It’s about giving every child a financial anchor,” Dell said in an interview. “When families feel supported early, it changes the way they plan, save, and invest.”

How the Program Works

Beginning in 2026, parents will be able to open new tax-advantaged investment accounts known unofficially as “Trump Accounts”, created as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Every American child born between 2025 and 2028 will automatically receive a $1,000 federal grant to kickstart their account. These funds can only be invested in low-cost diversified funds tracking the U.S. stock market.

But millions of children born before 2025 would be excluded — and that is where the Dells have stepped in.

Their $6.25 billion pledge will provide a $250 deposit for every eligible child aged 10 or younger born before January 1, 2025. The donation will target families living in ZIP codes with median household incomes of $150,000 or less, ensuring support reaches the communities where early capital can make the biggest difference.

Parents will also have the option to contribute up to $5,000 per year, while employers may add up to $2,500, creating a pathway for families, companies, and philanthropists to collectively build a child’s long-term financial foundation.

Corporate and Philanthropic Momentum Grows

This initiative has attracted significant attention from the business community. Dell Technologies, for example, has pledged to match the $1,000 federal grant for its employees’ newborns. Other corporations — including Uber, Goldman Sachs, and Salesforce — have expressed support for large-scale contributions.

Invest America founder Brad Gerstner, the hedge fund manager who introduced Dell to the concept several years earlier, noted that the program’s design makes widespread philanthropic involvement far easier than in the past.

A Program With Generational Impact

While children will not be able to withdraw from their accounts until age 18, the investments eventually roll into an IRA, giving them access to funds for education, homeownership, business ventures, or other qualified uses — taxed only at the long-term capital gains rate.

Dell believes the compounding effect over decades is the true power of the initiative.

“In twenty or thirty years, this could fundamentally change trajectories for millions,” he said. “A small start can grow into a life-altering financial cushion.”

Philanthropy on this scale is rare. The only notable comparison is the late billionaire Harold Alfond’s $500 grants to every child born in Maine — but even that program touches only a fraction of the lives the Dells’ initiative aims to reach.

The Treasury Department and IRS are expected to release detailed guidance soon, solidifying the program’s rollout.

FAQ

1. What exactly are Trump Accounts?
They are new investment accounts for children created to promote early savings and long-term wealth building. Parents can begin opening them in July 2026.

2. Who qualifies for the federal $1,000 grant?
All U.S. children born between 2025 and 2028 with Social Security numbers.

3. Who will receive the Dell-funded $250 contribution?
Children aged 10 or younger born before 2025 who live in ZIP codes with median incomes of $150,000 or below.

4. What can the funds be used for?
After age 18, funds can support education, vocational training, homeownership, or starting a business.

5. Are the accounts tax-free?
Not fully. Withdrawals after age 18 are taxed at the long-term capital gains rate.