Michael and Susan Dell will give $6.25 billion to seed investment accounts for 25 million U.S. children, the couple announced. The donation from their charitable funds would place $250 into each eligible child’s account under a plan tied to the “Trump Accounts” law passed in July.
The $250 is intended to be invested in low-cost stock index funds so the balances can grow over time. “The idea is to give millions of children a head start on saving for the future,” Michael Dell said. “We know that when children have accounts like this, even with modest sums, they have better outcomes in life.” Michael Dell is CEO of Dell Technologies.
Who would receive the Dells’ gift?
To qualify for the Dell contribution, children must have Social Security numbers, be age 10 or younger, and have been born before Jan. 1, 2025. The Dells said they are prioritizing children in ZIP codes where the median household income is under $150,000 to reach those who need the help most. Their initiative says it will cover nearly 80% of children in the eligible age group across about 75% of U.S. ZIP codes.
Parents need to create “Trump Accounts” to receive the gift
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act created automatic accounts — commonly called Trump Accounts — that will receive $1,000 from the U.S. Treasury for babies born from this year through 2028. All kids under 18 with Social Security numbers can have an account, but older children do not receive the $1,000 Treasury seed payment. The Dell gift aims to help children who are too old to get that initial federal payment. Susan Dell urged parents to “mark their calendars for July 4, 2026,” when they may be able to claim these accounts for their children.
How Trump Accounts work
Money in Trump Accounts is intended to grow by investing contributions in low-cost stock funds that track market indexes. When beneficiaries turn 18, they can convert the funds into a retirement account or use the balance for education, buying a home, or starting a business. Family members and others can contribute up to $5,000 per year until the year the child turns 18.
Personal finance experts describe Trump Accounts as a hybrid of existing savings plans, and the potential benefit depends heavily on how much families can add over time. The White House estimates that with maximum contributions, a Trump Account could be worth nearly $1.1 million by age 28; without additional contributions, it could grow to about $18,100. Key administrative details remain unresolved — including who will open and hold the accounts. A recent update from Charles Schwab noted it is not yet clear where accounts will be held or who will be responsible for opening them. Families interested in the program are advised to consult a tax or financial adviser.
