Tech billionaire duo Michael and Susan Dell have grabbed attention with a staggering $6.25 billion pledge, a donation set to strengthen investment accounts for millions of children across the United States.
The Dells said they were moved to make this contribution after seeing the federal initiative backed by President
Donald Trump, popularly referred to by his Administration as “Trump Accounts”, which will offer $1,000 investment accounts to American babies starting next year.
Announced on GivingTuesday, the Dells’ gift is being hailed as the largest private donation ever made specifically for children in
US history.
Here’s a closer look at Michael and Susan Dell, and the initiative they’re supporting.
Meet Michael & Susan Dell
Michael Dell is the chairman and CEO of Dell Technologies, a company he launched in 1984 with just $1,000, when he was only 19. By 1992, he had already made history, becoming the youngest CEO to appear on the Fortune 500 list, according to the company’s website.
In 2013, Michael took Dell private, a move that set the stage for the landmark merger of Dell, EMC, and VMware in 2016. A few years later, in 2018, Dell Technologies returned to the public markets.
Beyond the tech world, Michael also founded MSD Capital in 1998 (now known as DFO Management), which manages the Dell family’s investments. The following year, the couple launched the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation to support projects that improve education and economic mobility.
Michael holds several global leadership roles, including honorary membership on the World Economic Forum’s Foundation Board and a position on the executive committee of the International Business Council.
He is also part of the Technology CEO Council and the Business Roundtable. His advisory roles include guiding Tsinghua University’s School of Economics and Management in Beijing and serving on the governing board of the Indian School of Business in Hyderabad.
Michael has also written two books: “Direct from Dell” and “Play Nice But Win.”
As per Forbes, Michael is currently the world’s 10th richest person, with a net worth of $148.5 billion (as of December 2, 2025), much of it tied to DFO Management.
Susan Dell
Susan Dell is the co-founder and chair of the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, set up in 1999 to improve opportunities for families and drive long-term global change. With more than 25 years of experience in philanthropy, she has helped shape the foundation’s vision and growth.
Outside the foundation, Susan has made her mark in fashion, having launched three labels, including the luxury brand Phi. She is also an accomplished athlete, having competed in elite marathons, triathlons, and even the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii.
Her public service includes serving on President George W Bush’s Council for Physical Fitness and Sports. She is a life trustee of the Dell Children’s Foundation and previously sat on the board of the Cooper Institute.
Susan’s contributions have earned her a place in the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame. In 2025, she and Michael were jointly recognised with the History-Making Texan Award.
Who will get the Dells’ gift?
To qualify for the Dells’ $6.25 billion contribution, children must have Social Security numbers, be 10 years old or younger, and be born before 1 January 2025.
Michael Dell told NPR that the goal is to reach children who would benefit the most financially. Because of that, the gift focuses on kids living in ZIP codes where the median income is below $150,000.
According to the Dells, this donation is expected to reach nearly 80 per cent of eligible children across 75 per cent of ZIP codes in the United States. The effort is part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which was signed into law earlier this year.
“What we’re doing with this gift is targeting kids that are 10 and under that aren’t part of the federal program,” Dell said.
Susan Dell also encouraged families to “mark their calendars for July 4, 2026”, which is when parents will be able to claim the accounts for their children.
How do Trump Accounts work?
According to an NPR report, money placed in Trump Accounts will grow over time through investments in low-cost stock funds that track major market indexes. Once the child turns 18, they can either transfer the money into a retirement account or use it for higher education, purchasing a home, or starting a business.
Parents and others can add up to $5,000 per year until the child turns 18. Personal finance experts told the American national radio that the Trump Accounts resemble a blend of several existing investment and savings plans, and the eventual benefit will largely depend on how much a family is able to contribute over the years.
The White House estimates that if families make the maximum possible contributions, a Trump Account could grow to nearly $1.1 million by the time the beneficiary turns 28. Without any additional contributions beyond the initial $1,000, the account would grow to about $18,100.
However, many key details about how Trump Accounts will be implemented and managed are still unclear.
With input from agencies
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