Barcelona, Spain — Michael Dell, the Chairman and CEO of Dell Technologies, made a significant announcement at the Mobile World Congress 2024, revealing that he and his wife, Susan, have pledged $6.25 billion to support investment accounts aimed at approximately 25 million children across the United States. This initiative is described as the largest ever dedicated to child financial growth in the nation, according to Invest America, a nonprofit organization collaborating with the Dells on the venture.

The Dells’ contribution aims to encourage financial literacy and savings from an early age. “We want families to feel supported from the outset, promoting a culture of saving as children develop,” Michael Dell noted in a recent interview. Research indicates that children with investment accounts are more likely to complete their education, become homeowners, and even start their businesses, while simultaneously reducing the risks of incarceration.

This initiative aligns closely with a forthcoming federal program that permits parents to establish tax-advantaged accounts for children under 18 who possess Social Security numbers. Starting July 4, 2026, U.S. citizens born between 2025 and 2028 will be eligible for a $1,000 federal grant to begin funding these so-called Trump accounts. The Dells plan to contribute an initial $250 for each child aged 10 and under born prior to January 1, 2025, targeting families in areas with a median income of $150,000 or less.

“We aim to assist those children who fall outside the government program’s parameters,” Dell explained, reinforcing the initiative’s focus on inclusivity. The broader goal is to equip children with the means to take advantage of investment opportunities early in life.

Dell’s inspiration for funding these accounts originated from discussions with hedge fund manager Brad Gerstner, who founded Invest America. Gerstner advocated for the inclusion of child investment accounts in the recent One Big Beautiful Bill Act. These accounts will strictly allow investments in low-cost diversified funds that trace a U.S. stock index, thereby providing a valuable opportunity for children to experience stock market growth from a young age.

While acknowledging that the initial $250 contribution may seem modest, Gerstner emphasized its potential to inspire parents to add their own funds. He also noted that recent legislation simplifies the process for corporations and philanthropists to contribute on a larger scale. To further this effort, Dell Technologies has committed to matching the federal grants deposited into accounts for newborns of employees.

Parents who open a Trump account will automatically qualify for a grant from the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation. “Without such a program, impacting this many children would have been extremely challenging, if not impossible,” Dell remarked.

The Dells’ commitment is among few precedents in philanthropy, reminiscent of the Harold Alfond Foundation’s practice of providing educational grants to every child born in Maine. Despite the straightforward setup of Trump accounts, they do not offer certain tax advantages like 529 or Roth IRA accounts, with restrictions on withdrawals until the child reaches the age of 18.

Dell expressed optimism about potential involvement from other prominent philanthropists, hoping their efforts would inspire a community of giving toward child investment accounts. “We desire that every child envisions a future worth saving for,” he stated, contemplating the positive impact this program could have on millions over the next few decades.