Michael and Susan Dell are donating $6.25 billion to seed investment accounts for 25 million U.S. children, putting $250 into each eligible child’s account. The money will be invested in low-cost index-tracking stock funds intended to grow over time. Michael Dell, CEO of Dell Technologies, said the goal is to give millions of children a head start on saving for the future.
Who qualifies
Children must have Social Security numbers, be age 10 or younger, and be born before Jan. 1, 2025 to receive the Dells’ gift. The couple is prioritizing ZIP codes with median household incomes under $150,000; they estimate the donation will reach nearly 80% of children in the eligible age group across about 75% of U.S. ZIP codes.
How to claim the gift
Parents must open the new ‘Trump Accounts’ for their children to receive the Dell funds. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law this summer, will automatically place $1,000 from the U.S. Treasury into these accounts for babies born between 2025 and 2028. Any child under 18 with a Social Security number can have a Trump Account, but older children do not receive the automatic Treasury payment; the Dell donation is intended to reach many of those children. Susan Dell told parents to mark July 4, 2026 as the date when they can begin claiming accounts.
How the accounts work
Funds in Trump Accounts are invested in low-cost equity index funds and are designed to compound over time. At age 18, beneficiaries may convert the balance into a retirement account or use it for education, a home purchase, or starting a business. Family members and others will be able to contribute up to $5,000 per year to a child’s account until the year the child turns 18.
Potential outcomes and unanswered questions
Experts call Trump Accounts a hybrid of existing savings plans; actual results will depend heavily on additional contributions. The White House projects that with maximum contributions a Trump Account could grow to nearly $1.1 million by age 28, while without further contributions the account might be worth roughly $18,100. Key administrative details remain unclear, including which institutions will open and hold the accounts. Charles Schwab has noted uncertainty about where accounts will be held and who will manage account openings. Families interested in the program are advised to watch for enrollment details and consult tax or financial advisers.