Michael and Susan Dell, a tech billionaire couple who are the founders and CEO of Dell Technologies, have pledged $6.25 billion to fund the Invest America accounts for kids.
The new federal program aims to build a better future for kids in the United States, and the latest monetary pledge would give 25 million kids $250 each. The donation is unique in scale and in its singular focus on American children and their financial futures.
Billionaire Couple Donates $6.25 Billion to Invest America Initiative
The couple said that they are hopeful the donation would allow more young Americans to take a strong first step in life. Michael, in particular, emphasized that when kids have a strong start, families are able to thrive, and the entire country benefits. On the other hand, Susan said, "Every hope we have for the future begins with our children."
Invest America is a new bipartisan initiative that gives every single child in the U.S. with a Social Security number a tax-deferred investment account. It allows kids to start saving up for their future from the moment that they are born, according to Parents.
For children who are born on or after Jan. 1, 2025, the American government would also provide the initial investment of $1,000. Additional contributions can come from parents and other family members, friends, or even their parents' employers. There is a limit of $5,000 per year.
Furthermore, charitable organizations can also contribute financial amounts that are beyond the annual limit. The funds are invested in low-cost stock market funds and will grow tax-deferred until the child turns 18 years old.
Supporting Children's Financial Futures
Michael said that he first became interested in seeding investment accounts for kids when he heard the idea from hedge fund manager Brad Gerstner around 2021. The latter, who is the CEO of Altimeter Capital, also founded Invest America and advocated for it to be included in the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," CNBC reported.
Gerstner noted that the legislation makes it much easier for corporations and philanthropists to make charitable contributions on a large scale. Dell Technologies also pledged to match the $1,000 grants by the U.S. Treasury that are deposited into accounts for new children of the company's employees.
United States President Donald Trump stood by the Dells during a press event at the White House on Tuesday. There, he called the couple "two special people" and said that the accounts were "real trust funds for every American child," as per the New York Times.
