Billionaire investor Ray Dalio has made a major philanthropic commitment to a new federal savings programme for children, pledging $75 million to support youngsters in his home state of Connecticut.
The 50 State Challenge for Child Savings
The pledge was announced on Wednesday, 17 December 2025, as part of a national drive spearheaded by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Dubbed the “50 State Challenge,” the initiative calls on major donors and business leaders to help fund the newly created Trump Accounts.
In a public address, Secretary Bessent stated, “The president is calling on our nation’s business leaders and philanthropic organizations to help us make America great again by securing the financial future of America’s children.”
Dalio's Multi-Million Dollar Commitment
Ray Dalio, the founder of the investment firm Bridgewater Associates, along with his wife Barbara, will direct their $75 million commitment to an estimated 250,000 to 300,000 children in Connecticut. The funds are targeted at children living in ZIP codes where the median household income is below $150,000.
This follows a much larger pledge made earlier in December by billionaires Michael and Susan Dell, who committed $6.25 billion to support 25 million children across the United States under the same income criteria.
How the Trump Accounts Programme Works
The investment accounts were established by legislation passed during President Donald Trump's second term. The core provision sees the US Treasury deposit $1,000 into an account for every child born during that term. However, the Treasury has not yet officially launched the accounts.
Brad Gerstner, a venture capitalist who championed the policy, explained that the Treasury will create an account for every child with a Social Security number, with private companies eventually administering them. Parents or guardians must claim the account on behalf of their child.
Starting on 4th July 2026, the nation's 250th anniversary, additional contributions can be made. “Parents, family members, employers and friends will be able to contribute up to $5,000 to each Trump Account each year,” Bessent confirmed.
For children born before Trump's term or who don't qualify for the philanthropic funds, families can choose to open and fund their own Trump Account. All money in the accounts must be invested in a stock market index fund.
The funds become accessible when the beneficiary turns 18, and can be used for education, purchasing a first home, or starting a business. The administration hopes that states will eventually create their own programmes to invest in the accounts as well.
