Source: Fortune
Summary
Susan Dell, co-founder and chair of the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, has been a central figure in the couple’s $10 billion philanthropy. The foundation focuses on education, jobs, and health, with Susan emphasizing the importance of people and solutions. Recently, the Dells committed $6.25 billion to Trump Accounts, aiming to support 25 million U.S. children under 10. The donation targets families in low-income ZIP codes. Susan has also been heavily involved in health care initiatives, including significant donations to the University of Texas at Austin.
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The numbers tell one story.
Susan Dell leads the foundation’s efforts, with a focus on children and health.
The Dells gave $6.25 billion to Trump Accounts, targeting low-income families.
They also donated over $1 billion to the University of Texas at Austin.
Philanthropy is a long-term commitment for the couple, not a one-time effort.
Author: Evan Null
From Texas to beyond
The couple initially considered limiting their contribution to Texas, Michael explained at the event, before deciding to expand the initiative nationwide. But their home state has long been central to the Dells’ philanthropy, particularly when it comes to health care.
In April, the Dells became the first donors to surpass $1 billion in lifetime giving to the University of Texas at Austin. Their latest commitments will support a new advanced research campus, an AI-focused medical center, scholarships, student housing, and expanded supercomputing capabilities.
That milestone builds on decades of Dell investments in health care across Central Texas. In 2013, the foundation committed $50 million to establish Dell Medical School at UT Austin, along with another $10 million for local health care initiatives.
“A medical school at UT Austin further establishes Central Texas as a center of excellence for family health and research,” Susan said at the time.
The foundation has also supported Dell Children’s Medical Center, which opened in 2007, and the Dell Pediatric Research Institute, helping expand access to specialized children’s care and medical research in the region.
Susan’s personal journey
Beyond her philanthropic work, Susan had a career of her own. A fashion entrepreneur, she founded three labels, including luxury brand Phi (which closed during the recession). She’s also an endurance athlete who has competed in marathons, triathlons, and the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii.
In 2018, she was inducted into the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame for helping families recover from Hurricane Harvey. She and Michael committed more than $43 million to rebuilding and recovery across 41 counties.
In 2025, she and Michael also received the History-Making Texan Award, recognizing their contributions to the state and beyond.
And despite decades of philanthropy, Susan has long viewed the foundation’s work as far from finished.
“The reality is, you know, we’re just getting started,” she said during a 2017 discussion about the future of philanthropy.
Philanthropy and legacy
Susan Dell has been a driving force behind the foundation’s efforts, with a strong focus on education, health, and economic opportunity. Her work extends beyond the U.S., with projects in Africa, India, and Israel.
The foundation manages over 800 projects annually, with a strong emphasis on improving access to education and health care. Susan’s personal background in health care, influenced by her father, has shaped the foundation’s priorities.
Her leadership has helped the foundation grow into one of the most influential philanthropic organizations in the world. The Dells’ commitment to giving back has had a lasting impact on communities across the globe.
Susan’s approach to philanthropy is both strategic and deeply personal, reflecting her belief in the power of education and opportunity to transform lives.
Her work continues to inspire others, showing that philanthropy can be a powerful force for change when driven by purpose and vision.
The Dells’ global reach
The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation operates on a global scale, with projects in the U.S., Africa, India, Israel, and beyond. Their focus areas include education, jobs, and health, with an emphasis on long-term impact.
Through the foundation, the Dells have supported numerous initiatives aimed at improving access to education and health care, particularly in underserved communities. Their work has helped millions of people around the world.
One of their most recent commitments was a $6.25 billion donation to Trump Accounts, aimed at providing financial support to 25 million U.S. children under 10. The initiative is designed to help families build wealth from an early age.
The Dells’ global reach is a testament to their commitment to making a difference. Their philanthropy extends far beyond their home state of Texas, touching lives in communities across the world.
Through their foundation, the Dells continue to shape the future of education, health, and economic opportunity for generations to come.
Philanthropy and personal values
Susan Dell’s approach to philanthropy is deeply rooted in her personal values. She has always believed in the power of education, health, and opportunity to transform lives. These values have guided the foundation’s work for decades.
Her father, a surgical oncologist, played a significant role in shaping her passion for health care. As a child, she would even stop strangers at the grocery store to tell them not to smoke. This early interest in health has continued throughout her life.
Through the foundation, Susan has worked to improve access to health care, particularly for children. Her efforts have helped establish medical schools, research institutes, and health care facilities across the U.S. and beyond.
Her work is not just about giving money—it’s about creating lasting change. The Dells’ philanthropy is driven by a deep belief in the power of education and opportunity to improve lives.
Susan’s leadership has helped the foundation grow into one of the most influential philanthropic organizations in the world. Her personal values continue to shape the foundation’s mission and impact.
