Michael & Susan Dell Foundation

Overview

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation is a philanthropic organization established in 1999 by Michael Dell, founder of Dell Technologies, and his wife Susan Dell. The foundation is headquartered in Austin, Texas, and focuses on transforming the lives of children in urban poverty through health and education initiatives. As of 2025, the foundation has made commitments totaling $2.8 billion globally, with significant contributions toward community initiatives in the United States, India, and South Africa.

Recent Developments

July 2025: The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation led a $5.4 million Series A funding round for EVeez, an electric mobility-as-a-service platform, demonstrating its ongoing investment in innovative solutions to urban challenges.
2024-2025 Academic Year: The foundation has been providing persistence and completion support services to eligible University of Texas at Austin Pell students, signaling its continued commitment to educational initiatives.
May 2025: The foundation was recognized by TIME Magazine as one of the most influential entities in philanthropy, owing in part to over $2.8 billion in donations since its inception. Notable contributions included $120 million to high-performing U.S. charter schools.
February 2025: The foundation expanded its reach by investing in education and training programs in India through the sale of social impact bonds, which raised $15 million.
December 2024: Michael and Susan Dell significantly increased their charitable contributions, further endowing their foundation to respond to global needs more effectively.

Attribute	Information
Founding Date	1999
Headquarters	Austin, Texas, USA
Founders	Michael Dell, Susan Dell
Revenue	Not publicly disclosed
Profits	Not applicable (non-profit)
Key Investors	Michael Dell, Susan Dell
Industry	Philanthropy
Number of Employees	Specific data not available

Early History

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation was established in 1999, inspired by Michael and Susan Dell’s commitment to social and economic reform, especially for children. Initially funded through the proceeds from Dell Inc. shares, the foundation quickly began focusing on children's issues and initiatives that address urban poverty. From its inception, the foundation emphasized the importance of education as a primary tool for breaking the cycle of poverty. Significant early efforts included funding educational initiatives in Austin and developing programs that foster community health and economic stability.

Company Profile and Achievements

The foundation operates with the mission to significantly impact children’s futures by addressing urban poverty through strategic investments in education, health, and family economic stability. It has prioritized:

Education: Investing heavily in K-12 education, charter schools, and college readiness programs, including the well-known Dell Scholars Program.
Health: Supporting initiatives that provide access to healthcare services and promote healthy community development.
Economic Stability: Initiatives aimed at bolstering economic opportunities for families, emphasizing long-term stability and financial education.

Achievements and milestones include:

Over $2.8 billion in global commitments since 1999.
A pivotal role in launching and expanding charter school networks across the United States.
Influential partnerships aimed at improving educational outcomes and systemic health barriers in target communities.

Current Operations and Market Position

Today, the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation remains a formidable force in philanthropic circles, impacting urban communities worldwide. Its strategic focus continues to be on the United States, India, and South Africa, where it supports initiatives in:

Expanding education access and quality, exemplified by recent investments in the Dell Scholars program.
Enhancing economic mobility through entrepreneurial investments and partnerships with innovative companies like Kaleidofin and EVeez.
Healthcare innovation, focusing on maternal health and childhood wellness across its targeted geographies. With an impressive and expanding endowment, its influence in philanthropy is complemented by strategic grant-making and investments in scalable solutions.

Conclusion

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation holds a prominent position as a leader in philanthropic efforts aimed at enhancing the lives of urban children. Its consistent investments in education, health, and economic stability underline its commitment to creating sustainable change. As the foundation continues to expand its reach and impact, particularly through innovative partnerships, it is poised to leave a lasting legacy in the sectors it supports. Looking ahead, its increased funding capacity promises even greater influence in addressing the challenges of poverty and fostering sustainable community development worldwide.