Michael Dell’s $8B Foundation Has $220M In AKO; Opens New $20 Million Stake In Elliott Management

Many of the world’s best-known hedge fund managers and entrepreneurs are also among the most well-known philanthropists, and Michael Dell of Dell Technologies fits the bill. He and his wife, Susan, donated over $1.4 billion in cash and shares of Dell Technologies and Hayward Holdings to their foundation in fiscal 2024.

Background on the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation

The Dell Foundation is one of the biggest and most influential foundations in the country. In fact, according to data compiled by us, the foundation is one of the latest foundations in America based on assets under management.  Not affiliated with Dell Technologies, the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation aims to build pathways that change lives, establishing access to high-quality education for 7 million students every year and enabling 500,000 classrooms with world-class tools and resources.

The foundation helps 350,000 aspiring students earn college degrees each year and creates employment opportunities for 1 million young adults every year. It also expands financial services for over 3 million entrepreneurs and families and helps 1 million families live healthier lives.

In 2024, grantees included America’s Frontier Fund, Apex Education Group, Charter School Growth Fund, Education Analytics, Mobile Loaves & Fishes, The British Asian Trust, and United Jewish Appeal, among others.

The foundation has also been in the news for major initiatives related to funding investment accounts for American children as part of an initiative being pushed by President Trump, In fact, a press release from Whitehouse.gov reads as follows:

• Thanks to the Dell’s unprecedented gift, the first 25 million American children age 10 and under living in ZIP codes with median incomes below $150,000 will receive an additional $250. This historic act of generosity will give millions of low- and middle-income children an even stronger shot at achieving the American Dream.

But how do they invest their money?

According to the 990-PF for 2024, which was filed in November 2025, the foundation had $7.8 billion in assets at the end of the year.