Susan Dell philanthropy goes beyond Trump Accounts: How The Dell foundation used $78 million to rebuild 3,740 Texas homes and fight homelessness in Austin

Michael Dell's wife Susan Dell has requested to parents and grandparents in America to claim their child's money in Trump accounts. The move was announced months after Michael and Susan Dell committed $6.25 billion to fund “Trump Accounts" for children in the US. The philanthropy of Susan Dell, co-founder and chair of the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, goes beyond Trump accounts.

The Dells' philanthropy has also focused extensively on housing and homelessness. In August 2017, when Hurricane Harvey struck the Texas coastline, Dell founder Michael Dell and his wife, Susan Dell helped launch the Rebuild Texas Fund with the help of OneStar Foundation to support rebuilding efforts across affected communities. In 2021 too, their foundation pledged $36.6 million to expand Community First! Village in Austin, a housing project designed to help people leaving chronic homelessness.

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How Dell Foundation rebuild over 3,000 homes in Texas

After the hurricane Harvey left a trail of destruction in Texas, the Rebuild Texas Fund, backed by Michael and Susan Dell, was created to spearhead recovery efforts in Texas. Michael and Susan Dell helped launch a Hurricane Harvey recovery fund; backed by their $42 million contribution, it helped repair or rebuild 3,740 homes over the following three years.

The Dell Foundation's initial contribution catalyzed broader support, helping the fund raise more than $100 million from over 33,000 donors. According to the Dell organization, every dollar was directed to organizations working directly in communities impacted by the disaster.

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Over a period of three years, the fund supported 290 projects across 41 counties, ultimately reaching an estimated 2.1 million Texans. The initiative concentrated on four core areas: health and housing, education and childcare, workforce and transportation, and small businesses.

In addition to repairing and rebuilding thousands of homes, the program assisted 1,411 local businesses in reopening, helped 265,842 individuals access health services, and supplied essential materials to 3,724 teachers. Other targeted projects included equipping emergency medical services teams with lifesaving tools and restoring community spaces such as a local Little League field.

When Michael, Susan Dell pledged $36.6 million to help expand Community First Village

In November 2021, the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation committed $36.6 million to fund 1,400 additional homes. With plans to expand to nearly 2,000 homes across three locations, Community First Village is set to permanently house nearly half of individuals experiencing chronic homelessness in Austin. Construction has commenced on two additional properties, promoting smaller, interactive communities within the larger area. The overall cost of this transformative development is projected to reach approximately $225 million.

Located on several acres in East Austin, Community First! Village is designed with spaces that encourage interaction and a sense of belonging. The neighborhood includes:

• RVs, 3D-printed homes, and tiny houses centered around communal spaces
• Outdoor kitchens and dining areas for shared meals
• Laundry facilities that promote daily interactions
• An organic farm where residents can grow fresh food together
• A chapel for spiritual connection and reflection
• Parks and green spaces for relaxation and play
• A cinema and amphitheater for entertainment and community events
• A convenience store for everyday needs

Residents also benefit from an on-site medical clinic, accessible public transportation, and the Community Works program, where they can learn new skills and earn an income.

Who is Susan Dell?

Susan Dell is the co-founder and chair of the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, which was established in 1999 to accelerate opportunities for families and build pathways to change lives globally. For over 25 years, Susan has guided the foundation’s strategic priorities and rapid growth. The 62-year-old philanthropist has been married to Dell Technologies CEO Michael Dell since 1989 and they share four children together.

The couple share a close bond with US President Donald Trump, and for nearly a year now Susan and Michael have been working closely with the President on his “Trump Accounts” program, which aims to have the government provide $1,000 in seed money for investment accounts that will be granted to children born in the next four years.

Susan Dells appeared at the White House on Wednesday (October 7) to encourage families to sign up for the program. She and Michael also pledged to give 25 million children $250 for their accounts.