If You Live In This State, the Trump Account for Kids May Be More Lucrative Thanks To a Donation From Ray Dalio

Ray Dalio—the billionaire founder of hedge fund Bridgewater Associates—and his wife, Barbara, announced Wednesday that they will be providing $250 in the Trump Accounts for select children in Connecticut.

“These Trump Accounts are great not just because they put money into stocks for these young people but also because they draw their attention toward how finance, stocks, companies, and capitalism work to improve society and can work for them,” wrote Dalio on X.

The $250 benefit will be available to children in Connecticut who live in ZIP codes where the median income is less than $150,000. According to a CNBC report, roughly 87% of ZIP codes in the state meet that standard.

Trump Accounts are a type of investment account for children under age 18 that will be available starting July 5, 2026. These accounts were established earlier this year by the “One Big, Beautiful Bill” Act. The federal government plans to provide a $1,000 initial deposit to children born between 2025 and 2028. To claim the funding, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said parents will have to check a box on tax form 4547.

At a press conference Wednesday, Bessent said that Dalio’s donation is a part of an initiative called the “50 State Challenge” to encourage philanthropists to donate to the Trump Accounts.

“Through the 50 State Challenge, we are inviting every philanthropist in every state across the country to partner with us in building generational wealth for America’s children through Trump Accounts,” Bessent said.

This announcement comes just weeks after Michael Dell—founder and CEO of Dell Technologies—said he would be donating $250 each to select children. His donation would benefit certain children under age 10 nationally who don’t qualify for the $1,000 benefit provided by the federal government.

Trump Accounts are meant to be a type of tax-advantaged account for kids where parents, employers, nonprofits, and local and federal governments can make contributions. Funds in the account can be invested in U.S. stock mutual funds or ETFs.

The account has an annual contribution limit of $5,000, which is indexed to inflation, and funds aren’t accessible until the child turns 18. At age 18, the account is converted into a IRA and withdrawals of earnings are taxed at ordinary income tax rates.