Michael & Susan Dell Foundation

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, established in 1999 by Dell Technologies founder Michael Dell and his wife Susan, operates as a private philanthropic organization based in Austin, Texas. Its core mission is to transform the lives of children living in urban poverty, primarily through strategic investments in education, health, and family economic stability. The foundation distinguishes itself by focusing on scalable solutions and leveraging technology to drive systemic change, aiming to create lasting impact rather than just providing direct services. Their approach emphasizes data-driven decision-making and partnerships with high-potential organizations that demonstrate a strong capacity for measurable results.

The foundation's philanthropic efforts span across the United States, India, and South Africa, reflecting a global commitment to addressing the multifaceted challenges of urban poverty. In education, they focus on improving K-12 public education, fostering college readiness, and supporting post-secondary success, notably through programs like the Dell Scholars, which has supported thousands of students in their pursuit of higher education. In health, their initiatives aim to improve access to quality healthcare for children, while their family economic stability programs work to empower families through financial literacy and workforce development.

While primarily a grant-making entity, the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation also engages in program-related investments (PRIs) and impact investing, which can resemble venture capital "cheques" by providing capital to mission-aligned enterprises that generate both social and financial returns. These investments are typically deployed to scale innovative solutions and build sustainable models for social good. To date, the foundation has committed over $2.2 billion to various initiatives globally, reflecting its substantial financial capacity and long-term dedication to its mission. Typical first commitments for their strategic grants or PRIs often range from $500,000 to $5,000,000, though specific allocations can vary significantly based on the project's scope and potential for impact.