Summary: Major employers, including BlackRock, BNY Mellon, and Visa, have announced plans to add Trump Account contributions to their benefits packages, potentially doubling or tripling the $1,000 government seed deposit for employees’ children. Treasury’s new “50 State Challenge” has already attracted a $75 million commitment from Ray Dalio for Connecticut kids, following the Dells’ $6.25 billion pledge.
Corporate America is racing to support Trump Accounts. Following the release of program details, BlackRock, BNY Mellon, and Visa have announced plans for employee benefit programs, while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent launched a “50 State Challenge” to rally philanthropists behind the accounts.
For families already weighing whether to open a Trump Account alongside their 529 plan, these developments add a compelling new factor: the potential for free money from employers and philanthropists that could significantly boost your child’s account balance.
The 50 State Challenge
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent launched the 50 State Challenge to encourage philanthropists to “adopt” states and fund Trump Accounts for children in their communities. The initiative invites wealthy donors and foundations to partner with the Treasury to contribute to accounts across all 50 states.
“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 in a December 17 press conference.
Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates, became the first to join the 50 State Challenge, committing $75 million to fund Trump Accounts for children in Connecticut. The Dalio contribution is intended to provide $250 per child to approximately 300,000 children under age 10 who live in Connecticut zip codes with median household income under $150,000.
“Barbara and I believe strongly in the importance of equal opportunity and believe this initiative is an important step in that direction,” Ray Dalio said in a statement. “I have been fortunate to live the American Dream. At an early age I was exposed to the stock market, and it changed my life.”
How philanthropic contributions work
The Dalio gift follows the model established by Michael and Susan Dell, who earlier this month pledged $6.25 billion, described as the largest single private commitment to U.S. children in history, to provide $250 to the Trump Accounts of 25 million children age 10 and under nationwide.
These “general funding contributions” from philanthropists work differently than family contributions:
- No cap: General funding contributions don’t count toward the $5,000 annual family contribution limit.
- No basis: Unlike after-tax contributions from parents, philanthropic contributions don’t create basis in the account. The full amount will eventually be taxed as ordinary income when withdrawn.
- Must be equal: A philanthropist can’t pick specific children. Contributions must go equally to all children in a “qualified class”—either all children in the growth period, all children in specific states, or all children born in specific years.
One wrinkle: the IRS guidance states that during the initial rollout phase, Treasury won’t designate specific geographic areas smaller than states for targeting contributions. This means the Dell and Dalio contributions targeting children in specific zip codes based on income will need additional IRS guidance before implementation, though Treasury appears committed to making this work.
States considering Trump Account programs
According to Treasury Secretary Bessent, 20 states are considering programs to supplement Trump Accounts. State involvement could take various forms:
- Direct contributions at birth
- Matching contributions tied to family contributions
- Contributions tied to financial literacy course completion
- Special programs for children in foster care or low-income families
Connecticut already runs a similar program, the Connecticut Baby Bond, which provides $3,200 to children who receive Medicaid benefits. States with existing baby bond or child development account programs may be well-positioned to integrate Trump Accounts into their existing infrastructure.
Companies announcing Trump Account benefits
Several major employers have announced plans to offer Trump Account programs for their workers. Here’s what we know so far:
Company |
Announced benefit |
Eligibility |
BlackRock |
$1,000 match (doubles government seed) |
All eligible U.S. employees (~9,400) |
BNY Mellon |
$2,000 contribution |
Newborns of U.S. employees |
Charter Communications |
$1,000 match |
Employees’ eligible children |
Visa |
Trump Accounts as employee benefit |
Details pending |
Block, Uber, Mastercard |
Listed as providing “additional support” |
Details pending |
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BlackRock framed its commitment as part of its broader mission to help people invest. “BlackRock’s commitment today will help employees and their families foster strong financial habits early, encourage long-term planning, and invest in the potential of the next generation,” the company said in a statement.
For a BlackRock employee with a child born in 2025, this could mean their child’s Trump Account starts with $2,000—the $1,000 government seed plus BlackRock’s $1,000 match—before the family contributes a single dollar.
Under the program rules, employers can contribute up to $2,500 per year to an employee’s dependent’s Trump Account without it counting as taxable income. Expect more companies to announce Trump Account benefits as the July 5, 2026, launch date approaches.
How much could a Trump Account actually be worth?
The combination of government, employer, and philanthropic contributions could give some children a substantial head start. Here’s what a child born in 2025 might accumulate, depending on their family’s circumstances:
Scenario |
Starting balance |
Projected value at 18* |
Government seed only |
$1,000 |
$5,800 |
Government + Dell contribution |
$1,250 |
$7,250 |
Government + employer match (BlackRock) |
$2,000 |
$11,600 |
Government + Dell + Dalio (CT child) |
$1,500 |
$8,700 |
Government + BNY Mellon benefit |
$3,000 |
$17,400 |
Any scenario above + $5,000/year family contributions** |
Varies |
$200,000–$300,000+ |
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*Projections with approx. 10% annual return, based on historical S&P 500 averages. Actual results may vary and are not guaranteed.
**Assumes maximum annual family contributions every year for 18 years.
The message from these projections is clear: while the $1,000 government seed is meaningful, the real wealth-building potential comes from stacking multiple contribution sources over time.
What to expect next
With Trump Accounts launching July 5, 2026, here’s what families should watch for:
- More employer announcements. As the launch date approaches, expect additional companies to roll out Trump Account benefits. If your employer hasn’t announced plans, employee interest may influence their decision.
- State program details. The 20 states considering Trump Account supplements will need to finalize their programs. Watch for announcements from your state treasurer’s office.
- IRS guidance on zip-code targeting. The Dell and Dalio contributions depend on Treasury designating qualified geographic areas smaller than states. Additional guidance should clarify how income-based targeting will work.
- More 50 State Challenge participants. With Dalio representing Connecticut, 49 states remain unclaimed. Treasury is actively recruiting philanthropists to join.
To claim the $1,000 government seed deposit, Treasury has indicated families will file IRS Form 4547 with their 2025 tax return or register at trumpaccounts.gov once the online portal opens in mid-2026.
Bottom Line
The corporate and philanthropic support rolling in for Trump Accounts adds a new dimension to the program. For employees at companies like BlackRock or BNY Mellon, Trump Accounts could become significantly more valuable—potentially offering thousands of dollars in free money on top of the government’s $1,000 seed.
For everyone else, the 50 State Challenge signals that more philanthropic contributions may be coming. Keep an eye on announcements in your state, check with your employer about benefits, and be ready to open an account when the program launches next July.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Under the program rules, employers can contribute up to $2,500 per year to a Trump Account for an employee’s dependent child. This contribution is excluded from the employee’s taxable income. The $2,500 limit is per employee, not per child, so if you have multiple children you must divide the benefit among them.
If your child meets the eligibility criteria—under age 10 and living in a qualifying zip code with a median income under $150,000—the contribution is expected to be deposited automatically once the program launches, pending final IRS guidance on geographic targeting.
The 50 State Challenge is Treasury’s initiative to recruit philanthropists to fund Trump Accounts in every state. Ray Dalio was the first to join, committing $75 million for Connecticut children. Treasury Secretary Bessent is actively inviting wealthy donors and foundations to “adopt” their home states.
No. General funding contributions from philanthropists, state governments, and 501(c)(3) organizations are exempt from the $5,000 annual contribution limit. Your family can still contribute the full $5,000 regardless of any philanthropic contributions your child receives.
Treasury Secretary Bessent said 20 states are considering programs to supplement Trump Accounts, but specific states haven’t been named. States could contribute directly at birth, match family contributions, or tie contributions to financial literacy completion. Check with your state treasurer’s office for updates.
