Billionaire Ray Dalio Pledges $75 Million to Support Connecticut Children’s Financial Futures

Billionaire Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates, and his wife Barbara Dalio have pledged $75 million to benefit children in their home state of Connecticut as part of the federal “Trump Accounts” initiative — a new child investment program aimed at building long-term savings and financial literacy for future generations.

Under the commitment, the Dalios will contribute $250 each to approximately 300,000 children under age 10 who live in Connecticut ZIP codes with median household incomes below $150,000 — boosting the initial federal support designed to help children get a stronger financial start.

The donation follows a $6.25 billion pledge from Michael and Susan Dell earlier this month to seed similar investment accounts for 25 million children nationwide, and is part of what U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has dubbed the “50 State Challenge” to encourage philanthropists and businesses to contribute to the program.

Dalio — who has deep Connecticut ties and a long history of local philanthropy — highlighted his belief that early exposure to savings and investing can help give children a path toward financial independence and opportunity. His foundation, Dalio Philanthropies, has previously supported education, youth programs, and community initiatives across the state.

The Trump Accounts program, established under recent tax and spending legislation, will also include a $1,000 federal seed contribution for U.S. children born between 2025 and 2028, with families and sponsors able to add up to $5,000 annually.

Dalio’s pledge is one of the largest philanthropic efforts in Connecticut this year — aiming to expand children’s access to long-term savings while spotlighting the role of private support in national financial inclusion strategies.