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Friday, July 3, 2026
Green: Hawaii will be First to Enroll Foster Kids in Trump Accounts
By Selected News Articles @ 8:00 PM :: 1233 Views :: National News, Family

Ed Freedman's Stable Road Foundation, Gov. Josh Green, the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, and Invest America Make Hawai'i the First State to Fund Investment Accounts for Every Eligible Foster Child at Every Age

News Release from Stable Road Foundation, July 3, 2026 

MAUI, Hawaii--On the eve of America’s 250th anniversary Governor Josh Green announced that Hawaiʻi is becoming the first state in the nation to ensure every eligible child in foster care, from newborn through age 17, has a funded, tax-advantaged savings and investment account. Through partnerships with the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation and Ed Freedman’s Stable Road Foundation, Hawaiʻi has secured funding for every eligible foster child, eliminating the remaining gap in support.

The initiative responds to First Lady Melania Trump’s national “Fostering the Future” initiative, which established the federal Section 530A savings account program — giving children in foster care a dedicated savings and investment account they can access beginning at age 18. In Hawaiʻi, all eligible foster children will now receive both an account and seed funding through a combination of federal and philanthropic support:

The federal government provides a $1,000 seed contribution for children born between 2025 and 2028. The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides $250 for foster children age 10 and under, born before 2025.

Ed Freedman’s Stable Road Foundation funds every eligible foster child ages 11 through 17 — the one age group no one else is covering — with a $250 contribution per child.

By bringing these efforts together, Hawaiʻi becomes the first state in the nation to provide funded accounts for every eligible child in foster care, regardless of age.

“Our responsibility is to give every child the opportunity to succeed, especially those who depend on the state for care,” said Governor Green. “By ensuring every eligible foster child has a funded investment account, we are giving these young people a stronger foundation as they enter adulthood. I’m deeply grateful to the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation and Ed Freedman’s Stable Road Foundation for helping make Hawaiʻi the first state in the nation to achieve this.”

“Every child in Hawaiʻi deserves a chance to reach their fullest potential, and no keiki should be left behind, regardless of their circumstances,” said Ed Freedman, founder of the Stable Road Foundation. “The federal government and the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation are caring for our foster children through age 10 — so we’re stepping in to provide $250 in seed funding for the Trump Account of every foster child in Hawaiʻi ages 11 to 17, the one group no one else was covering. We’re proud to partner with Governor Green and Invest America to make Hawaiʻi the first state in the country where every foster child, at every age, starts with a funded account — and we’re calling on leaders across the state and the nation to do the same.”

Hawaiʻi’s commitment demonstrates how states and private philanthropy can work together to expand economic opportunity for children in foster care. By ensuring every eligible foster child has a funded account, the state is creating a financial foundation that can help support education, homeownership, entrepreneurship, and other investments in adulthood.

Invest America Executive Director Matt Lira said: “Today’s announcement by Governor Green and Ed Freedman's Stable Road Foundation is a watershed moment for foster children across Hawaiʻi. One of the most important legacies we can leave the next generation is expanded hope and opportunity — and a real stake in the upside of the American economy delivers both.”

At the federal launch, First Lady Melania Trump said, “Fostering the Future Accounts give foster children the same chance for asset ownership and long-term wealth building as every other American child. By investing in our foster youth now, we help strengthen America’s workforce, communities, and economic future.” U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has called the accounts “the most important benefit for young people since the GI Bill.” (Source: U.S. Treasury, sb0530)

Section 530A accounts are Treasury-backed investment accounts available to eligible U.S. children with a Social Security number. The accounts can be accessed after age 18, allowing investments to grow over time. With support from the federal government, the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation and Ed Freedman’s Stable Road Foundation, every eligible foster child in Hawaiʻi will begin that journey with dedicated financial resources already in place.

About the Partners

Ed Freedman’s Stable Road Foundation is a Maui-based philanthropic organization committed to Hawaiʻi’s keiki and communities. The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation supports children’s opportunity nationwide. Both partners are working alongside Invest America, the nonpartisan initiative helping families in all 50 states open children’s savings accounts, to bring the “Fostering the Future” program to every eligible foster child in Hawaiʻi.

  *   *   *   *   *

GOVERNOR GREEN ANNOUNCES HAWAIʻI WILL BE THE FIRST STATE IN THE NATION TO ENSURE EVERY ELIGIBLE FOSTER CHILD HAS A FUNDED SAVINGS ACCOUNT

Private Contributions from the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation and Ed Freedman’s Stable Road Foundation Add to the “Fostering the Future” Initiative

News Release from Office of the Governor, July 3, 2026

HONOLULU — On the eve of America’s 250th anniversary, Governor Josh Green announced that Hawaiʻi is becoming the first state in the nation to ensure every eligible child in foster care, from newborn through age 17, has a funded, tax-advantaged savings and investment account. Through partnerships with the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation and Ed Freedman’s Stable Road Foundation, Hawaiʻi has secured funding for every eligible foster child, eliminating the remaining gap in support.

The initiative responds to the national “Fostering the Future” initiative, which established the federal Section 530A savings account program — giving children in foster care a dedicated savings and investment account they can access beginning at age 18. In Hawaiʻi, all eligible foster children will now receive both an account and seed funding through a combination of federal and philanthropic support:

--The federal government provides a $1,000 seed contribution for children born between 2025 and 2028. The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides $250 for foster children age 10 and under, born before 2025.

--Ed Freedman’s Stable Road Foundation funds every eligible foster child ages 11 through 17 — the one age group no one else is covering — with a $250 contribution per child. 

By bringing these efforts together, Hawaiʻi becomes the first state in the nation to provide funded accounts for every eligible child in foster care, regardless of age.

“Our responsibility is to give every child the opportunity to succeed, especially those who depend on the state for care,” said Governor Green. “By ensuring every eligible foster child has a funded investment account, we are giving these young people a stronger foundation as they enter adulthood. I’m deeply grateful to the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation and Ed Freedman’s Stable Road Foundation for helping make Hawaiʻi the first state in the nation to achieve this.”

“Every child in Hawaiʻi deserves a chance to reach their fullest potential and no keiki should be left behind, regardless of their circumstances,” said Ed Freedman, founder of the Stable Road Foundation. “The federal government and the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation are caring for our foster children through age 10 — so we’re stepping in to provide $250 in seed funding for the Trump Account of every foster child in Hawaiʻi ages 11 to 17, the one group no one else was covering. We’re proud to partner with Governor Green and Invest America to make Hawaiʻi the first state in the country where every foster child, at every age, starts with a funded account — and we’re calling on leaders across the state and the nation to do the same.”

Hawaiʻi’s commitment demonstrates how states and private philanthropy can work together to expand economic opportunity for children in foster care. By ensuring every eligible foster child has a funded account, the state is creating a financial foundation that can help support education, homeownership, entrepreneurship and other investments in adulthood.

Invest America Executive Director Matt Lira said, “Today’s announcement by Governor Green and Ed Freedman’s Stable Road Foundation is a watershed moment for foster children across Hawaiʻi. One of the most important legacies we can leave the next generation is expanded hope and opportunity — and a real stake in the upside of the American economy delivers both.”

At the federal launch, First Lady Melania Trump said, “Fostering the Future Accounts give foster children the same chance for asset ownership and long-term wealth building as every other American child. By investing in our foster youth now, we help strengthen America’s workforce, communities and economic future.” U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has called the accounts “the most important benefit for young people since the GI Bill.” (Source: U.S. Treasury, sb0530)

Section 530A accounts are Treasury-backed investment accounts available to eligible U.S. children with a Social Security number. The accounts can be accessed after age 18, allowing investments to grow over time. With support from the federal government, the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation and Ed Freedman’s Stable Road Foundation, every eligible foster child in Hawaiʻi will begin that journey with dedicated financial resources already in place.

About the Partners
Ed Freedman’s Stable Road Foundation is a Maui-based philanthropic organization committed to Hawaiʻi’s keiki and communities. The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation supports children’s opportunity nationwide. Both partners are working alongside Invest America, the nonpartisan initiative helping families in all 50 states open children’s savings accounts, to bring the “Fostering the Future” program to every eligible foster child in Hawaiʻi.

  *   *   *   *   *

$1,000 Trump accounts to start July 4

by Andrew Rice, The Center Square, Jan 28, 2026

(The Center Square) — "Trump accounts" will launch beginning July 4, President Donald Trump announced Wednesday.

The "Trump account" initiative was included in the "Big Beautiful Bill" signed into law in July 2025. It provides a $1,000 contribution from the U.S. Treasury Department to a tax-free account for babies born between Jan. 1, 2025, and Dec. 31, 2028.

"A seed contribution of $1,000 which will compound and grow over the course of their lives and could grow into very, very substantial numbers," Trump said. 

Parents can deposit up to $5,000 per year into the tax-free accounts. Employers can deposit up to $2,500 for the parents of children with Trump accounts. 

Bank of America and JPMorgan announced they will match $1,000 deposits for eligible employees with children enrolled in Trump Accounts. 

White House estimates indicate the initial amount could grow to $5,800 by the time a child turns 18 or $18,100 by 28. With maximum contributions, the account could accrue up to $1 million by age 28. 

Some economists have criticized the Trump administration's initiative for supposed short-sighted funding goals. Critics argued the accounts propose figures that are too small and will not meaningfully lift people out of poverty. 

"The size and scale of this wealth will dwarf all government programs ever created to benefit America's youth," Trump said.

"Under this administration, we're going to leave every child with real assets and a shot at financial freedom," Trump said. "We'll ensure that Americans don't just end their lives with a nest egg, but instead all Americans will begin their lives with a beautiful nest egg."

KHON: Hawaii first state to fund savings for eligible foster children

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