Honoring Our Nation’s Hidden Heroes

Helping America's caregivers and the people they care for thrive.

2024 rand report

Emerging from the Shadows

The latest RAND study shows some alarming gaps in support for military and veteran caregivers. The Elizabeth Dole Foundation uses its research as a guide for how we support and care for our community.

Our Programs

Support Caregivers

We work tirelessly to address the obstacles our military and veteran caregivers face regularly, from providing access to essential resources and support networks to calling for policy changes. Through our initiatives such as the Dole Caregiver Fellowship program and the Hidden Heroes Campaign, we raise awareness, drive action, and foster a community of support for caregivers across the country.

01

Dole Caregiver Fellows

The Dole Caregiver Fellowship is an immersive multi-year leadership experience, focused on building community and support across all 50 states.

02

The Hope Fund

The Hope Fund for Critical Financial Assistance provides much needed aid for military and veteran caregivers and their families. Grants are offered for natural disaster assistance, medical and dental bills, home repairs, emergency transportation, vehicle modifications, home appliances, and loss of income.

03

Hidden Heroes

The Hidden Heroes Campaign is the flagship public awareness campaign of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation bringing vital attention to the untold stories of military and veteran caregivers and seeking solutions for the tremendous challenges and long-term needs they face.

04

Campaign for Inclusive Care

The Campaign for Inclusive Care (CIC) is a joint initiative between EDF and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to transform the culture of care at the VA to be fully inclusive of military and veteran caregivers from day one of the care journey

Who We Are

Military and veteran caregivers face unique challenges.

From managing complex medical needs to navigating bureaucratic systems, military and veteran caregivers shoulder immense responsibilities while often sacrificing their own well-being and personal aspirations. The unpredictable nature of military life, including deployments, frequent relocations, and the invisible wounds of war, further compounds the challenges they face, while the lack of recognition and support for their vital role can lead to feelings of isolation and overwhelm.

300
Sponsors and partners who are leaders in public, private, nonprofit, labor, and faith communities.
14.3m
Military and veteran caregivers who care for America’s wounded, ill, or injured veterans.
290
Dole Caregiver Fellows, who represent all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia.
Our Impact

Empowerment and strength

Through collaboration with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and corporate partners, we have made significant strides in advancing the cause of military and veteran caregivers.

Being a Dole Caregiver Fellow has been a blessing in the lives of my wife and I. It has given me purpose and confidence. I love being able to contribute back to the Foundation and continue my advocacy for caregivers. It has given me the community that I need to survive and thrive as a caregiver.

Brian Vines

2015 Dole Caregiver Fellow

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