Emergency Relief Funding for Military Caregivers

Elizabeth Dole Foundation and the Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation Provide Hope in time for the Holidays with Emergency Relief Funding for Military Caregivers

Washington, DC (November 18, 2020) - The Elizabeth Dole Foundation is proud to announce a new emergency financial relief fund to support military and veteran caregiver families starting this holiday season. Hope for the Holidays - Military & Veteran Caregiver Fund, made possible by the Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation, will provide financial assistance to military and veteran caregivers in advance of the holidays. The fund has been established to bring financial relief in the midst of a challenging year.Through this program, $200,000 will be distributed via grants to military and veteran caregiver families in need. Each family will receive $500 or more to help ease the financial burdens of these unprecedented times. Awards will be given to those who meet eligibility criteria as determined by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation.“In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and heading into the holiday season, the overwhelming stress our nation’s military and veteran caregivers are experiencing has never been higher,” said Senator Elizabeth Dole, Founder and Chairman of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. “Thanks to our friends at the Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation, we’re able to provide a glimmer of hope and financial relief during a year that has been tremendously difficult for this community.”The COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause stress for military and veteran caregivers. Caregiving has always been challenging, but it has never been this hard. Wounded, ill, and injured veterans have underlying conditions that make them especially vulnerable to severe coronavirus complications and require heightened vigilance. Loss of income, social distancing requirements, virtual schooling, and intensified family stress have put additional strain on military caregivers who were already struggling to manage their responsibilities and keep their veteran safe. Hope for the Holidays will provide a source of relief to caregivers and families struggling under the burden of these hard times.“Through his annual Christmas specials for the troops, my Dad made it his mission to connect service men and women with their families across the nation, by sharing holiday cheer from home," said Linda Hope, daughter of Bob and Dolores Hope and Chair/CEO of the Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation. "I'm proud to continue the Bob Hope legacy of spreading joy during the holiday season, especially to our nation's military and veteran families in need.”Applications are open now through December 11, 2020. All applicants will also be invited to join the Foundation’s peer support network, Hidden Heroes Caregiver Community, and offered access to the organization’s financial planning and respite relief program.“Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have recognized the urgent need for our Foundation to increase the types of direct services we offer caregivers,” said Steve Schwab, CEO of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. “Hope for the Holidays is the latest program we have rapidly developed as we continue to stand with our hidden heroes during these critical times and for many years to come. ”Application Details:

1. You must provide care to a wounded, ill, or injured veteran or service member (and submit proof of service).
2. You must have a demonstrated financial need.
3. All caregivers must submit an application by December 11, 2020. All applicants will be notified via email December 18 with funds distributed the week of December 21.

For more information, please visit https://hiddenheroes.org/find-help/.