Honoring Our Nation’s Hidden Heroes

At the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, our mission is to strengthen and empower military and veteran caregivers, their families, and their communities by identifying and addressing their key challenges through innovative, practical, and sustainable solutions. We strive to ensure that every caregiver receives the recognition, support, and respect they deserve.

Learn More About the Foundation
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.

Discover the State of Military & Veteran Caregiving
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.

Explore Our Campaigns & Programs
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.

Meet the Fellows
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.

Learn About Financial Assistance
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.

Explore the Campaign
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

Learn About CIC
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.

Hear Their Stories
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

Thank you for developing the Dole Caregiver Fellows program. I am grateful to have been selected for the 2015 class. I have grown tremendously both personally and professionally, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside the amazing caregivers across America. I am grateful for the life-changing experiences that I have had to raise awareness about what the caregiver population needs, as well as the critical issues that we face.

Precious Goodson

2015 Dole Caregiver Fellow

Before I became an Elizabeth Dole Foundation Fellow, I felt like a fish fighting the current. Since becoming a Fellow, I feel I have found the purpose God has intended for me, and my life has meaning and direction. I have found a “hidden” family I know will cheer me on when I feel like giving up. I am honored to be a part of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, and its family for, ‘once a Fellow, always a Fellow,’ has never been truer.

April Mulvey

2021 Dole Caregiver Fellow

Being a Dole Fellow gave me a family and the confidence to go back to pursuing my dreams too. It gave me the strength and courage to help my veteran work to become a contributing happy member of society. Lastly, it helped me focus, giving me tools to not only become a leader and help other caregivers in our state find resources, but to work toward changing Iowa to become a place where veterans and their caregivers thrive.

Melinda Smith-Pace

2019 Dole Caregiver Fellow

I’ve learned so much since becoming a Fellow and it’s given me a purpose outside of caring for my husband 24/7. I’m no longer hidden and alone. The Fellowship has taught me how to come out of the shadows and shine a light on all of us. I’ve grown in so many areas and learned so much. I’ll forever be grateful for the opportunity.

Anne Adkinson

2020 Dole Caregiver Fellow

Becoming a Fellow is amazing. It has given me the opportunity to advocate for caregivers with far more reach and support than I had on my own. Most importantly, it has expanded my circle of friends in unquantifiable ways. I am no longer alone on this caregiver journey.

Mary Hahn Ward

2016 Dole Caregiver Fellow

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