Dole Caregiver Fellows

Dole Caregiver Fellows are the heart and soul of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation and Hidden Heroes. They are military and veteran caregivers from across the nation who are carefully selected each year to represent the Foundation in a formal capacity.

Through the Dole Caregiver Fellowship, caregivers receive dedicated support, leadership training, opportunities for professional growth, a network of 250+ former Fellows, and a well-respected platform to address the issues impacting the community. They also share their stories directly with national leaders and decision makers within the business, entertainment, faith, and nonprofit sectors to transform the culture of care in our country.

The Foundation typically onboards 10-15 Fellows each year.  

To learn more about the caregiver, each Dole Caregiver Fellow applicant is required to have an individual complete a letter of recommendation submission form to illustrate their qualifications and commitment to the military and veteran caregiving community.  

If you’re applying to be a Dole Caregiver Fellow, be sure to share the link to the recommendation submission form with the individual providing the reference. They can complete that portion of the application here.

If you applied to be a Dole Caregiver Fellow in the past and were not selected, you’re welcome to apply again.

Who Are Dole Caregiver Fellows?

Fellows are leaders in their communities who share their caregiving stories to bring vital attention to the tremendous challenges caregivers face. As Foundation representatives, Fellows:

• Drive increased support and action for caregivers in their local communities and nationwide
• Advocate for military and veteran caregiver issues on local, state, and national levels
• Advise the Foundation on programs that will provide the most positive impact for the military caregiver community
• Serve as Hidden Heroes representatives at meetings, events, and interviews
• Provide inspiration and personal support for peer caregivers through the online Hidden Heroes Caregiver Community

These men and women have different backgrounds but share similar stories of struggle and resilience. They come from every state, as well as Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, and care for spouses, children, partners, siblings, and friends from different eras of war. They care for scars that are both visible and invisible. Fellows serve two–year terms, however, have the opportunity to continue growing with the Foundation through our resourceful alumni association. To read the stories of these inspiring hidden heroes, please visit hiddenheroes.org/stories.

Applications for 2023 Dole Caregiver Fellowships are closed. We are currently reviewing applications. Those selected for the Fellowship will be announced this spring.

If you have any questions, please contact fellowsapplication@elizabethdolefoundation.org.