The Elizabeth Dole Foundation (EDF) announces that applications are now open for the 2025 Class of Dole Caregiver Fellows. Military and veteran caregivers from across the country are encouraged to apply before the Jan. 7, 2025, deadline. The program is open to caregivers of service members and veterans of any era who have sustained any service-connected injury or illness, and is inclusive of all caregiver-care recipient relationships. The application can be completed through the foundation’s website.

Dole Caregiver Fellows act as leaders, community organizers and advocates for military and veteran caregivers in their states and nationwide. Working with the foundation and its partners, Fellows are trained and empowered to share their perspectives and stories directly with national leaders in the White House, Congress, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and other government agencies, as well as decision makers in the business, entertainment, faith and nonprofit communities.

The new fellows class will be named at a pivotal moment for military and veteran caregivers. In September, the foundation released a RAND study that uncovered stunning findings about the size of the caregiver community and their emotional, physical and financial well-being. According to RAND, there are now 14.3 million military and veteran caregivers in the U.S. An alarming percentage suffer from depression, and a high number of caregiver children are also in need of mental health support but not receiving it. Additionally, experts note that a significant number of caregivers are nearing or falling below the poverty line, lacking healthcare and facing income losses from missed work.

“The Elizabeth Dole Foundation has a bold plan of action for responding to RAND’s findings and our fellows will play an integral part in ensuring its success,” said Steve Schwab, CEO of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. “The Dole Caregiver Fellowship is an opportunity for military and veteran caregivers to rise up and help transform how America supports its hidden heroes, from the national level through regions, states and individual communities.”

More than 290 past and present Fellows represent all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the District of Columbia to bring attention to the tremendous challenges facing the spouses, parents, children, family members and other loved ones who voluntary care for wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans.

Caregivers with questions about the application process may contact Liz Rotenberry at liz@elizabethdolefoundation.org.

Media interested in speaking to a current Dole Caregiver Fellow or a spokesperson from the foundation, may contact Tessa Miller at tessa@elizabethdolefoundation.org.