Elizabeth Dole Foundation — for the caregivers
Every other page in this directory serves the veteran first. This one serves you — the spouse, parent, son, daughter, sibling, or friend carrying a wounded, ill, or injured veteran's care. The Elizabeth Dole Foundation calls that constituency "hidden heroes," and it is the only national organization built entirely around them.
- Founded: 2012, by Senator Elizabeth Dole
- Status: National nonprofit (no congressional charter; it is a foundation, not a VSO, and runs no claims service)
- Headquarters: Washington, D.C.
- The community it serves, in its own figure: “14.3 million military and veteran caregivers” in America; its Dole Caregiver Fellows number 290, across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and D.C.
- Websites: elizabethdolefoundation.org · hiddenheroes.org
Who it serves
In the Foundation’s words: “the spouses, parents, siblings, family members and friends who care for America’s wounded, ill or injured service members and veterans.” There is no membership to buy. A caregiver registers — the Hidden Heroes campaign works to build a national registry of military caregivers at HiddenHeroes.org, connecting them to resources and support.
What it does
- Hidden Heroes — the flagship campaign: public recognition of caregivers’ stories, and the registry above.
- The Hope Fund for Critical Financial Assistance — grants toward natural-disaster help, medical and dental bills, home repairs, emergency transportation, vehicle modifications, home appliances, and loss of income. Eligibility: an adult (18+) caregiver providing care to a wounded, ill, or injured veteran or service member, with proof of service and demonstrated financial need.
- Dole Caregiver Fellows — a leadership fellowship of caregivers in every state who advise and advocate.
- Campaign for Inclusive Care — a joint initiative with the VA to pull caregivers into the veteran’s care team.
- Hidden Helpers — its initiative and coalition for the children of caregivers.
- Family Resource Hub (with Wounded Warrior Project) and research-driven advocacy, guided by RAND’s caregiver studies.
How a family uses it
- Register as a caregiver at HiddenHeroes.org.
- Hope Fund: apply via hiddenheroes.org/find-help/hopefund/ · financialsupport@elizabethdolefoundation.org · (202) 249-7170.
- Fellowship questions: fellows@elizabethdolefoundation.org.
The Bowman case on this site is, among other things, a caregiver’s case — two years of full-time, unpaid care by a registered VA family caregiver. This foundation is the rare national door built for the person holding that job.
Facts on this page are drawn from the Foundation's own published materials, checked October 2026. The Foundation's own sites govern. Corrections: care@bowmanwebservices.com.