NORTH DAKOTA (KXNET) — The Elizabeth Dole Foundation (EDF) has opened applications for fellowships for military and veteran caregivers from across the country. The 2025 Class of Dole Caregiver Fellows will be accepting applications until January 31. The program is open to those who care for service members and veterans of any era who have sustained any service-related injury or illness, and is inclusive of all caregiver-care recipient relationships. You can apply through the Foundation’s website. Dole Caregiver Fellows act as leaders, community organizers, and advocates for veteran caregivers. Those who receive a fellowship will be trained and empowered to share their perspectives and stories with national leaders in many government agencies, as well as decision makers in the business, entertainment, faith, and nonprofit communities. If selected, you will serve a two-year term as fellow. In September, RAND released a study showing that there are now 14.3 million military and veteran caregivers in the U.S., a high percentage of which suffer from depression. In fact, 42% of those caring for someone 60 and under met the criteria for depression. The study also showed that a number of caregiver children are not receiving the mental health support they need, and that many caregivers are nearing or falling below the poverty line, lacking healthcare, and facing income losses after missing work. SRT scholarship applications open, 7 awards up for grabs This fellowship is meant to help people struggling with issues such as those. “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.” The scholarship is intended to bring attention to the challenges faced by those who voluntarily care for wounded, ill, and injured service members and veterans. More than 290 people have received a fellowship, representing all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia. If you have any questions about the application process, contact Liz Rotenberry at [email protected]. To learn more about what's required of fellows, visit the application page. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW