The Dole Caregiver Fellowship is an immersive, multi-year leadership experience focused on building community and support across all U.S. states and territories.
About the Fellowship
As a part of the two-year fellowship, fellows will:
- Be welcomed into a warm community of caregiver peers who understand and can relate to your unique experience
- Travel to Washington, D.C. for in-person training sessions, special events, meetings with policy makers on Capitol Hill, and networking
- Leverage their lived experience to inform and inspire support initiatives for caregivers. These ideas drive the work we do every day
- Access personal growth, mental wellness, and leadership opportunities
Meet Dole Caregiver Fellows
Brian Vines
“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, Alumni Association President, 2015 Texas Dole Caregiver Fellow
Tara Plybon
“It’s been an honor being an Alumni Lead Fellow for growth. The role is providing me a spotlight in which I am using to educate caregivers on career development and how to get started after many years of leaving the job world. Caregivers forfeit retirement plans, pensions, and personal financial security when they leave the job world to care for their veterans.”
– Tara Plybon, Alumni Association, 2017 Texas Dole Caregiver Fellow
Ida Carson
“The Elizabeth Dole Foundation has given me a platform to advocate for military veterans and their caregivers. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as clergy to the Fellows and staff.”
– Ida Carson, Alumni Association, 2018 Ohio Dole Caregiver Fellow
Amber Oldfield
Alumni Association, 2016 South Dakota Dole Caregiver Fellow
Mary Ward
“My fellowship experience has enriched my life deeply. As a Fellow, I achieved my advocacy goals in remarkable ways, such as testifying at a Senate Subcommittee on Aging in support of caregivers and veterans and sharing my experience caring for my husband Tom, who has service connected ALS. Some of my closest friends are Fellows. My life has significantly enlarged with Fellow friends around the country.”
-Mary Ward, Alumni Association, 2016 North Carolina Dole Caregiver Fellow
Nikki Stephens
“EDF was pivotal in turning a devastating circumstance into an empowering one, giving me space to share my experience with partners, legislatures, providers, and most importantly other military and veteran caregivers. Senator Dole and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation put caregivers like me on the map. I am beyond grateful for the tireless work of EDF and the lifelong bonds and support that have been fiercely advocated for all military and veteran caregivers across our nation.”
-Nikki Stephens, Alumni Association, 2015 California Dole Caregiver Fellow
Explore More Caregiver Stories
Step into the world of our Dole Caregiver Fellows and learn first-hand about the caregiving experience. These caregivers, representing all eras of war, are selected annually by the Foundation to contribute a diverse set of perspectives and advocate for the crucial needs of military caregivers throughout the nation.
Who is eligible to apply?
Spouses, parents, family members and loved ones who provide support to a wounded, ill, injured or aging service member. Caregivers 24 years of age and older*, from all U.S. states and territories are welcome to apply.
*exceptions may be made after speaking with the Senior Program Manager. Please reach out to Liz Rotenberry (liz@elizabethdolefoundation.org) with any questions.
How to Apply
Applications for the 2025 Dole Caregiver Fellowship are now open! The application deadline is January 7, 2025.
