Elizabeth Dole Foundation

Respite/Back-up Care for Military and Veteran Caregivers

Service Area: National

The following program was awarded grants as part of the Bob Woodruff Foundation’s second 2020 Expedited Grants Portfolio, addressing urgent needs related to COVID-19.

In the months since the COVID-19 crisis broke across the United States, Americans across the nation have made significant changes to their daily lives to mitigate the risks of the virus spreading further. Many caregivers support veterans with serious wounds, injuries, and illnesses who are more vulnerable to complications as a result of COVID-19, have been disproportionately affected by this current crisis. Even before the COVID crisis, caregivers had a critical need for affordable respite care to manage their caregiving responsibilities. COVID-19 has worsened the circumstances of caregiving, as many families have lost the assistance from friends or loved ones during the shutdown and social distancing. The Elizabeth Dole Foundation is dedicated to empowering, supporting, and honoring our nation’s 5.5 million military caregivers; the spouses, parents, family members, and friends who care for America’s wounded, ill, or injured veterans. With this BWF grant, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation will provide 800 valuable hours of respite and back-up care for military and veteran caregivers impacted by COVID-19, to decrease caregiver stress and anxiety.