CONFERENCE CAUSE

Since 2004, Conference Cause has thrived thanks to incredible people like you. Your generosity, both financially and in volunteer hours, has made a monumental impact, contributing hundreds of thousands of dollars and engaging industry professionals in volunteerism.

In 2026, we are proud to partner with Zero8Hundred to continue the PLUS Foundation’s Conference Cause tradition of supporting local organizations that uplift and strengthen their communities. Zero8Hundred’s mission is to offer compassionate, evidence-based support to service members and their families, helping them navigate the unique challenges of transitioning from active duty to civilian life through a peer-based social work model.

During the Conference, join a ticketed event supporting our conference cause. Tour an active U.S. Navy large deck naval ship, then, at the conclusion of the tour, help build basic-needs and holiday support bags for sailors and for veterans served by Zero8Hundred. Leftover bags will be donated to Zero8Hundred’s clients. This event is Sold-Out.

Text “PLUS2026” to 44321 to donate, or scan the QR code:

Visit the PLUS Conference website to get involved.

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Grants Awarded Since 2004
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Volunteer Hours

PAST CAUSES

Conference Cause 2024: Women Employed and National Women Veterans United
For the 21st Conference Cause in Chicago, the PLUS Foundation donated a total of $59,100 to two local nonprofit organizations supporting women and veterans. Women Employed received $29,550 to advance equity for women in the workforce through policy advocacy, education access, and workplace inclusion. National Women Veterans United received $29,550 to help women veterans successfully reintegrate into work, school, and family life. Together, these contributions reflect the PLUS Foundation’s ongoing commitment to empowering women and strengthening communities where our members gather.

Conference Cause 2023: Dress for Success of Southern Nevada and B.E. A S.H.E.R.O. Foundation
For the 20th Conference Cause in Las Vegas the PLUS Foundation donated a total of $68,800 to two local not for profits. Dress for Success of Southern Nevada empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire, and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. B.E. A S.H.E.R.O. Foundation offers solutions and support for girls in vulnerable situations who have been abused, abandoned and exploited.

Conference Cause 2022: Zero8Hundred

For the 19th Conference Cause in San Diego the PLUS Foundation donated $67,900 and 45 conference attendees packed 500 bags of essential items that were distributed to homeless veterans and deploying troops.
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Conference Cause 2021: Attitudes & Attire
A $58,542 donation was made to Attitudes & Attire, a Dallas nonprofit dedicated to providing women tools that raise self-esteem, promote ethics and build the confidence necessary to develop successful life skills and job readiness. The Boots to Heels program assists women in the military with their transition to civilian life and a civilian career.
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Conference Cause 2020: Hire Heroes USA
The 17th annual Conference Cause produced its first Foundation fundraising event based on a game show, Insurance Squares. $32,575 was raised from the show, and with the Foundation gift of $30K, Hire Heroes USA received a donation of $62,575. Additionally, individual and corporate volunteers provided assistance to veterans making the transition from their military to a civilian career, and several companies pledged to work with Hire Heroes to hire veterans.
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Conference Cause 2019: Metropolitan Washington-Baltimore USO
Continuing a tradition of supporting military personnel, the 16th annual Conference Cause donated $73,500 to USO Metro and volunteers packed 1,000 care kits for deploying troops as they shipped out.
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Conference Cause 2018: San Diego Armed Services YMCA
2018 is the 15th annual Conference Cause. Returning to where our first Conference Cause was held 15 years ago! $58,859 was donated to the San Diego Armed Services YMCA. PLUS volunteers held an appreciation event for military families.
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Conference Cause 2017: Atlanta
2017 was the 14th annual Conference Cause. $57,363 was donated to Lekotek of GA. PLUS volunteers held a Halloween party for the kids of Lekotek and their families.
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Conference Cause 2016: City of Hope
2016 was the 13th annual Conference Cause and our fourth time in Chicago. In past years we have supported Special Olympics, Greater Chicago Food Depository and Ronald McDonald House. $45,000 was donated to City of Hope. 100 blankets were made by volunteers for their patients.
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2015 – $47,800 donated to The Family Place, and 30 volunteers made grounds improvements and baked with the kids.
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2014 – $31,362 donated to Sunrise Children’s Foundation, and 38 volunteers assembled 250 Thanksgiving meal baskets.
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2013 – $33,500 donated to Give Kids the World, and 30 volunteers served family meals and organized children’s activities.
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2012 – $40,000 donated to Chicagoland Ronald McDonald House, and 58 volunteers prepared and served meals to guests of the House.
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2011 – $44,000 to the Armed Services YMCA of San Diego, and 52 volunteers hosted a barbecue for service members and families.
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2010 – $46,000 to The Childrens Shelter and 55 volunteers helped with grounds improvements and had a fun play event with the kids.
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2009 – $33,000 to the Greater Chicago Food Depository, and a record 115 volunteers preparing food packages.
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2008 – $42,000 in grants and in-kind gifts to UCSF Children’s Hospital, with a unique on-site conference volunteer event that prepared 6,000 welcome boxes for kids.
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2007 – $56,000 to the Walter Reed Society, and a dinner/entertainment event for recovering soldiers and their families hosted by 48 PLUS Foundation volunteers
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2006 – $25,000 to Special Olympics/Special Children’s Charities of Chicago, and 20 PLUS Foundation volunteers working the annual soccer tournament
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2005 – $28,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Boston, and 20 volunteers held a bowling and pizza party for 100 kids and their mentors
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2004 – $33,000 to the Armed Services YMCA of San Diego, and 23 PLUS Foundation volunteers fed over 300 servicemen and women from the USS Boxer
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