The Deed team sat down with The CAUSE Foundation to talk about their important mission, and how companies can help drive more impact.
For our latest Nonprofit Spotlight, Deed sat down with Judee Greenspan, President of The CAUSE Foundation, to learn more about the organization’s mission and impact.
Founded in 1994 by Flight Attendants for Flight Attendants, The CAUSE Foundation supports United Airlines Flight Attendants and their families who are facing financial hardship due to illness, injury, or disability. The Foundation provides essential assistance to help families manage medical expenses and maintain stability during difficult times.
In our conversation, Judee shared her perspective on the foundation’s work, its commitment to preserving dignity for those in crisis, and how The CAUSE Foundation and Deed are partnering to expand support and drive meaningful impact.
“The organization was founded by a woman named Monica Leonard, who was deeply involved in charitable work, including organizing golf outings with United Airlines. Through that work, she began to see a real and unmet need. When flight attendants became ill and used up all of their sick time, there was no safety net to support them financially.
I personally experienced this gap when I broke my leg in 1993 and had to return to work before I was medically ready because my disability benefits had run out. My doctors strongly advised against it, but I had no other option. About a year later, when CAUSE was created, I immediately recognized how necessary it was and became involved as soon as I heard about it.”
“Since the organization was founded, one of the biggest changes has been the launch of our online store. Selling products has become an important source of funding, especially for covering our administrative costs, which helps us direct more resources to those in need.
We’ve also faced significant transitions along the way. When United merged with Continental, many Continental flight attendants had never heard of The CAUSE Foundation, so we spent several years raising awareness and building trust within that community. Today, with so many new hires joining the company, outreach continues to be an ongoing effort.
One of the most impactful tools we’ve developed is a video on our website. When people watch it, they truly understand the heart of our work. I’ve seen people moved to tears, and it helps them grasp both what we do and the real difference we’ve made in people’s lives.”
“We have several upcoming initiatives that we’re excited about. Each year during the holidays, we sell seasonal items through our website, but we also bring those products directly into the airports so flight attendants can purchase them in person without having to pay for shipping.
Systemwide, we participate in International Flight Attendant Day on May 31st, when United hosts celebrations at all bases. We use this opportunity to raise awareness about The CAUSE Foundation and educate flight attendants about the support we provide.
At Newark, we’re also involved in the annual “Burger Burn,” a large barbecue held every September in the parking lot. We bring our products, connect with flight attendants, and share information about our mission. These events, the holidays, International Flight Attendant Day, and the Burger Burn, are key opportunities for us to engage the community and expand our reach.”
“The best way to support our organization is through payroll deduction, especially if you work for United. Deed’s payroll donations have been a huge support for our organization. When donations come through payroll, we receive the full amount without paying processing fees, which means more of each dollar goes directly to helping flight attendants and their families in need. We are also always looking for volunteers to help at our bases.”
Deed’s conversation with Judee Greenspan highlighted how powerful it can be when an organization is built around one essential question: How can we be there for our people? The CAUSE Foundation was created to meet that need and continues to provide vital support to United Airlines Flight Attendants and their families facing financial hardship. Through its work, The CAUSE Foundation helps ensure stability, dignity, and care when it matters most.
There are many ways to stand behind this mission, from making a donation to engaging in workplace giving or sharing the organization’s story. We encourage you to visit The CAUSE Foundation’s profile on Deed to learn more and get involved.