Mission Statement
The Chicago Bears Football Club is dedicated to making a difference in our community. Our organization inspires positive change and enriches the lives of others through outreach programs, initiatives, and partnerships. We are proud to give back to the community that has supported us since 1920.
One of the world's most storied professional sports franchises, the Chicago Bears were established in 1920 (as the Decatur Staleys) as George Halas founded professional football with representatives from 11 other clubs in Canton, Ohio. Halas was not only the team's founder, but also served as head coach for 40 years and was active with the Bears until his death in 1983. In 1997, the franchise became the first club in NFL annals to notch its 600th victory. The Bears have sent 26 inductees to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the most of any NFL team.
From the very beginning, the Chicago Bears have always been active in the community as well. Born and raised on Chicago's west side and a graduate of Crane Technical High School, George Halas was determined to give back to the community that so loyally supported and rallied around his beloved Bears. Halas' early charitable initiatives included support of the armed forces, College All-Star Game with Tribune Charities, Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Fund, St. Joseph's College and Loyola University…just to name a few.
Building upon the foundation that Halas started back in 1920, the Chicago Bears organization continues to make a difference in the community via a collaborative effort between the Club's charitable outreach efforts and its charitable beneficiary Bears Care.