The Bears and Colts join other teams in donating money to Indiana flood victims

The Chicago Bears are stepping up to support families affected by severe storms and flooding across Illinois and Northwest Indiana, donating $200,000 to help communities recover from widespread damage.

The franchise announced the contribution as thousands of residents continue dealing with the aftermath of flooding, power outages, and property damage.

The donation will be split between two organizations providing direct assistance to those impacted, being Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago and Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Gary .

Each organization will receive $100,000 to help provide essential resources, including food, clothing, housing assistance, and other recovery services.

“Both organizations are helping address immediate and ongoing needs in affected communities, including food, clothing, housing assistance and other recovery resources where many families remain without power, displaced from their homes and face a long rebuilding process,” the Bears said in a statement.

The flooding had a major impact across Northwest Indiana, with reports indicating approximately 150,000 residents were affected by the storms. Many families have been forced to begin rebuilding while waiting for additional support.

Bears join Midwest sports community

The Bears were among several professional sports organizations that responded to the disaster. The Indianapolis Colts, Indiana Pacers, Indiana Fever, and Noblesville Boom also announced a combined $250,000 donation to the American Red Cross to assist with relief efforts.

The response highlights how sports organizations have increasingly become involved in supporting communities during times of crisis. The Bears ’ latest donation continues a long history of charitable work through Bears Care, the team’s community initiative.

Since partnering with the Robert R. McCormick Foundation in 1995 and later becoming an independent organization in 2006, Bears Care has provided millions of dollars in support for causes across the region.

The organization has contributed to programs focused on hunger relief, medical research, education, youth sports, and emergency assistance. Since 2006, Bears Care has distributed more than $34.7 million to over 200 community organizations.

The team also recently highlighted its broader community impact, including $2.8 million raised during the 2025-26 fiscal year for youth football programs, women’s cancer initiatives, education projects, and community organizations in underserved areas.

Charity leaders praise Bears’ support

The two Catholic Charities organizations receiving the donation praised the Bears for helping residents during a challenging period.

“We deeply value and respect the longstanding philanthropic leadership of the Chicago Bears organization,” Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago CEO Sally Blount said.

The organization is working with families affected in Illinois, while Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Gary is assisting residents throughout Northwest Indiana.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Chicago Bears organization for their generous support,” Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Gary Executive Director Terry Seljan said. “And for the care and concern they have shown for our Northwest Indiana community.”

The donation comes as the Bears continue strengthening their relationship with Indiana. The franchise previously announced plans to move its future stadium project to Hammond, Indiana, although the team will continue operating under the Chicago Bears name.

With recovery efforts expected to continue for months, the team’s latest contribution provides immediate assistance while reinforcing its commitment to communities throughout the region.