Rotary Club of Springfield Southeast creates new charitable fund

The Rotary Club of Springfield Southeast is introducing a new fund to impact local charitable causes.

The organization's new funding initiative is slated to provide an estimated $30,000 annually to local charities working on issues such as poverty, abuse, hunger, health, education and safety, according to a news release.

"The establishment of this fund represents a milestone in our commitment to the Springfield community," said Dr. Steve Rice, chair of the Rotary Club of Springfield Southeast Endowment, in the release. "Our mission has always been to create lasting change, and with these funds, we are poised to support vital programs that tackle our most challenging issues head-on."

The Rotary Club of Springfield Southeast has raised more than $500,000 through fundraisers and donations over the past eight years. Yearly dividends from the fund will be disbursed to charities through the new funding initiative.

The organization is scheduled to provide further details on the fund during a Rotary luncheon at Ocean Zen on May 16, according to the release.

The Rotary Club of Springfield Southeast ranked No. 6 on Springfield Business Journal's list this month of the area's largest general networking groups. The organization reported 210 local members.