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Community Foundation of the Ozarks is committing at least $100,000 to diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.
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Community Foundation of the Ozarks is committing at least $100,000 to diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.

CFO to fund diversity position at CPO

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Last edited 2:18 p.m., July 15, 2020

As part of expanded funding for diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, Community Foundation of the Ozarks Inc. announced it would fund a hire for its nonprofit colleague Community Partnership of the Ozarks.

CFO spokesperson Aaron Scott said the nonprofit has committed to funding the first-year salary for a community diversity and equity director at CPO. He declined to disclose the expected salary, deferring the question to CPO President and CEO Janet Dankert. She could not be reached immediately for comment by deadline.

The new director at CPO would be charged with working to advance diversity and equity in the community and create infrastructure for other institutions to improve their equity and inclusion culture, according to the job description on CPO's website.

Other local organizations have added diversity and inclusion positions in recent years. Among them, Drury University named Marilyn Harris its chief human resources and diversity and inclusion officer and Springfield Public Schools hired Yvania Garcia-Pusateri as its first chief equity and diversity officer, according to past reporting.

In addition to the funding for CPO, CFO also announced it would provide $80,000 for a diversity, equity and inclusion grant program with a preference for projects that promote equity. CFO also set aside $20,000 for an inclusivity fund that can be used for expenses related to equitable leadership opportunities, according to a news release.

“Racism and intolerance are roadblocks to the pursuit of our mission to improve the quality of life for everyone in our region,” CFO President Brian Fogle said in the release. “We hope that philanthropy — with flexible, creative capital — can contribute to the progress needed to heal our nation.”

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