The Greater Cincinnati Foundation has pledged a minimum of $350,000 to support the work of Cincinnati Community Action Now, the task force formed by Mayor Charlie Luken to address racial tension and economic disparity issues.

        The foundation's governing board met in special session twice during the past two weeks and voted to give the task force:

        • An immediate grant of $50,000 for startup and administrative costs.

        • Office and meeting space in the foundation's Fourth Street headquarters.

        • At least $250,000 for programs and initiatives

        • $50,000 to fund the work of the panel's special counsel, former city manager Sylvester Murray.

        The foundation wanted to be an example, said Kathryn Merchant, foundation president and chief executive officer.

        “Our board felt that if we made an early investment in this commission, then others would see it was a good idea and join in too.”

        The foundation also can help Community Action Now leverage other resources, she added, by collaborating with other local grant-makers, such as the United Way and KnowledgeWorks, to attract national sources of support.

        The foundation also is encouraging its donors to take an interest in the race panel and in other opportunities to promote racial healing.

Homeowners find baby bones
City may offer free parking at Taste
Columbus prosecutor to lead case against officer
Community task force promised $350,000
Obscenity jury acquits shop owner
Hustler buys store property
Rivers running high, but floods not expected
CPS budget plan raises spending
School-site delay angers Sands parents
Board criticized for barring superintendent from office
PULFER: Principal works with principle
Self-defense claimed in neighborhood feud
Butler delays sales tax vote
Deer runs through Price Hill eatery
Lebanon tripped up by ordinance ruling
Local Digest
School Notes
Top school official retires
Two hurt fighting Middletown fire
Water rates might jump in Newport
Agriculture agents watch worm
Bank sees hire as a good catch
Fort Thomas could close school
Group for gays forming in N.Ky
Kentucky Digest
Maifest saw rebound after 1st-day rainout
Rainfall soaks farmers with hope
Tornado reported as storms pummel Ohio
Accused financier says role exaggerated
Congrats
Court ruling pleases lawyer opposing Boehner in lawsuit
Her mission since 1960: Being a pen pal
Three judges pay back Ohio after watchdog complains
Two-year colleges may get relief