Leaving It Better:

That’s the legacy that motivates us. That’s the mission that guides us.

The Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation was established as a family foundation in 1993 by the late Claude W. Ahrens. Mr. Ahrens enjoyed a long, successful business career in the playground and agricultural manufacturing fields and desired to return some of the fruits of his labor, particularly to his native Grinnell, Iowa area, with specific support to his special interest in parks and recreation. Claude W. Ahrens has truly set a philanthropic example to all.

The Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation continues its active commitment to improving the quality of life for our Grinnell community. We are dedicated to providing innovative charitable programs and support to local community projects and needs.

Our Mission

We are a unique and innovative family foundation striving to help meet the needs of the Greater Grinnell community through ongoing support services and resources by maintaining and perpetuating an endowment. Our purpose is to provide improved and enhanced quality of life for present and future generations with interest in the areas of parks & recreation, education, and health with our collaborative partners.

Our Vision

To enhance the quality of life for future generations in the Grinnell community and its neighboring communities.

Our Values

Collaboration, Compassion, Innovation, Integrity, Respect, and Wellness.

Thank You To Our Community Partners

Latest News

Prairie Burn 100 Registration Open

December 30, 2024 Registration for the Prairie Burn 100 gravel bike ride and fun run is open on Jan. 1! This year's Prairie Burn is taking place on June 14th, 2025. Set your clocks [...]

Please join us at the Community Meal on November 21st!

November 14, 2024 Join us Nov. 21st - Staff from the Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation and Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation will be serving the Community Meal at the Grinnell Methodist Church! It is [...]

P.O.W.E.R. Kids Program Coming to Bailey Park and Fairview Elementary Schools

November 12, 2024 Fun times are happening this week at Bailey Park Elementary School and Fairview Elementary next week. 2nd Graders will be making smoothies with the Blender bike from ISU Poweshiek County Extension, hearing [...]

Dedication Ceremony for Inclusive Playground at Central Park

November 7, 2024 The Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens is honored to be a supporter of the new Inclusive Playground at Central Park—a wonderful addition for Grinnell! Grinnell Recreation (Shared from the Grinnell Recreation [...]

Imagine Grinnell Continues Turkey Trot 5K and Gravel Gobbler Bike Ride on Thanksgiving Morning

November 6, 2024 Imagine Grinnell is excited to continue the tradition of the Turkey Trot 5K Run and Walk, previously led by local organizers who are stepping down. This Thanksgiving morning, Imagine Grinnell will host [...]

Grinnell Area Mental Health Consortium and Grinnell-Newburg Schools Present “Coping in the Digital Age”

October 24, 2024 The Grinnell-Newburg Community School District and the Grinnell Area Mental Health Consortium are excited to announce the next installment of their community-wide speaking event series. Past events have featured speakers like [...]

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Ahrens Park is Celebrating 30 Years!

Click the image below to view the Ahrens Park Foundation 30 year brochure.

Program Funds

The Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation also serves as an umbrella organization and financial manager for many local community and county programs. Please click the image below to learn more about the local programs we serve and how you can support their program funds.