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

Thank You to MCG!

April 4, 2025 Shout-out to Brandon & Coleton from MCG for helping Ahrens Park put up our driving range nets. Chad Nath, CEO of Ahrens Park Foundation, reached out and MCG answered the call! #LocalMatters [...]

SHE Counts Trivia Takeover Night – Join the Fun!

April 4, 2025 Date: April 9, 2025 Time: 7:00 PM Location: @grinnellcraftbrewhouse Get ready for a night of fun, friendly competition, and community spirit at the SHE Counts Trivia Takeover Night! Bring your friends, form [...]

Free Trees for Homeowners!

April 3, 2025 Did your street undergo reconstruction in the last two years? You may be eligible for a free tree! Imagine Grinnell and the City of Grinnell are offering trees to homeowners in the [...]

New Funding Opportunity

April 2, 2026 The Grinnell Food Coalition is launching the Harvest Grant — a new grant to support local food initiatives in Grinnell & Poweshiek County! Eligible orgs can apply for up to $5,000 to [...]

Join the Fun & Make a Difference!

March 26, 2025 POWER Kids' Mileage Club is kicking off this spring on April 9 and we need YOUR help! Volunteer at Bailey Park, Fairview or Davis and cheer on K-4th graders as they [...]

SHE Counts and Grinnell Mutual Partner for Period Product Drive and Community Event in March

March 12, 2025 SHE Counts, a program of the Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation, is celebrating Women’s History Month by hosting a community-wide period product drive throughout March. In collaboration with Grinnell Mutual, the [...]

Support Our Community

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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.