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

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 [...]

Celebrate International Women’s Day with SHE Counts!

March 8, 2025 Today, we honor the strength, resilience, and achievements of women around the world and in our own community. At SHE Counts, we’re committed to breaking barriers and empowering women and girls through: [...]

Grinnell Overwhelmingly Votes YES for our community, our kids and our future!

March 5, 2025 You did it, Grinnell! The PPEL vote passed by a super majority! Over 75% voted YES! The PPEL was approved to provide an increase in the Physical Plant and Equipment Levy [...]

Now Recruiting: Summer 2025 AmeriCorps Community Garden Coordinators!

March 4, 2025 We are recruiting for two summer 2025 AmeriCorps Community Garden Coordinators! Make an impact by enhancing community gardens, engaging volunteers, and expanding access to fresh, healthy food! Apply now: https://go.iowa.gov/2dp4 or scan [...]

Community partners convene to address food insecurity

March 3, 2025 The Grinnell Food Coalition (GFC), a program of the Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation, was established in 2020 to support neighbors facing food insecurity during the pandemic. Since then, GFC [...]

New AEDs Installed at Ahrens Park!

February 27, 2025 Thanks to a collaboration with Poweshiek County Public Health and funding from opioid settlement grants, two outdoor Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are now available at Ahrens Park. The Ahrens Park Foundation firmly [...]

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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.