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

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 [...]

Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation and Claude W. & Dolly Ahrens Foundation Kick Off We GIVE 2024 Campaign to Support Local Communities

September 27, 2024 The Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation (GPCF) and the Claude W. & Dolly Ahrens Foundation (CDAF) are excited to announce the kickoff of the We GIVE 2024 Campaign, a philanthropic initiative designed to [...]

KITES OVER GRINNELL ON SATURDAY, SEPT. 28 at Ahrens Park

September 25, 2024 The 8th annual Kites Over Grinnell will be held on Sat., Sept. 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ahrens Park Soccer Field, 1510 Penrose Ave. Colorful kites by 15 members [...]

Your Voice, Our Future: The Countdown to a Better Grinnell Starts Now

Wednesday, September 11 Build A Better Grinnell 2030 Invites the Community to an Information Session and Celebration on September 24 Over the past two years, Build A Better Grinnell 2030 (BABG) has been hard [...]

William “Bill” Mason Posthumously Honored with 2024 “Leave It Better Than You Found It” Award

September 5, 2024 The Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation is proud to posthumously award William “Bill” Mason the 2024 "Leave It Better Than You Found It" award. This prestigious honor, which commemorates the [...]

We GIVE – Support Our Community

Our annual We GIVE campaign will quick off October 1st. Look for the Catalog of Giving in your mail box or click the image below to view the Catalog for Giving online.

Give Now

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.