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.
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.
Latest News
Foundation Offices Temporarily Closes Doors
March 23, 2020 In order to help limit the spread of COVID-19 and support community efforts to promote social distancing and self-isolation, the administrative offices of the Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation and Greater [...]
Ahrens history in miracle recreation 2020 catalog
March 10, 2020 The new Miracle Recreation Equipment 2020 Catalog features scenes from the Ahrens/Paschall Memorial Park's new playground areas along with some history of Miracle Recreation and it's former founder and owner, Claude [...]
Cancelled International women’s day Event
March 6, 2020 In order to mitigate any potential spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the March 9 International Women’s Day event scheduled to be held at Grinnell Mutual has been cancelled. While there are [...]
Celebrate International Women’s Day with us!
February 10, 2020 On March 9, S.H.E. Counts, the Grinnell League of Women Voters, and the Claude W. & Dolly Ahrens Foundation will be hosting the fifth annual International Women’s Day at the Grinnell Mutual [...]
Nonprofit Educational Workshop Series
Click the image below to view or download the educational workshop schedule.
Partner Program Funds
The Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation also serves as an umbrella organization and financial manager for other nonprofit partners and their program funds. Please click the Catalog For Giving image below to learn more about the nonprofits we serve and how you can support their program funds.
