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

Celebrating 20 Years of Partnership In Brooklyn!

June 13, 2026 Great day at the Brooklyn Flag Festival with our longtime partner, Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation! We loved getting the chance to visit with so many people from the Brooklyn community and [...]

Grinnell Gathers: Philanthropy Panel

June 6, 2026 The Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation, the Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation, and Grinnell College announce a new series, Grinnell Gathers. This free, year-long series offers an in-depth look at the [...]

Celebrating 20 Years!

May 28, 2026 Thank you to everyone who came out to the New Resident Welcome and Music in the Park to celebrate with us - and to mark 20 years of partnership with the [...]

Claude W. & Dolly Ahrens Foundation and Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation Celebrate 20 Years of Partnership and Community Impact

May 19, 2026 The Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation (CDAF) and the Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation (GPCF) are proud to celebrate the 20-year anniversary of their transformative partnership through the Community Support Services (CSS) [...]

ROAD CLOSURE PSA – Beginning Tuesday, May 19

May 14, 2026 Starting Tuesday morning, May 19th, the intersection of Penrose St. and 10th Ave. will be fully closed for utility work related to the new Grinnell-Newburg Community School District Elementary Campus project. [...]

Volunteer for Ahrens Park Run

May 3, 2026 Every Saturday the Ahrens Park parkrun relies on volunteers - timers, scanners, chip distributors, tail walkers and course marshals. The goal is to limit volunteers to one shift per month so [...]

Ahrens Park Foundation – 2026 Business of the Year

Strand 3 Theatre – 2026 Retailer/Restaurant of the Year

(Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation is part owner/managing partner)

Annual Report

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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.