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
P.O.W.E.R. Kids (Positive Opportunities for Wellness, Exercise, and Reading for Kids) Launched
November 16, 2022 A new program has been established by the Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation (CDAF) to educate and empower Grinnell elementary students to make healthy lifestyle choices, in and outside the [...]
Build a Better Grinnell 2030 Community Visioning Project kicks off
November 10, 2022 The Build a Better Grinnell 2030 Community Visioning Project is kicking-off and is seeking broad community input. The Visioning Project is an effort to assess Grinnell’s strengths, community needs, and priorities. The [...]
Imagine Grinnell Announces Burner Gravel Clinics and Gravel Gobbler Event
November 4, 2022 Imagine Grinnell’s Prairie Burn group is holding 4, no-cost, 60-minute educational clinics about gravel biking, and hosting a Gravel Gobbler event on Thanksgiving coinciding with the annual Turkey Trot run. The Burner [...]
Foundation Statement
October 25, 2022 As you may or may not be aware, several racially-motivated incidences have occurred in Grinnell over the last few months targeting people of color, specifically Grinnell College students. These incidents have escalated [...]
Partner 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 partner programs we serve and how you can support their program funds.
Catalog for Giving/Annual Report
Click the image to view or download brochure.
Healthiest State Initiative Workplace Winner
The Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation was announced the winner of the 2022 Healthiest State Small Workplace Award. The award recognizes the Ahrens Foundation for efforts to improve the physical, social and emotional well-being of its employees.
