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
Annual Big GIVE for Poweshiek County kicks off with Spirit of Giving on October 4th
September 26, 2018 Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation will celebrate the launch of the 2018 Big GIVE fundraising campaign with the annual Spirit of Giving event which applauds the important role donors and volunteers have in community [...]
Give A Garden
Get Into Grinnell Blog (Posted by the Grinnell Chamber of Commerce on 9/20/18) Are you familiar with Grinnell's Giving Gardens? The first community Giving Garden was started in the summer of 2013 at Grinnell Regional Medical Center. The [...]
Kites Over Grinnell at Ahrens Park on Sept. 29th
The always colorful and enjoyable fall event, Kites over Grinnell, will be held Sat., Sept. 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Ahrens Park, sponsored by the Grinnell Rotary Club. This year’s event will [...]
Grinnell Connected PTO Receives 2018 “Leave It Better Than You Found It” Award
August 20, 2018 Grinnell Connected is the 2018 recipient of the “Leave It Better ThanYou Found It” award from the Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation (CDAF). Grinnell Connected is the volunteer-run, combined school booster [...]
Nonprofit Educational Workshop Series
Click the image below to view or download the educational workshop schedule.
Celebrating 20 Years
CDAF Strategic Plan 2017-2019
Click to download the CDAF Strategic Plan 2017-2019