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
Americorps Volunteer Coordinator Application
March 1, 2019 Now accepting applications for an Americorps Volunteer Engagement Coordinator position. Come join the team at the Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation this summer! Deadline to apply is Friday, April 5, [...]
VOLUNTEERS RAISE $270k for MICA BUILDING UPGRADES
February 1, 2019 Mid-Iowa Community Action (MICA) recently began a renovation of its Poweshiek County Family Development Center at 611 Fourth Ave. in Grinnell. Some of the renovation is now complete, and the rest will [...]
TIGER PACKS LAUNCHES FUNDRAISER
January 28, 2019 Tiger Packs Launches Fundraiser with Hy-Vee; Key Cooperative Makes Grant to Program Tiger Packs, the local program fund that provides healthy food to food insecure students in [...]
International Women’s Day
January 18, 2019 Plans are being made to observe International Women’s Day in Grinnell, the fourth consecutive year the day has been marked with a local event. This year’s theme [...]
Celebrating 20 Years
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.
CDAF Strategic Plan 2017-2019
Click to download the CDAF Strategic Plan 2017-2019