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.
Online Auction – Starts July 1, 2020
All proceeds from the online auction, “A Stitch In Time” will benefit the Poweshiek Housing Assistance Fund. Please click on the Quilt Auction Booklet to the right to view the 16 various beautiful quilts generously donated by Kathy Kessler.
The online auction begins July 1st and ends at 11:59 p.m. on July 31st. Click here for Online bidding instructions.
Latest News
Quilt Auction to Support Housing Assistance Needs in County
July 1, 2020 Kathy Kessler, an experienced instructor and seamstress of beautiful quilts, has donated sixteen of her own creations and co-creations to serve the cause of the Poweshiek Housing Coalition. Funds generated through an [...]
“LEAVE IT BETTER THAN YOU FOUND IT” Nominations Open
June 30, 2020 Nominations are open for the 2020 “Leave It Better Than You Found It” awards from the Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation. All Grinnell area nonprofit, social, civic, fraternal, and community [...]
Giving Gardens Growing Produce to be Shared
June 23, 2020 The community garden project that began in 2013 at Grinnell Regional Medical Center has bloomed into 11 Giving Gardens--nine in the city of Grinnell and two in Brooklyn. The Giving Gardens [...]
Grinnell Games Goes Virtual
June 12, 2020 Grinnell Games, presented by the Claude W. & Dolly Ahrens Foundation, is going virtual in June! In 2020 participants are invited to join as an active community both near and far [...]
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.
