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
Park Improvement Projects Outpace Summer Activities
September 1, 2020 The pandemic and derecho may have changed league and tournament play at Ahrens/Paschall Memorial Park this summer but they didn’t deter the park’s capital improvement project checklist. Ahrens Park is home [...]
LINK is “Leave It Better Than You Found It” 2020 winner
August 27, 2020 LINK is the 2020 recipient of the “Leave It Better Than You Found It” award from the Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation (CDAF). The “Leave It [...]
“Mask Up Grinnell” Campaign Encourages Mask-Wearing
August 24, 2020 As COVID-19 continues to make a global impact, a coalition of local partners aims to help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus right here in Grinnell by encouraging and [...]
Giving to Grinnell in the wake of Derecho
August 20, 2020 The Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to partner with the Claude W. & Dolly Ahrens Foundation, Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation and the Grinnell United Way in an effort to [...]
Giving Locally in the Wake of Derecho 2020
Click the image below to view the list of local community funds that need assistance in the wake of the derecho storm that hit Grinnell and Poweshiek County on August 10, 2020.
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.
