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
Imagine Grinnell Announces Plate to Plant Community Compost Initiative
August 3, 2020 Following Imagine Grinnell’s mission to create healthier people and a healthier environment in Grinnell, the local nonprofit has set out to support a new initiative: Plate to Plant. This community compost initiative [...]
Coalition provides food vouchers, local resource guide
July 7, 2020 As the COVID-19 pandemic reached Iowa in March and emergency closures triggered unemployment, Grinnell residents began discussing how they could help fellow townspeople in need. Those discussions quickly resulted in formation [...]
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 [...]
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.
