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.

Our Mission

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.

Our Vision

To enhance the quality of life for future generations in the Grinnell community and its neighboring communities.

Our Values

Collaboration, Compassion, Innovation, Integrity, Respect, and Wellness.

Thank You To Our Community Partners

Latest News

Ahrens Park Foundation and Claude W. & Dolly Ahrens Foundation Announce Merger

Ahrens Family Foundation2026-10-12T09:51:02-06:00October 12th, 2026|0 Comments

The Ahrens Park Foundation (APF) and Claude W. & Dolly Ahrens Foundation (CDAF) have announced plans to merge the two organizations, creating one unified foundation designed to strengthen long-term sustainability, simplify operations and maximize [...]

New Economic Impact Study Shows Ahrens Park Generates $17.3 Million Annually for Poweshiek County

Ahrens Family Foundation2026-09-30T12:56:20-06:00October 5th, 2026|0 Comments

For more than three decades, Ahrens/Paschall Memorial Park has served as a place for children to play, families to gather, athletes to compete and the community to come together. A new independent economic impact assessment [...]

Claude W. & Dolly Ahrens Foundation and Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation Kick Off We GIVE 2026 Campaign to Support Local Communities

Ahrens Family Foundation2026-09-29T12:24:58-06:00September 28th, 2026|Comments Off on Claude W. & Dolly Ahrens Foundation and Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation Kick Off We GIVE 2026 Campaign to Support Local Communities

The Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation (GPCF) and the Claude W. & Dolly Ahrens Foundation (CDAF) are excited to announce the kickoff of the annual We GIVE 2026 Campaign, a philanthropic initiative designed to address [...]

Celebrating 20 Years of Partnership

Ahrens Family Foundation2026-09-28T09:35:11-06:00September 28th, 2026|Comments Off on Celebrating 20 Years of Partnership

By working together, the Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation and the Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation strive to complement one another, rather than compete with the goal to enhance our local communities. [...]

Imagine Grinnell Offers Energy Efficiency and Radon Detection Kits at Drake Community Library

Ahrens Family Foundation2026-09-24T13:00:54-06:00September 24th, 2026|Comments Off on Imagine Grinnell Offers Energy Efficiency and Radon Detection Kits at Drake Community Library

As cooler weather approaches and many households begin thinking about rising energy costs, Imagine Grinnell is encouraging local residents to take a closer look at their homes with Home Energy Toolkits and Radon Detection Kits, [...]

Grinnell Food Coalition Awards $16,500 in Harvest Grants

Ahrens Family Foundation2026-09-22T12:55:17-06:00September 22nd, 2026|Comments Off on Grinnell Food Coalition Awards $16,500 in Harvest Grants

The Grinnell Food Coalition (GFC) has awarded $16,500 in Harvest Grants to four organizations working to strengthen food access and support local food systems in the Poweshiek County area. GFC received four applications for this [...]

Ahrens Park Foundation – 2026 Business of the Year

Strand 3 Theatre – 2026 Retailer/Restaurant of the Year

(Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation is part owner/managing partner)

Annual Report

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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 programs we serve and how you can support their program funds.