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
Kites Over Grinnell at Ahrens Park on Sept. 29th
The always-colorful and enjoyable fall event, Kites Over Grinnell, will take place Saturday, Sept. 29, from 10:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Ahrens Park, sponsored by the Grinnell Rotary Club and Ahrens Park Foundation.
Grinnell Connected PTO Receives 2018 “Leave It Better Than You Found It” Award
August 20, 2018 Grinnell Connected is the 2018 recipient of the “Leave It Better ThanYou Found It” award from the Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation (CDAF). Grinnell Connected is the volunteer-run, combined school booster [...]
Grinnell honored by Campaign for Grade-Level Reading
Grinnell Education Partnership recognized for supporting students’ success in school August 8, 2018 The national Campaign for Grade-Level Reading (GLR) recognized the Grinnell Education Partnership with several honors at the GLR Week national conference in [...]
Nonprofit Educational Workshop Series: Financial Management
August 6, 2018 Beginning next week, the Claude W. & Dolly Ahrens Foundation and Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation will begin a monthly Nonprofit Educational Workshop series for local nonprofit organizations. Each session will be held [...]
Nonprofit Educational Workshop Series
Click the image below to view or download the educational workshop schedule.
Celebrating 20 Years
CDAF Strategic Plan 2017-2019
Click to download the CDAF Strategic Plan 2017-2019