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
12,096 More Meals Packed on Nov. 4
November 19, 2018 The Grinnell Take Away Hunger program packaged 12,096 meals on Nov. 4 at the Grinnell Elk's Lodge. Participants at this event packaged the black beans and rice food packets developed in partnership [...]
Big Give Results
November 16, 2018 The Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation's annual Big GIVE for Poweshiek County Campaign raised $146,000 for 50 local funds and nonprofits supported by GPCF. The month-long fund drive in October encourages donors to [...]
Annual Big GIVE for Poweshiek County kicks off with Spirit of Giving on October 4th
September 26, 2018 Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation will celebrate the launch of the 2018 Big GIVE fundraising campaign with the annual Spirit of Giving event which applauds the important role donors and volunteers have in community [...]
Give A Garden
Get Into Grinnell Blog (Posted by the Grinnell Chamber of Commerce on 9/20/18) Are you familiar with Grinnell's Giving Gardens? The first community Giving Garden was started in the summer of 2013 at Grinnell Regional Medical Center. The [...]
Celebrating 20 Years
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.
CDAF Strategic Plan 2017-2019
Click to download the CDAF Strategic Plan 2017-2019