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
Poweshiek County Fair Foundation Named Winner of 2019 “Leave It Better Than You Found It” Award
August 18, 2019 The Poweshiek County Fair Foundation is the 2019 winner of the “Leave It Better ThanYou Found It” award from the Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation (CDAF). The fair foundation was established in [...]
“Leave It Better” Nominations Open
July 1, 2019 Nominations are open for the 2019 “Leave It Better Than You Found It” awards from the Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation. All Grinnell area nonprofit, social, civic, fraternal, and community groups [...]
Americorps Member at Ahrens Foundation
June 20, 2019 Volunteering is the theme of the work AmeriCorps member Jodi Blackford is doing this summer. She is working for the Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation with the foundation’s president and CEO, [...]
Ahrens Park Adds PHASE II
June 10, 2019 Twenty-five-year-old Ahrens/Paschall Memorial Park is getting a Phase II facelift, this time for the tennis and basketball courts. In fall 2017, the Ahrens Park Foundation announced a $1 million multiphase, multiyear capital [...]
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