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

Giving Gardens Update

June 13, 2025 The 3rd graders at Davis Elementary rolled up their sleeves and planted the Davis Giving Garden before the last day of school! There’s no better way to start the morning [...]

UnityPoint Health – Grinnell and Imagine Grinnell Donate 464 Helmets to Area Third Graders

June 11, 2025 UnityPoint Health – Grinnell Regional Medical Center (GRMC) Foundation and Imagine Grinnell recently teamed up to promote health, wellness and safety by donating and fitting 464 bike helmets for third-grade students in [...]

June Grinnell Food Coalition Partners Meeting

June 10, 2025 Thanks to everyone who joined our June GFC Community Partners meeting We heard from Ella Mucciolo, who shared deliverables from her practicum with Grinnell Farm to Table—including a network map, resource map, [...]

Opening Night for Tiger Baseball and Softball at Ahrens Park

June 9, 2025 Even though the games got rained out, oh what a night! It was fun to see all of the Tiger Baseball and Softball Club players gathered to kick off the season at [...]

Students SPARK Change Through Community Innovation Challenge

June 3, 2025 Grinnell College students partnered with local organizations to pitch innovative, community-focused solutions as part of the annual SPARK Challenge. Two teams were awarded $4,000 each to implement projects supporting early childhood [...]

New Resident Welcome Event

May 30, 2025 Melissa and Jennifer from the Claude W. & Dolly Ahrens Foundation joined our friends Nicole and Amy from the Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation at the New Resident Welcome event hosted by the [...]

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Ahrens Park is Celebrating 30 Years!

Click the image below to view the Ahrens Park Foundation 30 year brochure.

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.