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.
Latest News
Women + Friends Event March 20, 2024
March 12, 2024 S.H.E. Counts (Supporting Helping Empowering Women), Grinnell Mutual, The Grinnell Chamber of Commerce, and Solera are celebrating Women’s History Month with Women + Friends: Women’s History Month Night Out on Wednesday, March [...]
GRINNtogether Honor Award to Jennifer Cogley
March 7, 2024 We are thrilled that Jennifer Cogley, our Director of Partner Programs, has been honored with a GRINNtogether Honor Award! The Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce has recognized Jennifer for her outstanding contributions [...]
Grinnell School of Music Receives $40,000 Gift to Create the Roger & Lisa Henderson Teacher Workspace
February 14, 2024 The Claude W. Ahrens Charitable Trust, Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation, and the Michael and Susan Witt Foundation have pledged a combined $40,000 to the Grinnell School of Music to create [...]
SHE Counts plans events surrounding Women’s History Month
February 13th, 2024 S.H.E. Counts (Supporting Helping Empowering Women) and the Brooklyn Opera House are kicking off Women’s History Month with an International Women’s Day event on March 1. The event is being held [...]
Make a difference in Grinnell this summer by serving as an AmeriCorps Community Food Coordinator!
Annual Report 2023 FYE/Catalog for Giving
Thank you for giving and supporting our community. Click the image below to view the Catalog of Giving.
Partner 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 partner programs we serve and how you can support their program funds.