Ahrens Foundation Apprenticeship

The Organization

The Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation is a unique and innovative family foundation striving to help meet the needs of Grinnell and its neighboring communities by maintaining and perpetuating an endowment to provide ongoing support and resources.  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. Our office setting provides a professional but relaxed and quiet atmosphere for all of our staff. Additional information about the foundation can be found at the Ahrens Foundation website.

 The Job

The apprentice will report directly to the President/CEO of the Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation, assisting with planning and administration of charitable programs including:  Ahrens Park Foundation and Ahrens Park, Community Support Services (CSS), Dolly Ahrens Achievement Scholarship Award, and Leave It Better Than You Found It.

Current apprentice Anna-Lisa Bowans ('12) remarked that "an apprenticeship with the Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation will provide you with in-depth experience working within a professional office to manage projects with Ahrens staff and representatives from diverse community partner organizations, develop your marketing skills and improve your research abilities." Specific responsibilities will include:

  • Assisting in research, grant writing, assessment, and project management for the Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation, Ahrens Park Foundation, and nonprofit partners involved in the "Community Support Services" (CSS) program
  • Assisting in the program coordination for the "Dolly Ahrens Achievement Scholarship", "Leave It Better", and "Lend a Hand" charitable programs
  • Assisting with event planning, marketing and public relations for the Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation, Ahrens Park Foundation, and nonprofit partners involved in the “CSS” program
  • Assisting and shadowing President/CEO, as needed

Optional

Over the summer, the Ahrens Foundation apprentice has the option to work 30-40 hours per week instead of the 12-15 hours necessitated by the program.