January 2024

“You do not just wake up and become the butterfly. Growth is a process.”

— Rupi Kaur

Chrysalis is celebrating 35 years! 

Launching as a private foundation in 1989, founders Louise Noun, Elaine Szymoniak, and Barbara Barrett met twice a year to commit funding from Louise to women-serving nonprofits. 

Louise named the foundation, “Chrysalis Foundation,” as a symbol of the emerging butterfly. She wanted it to become more than just her private foundation, and the community responded positively by recognizing the considerable needs of girls and women. A few years later, Chrysalis became a public charity supported by generous contributions from people throughout Greater Des Moines. 

Since then, Chrysalis has been committed to raising funds, awarding grants, leading programs, and educating the community with the support and energy of local nonprofit partners, schools, colleges, donors, and volunteers. 

Throughout 2024, we will celebrate the girls, women, and men who are part of our work. Several special events will emphasize the foundation’s gratitude to the community that has supported it since 1989. Check out what we have planned; we hope you will join us! Learn more here.

The threads that connect us: A conversation with coauthors of The Thread Collectors  

In honor of International Women’s Day, Principal and community sponsors, Chrysalis Foundation, Iowa Women's Foundation, and Women Lead Change invite community members to a discussion surrounding the powerful themes of the acclaimed book, The Thread Collectors. 

This event is free; registration is required. Learn more here.

What is the Chrysalis Effect?

Our work has proven that when one girl or woman knows she matters, believes she is important, and has resources and opportunities to thrive; she is empowered, her family is strengthened, and the entire community benefits. This is the Chrysalis Effect. 

We see the Chrysalis Effect in the eyes of an adolescent girl when she joins the sisterhood of a Chrysalis After-School group, she knows she belongs. When a GirlPower High School Mentor teaches younger girls who see her as a role model, she gains leadership and confidence in herself. When a woman obtains a job that can lift her out of poverty, she realizes she can support herself. And when a single mother moves her family into a safe place that she and her family can call their own, she believes she and her family are protected and secure.  

The Chrysalis Effect is the transformation of girls and women to create better lives, better communities, and a better world. For 35 years, it has inspired thousands of girls and women. We’re proud that these ripples will continue for decades to come. 

Chrysalis Awards the 2024 Community Partner Grants

We’re proud to partner with 27 local nonprofit organizations that share our vision of enhancing the lives of girls and women in Greater Des Moines. Our Community Partner Grantees also receive funds for client emergencies, such as bus fare, job uniforms, or educational supplies. Since our inception in 1989, Chrysalis has invested over $5.5 million dollars in Community Partner Grants.  

Chrysalis also provides Rapid Response Grants for unanticipated emergency needs of local agencies. We also offer services to strengthen nonprofits, including strategic planning, board development, and fundraising training to ensure their ongoing success. 

To access a complete list of our 2024 Community Partner Grantees or to learn more about the Chrysalis grant programs, click here. 

Plan to join us for our 2024 Chrysalis Events.

Learn more here.