Chrysalis Foundation

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Chrysalis Foundation Chrysalis Foundation invests in the safety, security, education, and economic empowerment of girls

After years of encouraging Des Moines-area women to create a women's foundation, Louise Rosenfield Noun, called together her friends, Senator Elaine Szymoniak and Attorney Barbara Barrett, to establish the Chrysalis Foundation in 1989. Over the next decade, we expanded our Board, hired staff, and created our signature program, Chrysalis After-School, in addition to funding key organizations serving girls and women in Polk, Warren, and Dallas counties in central Iowa. In our work to engage organizations and individuals concerned for the well-being of girls and women, we created and lead the Women's Alliance, where we learn together, share resources, and provide a voice for girls and women throughout Iowa. Today, Chrysalis partners with the community to provide Iowa women and girls leadership skills, educational and economic opportunities, and a voice within their communities.

The lessons kids learn about gender do not come only from what we tell them. They also come from what they watch us do.R...
10/23/2026

The lessons kids learn about gender do not come only from what we tell them. They also come from what they watch us do.

Research has found that children can receive different messages about the value of household work depending on the kinds of chores traditionally assigned to girls and boys.

Feminist parenting challenges that pattern.

Rotate responsibilities. Value different kinds of work equally. And whenever possible, let kids see adults sharing caregiving and household responsibilities.

A feminist believes in equality between the sexes. Home is one of the first places children learn whether that equality is real.

Chrysalis was happy to join the Iowa Women's Foundation at their annual luncheon this week! Congratulations on a success...
10/22/2026

Chrysalis was happy to join the Iowa Women's Foundation at their annual luncheon this week! Congratulations on a successful event and an incredible year of impact!

What a difference 40 years can make.When Breast Cancer Awareness Month began in 1985, the goal was to bring greater atte...
10/20/2026

What a difference 40 years can make.

When Breast Cancer Awareness Month began in 1985, the goal was to bring greater attention to a disease affecting millions of women and families. More than 40 years later, the impact of awareness, advocacy, early detection, and advances in treatment is undeniable.

Since 1985, breast cancer death rates in the United States have declined by approximately 44%.

That's meaningful progress, but there's still work to do.

At Chrysalis, we believe that when women have access to information, resources, and support, individuals and entire communities become stronger.

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we recognize survivors, remember those we've lost, and encourage everyone to make breast health a priority.

Because awareness is powerful. And every life matters.

GirlPower High School Peer Mentors make a difference.Chrysalis is looking for Peer Mentors who are ready to inspire, enc...
10/18/2026

GirlPower High School Peer Mentors make a difference.

Chrysalis is looking for Peer Mentors who are ready to inspire, encourage, and support younger girls through the Chrysalis After-School program!

Peer Mentors have the opportunity to build leadership skills, make meaningful connections, and serve as positive role models for the next generation.

✨ Your time. Your voice. Your impact.

Ready to make a difference? Learn more and become a High School Chrysalis Peer Mentor at https://www.chrysalisfdn.org/girlpower

Get inspired. Make an impact.Join us for INSPIRED on November 3 as we celebrate the power of investing in girls and wome...
10/17/2026

Get inspired. Make an impact.

Join us for INSPIRED on November 3 as we celebrate the power of investing in girls and women and the possibilities we create together!

Tickets are available now!

• $100 | Individual Ticket
• $60 | Young Professional (35 and under)
• $40 | Student Ticket or Sponsor a Student

Whether you're joining us for the first time or returning for another unforgettable event, we'd love to see you there!

Save your seat, invite a friend, or help inspire the next generation by sponsoring a student.

Get your tickets today: https://www.chrysalisfdn.org/event-details/2026-chrysalis-inspired-event

Mark your calendar to join us for the 2026 Chrysalis Inspired Event as we present award-winning photojournalist and author Lynsey Addario.

10/16/2026

Today is the deadline to submit a Letter of Intent for 2027 Chrysalis Community Partner Grant funding.

Organizations serving girls and women in Polk, Dallas, and Warren counties are invited to apply for Operating Support or Project Grant funding.

Letters of Intent are due by 12 noon today, October 16.

Visit the Chrysalis website for grant guidelines, eligibility requirements, and submission information.

INSPIRED Men are stepping up for the next generation of girls!Led by founder Tito Trevino, Chrysalis INSPIRED Men have s...
10/15/2026

INSPIRED Men are stepping up for the next generation of girls!

Led by founder Tito Trevino, Chrysalis INSPIRED Men have set a goal to raise $10,000 in support of Chrysalis After-School and become Presenting Sponsors of this year's INSPIRED Event!

Since 1998, Chrysalis After-School has helped girls build confidence, develop resilience, and form meaningful friendships. This year alone, more than 800 girls across 30 Greater Des Moines schools will benefit from the program, with more schools waiting for funding.

INSPIRED Men are inviting members to help meet their goal through gifts of $1,000, making a meaningful investment in the girls of today and the leaders of tomorrow.

Will you join them in making a difference?

Learn more or make a gift at chrysalisfdn.org.

Chrysalis Foundation empowers girls and women across Greater Des Moines through leadership programs, scholarships, mentoring, community grants, and educational opportunities. Join us in building the girls nonprofit Des Moines.

We’re grateful to Prairie Meadows Casino, Racetrack & Hotel for their generous grant support of Chrysalis After-School.T...
10/14/2026

We’re grateful to Prairie Meadows Casino, Racetrack & Hotel for their generous grant support of Chrysalis After-School.

This funding helps girls build workforce skills, confidence, and experiences that prepare them for future education, careers, and leadership opportunities.

Chrysalis board members were pleased to attend the Prairie Meadows grant award luncheon and celebrate alongside so many organizations making a difference across central Iowa.

Thank you, Prairie Meadows, for investing in the future of girls in our community.

Every partnership matters, and so does every sponsor.We're currently looking for a few more Bronze Sponsors ($500) to he...
10/13/2026

Every partnership matters, and so does every sponsor.

We're currently looking for a few more Bronze Sponsors ($500) to help make this year's efforts a success. This sponsorship opportunity is especially designed to be accessible for small and medium-sized businesses that want to support a great cause without a large financial commitment.

It's an easy way to align your business with community impact, connect with local supporters, and demonstrate your commitment to making a difference.

Join us as a Bronze Sponsor and help create stronger opportunities for those we serve. https://www.chrysalisfdn.org/event-details/2026-chrysalis-inspired-event

Thank you for investing in our community.

Mark your calendar to join us for the 2026 Chrysalis Inspired Event as we present award-winning photojournalist and author Lynsey Addario.

Being a feminist dad does not require having all the right words. It starts with believing that girls and women deserve ...
10/12/2026

Being a feminist dad does not require having all the right words. It starts with believing that girls and women deserve equal rights, opportunities, and respect, and letting that belief shape how you parent.

Being present matters. Kids with involved fathers benefit socially, emotionally, and academically, and they also get to see a broader picture of what fatherhood and caregiving can look like.

You do not have to be a perfect dad. Be an engaged one.

Address

1248 8th Street, Suite 101
West Des Moines, IA
50265

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+15152551853

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