When Des Moines philanthropist Louise Noun established the Chrysalis Foundation in 1989, she and other Des Moines women demonstrated their commitment to bring about change.

Noun's efforts played a major role in empowering women who had no voice of their own, and carried through in foundation grants to improve the lives of women and girls in central Iowa.

At her death in 2002, Noun left her legacy through a gift from her estate to create the Chrysalis endowment, securing the foundation's operations for the long-term.

Because of this endowment, 100% of every gift made to Chrysalis is invested directly into programs serving women and girls in the local community.