the foundation for girls and women

celebrate 35 years of the chrysalis effect

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.

 

we are chrysalis

When a girl learns, she is able to earn and give back to her community when she grows up. When a woman is given the necessary tools to support her success, everyone benefits. Chrysalis works to increase resources and opportunities for women and girls in the greater Des Moines area, and empower them to be all that they can be.

learn about our mission

we are all about girls and women

No tool for development is more effective than empowering women. The World Bank calls investing in women “smart economics” because research shows economic growth for women has a critical multiplier effect. Women are more likely to share their personal economic gains with their families and communities; in fact, women reinvest 90% of their income in food, healthcare, home improvement, and schooling for themselves and their children. In short, “women’s progress” is “society progress.”

this is the work of chrysalis 

we can’t do it alone

Our work is about connections.  Whether it's our community of nonprofit partners working to strengthen girls and women, our grant partners delivering our mission, or our school site leaders reaching girls through enriching after-school progrms, we don't work alone.  And only with the support of friends, donors, volunteers, and community stakeholders does our work change lives.

find out how you can help

issues and resources

Our education and fundraising events share information on the broad issues important to the success of girls and women, and our continuous learning keeps us relevant.  Because you care about our community, we want to keep you informed, too.

read our take on information you should know