the story of our history

Local conversations began in the 1980s, when Louise Noun called together a group of women to hear from Marie Wilson, then Director of the Ms. Foundation, the first and only national foundation focused on Women and Girls. 

Louise wanted others to understand the rationale and challenge of establishing a women’s fund to serve Iowa and continued to convene like-minded women for further planning. Other efforts arose, including by Iowa Senators Elaine Szymoniak and Mary Kramer, who were exploring establishment of a women’s foundation in Des Moines. 

By 1986, there were 35 established women’s funds in the United States, and a National Network of Women’s Funds had been created to assist continued efforts. 

Louise grew impatient with the planning process, and called her attorney, Barbara Barrett, to develop an application to establish a private women’s fund, funded entirely by Louise Noun, and Chrysalis was established in 1989 with a board of directors including Louise, Barbara, and Senator Szymoniak. Funded entirely by Louise, Chrysalis began making grants for local events and organizations working to improve women’s lives. 

It wasn’t long before Chrysalis became recognized for its grant-funded projects. Increasingly, there developed public motivation to contribute to its work, leading the foundation to become a public foundation.  

Watch for more next week!