Mission & History

The mission of the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) is to drive efforts to cure psoriatic disease and improve the lives of those affected.

The history of NPF began with Beverly Foster of Portland, Oregon, the year she turned 30. Because her psoriasis was severe, Beverly told her husband, Larry, that the one thing she wanted for her 30th was to talk to other people with psoriasis. Larry placed an ad in the local paper on Aug. 29, 1966 (Beverly’s birthday), looking for just those people.

From a newspaper ad to funding millions in research.

Within a week, Beverly received more than 100 phone calls. She began organizing meetings, first in her own living room, then in restaurants, libraries and borrowed offices. In 1967, she led the formation of the Psoriasis Society of Oregon (now NPF) and began raising money for psoriasis research.

 
Beverly Foster's husband puts out an ad for people with psoriasis to come together for support.

Today, more than 50 years later, NPF is the leading national nonprofit organization supporting research on psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and advocating for the needs of the psoriatic disease community. NPF is headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, with community divisions and volunteers across the U.S.

We invite you to get involved, support research, and make your own place in our history.

An adult and child smile while making the shape of a heart with their hands.

Get Involved

Together, we can change lives. Learn about all the ways you can help NPF, including volunteer opportunities, special events, fundraising, advocacy and more.

Ways to help
A smiling man sitting on grass, embraced by his grandson.

Make a Gift

We have many ways for you to support our mission - including membership, planned giving and other types of contributions.

Help us continue our vital work

Support Critical Research

NPF is committed to leading collaborative, transformational research that leads to better treatments and a cure for psoriatic disease.

Learn about our programs

Get to Know Us and Our Work

Listen to our exclusive podcasts, watch educational webinars, and browse our featured videos highlighting NPF's history and our continued work.

Tune in to Watch & Listen

Stay in the Know

Expert tips, can’t-miss events, and the latest news, straight to your inbox.

National Health Council Standards of ExcellenceCharity NavigatorCommunity Health Charities logo

Copyright © 1996-2024 National Psoriasis Foundation/USA


The National Psoriasis Foundation is a qualified 501(c)(3) EIN 93-0571472.


Duplication, rebroadcast, republication, or other use of content appearing on this website is prohibited without written permission of the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF).


NPF does not endorse or accept any responsibility for the content of external websites.


NPF does not endorse any specific treatments or medications for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

We use cookies to offer you a better experience and analyze our site traffic. By continuing to use this website, you consent to the use of cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.