The National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) is a United States‑based nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis through research, advocacy, education, and support services. It is classified as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
History
- Founded in 1978 under the name National Psoriasis Education and Research Foundation (NPERF).
- Renamed the National Psoriasis Foundation in 2002 to reflect an expanded focus that includes psoriatic arthritis.
- Headquarters are located in New York, New York.
Mission and Objectives
The organization’s stated mission is to “assist individuals with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and work toward a world without these diseases.” Its primary objectives include:
- Funding biomedical research aimed at better understanding, preventing, and treating psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
- Providing patient education and resources concerning disease management, treatment options, and lifestyle considerations.
- Offering psychosocial support programs, such as support groups and counseling referrals.
- Advocating for public policy and health‑care reforms that improve access to care and insurance coverage for affected individuals.
Programs and Services
| Program | Description |
|---|---|
| Research Grants | Grants are awarded annually to investigators pursuing basic, translational, and clinical studies related to psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. The foundation maintains a peer‑reviewed grant process and publishes annual grant award reports. |
| Patient Education | The NPF produces disease‑specific literature, webinars, and an online “Learn More” portal that covers topics such as treatment choices, comorbidities, and lifestyle management. |
| Support Services | Includes the “Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Community” (online forums), local support group listings, and a helpline for information and referrals. |
| Advocacy Initiatives | The foundation lobbies at the federal and state levels on issues such as insurance coverage for biologic therapies, research funding, and workplace accommodations. It produces policy briefs and organizes “Advocacy Days” where members meet with legislators. |
| Annual Events | Hosts events such as “Psoriasis Walk” fundraisers in multiple cities, the “National Psoriasis Foundation Conference” for clinicians and researchers, and the “Community Celebration” for patients and families. |
Research Funding
- In fiscal years 2022–2023, the NPF reported allocating roughly $10 million in research grants.
- Funding priorities include immunology, genetics, microbiome studies, and development of novel therapeutics.
Governance
- The organization is overseen by a Board of Directors composed of clinicians, researchers, industry professionals, and individuals living with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis.
- An Executive Leadership Team manages day‑to‑day operations, with a President/Chief Executive Officer reporting to the board.
Financial Transparency
- The NPF files publicly available Form 990 documents with the Internal Revenue Service, demonstrating compliance with nonprofit reporting standards.
- Independent charity rating agencies (e.g., Charity Navigator) have generally assigned the NPF ratings in the “good” to “excellent” range, citing program expense ratios above 80 % of total expenditures.
Publications and Resources
- Journal of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (peer‑reviewed, published in partnership with academic societies).
- “Psoriasis Community Newsletter” (quarterly) – provides updates on research breakthroughs, patient stories, and advocacy alerts.
Collaborations
- Works with professional societies such as the American Academy of Dermatology and the American College of Rheumatology to develop clinical guidelines.
- Partners with pharmaceutical companies and academic institutions for research initiatives, while maintaining policies to avoid conflicts of interest.
Recognition
- The NPF is recognized as one of the largest dedicated psoriasis‑focused charitable organizations in the United States.
- It has received endorsements from major dermatology and rheumatology societies for its patient‑education materials.
See also
- Psoriasis
- Psoriatic arthritis
- American Academy of Dermatology
- National Institutes of Health (NIH) – Dermatology research funding
References
- National Psoriasis Foundation, “About Us” (official website).
- Form 990 filings, Internal Revenue Service (public records).
- Charity Navigator rating reports for the National Psoriasis Foundation.
- Peer‑reviewed grant award announcements in the Journal of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis.
