National Multiple Sclerosis Society HQ

Our strategic plan guides the impact we will achieve through 2024. It addresses the unique experiences of all people affected by MS and our role in reaching that future, while highlighting our firmly held belief—together we are stronger. Our strategic plan is focused on four impact areas: (1) improving access to personalized, high-quality MS healthcare (2) empower people affected by MS to solve everyday challenges, (3) accelerate cures through global leadership, and (4) strengthen the MS movement through more and deeper connections.

Invest in global research that accelerates progress of the Pathways to Cures Roadmap
Provide leadership to coordinate and leverage global research investments
Expand and diversify the MS research workforce
Advocate for policy and regulatory changes that advance MS research and treatment
Engage people affected by MS in the development of research strategy and implementation
Increase awareness and recognition of MS and its symptoms among people at risk of MS and healthcare providers
Advance systemic policies (legislation, regulation, company policies) and changes that improve the lives of people with MS (cost, access)
Advance evidence-based MS care guidance (personalized healthcare)
Build capacity and understanding of MS within the healthcare system
Position the Society as the global leader in delivering trusted information and resources for people affected by MS
Partner with people affected by MS to develop a personalized roadmap to navigate their MS
Leverage the expertise of strategic partners to get people affected by MS what they need
Bring more people and diversity into the MS movement
Engage people how they want to be engaged
Create experiences to ensure continued engagement
Enable technologies to improve constituent experience
Strengthen our staff and volunteer workforce through talent acquisition, engagement, and professional development
Increase organizational innovation

We mobilize volunteers, staff, organizations, and communities to develop resources and deepen connections and action, including donor engagement at all levels. We facilitate worldwide research, scientific collaboration and training while creating connections to the resources, information and others so that people can live their best lives as we work to end MS forever. We engage people in local, state and national advocacy to ensure that decision-makers are fully informed, and we equip staff and volunteers with the tools, technology and training to work most effectively. We ensure an inclusive and powerful culture that compels people to be leaders in the MS movement as we engage the world in achieving a world free of MS.

• The National MS Society is the world’s leading private funder of MS research, investing $1.1 billion since 1946.
• The National MS Society is relentless in ensuring all decision-makers are clear about the financial devastation that the high cost of medications can cause – a complex problem that requires all stakeholders coming together to solve.
• The National MS Society advanced the careers of over 1,000 researchers who have been behind nearly every major breakthrough and treatment in MS.
• The National MS Society has launched the careers of 120 MS specialists who provide care to more than 100,000 people with MS.
• The National MS Society tackles the complex challenges of MS from many angles, like MS Navigator for individual solutions, advocacy to create systemic change and lifestyle research to inform what people can do every day to live their best lives.
• People affected by MS are more resilient and live better lives when they are connected with the National MS Society.
• In the United States, 100% of people affected by MS have access to an MS Navigator who will partner with them to address individual challenges and concerns. MS Navigators spend 3.5 hours on average working with each person, and care management is available when problems are so complex they require home visits.
• Over 500,000 of the nearly 1 million people living with MS in the United States are connect to the National MS Society.
• People who participate in National MS Society programs live better lives – they are less isolated, better informed and happier.
• The National MS Society has invested in early research that has led to the discovery of every effective treatment for MS, including the first therapies for primary progressive and pediatric MS.
• As lead agency of the International Progressive MS Alliance, we lead a coordinated, global effort to fuel breakthroughs for people with progressive MS. 20 MS organizations from 19 countries have joined the Alliance.
• The National MS Society has provided early career support and funding to nearly every recognized MS expert.
• Nationwide, more than 35,000 MS activists amplify the voices of the MS community, shaping government decisions affecting people with MS, and making new solutions possible, affordable, and accessible.
• MS activism has led to $93.1 million in MS research funding through the Department of Defense.
• MS activists have played a direct role in increasing access to generic MS medications and ending surprise medical billing.