The National Peace Foundation has been in existence for over 25 years. The organization originated in 1975 with the creation of National Peace Academy Campaign (NPAC). The Campaign was a grassroots movement focused on urging Congress to establish a federal academy dedicated to educating leaders in peacemaking and conflict resolution. In 1982, the Campaign's efforts paid off and on May 14, the National Peace Academy Foundation was established as the education affiliate to NPAC with Dr. James H. Laue as the first chair. Later that year, the organization gained its determination of Exemption from Federal Income Tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

In 1984, the National Peace Academy Foundation (NPAF) achieved one of its goals with the passing of the United States Institute of Peace Act. Whle the foundation's goal was originally to establish an academy that could teach the art of conflict resolution and peace building (much in the same way the U.S. military academies teach the military arts) the United States Institute of Peace Act did not include the academy component. NPAF was re-imagined as a foundation dedicated to educating the public about the development of the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) as well as conflict resolution. To emphasize this shift, NPAF officially changed its name to the National Peace Institute Foundation (NPIF) the same year.

Over the next several years, NPIF became involved in a variety of projects centered on peace building and conflict resolution, many of which took place in the former Soviet Union. As NPIF's projects and scope evolved away from the promotion of USIP and more towards its own peace building programs, the organization decided once again to reflect this change by shortening its name to the National Peace Foundation (NPF) in 1991. Through the years, the organization has spread its efforts throughout Eurasia, the Middle East, and Africa, continuing to maintain its focus on grassroots efforts and empowering citizens on a community level. At the heart of NPF is dedication to exchange, dialogue, and helping citizens build the institutions of civil society in the hope that our work can bring about positive change in the world.