The American Kidney Fund (AKF) provides direct financial assistance to kidney patients in need, and education to those with and at risk for kidney disease.

AKF was founded in 1971, to help a single individual with kidney failure pay for dialysis. Thirty-five years later, AKF has become the leading source of direct financial aid to chronic kidney disease patients across the nation. In 2005, AKF served more than 62,000 patients, distributing nearly 120,000 grants totaling over $63.5 million.

AKF provides assistance with transportation to dialysis, medications, special diet, kidney donor expenses and other treatment essentials. AKF's specialty programs help patients afford treatment during emergency travel and recover from natural disasters.

AKF’s services for children with kidney disease include a Summer Enrichment Program and an annual "KID"ney Kids Calendar art contest.

AKF also seeks to enhance the care of renal patients by conducting quality educational programs for nephrology professionals and awarding clinical research fellowships.

AKF educates kidney patients, their families and the general public about kidney disease—and its prevention and treatment—through our brochure series and our toll-free HELP LINE. AKF also works to promote organ donation by distributing information and working with the Coalition on Donation.

AKF's MIKE Program (Minority Intervention and Kidney Education) addresses the high rates of kidney disease in African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans and Asian Americans by providing prevention strategies through comprehensive kidney disease education, diagnostic screening, resource referral, and supportive follow-up.

AKF maintains a policy of strict neutrality and does not endorse the products or medicines of pharmaceutical companies.

American Kidney Fund