American Kidney Fund

Not to be confused with National Kidney Foundation.

The American Kidney Fund (AKF) is a major publicly supported 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1971. AKF is known for treatment-related financial assistance to dialysis patients and for kidney disease education and prevention programs. In 2014, the American Kidney Fund provided treatment-related grant assistance to more than 84,000 low-income dialysis patients in 50 states, and provided free kidney health screenings in cities across the country.[1]

Mission

The American Kidney Fund's mission is to help people fight kidney disease and live healthier lives.

Organization

The American Kidney Fund is headquartered in Rockville, Maryland. As a 13-time recipient of the top “Four Star” rating from Charity Navigator, the American Kidney Fund is ranked among the top 1 percent of charities nationwide for fiscal accountability. The American Kidney Fund is listed on Charity Navigator's list of 10 charities nationwide that have received the most consecutive four-star ratings.[2] In addition, the American Kidney Fund holds an A+ rating from CharityWatch; adheres to the National Health Council Standards of Excellence; and is a member of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance.[3]

Programs

The American Kidney Fund's grant programs help low-income dialysis patients to access health care. AKF provides grants that help with health insurance premiums and other treatment necessities not covered by health insurance, such as transportation to dialysis, nutritional products and emergency assistance.[4]

AKF provided free kidney health screenings to 13,000 people in 22 U.S. cities in 2014. AKF conducts a large community outreach and screening event, Kidney Action Day®, in U.S. cities each year. In 2014, AKF held Kidney Action Day® events in Atlanta, Augusta, Ga., Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.

The organization publishes more than 20 educational fact sheets and brochures about kidney health. Titles include "Diabetes and Your Kidneys," "High Blood Pressure and Your Kidneys," and "Know Your Blood Work: eGFR." AKF also offers a toll-free health information HelpLine for the public, (866) 300-2900.

The American Kidney Fund offers an online professional education series of courses designed for renal and primary care practitioners. Courses include "Helping Patients Prepare for Kidney Replacement Therapy," "Navigating the End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Payment System" and "Perspectives on Adherence."

Fundraising

The American Kidney Fund raises funds from individuals, corporations and foundations. Individuals can donate by making direct donations, including those in memory or honor of someone; by holding a fundraiser; by donating a car, truck, boat or RV; by making a gift of stock; or through estate planning.[5] Each fall, AKF holds a fundraising gala, The Hope Affair, in Washington, D.C., presenting the Hero of Hope Award to a person living with kidney disease, and the Caregiver of the Year award to an outstanding caregiver.[6]

References

  1. ↑ "Our Recent Accomplishments". www.kidneyfund.org. Retrieved 25 April 2015.
  2. ↑ "10 Charities with the Most Consecutive 4-Star Ratings". www.charitynavigator.org. Retrieved 25 April 2015.
  3. ↑ "Putting Your Contributions to Work". www.kidneyfund.org. Retrieved 25 April 2015.
  4. ↑ "Financial Assistance and Programs for Kidney Patients". www.kidneyfund.org. Retrieved 25 April 2015.
  5. ↑ "Donate". www.kidneyfund.org. Retrieved 25 April 2015.
  6. ↑ "The Hope Affair". www.kidneyfund.org. Retrieved 25 April 2015.

External links

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