In 1971, the American Kidney Fund was established to pay for dialysis for people who otherwise would have died. Today, almost all Americans with end stage renal disease (ESRD) have access to dialysis and transplantation. Yet many of the costs associated with treatment remain the patient's responsibility, a heavy burden for many. For 38 years, the primary mission of AKF has remained constant: to provide financial aid for the urgent needs of people with chronic kidney disease.

“Our mission is to help people fight kidney disease and live healthier lives. We achieve our mission by providing financial support to patients in need, and by delivering programs that educate, build awareness, and drive advocacy, resulting in greater public understanding and ultimately the prevention of kidney disease.”