ASN Foundation for Kidney Research (KidneyCure)

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $3,000,000
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Variable by program (typically 3-6 months)
• Grant Range: $30,000 - $420,000
• Geographic Focus: North America (US, Canada, Central America, Caribbean)

Contact Details

• Website: www.kidneycure.org
• Phone: 202-640-4660
• Email: grants@asn-online.org
• Address: 1401 H Street, NW, Suite 900, Washington, DC 20005

Overview

Established in 2012, KidneyCure (the ASN Foundation for Kidney Research) is the philanthropic arm of the American Society of Nephrology, seeking to prevent and cure kidney diseases through research and innovation. With over $50 million awarded since ASN began funding grants in 1996, KidneyCure has become a critical force in supporting the kidney research workforce. The foundation maintains a Charity Navigator Four-Star rating (97% score) and recently committed an additional $6 million over three years for bridge grants to address NIH funding challenges. KidneyCure provides approximately $3 million annually to young researchers, fellows, and nephrology educators who are changing the future of kidney care.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Transition to Independence Grants: $100,000/year for 2 years (funds 10 new and 10 continuing annually)
• Ben J. Lipps Research Fellowship: Amount varies, 2-year fellowships (5 new fellows funded annually)
• William and Sandra Bennett Clinical Scholars: $50,000/year for up to 2 years
• Pre-Doctoral Fellowship: $30,000/year for up to 2 years
• ASN-Harold Amos Medical Faculty Development: Up to $420,000 total over 4 years ($75,000 salary + $30,000 research annually)
• Bridge Grants (NEW): Pilot program starting 2025, up to $6 million over 3 years for researchers affected by NIH funding cuts

Priority Areas

• Basic kidney biology and disease mechanisms
• Clinical research in nephrology
• Health disparities in kidney disease
• Innovative diagnostic and treatment approaches
• Education and training in nephrology
• Diversity in the kidney research workforce

What They Don't Fund

• Indirect costs (for most programs)
• Projects not directly related to kidney research
• Investigators beyond specified career stage limits
• Total funding exceeding $250,000 in annual direct costs (for overlapping grants)

Governance and Leadership

KidneyCure operates as the philanthropic foundation of the American Society of Nephrology (ASN), which represents more than 21,000 kidney health professionals worldwide. The foundation has contributed significantly to developing the next generation of kidney researchers, with support from ASN members, industry partners including Fresenius Medical Care (which contributed $10 million to the Ben J. Lipps Fellowship), and nephrology leaders. The foundation maintains strong financial health with a 97% Charity Navigator rating.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through online portals with specific requirements for each program:

• Most programs use the KidneyCure online application system
• ASN-Harold Amos program uses the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Application and Review system
• Applications typically open in fall with deadlines in early December (historically December 6-7 at 2:00 PM EST)
• Visit www.kidneycure.org/grants/funding.aspx for current application calendar

Decision Timeline

• Application deadline: Early December
• Review period: 3-6 months
• Award notifications: Spring/early summer
• Funding start: Typically July-September

Success Rates

Specific success rates are not publicly disclosed, but the foundation funds approximately:

• 20 new Transition to Independence and fellowship grants annually
• 5 new Ben J. Lipps fellowships per year
• Multiple Pre-Doctoral and Clinical Scholar awards

Reapplication Policy

Unsuccessful applicants may reapply in subsequent cycles. The foundation encourages persistence and refinement of proposals based on reviewer feedback.

Application Success Factors

• Strong mentorship: Applications must demonstrate committed mentorship, especially for fellowship programs
• Kidney-focused research: Projects must directly address kidney biology, disease, or clinical care
• Career development plans: Clear trajectory toward independence for early-career awards
• Diversity emphasis: Women and underrepresented minorities are particularly encouraged to apply
• NIH readiness: For Transition grants, demonstrate potential to secure R01 funding by grant end
• Innovation: Novel approaches to understanding or treating kidney disease are prioritized
• 75% research commitment: Fellows must dedicate minimum 75% effort to research

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• ASN membership is required for most applicants and their mentors (free for students/trainees)
• Programs target different career stages from pre-doctoral to 10 years post-faculty appointment
• Strong emphasis on diversity - multiple programs specifically support underrepresented researchers
• Bridge grants offer new opportunity for those who narrowly missed NIH funding
• No indirect costs allowed - institutions may need to supplement support
• Annual Kidney Week attendance and research presentation required for many awardees
• Applications limited to 2 per mentor/PI per cycle to ensure broad distribution of opportunities

References

• KidneyCure Official Website (www.kidneycure.org) - Accessed February 2026
• American Society of Nephrology Grants & Funding (www.asn-online.org/grants) - Accessed February 2026
• "ASN foundation commits $6 million in bridge grants for kidney research" - Healio Nephrology, October 16, 2025
• "KidneyCure Announces 2024 Grant Recipients" - Newswise, June 27, 2024
• Charity Navigator ASN Foundation Profile (EIN: 455090971) - Accessed February 2026
• KidneyCure Grant Application Calendar (www.kidneycure.org/grants/funding.aspx) - Accessed February 2026
• Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Harold Amos Program (www.rwjf.org) - Accessed February 2026