About NKF Research

Research has led to signature advances in our understanding and treatment of kidney disease. To turn that understanding into new methods of prevention and care models, more answers are needed. Support for research to find these answers is one of the NKF's leading priorities.

Professional Councils Research Grant Program

Summary of Research Grant Awards

Council of Nephrology Nurses and Technicians

Through the support of the National Kidney Foundation, the Council of Nephrology Nurses and Technician (CNNT) is able to promote research as it relates to nephrology nursing. Each year, the NKF allocates moneys to CNNT for its research grants program which runs from July 1 until June 30 of the following year.

Objective:
The purpose of the CNNT Research Grants Program is to further knowledge of nursing and technician issues in the management of kidney failure. The grants may cover basic or applied research on nursing and technical issues in the area of kidney failure; early intervention and treatment of chronic kidney disease; development and evaluation of education programs to enhance patient/family understanding of kidney failure treatment; demonstration projects related to kidney failure and rehabilitation.

Eligibility:
Applicants must hold a regular membership in CNNT, a minimum of two years work experience as a nephrology nurse or technician, residence in the U.S. or its territories, written approval from the department head or facility director at the institution/facility where the research is to be conducted, and have prior research training or evidence of support from an individual with research experience.

Terms of Award:
Project support and stipend not to exceed 20% of requested amount; consultant fees not to exceed 15% of total requested funds.

Size and Duration of Awards:
Usually under $20,000; one year.

Grant Process:

CNNT is interested in concentrating on the following areas of research:

  1. Research on nursing and technician issue in the management of ESRD
  2. Projects that demonstrate effectiveness of new or improved clinical practice and/or procedures
  3. Development and evaluation of educational programs to enhance:
    1. Management of ESRD patients
    2. Awareness and understanding of ESRD and urological diseases
    3. Patient and family rehabilitation
    4. Prevention and treatment of ESRD

Those interested in applying should contact Sheila Deziel, RN, CNN.

2008 CNNT Research Grant Program brochure (PDF 360 KB)

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Council of Nephrology Social Workers

Objective:
The purpose of the CNSW Research Grant Program is to further knowledge of psychosocial factors in kidney failure and to enhance clinical social work intervention with dialysis and transplant patients and families. The grants may cover research on psychosocial factors in kidney failure; clinical practice research focusing on social work assessment and treatment strategies with patients and families or staff; education programs to enhance patient and family understanding of kidney failure treatment and its psychosocial implications; pilot or demonstration projects which have broad applicability to nephrology social work services and/or nephrology social workers.

Eligibility:
Applicants must hold a regular membership in CNSW, a minimum of two years work experience as a nephrology social worker, residence in the U.S. or its territories, written approval from the department head or facility director at the institution/facility where the research is to be conducted, and meet the definition of "Qualified Social Worker" as stated in the Medicare Conditions for Coverage. Preference will be given to applicants with ACSW accreditation, and those who are licensed by their state or are affiliated with a medical institution or university program.

In keeping with the overall goals of NKF and CNSW, research grants are available to national members of CNSW. The purpose is to further the knowledge of psychosocial factors in ESRD and to enhance clinical social work practice and intervention with dialysis and transplant patients/families. Grant proposals are welcome in the following areas:

Terms of Award:
Project support and stipend not to exceed 20% of requested amount; consultant fees not to exceed 25% of total requested funds.

Size and Duration of Award:
Usually under $20,000; one year

Grant Process:

Those interested in applying should contact Jeff Harder, MSW, LICSW.

2008 CNSW Research Grant Program brochure (PDF 386 KB)

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Council on Renal Nutrition

The National Kidney Foundation provides support, encouragement and promotion of research by its professional members. Each year money is allocated to CRN for research grants.

Objective:
The purpose of the CRN Research Grants Program is to further knowledge of renal nutrition factors in clinical nephrology and urology. The grants may cover basic or applied research in renal nutrition; nutrient supplementation pertinent to renal disease; development and evaluation of education programs or teaching tools to enhance patient and family understanding the treatment of kidney failure and its nutritional implications, or epidemiology.

Eligibility:
Applicants must hold a regular membership in CRN, a minimum of two years work experience as a renal dietitian, residence in the U.S. or its territories, written approval from the department head or facility director at the institution/facility where the research is to be conducted, and evidence of technical support from someone with research experience.

Grant support enables CRN to promote research related to renal nutrition.

CRN has four major focus areas for research:

  1. Basic or applied research in the area of renal nutrition.
  2. Nutrient supplementation pertinent to renal disease.
  3. Development and evaluation of education programs or teaching tools to enhance patient/family understanding of ESRD treatment and its nutritional implications.
  4. Collaborative National Research Questions using multiple sites that can be applied to a randomized sample of a large ESRD population.

Terms of Award:
Project support and stipend not to exceed 20% of requested amount; consultant fees not to exceed 20% of total requested funds.

Size and Duration of Award:
Usually under $20,000; one year.

Grant Process:

Those interested in applying should contact Laura Holden, MBA, RD, CSR.

2008 CRN Research Grant Program brochure (PDF 386 KB)

Each proposal is reviewed for its contribution to the field of renal nutrition and for the qualifications of the research applicant.

For more information on research awards for physicians, click here.

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