96 Cents of Every Dollar We Spend Goes to Programs and Services

Over the past four years, the American Kidney Fund’s steadfast commitment to the donated dollar has resulted in the highest ratings from organizations that evaluate charities: Charity Navigator, American Institute of Philanthropy, Forbes, and Reader's Digest. In addition, we meet the National Health Council's Standards of Excellence, and we are a member of the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance.

In 2007, 96 cents of every dollar the American Kidney Fund spent went directly to programs and services. Ninety-one cents of the dollar was used for direct patient assistance. Five cents of the dollar went to public and professional education. Fundraising expenditures constituted 3 cents of the dollar, and management expenses were held to 1 cent of the dollar. 

Highest, Four-Star Rating—Charity Navigator

In 2007, Charity Navigator, the nation’s premiere charity evaluator, awarded the American Kidney Fund its “highest, 4-star” evaluation for sound fiscal management. This is the sixth consecutive time the American Kidney Fund has received the 4-star rating from Charity Navigator.
“Only 1 percent of the charities we’ve rated have received at least six consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that the American Kidney Fund outperforms most charities in America in its efforts to operate in the most fiscally responsible way possible,” said Trent Stamp, President of Charity Navigator. Charity Navigator evaluates about 5,000 charities in the United States.

Charity Navigator rates charities based on organizational efficiency and organizational capacity, using a set of financial ratios or performance categories to rate these two areas. The overall rating is a reflection of the charity’s performance in both areas. Ratings show how efficiently Charity Navigator believes a charity will use donors’ support today, and to what extent a charity is growing its programs and services over time.

A+ Charity—American Institute of Philanthropy

In 2005, the American Institute of Philanthropy (AIP) designated the American Kidney Fund as an “A Plus” Charity. The AIP conducts an in-depth analysis of a charity’s Form 990 IRS filing, audited financial statements and annual report. The AIP bases its ratings on the percentage of a charity’s total expenses that go toward programs and services, and the amount of money the charity spends to raise $100. The American Kidney Fund scored extremely well in both regards, earning it the “A Plus” designation.

Gold Star Charity—Forbes Magazine

In December 2003, Forbes Magazine bolstered its annual survey of 200 charities by creating a Gold Star list—identifying 10 charities worthy of readers’ consideration. The American Kidney Fund was among the 10 charities on the Gold Star list.

One of America’s Best Charities—Reader’s Digest

In 2003, Reader’s Digest published a list of 12 best charities in the United States. Reader’s Digest named the American Kidney Fund the best charity in the Health category.