Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I become an NKF member?
NKF is the only multidisciplinary nephrology organization that supports your practice through education and is a one-stop shop to access tools for both you and your patients. We provide research-based practical updates to support your clinical work. Most importantly, a portion of your membership dues are directed to NKF's research endowment fund and supports our lifesaving patient programs and services for the 30 million Americans affected by chronic kidney disease. Make NKF your professional home and connect with colleagues who share your passion and focus.
What types of memberships does NKF offer?
We have a membership type for nearly all nephrology professionals, including students and Fellows. To view our membership options, visit kidney.org/membership.
Do you have a group membership?
No. We currently offer membership to individuals only.
How much does membership cost?
Member fees depend on the type of membership. You can find the membership fees on our website kidney.org/membership.
How can I join NKF, or renew my membership?
For any individual who does not have a current NKF membership, please visit kidney.org/membership to review all the member benefits and member types available to you. Once you decide on which member type aligns with your profession, there are options to "Join" from those pages. You will be brought to the Member Hub sign up form, where you first enter your email address to ensure you do not have an active membership profile.
If you are looking to renew your membership with the NKF, you can do that directly in your Member Hub profile. Renewal periods are limited to the month prior to the end of your current active membership. An orange button will appear in your member profile at that time, and will lead you through the renewal process. This is a great time to review your personal information, Journal subscriptions, and new membership preferences.
*Still have questions? Feel free to call our toll-free membership helpline at (888) 564-6653 (888.JOIN.NKF), or email us at membership@kidney.org.
What is the Member Hub?
The Member Hub is your new National Kidney Foundation Membership platform! It will be home to all the items you have grown to expect with your National Kidney Foundation Membership, and we have added some new features here such as a printable Membership Cards and the Member Directory. Keep your eye out in the coming months for even more great features for interaction opportunities with your fellow NKF Members.
How do I create and reset my membership password?
A strong, autogenerated password will be created for you by the Member Hub system upon completion of your membership registration and payment. You can find that password emailed to the address provided in your membership application. You are encouraged to change that password by clicking on the "Change Password" link in the Profile navigation area in the upper right hand corner of your account.
If you have forgotten your password and need to reset, please click on the "Forgot Password" link on the log in screen and enter the email in which your Membership Account is associated. This will start the reset password process.
How do I update my member profile/member account?
To update your member profile or your account information, simply click on your name in the upper right hand corner and select "View Profile". From there, navigate to the orange "Edit Profile" under the purple "My Profile" banner. This area will allow you to edit your Contact Information as well as your Privacy Settings and Email Subscription.
How do I access the member directory? Am I automatically listed?
To access the member directory, hover over "Member Hub" in the main header navigation to access the sub menu item "Member Directory". All members are added to this directory by default, however, you can change your permissions by updating the "Privacy" area within your Member Profile. Please note the National Kidney Foundation will never share your profile information externally, only with other NKF professional members if you continue to provide permission in the Privacy tab.
Do I have a member ID?
There is no ID number associated with your membership. Your NKF Membership is associated with the email on file for your account – the email address you used to sign-up for membership and to log in to your member Dashboard on the Member Hub. We are excited to highlight the new Membership Card located directly in your member profile that includes your name, membership type, and membership expiration date.
What is my member Dashboard and why it is important?
Searching for an NKF resource? Can’t remember how to access a member benefit? Search no more! Your member Dashboard is your primary destination for accessing member benefits, clinical tools, staying up to date on advocacy news, policy updates, and more. Pay attention to the Member Announcements at the top of your Dashboard for timely information on upcoming events, opportunities, applications, deadlines, and more.
What is Wild Apricot?
Wild Apricot is the software in which the Member Hub is built. You may see reference to Wild Apricot as you explore the new Member Hub, within the site URLs, and included in email communications you receive from us.
When does my membership start and end?
NKF membership can be purchased in one (1) or two (2) year terms, beginning on the date of payment. All members receive renewal reminder notices starting 30 days before the expiration date.
Can I change my membership term length after signing up?
There is not a self-service way to change your membership term date after signing up for a membership. Please reach out to our membership team at membership@kidney.org if you are interested in changing your term length upon renewal.
Can I change my add-on benefits after signing up?
If you would like to purchase an add-on benefit after signing up, please reach out to our membership team at membership@kidney.org and we can add this to your account.
Can I pay membership dues by check or cash?
Yes! Please reach out to our membership team at membership@kidney.org and we can assist you in the process of paying via check or cash. Please note that your membership benefits will not begin until we have received payment.
How do I get a receipt for my membership dues?
When you complete your online membership, you will receive a confirmation email with your receipt. If you do not receive this email, please email membership@kidney.org or call our toll-free membership helpline at (888) 564-6653 (888.JOIN.NKF).
How soon do I get membership benefits after I join?
You can take advantage of your benefits minutes after joining*, with immediate online access to journals, continuing education activities, and more. All member benefits are accessible via your member Dashboard. New members can expect to receive their welcome email immediately following online enrollment processing, which contains more detail about your specific membership benefits.
*Members who choose to pay by check or wire transfer: You will have benefit access upon receipt of payment. Email membership@kidney.org for a status update.
Where do I go to access my online subscription journals?
In order to access your full paid subscriptions, visit your membership Dashboard and click on your direct links to the American Journal of Kidney Diseases, Advances in Kidney Disease and Health, and Journal of Renal Nutrition. Kidney Medicine and the Journal of Nephrology Social Work are both open access and are also linked on your Dashboard. Please note that navigating to the journals from your Dashboard directly verifies your membership and provides seamless access.
Where else can I get timely information on the latest news and benefits for members?
Membership Today is our monthly email newsletter sent to all members. Think of this as your monthly quick reference or roll-up of the latest NKF news, resources, and opportunities for nephrology professionals. Stay up-to-date and connected to your membership experience and benefits by reading the newsletter curated just for you.
Where do I go to get free and discounted online CME/CE?
Access the Professional Education Resource Center (PERC) online at kidney.org/education. You must create a new account to access the courses. *Be sure to use the same email associated with your NKF membership to take courses for free.
How do I claim my NKF digital credentials?
Learn more about our latest member benefit: Digital badging via Credly.
Do I need a discount code to use my member discount on SCM registration or the NKF Store?
No, we do not have member discount codes. Simply log in to your NKF member account before proceeding with your transactions. You can easily navigate to SCM registration or the NKF Store from your member Dashboard. The system will recognize you as a member and your discounts will be automatically applied.
Where do I direct my membership questions?
Visit the Contact NKF page for the ways in which to contact the NKF Membership team.
NKF Mission To revolutionize the fight to save lives by eliminating preventable kidney disease, accelerating innovation for the dignity of the patient experience, and dismantling structural inequities in kidney care, dialysis, and transplantation. | Questions? membership@kidney.org |