Become a Kidney Health Coach
Kidney Health Coach is the American Kidney Fund's free, community health education program.
Applications are NOW OPEN for the 2026-2027 Kidney Health Coach Health Equity Grants!
These grants help expand the impact of the Kidney Health Coach program by providing financial support to community organizations and individual coaches, empowering them to host events and spread critical CKD prevention and management messages to at-risk populations.
For the 2026-2027 grant cycle, AKF will award up to:
- 40 individual coaches with a $500 grant each
- 10 community organizations with a $10,000 grant each
Deadline to apply: Friday, January 30
If you are a Community Organization, please email partnerships@kidneyfund.org to receive your fillable application and virtual folder for submission.
Watch: A moment to inspire with Kidney Health Coach, Tamara Walker
Are you passionate about preventing kidney disease? Do you enjoy educating others about the importance of living a healthy lifestyle? If so, our Kidney Health Coach program is for you!
This program equips health professionals and the general public with the knowledge and tools to educate their patients and community about preventing and managing kidney disease.
Who can become a Kidney Health Coach?
Anyone interested in learning more and educating others about kidney disease can become a Kidney Health Coach. More than 8,000 health professionals, people living with kidney disease, and caregivers serve as Kidney Health Coaches.
Why become a Kidney Health Coach?
As a Kidney Health Coach, you will:
- Raise awareness about kidney disease and its risk factors
- Help people learn how to prevent kidney disease and kidney failure
- Encourage people to get tested and make lifestyle changes to keep their kidneys healthy
- Build trusting relationships with people in your community
- Gain access to tools and resources designed to raise kidney disease awareness and education within your community
- Receive support and guidance from dedicated AKF staff members leading the program.
- Find support and share your experiences by connecting with the community of Kidney Health Coaches doing similar work.
"I have actively educated others about kidney disease through a series of focused initiatives, including organizing community outreach programs and health seminars dedicated to raising awareness about the risk factors, prevention, and management of kidney disease."
- Dr. Hailey Gascoigne, Kidney Health Coach
Online Course
Kidney Health Coach Course Outline
Kidney Health Coach includes a 2-hour self-paced online training course presented through a series of four modules.
To become a Kidney Health Coach, you must complete all components of the course.
Upon successful completion, you will obtain a certificate of completion. Continuing education (CE) credits are available at no cost for eligible health care professionals.
"I became a Kidney Health Coach while on home dialysis. I started educating the public about kidney disease through my blog and 1:1 talks with members of my community."
Questions on how to get started?
We're here to help. Email us at partnerships@kidneyfund.org for support and we'll do our best to respond within 7 business days.
Invest in Kidney Health Leaders
When you give to AKF, you help train and equip invaluable Kidney Health Coaches across the country — trusted neighbors and professionals who bring lifesaving knowledge into their communities. Help support kidney education today.
Invest in Kidney Health Leaders
Give Today to Change Lives
Kidney disease is one of the top 10 causes of death in the U.S., yet it often goes undetected until it's too late. That's why AKF's Kidney Health Coach program is vital — equipping trusted voices with the knowledge and tools to reach those most at risk.
96 cents of every dollar donated goes directly to patients and programs. Donate to help fuel this essential work preventing disease, extending lives and building healthier futures.