The partnership with affiliates: our stories

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Public Health
• Nonprofit Organization Management

Background:

• The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) originated as a grassroots federation with five affiliates in the 1950s.
• The organization experienced significant expansion, with 22 affiliates added in the 1960s and 12 more in the 1970s.
• Affiliate configurations evolved through the 1980s and 1990s, leading to the current structure of 52 affiliates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To commemorate the NKF's 50-year progress and growth.
• To highlight the unique historical trajectories and development of individual NKF affiliates.
• To offer a collection of diverse anecdotes and stories reflecting the richness of affiliate histories.

Main Methods:

• Historical review of the National Kidney Foundation's affiliate development.
• Collection and curation of diverse anecdotes, stories, and vignettes from various affiliates.
• Narrative presentation of affiliate histories, acknowledging space limitations.

Main Results:

• The NKF has expanded from 5 to 52 affiliates over five decades.
• Each affiliate has developed unique and individual growth patterns.
• A selection of diverse historical accounts from affiliates is presented.

Conclusions:

• The NKF's 50-year history is marked by significant growth and evolution of its affiliate network.
• The presented anecdotes offer a glimpse into the rich and varied histories of NKF affiliates.
• The diversity of affiliate experiences reflects the broader success and adaptation of the NKF.