Kidney Research UK

Could Kidney Research UK fund your project? Check fit free. Draft if yes — or shortlist better matches.

Typical grants: £10,000 – £250,000
Applications: Accepted
How to apply: Two-stage application

Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.

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About Kidney Research UK

Kidney Research UK is the UK's leading charity dedicated exclusively to funding research into kidney disease. Established in 1961 by clinicians and patients, the charity's mission is to end the suffering caused by kidney disease. Their approach is patient-focused, collaborative, and evidence-based, with a strong emphasis on equality and transparency. They fund biomedical and clinical research across the UK, with a particular focus on paediatric, rare, and hereditary kidney diseases. What makes Kidney Research UK distinctive is its sole focus on kidney disease and its commitment to ensuring research has a clear patient pathway.

What Kidney Research UK funds

Kidney Research UK funds research that aims to prevent more people from developing kidney disease, protect those living with it from kidney failure, and transform treatments for people with kidney failure. They support research into all aspects of kidney health, from understanding the causes of disease to improving diagnosis and treatment. The charity has a particular focus on paediatric, rare, and hereditary kidney diseases, and also runs a dedicated programme on kidneys and cancer. They fund projects at universities, NHS trusts, and other UK research institutions across the UK.

Who can apply

Kidney Research UK funds research projects at UK-based universities, NHS trusts, and other research institutions. They welcome applications from nurses and pharmacists as well as academics. All funded work must align with their research strategy. The charity supports research benefiting children, young people, and the general public.

What Kidney Research UK doesn't fund

Kidney Research UK does not fund core costs, capital projects, or non-research activities. All funded work must have a clear patient pathway and align with their research strategy.

How they like to fund

Kidney Research UK offers multi-year grants for research projects. They welcome unsolicited applications through open funding rounds, with different programmes focusing on specific themes or applicant types, such as healthcare professionals.

How much does Kidney Research UK give?

Kidney Research UK runs 4 grant programmes. Every figure below is sourced from their published guidance.

Last verified 8 August 2026 · 56 sourced facts

First main roundCurrently closed

Up to £300,000

Online application form
Multi-year funding

Healthcare professional round: for nurses and pharmacistsCurrently closed

£25,000 – £300,000

Online application form
Multi-year funding

Kidneys and cancerCurrently closed

£40,000 – £300,000

Multi-year funding

Paediatric, rare and hereditary kidney diseasesCurrently closed

Online application form

Those are the published figures. What your charity could realistically get — and whether you'd clear their rules on income, location and legal structure — is what the free fit check answers.

What Kidney Research UK funds — and what they won't

Their stated priorities

research applications that focus on any part of our research strategy; also specifically calling for research proposals addressing rare, hereditary and paediatric kidney disease

Where they fund

Costs they'll cover

Research

Good to know

FaithNo restriction

Focus areas

Health

How to apply to Kidney Research UK

Kidney Research UK takes applications via two-stage application.

Published programme route: online application form.
Check whether your charity is in scope before you spend time on a full bid.

How it works

1
Describe your project. Once — used for this funder and others.
2
See if this could be a fit. Honest check on cause, place, size, and rules.
3
Draft if yes. From your real data — or move on if not.

See if Kidney Research UK could be a fit. Draft if yes.

Frequently asked questions

How much funding does Kidney Research UK provide?

Kidney Research UK runs 4 grant programmes — First main round: Up to £300,000 · Healthcare professional round: for nurses and pharmacists: £25,000 – £300,000 · Kidneys and cancer: £40,000 – £300,000.

Where does Kidney Research UK fund charities?

Kidney Research UK funds charities operating in UK.

Does Kidney Research UK accept unsolicited applications?

Kidney Research UK accepts unsolicited applications from eligible organisations. Current programme status is on this page — do not assume a round is open.

How do I apply for funding from Kidney Research UK?

Kidney Research UK takes applications via two-stage application. Published programme route: online application form.