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Renal Support Network

EIN 95-4672679 · Glendale, CA

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood85 out of 100GovernanceGood71 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Dealing with chronic kidney disease (CKD) can be exhausting, both physically and emotionally. The Center for Disease Control states that an estimated 30 million US adults have CKDor more than 15% of the US adult population. Renal Support Network (RSN) strives to ensure people who have kidney disease have access to quality of care, dialysis treatment choices, kidney transplantation and provide the patients perspective on regulatory and legislative issues. RSN promotes the importance of organ donation and living donor initiatives.In addition, psychological adaptation to CKD is crucial to ensuring optimal long-term outcomes. Patients with CKD tend to have higher levels of anxiety and depression than other people. It is vital that they be offered appropriate resources to help them develop coping strategies, increase their perception control and to become educated about their illness and treatment options. RSN has a large social media and mailing list following who seek education and hope.

Income
$744,254
Spending
$860,763
Spent on programs
88%
Reserves
29.1 months of spending
Largest source of income
other income, 71%
Employees
1
Volunteers
300
Highest pay
$149,447, president

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Good: 85 out of 100. Higher than 58% of charities in its peer group (health care, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 29.1 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 1% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    0 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 16% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 26% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    88% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 29 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Good: 71 out of 100. Higher than 40% of charities in its peer group (health care, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    12 of 18 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    0 of 8

    Reports no written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    0 of 7

    Reports no written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    0 of 5

    Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.

  • Independent check of accounts

    6 of 15

    Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Impact evidence

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (6)
  1. $438,990 spent. HopeWeek: Hosted virtually, HopeWeek includes webinars, Q&A sessions, and workshops. These events are led by healthcare professionals and patient advocates who cover diverse topics from treatment options and mental health to innovations in kidney care. The event aims to empower patients with knowledge and foster a supportive community. Hosted annually since 1993.Community & Volunteer Outreach through Studio Hope: Studio Hope operates not only as a retail store selling crafts and gifts but also as a meeting space for workshops and support groups. It serves as a local community center where individuals can connect, learn new skills, and find companionship. The profits and activities support RSN's mission and help increase public awareness about kidney disease, to mangage their condition and improve their quality of life.
  2. $111,899 spent. KidneyTalk Bi-annual News Magazine: This publication offers patient-driven content that includes personal stories, tips for managing kidney disease, and updates on medical advancements. It covers a wide array of topics relevant to kidney patients, such as nutrition, coping strategies, and navigating healthcare systems. The magazine serves as a vital resource for keeping patients informed and engaged. Created in 2004.
  3. $94,685 spent. Advocacy and Patient Outreach: RSN plays an active role in advocating for policy changes that benefit kidney patients. They participate in legislative meetings, provide testimony, and collaborate with other organizations to raise awareness about the needs of the CKD community. Their advocacy work aims to ensure that patients voices are heard in decisions affecting healthcare policies and reforms.
  4. $43,038 spent. Annual Renal Teen Prom: This one-of a kind event offers teens with kidney disease a traditional prom experience, complete with music, dancing, and dinner. It provides a joyful atmosphere where participants can bond over shared experiences, form friendships, and build self-esteem. Since 1999, this prom has received attention for its positive impact on young attendees' social lives. Hosted annually since 1999.
  5. $34,431 spent. KidneyTalk Podcast Radio Show: The podcast provides in-depth interviews with a variety of guests ranging from nephrologists to dietitians and kidney disease advocates. Listensers can gain practical advice and inspiration from these episodes, which address both medical and lifestyle topics pertinent to kidney disease management. The show has amassed a dedicated following due to its engaging and informative content. Created in 2006 and hosted by Lori Hartwell.
  6. $34,431 spent. Annual Patient Essay Contest: This contest invites kidney patients to share their personal narratives about living with kidney disease. Winning essays are published and often shared at RSN events, giving participants a platform to express their challenges, joys, and insights. The contest promotes storytelling as a therapeutic exercise and can inspire both writers and readers alike. Hosted annually since 2002.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.

    Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  2. Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.

    Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.

    On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

    Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since October 1998.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  6. Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.

    Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.

    Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.

Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.