The main aim of the Kidney Fund is to raise money to promote research into renal disease and its link with diabetes. It built and now supports the South West Thames Institute for Renal Research.

The Fund finances equipment, research projects and some core funding. It has formed a Company Limited by Guarantee to run the Institute and its Trustees are the Directors. It has a Quinquennial Review Panel to examine the results of the Institute, its management and projected research, and has established Helier Scientific Ltd as its trading arm. It also has a Peer Review Panel to advise on individual projects.

The Fund is a member of the Association of Medical Research Charities. In 2005 it awarded its 4th Research Fellowship.