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MCP Connector - ChatGPT Setup and User Guide

Lauren Neulinger
Updated

The MCP Connector integration is available with the Enterprise subscription.

This articles covers how to set up the MCP Connector integration with ChatGPT and corresponds with Phase 2: Client Instructions in the MCP Connector: Integration Checklist.

Below is an overview of the setup steps for the MCP Connector integration with ChatGPT: 

  • Foundant provides a GivingData MCP server that exposes grants management tools over a secure API.
  • You add the GivingData MCP connector as an app behind a Developer mode toggle in ChatGPT, acknowledging a security warning while doing so.  
  • As a final step in adding the app, you are prompted to sign in to GivingData with your GivingData credentials.
  • All subsequent tool calls are made on behalf of you as a GivingData user, respecting your existing GivingData role and permissions.

Before following the steps in this article, confirm that you have the following:

  • Access to ChatGPT. 
    • This can be either the browser or desktop version.
  • Credentials for your GivingData site.

During setup, you will see warnings labeled "Extreme risk," and a notice that custom MCP servers have not been reviewed by OpenAI. These warnings appear for every custom MCP, regardless of source. The GivingData MCP connector is published by Foundant. Connecting it is safe as long as you are using the official URLs in this article and signing in with your own GivingData administrator credentials. Read the warnings, and then proceed.

 

  1. Navigate to chatgpt.com or launch the ChatGPT desktop app and sign in.
  2. In the left-side menu, click your account name, and then click Settings.
  3. In the left-side menu, search for and select Advanced Security, and then scroll to Developer Mode.
  4. Click the toggle on for Developer mode.developer mode toggle
     
  5. Return to the Settings page, and then click Plugins in the left-side menu.plugins option
     
  6. Click Browse plugins.browse plugins option
     
  7. Click the plus icon.plus icon
     
  8. Enter the following details for the new app, check the box for "I understand and want to continue," and then click Create:
    • Name - GivingData MCP
    • Description (optional) - Access my GivingData data
    • MCP Server URL - https://YOURSITENAME.givingdata.com/api/mcp
    • Authentication - OAuth
      create button
       
  9. After being redirected to the login page for your GivingData site, enter your own GivingData credentials.
  10. After successful sign-in, you will be redirected to ChatGPT and a "GivingData MCP is now connected" banner should appear at the top of the page. 
    • The GivingData MCP app should now appear in the Enabled apps list with a DEV badge.

Once connected, you can ask ChatGPT about your GivingData grants data in plain language. ChatGPT can only access information that your GivingData role and permissions allow, the same data you see when logged into GivingData directly. 

Sample prompts include:

  • “Show me all open grants due for a report this quarter."
  • “Which organizations have overdue requirements?”
  • “List grants approved in the last 12 months over $50,000.”
  • “What is the status of the grant for [Organization Name]?”
  • “How many active grants do we have in the Education program area?"

The first time ChatGPT uses the connector for a particular type of data, it will show a permission dialog describing exactly what will be retrieved (e.g., "Query GivingData request records?") along with the data fields involved. Review the details, and then click Query Data to allow it, or Deny to cancel. This per-action consent step is normal and helps you keep visibility into what data is being shared.

Below are suggested troubleshooting steps for potential issues.

  • Create button does not appear: 
    • Make sure Developer mode is toggled on in the Advanced Settings for Apps, and that you have returned to the main Apps page after enabling Developer mode.
  • GivingData sign-in fails or loops back to the login page: 
    • Double-check that you are using administrator credentials for the correct GivingData site, and verify that the URL matches your environment (Sandbox or Live).
  • Browser does not redirect to GivingData login page: 
    • Make sure pop-ups are not blocked for chatgpt.com. 
    • If the redirect fails, click Create again from the New App modal.
  • Not connected status persists after authentication: 
    • Return to the Apps page and check the Drafts and Enabled apps sections. If GivingData MCP is in Drafts only, click into it to complete setup. 
    • If necessary, delete the app and recreate it.
  • Wrong GivingData environment connected: 
    • Delete the existing GivingData MCP connector and create a new one using the correct Sandbox or Live URL.
  • Permission dialog appears every time: 
    • This is expected for new types of data requests. ChatGPT asks for explicit consent before each new kind of operation to keep you in control of what is accessed.
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