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MCP Connector - Claude 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 Claude 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 Claude: 

  • Foundant provides a GivingData MCP server that exposes grants management tools over a secure API.
  • You add the GivingData MCP connector in Claude.
  • As a final step in adding the connector, 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 Claude. 
    • This can be either the browser or desktop version.
  • Credentials for your GivingData site.
  1. Navigate to claude.ai or launch the Claude desktop app and sign in.
  2. In the left-side menu, click Customize.customize option
     
  3. In the left-side menu, click Connectors, and then click the plus icon to add a new custom connector.plus icon
     
  4. Enter the following details for the new connector, and then click Add:
    • Name - GivingData MCP
    • URL - https://YOURSITENAME.givingdata.com/api/mcpadd button
       
  5. The GivingData MCP now appears in your Not connected list with a CUSTOM badge. Click the GivingData MCP connector, and then click Connect.connect button
     
  6. After being redirected to the login page for your GivingData site, enter your own GivingData credentials, and then click Sign in.
    sign in button
     
  7. After successful sign-in, the browser will display a Connected confirmation page. 
    • If using the desktop app, click Open desktop app or close the tab. 
    • If using the browser version, close the new tab and return to your existing claude.ai tab.connected confirmation

Once connected, you can ask Claude questions about your GivingData grants data in plain language. Claude 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?"

Below are suggested troubleshooting steps for potential issues.

  • 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 that your default browser is set and that pop-ups are not blocked for claude.ai.
  • Not connected status persists after authentication: 
    • Return to the Connectors panel and click Connect again. 
    • If necessary, delete the connector 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.
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