Using the Candid connector in Claude
Connect Claude to Candid's database of 1.9M+ nonprofits and foundations for organizational research, grant discovery, and sector analysis.
- CategoryNonprofits
- ProductClaude.ai
- Reading timeWatch time5minmin
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The Candid connector gives Claude access to comprehensive nonprofit and philanthropic data, including 1.9M+ nonprofits and foundations, expert knowledge resources, and the Philanthropy Classification System taxonomy.
The Candid integration relies on Claude's ability to use remote connectors.
Note: This connector is currently in beta with core functionality available.
What this connector provides
- Search organizations: Find nonprofits and foundations by name, mission, location, work area, transparency seal, or leadership demographics (women, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities)
- Find mentioned organizations: Automatically identifies organization names in conversation and links them to official Candid profiles
- Knowledge search: Access Candid's expert knowledge base including research reports, training materials, blog posts, and curated daily news
- Find relevant taxonomic terms: Uses AI to identify relevant terms from Candid's Philanthropy Classification System based on your descriptions
Who can use this
Available to all paid Claude plan users. Basic search requires no separate Candid account, though some advanced features may require additional authentication.
Setting up the connector
For organization owners (Team and Enterprise)
- Navigate to Admin settings > Connectors
- Select
Browse connectors - Search and select Candid
- Select
Add to your team
For individual users
- Navigate to Settings > Connectors
- Select
Browse connectors - Search and select Candid
- Follow the instructions to enable
Example use cases
Finding local organizations
Find foundations in California that fund youth education programs.
Claude searches with location and subject filters, returning matching foundations with Candid profile links, mission focus, and transparency seal details.
Researching sector trends
What are the latest trends in climate philanthropy?
Claude searches Candid's knowledge base for recent articles and research, links mentioned organizations, and synthesizes findings.
Finding by mission and criteria
Find nonprofits working on food access in Seattle that are highly transparent.
Claude identifies the geographic area, relevant taxonomy terms, and filters by location, subject, and transparency seals.
Learning resources
I'm new to grant writing. What are best practices?
Claude searches Candid's learning and help sources for expert guidance, training materials, and relevant articles.
Tips for best results
Be specific with locations
- ✓
nonprofits in Brooklyn, New York - ✓
foundations serving rural Montana communities - ✗
organizations in the Northeast(too broad)
Describe work, not just keywords
- ✓
organizations helping homeless youth find permanent housing - ✓
funders supporting immigrant and refugee integration programs
Combine multiple filters
Environmental organizations in California with BIPOC leadershipHealthcare nonprofits in Texas with Platinum transparency seals
Ask follow-up questions
Tell me more about [organization name]Are there similar organizations in other states?
Understanding seals of transparency
- Platinum: Most comprehensive information including impact metrics
- Gold: Detailed financials and demographics
- Silver: Program information and organizational details
- Bronze: Basic core organization information
Frequently asked questions
Does it cost extra?
Basic search is free for all paid Claude plans. Advanced features may require additional authentication.
How current is the data?
Organization data is updated regularly from IRS filings, official registrations, and direct input. The knowledge base and news feed are updated continuously.
Does it include international organizations?
Candid has the most comprehensive coverage of US organizations, particularly IRS-registered 501(c)(3) organizations and US grantmaking foundations.
Can't find a specific organization?
Try searching by EIN, alternate names or acronyms, or broadening your search terms. Coverage is strongest for US-registered nonprofits.
Privacy and data usage
- The connector accesses publicly available nonprofit information only
- No personal user data is shared with Candid
- Search queries are used only to retrieve relevant results
For Candid-specific questions, email [email protected].