How to Use the Candid (GuideStar) MCP in Claude Code

Q: Can I automate IRS verification using Candid (GuideStar) in Claude Code?

Yes, Claude Code runs verifycharitystatus to check Candid tax eligibility. You can script this in your Claude Code terminal to run automated compliance checks.

Q: How do I pipe Candid (GuideStar) search results in Claude Code?

Your Claude Code agent runs searchnonprofits and returns standard Candid JSON. You can pipe this Candid output directly to jq or local text files from Claude Code.

Q: Can Claude Code download compliance PDFs with Candid (GuideStar)?

Yes, Claude Code calls getcharitycheckpdf to retrieve official Candid files. Claude Code saves the Candid PDF directly to your server's local file system.

Query IRS tax data and nonprofit metrics directly from your terminal using Claude Code and the Candid (GuideStar) MCP Server.

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Connect Candid (GuideStar) MCP to Claude Code

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Setup Candid (GuideStar) with Claude Code

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Run compliance audits using Claude Code

Claude Code invokes `get_charity_check_pdf` to fetch official Candid compliance PDFs directly to your terminal directory. You can pipe this Claude Code command to save Candid files during automated cron jobs or MCP deployment scripts. Your Claude Code terminal agent verifies the Candid download and logs the file path. Claude Code allows you to run bulk compliance checks across hundreds of Candid EINs without leaving your shell.

Bulk query nonprofit data via CLI

Claude Code runs `search_nonprofits` using command-line arguments to filter Candid organizations by location or size. Claude Code outputs clean Candid JSON directly to your terminal screen via the MCP Server. You can direct Claude Code to pipe this Candid output to local scripts or database seeders. Claude Code makes populating staging environments with real Candid nonprofit data fast and simple.

Inspect foundation grants from your shell

Claude Code executes `get_grant_details` to inspect specific foundation awards from Candid directly in your terminal. Your Claude Code agent displays the funding amount, recipient EIN, and Candid grant terms right in your terminal window. Claude Code then chains `verify_charity_status` to check if the recipient is still in good standing with the IRS. You get a complete Candid audit trail inside Claude Code without opening a web browser.

Setup guide

Set up Candid (GuideStar) MCP in Claude Code

Prerequisites

Claude Code CLI installed (npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code)
Active Vinkius subscription with a valid endpoint token

1

Run the add command

Open your terminal and run the command shown on the right. Replace [YOUR_TOKEN_HERE] with your endpoint token from cloud.vinkius.com. Use --scope user to make it available across all projects.
2

Verify the connection

Start a Claude Code session and type /mcp to list connected servers. You should see candid-guidestar-mcp with a green status indicator.
3

Start using tools

Ask Claude Code something like "Check my latest Candid (GuideStar) transactions." It will automatically discover and invoke the available Candid (GuideStar) tools.

Terminal

claude mcp add --transport http candid-guidestar-mcp https://edge.vinkius.com/[YOUR_TOKEN_HERE]/mcp

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Prerequisites

Claude Code CLI installed
Active Vinkius subscription with a valid endpoint token

1

Open the config file

Create or edit .mcp.json in your project root for project-level scope, or ~/.claude.json for user-level scope.
2

Add the Candid (GuideStar) MCP

Paste the JSON snippet shown on the right into the mcpServers object. Replace [YOUR_TOKEN_HERE] with your endpoint token from cloud.vinkius.com.
3

Restart Claude Code

Start a new Claude Code session. Type /mcp to confirm the server is connected. The tools will be automatically available in your conversation.

.mcp.json

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "candid-guidestar-mcp": {
      "type": "url",
      "url": "https://edge.vinkius.com/[YOUR_TOKEN_HERE]/mcp"
    }
  }
}

Get your connection token →

Independent Platform Disclaimer: Vinkius is an independent platform and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, verified by, or otherwise authorized by Candid (GuideStar). All third-party trademarks, logos, and brand names are the property of their respective owners. Their use on this website is strictly for informational purposes to identify service compatibility and interoperability.

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Common questions about Candid (GuideStar) MCP in Claude Code

Yes, Claude Code runs `verify_charity_status` to check Candid tax eligibility. You can script this in your Claude Code terminal to run automated compliance checks.

Your Claude Code agent runs `search_nonprofits` and returns standard Candid JSON. You can pipe this Candid output directly to jq or local text files from Claude Code.

Yes, Claude Code calls `get_charity_check_pdf` to retrieve official Candid files. Claude Code saves the Candid PDF directly to your server's local file system.

Run the command-line setup tool to add the Candid server to your local Claude Code configuration. Claude Code automatically discovers the Candid tools on your next terminal session.

No, Vinkius processes all Candid MCP requests in memory to ensure your Claude Code terminal history remains secure. Your queried EINs, grant terms, and tax statuses are never logged.

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