How to Use the Candid (GuideStar) MCP in OpenAI Agents SDK

Q: How do I handle agent handoffs when searching for foundation grants?

You can build a search agent that uses searchgrants and hands off the results to a compliance agent. The compliance agent then uses getcharitycheckpdf to finalize the record.

Run safe, auto-discovered nonprofit compliance checks directly inside your OpenAI Agents SDK production loops.

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Connect Candid (GuideStar) MCP to OpenAI Agents SDK

Create your Vinkius account to connect Candid (GuideStar) to OpenAI Agents SDK and route execution through our secure gateway. The platform manages server hosting, runtime updates, and security layers. Configuration requires no manual server provisioning.

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Setup Candid (GuideStar) with OpenAI Agents SDK

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Validate tax status with OpenAI Agents SDK guardrails

The `verify_charity_status` tool lets your OpenAI Agents SDK agent fetch live IRS tax-deductibility data directly through this MCP Server. Because you are running the OpenAI Agents SDK, you can set up guardrails that halt execution if an organization fails validation, preventing accidental payouts.

Automated grant research and tracing

Use `search_grants` to scan foundation awards and pull deep metrics into your OpenAI Agents SDK workflows. The OpenAI dashboard traces every call your agent makes to `get_grant_details`, giving you a clear audit trail of how the agent found and evaluated each funding source.

Generate PDF audit trails on the fly

The `get_charity_check_pdf` tool pulls a complete, signed compliance report from Candid to back up your OpenAI Agents SDK decisions. Combine this with `get_demographics` to verify diversity metrics before committing donor funds. Your agent handles the research, pulls the official paperwork, and saves it without human intervention.

Setup guide

Set up Candid (GuideStar) MCP in OpenAI Agents SDK

Prerequisites

Python 3.10+ installed
openai-agents package (pip install openai-agents)
Active Vinkius subscription with a valid endpoint token

1

Install the SDK

Run pip install openai-agents to install the OpenAI Agents SDK. The MCP integration is built-in — no extra dependencies needed.
2

Connect via SSE transport

Use MCPServerSse with your Vinkius endpoint URL. Replace [YOUR_TOKEN_HERE] with your token from cloud.vinkius.com. The SDK auto-discovers all Candid (GuideStar) tools at runtime.
3

Create your Agent

Pass the MCP to Agent(mcp_servers=[server]). The agent receives Candid (GuideStar) tools as native definitions — JSON schemas resolve automatically.
4

Run the agent

Call Runner.run(agent, prompt) to execute. The agent invokes the appropriate Candid (GuideStar) tools and returns structured results. Copy the full example on the right to get started.

agent.py

import asyncio
from agents import Agent, Runner
from agents.mcp import MCPServerSse

async def main():
    async with MCPServerSse(
        url="https://edge.vinkius.com/[YOUR_TOKEN_HERE]/mcp"
    ) as server:
        agent = Agent(
            name="Candid (GuideStar) Agent",
            instructions="You have access to Candid (GuideStar) tools.",
            mcp_servers=[server],
        )
        result = await Runner.run(agent, "List recent transactions")
        print(result.final_output)

asyncio.run(main())

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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 OpenAI Agents SDK

You pass the server URL to the MCPServerStreamableHttp constructor. Your agents will auto-discover tools like `search_nonprofits` without manual mapping.

Yes, you can limit tool exposure during the server registration step. This prevents agents from running expensive calls like `get_nonprofit_premier` if they only need basic search.

The SDK relies on Vinkius to handle the underlying connection and API tokens. Your agent simply calls tools like `get_nonprofit_news` while the platform manages traffic.

You can build a search agent that uses `search_grants` and hands off the results to a compliance agent. The compliance agent then uses `get_charity_check_pdf` to finalize the record.

Vinkius runs the MCP Server in an isolated sandbox, meaning tax data and EIN queries are processed ephemerally. No nonprofit financial records or search queries are cached on the host platform.

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