How to Use the DonorsChoose MCP in Claude

Q: Can I filter DonorsChoose projects by subject in Claude Desktop?

Yes. Use the listprojectsbysubject tool to narrow down results to specific areas like Literacy or Math. It helps you find projects that align with your specific interests.

Use the DonorsChoose MCP Server in Claude Desktop to pull live classroom funding data directly into your chat workflow.

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Connect DonorsChoose MCP to Claude Desktop

Create your Vinkius account to connect DonorsChoose to Claude Desktop 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 DonorsChoose with Claude Desktop

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Real-time funding oversight in Claude Desktop

Monitor classroom needs as they appear on the platform. Use `list_latest_classroom_proposals` to pull fresh project data and `get_classroom_project_details` to inspect specific requirements without leaving your workspace. Your agent parses this data to highlight opportunities for support. It turns raw API output into clear summaries, helping you track active projects as they evolve.

Geographic project discovery

Find local impact opportunities by running `search_projects_by_zipcode`. This command bypasses broad searches to show you exactly what is happening in your immediate area. When you need to see a broader picture, `list_projects_by_state` provides a filtered view of regional activity. It keeps your search focused on relevant, actionable data for your specific location.

Prioritize critical classroom needs

Identify schools facing the most significant barriers by executing `list_high_poverty_needs`. This tool filters the database to show you where resources are needed most urgently. Use `list_urgent_funding_needs` alongside it to catch projects about to expire. Your agent handles the sorting so you can focus on where your contribution makes the biggest difference.

Setup guide

Set up DonorsChoose MCP in Claude Web or Desktop

1

Open Claude Settings

Go to claude.ai, click your profile icon, then navigate to Customize → Connectors.
2

Add Custom Connector

Click the "+" button and select Add custom connector. Paste your Vinkius endpoint URL: https://edge.vinkius.com/[YOUR_TOKEN_HERE]/mcp Replace [YOUR_TOKEN_HERE] with your token from cloud.vinkius.com. For OAuth-protected servers, expand Advanced settings to add credentials.
3

Start a conversation

Open a new chat. The DonorsChoose MCP tools are available immediately — no restart needed.

Endpoint URL

https://edge.vinkius.com/[YOUR_TOKEN_HERE]/mcp

No configuration file needed — paste the URL directly in the Claude web interface.

Available on Free (1 connector), Pro, Max, Team, and Enterprise plans.

Prerequisites

Claude Desktop installed (macOS or Windows)
Active Vinkius subscription with a valid endpoint token

1

Open Claude Desktop Settings

Click the menu icon at the top-left corner, go to Settings → Developer → Edit Config. This opens claude_desktop_config.json in your default text editor.
2

Paste the DonorsChoose MCP configuration

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

Restart Claude Desktop

Close and reopen the application. Claude needs a full restart to load new MCPs — refreshing a conversation is not enough.
4

Verify the connection

Open a new conversation. Click the 🔌 icon at the bottom of the message input. You should see tools listed under donorschoose-mcp.

json

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "donorschoose-mcp": {
      "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 DonorsChoose. 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.

Why Choose Vinkius

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Common questions about DonorsChoose MCP in Claude Desktop

Open your chat in Claude Desktop and ensure the MCP server is active. You can then ask your agent to use `search_classroom_projects` with your specific keywords to find relevant classroom proposals.

No. This MCP server only interacts with public classroom project data and API metadata. It never accesses your private account information, donor history, or payment details.

Yes. Use the `list_projects_by_subject` tool to narrow down results to specific areas like Literacy or Math. It helps you find projects that align with your specific interests.

The server pulls data live from the API every time you trigger a tool. You get the latest project status the moment your agent executes the request.

The MCP server handles the communication layer between your client and the API. If the structure changes, you simply update your server configuration to keep your tools running.

Use it with your favorite AI tools

Connect this server to Cursor, Claude, VS Code, and more.

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