> This is the Markdown of a Backed Help Centre page, https://admin.backed.giving/help/integrations/mcp.md. Every page is listed at https://admin.backed.giving/help/llms.txt.

> This page uses Backed's default terms, such as Funding Round and Application Template. An organisation may rename them, so read each as your organisation's own term if you've renamed it.

Backed's MCP connection lets an Administrator connect an AI assistant, such as Claude, to read your
organisation's outcomes as themselves. Assistants can only read; they can't change anything. Set
it up under `Settings > Profile and terms`, on the `API & MCP` tab.

## Before you start

You need the `Can access Organisation settings` permission to see the tab, and the permission to
manage integrations to change it. Without that, the page says
`You can see these settings. Changing them needs permission to manage integrations.`

## Turn on MCP access

1. Go to `Settings > Profile and terms` and open the `API & MCP` tab.
2. Turn on `Allow AI assistants to connect (MCP)`. It is off by default. While it is off, no
   assistant can connect and every connected assistant is refused.
3. Copy the `MCP endpoint` with `Copy`. Give this address to your assistant when you add a
   connector.

## Approve an assistant

An assistant that registers itself waits under `Pending approval` until someone who manages
integrations approves it. Select `Approve` on its row. You see that it is approved and
Administrators can now connect it.

## Connect as yourself

1. Add the `MCP endpoint` as a connector in your assistant. It sends you to Backed's
   `Connect an AI assistant` page.
2. The page names the assistant and the address it `Returns to`. If it is `Waiting for approval`
   and you manage integrations, select `Approve this assistant`.
3. Select `Allow`, or `Cancel` to stop.

The assistant sees only what you can see. The connection lasts 30 days.

## Revoke an assistant

`Connected assistants` lists each approved assistant: `Assistant`, `Returns to`, `Registered`,
`Approved`, `Connected people` and `Last used`. Select `Revoke` and confirm. It is disconnected for
everyone who connected it, straight away, and can't be approved again: it has to register afresh.

## What assistants can use

`Tools assistants can use` lists each tool. Each reads what the connected person can already see
on the matching screen, and nothing more.

## See also

- [API access](api-access.md)
- [Frequently asked questions about integrations](faq-integrations.md)