Fashionable APIs are the key behind lots of the conveniences we take pleasure in immediately, from getting climate updates on our telephones to ordering meals on-line.
They’re additionally a strong software for grantmakers who need to shortly and simply tailor their grantmaking system to streamline their processes, save time and assets, and scale with their wants. On this weblog submit, we’ll clarify what trendy APIs are, how they work, and the way they may also help you enhance your grantmaking.
What’s a Fashionable API?
An API, or software programming interface, is a algorithm that outline how two items of software program can talk with one another. It’s a technical handshake that permits one system to request pre-determined information from one other system and get a response in a standardized format. For instance, while you use Google Maps to seek out instructions, you’re utilizing an API that connects your browser to Google’s database of maps, areas, and visitors data.
APIs have been round for a very long time, however they’ve advanced considerably over time. Fashionable APIs are primarily based on net requirements and protocols, reminiscent of HTTP and JSON, that make them straightforward to make use of, safe, and interoperable. They’ll deal with complicated queries, giant quantities of knowledge, and real-time updates. Additionally they observe greatest practices of RESTful design, which implies they’re organized round assets, use constant strategies, and have self-descriptive endpoints. This makes it simpler for low-code and no-code builders to know and use the API without having intensive documentation.
Many platforms you already use to your grantmaking processes have trendy APIs inbuilt, reminiscent of your grant administration resolution that surfaces due diligence information from third-party sources inside your GMS. Through the use of these programs that present trendy APIs, you may entry and alternate information throughout completely different functions, with out having to fret about compatibility, codecs, or variations.
How Do APIs Assist Grantmaking Organizations?
Through the use of software program with trendy API endpoints, you may tailor your system to reinforce your grantmaking processes and outcomes. As a substitute of counting on a single system that does all the pieces okay however nothing effectively, you may select one of the best options for every operate and join them seamlessly by way of APIs.
Listed below are among the advantages of utilizing trendy APIs for grantmaking.
Get information quicker
With APIs, you will get information from exterior sources, reminiscent of Candid’s database of nonprofits and foundations, into your system with a number of clicks. You don’t need to obtain information, add them to your system, or manually enter information. You can too get information out of your system to different platforms, with out having to export or e mail information. These integrations assist guarantee robust information administration and inside controls.
Enhance information accuracy
The automated switch of knowledge with APIs reduces the danger of human error, duplication, or inconsistency in your information. You’ll be able to be sure that the information you get from or ship to different programs is correct, full, and updated. You can too validate and confirm information, reminiscent of group names, addresses, or tax IDs, utilizing APIs that connect with authoritative sources.
Analyze Extra Information
With APIs, you may entry and combination information from a number of sources and analyze it in actual time. You should utilize APIs to create dashboards, experiences, and charts that present your grantmaking efficiency, influence, and developments. You can too use APIs to automate workflows, reminiscent of sending notifications, reminders, or approvals, primarily based on information triggers or occasions.
Streamline processes
Working with different programs which have trendy APIs, you may simplify and standardize your grantmaking processes and make them extra environment friendly and user-friendly. You should utilize APIs to combine with different instruments, reminiscent of e mail, calendars, or messaging, that may enable you talk and collaborate along with your group, companions, or stakeholders.
Examples of APIs in Grantmaking
Many philanthropic organizations are already utilizing trendy APIs to get information quicker and simplify their grantmaking processes. Listed below are some examples of how APIs can be utilized in grantmaking.
- Grantee Analysis: Candid is a number one supply of data and information on nonprofits and foundations. They provide a variety of APIs that may enable you discover and analysis potential grantees, observe grants and outcomes, and robotically monitor information and employees modifications to your data. For instance, you should utilize the GuideStar API to get detailed profiles of over 13 million nonprofits, together with their mission, applications, funds, and influence. Some grant administration programs present these APIs natively within the software program, pulling the information with none work in your half.
In case your group re-grants funding, you too can use Candid’s Funding APIs to get complete information on over 235,000 foundations, together with their grants, belongings, and giving priorities.
- Information Visualization Instruments: Your grant administration resolution offers a wide range of experiences and dashboards, however while you need to compile your grantmaking information with different sources, it helps to make use of an API to plug into an exterior information visualization software. For instance, you could possibly layer neighborhood demographic information over your influence information. These visualization instruments may also make it straightforward to embed your charts and graphs into different functions, reminiscent of web sites, portals, or displays, and share them along with your stakeholders.
- Grantmaking and fund accounting: Grantmaking and fund accounting are two important capabilities of any grantmaking group, however they usually contain completely different programs and processes. You should utilize APIs to attach your grantmaking system along with your fund accounting system and be sure that your monetary information is constant and correct throughout each platforms.
Create a Versatile Grantmaking Ecosystem with Blackbaud Grantmaking
At Blackbaud, we perceive the worth of recent APIs for grantmaking organizations. That’s why we’re dedicated to updating and enhancing our API endpoints and making them extra accessible and user-friendly for our clients. We need to enable you create a versatile grantmaking ecosystem that may meet your particular wants and help your mission and influence.
If you wish to study extra about how Blackbaud Grantmaking can function the hub to your strong and versatile grantmaking group, schedule a demo immediately. Take a look at our up to date API documentation to see how one can enhance information accuracy, analyze information quicker, and streamline your processes.