OpenGrant UK grants API documentation and MCP guide

MCP server

Streamable HTTP at https://opengrant.co.uk/mcp. Tools: search_grants (keyword, region, organisation, theme, closes_before), get_grant, get_funder, count_matching_grants, and the showcase tools list_example_grants and get_example_grant. Every result carries its canonical OpenGrant URL and the funder's official guidance link. Unknown arguments and filter values return an error that lists the valid ones.

Public facts pages

• /opportunities/{id} and /funders/{slug}, with Markdown at .md
• llms-full.txt: every open, rolling and forthcoming scheme
• Browse pages and deadline months, each with a .md alternate

Endpoints

• GET /api/v1/search/count?q=community — count matching opportunities. Supports the filters used by grant search; unrecognised values are listed in ignored.
• GET /api/v1/opportunities — list up to three public examples. These examples are independent of the search query. Use limit (1–3) and offset (0–3) for pagination; follow the next URL until it is null.
• GET /api/v1/opportunities/{id} — read one of those public examples by UUID. Other IDs return a JSON 404.

Responses are JSON with a short public cache lifetime. Database outages return a JSON 503. Search counts can change as source data is refreshed.

Each client may make 60 requests per 60 seconds. Responses include RateLimit-Policy and RateLimit headers with the quota, remaining requests and seconds until reset. Over the limit, the API returns a JSON 429 with code rate_limited and a Retry-After header.

Specifications and guidance

• OpenGrant OpenAPI 3.1 specification and Markdown API guide
• OpenGrant MCP server card for the read-only endpoint at https://opengrant.co.uk/mcp
• OpenGrant authentication and permissions guide
• LLM discovery file, agent guide and agent skill
• OpenGrant AI Catalog and agent readiness descriptor
• Data sources and licences

Versioning and deprecation

The API uses major versions in its URLs, currently /api/v1. We will publish a replacement and retirement date at least 90 days before removing an endpoint or version. During that notice period, affected responses will include Deprecation and Sunset headers. V1 has no scheduled retirement. See the full deprecation policy.

Permissions and responsible use

The public API and MCP server require no credentials. They give read-only access to public facts: counts, search results and grant and funder profiles. Every grant in full is on the website with a free account; funder research and peer lookup are in the £29/month plan. Website sessions do not authorize subscriber access through these public tools. See authentication and permissions.

Follow the original publisher link and check deadlines, eligibility and application instructions before advising someone to apply. For questions, use the contact page. Read the versioning and deprecation policy before integrating.