Online API-XML Interface Architecture
DonorPerfect Online's (DPO) Application Programming Interface (API) extends your ability to integrate your donor and constituent database with your organization's website, as well as third-party and custom applications and databases. This web services API toolkit provides web designers and other technical staff a wide-variety of calls that can be used to retrieve data from, as well as write data to, essential DPO data tables such as donors and gifts. Note that many common website activities like processing online donations, event sign-ups and information requests can also be handled, without the need for technical expertise, using DonorPerfect's Weblink option.
XML API Integration for Nonprofit Software
Features
  • Intelligent duplicate checking attempts to identify if information is for an existing constituent record
  • Automatically creates new record or updates existing record
  • Updated records are automatically flagged for easy reporting
Benefits
  • Saves you time by eliminating manual entry of data from web forms
  • Allows you to provide enhanced web services (such as updating contact information or displaying giving history) that can increase web site usage and improve constituent services
  • Eliminates the need for a separate web database, avoiding possible issues with data consistency
More information: Call us at 800-220-8111. Or visit: www.donorperfect.com/moreinfo
Online API-XML Interface Architecture
Commonly Asked Questions
What is an API?
Application Programming Interface (API) is a technology that facilitates exchanging data between two or more different applications. The technology also includes features that provide for interoperability and data sharing between multiple applications and different platforms. These are important features when developing new, or upgrading existing, distributed systems. This technology is a way to achieve the total cross-platform consistency that is a goal of open systems.
How does the Online API-XML interface work?
The Online API-XML interface allows DPO to be an intelligent “back-door” to your website. The integration is completely transparent to your website’s users. They experience the same look and feel of your website, but the fields of information are tied directly to DPO. This all takes place “behind the scenes,” and in real time, ensuring the most up-to-date and consistent data is always available in DPO and on your website.
What technical skills do I need to use this service?
These tools are designed to be used by web programmers with knowledge of API-XML and a server-side scripting language such as ASP, Perl, PHP or an equivalent. Some understanding of DPO is also desirable. We do provide easy-to-follow instructions, as well as sample web pages and templates for your developer. In addition, professional consulting is available on an hourly basis.
Is this the only way to provide integration with your website?
Certainly not. In addition to the Online API-XML interface, DPO offers several other solutions for common needs such as collecting online donations or integrating with other web-based services. We encourage you to discuss your specific needs with your regional account manager.
How much does it cost?
Activating the API-XML interface requires an upfront set-up cost that's dependent on your organization's ability to create and write the code necessary to use the API. Complete documentation is available for all API calls, and includes code samples in several popular scripting languages. Finally, there is a small monthly maintenance fee which is based on your number of records. For complete details and to request a quote for your organization, please contact your Account Manager at 800-220-8111.

"The integration of DPO with our website, third-party software, email, and credit card processing has enabled us to create a web-based system that is nearly flawless, with close to zero defects"

– Bill White, HCR Manor Care
More information: Call us at 800-220-8111. Or visit: www.donorperfect.com/moreinfo