Unable to Connect to Data API
If MoveData cannot connect to JustGiving's Data API, you see a connection error when setting up or editing your JustGiving integration. This article walks you through the most common causes and how to resolve them.
The Error#
When you attempt to save or test your JustGiving integration in MoveData, you receive an error indicating that the connection to the JustGiving Data API has failed. This can occur even when the credentials you have entered appear to be correct.
Why This Happens#
JustGiving requires five credentials to establish a connection, and the error can be caused by issues with any of them. The most common causes are:
- Incorrect or expired API credentials (Data App ID or Consumer App ID)
- Password contains unsupported special characters
- The JustGiving account lacks admin privileges on the charity account
- JustGiving has not yet provisioned API access for your account
How to Fix It#
Work through the following checks in order. Each addresses a common cause of connection failure.
Check 1: Verify Your Credentials#
Confirm you have all five required credentials and that each is entered correctly:
| Credential | Where to obtain it |
|---|---|
| Data App ID | Contact JustGiving Developer Support at JG-Developer@blackbaud.co.uk |
| Consumer App ID | Contact JustGiving Developer Support at JG-Developer@blackbaud.co.uk |
| Charity ID | JustGiving Admin panel > Settings > Your Charity > Edit charity account details |
| Username | Your JustGiving login email address |
| Password | Your JustGiving login password |
Note
The Data App ID and Consumer App ID are separate credentials. They are not interchangeable. Ensure you have pasted each into the correct field.
Check 2: Verify Admin Privileges#
The JustGiving account you are connecting must have administrator privileges on your charity's JustGiving account. A standard user or fundraiser account does not have the API access required.
To verify:
- Log in to the JustGiving Admin panel.
- Navigate to Settings > Your Charity > Manage Users.
- Confirm the account you are using is listed with an Admin role.
If the account is not an admin, ask an existing admin to grant admin access, or use a different account that already has admin privileges.
Check 3: Fix Your Password#
JustGiving imposes strict requirements on passwords used for API access. Your password must contain only:
- Letters (a-z, A-Z)
- Numbers (0-9)
- Full stops (
.)
No other special characters are permitted. Characters such as !, @, #, $, %, &, *, -, or _ will cause the connection to fail, even though JustGiving allows them for normal login.
To reset your password:
- Go to https://www.justgiving.com/sso/ResetPassword/.
- Enter the email address associated with your JustGiving admin account.
- Follow the instructions in the password reset email.
- Set a new password using only letters, numbers, and full stops.
- Return to MoveData and update the password in your JustGiving integration settings.
Danger
This password restriction applies specifically to API access. Your password may work for logging in to the JustGiving website but still fail when used for API connections. If you are unsure whether your password meets the requirements, reset it to be safe.
Check 4: Reset Your Password (Even If It Looks Correct)#
In some cases, even passwords that appear to meet the requirements can fail. JustGiving's recent migration to Blackbaud ID has introduced situations where passwords need to be explicitly reset to work with the API.
Reset your password at https://www.justgiving.com/sso/ResetPassword/ and try connecting again, even if you believe your current credentials are correct.
Warning
If authentication issues persist after verifying your credentials, this is a JustGiving issue that MoveData cannot control. See Unauthorized error after connecting to Blackbaud ID for more information.
Check 5: Confirm API Access Has Been Provisioned#
If you have recently requested your Data App ID and Consumer App ID from JustGiving Developer Support, ensure they have confirmed that access has been provisioned. There can be a delay between requesting credentials and having them activated.
Contact JustGiving Developer Support at JG-Developer@blackbaud.co.uk to confirm your credentials are active and associated with the correct charity account.
How to Prevent It#
- Record your API credentials securely when you first receive them from JustGiving. Store them in a password manager or secure shared location.
- Use a dedicated service account with admin privileges for the MoveData connection, rather than a personal account that may have its password changed.
- Set a compliant password from the start: letters, numbers, and full stops only.
- Do not share the connected account with other integrations or services that might trigger password resets or security lockouts.
Still having issues?#
Resolving JustGiving API connection issues is beyond MoveData's control. If you have worked through all the checks above and the connection still fails, contact JustGiving Developer Support directly at JG-Developer@blackbaud.co.uk to verify your credentials are active and linked to the correct charity account.
Other Resources#
- Unauthorized error in my 3rd Party Application after connecting to Blackbaud ID — official JustGiving troubleshooting guide for Blackbaud ID authentication issues