⭐️ Understanding & Using CarePortal RSS Feeds

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Estimated read time: 4 minutes

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Overview

This article explains what an RSS feed is and how you or your organization can use CarePortal’s RSS feed to display custom search results of open requests on your own website.

Using the RSS feed, you can create a live, automatically updating list of CarePortal requests that match your selected filters.

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Intended audience

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Included in this article

• What is an RSS feed?
• What can an RSS feed do?
• Where do I find the CarePortal requests RSS feed?
• How do I customize the RSS feed?

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What is an RSS feed?

RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication.

An RSS feed allows websites, podcasts, and other platforms to share live data that can be accessed through an RSS reader or embedded into a website using an RSS plugin or aggregator.

In simple terms, it allows you to embed a live, customizable feed of CarePortal requests directly on your website.

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What can an RSS feed do?

An RSS feed allows any organization or individual in the CarePortal network to display open requests that match specific search criteria.

For example, you could display:

• All requests for a specific item, such as beds or clothing

• Requests from a specific county, state, or zip code

• Requests entered with a specific purpose statement

• Requests that allow direct funding through CarePortal

• Requests within a certain estimated value range

• Only currently open requests

This feed updates automatically as new requests are entered or existing ones are fulfilled.

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Where do I find the CarePortal requests RSS feed?

You can create a customized RSS feed at any time.

To get started, visit: https://system.careportal.org/rss-setup

On this page, you can choose exactly which requests appear in your feed.

Available filters include:

• County, state, or zip code

• Status (such as Open)

• Purpose statement

• Tier of need

• Response status

• Dollar amount needed

• Agency name

• Urgency

• Request items

As you make selections, the system automatically generates a unique RSS link at the top of the page.

When you’re ready:

1. Click Copy Link

2. Paste the link into your website or RSS-supported tool

If you need help embedding the feed or selecting filters, your Regional Manager or the Support Team can assist you.

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How do I customize the RSS feed?

You can tailor your RSS feed to display only the requests you want to highlight.

When you visit https://system.careportal.org/rss-setup, you’ll see filter options. Each selection automatically updates your custom RSS link.

Here’s how to customize your feed:

1. Choose your location filters
   Narrow requests by County, State, or Zip Code.
   Leave these blank if you want to show requests from anywhere.

2. Set the request status
   Most partners select Open to display current, active needs.

3. Pick the Purpose Statement (optional)
   You can filter requests by their stated purpose, or leave it set to Any.

4. Select the Tier of Need
   Choose one or multiple tiers depending on what you want to feature (e.g., Tier 1 – Physical Needs).

5. Adjust Response Status filters
   You can highlight requests that are:

   • Unmet Fundable

   • Has Unmet Needs

   • No Responses Only

6. Filter by Amount Needed
   Set a minimum or maximum dollar amount if you want to focus on certain funding levels.

7. Choose an Agency (optional)
   Limit the feed to requests from a specific partner Agency.

8. Filter by Urgency or Request Items
   Great for highlighting high-priority needs or specific types of items.

As you refine your selections, the RSS link at the top updates automatically. When finished, click Copy Link and paste it wherever you want the feed to appear.

If you're unsure which filters to use, start broad and narrow over time based on what works best for your audience.