Logging into DonorCentral Using a Non-Gmail Address

Steps for First Time Users:

1. In your browser’s URL field located at the top of the screen (not the search field) type in aef.donorcentral.com

2. You will see the screen below:

Blackbaud is the software company that operates AEF's DonorCentral. Blackbaud ID is the term for the email address that you use to login to DonorCentral and access your donor advised fund account.

3. Notice the option in the red rectangle.  Click on the sentence “Don’t have a Blackbaud ID? Create a new one”

4.Type your email address in the field titled “This will be your Blackbaud ID”  .  Create a new password for your account.  You’ll need to type your password again to ensure they match. Only the email that we have on record for you can be used.  If this email address is incorrect or you wish to use a different address, please STOP and contact our Experience Team.

5. Enter first & last name and select Sign Up.  You will receive a “Thanks for Signing Up” message. 

6. You’ll receive a confirmation email from Blackbaud Authentication Services within 5 minutes. Please open the email and click on the blue Confirm email button.  

7. Close your email and navigate back to the login page (aef.donorcentral.com). Input your User ID/password and click Sign-in.

To Make A Grant in DonorCentral:

1. In your browser’s URL field located at the top of the screen (not the search field) type in aef.donorcentral.com

2. At the Sign in to Continue page, sign in with your user name and password.  

3. To recommend a grant, select Recommendations, from the menu bar then click on New. 

4. From the Grant Recommendation window, you will have three options:

• A) Search AEF’s database for a charitable organization: Input the organization’s name, city and state in the same field. 
• B) Search for an organization from your granting history.
• C) If the organization is not in AEF’s database, check the box titled Add a new charitable organization.

5.If you are using option C, input the organization’s name and full address. (Don’t worry about info you don’t know, such Contact, Email, Web Address or Tax ID.)

6. Click the Next button.

7. Be sure to select your fund from the “Select a fund…” field.

8. Input the Grant Amount.  Do not use a $, a comma or a decimal point.  Input only the dollar amount. 

9. (Optional) Type in any Purpose – Statement or message you’d like to include on the grant cover letter. 

10. Answer the remaining questions as needed and scroll down to the “I Agree” check-box. 

11. Check the “I Agree” box (in the lower left hand corner).

12. Click on the Review button.

13. Click on the Submit button

You will receive an on-screen confirmation and a recommendation confirmation email.