Custom Domain Setup Guide

The Installation feature in WeGive allows your organization to configure a custom domain for your checkout pages and donor portal, giving donors a branded, trustworthy experience aligned with your organization's web presence.

By default, WeGive provides a branded subdomain, but many organizations choose to set up a custom URL such as donate.yourwebsite.org to enhance credibility and branding.

Why Set Up a Custom Domain?

Custom domains provide several important benefits:

• Trust and credibility – Donors feel more confident giving on a URL they recognize as yours

• Brand consistency – Your donation pages match your website's domain

• Professional appearance – Reinforces your organization's legitimacy

• Email deliverability – Custom email domains improve inbox placement and reduce spam filtering

• Link tracking – Secure SSL support enables proper email click tracking

Types of Custom Domains in WeGive

WeGive supports two types of custom domains:

1. Domain Aliases (Vanity Domains)

Replace the default WeGive URL with your own branded domain for checkout pages and donor portals.

Examples:

• donate.yournonprofit.org

• give.yourdomain.com

• giving.yourorganization.org

2. Custom Email Domains

Send branded emails from your own domain instead of WeGive's default sender addresses.

Examples:

• donations@yournonprofit.org

• support@yourorganization.org

This guide covers both setup processes.

Where to Access Domain Settings

For Vanity Domains (checkout/portal URLs):

1. Navigate to Settings in the WeGive dashboard

2. Click on Installation

For Custom Email Domains:

1. Navigate to Settings

2. Click on Email

Part 1: Setting Up a Vanity Domain (Checkout & Portal)

Step 1: Add a Vanity Domain

1. In Settings → Installation, click Add Domain

2. Enter the full subdomain you wish to use (e.g., donate.yourwebsite.org)

3. Click Save

The domain will appear in your dashboard as unauthenticated until DNS setup is complete.

Important: Only use subdomains (like donate.yoursite.org). Top-level domains (like yoursite.org) cannot be configured as CNAMEs.

Step 2: Add DNS Records in Your DNS Provider

1. Click the arrow icon next to the unauthenticated domain

2. Click the arrow next to "Add DNS Records"

3. You'll see the CNAME record details to copy

In your DNS provider (GoDaddy, Cloudflare, Google Domains, etc.):

1. Navigate to your DNS management panel

2. Create a new CNAME record:

   • Name: Copy the provided "name" value from WeGive

   • Value/Target: Copy the destination value from WeGive

CNAME Target Reference:

Step 3: Verify DNS Setup

1. Return to WeGive and click Refresh Status

2. If DNS is connected properly, the domain will show as valid

Tip: Use an online DNS lookup tool (like dnschecker.org) to verify your CNAME is propagating while you wait.

Step 4: Issue SSL Certificate

1. Click the dropdown next to SSL Certificate

2. Select "Issue SSL Certificate"

3. Wait for the status to turn green

SSL ensures your domain is secure for donor data and is required for:

• HTTPS connections (browser security)

• Email link tracking

• PCI compliance for payment processing

Step 5: Set as Default Domain

1. Return to the domain list in Settings → Installation

2. Use the dropdown to select your custom domain as the default domain

3. Your checkouts and donor portal will now load under your branded URL

Part 2: Setting Up a Custom Email Domain

Custom email domains allow you to send WeGive emails (receipts, campaigns, journeys) from your own domain instead of a generic WeGive address.

Step 1: Add Your Email Domain

1. Go to Settings → Email

2. Click Add Custom Domain

3. Enter your domain only (e.g., yourorganization.org)

   • Do not include the full email address

   • Do not include "www"

Step 2: Get Authentication Records

1. Click the dropdown arrow next to your domain

2. Click Authenticate Domain

3. You'll see three DNS records to add:

   • Two TXT records (for SPF/DKIM authentication)

   • One CNAME record (for tracking)

Step 3: Add DNS Records

In your DNS provider, add all three records exactly as shown:

1. Copy the exact Name and Value for each record

2. Match the Type field (TXT or CNAME) precisely

3. Save your changes

Optional: Add MX records if you want WeGive to receive email replies.

Step 4: Verify Authentication

1. Return to WeGive

2. Click Verify

3. When successful, the domain shows as Authenticated with a green indicator

Note: Some records may propagate faster than others. If verification fails, wait and try again.

Step 5: Create Email Addresses

1. Under your authenticated domain, click Manage Custom Address

2. Click Add Custom Address

3. Enter:

   • Display Name: What recipients see (e.g., "Hope Foundation")

   • Handle: The username portion (e.g., "donations" for donations@yourdomain.org)

4. Click Verify to confirm the address

You can now use this address as your sender for receipts, campaigns, and journeys.

DNS Provider Quick Reference

WeGive works with all major DNS providers. Here's general guidance:

General Steps:

1. Log into your DNS provider's control panel

2. Navigate to DNS records/management for your domain

3. Create new records matching WeGive's specifications exactly

4. Save changes and wait for propagation

Troubleshooting

DNS Issues

SSL Certificate Issues

Email Domain Issues

When to Contact Support

• DNS records appear correct but verification fails after 48 hours

• SSL certificates won't issue despite proper DNS setup

• Unexpected behavior with domain routing

• Questions about specific DNS provider configurations

Best Practices

Planning:

• Coordinate with your IT or web hosting provider before making DNS changes

• Choose a clear, memorable subdomain (donate, give, giving, support)

• Set up custom domains before launching major campaigns

DNS Configuration:

• Allow up to 24-48 hours for DNS changes to propagate (though it's usually much faster)

• Only use subdomains—top-level domains cannot be used as CNAMEs

• Don't delete DNS records after setup; they must remain active

Security:

• Keep SSL certificates active to avoid browser security warnings

• Use custom email domains to improve deliverability and reduce spam filtering

• Monitor your domain status periodically in WeGive settings

Branding:

• Use consistent naming across your organization (if your website is hopefoundation.org, use donate.hopefoundation.org)

• Consider setting up both a vanity domain AND custom email domain for full brand consistency

Setup Checklist

Vanity Domain (Checkout/Portal URL):

• Add your subdomain in Settings → Installation

• Copy the CNAME record details from WeGive

• Add the CNAME record in your DNS provider

• Wait for DNS propagation and click Refresh Status

• Issue the SSL certificate

• Set the domain as your default

Custom Email Domain:

• Add your domain in Settings → Email

• Copy all three authentication records (2 TXT + 1 CNAME)

• Add all records in your DNS provider

• Verify authentication in WeGive

• Create custom email addresses for sending

• Update your email templates to use the new sender address