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      Custom Domain Setup Guide (Installation Tab)

      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.

      What Is a Custom Domain?

      A custom domain allows you to replace the default WeGive-hosted URL with a branded domain of your own, such as:

      • donate.yournonprofit.org

      • give.yourdomain.com

      This is particularly useful for:

      • Branding and trust-building

      • Email link tracking (with SSL support)

      • Consistent donor experiences across your site

      How to Access the Installation Tab

      1. Navigate to the Settings tab in the WeGive dashboard.

      2. Click on Installation.

      Step-by-Step: Setting Up a Custom Domain

      Step 1: Add a Vanity Domain

      • Click Add Domain or similar.

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

      • This will appear in your dashboard as unauthenticated until DNS setup is complete.

      Step 2: Add DNS Records in Your DNS Provider

      1. Click the arrow icon next to the unauthenticated domain.

      2. Then click the arrow next to “Add DNS Records.”

      3. You’ll see a CNAME record displayed.

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

      • Create a new CNAME record
        • Name: Copy the provided “name” value 

        • Value: Copy the destination value 

      This points your custom subdomain to WeGive’s servers.

      Step 3: Verify DNS Setup

      • Back in WeGive, click Refresh Status.

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

      Step 4: Issue SSL Certificate

      • Click the dropdown next to SSL Certificate.

      • Select “Issue SSL Certificate.”

      • Once issued successfully, the status will turn green, indicating your site is secured via HTTPS.

      SSL ensures your domain is secure for donor data and required for email tracking and safe user access.

      Step 5: Set Custom Domain as Default

      • Once validated and SSL is active, go back to the domain list.

      • Use the dropdown to select your custom domain as the default domain for your checkouts and donor portal.

      Features and Customizations

      • Custom Vanity URLs: Use branded URLs like donate.yourdomain.com for donation forms, events, and portals.

      • Secure Hosting: WeGive automatically provisions SSL certificates for your custom domain.

      • Branded User Experience: Checkout pages and donor portals load under your branded domain.

      Best Practices

      • Coordinate with your IT or web hosting provider to add DNS records correctly.

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

      • Only use subdomains (like donate.yoursite.org)—top-level domains (like yoursite.org) cannot be used as CNAMEs.

      • Keep SSL certificates active to avoid browser security warnings.