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      Custom Email Domain Setup Guide

      The Custom Email Domain feature in WeGive allows your organization to send messages from a branded email address (like contact@yourwebsite.org) instead of a default system address. This not only enhances your professionalism but also helps improve deliverability and trust with your supporters.

      What Is a Custom Email Domain?

      A custom email domain allows you to:

      • Send outbound emails from a recognizable and trusted domain (e.g., contact@yournonprofit.org)

      • Customize your sender address to match your organization’s branding

      • Improve deliverability by authenticating your domain through DNS

      By default, WeGive sends emails from a shared sender domain. Adding your own domain gives you full control and visibility.

      Where to Set It Up

      1. Navigate to the Settings tab.

      2. Click on the Email section.

      3. Click Add Custom Domain.

      Step-by-Step: Setting Up a Custom Email Domain

      Step 1: Add Your Domain

      • Enter your domain only (not the full email address). For example:

        • ✅ demoorganization.org

        • ❌ info@demoorganization.org

      • Click Save.

      Your domain will now appear in the list as Unauthenticated.

      Step 2: Authenticate Your Domain

      1. Click the dropdown arrow next to your newly added domain.

      2. Click Authenticate Domain.

      You will now see:

      • Two TXT records

      • One CNAME record

      These are values you must enter into your DNS provider (e.g., Cloudflare, GoDaddy, Google Domains).

      Add the Following DNS Records:

      • TXT Record #1: Copy the name and value into your DNS dashboard.

      • TXT Record #2: Same process—copy name and value.

      • CNAME Record: Again, copy the name and value exactly as shown.

      Optional: If you want WeGive to receive replies or enable mailbox features, you can also add the MX records listed (this is not required for sending only).

      Step 3: Verify the DNS Records

      Once the DNS records are added:

      • Return to WeGive.

      • Click Verify.

      If the records have been propagated successfully, the domain will show as Authenticated (green indicator). DNS propagation can take a few minutes to a few hours depending on your provider.

      Step 4: Add a Custom Email Address

      Once your domain is authenticated, you can create the actual sender email address that will appear in your outbound emails.

      1. Under the authenticated domain, click Manage Custom Address.

      2. Click Add Custom Address.

      You’ll be prompted to enter:

      • Display Name (e.g., Demo Organization) – this is what appears in the recipient's inbox

      • Handle (e.g., info, support, contact) – this forms the full email, such as info@demoorganization.org

      1. Save the address.

      2. Click Verify to confirm it's valid and connected.

      Features and Customizations

      • Multiple Addresses: Create different sender emails (e.g., support@, donors@) for different types of communication.

      • Branded Identity: Emails come from your trusted domain, which builds confidence with supporters.

      • Improved Deliverability: DNS-authenticated domains are less likely to be flagged as spam.

      • Optional MX Support: Allow incoming mail routing if needed for reply handling.

      Best Practices

      • Coordinate with your web team or domain administrator before editing DNS records.

      • Use consistent naming conventions for your sender handles (e.g., contact@, donate@, hello@).

      • Monitor deliverability and open rates once you begin sending from a custom domain.

      • Re-verify your domain annually or if you make changes to your DNS provider.