How do I set up a custom domain?

You set up a custom domain from your WhyDonate dashboard: add a domain you already own, add the DNS records WhyDonate shows you at your domain provider, and wait for verification.

Set up the domain

1. Sign up for a free account or log in to your existing WhyDonate account.
2. Start a new fundraiser by providing the details of your cause.
3. In the left-side menu of your dashboard, open Custom Branding and choose Custom Domain.
4. Enter your custom domain or subdomain and click Add Custom Domain.
5. WhyDonate shows two DNS records: a CNAME record and a TXT record. Add both in the DNS settings at your domain provider.
6. Come back to Custom Domain and click I have done it to start the verification.

Verification usually takes between 15 minutes and 72 hours, depending on your domain provider. Once WhyDonate has verified your DNS records, your custom domain is live and ready to use.

Main domain or subdomain

A main (apex) domain, such as xyz.com, only works if your domain provider supports domain flattening. A subdomain, such as donate.xyz.com, does not need it, so use one if your provider does not offer flattening.

After your domain is live

Apply your custom branding and personalize the site as needed. You can also showcase fundraisers, connected fundraisers and donations on your website, or show one fundraiser on the home page of your custom domain, which works well if you only have one fundraiser page.

Note: you can create custom landing pages or use existing campaign pages.