Add zone files to domain registration
When you create your account we default to sending emails from a Double the Donation email address. You can give Double the Donation's platform permission to send emails on your behalf directly from your email domain by adding a few new records in your DNS.
If you are sending emails from multiple Double the Donation modules, the following steps only need to be completed once. These records can be accessed from any module by navigating to Email Customization --> Sending.
In MediaTemple, DNS management can occur in one of two places:
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Domain registration
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Your server (DV / Grid Hosting)
This article includes instructions for both.
Add zone files to domain registration
You can add DNS zone files to your domain in MediaTemple even if the domain is not attached to a server. Follow the steps below to add the CNAME records required for Double the Donation email authentication.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Log into Your MediaTemple Account
Access your account dashboard to manage your domain settings.
2. Open the Domain Administration Panel
Click the blue ADMIN button next to the domain you want to configure.
3. Create a Zone File
Under DNS & ZONE FILES, click Add a Zone File. This enables DNS management for the domain.
4. Select Your Domain Registration Service
Choose the registration service corresponding to the domain you are configuring.
5. Click CONTINUE
MediaTemple will generate a DNS zone file for the domain.
6. Return to DNS & ZONE FILES
You will now see options to edit your DNS zone file. This confirms the DNS zone file has been created successfully.
7. Add the First CNAME Record
Click Add row, then enter the following:
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Name:
Enter the Hostname exactly as shown in your Double the Donation account:
Email Customization → Sending -
Type:
Select CNAME -
Data:
Paste the Value Should Be exactly as displayed in your Double the Donation account
8. Save and Repeat for All Three CNAME Records
Click Save Changes, then repeat the process until all three CNAME records from your Double the Donation account have been added.
CNAMEs can take 48 hours to propagate. That means after you complete the above steps, you'll likely need to wait 24-48 hours before you log back into your Double the Donation account and can successfully click on the "Validate Domain" button."
Add zone files to your server
When adding a domain or subdomain to your server, you are normally prompted to create a DNS zone file during setup. If a zone file was not created at that time, you can manually add one using the steps below.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sign into the Account Center
Log into your MediaTemple Account Center to access your domain configuration tools.
2. Select the Domain
Click the domain you want to edit.
3. Create a Zone File
Under DNS & ZONE FILES, click Create Zone File. This generates a DNS zone for the selected domain.
4. Select Your Server
Choose the MediaTemple server (e.g., DV, GRID) associated with the domain.
5. Click CONTINUE
MediaTemple will create the DNS zone file for your domain.
6. Return to DNS & ZONE FILES
You can now edit the DNS zone file using the options visible under this section.
7. Add the First CNAME Record
Click Add row, then enter the required values exactly as they appear in your Double the Donation account:
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Name:
Enter the Hostname provided under
Email Customization → Sending -
Type:
Select CNAME -
Data:
Paste the “Value Should Be” value from Double the Donation
8. Save and Add Remaining CNAME Records
Click Save Changes. Repeat the process until all three CNAME records from your Double the Donation account have been added.
CNAMEs can take 48 hours to propagate. That means after you complete the above steps, you'll likely need to wait 24-48 hours before you log back into your Double the Donation account and can successfully click on the "Validate Domain" button."
Complete the DMARC Setup
Check for Existing DMARC Record
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In your DNS Settings, review the list of records already added.
If a DMARC TXT record already exists, you’re done! Double the Donation will automatically identify the DMARC record, and you can skip to validation.
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If No DMARC TXT Record Exists
Proceed with the following steps to add a DMARC TXT record.
Adding a DMARC TXT Record
1. In the example below, all DNS record types are displayed together. Your DNS provider may show each record type (A, CNAME, TXT, etc.) in a separate section; if this is the case, find the section for TXT / DMARC records. Add a new record by clicking Add (Add Record, Create new record, etc).
Please note: each DNS provider has a unique layout and interface. These instructions give a general overview of the steps to take within your DNS provider; however, the navigation and steps may be slightly different.
2. In the DNS Setup Table in your Double the Donation account, there is 1 TXT record. Copy the value from the Hostname column, switch to the browser tab containing your DNS settings, and paste it into the corresponding field in your DNS provider account. Some DNS providers will refer to Hostnames as Aliases.
3. Switch back to the Double the Donation browser tab. For the same TXT record, copy the value in the Value Should Be column. Back in your DNS browser window, to paste into the corresponding field in your DNS provider account.
Please note: The sample value provided for your DMARC TXT record is very simple. Your IT team may want to modify it slightly. This value is sufficient for the purposes of sending Double the Donation emails through both of the modules.
4. Save your changes in your DNS provider account.
Troubleshooting CNAME records
If your DNS records have not propagated or are still showing a CNAME Not Found error, try the following:
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Wait 24-48 hours for propagation.
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Ensure all records are added: If only some records are valid, check that all three CNAME records are present.
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Check for typos: Ensure that CNAME records are copied and pasted directly from your Double the Donation account to avoid errors. Avoid manually typing from screenshots, which can lead to typos.
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Correct Domain: Ensure CNAMEs are added to the correct domain (e.g., if your Double the Donation account uses matchinggifts@catrescueclub.org, the CNAME should not be added to the catrescueclub.com domain).
- Refer to the instructions provided by your individual DNS service. Instructions for service providers such as GoDaddy, Network Solutions, and DigitalOcean require Hostnames/Aliases to be entered without your organization’s domain included (for example dtd._domainkey.catrescueclub.org will be entered as dtd._domainkey for these providers).
- If you use a custom nameserver, in place of the default nameserver of your provider, your CNAME records need to be entered into the account associated with the custom nameserver.
If these scenarios do not apply to your CNAME records, please reach out to support@doublethedonation.com to troubleshoot to find a solution.