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Set up your custom From address and verify DNS

This guide shows you how to configure the DNS records that prove to email providers that your organization owns its sending domain — so your broadcasts land in members’ inboxes rather than spam.

Who can do this: Admins who can manage email deliverability settings (organization owners by default).

Before you start

Section titled “Before you start”
  • You need access to your domain’s DNS settings. This is usually your domain registrar (like Namecheap, GoDaddy, or Google Domains) or your DNS host.
  • The setup process adds three DNS records: SPF, DKIM, and DMARC. All three are needed for full verification. Adding them one by one is fine.
  • While verification is pending, MapleGather sends your emails from a functional address — for example, yourorg@notifications.maplegather.com. Members will see that address until you complete DNS setup.
  • If your organization’s From address uses AOL or AIM (any @aol.com or @aim.com domain), you’ll see a warning. Those providers block relayed mail — use a domain you own instead.

Steps

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Set your From address

Section titled “Set your From address”
  1. Go to Email > Deliverability in the sidebar.
  2. If this is your first visit, the page shows the DNS wizard. In the From address field, enter the email address you want members to see as the sender — for example, newsletter@yourorg.org.
  3. Select Set up.

Add the DNS records

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  1. The page shows three record cards — SPF, DKIM, and DMARC. Each card displays a Host and Value that you copy into your DNS settings.
  2. For each record, select the copy icon next to the Host value, then log in to your DNS provider and add a new record of the correct type (TXT for SPF and DMARC, CNAME or TXT for DKIM).
  3. Paste the Host and Value exactly as shown.
  4. Return to MapleGather and select Verify on the record card to check whether DNS has picked up the change.

DNS propagation usually takes a few minutes, but can take up to 48 hours. If a record doesn’t verify immediately, wait 15 minutes and try again.

  1. Repeat steps 5–7 for all three records. To check all three at once, select Verify all.

Send a test email

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  1. Once at least one record is verified, scroll to the Send a test email section.
  2. Enter your email address and select Send test.
  3. Check your inbox to confirm the email arrived from your organization’s From address and wasn’t flagged as spam.

Verify

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You’ll know setup is complete when all three record cards show a green Verified badge and the page switches from the DNS wizard to the deliverability dashboard.

If something goes wrong

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  • A record won’t verify — double-check that you copied the Host and Value exactly (no extra spaces, correct record type). Wait at least 15 minutes after making a change before verifying.
  • Test email landed in spam — your SPF, DKIM, or DMARC record may not be fully propagated yet. Wait an hour and send another test. See also Emails landing in spam.
  • “You don’t have permission” — your role doesn’t include permission to manage deliverability settings. Contact your organization’s primary admin.
  • AOL/AIM domain warning — use a domain you own rather than a public email provider as your From address.
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