Free For Charity (FFC) Web Developer Training Guide

This guide is designed to help you support a new charity by setting up and managing the suite of online tools that FFC uses. Follow the detailed instructions and use the provided resource links to become proficient with each platform.

Table of Contents

  1. FFC Hub by WHMCS (Domain Orders, Client Data, Support Tickets)
  2. Cloudflare (DNS Management & Email Connection)
  3. Microsoft 365 (Email Hosting)
  4. InterServer Web Hosting (with DirectAdmin)
  5. DIVI (WordPress Theme)
  6. WPMUdev (WordPress Plugins)
  7. Microsoft Clarity (Analytics)
  8. Tawk.to Live Chat (Support)
  9. Azure AI Language (Custom Question Answering)
  10. Final Notes

FFC Hub by WHMCS

WHMCS powers the FFC Hub, which handles domain name orders, client data, and support tickets.

Login URLs

Main Setup Steps

  • Primary Contact Information: Ensure the account’s primary email is not based on the charity’s domain (e.g., use [email protected] instead of an email like [email protected]).
  • Multiple Contacts: Confirm that at least two different contacts are listed in the account. This redundancy is important for continuous communication.
  • Domain Purchase & Configuration: Guide the charity through buying and configuring their .org domain product via the FFC Hub. Instruct them to use their organizational email, and verify that the coupon code (if provided in their onboarding acceptance email) is applied.

Common Issues & Solutions

  • Incomplete Onboarding Form:
    • Issue: The charity has not completed the onboarding form, which prevents new products from being added.
    • Solution: Schedule a Microsoft Teams screen share or call to guide them through the form. If needed, escalate to a FFC Global Admin.
  • Charity Order Flagged as Fraud:
    • Issue: The system flags the order as fraudulent.
    • Solution: Verify that the order is placed from within the US (and not via a VPN) and check that the credit card address closely matches the charity’s contact address. Escalate issues to a FFC Global Admin if necessary.
  • Domain Transfer Failures:
    • Issue: Transfer from an old domain provider may fail due to an incorrect EPP code or active Privacy settings (common with GoDaddy).
    • Solution: Confirm the correct EPP code and that Privacy is turned off. Once the system shows a “Failed Transfer” in WHMCS, resubmit the request with the corrected details.

Learning Resources

Official WMHCS Learning Resources:

External WMHCS Learning Resources:

Cloudflare (DNS Management & Email Connection)

Cloudflare manages the DNS settings for charity domains and is critical for setting up security (including DMARC) and email connectivity.

Login URLs

Setup Steps

  • Change Name Servers in FFC Hub: Update the charity’s DNS records in the FFC Hub to use the FFC Cloudflare nameservers:
    • ns1.freeforcharity.org
    • ns2.freeforcharity.org
  • Create a Cloudflare Account: Assist the charity in setting up a Cloudflare account using their organizational email, e.g., [email protected].
  • Grant Domain Permissions: In the Cloudflare dashboard, add the charity’s domain and assign the “Domain Admin” role to the organizational account.
  • Set up Cloudflare DMARC Management: Follow Cloudflare’s instructions to configure DMARC records for improved email security.
  • Establish Email Connection to Microsoft 365: Configure the DNS records (MX, SPF, and DKIM) so that emails route correctly to Microsoft 365:
    1. Log in to your FFC Cloudflare admin account and navigate to the charity’s domain.
    2. Click on the DNS section in Cloudflare.
    3. Note the required DNS records provided by Microsoft 365 (these include MX records, SPF configuration, and DKIM keys).
    4. Open the Microsoft 365 Admin Portal.
    5. Navigate to Setup > Domains and select Add domain.
    6. Enter the charity’s domain name. Microsoft 365 will detect missing DNS records.
    7. When prompted, choose the option to use your Cloudflare account credentials. Enter your Cloudflare username and password so Microsoft 365 can automatically add the necessary DNS records.
    8. Once the records are added, verify the domain within the Microsoft 365 portal.

Learning Resources

Official Cloudflare Learning Resources:

External Cloudflare Learning Resources:

Microsoft 365 (Email Hosting)

Microsoft 365 provides the email hosting solution for charity accounts, ensuring seamless communication and collaboration.

Setup Process

  • Apply for NonProfit Email Hosting: Visit the Microsoft Nonprofits page to learn about eligibility and application steps.
  • Configure Email Hosting: Once approved, follow the steps in the Microsoft 365 Admin Portal to set up and configure email accounts for your charity. Detailed instructions can be found here: Microsoft 365 Admin Documentation.

Learning Resources

Official Microsoft 365 Learning Resources:

External Microsoft 365 Learning Resources:

InterServer Web Hosting (with DirectAdmin)

InterServer provides the hosting platform for charity websites.

Setup Process

  • Apply for a Hosting Account: Directly request hosting services for the charity via InterServer: InterServer Support
  • Configure the Hosting Environment: Use the DirectAdmin panel to set up the website. Detailed guidance and documentation can be found on the DirectAdmin Help site: DirectAdmin Help Site.

Learning Resources

Official InterServer Resources:

External InterServer / DirectAdmin Learning Resources:

DIVI (WordPress Theme)

DIVI is used to create visually appealing, responsive, and highly functional websites for charities.

Installation & Customization Steps

  • Install Divi: Download the Divi theme (typically provided through internal channels such as the FFC Internal Web Developer Microsoft Teams team) and follow the WordPress theme installation process.
  • Customize Divi: Use the built-in visual builder to customize page layouts, modify modules, and apply global design settings.

Learning Resources

Official DIVI Resources:

External DIVI Resources:

WPMUdev (WordPress Plugins)

WPMUdev extends your charity’s website functionality with a range of essential WordPress plugins.

Setup Process

  • Identify Useful Plugins: Install plugins from WPMUdev that boost site performance, security, SEO, and more.
  • Configuration: Follow the installation and configuration instructions provided in the WPMUdev dashboard.

Learning Resources

WPMUdev provides extensive documentation for each of its pro plugins. Here are the direct links to the documentation for their most popular tools:

For general tutorials and community support, you can also visit the WPMUdev Blog and their Community Forums.

Microsoft Clarity (Analytics)

Microsoft Clarity provides insights into how users interact with the charity website so you can optimize its performance.

Setup Process

  • Install Plugin or Embed Script: Add the Microsoft Clarity plugin via WordPress or embed the tracking script in the website’s header.
  • Monitor and Analyze User Behavior: Use the dashboard to view heatmaps, session recordings, and other insights.

Learning Resources

Official Microsoft Clarity Resources:

External Microsoft Clarity Resources:

Tawk.to Live Chat (Support)

Setup Process

  • Create an account at Tawk.to.
  • Follow the setup wizard to create a property for the charity's website.
  • Install the Tawk.to WordPress plugin or add the provided JavaScript snippet to the website's footer.
  • Customize the chat widget's appearance and settings in the Tawk.to dashboard.

Learning Resources

Azure AI Language (Custom Question Answering)

Custom Question Answering, a feature of Azure AI Language, is the new version of QnA Maker and is used to build a knowledge base for conversational AI.

Setup Process

  • Navigate to the Azure Language Studio.
  • Create a new Language resource and ensure the "Custom question answering" feature is enabled.
  • Create a new project, linking it to existing content sources like FAQs or product manuals to build the knowledge base.
  • Train, test, and deploy the project to get a queryable endpoint for your application or bot.

Learning Resources

Final Notes

By following the steps in this guide and using the linked resources:

  • You will be able to efficiently set up new charity accounts, configure domain management, secure email hosting, and create a robust web presence using the tools FFC supports.
  • Whenever you encounter an issue—for example, with domain transfers or DNS configuration—refer to both the official documentation and trusted external tutorials for alternate perspectives and troubleshooting tips.
  • For setting up the email connection in Microsoft 365, remember that Microsoft’s admin portal now allows you to leverage your Cloudflare credentials to automatically insert the required MX, SPF, and DKIM records, streamlining the verification process.

This guide is designed to be both a step-by-step procedural reference and a gateway to deeper learning. As you gain confidence with each tool, you’re encouraged to explore the additional materials provided in the external resources sections.

Happy developing and supporting the charities in their mission!

If you have further questions or need clarification on any of these steps, feel free to ask your fellow team members in the internal channels or consult the provided documentation links.

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