Creating & upgrading your Twilio account
To start sending text messages in eCatholic Connect, you'll need to first create a Twilio account, then upgrade the account out of "free trial" mode.
Creating a Twilio account
Go to twilio.com/try-twilio and enter your information to create a free account.
Upgrading your Twilio account
After you create your Twilio account, it will be in "free trial" mode.
However, in order to move forward with your setup, you'll need to upgrade your account. Twilio has documented the steps in its Help Center: Upgrading to a Paid Twilio Account.
See below for guidance specific to eCatholic customers.
Items needed for Twilio registration
Before you start the Twilio registration process, it is recommended that you prepare the following:
- Photo ID - You will be prompted to upload a photo of a government-issued ID (e.g., driver's license or passport) to verify your identity.
- See more: Why Twilio requires Photo ID
- Credit card information - You will need to provide initial funding (at least $50) to your Twilio account to cover the one-time brand and campaign registration fees.
- Your organization's EIN number - This will be required during the Twilio signup process. This is a nine-digit number that the IRS assigns in the following format: XX-XXXXXXX.
- An IRS determination letter - If your organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, it is advantageous to register as such with Twilio. In order to be recognized as a nonprofit by Twilio, your organization will be required to provide proof of your nonprofit status.
- A copy of an official IRS determination letter that explicitly lists a) your organization name and b) your organization's nonprofit status is best.
- If your organization is not individually registered as a nonprofit — and instead falls under a group exemption — it is recommended that you also provide a copy from the Official Catholic Directory that includes:
- Official Catholic Directory cover
- All the pages where individual entities in your diocese appear, with your organization highlighted
1 - Log in to your Twilio account console.twilio.com.
2 - Click the Upgrade link at the top of the screen.
3 - Click Continue and enter your basic personal information.
4 - Select the country of your ID, then select one of the government ID options listed (e.g., Driver's License).
5 - Select the Identity type for your account.
- Most eCatholic customers should select Business use.
6 - Enter your Business Address & Billing Details.
- Business Address - Most eCatholic customers should use the physical address for your parish, school, diocese, or ministry.
- Legal Business Name - Provide the official name of your parish, school, diocese, or ministry
- Business Registration Authority - Select USA / IRS / Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- Business Registration Number - Enter your organization's EIN. This is a nine-digit number that the IRS assigns in the following format: XX-XXXXXXX.
- Business Website URL - Enter your website URL
- Industry - Most eCatholic customers can select Religion
7 - Enter your Main Address - Enter your Business Address; This is used for tax purposes.
8 - Enter your Tax Information - Enter your organization's EIN. This is a nine-digit number that the IRS assigns in the following format: XX-XXXXXXX.
9 - Fund your account - It is recommended that you initially fund your account with at least $50. You will then be prompted to enter your credit card details.