At the start of the COVID pandemic, congregations across the association shifted to provide a virtual mode of connection in fellowship during a grief-stricken time. As such, the UUA partnered with Zoom to offer account licensing at a discounted rate.

Zoom has since launched a new nonprofit offering—Zoom Cares—that allows eligible organizations to work directly with Zoom while receiving a 50% nonprofit discount. Congregations with an annual budget under $10 million and recognized 501(c)(3) status qualify for this program.

Zoom Cares offers a significantly better discount than the UUA can provide through bulk purchasing, while also giving congregations the ability to manage their Zoom licenses and features in a way that best fits their needs—without relying on the UUA as intermediary.

As we continue to adapt our shared work to changing technologies and opportunities, the UUA Congregational Zoom License Reseller Program will conclude on July 1, 2026. To ensure continuity, the UUA has extended all current congregational Zoom licenses beyond their April expiration to ensure congregations have plenty of time to make this transition.

Note: This change does not apply to Zoom licenses held by many ministers through the UU Ministers Association.

Was My Congregation Notified About This?

All congregations who have licenses through the UUA program have received notification of this transition, but if your congregation has missed that email, please send an email to ZoomHelp@uua.org and review this transition guide (PDF).

What will Zoom cost?

Pricing depends on the license type and whether your congregation qualifies for the nonprofit discount. The most recent pricing listed on Zoom’s website shows:

• Pro License (up to 100 attendees): $159.96/year (retail) · $79.98/year (discounted)

• Business License (up to 300 attendees): $219.96/year (retail) · $109.98/year (discounted)

• Large Meeting Add‑On (up to 500 attendees): $50 (retail) · $25 (discounted) for 30 days

Based on usage data, most congregations are well served by a Pro license, with an occasional Large Meeting add‑on for special events that exceed 100 participants.

Not registered as a 501(c)(3)?

This transition may be a good opportunity to consider applying for 501(c)(3) status. Congregations must have their own 501(c)(3) designation and cannot use the UUA’s tax‑exempt status for vendor discounts or licensing.

501(c)(3) recognition opens the door to nonprofit pricing from many providers, including Zoom, Google, Adobe, Canva, Asana, and Monday.com. For many congregations, the savings from these services can offset the approximately $600 filing cost within a few years. Learn more about tax‑exempt status and how to apply at LeaderLab.

Our subscription through the UUA ends April 1, will we still have Zoom licenses?

Yes. The UUA will cover the cost of your existing licenses with the UUA from April 1 until your subaccount has been disassociated from the UUA’s account.

We’re not eligible for the Zoom Cares discount—so why can’t we stay subscribed through the UUA?

We explored all options to continue the program, but Zoom’s current pricing — $160 per year per Pro license — made it impossible to offer rates competitive with what congregations can access directly. If your congregation doesn’t yet have a determination letter, the UUA’s 501c3 process guide (PDF) outlines the process and the broader savings it unlocks.

We know that technology is woven deeply into the life of our congregations—from worship and pastoral care to governance and community connection. Please reach out to ZoomHelp@uua.org if you have questions or need more information.