[August 28, 2025] Higher Logic, the leading provider of online community, marketing, and AI solutions that revolutionize engagement, today released its 2025 Association Community Benchmark Report (the latest in over a decade of community benchmark reports, spanning back to Higher Logic’s first report in 2014). Drawing on anonymized data from 1,500 associations and nonprofit organizations, the report underscores the resilience of online communities in the face of digital disruption, economic uncertainty, and the rise of AI-powered tools.
This year’s report reveals that despite rapid technological change, online communities remain a cornerstone of engagement. Communities continue to drive retention, participation, and value for associations of all sizes, positioning them as a strategic differentiator in today’s shifting landscape.
Key Findings from the 2025 Report
- Engagement Remains Strong and Stable: Monthly login and contributor patterns held steady year over year, even as AI reshapes broader website traffic and the way people find information.
- Community Digest Emails Outperform Industry Norms: Digest emails achieved 44–56% open rates, far surpassing the industry benchmark of 36%, demonstrating the relevance and timeliness of peer-driven content.
- Resource Libraries Provide Tangible Value: On average, community users uploaded 293 new resources and saw 539 downloads annually, reinforcing the online community’s role as a self-serve knowledge hub.
- Integrated Programs Multiply Impact: Communities that tied in volunteering, mentoring, job boards, chapters, and marketing tools saw at least 2x more logins and dramatic increases in discussions and contributors.
The Impact of AI on Associations
The 2025 report also addresses the opportunities and challenges associations face with the rise of AI. While generative AI tools make information more accessible, the report stresses the importance of leveraging online communities as trusted, human-centered spaces where members can connect, collaborate, and share evolving industry expertise.
“As artificial intelligence reshapes how people access information, associations face both a challenge and an opportunity,” said Rob Wenger, CEO of Higher Logic. “Members can ask AI for quick answers—but online communities stand out because they give members a source of trusted expertise, innovative new ideas, real relationships, and meaningful opportunities to feel like a part of something. Not to mention access to thousands of their peers! The associations that will thrive are those that lean into community as their foundation, while leveraging AI to personalize, scale, and maximize value for their members. The data in this year’s report shows that organizations that do this will differentiate themselves as a source of true member value and, as a result, unlock stronger engagement.”
Access the Full Report
The 2025 Association Community Benchmark Report is available now. Download your copy here.
About Higher Logic
Higher Logic is revolutionizing engagement. We combine AI with human insight to help organizations build lasting relationships through personalized, intelligent experiences. Our platform connects community, marketing, learning, events, and more—powered by a centralized data warehouse that learns and adapts with every interaction. It’s how we enable smarter, more relevant engagement. Whether helping associations improve retention or enabling businesses to reduce support costs and grow loyalty, our deep expertise and true partnership mindset empower our customers to do more than they ever imagined. Learn more at www.higherlogic.com.
Contact
Julie Kaplan, Chief Marketing Officer
jkaplan@higherlogic.com