Top 10 Behavioral Science Books for Nonprofits
Applying and adapting behavioral science to nonprofit communications can make our work decidedly more persuasive. We have so much to learn from behavioral science and the robust work being done applying its principles to commercial marketing. Everyone doesn’t have to be a behavioral science expert. But it does help to familiarize yourself with some basic concepts – many of which will be reflected in editions of the Monday on Message Memo. If you want to delve a little deeper, here are ten books I would recommend you select from:
Combines deep knowledge
with easy-to-understand,
actionable defense.
The first of three brilliant
and accessible books by
the host of The Brainy
Business podcast.
A fascinating look at the
power of language to
influence peoples’
thoughts and actions.
A classic by a seminal leader in the science of influence and persuasion.
Another wonderful step by
step guide to applying neuroscience in marketing.
Perhaps the best book
around about storytelling
from a behavioral science
perspective.
Ross is the leading
evangelist for the use
of behavioral science in
a nonprofit setting.
A seminal theoretical
book but definitely the
most difficult read on
this list.
A solid guide to 25 of the
most important biases that
influence consumer and, by extension, donor behavior.
Sutherland, head of
Oglivy UK, is an
entertaining free spirit.
Read his book and
catch any podcast he’s
on.
