Marcus Stern is a social entrepreneur and globally recognized expert in major gift fundraising and organizational development, with over 27 years of experience helping nonprofit leaders develop, equip, and fund their mission. As the founder of The FUNDamental Plan, Marcus blends deep expertise in organizational development with practical major gift fundraising strategy to deliver transformational results. His work has equipped hundreds of organizations worldwide—across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America—to secure major gifts, scale operations, diversify revenue, and build healthy, high-performing teams. Drawing on his early years in community service and higher education leadership, Marcus brings an authentic, hands-on approach to solving the real-world challenges nonprofit leaders face.

Throughout his career, Marcus has helped secure philanthropic capital for projects in over 27 countries and has led funding initiatives for causes ranging from affordable housing to civil rights advocacy and digital content innovation. He has served in various roles, including Chief Development Officer, Regional Director, University Administrator, and Faculty Member with the National Development Institute. Marcus holds a Bachelor of Arts with a Minor in Sociology from Southeastern University and a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from Regent University. With a passion for sustainable impact, he now empowers nonprofit leaders with the tools, strategies, and systems they need to build financially stable, mission-driven organizations. Nonprofit leaders turn to Marcus not just for advice, but for proven solutions that bridge vision with measurable growth.