I build and scale social impact that actually works — not programmes that look good in reports, but grassroots systems that outlast the funding cycle.
Born in former Yugoslavia, I grew up as a child refugee of the Croatian Civil War before being raised in London. That early experience of displacement — of seeing what happens when children lose the safety net of community and play — never left me.
After studying management at the University of Technology Sydney and a career in corporate London spanning media, digital and startup operations, I moved to Manila. In one of the city's largest slums, I witnessed sport transform the lives of children recovering from trauma. That moment led to everything that followed.
In 2014, in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Haiyan in Tacloban, Philippines, I founded FundLife. What began as a single post-disaster response has grown into a globally recognised sport-for-development organisation that has directly reached over 125,000 children.
Today, I work as an independent advisor, helping organisations raise serious money and build world-class social impact programmes. I bring the rare combination of corporate project-building, frontline NGO leadership, and a personal story that opens doors most advisors cannot.
London · Manila · Tacloban · The frontline
BA Management (International Exchange)
University of Technology, Sydney
"No slogans, no suits, no speeches — just impact."
In 2024, having never run a full marathon, I ran 600km across Luzon in 14 consecutive days. Not for a deal or a headline. To show children what it looks like when an adult actually means what they say.
I help organisations build the strategies, partnerships and narratives that unlock corporate, philanthropic and institutional funding — translating impact into investment.
From design to delivery, I create sport-for-development and community programmes that are built to last — grounded in local context, measured against real outcomes.
For corporates and foundations moving from intent to execution. I help define what you stand for, what you'll build, and how you'll prove it matters.
I build the brand-purpose partnerships that fund the work and tell the story — connecting corporate CSR ambition with on-the-ground credibility.
14 years of relationships, context and operational experience across the Philippines and broader Southeast Asia — for organisations entering or expanding in the region.
Specialist advisory on building inclusive sport programmes for girls and under-represented communities — from policy to practice.
FundLife is a community-led not-for-profit founded in Tacloban, Philippines in 2014 following Super Typhoon Haiyan. We use the power of sport and purposeful play to protect, educate and empower the most vulnerable children — delivering world-class programming where it is needed most.
"For over a decade, FundLife has been working on the frontlines.
This run was to show that actions speak louder than words —
and that anything is possible if we really believe in it."
In July 2024, having never run a full marathon, Marko ran 600km from the northernmost tip of Luzon to Metro Manila — 14 marathons in 14 consecutive days — to advocate for every child's right to sport, safe spaces and education. No support team. No prior training record. Just the belief that you can't ask others to do what you won't do yourself.
Writing on social impact, leadership, children's rights and why the world needs fewer announcements and more action. Published in HuffPost UK and on LinkedIn.
Running isn't a hobby. It's a proof of concept — that ordinary people can do extraordinary things when they commit to the work. Every kilometre run in service of children who deserve better.
"For over a decade, FundLife has witnessed many grand statements about helping children — but too often these statements never amounted to action. Running is my way of showing that anything is possible if we really believe in it."
If you're building something that actually matters, let's talk.
I work with a small number of organisations at any one time — corporates, foundations and NGOs who are serious about impact, not just optics. If that sounds like you, I'd like to hear from you.