For this month’s spotlight, we sit down with Kazim Kazimov, a founding board member of For Azerbaijan, who is credited with initiating the concept for this impactful charity. With a background in finance, Kazim’s journey from idea to execution has been marked by dedication, collaboration, and innovative thinking. Here, he shares his story, the challenges of building a nonprofit, and the principles that keep For Azerbaijan sustainable.
Interviewer: Kazim, thank you for joining us today. Let’s start with the origin story. What inspired you to create For Azerbaijan, and how did the idea first come to you?
Kazim Kazimov: Thank you for having me. The idea for For Azerbaijan came to me during a very emotional time, right after the events of the 2020 Karabakh conflict. Like many Azerbaijanis living abroad, I felt a deep urge to help. However, it became clear that while there was plenty of goodwill, the infrastructure to channel that support efficiently wasn’t there. I realized that what we needed wasn’t just temporary relief efforts but a well-structured charity that could deliver sustained impact.
The idea for For Azerbaijan came to me during a very emotional time, right after the events of the 2020 Karabakh conflict. Like many Azerbaijanis living abroad, I felt a deep urge to help. However, it became clear that while there was plenty of goodwill, the infrastructure to channel that support efficiently wasn’t there.
Interviewer: How did you take that idea and turn it into a functioning organization?
Kazimov: It started with reaching out to the Azerbaijani diaspora—people I knew had the same drive to make a difference. I focused on professionals with diverse expertise: finance, law, healthcare, technology. These individuals had not only the skills but also a strong emotional connection to Azerbaijan. It was essential to build a team that shared the vision of creating a transparent, impactful, and sustainable organization.
Interviewer: You’re known for your extensive finance background. How did that experience shape your approach to building For Azerbaijan?
Kazimov: My career in finance was invaluable in structuring For Azerbaijan. I knew that for any charity to be effective, it needed a strong financial backbone. We couldn’t rely solely on sporadic donations. Instead, we established a sustainable funding model with Founding Members, who contribute regularly, ensuring a steady flow of core funding. This helped us avoid the stop-and-start issues that many nonprofits face.
I was also able to implement rigorous financial controls and reporting from the outset, which has been critical for building trust with donors.
Interviewer: Transparency is one of For Azerbaijan’s core principles. How do you maintain it, especially when it comes to finances?
Kazimov: Transparency is non-negotiable. We have a running dashboard on our website, allowing donors to see exactly how funds are being used. Detailed financial reports are shared regularly, showing where every dollar goes. This has built confidence not just among donors but also among the communities we serve.
Interviewer: Can you share an example of a project that embodies the principles you set out for the organization?
Kazimov: The Summer Camp for Children of Fallen Soldiers is one I’m particularly proud of. It was our first large-scale initiative, combining social rehabilitation and psychological support for children affected by the conflict. It was a true test of our capacity to deliver impact while staying transparent and scalable.
The success of that program paved the way for the Capacity Building for Psychologists initiative, where we trained local psychologists in treating PTSD—something that was urgently needed in Azerbaijan.
Interviewer: How has the team you put together contributed to For Azerbaijan’s success?
Kazimov: The team has been fundamental. It’s made up of people with not just the right professional skills but also a deep commitment to the cause. We have experts in healthcare, education, mental health, and community development, all working closely together. This diversity of expertise allows us to approach challenges from multiple angles, making our interventions more effective.
Interviewer: You mentioned sustainability earlier. How do you ensure that For Azerbaijan’s impact is not only immediate but also lasting?
Kazimov: Sustainability is built into our model. For example, our projects are designed to either integrate into public systems or empower local communities to continue the work independently. The Capacity Building for Psychologists project is a great example of this—it not only provides immediate support but also builds local expertise that will benefit Azerbaijan for years to come.
Interviewer: Looking back, what has been the most rewarding part of this journey for you?
Kazimov: Seeing the tangible impact of our work is incredibly rewarding. Whether it’s a child finding hope at the Summer Camp or a mother receiving psychological support, these are real, meaningful outcomes. But beyond that, it’s the sense of unity among Azerbaijanis, both locally and abroad, that’s been the most fulfilling.
Interviewer: What’s next for For Azerbaijan? How do you see the organization evolving?
Kazimov: We’ve built a strong foundation, and now it’s about scaling up. We aim to expand our psychological support programs, launch new educational initiatives, and further develop our partnerships with local and international organizations. We want to be a model of sustainable charity not just in Azerbaijan but in the region.
Interviewer: Kazim, thank you for sharing your insights. Any final thoughts for our readers?
Kazimov: I’d say to anyone reading this—whether you are part of the diaspora, living in Azerbaijan, or simply someone who cares—there’s always a way to contribute. Your support, in any form, helps us drive change. Together, we can continue to make a real, lasting difference for Azerbaijan.
For more information on how to get involved, visit forazerbaijan.org or reach out directly at [email protected].
