12 Ağustos 2025

Interview with Pavel Andreev for the Macedonian media Maski Magazin (faktor.mk)

🔗 Click here to read the interview on Maski Magazin (faktor.mk)

(You can read the full interview in English a few lines below 👇)

Interview Summary: In this interview, you will learn how Pavel Andreev, founder and CEO of the PavelAndreev.ORG platform, transforms the idea of compassion into a working force and reality. Pavel shares what lies behind the creation of an effective and functioning crowdfunding platform, how trust and transparency are built between donors and those in need. You will learn about the challenges facing modern donation and what Pavel Andreev's vision looks like for a society where people help each other driven and inspired by empathy, conviction, and solidarity, and how the platform contributes to this.

Pavel Andreev is a man who believes that kindness and compassion can change the world. As the creator of the PavelAndreev.org platform, he dedicates his work to building a bridge between those in need and people willing to help. How is a successful charitable platform created? How is donor trust earned and transparency guaranteed? In this conversation, Pavel Andreev shares his journey, the challenges facing donation, and his vision for a more solidary society. 

Mr. Andreev, how would you describe the pavelandreev.org platform to people who are not familiar with it? How does it help and what causes and campaigns does it support? 

PavelAndreev.ORG is a crowdfunding platform that raises funds for treatment and social causes (medical and non-medical campaigns) without charging fees on donations. Besides the platform itself, my main focus is building local audiences in different countries. The goal is to create cohesive communities that actively support campaigns, help people in need, and spread campaigns through social media. Donors have various and secure payment methods available, and our team is available 24/7. In recent years, there has been mistrust towards charitable campaigns. 

How would you respond to people who say, "I don't give money because I don't know where it goes and what happens to it"?

 Yes, it is completely understandable for people to have doubts - and they are entitled to express them! That is why our responsibility as an organization is to reach them, to earn their trust by transparently showing how we work. If they appreciate our efforts and recognize our cause, they themselves will become part of our community - whether as donors, ambassadors, or simply like-minded people. That is also the reason I am currently talking to you - I want to reach the right audience, people who would support us in our mission.

What happens when a campaign does not raise enough funds?

Often, beneficiaries use other sources of funds, such as savings or hand-delivered donations, in addition to our platform. If the target amount is 100,000 euros (for example), but we raise 20,000 euros, this amount is not lost. It is used for its intended purpose - for the beneficiary's treatment, with the difference being covered by the remaining funds from other sources. Over the years, there have certainly been attempts to abuse your name and platform. 

Can you share examples of such cases and what measures you have taken to prevent them and protect donors and your platform?

At PavelAndreev.org, the security of donors and campaigns is our top priority. We have strict verification mechanisms: For example, in one case, an attempt was made to defraud 40,000 euros with a fake document. Thanks to our double verification system and direct inquiries to hospitals, we exposed the attempted abuse. Furthermore, PavelAndreev.org is a registered trademark, which gives us legal mechanisms to protect the platform's name from abuse and improper use.

What are the biggest challenges in international expansion - regulations, cultural differences, competition?

The challenges are many! First and foremost are the regulations - we put in enormous effort to ensure the platform is legally sound and meets all local and international requirements. Cultural differences are also a factor, so we adapt campaigns to the specifics of each country. There is competition everywhere - globally and locally, but I don't see it as rivalry. On the contrary, I want to work together, building audiences and financially securing every campaign that needs support.

Donation is an emotional and socially significant sphere, but also a business model, especially in the 21st century. How is the platform funded? Do you personally profit from it?

Donation is primarily an emotional and socially significant act, but for a platform like ours to be sustainable, a clear and transparent business model is needed. PavelAndreev.org is funded through two main mechanisms. The first is the option for donors to voluntarily support the platform with an additional amount when using five out of the six available payment methods. The second is a 5% fee for direct payments to the account. These are the only sources of funding - we have no external sponsors or other income. Everything is clearly and detailedly described on the site so that donors can make an informed decision and have full transparency regarding our work. 

How do you ensure that every euro goes where it needs to? What do you do to avoid abuse?

When we receive a request for a medical campaign, our first step is a thorough conversation with the initiator. We examine the case in detail, discuss whether the treatment is available in their country and why an alternative solution is being sought. We review medical documentation, discharge summaries, and request a hospital offer (when possible). For additional security, donations are transferred directly to hospitals - our employee confirms the bank account and the patient's presence. This eliminates the risk of fraud, as payments to medical institutions are made only against an official pro forma invoice. This ensures maximum transparency and trust. In non-medical campaigns, the platform functions as a software service, but our focus remains on preventing fraud. We conduct a check on the initiator - we collect basic data and apply an identification procedure. If necessary, we can assist the relevant authorities by providing information about the campaign and the person responsible. 

This ensures security for both donors and the campaigns themselves. When was the last time you felt truly proud of what you do?

In the last month, the platform has made significant progress in North Macedonia, which fills me with pride. More and more celebrities are starting to share campaigns and actively help us organize them. This is huge recognition for our work, and I am extremely proud of myself and the entire team for what we have achieved in the region. 

What message will you leave for our readers?

Every cause is important, every euro is valuable to someone in need. Empathy and compassion are qualities of strong people - and you have shown that you are exactly that! Thank you for your trust and the chance!