ltoffice@kff.lt, Author at Kazickas Family Foundation

KFF Receives AmCham Lithuania Oscar for Visionary Philanthropy

Kazickas Family Foundation Receives AmCham Lithuania Oscar for Visionary Philanthropy

The Kazickas Family Foundation was honored with the prestigious AmCham Lithuania Oscar – a recognition of visionary philanthropy, leadership, and the family’s long-standing commitment to strengthening ties between Lithuania and the United States.

The symbolic giraffe statuette represents the ability to see the bigger picture from above.

In her speech, our Executive Director in Lithuania, Domantė Howes, emphasized:

“When working closely with this family, you immediately feel that their work is not about recognition. It is rooted in genuine care for people. Three generations across the ocean have been working for the betterment of Lithuania.”
She also recalled Jurate Kazickas’ words: “Lead by example, not by patronizing,” and “Always give with love, not with pity or condescension.”

As a gesture of gratitude for this honor, the Foundation donated €5,000 to Save the Children Lithuania, contributing to the philanthropic goals of the AmCham community. In total, the event raised an impressive €180,000.

Two additional awards were presented during the evening:

Former Minister of National Defence Dovilė Šakalienė, recognized for her leadership following the tragic loss of four U.S. soldiers in Lithuania;
Prof. Vytautas Landsbergis, honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

We are grateful to be part of a community dedicated to creating positive change in Lithuania.

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Support KFF Initiatives and Receive “Odyssey of Hope” Book as a Gift

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Support KFF Initiatives and Receive "Odyssey of Hope" Book as a Gift

Juozas P. Kazickas had a simple rule for happiness: “A person becomes truly happy when they work to create a better life not only for themselves, but also for others – for their loved ones, for their colleagues, and eventually for their city and their country.”

On the occasion of Giving Tuesday, the Kazickas Family Foundation invites you to support our initiatives and, as a token of gratitude, receive the inspiring book “Odyssey of Hope” – the memoirs of Aleksandra and Juozas Kazickas.

About the Book

Odyssey of Hope is a collection of memoirs by Dr. Juozas Kazickas and his wife Aleksandra. It captures not only the story of their family life but also the broader political, social, and cultural context of the 20th century.

The book recounts Kazickas’ childhood deep in Russia, his formative years in Lithuania, the family’s emigration at the end of World War II, his doctoral studies, the building of his business in the United States, and his efforts to strengthen Lithuania’s ties with the West. It also includes excerpts from Aleksandra Kazickienė’s diary and Dr. Kazickas’ expressive love letters to his wife, written in elegant Lithuanian.

The book is not sold commercially; it is gifted to our partners and supporters. It has been published in Lithuanian, English, German, and Russian.

We invite you to donate from €30 to support the following programs initiated and sponsored by the Kazickas Family Foundation:

Bring Together Lithuania / Jungtis Lietuvai – a summer internship and modern Lithuania experience program for diaspora youth, offering professional opportunities in leading organizations and helping strengthen Lithuanian identity.
Uncommon.lt – a program that helps people of all ages learn to use practical AI tools, promoting technological literacy and resilience in regional communities.
Sacred Music Hours – a concert series that has helped St. Casimir’s Church become a significant international venue for performers and grow into a celebrated organ music festival.
Youth Can / Jaunimas gali – an initiative that empowers young people in Lithuanian regions through sports and non-formal education.

How to Donate

Visit: https://kazickasfamilyfoundation.lt/support-kff/
At the bottom of the page, select the program you wish to support.
Click “Paaukokite KŠF”.
Enter the amount (from €30) and specify the chosen program in the designated field.
Email us at ltoffice@kff.lt, and we will arrange the book pickup details.

By supporting our initiatives, you help create opportunities for young people, strengthen Lithuania, and contribute to meaningful cultural and educational programs.

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KFF is glad to contribute to an initiative that strengthens the social entrepreneurship ecosystem in Lithuania.

Social Enterprises Acceleration Program

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Social Enterprises Acceleration Program

The Kazickas Family Foundation is glad to contribute to an initiative that strengthens the social entrepreneurship ecosystem in Lithuania.

KFF is glad to contribute to an initiative that strengthens the social entrepreneurship ecosystem in Lithuania.

The two-month acceleration program for social enterprises, implemented for the third time by the Innovation Agency and Katalista Ventures, has come to an end. This year, 16 selected teams took part, deepening their knowledge in business development strategies, marketing, innovation, financial planning, and networking. In addition, the study visit to Lisbon provided exceptional value, offering meaningful international experience.

The program culminated in pitch presentations at the Kazickas Family residence in Vilnius. The evaluation panel included KFF’s Director in Lithuania, Domante Howes, as well as Diana Bukantaitė, Head of Jaunimo linija, Donatas Šumyla, Partnerships Lead at Rockit Vilnius, and representatives of Acme Geri Darbai, Sigita Paulauskienė and Audronė Vaitkienė.

We extend our gratitude to organizers and all participants for their sincere commitment to creating positive change. We are proud to support the growth of social entrepreneurship and look forward to seeing where these projects will go next!

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Šiais metais programa „Jaunimas gali“ pradeda jau 12-ąjį sezoną, o jos tikslas – į veiklas skirtinguose Lietuvos miesteliuose įtraukti per 200 jaunuolių, sudarant jiems galimybes ugdyti asmenines, socialines ir verslumo kompetencijas.

Youth Can Program Starts 12th Season

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Youth Can Program Starts 12th Season

This year, the Youth Can program is launching its 12th season, aiming to engage more than 200 young people from various Lithuanian towns and provide opportunities to develop their personal, social, and entrepreneurial competencies.

Šiais metais programa „Jaunimas gali“ pradeda jau 12-ąjį sezoną, o jos tikslas – į veiklas skirtinguose Lietuvos miesteliuose įtraukti per 200 jaunuolių, sudarant jiems galimybes ugdyti asmenines, socialines ir verslumo kompetencijas.

The new season kicks off with a year-long game, “Youth Can? They Can!”, designed to encourage creativity, teamwork, and physical activity, strengthen community connections, and create a positive environment for young people to grow. The game features three challenges: entrepreneurship, organizing a non-traditional sports event, and mindful movement.

The entrepreneurship challenge is currently in progress: teams are designing T-shirts, calculating product costs, setting goals, and expanding their entrepreneurial skills during online sessions called “My Next 5 Clients” with business coaching specialists Raimonda Kostiuškevičiūtė-Ohnjec and Antanas Jurevičius.

In the coming weeks, teams will present their designs, and the funds they raise will be used to support their goals — from educational trips to organizing discos and sports events.

On November 15, participants gathered in Garliava for an in-person event dedicated to strengthening entrepreneurial competencies. Together with the lecturers, young people explored product value creation, originality, customer acquisition strategies, and key elements of building a successful business.

Education and youth empowerment is one of the priority support areas of the KFF.

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National Philanthropy Day

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National Philanthropy Day

Strengthening the culture of philanthropy in Lithuania is one of the core missions of the Kazickas Family Foundation.

Today, November 15th, Lithuania celebrates Philanthropy Day. This day, initiated and proposed by MO Museum, was included in the national list of commemorative days to draw public attention to the importance of sharing, responsibility, and care for one another.

“The Kazickas family in Lithuania represents a true example of philanthropy – one that is born not out of calculation or the desire to showcase impact, but from genuine care and love for people. This continuous work, commitment, and consistent care are what truly guarantee lasting change.

I am grateful that it was this family who, back in the early 1990s, laid the foundations for a culture of philanthropy upon which we continue to build today – with more family foundations emerging, corporate social responsibility strengthening, and the voices of organizations growing in this field.
The founders of the Foundation would be overjoyed to see how far Lithuania has come,” shares Domantė Howes, Director of the Kazickas Family Foundation in Lithuania.

Happy National Philanthropy Day!

Many thanks to our partner MO Museum for promoting and nurturing the spirit of giving in our country.

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The Symposium “Escaping with Čiurlionis” at Yale University

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The Symposium “Escaping with Čiurlionis” at Yale University

On October 30, the Yale Baltic Studies Program hosted the symposium “Escaping with Čiurlionis” at Yale University, commemorating the 150th anniversary of Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis (1875–1911) — the visionary Lithuanian composer and painter.

The event was organized by the Yale Baltic Studies Program in collaboration with the Lithuanian Culture Institute and the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre. The Kazickas Family Foundation is delighted to have contributed to this meaningful dialogue between culture and academia.

The program featured inspiring presentations by scholars from Lithuania and abroad and concluded with a beautiful performance by pianist Andrius Žlabys and the world-class Haven String Quartet, featuring music by Čiurlionis.

Representing KFF, Neila Baumilienė reflected on the importance of connecting with Yale’s Baltic Studies community, former Dr. Joseph P. Kazickas Post-Doctoral Program fellows, and continuing to contribute to academic programs that highlight Lithuanian culture globally.

We are proud to help celebrate Lithuania’s artistic legacy and to support academic programs that deepen cultural understanding and the exchange of good practices.

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Grant Applications for 2026 Are Now Open

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Accepting Grant Applications for 2026

The Kazickas Family Foundation is pleased to announce the opening of its 2026 grant application cycle. We invite organizations to apply for funding to support activities and projects that foster meaningful, long-term social impact.

Priority Areas

KFF provides support for initiatives that align with its mission and values, focusing on the following priority areas:

Social welfare
Youth empowerment and education
Diaspora engagement
Crisis response
Other initiatives, including those in arts and culture, medicine, and human rights.

Application Deadlines

Organizations dedicated to creating sustainable social impact in their communities are invited to apply. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis according to the following schedule:

Applications received by December 31, 2025 – reviewed in January 2026
Applications received by March 31, 2026 – reviewed in April 2026
Applications received by June 30, 2026 – reviewed in July 2026

Please note: Only organizations whose applications are approved for funding will be notified.

More details about the application process, eligibility criteria, and guidelines are available here: https://kazickasfamilyfoundation.lt/apply-for-grants/

KFF provides both general operating and project-based support to initiatives that reflect the values and interests of the Kazickas family and its members. Only organizations with 501(c)(3) charitable status are eligible to apply. The Foundation does not provide grants to individuals, except in the case of scholarships initiated by KFF.

How to Apply

New applicants (organizations applying for the first time):
Complete a short application form here: https://forms.gle/J5KFQpgWb5xL8zLU8
Returning applicants (organizations that have previously received KFF funding):
Submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI), available for download here – https://kazickasfamilyfoundation.lt/lt/kff-dokumentai/ Please complete the form in English or Lithuanian, sign it, and send it to grants@kff.lt

Funding Amounts

Grant amounts vary depending on project scope and impact. Typical awards range from €1,000 to €5,000, or €5,000 to €10,000.

We invite organizations to plan their 2026 activities and submit grant applications to the Kazickas Family Foundation.

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Strengthening Connections: Visit to Lithuanian Communities in the US

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Strengthening Connections: Visit to Lithuanian Communities in the US

This autumn, KFF Communications Director Kamile Perminė traveled across the United States with the primary goal of connecting with the Lithuanian diaspora, visiting diplomatic institutions, presenting Bring Together Lithuania opportunities for diaspora youth, and strengthening relationships with our valued partners and grantees.

Trip highlights:

Met with Lithuania’s diplomats in the U.S. — Ambassador Gediminas Varvuolis, Ambassador Permanent Representative of Lithuania to the United Nations Rytis Paulauskas, NY Consul General Dovydas Špokauskas, and Chicago Consul General Regimantas Jablonskas and his team — to discuss ongoing collaboration and future initiatives.
Delivered Bring Together Lithuania presentations at Lithuanian heritage schools and community centers in New Jersey, Chicago, Lemont, and Washington DC, engaging with students, parents, teachers, and community leaders.
Participated in the 5K Run for Lithuanian Freedom in New York and gave an interview for LRT.
Visited Yale University.
Attended the World Lithuanian Center’s Fundraising Evening.
Met with Lithuanian professionals and community leaders across the U.S., exploring ideas for new collaborations and initiatives.
Visited key Lithuanian-American institutions, including the Lithuanian Alliance of America, Lithuanian World Center, Lithuanian Research Center, Lithuanian Foundation, and the Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian Culture.
Met with Lithuanian professionals, Bring Together Lithuania alumni, and their parents.

It was an enriching experience filled with valuable insights, gratitude, and exciting ideas for new partnerships. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this trip so impactful!

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KFF Trip to Italy: Strengthening Cultural and Community Ties

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KFF Trip to Italy: Strengthening Cultural and Community Ties

We are honored to continue expanding KFF’s international presence and building bridges between Lithuania and Lithuanian communities abroad. KFF Board Member Michael Kazickas, his wife Beverly, and KFF staff from Lithuania and the US participated in this meaningful business visit to Italy, Turin and Rome. The trip aligned with two important events – the launch of the Lithuanian Cultural Season in Italy and the annual Italian-Lithuanian community gathering in Turin.

The Italian-Lithuanian community brought members together for a three-day gathering in Turin:

During the opening evening, welcome remarks were delivered by Ambassador of Lithuania to Italy Dalia Kreivienė, the Lithuanian Honorary Consul in Italy, Piemonte regional and City of Turin representatives, leaders of Italian-Lithuanian communities, as well as Michael Kazickas and KFF Executive Director Neila.
The program included cultural workshops and discussions, Mass, Lithuanian folk dances, a presentation of M. K. Čiurlionis children’s books, informal conversations, and diaspora networking.

Rome – Diplomatic, community and cultural meetings:

Meeting with the Ambassador of Lithuania to Italy, Dalia Kreivienė, and her team at the Lithuanian Embassy in Rome.
Participation in Mass celebrated by Msgr. Rolandas Makrickas, with a tour and conversation afterward at Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica.
Mass celebrated by Fr. Audrius Arstikaitis at St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican (Chapel of the Patrons of Europe), followed by a visit to the Lithuanian Chapel.
Meeting with Ambassador to the Holy See Sigita Maslauskaitė at the Embassy.
Visit to St. Paul Outside the Walls Basilica with an organ performance and guided tour by Christian Alexandro Almada and Renata Marcinkute-Lesieur.
Informal discussion with the Board Members of Lithuanian Communities in Rome and Italy.
Promote Bring Together Lithuania for Italian-Lithuanian youth.
A guided tour of Lithuanian-related heritage sites in Rome.

We were grateful to connect with Lithuanian community leaders, diplomats, clergy, and culture promoters who play a vital role in strengthening Lithuania–Italy ties.

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Escaping with Čiurlionis Symposium at Yale University

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Escaping with Čiurlionis Symposium

The Kazickas Family Foundation is honored to support the Yale Baltic Studies Program in hosting Escaping with Čiurlionis, a one-day symposium celebrating the 150th anniversary of Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis (1875–1911) — the visionary Lithuanian artist and composer whose work continues to inspire and influence generations.

This in-person event at Yale University will bring together leading international scholars, artists, and musicians to examine Čiurlionis’s artistic and musical achievements and the broader cultural context in which he worked. The program will also highlight his enduring influence on contemporary Lithuanian art and music.

The symposium will conclude with a concert featuring music by Čiurlionis and other composers inspired by his legacy.

Attendance is open to all interested in Baltic culture, art, and music history.

Date: Thursday, October 30, 2025

Place: Yale University, Humanities Quadrangle (320 York St.), Rm 136

Full program and more information:

https://macmillan.yale.edu/europe/baltic/events/2025-10-30/baltic-escaping-ciurlionis-symposium-1

This event is in-person. Parts of it will be available on Zoom. Register for Zoom.

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