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KFF Giving and Activities Report 2024 Now Available for Review

KFF Giving and Activities Report 2024 Now Available for Review

We are pleased to announce that our Giving and Activities Report 2024 is now available for those interested in our mission and activities. The document provides an insight at the projects we support, financial allocations, and the highlights of our work over the past year.

In 2024, we continued our commitment to supporting education, youth empowerment and social welfare programs that benefit Lithuanians both domestically and abroad. Our efforts have also been directed towards supporting emotional and mental health, fostering cultural and arts initiatives.

We invite you to explore the full report to gain a deeper understanding of our work and the support to our partners and community. Your continued collaboration and trust are invaluable as we strive to make a positive impact.

To access the KFF Giving and Activities Report 2024, please follow this link.

KFF Giving and Activities Report 2024 Now Available for Review Read More »

Kazickas Family Foundation Visits the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in Paris

Kazickas Family Foundation Visits the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in Paris

On January 7, the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in Paris hosted a meeting between the French-Lithuanian community and representatives of the Kazickas Family Foundation (KFF).

Ambassador Arnoldas Pranckevicius opened the event and the attendees had the opportunity to meet members of the KFF board, including Michael and Beverly Kazickas, alongside its staff, KFF’s Vilnius Office Director Domantė Greifenbergeryte, Project Coordinator Monika Zavistanaviciute, Communications Director Kamile Permine, and New York Office Director Neila Baumiliene. Representatives of KFF-supported organizations also participated – Dalia Beigiene, Director of the Craft School “Sodziaus Meistrai”, and Renata Marcinkute Lesieur, organist, Professor at the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre, and Head of the Center for Religious Music.

During the gathering, the Kazickas Family Foundation presented its key initiatives and projects, including Bring Together Lithuania, “Sodziaus Meistrai”, and the “Kristupas Festival”, among others. The French Lithuanian community also shared insights about its activities, with representatives from Strasbourg, Lyon, and Southern France participating remotely.

We thank Ieva Baublyte, who enriched the evening with a captivating musical performance and Simona Raišyte for organization of the meeting.

Kazickas Family Foundation Visits the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in Paris Read More »

We were honored to introduce the award for Innovative Philanthropy in Lithuania at the Global Lithuanian Awards

We were honored to introduce, for the first time, the award for Innovative Philanthropy in Lithuania at the Global Lithuanian Awards, organized by Global Lithuanian Leaders

This award emphasizes the importance of discovering new and impactful approaches to charitable work.
 
The award was presented by Domantė Greifenbergerytė Executive Director of our Vilnius office, to celebrate the continuous work of Al Pace. His unwavering commitment to strengthening Lithuanian identity and philanthropic initiatives within the diaspora is truly inspiring. Under his leadership, Pace Law Firm facilitated a historic donation from Angele and Sigitas Kazlauskas to Vilniaus universiteto fondas
 
Celebrating inspiring examples of generosity and dedication lies at the heart of our mission at the Kazickas Family Foundation.

We were honored to introduce the award for Innovative Philanthropy in Lithuania at the Global Lithuanian Awards Read More »

Kazickas Family’s Visit to Lithuania: Strengthening Connections and Fostering Collaboration

Kazickas Family’s Visit to Lithuania: Strengthening Connections and Fostering Collaboration

From January 13 to 19, KFF President Jurate Kazickas, accompanied by family members Michael and Beverly Kazickas and KFF’s US Executive Director Neila Baumiliene, visited Lithuania.

The visit was filled with meaningful activities, including meetings with grantees, visits to Lithuanian NGOs, and discussions with First Lady of Lithuania Diana Nausediene and other government representatives. These interactions highlighted KFF’s ongoing commitment to supporting impactful initiatives and fostering collaboration across various sectors.

A key focus for KFF in 2025 is building a strong community and creating platforms for collaboration. To support this mission, three major events were organized at the Kazickas Family Residence to engage with partners from diverse fields:

  • Youth Can 10-Year Anniversary and Gratitude Evening: Jurate Kazickas shared insights into the inspiring entrepreneurial journey of Dr. Joseph Kazickas and had a discussion with program partners to celebrate a decade of empowering youth through the “Youth Can” initiative.
  • Dr. Joseph P. Kazickas Post-Doctoral Fellowship at Yale Reunion: this event provided an opportunity for fellowship alumni to reconnect, reflect on their experiences, and set the stage for a new alumni network to enhance collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
  • ASSIST Student Exchange Program Reception: alumni, selection committee members, and current students based in the US, who joined online, came together to strengthen relationships within the community, share experiences, and celebrate the program’s impact.

These events helped advance KFF’s goal to connect individuals across NGOs, business, academia, and beyond. KFF believes that fostering inter-sectoral idea exchange and building such collaborations drives a meaningful impact.

Kazickas Family’s Visit to Lithuania: Strengthening Connections and Fostering Collaboration Read More »

KFF attends Ukraine Center’s Youth Think Tank Meeting

KFF attends Ukraine Center’s Youth Think Tank Meeting

On November 15, the Kazickas Family Foundation joined a Youth Think Tank meeting at the Ukraine Center in Vilnius. This event brought together Ukrainian high school students living in Lithuania to explore how education, culture, and philanthropy can drive personal and societal growth.

Monika Zavistanavičiūtė, KFF’s Project Coordinator, shared Dr. Joseph Kazickas’s story of resilience, ambition, and the life-changing power of education. She highlighted how his decision to aim high and pursue studies at Yale University, despite the challenges of being a refugee, transformed his life. His story, and his belief that “it’s better to pursue a higher goal right from the start,” resonated with the students.

The discussion also emphasized the importance of philanthropy. Monika explained that giving isn’t only about money – it’s about sharing time, skills, and kindness. Living as Ukrainians in Lithuania, the students were encouraged to embrace their unique position as cultural ambassadors, sharing Ukrainian traditions while learning from Lithuanian culture. This exchange fosters mutual understanding and personal growth, creating bridges between communities.

The event concluded with a collaborative activity called the “Tree of Empowerment.” Students shared ways they could empower their communities, from learning new skills to volunteering, and formed connections to support each other’s goals.

The Kazickas Family Foundation is proud to support young people through initiatives like the Youth Think Tank organized by the Ukraine Center. Together, we can inspire the next generation to aim high, believe in themselves, and give back to their communities.

KFF attends Ukraine Center’s Youth Think Tank Meeting Read More »

KFF President Jurate Kazickas Shares Her Life Journey on LRT’s “Daiktu istorijos”

KFF President Jurate Kazickas Shares Her Life Journey on LRT’s Daiktų istorijos

At an exclusive community Jurate Kazickas, President of the Kazickas Family Foundation, shared a memorable conversation on LRT’s show “Daiktų istorijos”.

In this interview, she reflected on her journey as a philanthropist, journalist, and war correspondent. Jurate spoke about her experiences in Vietnam, where she became one of the first female war correspondents, her lifelong commitment to Lithuania, and the legacy of her parents, Juozas and Alexandra Kazickas.

Jurate also shared how she used her connections to help arrange a meeting between Lithuania’s first Prime Minister, Kazimiera Prunskiene, and U.S. President George Bush after Lithuania reinstated independence. She discussed her deep-rooted Lithuanian heritage, why family traditions matter, and the Kazickas family’s enduring faith and resilience.

You can watch this special interview for an inspiring look into the life of Jurate Kazickas and her ongoing work to support Lithuania’s future by following this link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AAyu5Kkb9v_c5j6Ceql-30czQ8pvt95n/view 

KFF President Jurate Kazickas Shares Her Life Journey on LRT’s “Daiktu istorijos” Read More »

John Kazickas’ Interview on Promoting Innovative Philanthropy

John Kazickas’ Interview on Promoting Innovative Philanthropy

At an exclusive community and partner appreciation evening, hosted by Lithuania’s leading philanthropic organization, the Kazickas Family Foundation, we had the privilege of engaging in conversation with John and Marcie Kazickas. With enthusiasm, they shared their insights on how multiple generations of their family have played a vital role in shaping the foundation’s mission, both in its present and future endeavors.

In this interview, John Kazickas, the foundation’s treasurer and the youngest son of its founder, shares insights on the foundation’s current activities, how the nature of donation requests has changed, and how the family works together to promote innovative philanthropy in Lithuania.

Together with his wife Marcie Kazickas, John discusses the evolution of the Kazickas Family Foundation’s philanthropic efforts in Lithuania. He reflects on how donation requests have evolved over the years, shifting from material needs, such as home renovations, to initiatives focused on emotional well-being. John also explains how different generations of the Kazickas family actively contribute to shaping the foundation’s goals, with a strong emphasis on youth empowerment, education, and social change. The interview also touches on the importance of fostering a culture of giving in Lithuania, the foundation’s support for Ukrainian refugees, and provides valuable advice for families and young people looking to engage in meaningful philanthropic work.

We invite you to read the full interview in Lithuanian: 15min.lt

 

John Kazickas’ Interview on Promoting Innovative Philanthropy Read More »

KFF’s NY Office Director Visits Lithuania

KFF’s NY Office Director Visits Lithuania

This month, Neila Baumilienė, Executive Director of the Kazickas Family Foundation’s New York Office, visited Lithuania. In addition to attending the partner appreciation and networking event, she dedicated her time to a number of meaningful activities:

  • Traveling to Kaunas to meet with representatives from Vytautas Magnus University regarding the Dr. Vaclovas and Dr. Stefanija Čepukėnas Scholarship.
  • Connecting with both new and longstanding grantees across Lithuania, including Panevėžys Vytautas Žemkalnio gymnasium, the Pasvalys Deanery Caritas community, Ukrainian Center, organizations “Niekieno Vaikai” and Jaunimo linija”. During these meetings, Neila had the opportunity to learn about the organizations’ day-to-day operations, discuss pressing issues, and explore their current needs.
  • Visiting the “Uncommon.lt” AI skills program hub and their team Ieva Klungytė and Matas Meškauskas in Panevėžys, as well as meeting with Arminas Vareika, Head of “Youth Can”, in Pumpėnai.
  • Attending a concert celebrating Maestro Leopoldas Digrys’ 90th birthday and the closing concert of the Sacred Music Hours series.

It was an inspiring and productive trip, strengthening the Foundation’s connections and ongoing projects in Lithuania.

 

KFF’s NY Office Director Visits Lithuania Read More »

The KFF Partner Appreciation and Networking Event

The KFF Partner Appreciation and Networking Event

On September 17, the Kazickas Family Foundation organized a community and partner appreciation evening at the MO Museum, attended by over 100 guests from the US and Lithuania. The event aimed to thank the foundation’s partners, bring together professionals from various fields, and encourage networking and collaboration on socially beneficial projects.

A key focus of the evening was a discussion on innovative philanthropy in Lithuania, which involves not just financial support but also investing time, talents, and attention. This new model emphasizes mutual learning, growth, and long-term partnerships, where donors take an active role in problem-solving through education, consultations, and networking. Participants explored new, more effective ways to address social issues.

The event also created space for attendees to connect, exchange contacts, share ideas, and forge partnerships, promoting a sense of community and long-term collaboration.

John Kazickas, a board member of the Kazickas Family Foundation, highlighted that meaningful support extends beyond financial contributions and depends on ongoing engagement, knowledge, and action.

Over its lifetime, the foundation has donated €16 million to various initiatives. This year, it launched a new program, allocating €50,000 to help talented Lithuanian students pursue STEM studies at top universities abroad.

Founded in 1998 in New York, the Kazickas Family Foundation has been operating in Vilnius since 1999. It supports over 100 organizations annually, focusing on education, social projects, culture, and healthcare, especially in Lithuania and among the Lithuanian diaspora.

The KFF Partner Appreciation and Networking Event Read More »

Congratulations to the recipients of the KFF STEM Scholarship

Congratulations to the recipients of the KFF STEM Scholarship

Kazickas Family Foundation is proud to announce the first recipients of the STEM Scholarship, a program designed to empower talented Lithuanian students to pursue advanced studies in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) at top academic institutions abroad.

 

The winners of the scholarship have demonstrated exceptional academic achievements, a passion for their chosen fields, and a strong commitment to using their knowledge and skills to benefit Lithuania. Their journey will take them to some of the world’s most prestigious universities, where they will be exposed to the latest advancements in science and technology, collaborate with leading experts, and participate in cutting-edge research. Here are the winners and their thoughts on what motivated them to choose such studies: 

 

Milda Tulabaite, Bachelor in Physics and Data Science, Constructor University, Germany:

“My decision to pursue this degree was driven by my passion for physics and its wide applications across all aspects of modern life.”

 

Martyna Petrulyte, Master in Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Clemson University, USA: 

“My aspiration is fueled by my desire to become a biology teacher in Lithuania. Through this program, I aim to gain comprehensive knowledge and practical skills that will not only enrich my teaching capabilities but also enable me to instill a sense of curiosity and appreciation for biology among my students.”

 

Agne Ramanaviciute, Master in Scientific Computing, University of Cambridge, UK: 

“This master’s course will allow me to delve further into material science and develop a new research skill, computational material modelling, which will unlock many new frontiers for my research.”

 

Paulius Kalinauskas, Master of Physics, University of Oxford, UK:

“The physics program will be ideal for my career, as it is highly structured and intensive, encourages creative thinking, and prepares students to tackle the latest scientific challenges. Hence, it fits perfectly with my learning style, discipline, and desire to explore this fascinating field of science.”

 

Ieva Bagdonaviciute, Bachelor in Computer Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA:

“My academic and professional passions include astrophysics, quantum science, and electrical engineering. Over the past two years, I have immersed myself in research, participating in the Undergraduate Research Symposium and working in various laboratories. My ultimate ambition is to pioneer the first Quantum Computing Laboratory in Lithuania.”

 

Marta Marciulionyte, Master in Analytical Chemistry, University of Copenhagen, Denmark:

“The study program offers a broad spectrum of academic mastery in analytical chemistry. Laboratories there are equipped with the latest technologies that are relevant today. These two years will provide me with enough expertise to become a better teacher for Lithuanian students.”

 

“Our decision to support students’ STEM studies abroad is driven by the recognition that the global experience and cutting-edge knowledge they gain will be invaluable. By studying in some of the world’s top institutions, these young minds will not only bring back advanced expertise but also new perspectives that can contribute to our nation’s progress. At the same time, they spread awareness of the cultural and technological richness of Lithuania,” says our president, Jurate Kazickas.

Congratulations to the recipients of the KFF STEM Scholarship Read More »