ltoffice@kff.lt, Author at Kazickas Family Foundation

Meeting with Lithuanian National Foundation and KFF internship program interns

Tautos Fondas and the Kazickas Family Foundation continue their mission of connecting young World Lithuanians with meaningful experiences in Lithuania.

Through the Tautos Fondas internship program, young Lithuanians from around the world—studying both abroad and in Lithuania—are invited to take part in 4–8 week internships at inspiring NGOs in Lithuania and receive a scholarship.

This summer, young World Lithuanians interning in Lithuania through the Tautos Fondas and Kazickas Family Foundation program gathered at the Kazickas Family residence.

The meeting was a wonderful opportunity to get to know each other, share first impressions from their internships at Lithuanian NGOs, including Bring Together Lithuania, Innovation Valley, Global Lithuanian Leaders, Lithuanian Culture Institute, Youth Affairs Agency, Center for Equality Advancement, Transparency International, Inconvenient Films, Lithuanian Centre for Human Rights, and LiJOT.

Interns shared their thoughts about motivation to contribute to Lithuania’s future, ideas for strengthening the program’s communication, and the importance of building a supportive community of interns and alumni.

Tautos Fondas is a Lithuanian diaspora charitable organization dedicated to fostering democratic development in Lithuania, preserving Lithuanian cultural identity and supporting youth education, and nurturing national identity.

Meeting with Lithuanian National Foundation and KFF internship program interns Read More »

Visit to “Viltis” Camp

News & Stories, Uncategorized

Visit to "Viltis" Camp

The Kazickas Family Foundation and Uncommon.lt teams visited the 36th Independent Living Skills Camp in Klaipėda, organized by the Lithuanian Welfare Society for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities “Viltis”.

This year, the camp welcomed over 250 participants – people with intellectual disabilities, their family members, and volunteers.

The camp offers families an opportunity to change their environment, strengthen their bonds, provide meaningful activities for people with intellectual disabilities, develop social and communication skills, encourage inclusion in society, and most importantly, build a community where everyone is welcome.

Thanks to the support of volunteers, camp activities are inclusive for all people with various intellectual disabilities, their parents, caregivers, brothers, and sisters. Together, they learn, connect, strengthen relationships, and take a break from their daily routines.

The KFF team had the opportunity to visit the “Pasaka” campsite, see the activities in action, and explore the camp’s fair, where we purchased products made during the workshops.

We are sincerely grateful to “Viltis” for the long-standing partnership and the opportunity to contribute to this meaningful initiative.

Visit to “Viltis” Camp Read More »

The Closing Ceremony of Bring Together Lithuania 2025

News & Stories, Uncategorized

The Closing Ceremony of Bring Together Lithuania 2025

This week at the Kazickas Family residence in Vilnius, we celebrated the Bring Together Lithuania 2025 closing event – a meaningful occasion marking the culmination of a six-week program initiated and supported by the Kazickas Family Foundation, organized by Bring Together LT organization.

The Closing Ceremony of Bring Together Lithuania 2025 – summer internship program for Lithuanian diaspora youth

This year, the program brought together 34 young members of the Lithuanian diaspora from the United States, Canada, Argentina, Uruguay, Bermuda, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and various European countries.

One of the Kazickas Family Foundation’s core priorities is fostering strong connections within the global Lithuanian diaspora. Through Bring Together Lithuania, we create opportunities for young people to explore their roots, discover modern Lithuania, connect with its people, and engage in meaningful shared initiatives.

Since its launch in 2018, the program has provided participants with professional experience in leading Lithuanian companies and organizations, meetings with prominent figures from politics, business, and culture, and the chance to contribute to impactful projects. After successful completion, participants become Young Lithuanian Ambassadors, helping to strengthen the bond between the diaspora and Lithuania.

During the closing event, Program Director Kamilė Perminė and Kazickas Family Foundation Vilnius Office Director Domantė Howes presented participants with program certificates, Young Lithuanian Ambassador pins, and letters of appreciation to the program’s key partners.

We sincerely thank all participants, partners, and like-minded supporters who contribute to this mission and continue to inspire the next generation of Lithuanians around the world.

The program is also supported by the Lithuanian Foundation, the Ministry of Economy and Innovation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Closing Ceremony of Bring Together Lithuania 2025 Read More »

Kazickas Family Foundation 2025 Grant Overview

News & Stories, Uncategorized

Kazickas Family Foundation 2025 Grant Overview

In 2025, the Kazickas Family Foundation received over 70 grant requests from NGOs in Lithuania, the US, and the world.

A total of more than €700,000 was distributed to 62 organizations in Lithuania and the United States. Approximately half of the supported organizations were long-term partners, and the other half were first-time applicants in 2025.

Please note that we are no longer accepting grant applications for 2025.

The next opportunity to apply for funding will begin on November 1, 2025. Applications submitted at that time will be reviewed in January 2026.

Funding decisions are based on:

Alignment with priority areas: education, youth empowerment, social welfare, arts and culture, diaspora engagement, crisis response, and medicine
Information provided in the application or inquiry
Project budget and support from other sources

Since its founding, the Foundation has provided more than €17.5 million in total charitable support.

Details on grant eligibility and the application process: https://kazickasfamilyfoundation.lt/apply-for-grants/

Kazickas Family Foundation 2025 Grant Overview Read More »

Youth Can Summer Camps in Pumpenai

News & Stories, Uncategorized

Youth Can Summer Camps in Pumpenai

This summer, Youth Can program, supported by the Kazickas Family Foundation, is organizing two summer camps in Pumpėnai. These camps offer young people a space to grow, learn, and thrive within a strong sense of community.

The first camp took place from June 29 to July 6, bringing together 40 young people from towns and villages across Lithuania. Focused on entrepreneurship, the camp introduced participants to the basics of teamwork, value creation, and customer engagement. They put their knowledge into practice by creating and presenting their own products at the Pumpėnai Festival.

The second camp begins next week, welcoming 32 participants for seven active days focused on building life skills through sports and team-based activities. Youth Can camp will emphasize physical activity, reflection, and games that help strengthen self-confidence, communication skills, and emotional awareness.

The goal of Youth Can program is to create a safe, supportive, and positive environment where every young person can grow, discover their potential, and believe in their future.

These camps would not be possible without the generous support of donors and partners.

Thank you for helping to provide unforgettable summer experiences for youth!

Youth Can Summer Camps in Pumpenai Read More »

Neila Baumilienė Awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Order for Merits to Lithuania

News & Stories, Uncategorized

Neila Baumilienė Awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Order for Merits to Lithuania

Congratulations to Neila Baumilėnė – awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Order for Merits to Lithuania!

On July 6th – the Day of the Statehood (Coronation of King Mindaugas) and the National Anthem Day – the President of the Republic of Lithuania, Gitanas Nausėda, honored 71 individuals with state awards for their contributions to strengthening Lithuania and promoting its name in the world.

Among them was Neila Baumilienė, Executive Director of the Kazickas Family Foundation in New York, who received the Knight’s Cross of the Order for Merits to Lithuania for:

Initiatives supporting Ukraine (in Lithuania, the U.S., Ukraine, and beyond),
Promotion of Lithuanian heritage and education abroad,
Strengthening ties between the global Lithuanian diaspora and Lithuania.

This award is a meaningful recognition of Neila’s dedication and sincere work, which inspires not only the KFF community but also Lithuanians around the world who care deeply about Lithuania, the ideals of freedom and independence, and the preservation of national identity.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Neila Baumilienė on this well-deserved national recognition. Congratulations!

Neila Baumilienė Awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Order for Merits to Lithuania Read More »

Th 11th North American Lithuanian Song Festival 2025

News & Stories, Uncategorized

The 11th North American Lithuanian Song Festival

From June 27 to 29, the 11th North American Lithuanian Song Festival, “One Family – One Nation,” took place in Cleveland, Ohio — the first festival of its kind after a decade-long break. The event brought together 1,500 Lithuanian singers from the United States, Canada, and other parts of the world, who performed in harmony. They were joined by 100 dancers and 2,000 attendees from the global Lithuanian community.

The Kazickas Family Foundation places great value on the Lithuanian diaspora, cultural heritage, and the preservation of Lithuanian traditions. For many years, the Foundation has supported North American Lithuanian Song and Dance Festivals. KFF Vilnius office director Domantė Howes attended this year’s celebration.

The first such festival outside Lithuania was held in Chicago in 1956, continuing a cherished interwar tradition and encouraging the Lithuanian community abroad to support the country’s fight for independence.

The Song Festival is recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity and is included in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Sincere thanks to the organizers, sponsors, and all Lithuanians around the world who helped bring this celebration to life!

Th 11th North American Lithuanian Song Festival 2025 Read More »

VMU Students Awarded the Dr. V. and S. Čepukėnas Scholarship for Promoting Francophone Culture

News & Stories, Uncategorized

VMU Students Awarded the Dr. V. and S. Čepukėnas Scholarship for Promoting Francophone Culture

On June 23rd, the Dr. Vaclovas and Dr. Stefanija Čepukėnas Named Scholarships were awarded for the third time at Vytautas Magnus University (VMU). This scholarship is granted to students for their outstanding contribution to the promotion and dissemination of the French language and Francophone culture in society.

The Dr. Vaclovas and Dr. Stefanija Čepukėnas Named Scholarship at VMU was established on the initiative of alumna Neila Baumilienė, Executive Director of the Kazickas Family Foundation (New York branch), with support from the foundation itself. Financial support is also provided by the Čepukėnas daughters, Rasa and Milda. The scholarship was created to honor the Čepukėnas family’s legacy and contribution.

This year, the scholarship was awarded to five recipients: Raimonda Mc Geever, a graduate of the Faculty of Humanities in Foreign Languages and Cultures: Francophone Studies; Karolina Žilytė, a master’s student in Diplomacy and International Relations at the Faculty of Political Science and Diplomacy; Raminta Dimšaitė, a bachelor’s student in Italian Studies and Romance Languages at the Faculty of Humanities; and Daria Livshyts and Aliya Zhumabayeva, bachelor’s students in Business Administration at the Faculty of Economics and Management.

The scholarships were presented during the Faculty of Humanities’ graduation ceremony. They were awarded by the initiators and patrons of the scholarship: Neila Baumilienė, Executive Director of the Kazickas Family Foundation’s New York branch, and the Čepukėnas’ daughters, Milda Krivickienė and Rasa Čepukėnaitė, along with Almantė Meškauskienė, Deputy Director of the VMU Institute of Foreign Languages.

Before the official award ceremony, the recipients met with the scholarship founders for an informal gathering and conversation. The students and graduate shared personal stories about how they first encountered the French language, what inspired them to study it, and how they plan to use the scholarship support for meaningful development. Neila Baumilienė, the scholarship initiator and VMU alumna, also shared how, as a student, she came to know both Dr. Vaclovas and Dr. Stefanija Čepukėnas, and how the idea for the scholarship was born.

About Dr. Vaclovas and Dr. Stefanija Čepukėnas

Dr. Vaclovas and Dr. Stefanija Čepukėnas were long-standing lecturers at Vytautas Magnus University and devoted patriots of Lithuania. Throughout their professional lives, they actively participated in civic life, engaged in philanthropic work, and provided support to those with limited access to education.

Dr. Vaclovas Čepukėnas was a Doctor of Psychology, a French language lecturer in both school and university settings, and an active participant in Lithuania’s armed resistance. During World War II, he served as a volunteer fighter with the Homeland Defense Group. For his civic contributions, he was awarded the Medal of the Founders of the Lithuanian Armed Forces.

Dr. Stefanija Čepukėnienė held a doctorate in the humanities, was a professor of French at VMU, and was among the university’s early and most devoted educators after its re-establishment.

VMU Students Awarded the Dr. V. and S. Čepukėnas Scholarship for Promoting Francophone Culture Read More »

Birželio 17 d. įteikta kalbininko Petro Būtėno ir jo mokinės Aleksandros Kalvėnaitės-Kazickienės, atminimo premija. Šių metų laureatas – kalbininkas, akademinės ir visuomeninės lituanistinės veiklos puoselėtojas, akad. prof. habil. dr. Bonifacas Stundžia.

Literacy Award Ceremony in Memory of the linguist P. Butenas and his student A. Kazickas

News & Stories, Uncategorized

Literacy Award Ceremony in Memory of the linguist P. Butenas and his student A. Kazickas

On June 17th, the annual award in memory of linguist Petras Butėnas and his student, philanthropist Alexandra Kalvenaite-Kazickas, was presented to distinguished linguist, active public figure, and academic – Prof. Habil. Dr. Bonifacas Stundžia.

The laureate was honored for his outstanding research in Baltic linguistics, especially accentology, his significant contribution to the codification of standard Lithuanian accentuation, mentorship of young scholars, promotion of international Baltic studies, and his long-standing civic work for Lithuanian linguistic and cultural heritage.

Congratulations, Professor!

Literacy Award Ceremony in Memory of the linguist P. Butenas and his student A. Kazickas Read More »

This unique summer internship and modern Lithuania discovery program is designed for youth of Lithuanian descent living abroad. It stands out as one of the most prominent initiatives uniting young people of Lithuanian heritage from around the world—bringing them to Lithuania not only to explore their roots but also to contribute to the country's future and grow personally.

“Bring Together Lithuania 2025” Initiative Welcomes Diaspora Youth to Discover Modern Lithuania

News & Stories, Uncategorized

“Bring Together Lithuania 2025” Initiative Welcomes Diaspora Youth to Discover Modern Lithuania

At the beginning of June, the eighth season of the Bring Together Lithuania program was ceremoniously launched at the Kazickas Family Residence in Vilnius. This unique summer internship and modern Lithuania discovery program is designed for youth of Lithuanian descent living abroad.

It stands out as one of the most prominent initiatives uniting young people of Lithuanian heritage from around the world—bringing them to Lithuania not only to explore their roots but also to contribute to the country’s future and grow personally.

This year, over 30 young professionals have arrived in Lithuania from the USA, Canada, the United Kingdom, Argentina, Uruguay, New Zealand, and various European countries. Over the course of six weeks, they will take part in hands-on internships at leading Lithuanian companies, NGOs, and government institutions, while also engaging in cultural, educational, and community events.

Participants will intern at a variety of leading organizations, including: Alliance for Recruitment, Architecture Fund, Artscape, 8 Drambliai, Alter Domus, Baltic Environmental Forum, BROSWARM, Delta Biosciences, Ministry of the Economy and Innovation, Elinta Group, Eleving Group, Gutsaga Technologies, Ignitis Group, Innovation Agency, Invest Lithuania, Invalda INVL Asset Management, Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania, Marė Audė, Nord Security, Republican Vilnius University Hospital, TBWA agency, Transparency International Lithuania, UNESCO City of Literature, among others.

At the official opening of the program, participants were welcomed by Program Director and Kazickas Family Foundation Communications Lead Kamilė Perminė and Project Manager Monika Zavistanavičiūtė. They encouraged the young attendees to explore Lithuania with curiosity, form meaningful connections, and share ideas that can contribute to the country’s progress.

“This year we received more than 130 applications from youth of Lithuanian descent worldwide – a record number since the program began. In Lithuania, we welcome the most motivated, curious, and passionate young people who choose not only to reconnect with their heritage this summer but also to help shape today’s Lithuania. They are becoming part of a growing global Lithuanian youth community – one that chooses to engage, take action, and find meaning in their identity through participation. This inspires all of us – those living in Lithuania and those still finding their way here,” said Kamilė Perminė, Program Director.

The program is initiated and supported by the Kazickas Family Foundation, with ongoing support since its beginning from the Lithuanian Foundation, entrepreneur and innovator Vladas Lašas, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania. Its expansion is also actively supported by the Ministry of the Economy and Innovation.

More Than Just Professional Experience – A Deeper Understanding of Lithuania

Participants of Bring Together Lithuania will not only gain valuable professional experience but will also be introduced to Lithuania’s cultural and civic life. The young people will visit the Presidential Palace, Government, and Parliament, and will meet with leaders in business, culture, and technology. The program also includes visits to both major cities and regions of Lithuania to showcase the country’s diversity and modern development.

A Growing Community and Long-Term Connection with Lithuania

Since its inception in 2018, the initiative has brought together more than 150 participants from around the world. Many of them continue to maintain strong ties with Lithuania—some have chosen to live, work, study, or serve in the military here. Others remain active in diaspora communities and global Lithuanian youth activities. Over the years, the alumni network has become a solid foundation for a global Lithuanian network.

Bring Together Lithuania is unique not only in reconnecting diaspora youth with their roots but also in encouraging them to become active citizens, building bridges between Lithuania and the world.

The program is focused on long-term value creation—young people are encouraged not only to discover Lithuania but to bring forward ideas that can help shape the country’s future. According to the organizers, the initiative continues to grow in both participant numbers and the diversity of partnering organizations. This reflects the strengthening bond between the diaspora and Lithuania and a sincere desire to be part of the nation’s future.

More information: www.bringtogether.lt

Photo credits: Giedrius Matulaitis and Bring Together LT

“Bring Together Lithuania 2025” Initiative Welcomes Diaspora Youth to Discover Modern Lithuania Read More »