News & Stories Archives - Kazickas Family Foundation

Fundraising Workshop for Grantees led by “Baltic Fundraising Hub”

One of our goals is to strengthen the nonprofit community, create space for meaningful connections, and help our partners grow their skills.

This month, we brought together 10 of our partner organizations for a series of fundraising workshops focused on building financial sustainability and fostering meaningful connections.

Organized by the Baltic Fundraising Hub and held at the Kazickas Family Residence in Vilnius, the two in-person sessions explored the basics of fundraising and approaching corporate sponsors. Led by experts Giedrė Šopaitė-Šilinskienė and Živilė Tumasonė, the workshops offered practical tools, real-life insights, and a valuable space for networking and reflection.

We’re grateful to all the participants for their energy, openness, and dedication to growth. Strengthening our community begins with supporting the organizations that lead it forward.

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Today we remember Joseph P. Kazickas (April 16, 1918 – July 9, 2014), founder of the Kazickas Family Foundation, who would have celebrated his 107th birthday today.

Remembering Dr. Joseph P. Kazickas

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Remembering Dr. Joseph P. Kazickas

Today we remember Joseph P. Kazickas (April 16, 1918 – July 9, 2014), founder of the Kazickas Family Foundation, who would have celebrated his 107th birthday today.

Dr. Kazickas was a man who left a profound mark on countless lives and on Lithuanian history. A philanthropist, patriot, entrepreneur, devoted father, world traveler, intellectual and orator — Dr. Kazickas cared deeply for Lithuania, its freedom, and its people throughout his life.

“My parents bequeathed me a joy in living that I’ve never lost. They lived their lives according to four principles: love and support within the family, hard work every day, a thirst for knowledge, and the relentless pursuit of freedom. The example they gave me was their greatest legacy.”

Dr. Kazickas’s parents instilled in him a strong sense of duty — to care for his family, his community, and Lithuania. Giving was a cornerstone of his life. As he once said:

“Anytime that something beneficial for others is being done, a sort of magnetic field develops between people – creative energy is transmitted from one to another. All energy expended for the sake of others returns again to motivate and eventually enhance the self.”

To celebrate Dr. Kazickas’s extraordinary life and legacy, we invite you to watch a special video created by his daughter, KFF President Jūratė Kazickaitė, offering a heartfelt glimpse into his remarkable personality: www.youtube.com/watch?v=35K932qPiCk

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The event held at the Kazickas Family Residence brought together decision-makers, education experts, NGO representatives, business leaders, and community organizers for a joint discussion on the importance of social and emotional learning (SEL) in Lithuania’s education system.

Education and Emotional Well-being: Who Is Responsible?

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Education and Emotional Well-being: Who Is Responsible?

The event held at the Kazickas Family Residence brought together decision-makers, education experts, NGO representatives, business leaders, and community organizers for a joint discussion on the importance of social and emotional learning (SEL) in Lithuania’s education system.

The panel discussion “Emotional Well-being – Whose Responsibility Is It?” featured Vice Minister of Education, Science and Sport Jonas Petkevičius, teacher and Teachers’ Support Circles program lead Eglė Stankūnaitė, Child Line Director Robertas Povilaitis, and EIKA Group representative Jorūnė Juodžbalytė. The discussion was moderated by Kazickas Family Foundation Director in Lithuania, Domantė Howes.
Two impactful, foundation-supported initiatives aimed at creating long-term positive change in children’s emotional well-being were presented: the global SEL program Think Equal and the Lithuania-born Smart-ups (Smartuoliai) initiative.
The event served not only as a space for constructive dialogue but also as a platform for fostering cross-sector partnerships.

Education and Emotional Well-being: Who Is Responsible? Read More »

Essay Writing Workshop at Vytautas Zemkalnis High School

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Essay Writing Workshop at Vytautas Zemkalnis High School

Last week, the Kazickas Family Foundation team organized an essay-writing workshop for the students of Panevezys Vytautas Zemkalnis High School. Strong writing skills are essential for both academic and career success.

During the workshop, students explored strategies for crafting compelling essays, learned how to clearly communicate their thoughts, and were encouraged to apply these skills in practice.

The workshop was led by KFF representatives, Domantė Howes and Monika Zavistanavičiūtė. They both studied philology and were keen to share their knowledge and passion for language and storytelling with High School students.

Alexandra Kalvenaite-Kazickas (1920–2011), a 1937 graduate of Vytautas Zemkalnis High School, remained deeply connected to the school long after her family was forced to leave Lithuania during World War II. She often returned to visit and maintained a close relationship with the school community. In 2001, she initiated the creation of a cozy library in the school’s attic, now one of its most cherished spaces. A year later, a literacy award in memory of her beloved teacher, linguist Petras Butenas was established.

Today, the Kazickas Family Foundation continues this meaningful partnership with the Vytautas Zemkalnis High School community and the broader Panevezys community. Special awards in Alexandra Kazickas’ memory encourage students to set personal goals, develop life skills, and confidently present themselves and their accomplishments. These awards not only celebrate the achievements of students and teachers but also inspire a sense of responsibility for the future of their school, city, and Lithuania.

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KFF STEM Scholarship Program: Call for Applications

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KFF STEM Scholarship Program: Call for Applications

The Kazickas Family Foundation is pleased to announce the call for applications for the STEM Scholarship Program. The program’s goals are to:

support talented Lithuanian citizens who have been already accepted into accredited undergraduate or graduate programs in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) abroad;
empower them to contribute to the advancement of their homeland upon completion of their studies.

Successful applicants will receive a grant up to 10,000 euros to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other related costs during their studies. The total scholarship fund in this program amounts to 50,000 euros.

Required Documents

Application Form: download here.
Proof of acceptance or enrollment: Documentation confirming that the applicant has been accepted or is enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program in STEM subjects abroad.
Academic transcripts: Official transcripts from all previous educational institutions attended, demonstrating the applicant’s academic achievements and qualifications.
Curriculum Vitae.
2 recommendation letters (1 academic, 1 personal).
If applicable, any documents confirming other sources of financial support secured.
If applicable, any documents detailing honors, awards or other extraordinary accomplishments.

Submission Instructions

Please submit your completed application form in English, along with any required supporting documents (listed above), to ltoffice@kff.lt. The deadline for submissions is 5/30/2025.

For any inquiries or further information, please contact ltoffice@kff.lt. Thank you for your interest in our scholarship program. We look forward to reviewing your application.

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Dr. Joseph P. Kazickas Student Programming Contest Organized by KTU

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Dr. Joseph P. Kazickas Student Programming Contest Organized by Kaunas University of Technology

Kaunas University of Technology Faculty of Informatics (KTU IF) hosted the Dr. Joseph P. Kazickas Computer Science Forum. More than 80 high school students from various regions of Lithuania participated. This year, special attention was given to informatics teachers.

Dr. J. P. Kazickas believed in future generations and the need for them to gain relevant skills that would help shape a brighter future. Therefore the contest, which has been held for several decades, is a testament to a strong partnership with the University that has lasted for 28 years.

Students from all over Lithuania had the chance to compete, solve programming tasks, and win monetary prizes, funded by the KFF and the contest’s sponsors. The teachers participated in seminars designed to enhance their knowledge and professional qualifications through specialized seminars led by KTU experts. Additionally, all participants had a chance to participate in a quiz competition, experience virtual reality games, and engage in other exciting activities.

The winners were congratulated by KFF Projects Coordinator Monika Zavistanavičiūtė and representatives of the sponsoring companies. In addition, a new award for Informatics teachers was established by the Kazickas Family Foundation and KTU Faculty of Informatics.

We were delighted to see so many young talents eager to prove their IT skills and lay grounds for their futures, at the same time continuing the legacy of Dr. J. P. Kazickas.

Congratulations to all winners and participants!

Dr. Joseph P. Kazickas Student Programming Contest Organized by KTU Read More »

Kovo 4–5 dienomis Kazickų šeimos fondo Niujorko biuro direktorė Neila Baumilienė ir Vilniaus biuro direktorė Domantė Howes dalyvavo svarbiuose renginiuose bei susitikimuose Vašingtone, skirtuose Lietuvos nepriklausomybės atkūrimo 35-osioms metinėms paminėti

KFF in Washington DC: Meetings with Leaders and Celebrating Lithuania’s Independence

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KFF in Washington DC: Meetings with Leaders and Celebrating Lithuania’s Independence

On March 4–5, KFF’s New York office director, Neila Baumilienė, and Vilnius office director, Domantė Howes, participated in events and meetings in Washington, D.C., dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the Restoration of Lithuania’s Independence:

March 4 – At the Embassy of Lithuania in Washington, D.C., they joined the Lithuanian community and distinguished guests, including Lithuanian Minister of National Defense Dovilė Šakalienė, Deputy Speaker of the Seimas Juozas Olekas, Chairman of the Seimas Foreign Affairs Committee Remigijus Motuzas, Deputy Chairman of the Seimas Foreign Affairs Committee Žygimantas Pavilionis, Chairman of the Seimas National Security and Defense Committee Giedrimas Jeglinskas, and Deputy Chairman of the Seimas National Security and Defense Committee Laurynas Kasčiūnas. The discussions focused on Lithuania’s foreign policy and defense priorities, the strengthening of transatlantic relations, and geopolitical challenges and opportunities for Lithuania.

The event also featured the opening of the Vytautas the Great Riflemen’s Union photography exhibition “From Generation to Generation. The Rifleman – A Nation’s Warrior!”, dedicated to honoring Vladys Putvinskis-Putvis, the founder of the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union.

March 5 – Kazickas Family Foundation representatives attended the official 35th Anniversary Celebration of the Restoration of Lithuania’s Independence at the Library of Congress, where Lithuania’s Minister of National Defense and a delegation from the Lithuanian Parliament were among the honored guests.
In addition, on March 5, they visited the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), where they presented the Kazickas family history and the Foundation’s activities. They met with ISW executives Billy J. Wade and David Osborne, who shared insights into the institute’s work, supporters, and partnerships. Opportunities for future collaboration were discussed to support democracy, security, and education initiatives.

These days were filled with meaningful discussions and new opportunities for collaboration in strengthening Lithuania’s legacy and future.

KFF in Washington DC: Meetings with Leaders and Celebrating Lithuania’s Independence Read More »

Call for Applications for the Literacy Award in Memory of P. Butenas and A. Kazickas

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Call for applications for the Literacy Award in Memory of P. Butenas and A. Kazickas

We invite you to nominate candidates for the Literacy Award in Memory of the linguist P. Butenas and his student A. Kazickas. This award is given for significant contributions to scientific research, science popularization, educational work, and the organization of Lithuanian linguistic activities.

The award is presented for extraordinary work and accomplishments in the Lithuanian language field. It was established by the Kazickas Family Foundation and “Lithuanian Language Society” in memory of a linguist, anthropologist, interpreter, and teacher Petras Butenas and his student and Lithuanian language and culture patron Alexandra Kalvenas-Kazickas in 2018. This year the prize has increased up to 5 000 euros.

Required Documents for the Award Committee:

A well-reasoned recommendation(s);
A description of the candidate’s (or candidates’) life and professional activities;
A list of the candidate’s (or candidates’) most significant works in the fields specified in the award regulations (accentology, dialectology, lexicology and lexicography, normative linguistics, onomastics, folklore studies, regional studies, and school-based Lithuanian studies);
A cover letter signed by the nominating individual or representative of a legal entity, listing all submitted documents.

To participate, please submit all required documents to lkdraugija@gmail.com until May 1, 2024.

Call for Applications for the Literacy Award in Memory of P. Butenas and A. Kazickas Read More »

KFF attends conference “Three Years, Countless Futures: Protecting Freedom and Ukraine’s Children”

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KFF attends conference “Three Years, Countless Futures: Protecting Freedom and Ukraine’s Children”

On February 21, KFF attended the “Three Years, Countless Futures: Protecting Freedom and Ukraine’s Children” conference at the Ukraine Center, marking the third year of Russia’s war against Ukraine. The event brought together global leaders, policymakers, and experts to address the devastating impact of war on Ukraine’s children – and focus on solutions.

President of Lithuania Gitanas Nauseda opened the event, reaffirming Lithuania’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty. Remarks from First Lady of Lithuania Diana Nausediene followed reflecting deep and heartfelt concern for the situation in Ukraine. First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska welcomed guests with a video address. Conference speakers discussed:

The forced deportation and illegal adaptation of Ukrainian children and the psychological trauma they face,
Local and international support systems for their recovery and reintegration,
The role of Lithuania and global partners in rebuilding lives of returned Ukrainian children.

For several years now, we have proudly supported the Ukraine Center particularly through summer camps for displaced children, ensuring they receive care, learning opportunities, and the stability they deserve. Through our foundation’s focus on education, social welfare, and youth, we continue to support displaced Ukrainian children and we will continue to stand with Ukraine.

KFF attends conference “Three Years, Countless Futures: Protecting Freedom and Ukraine’s Children” Read More »

KFF Meets with KTU Recipients of the Scholarship for Philanthropy

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KFF Meets with KTU Recipients of the Scholarship for Philanthropy

On February 20, the Kazickas Family Foundation met with Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) recipients of the scholarship for philanthropy. Hearing their personal stories of giving back to their communities and making an impact through volunteering was truly inspiring.

Each year, scholarships established by the KFF are awarded to KTU students who demonstrate excellent academic performance and actively participate in volunteer or community activities.

We are proud to see that our long-standing partnership with KTU continues to drive meaningful change.

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