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The week of Lithuanian Song Festival 2024

The centennial Lithuanian Song Celebration brought together Lithuanians from all over the world.

The summer in Lithuania is full of events celebrating Lithuanian culture and togetherness. Last week, the centennial Lithuanian Song Celebration brought together Lithuanians from all over the world. In addition to the main celebration, it offered numerous opportunities to participate in events, concerts, discussions, and conferences, to meet with partners and friends, and to make new connections with other active diaspora representatives.

The Kazickas Family Foundation team:

Participated in events organized by the Lithuanian World Community (PLB) – the Day of Lithuanians Worldwide and Lithuania’s National Minorities “I am Lithuania. Let’s Unite Lithuania” and the World Lithuanian Forum “How Can I Be Beneficial to Lithuania Even Though I Don’t Live There?”;
Hosted the Open House Day at the Kazickas family residence for diaspora representatives visiting Lithuania;
Organized an evening for young diaspora talents, attended by participants and alumni of Bring Together Lithuania and representatives of the World Lithuanian Youth Association;
Met with representatives of the Lithuanian Foundation, Inc. and the National Foundation;
Attended the opening event of the “Sacred Music Hours” cycle “100 Voices for the 100th Anniversary of the Song Festival!” featuring musical performances by the Lithuanian American art ensemble “Dainava” and the Šiauliai Boys and Young Men’s Choir “Dagilėlis”;
Attended the premiere of the film “Pilgrims of the Heart,” dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the Lithuanian Charter;
Participated in events and receptions for the world Lithuanian youth at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Lithuanian Parliament, and the PLJS youth evening;
Were interviewed by LRT;
Attended the “Song Festival” events – the Ensembles’ Evening, Dance Day, and the final Song Day.

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KFF STEM Stipendijų Programa: Kvietimas Teikti Paraiškas

KFF STEM Scholarship Program: Call for Applications

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KFF STEM Scholarship Program: Call for Applications

The call for STEM scholarship applications is now closed.

The Kazickas Family Foundation is launching the call for applications for the STEM Scholarship Program. With the program we aim 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 6/30/2024.

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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Sacred Music Hours 2024

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Sacred Music Hours 2024

We invite all music lovers to enjoy the concerts of the Sacred Music Hours series, generously presented by the KFF.

In its 26th year, the Sacred Music Hours series invites you to indulge in remarkable music concerts.

This year, the SMH will bring together musicians from Lithuania, Poland, Denmark, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and for the first time, from Australia and Taiwan.

There will be 14 concerts at St. Casimir’s Church in Vilnius every Tuesday from July to September, and 5 concerts in small Lithuanian towns – Miroslavas, Merkinė, Pumpėnai, Šiluva, and Šiauliai.

– The first concert in Miroslavas will take place on June 27th.

– The opening concert in Vilnius on July 1st – A hundred voices to mark the 100th anniversary of the Song Festival! The choirs Dainava and Dagilėlis invite you to this festive, uplifting opening concert of the cycle.

– A concert in Memoriam Mrs. Aleksandra and Dr. Juozas Kazickas on August 13th.

– A concert on September 6th will commemorate the 90th birthday of Professor Leopoldas Digrys.

– The closing concert on September 18th will feature a world premiere for organ and electronics – a piece by young Lithuanian composer Agnė Matulevičiūtė based on K. Donelaitis’ poem “The Seasons”.

We invite all music lovers to enjoy the concerts of the Kristupo festivalis, Sacred Music Hours series, generously presented by the KFF: www.kristupofestivalis.lt

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Kazickų Šeimos Rezidencija Pasitiko Jaunimo Įgalinimo Vizionierius

Kazickas Family Residence Welcomed Youth Empowerment Visionaries

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Kazickas family residence welcomed youth empowerment visionaries

Dr. Joseph P. Kazickas and Alexandra Kazickas had a visionary mission to ensure a better future for youth. Therefore, empowerment of young people plays an important role in the Kazickas Family Foundation activities.

On 24 January we held a networking event at the Kazickas family residence to connect people who work in youth empowerment. We invited different organisations that continuously work to offer new career and life opportunities for young people: Youth Can, Uncommon.lt, Bring Together Lithuania, and the grantees of the Foundation — an international exchange program ASSIST, the Alternative Training Centre for Youth of Vilnius Archdiocese Caritas, Vocational School “Sodžiaus meistrai”, St. John’s Children, Raguvėlė Day Center, Vilnius Social Club, MO Museum, and Lentvaris Day Center.

Businesses and donors —Orion Leasing, EIKA, Vilnius University Foundation, Junior Achievement, Global Lithuanian Leaders, Baltic Fundraising Hub, Vladas Lašas — and Gitana Skripkaitė, a diplomat and a representative of Global Lithuania Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also attended the event.

The evening provided a space for the grantees, businesses, and organizations to exchange good practices, discuss the challenges, and initiate new partnerships. The attendees were invited to share what they do to increase and prioritize youth empowerment and Neringa Morozaitė-Rasmussen, Vice-Minister of the Economy and Innovation, shared a presentation about the priority areas in youth empowerment and talent development at the Ministry.

Members of the Kazickas family also had the chance to meet the community that strives to create a better future for the youth. Jūratė Kazickaitė, President of the KFF, andJohn Kazickas, a board member, gave the welcome speech.

We are grateful to everyone who attended the event and continue to create new opportunities for youth to realize their potential.

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Programos „Bring Together Lithuania 2024“ Atidarymo Šventė

The Opening Ceremony of the Bring Together Lithuania 2024 program

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The Opening Ceremony of the Bring Together Lithuania 2024 program

The Bring Together Lithuania 2024 summer internship and modern Lithuania program for the Lithuanian diaspora was officially launched at the Kazickas Family Residence.

During the event, participants watched an inspiring video about Dr. Joseph P. Kazickas, highlighting his legacy and contributions to Lithuania. This set a reflective tone for the program, emphasizing the importance of connecting with one’s heritage and contributing to the homeland. Domantė Greifenbergerytė, Director of the KFF Vilnius office, and Kamilė Perminė, the Program Director, delivered opening remarks to welcome the participants.

The event marked the beginning of the 7th generation of this program! Over the next 6 weeks, participants will engage in an immersive experience exploring modern Lithuania, including internships at leading companies and organizations, inspiring meetings with Lithuanian leaders, visits to governmental organizations, and exposure to the cultural aspects of the country.

The program has been initiated and sponsored by the KFF since 2018. It aims to provide youth of the Lithuanian diaspora with opportunities to gain professional skills, connect with global Lithuanians, explore their heritage country, and become young ambassadors of Lithuania.

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The Literacy Award in Memory of Petras Butenas and his student Alexandra Kazickas

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The Literacy Award in Memory of Petras Butenas and his student Alexandra Kazickas

This year, the Literacy Award in Memory of Petras Butenas and his student Alexandra Kazickas has been presented to prof. dr. Giedre Cepaitiene.

On 8 June, Prof. Dr. Giedre Čepaitienė was awarded the Memorial Prize of the linguist Petras Būtėnas and his student Aleksandra Kazickienė at the Pastoral Centre of the Šiauliai Diocese.

The laureate, Ms Cepaitiene, is a philologist, and a prominent organizer of public activities relating to the Lithuanian studies. Some of the most important prof. Dr. Giedre Cepaitiene’s fields of research are ethnolinguistics, pragmatics, subject didactics, dialectology and language history.

The award, established by the KFF and the Lithuanian Language Association, was given to Giedre Cepaitiene for wide-ranging scientific and educational work, research on people that influenced Lithuanian culture and Lithuanian studies, and significant publications and events dedicated to commemorating famous Lithuanians.

The event was opened with a prayer by the Bishop of Šiauliai Eugenijus Bartulis. Prof. Dr. Genovaitė Kačiuškienė and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Regina Kvašytė presented the laureate’s scientific and pedagogical activities, and Kristina Lebedžinskienė spoke about her works dedicated to her native Zanavyk region.

On behalf of the Prize Committee, Prof. Dr. Albinas Drukteinis and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vilma Zubaitienė expressed their congratulations. The greetings sent by the Kazickas Family Foundation on the occasion were read out by Prof. Dr. Bonifacas Stundžia.

The musical performance was given by the Dr. Regina Marozienė and actor Vladas Baranauskas.

Photos by Leonas Nekrašas and Rita Urnėžiūtė.

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Fundraising Summit

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Fundraising Summit

The KFF team and grantees participated in the Fundraising Summit 2024 organized by Baltic Fundraising Hub.

The Kazickas Family Foundation proudly supports this conference, designed to help NGOs enhance their fundraising, communication, and leadership skills. This summit offered a platform for learning, networking, and sharing best practices, ensuring Lithuanian NGOs are equipped with the tools and knowledge to excel.

In addition, we donated 20 tickets to our grantee organizations. Beyond financial support, KFF invests in grantees’ long-term growth by offering platforms for learning, networking, and sharing best practices, ensuring our grantees have the tools and knowledge to succeed.

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Open Doors for Diaspora Representatives at the Kazickas Family Residence

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Open Doors for Diaspora Representatives at the Kazickas Family Residence

The Kazickas Family Foundation cordially invites the Lithuanian diaspora representatives to a special Open Doors event at the Kazickas Family Residence. The event will be held on July 2, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

An impressive building steeped in history, located in the former courtyard of the palace of the noblemen of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, the Radvilas, will open its doors to the public for this exclusive occasion. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the residence and get a glimpse into the lives of the Lithuanian-American diaspora family through an exhibition showcasing the lives of Joseph and Alexandra Kazickas.

The KFF staff will be present to meet guests and share insights about the family’s legacy, the house, and the work of the Foundation. Complimentary coffee and snacks will be served.

Due to limited space, advance registration is required. Please click here to register for the event.

For more information, please contact: ltoffice@kff.lt.

We look forward to welcoming you!

Open Doors for Diaspora Representatives at the Kazickas Family Residence Read More »

KFF Acknowledged at Global Lithuanian Awards

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Kazickas Family Foundation Acknowledged at Global Lithuanian Awards

Global Lithuanian Awards acknowledge and reward the remarkable achievements of Lithuanian diaspora professionals and their contribution to the economy, science, and culture of Lithuania as well as its global standing.

It is an honor that amongst all the remarkable recipients The Kazickas Family Foundation – Kazickų Šeimos Fondas was acknowledged For Educating the Talent of Global Lithuanian Youth. The award was presented by First Lady Diana Nausėdienė.

The KFF community is proud to build bridges between Lithuania and the world. Our sincere Thank you to ALL partners in Lithuania and all over the world that contributes to our vision: Lithuanian diaspora communities, Lithuanian heritage schools, organizers of cultural camps, song and dance festivals, as well as to the people, companies, and organizations in Lithuania that welcome Lithuanian diaspora youth and provide them with the opportunity to discover a modern country and establish an authentic connection with their ancestral homeland.

The award was presented to Agne Vertelkaite, Vilnius Office Director, and Kamilė Perminė, Head of Communications.

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The “Blue / Yellow for Ukraine” Appreciation Event

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The "Blue / Yellow for Ukraine" Appreciation Event

In support of the brave citizens of Ukraine, the KFF provides financial support to chosen charitable organisations. Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, the Kazickas Family Foundation, together with its international partners, has consistently worked to help the people of Ukraine.

One of the organizations supported is the “Blue / Yellow for Ukraine”. It is a non-government organization that has been supporting Ukraine’s armed resistance since 2014. They provide Ukrainian soldiers and volunteers with non-lethal supplies to help them battle Russian aggression.

KFF Vilnius Office Director Agne Vertelkaite and the Head of Communications Kamile Permine accepted the “Blue / Yellow for Ukraine” Certificate of Appreciation for KFF support for Ukraine in 2022.

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