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John Kazickas about 30-year collaboration with KTU

John Kazickas about 30-year collaboration with KTU: "This continuity has created lasting value not only for students, but for Lithuania as a whole"

The Kazickas family, who lives across the Atlantic, not only remembers their roots but also strengthens them.

The 30-year collaboration between the Kazickas Family Foundation and Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) proves this: ties with one’s homeland can turn into tangible support for young talent to grow – and at the same time, it is patriotism that strengthens the future of the country.

“The Kazickas Family Foundation collaboration with KTU has, over the past 30 years, grown into a strong and adaptable partnership that responds to changing national needs and keeps academic knowledge closely connected to real societal and technological challenges,” says John Algirdas Kazickas, secretary and treasurer of the Kazickas Family Foundation and the youngest son of the foundation’s founder.

According to him, this continuity has strengthened the educational ecosystem, supported generations of capable, technically skilled, and forward-thinking students, and created lasting value not only for the university community but also for Lithuania as a whole.

Support amounts to 30,000 euros

The Kazickas Family Foundation scholarship at KTU is awarded twice a year, in the spring and fall semesters, through a Sponsor Scholarship competition.

Last year, the Foundation awarded four 1,000 euros scholarships to university students who are actively involved in voluntary activities that contribute to the social welfare of society. Two students also received scholarships worth 2,000 euros for their scientific activities while pursuing for their doctorates. In addition, two scholarships (1,000 euros each) were awarded to outstanding students with disabilities or other individual needs.

The Kazickas Family Foundation is also the main sponsor of the Dr. Juozas Petras Kazickas Programming Competition for 6th–12th grade students, organized by the KTU Faculty of Informatics since 1997.

KTU Vice-Rector for Studies, Doc. Dr. Kristina Ukvalbergienė, says that this example of patriotism among the Lithuanian diaspora has a motivating and inspiring effect on the academic community and students. In addition, it promotes pride in their country and its people, both in Lithuania and abroad, and shapes the perception that even when living abroad, it is possible to remain active contributors to the prosperity of their country.

“This strengthens confidence in the university’s mission and its role in the future of the state, fosters civic engagement among young people, encourages them to see themselves as part of a global community, encourages them to become more actively involved in various international initiatives and projects, and encourages them to strive for higher academic standards,” says Ukvalbergienė.

In recent years, the Kazickas Family Foundation has allocated a total of around 30,000 euros to KTU students and the Dr. J. P. Kazickas Student Programming Competition.

The greatest aspiration – to inspire others

A. Kazickas says that looking back over the years, what he is most proud of is the fact that they have managed to reach thousands of students and children, inspiring them to explore opportunities and think creatively about what’s possible.

“Not every participant wins the competition or receives direct support, but sparking that curiosity and encouraging reflection on social responsibility and moral values is invaluable. Reaching and inspiring so many young minds over the years is truly the most meaningful result of our work,” says Kazickas.

According to J. A. Kazickas, it was his father, Dr. J. P. Kazickas, whose philanthropic mindset – seeing it as an opportunity to give back and encourage others – made the partnership with KTU feel especially aligned.

“He always had a deep appreciation for education and a soft spot for technology. My father saw this partnership as a way to inspire young people to explore technology and innovation, and to help build a foundation for the future. Supporting education and technology in this way felt like the most meaningful way to make a lasting impact,” says Kazickas.

Scholarships as a motivational tool

According to the Vice-Rector for Studies at KTU, the scholarships provided by the Kazickas Family Foundation serve as an additional incentive for students to engage in philanthropic activities and participate in various social initiatives and organizations.

“Meanwhile, supporting doctoral students and young scientists directly contributes to the development and strengthening of the university’s science, allows students and researchers to focus on conducting research, and acts as a means of encouragement and motivation,” says Ukvalbergienė.

A. Kazickas hopes that as students go through their careers – at KTU or afterward – they might look back and realize that the support they received was a turning point, a moment they understood there’s something more important than just their own field of study: a responsibility to give back and help others.

Representatives of the Kazickas Family Foundation regularly organize meetings with KTU Sponsor Scholarship recipients. One such meeting took place recently, on January 19, at KTU Santaka Valley, where J. A. Kazickas, together with the foundation’s project manager, Monika Zavistanavičiūtė, met with scholarship recipients and representatives of the KTU administration.

Press release prepared by KTU.

John Kazickas about 30-year collaboration with KTU Read More »

Dėkingumas dr. Juozo P. Kazicko gyvenime nebuvo atsitiktinis jausmas ar vienkartinė reakcija į sėkmę. Tai buvo kasdienė praktika, išreikšta per santykius, darbus ir pasirinkimus.

Power of Gratitude: The Legacy of the Kazickas Family

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Power of Gratitude: The Legacy of the Kazickas Family

The beginning of a new year often invites reflection on what truly creates meaning – in personal relationships, communities, and society as a whole. Gratitude, often perceived as a personal attitude or emotional response, became something far deeper in the story of the Kazickas family – a guiding life philosophy and a foundation for long-term action. What began within the family naturally evolved into philanthropy and, eventually, into nearly three decades of systematic work through the Kazickas Family Foundation.

Value Behind the Mission

In the life of Dr. Juozas P. Kazickas, gratitude was not a passing feeling or a one-time reaction to success. It was a daily practice, expressed through relationships, work, and conscious choices. This is clearly reflected in the letters he wrote to his wife, Alexandra, over many decades.

In the 1950s, while staying at the Hotel Ritz in Paris, Dr. Kazickas wrote to his wife on the occasion of Mother’s Day:

“Alyte, this Sunday is Mother’s Day, and since your little ones are still too young to understand its meaning, I wish to represent them by expressing our boundless love for you (…) and our gratitude beyond words.”

In these letters, gratitude is never abstract or declarative – it is personal, specific, and grounded in everyday life. Alexandra Kazickienė captured this simply and precisely in her diary in 1955:

“My husband loves me very much. And what is wonderful is that when he travels, I receive extraordinarily beautiful letters from him – full of love, sincerity, appreciation, and happiness in being together with me.”

In the Kazickas family story, gratitude became more than an emotional bond. It formed a value-based backbone that sustained closeness, trust, and unity even through long separations, war, and emigration.

From Personal Relationships to Philanthropy

Neila Baumilienė, Director of the New York Office of the Kazickas Family Foundation, believes this mindset naturally extended beyond the family into a broader sphere of action. Juozas P. Kazickas sincerely believed that life owed him nothing:

“Everything he had was a gift of life, a loan from God – his wife Aleksandra, five children and eleven grandchildren, good health and freedom, friends around the world, and countless opportunities to work and do good.”

According to her, gratitude was closely linked to his sense of happiness and success:

“Gratitude became a habit.”

This habit manifested itself in handwritten letters and postcards, personal attention to others, generosity, and an openness to sharing time, space, and opportunities. For him, gratitude was not an abstract idea, but a force in action – one that, as he firmly believed, always returned.

Juozas P. Kazickas often referred to this phenomenon as a “magnetic field” of gratitude:

“When you give, it comes back with dividends – relationships, trust, opportunities. He learned to work with this special law of attraction and benefited from the effects of gratitude throughout his life,” says Neila Baumilienė.

In 1998, after successfully selling Omnitel, the first mobile telecommunications company he founded in Lithuania, Juozas P. Kazickas established the Kazickas Family Foundation. A deeply personal value thus became a structured philanthropic mission.

Today, the Kazickas Family Foundation (KFF) is the largest private philanthropic organization in Lithuania. For more than two decades, it has been creating long-term impact in education, social inclusion, technology, and healthcare. Over the course of its work, KFF has distributed nearly USD 18 million in support and continues to seek new ways to strengthen its impact.

Domantė Howes, Director of KFF Vilnius Office, emphasizes that the “magnetic field” described by Dr. Juozas P. Kazickas is not only part of the family’s legacy, but remains very much alive in the Foundation’s work today. In 2025, the team was particularly touched by sincere and creative expressions of gratitude from grantees. An invitation from the Social Services Center in Ukmerge to a partners’ breakfast became a simple yet deeply meaningful way to bring the community together – sitting at the same table, reflecting on shared work, and offering personal attention to each individual. Another important moment was the KFF’s own evening of gratitude, where organizations working in the social sector were invited to creatively say “thank you” to their other supporters. That evening, the magnetic field described by Dr. Kazickas could be clearly felt – when you give, it comes back to you with dividends.

Gratitude as a Living Relationship Today

Domantė Howes believes that at KFF, this philosophy of gratitude begins with everyday communication within the team:

“It is in the way we communicate every day as a team – noticing, appreciating, and thanking one another for efforts that often remain unseen.”

This internal practice naturally extends to relationships with partners and grantees. According to Domantė, live and informal gatherings play a crucial role in building genuine connections:

“Gatherings like these restore dignity, motivation, and the strength to continue because they remind you that there are like-minded people who believe in you and stand by you.”

In hands-on work with vulnerable groups, feedback is not always visible or verbalized, which can sometimes lead to feelings of loneliness and exhaustion. In this context, gratitude becomes a mutual source of strength – not a formal gesture, but presence and real human connection:

“That is why we do this – not for a formal thank you, self-satisfaction, or a photo op, but for genuine human connection that strengthens and transforms lives.”

At the Kazickas Family Foundation, the philosophy of gratitude begins first and foremost with ourselves. It starts with everyday communication – the ability to notice, appreciate, and thank one another for efforts that often go unseen. On this foundation, we build relationships: within the team, with our families and friends, with communities, and ultimately with our organizational partners. This unfolds naturally – inspired by the Kazickas family, we strive to be the example for those around us.

At the beginning of 2026, this serves as a simple yet powerful reminder: what we choose to value and express gratitude for ultimately shapes the world around us.

Power of Gratitude: The Legacy of the Kazickas Family Read More »

KFF Project Coordinator (Temporary Position – 1 Year)

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KFF Project Coordinator (Temporary Position – 1 Year)

The KFF Vilnius office is seeking a new team member for a temporary, one-year Project Coordinator position.

Please find the job description and requirements below:

Grants and Partnerships Management

Manage grantee application, documentation, and reporting processes.
Maintain the grantee database by registering new applicants, entering approved grantee details, and keeping records up to date.
Coordinate the funds transfer process, collect reports, prepare summaries, and enter data for analysis.
Provide technical support to grantees and respond to inquiries related to applications, documentation, and reporting procedures.
Prepare agreements, certificates, letters, and other official documents.

Records and Archive Management

Manage KFF’s archive by collecting, organizing, filing, and securely storing all KFF documents, audiovisual content, and physical materials.

Office and Day-to-Day Operations Management

Ensure smooth office operations, including ordering office supplies and maintaining equipment.
Manage postal services and shipments.

Communications

Write, translate, and edit texts, including event descriptions and reports.
Prepare information packets and supporting materials for KFF Board meetings.
Manage KFF social media accounts on a weekly basis and regularly update content.
Update and maintain the KFF website as needed.

Event and Activity Support

Assist, as needed, with the organization and implementation of events, visits, meetings, and other KFF activities.

Requirements:

Experience working or volunteering in non-profit organizations (a strong advantage);
Excellent command of Lithuanian and English, both written and spoken;
At least 1-3 years of experience in project coordination or project management;
Strong computer skills (Microsoft Office, Zoom, Google Drive, Canva);
Experience in social media management and content creation;
Excellent communication skills and the ability to independently prepare informational content;
Strong organizational and time-management skills;
Proactive, detail-oriented, and responsible;
Valid Category B driving licence.

Benefits:

Opportunity to contribute to helping non-profit organizations;
Opportunity to join a global network of partners;
Invitations to partner events;
Work at the Kazickas family residence located at the heart of Vilnius (Šv. Jono g. 13A, Vilnius);
Team building outings, lunches, dinners etc.
Full-time job with flexible schedule;
Opportunity to work remotely.

Salary: 2125 – 3130 euros per month (before taxes)

We kindly request that you submit your Resume (CV) in English to ltoffice@kff.lt by 31 January 2026.

KFF Project Coordinator (Temporary Position – 1 Year) Read More »

Season’s Greetings from the Kazickas Family Foundation

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Season's Greetings from the Kazickas Family Foundation!

This holiday season, we celebrate the spirit of giving, gratitude, and community.

Thank you to everyone who has supported our mission to create a better future for both current and future generations of Lithuanians.

May the coming year bring peace, connection, and opportunities to make a meaningful change together.

With love,
The Kazickas Family Foundation
December, 2025

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Kaunas “Arka”: Creating Long-Term Impact Through Community

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Kaunas "Arka": Creating Long-Term Impact Through Community

The Kazickas Family Foundation initiates stories about its grantees, organizations that create real and long-term social impact in Lithuania every day. These stories invite readers to get to know communities that work directly with people and understand their needs firsthand, as well as partnerships that become a sustainable foundation for meaningful change.

One such organization is the Kaunas “Arka” Community, which for more than fifteen years has been creating spaces for people with intellectual disabilities to live independently and with dignity, while consistently bringing together partners from philanthropy and the business sector around its mission.

“At the Kazickas Family Foundation, we seek to create long-term impact in Lithuania by going beyond financial support. We aim to empower smaller organizations that deeply understand people’s needs because they work directly with people in need. Kaunas Arka Community is an excellent example of this. They work consistently and have the power to change their environment,” says Domantė Howes, Executive Director of the Kazickas Family Foundation’s Vilnius office.

According to Domante, KFF’s goal is to help such organizations grow, strengthen their activities, and attract more partners so that the impact they create can reach a wider segment of society.

A Community That Sees the Person

The story of the Kaunas “Arka” Community is told by its director, Rūta Lašaitė. According to her, Arka is a place where people with intellectual disabilities and long-term mental health conditions are welcomed with all their abilities and potential.

“Every member of our community is accepted exactly as they are. Here, everyone is a friend,” says Lašaitė.

Kaunas “Arka” was founded in 2010. As the director explains, the beginning was very simple, weekly meetings initiated by the community’s founder Gedas Malinauskas, who recognized the lack of community-based services for people with intellectual disabilities in Lithuania.

“Over fifteen years, those first meetings have grown into a day center, social workshops, and two community homes,” Lašaitė shares.

Today, 16 friends live in Arka’s community homes, another 16 develop daily living skills at the day center, and 13 learn and work in social workshops. Kaunas “Arka” is also part of the International Federation of L’Arche Communities, which brings together more than 160 communities across 38 countries worldwide.

Why This Work Matters to Society as a Whole

According to Lašaitė, most services for people with intellectual disabilities in Lithuania are still focused primarily on meeting basic needs.

“Without quality, independence-oriented support, adults with intellectual disabilities are unable to live independently or fully participate in society,” she says.

The Kaunas “Arka” Community strives for more, developing daily, social, and work-related skills that help people build self-confidence, become more independent, and create dignified lives within society. This work transforms not only the lives of community members but also society’s perception of disability.

However, one of the greatest challenges remains visibility and, with it, sustainable funding. “The less society sees, the harder it becomes to attract long-term supporters and partners,” Lašaitė emphasizes.

A Friendship Between Business and the Arka Community

One of the most notable examples of long-term collaboration is the partnership between the Kaunas “Arka” Community and Festo Lithuania, which has been ongoing for nearly a decade.

“It all started with our colleague Miglė, who was volunteering at the Kaunas Arka Community at the time and suggested that the company get involved. From the very first steps of financial support to beautiful events that have become traditions, this friendship continues to this day,” says Kristina Drumstienė, a representative of Festo Lithuania.

Festo is a family-owned business, making traditions and long-term relationships especially important to the company. Over the years, the partnership has grown into ongoing initiatives such as a Christmas charity auction, participation in Arka’s Open Courtyard Day, and employee volunteering.

“Our employees engage very warmly and actively. During the Christmas auction, handmade items, services, and works created by the Kaunas Arka Community are auctioned. Seeing how thoughtfully colleagues prepare and participate is the best feedback we could receive,” says Drumstienė.

According to her, this type of partnership creates value that cannot be measured in monetary terms. “Kaunas Arka is not just an organization. It is a strong sense of unity and genuine friendship. I sincerely encourage companies to become part of this community. The return is an invaluable inner experience.”

A Partnership That Creates Change

The stories initiated by the Kazickas Family Foundation about its grantees are not only an opportunity to hear individual narratives, but also an invitation to see how long-term social impact is created. The experience of the Kaunas “Arka” Community demonstrates that trust-based partnerships between communities, philanthropy, and business can form a sustainable foundation for change that truly transforms people’s lives.

Photos: Giedrius Matulaitis, KFF and Arka

Press release originally published on 15min.lt in Lithuanian language

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KFF stands in solidarity with journalists and civil society in Lithuania

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KFF stands in solidarity with journalists and civil society in Lithuania

We stand in solidarity with journalists and civil society in Lithuania who are defending free speech and independent media. A free and critical press is a cornerstone of democracy, and public civic engagement is essential to protecting it.

The Kazickas Family Foundation supports peaceful civic action and the ongoing efforts to safeguard freedom of expression in Lithuania.

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New York Annual Fundraising Event Supporting Ukrainian Children and Soldiers

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The New York Annual Fundraising Event Supporting Ukrainian Children and Soldiers

On December 11, the annual Fundraising event supporting Ukrainian children and soldiers affected by the war was held at the Lithuanian Consulate General in New York.

The event was co-organized by the Consulate General of Lithuania in New York, the Permanent Mission of Lithuania to the United Nations, supported by the Kazickas Family Foundation, and New York Lithuanian Professionals.

During the evening, commitments totaling more than $50,000 were made to two non-governmental organizations: Save Ukraine, which works to rescue Ukrainian children abducted by Russia, and KindDeeds Inc., which provides prosthetics and rehabilitation services to Ukrainian soldiers.

The event brought together Ukrainian soldiers, U.S. volunteers who have served in Ukraine, members of the diplomatic corps, and representatives of the Lithuanian and international communities in New York. Guests were introduced to the work of the supported organizations and heard firsthand accounts of the impact of the ongoing war.

The program also featured a musical performance by Lithuanian pianist Vilija Naujokaitis and Ukrainian cellist Valeriya Sholokhova, who performed works by Lithuanian and Ukrainian composers.

According to John Kazickas, Board Member and Treasurer of KFF, the war in Ukraine resonates deeply with Lithuanians both historically and personally. The experiences of today’s refugees echo the displacement endured by Lithuanians during World War II, reinforcing KFF’s continued and principled commitment to supporting Ukraine.

KFF, through its crisis response initiatives, is committed to promoting human rights, freedom, and protecting the safety of people around the world.

Photos by Vytenis Jankūnas

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KFF Receives AmCham Lithuania Oscar for Visionary Philanthropy

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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.

KFF Receives AmCham Lithuania Oscar for Visionary Philanthropy Read More »

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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