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Remembering Alexandra Kalvenas-Kazickas

On June 17, we remember and honor Alexandra Kalvenas-Kazickas, who was born 106 years ago, on June 17, 1920. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother of five children, and a steadfast life partner to her husband, Dr. Joseph P. Kazickas (1918–2014).

Together, they endured the hardships of war in Lithuania, life in refugee camps in Germany, and the challenge of building a new life in America.

Today, we remember her above all for the values by which she lived – her love for her family, devotion to Lithuania, loyalty to her friends, humility, grace, and generosity.

Alexandra’s life was guided by compassion for others and a sincere desire to help those around her. Even in the most difficult moments, she never lost her faith, gratitude, or her ability to care for others. These values are reflected in the words she wrote in her diary in 1975:

“I felt bad for all of them and would have liked to help them but did not know how. But then I think again, if only my being here provides a bit of happiness for these people, if only my visit turns their monotonous days into a ray of sunshine, then my trip, my inconvenience, my personal sadness and longing are so insignificant. And it does look to me that I make them happy.”

Alexandra Kalvenas-Kazickas passed away on June 17, 2011, at the age of 91. Her life continues to inspire us to cultivate compassion and care for one another.

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More Than 70% of KFF Support to Youth, Education, and Diaspora Engagement

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More Than 70% of KFF Support to Youth, Education, and Diaspora Engagement

In 2025, more than 70% of the Kazickas Family Foundation’s support was directed toward youth empowerment, education, and diaspora engagement. We also supported social welfare initiatives, mental and emotional health programs, as well as arts and culture projects.

Why these areas?

Our mission is to strengthen Lithuania for present and future generations by consistently investing in people – their growth, leadership, and real opportunities to create meaningful change within their communities and across the country.

Education opens doors. Young people turn opportunities into action. Strong communities create a safer and more inclusive society. The diaspora helps maintain a living connection with Lithuania around the world. Arts and culture strengthen our identity, creativity, and shared values.

These areas are not separate directions – they form an interconnected whole that strengthens people from different but complementary angles.

That is why in 2026 we continue this direction – consistently supporting education, youth development, social welfare, diaspora, and cultural initiatives that create not short-term impact, but long-term value for Lithuania and its people.

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Baltic Fundraising Summit 2026

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Baltic Fundraising Summit 2026

Sharing moments from Fundraising Summit 2026 – the largest event in Lithuania dedicated to NGO growth, bringing together more than 200 specialists from across the sector. For the third year, the Kazickas Family Foundation has contributed to the conference by gifting tickets to its grantees.

This year, 20 representatives from supported organizations were given the opportunity to attend the event. The conference placed strong emphasis on practical insights into fundraising trends, communication principles, and experience sharing.

A valuable collaboration with Baltic Fundraising Hub – the event organizers and leaders in the field. They consistently raise the standards of professionalism and dignity among Lithuanian non-governmental organizations and help strengthen their competencies.

KFF believes in the importance of long-term organizational growth. By providing platforms for learning, networking, and sharing best practices, we aim to ensure that our grantees have the tools they need to grow and create meaningful change.

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“Youth Can” has completed its 12th season

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"Youth Can" has completed its 12th season

The life skills development program for youth in regional Lithuania engaged almost 200 young people from 11 towns, with activities held twice a week throughout the year. Participants took part in a variety of challenges – from entrepreneurship initiatives to organizing unconventional sports events and activities promoting mindful movement.

On May 9, the season closing event in Kaunas brought participants and KFF administration together to compete in 10 challenges, where they demonstrated physical endurance, logical thinking, creativity, and teamwork.

In 2014, KFF initiated the program with the aim of using physical activity as a tool to strengthen life skills among young people in regional areas. Youth education and empowerment remain one of the Foundation’s priority areas of support.

Photos by Kamilė Kaveckaitė

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How to Act in a Crisis: The Kazickas Family Foundation Organized a Practical Training Series for Partner Organizations

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How to Act in a Crisis: The Kazickas Family Foundation Organized a Practical Training Series for Partner Organizations

How would you respond if you received an emergency alert? Public surveys show that only 2 out of 10 people know the basic steps to take in such situations. In today’s context of growing security threats, preparedness and resilience are becoming increasingly important across all sectors. Knowing how to respond in emergencies is not only useful — it is essential, as it reduces fear, builds confidence, and contributes to a more resilient society.

Kazickų šeimos fondui svarbu padėti partnerėms organizacijoms stiprinti organizacinį pasirengimą ir padėti suprasti savo vaidmenį platesniame nacionalinio saugumo kontekste. Todėl Fondas šį pavasarį organizavo pilietinio pasirengimo mokymų ciklą, skirtą savo partnerių organizacijų atstovams. Į mokymus susirinko daugiau nei 20 organizacijų, dirbančių su jaunimu, vaikais ir kitomis pažeidžiamomis visuomenės grupėmis, Lietuvos miestuose ir regionuose.

Balandžio 24 d. kartu su LR Krašto apsaugos ministerija organizuotuose Pasirengimo pilietiniam pasipriešinimui kursuose dalyvavo 40 partnerių atstovų. Didelis dėmesys skirtas praktiniam pasirengimui. Dalyviai mokėsi susidėti išvykimo krepšį, įsivertinti, kokie daiktai būtini pirmosioms 72 valandoms, naudotis turniketu stipraus kraujavimo atveju, taip pat planuoti veiksmus netikėtų situacijų metu ir aiškiau suprasti savo vaidmenį tiek asmens, tiek organizacijos lygmeniu. Kursų lektorius dalijosi patirtimi iš Ukrainos, pabrėždamas, kad pasirengimas nėra apie baimę, o apie rūpestį savimi, artimaisiais ir bendruomene.

Mokymų ciklas gegužę tęsėsi bendradarbiaujant su Lietuvos Raudonuoju Kryžiumi. Gegužės 6 ir 13 d. Kazickų šeimos fondo rezidencijoje vyko emocinės pagalbos pagrindų bei pirmosios pagalbos mokymai, kuriuose dalyvavo 15 partnerių atstovų.

Teorinės žinios buvo derinamos su praktinėmis užduotimis ir realių situacijų scenarijais. Dalyviai mokėsi suteikti pirmąją pagalbą ir padėti žmogui, patiriančiam stiprų emocinį stresą ar šoką, taikydami išmoktas metodikas. Užsiėmimų metu taip pat aptarta, kaip pasirūpinti savo emocine savijauta ir kokius metodus galima taikyti kasdienėje veikloje. Šie įgūdžiai ypač svarbūs nevyriausybinėms organizacijoms, kurios dažnai tampa pirmaisiais pagalbos taškais pažeidžiamose bendruomenėse.

Kazickų šeimos fondo projektų vadovė Monika Zavistanavičiūtė pabrėžia, kad, atsižvelgdamas į geopolitinę situaciją bei nuolat skleidžiamą dezinformaciją iš nedraugiškų valstybių, 2026 m. KŠF skiria ypatingą dėmesį saugumo, pilietinio pasipriešinimo, kritinio mąstymo ir visuomenės informavimo temoms.

„Žinių ir kompetencijų šiose srityse stiprinimas tiek savo komandoje, tiek įtraukiant partnerius yra svarbi mūsų šių metų strategijos dalis, – teigia M. Zavistanavičiūtė. – Dėl šios priežasties pradėjome artimiau bendradarbiauti su tokiomis organizacijomis kaip Lietuvos Respublikos krašto apsaugos ministerija ir Lietuvos Raudonasis Kryžius, kuriuos matome kaip vienus patikimiausių partnerių Lietuvoje, siekiant šviesti visuomenę apie krizes ir pasirengimą veikti ekstremaliose situacijose.“

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Why does the KFF invest in STEM fields?

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Why does the KFF invest in STEM fields?

The Kazickas Family Foundation is now accepting applications for its STEM scholarship program, designed for talented Lithuanians pursuing studies at universities abroad. The program is introduced by its initiator, Jurate Kazickaite. In the interview video, she shares why STEM fields are important for Lithuania’s future and how this initiative came to life.

The program is intended for talented Lithuanians who have already been accepted into undergraduate or graduate STEM programs abroad. Its goal is not only to provide financial support, but also to empower young people to contribute to Lithuania’s future progress.

The application deadline is May 30, 2026.

Selected candidates may receive a scholarship of up to EUR 10,000 to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other study-related costs.

More information on application requirements can be found here.

Why does the KFF invest in STEM fields? Read More »

Summer Internship in Lithuania

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Summer Internship in Lithuania

Lithuanian National Foundation and the Kazickas Family Foundation invite students to apply for summer internships!

In partnership with the National Foundation, we invite students of Lithuanian descent studying abroad to apply for paid summer internships at non-governmental organizations in Lithuania.

This is a great opportunity to not only gain valuable professional experience but also to contribute to the work of inspiring NGOs in Lithuania, 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.

To apply, please submit:

Resume / CV
A motivational letter

Applications should be sent directly to the contact person listed by the NGO.

Application deadline: May 16, 2025

Scholarship: 600 EUR/month

You can find more details about available internship opportunities here.

If you have any questions, please contact vilnius@tautosfondas.org

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Alytus Region Butrimonys Higher School’s visit to Vilnius

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Alytus Region Butrimonys Higher School’s visit to Vilnius

For several years, we have partnered with Alytus Region Butrimonys Higher School, supporting the school as the initiator of “Adamkiada.” This Lithuanian student sports and arts festival will take place for the 11th time this year, bringing together talented and active students from rural schools. The event carries forward the values of Alma Adamkienė Charity and Support Fund and helps strengthen students and schools across Lithuania’s regions. This year, the festival will be held in autumn, in the lead-up to the 100th anniversary of President Valdas Adamkus.

Last week, together with our partner, the MO Museum, we invited 16 students and members of the school administration to take part in educational activities and visit the latest exhibition, “Gen Z: All at Once.” Students joined creative workshops at the museum and also visited the Kazickas Family Residence, where they learned more about the family’s history.

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Call for Applications: Paid Internships at Lithuanian Diplomatic Missions in New York

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Call for Applications: Paid Internships at Lithuanian Diplomatic Missions in New York

For the first time, the Kazickas Family Foundation invites applications for scholarships to support internships at the Consulate General of the Republic of Lithuania in New York and the Permanent Mission of Lithuania to the United Nations.

The program aims to support talented people who wish to deepen their knowledge in international politics, global problem-solving, and diplomacy, while gaining valuable practical experience at Lithuanian representations abroad and assisting diplomatic missions ahead of Lithuania’s EU Council Presidency in 2027.

Main Requirements for Candidates

Internships are open to citizens of the Republic of Lithuania and citizens of EU and NATO member states who speak Lithuanian;
Candidates must have completed at least 2 university-level courses or graduated from higher education no more than 2 years before the start of the internship;
For internships at the Permanent Mission of Lithuania to the UN, preference will be given to PhD candidates working on dissertations in global politics, sustainable development, climate change, and human rights;
Excellent knowledge of Lithuanian (C1) and English (C1) languages;
Strong computer skills (MS Office suite).

Internship Duration and Scholarship

Duration: 4 months (September–December 2026);
Scholarship amount: 10,000 USD. Two scholarships will be awarded.

Applications must be submitted by April 30, 2026.

For more information on application procedures and required documents in Lithuanian, please click here.

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Lithuanian diaspora Lithuanian heritage schools

Strengthening the Diaspora Remains a Priority: $2.1 Million for Lithuanian Heritage Schools Over 15 Years

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Strengthening the Diaspora Remains a Priority: $2.1 Million for Lithuanian Heritage Schools Over 15 Years

Supporting heritage education in the diaspora is one of the Kazickas Family Foundation’s key priorities.

KFF has consistently provided funding to heritage schools in the United States, helping families abroad maintain language, culture, and ties to their homeland. Over the past 15 years, the Alexandra Kazickas Grant Program has allocated more than $2.1 million to heritage schools in the U.S. In 2025–2026 alone, 24 schools received $90,000 to ensure the continuity of their programs. Funding covers expenses such as facility rentals, teachers’ salaries.

Support is highly valued in community schools across the diaspora as a key factor for preserving and strengthening cultural identity. The administration of the Boston Lithuanian School also highlights the importance of KFF’s contribution:

“Your support is not only a financial contribution but also a strong investment in academic excellence, knowledge development, and the strengthening of Lithuanian identity within the diaspora. Thank you for helping us achieve our shared goal – educating a conscious, well-educated younger generation that values its roots. We are deeply grateful for your continued trust and support. Every contribution you make is highly valued and greatly appreciated by all of us.”

KFF also collaborates with the Lithuanian Educational Council of USA and the Coalition for Community-Based Heritage Language Schools, while actively representing communities in the U.S. on the Lithuanian Diaspora Affairs Coordination Commission, which brings together 10 organizations and about 20 Lithuanian institutions to discuss issues related to national security, culture, language, and innovation through dialogue, actionable recommendations, and policy development.

Through consistent support of heritage schools and dialogue with institutions in Lithuania, KFF contributes to the long-term goal of ensuring that language, culture, and identity remain vibrant within diaspora communities and are passed on to future generations.

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