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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

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.

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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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For 22 years, the Kazickas Family Foundation has been proud to support the International Christmas Charity Bazaar (ICCB), organized by the International Vilnius Women's Association IWAVilnius.

The ICCB Handover Ceremony hosted at the Kazickas family resideence

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The ICCB Handover Ceremony at the Kazickas Family Residence

For 22 years, the Kazickas Family Foundation has been proud to support the International Christmas Charity Bazaar (ICCB), organized by the International Vilnius Women’s Association IWAVilnius.

The 2024 ICCB raised a remarkable €136,000, providing essential support to 14 charitable organizations across Lithuania, benefiting children, youth, the elderly, women, and individuals with disabilities. During the 1st Handover Ceremony at the French Embassy, funds were allocated to eight organizations:

During the ICCB Handover Ceremony at the French Embassy, funds were transferred to the following beneficiaries:

Day Center “Mes esame”;
Blessed Priest Mykolas Sopočka Hospice;
Organization “Atsigręžk į vaikus”;
Vilnius District Family and Child Welfare Center;
Klovainiai Center for Young People with Intellectual Disabilities;
Kelmė Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired;
Linkuva Social Services Center for the Elderly;
Children’s Day Center “Aitvarai”.

Last week, we were honored to host the 2nd ICCB Handover Ceremony at the Kazickas family residence, where an additional €48,265.72 was allocated to six organizations:

“Viltis” Center;
Kuosinės Social Care Home;
Youth Line “Jaunimo linija”;
Vilkpėdė Hospital;
Linkuva Social Care Center;
Veriškiai Village Community.

The event was opened by KFF representatives Kamilė Perminė, Communications Director, and Monika Zavistanavičiūtė, Project Manager, who welcomed the community and shared words of gratitude for the continued support and generosity that make this initiative possible.

The partnership with IWAV is deeply meaningful to us, as it aligns with our mission to strengthen communities and invest in lasting social impact.

IWAV is now accepting applications for ICCB 2025 support until May 15, 2025.

For more information and application details, please visit: www.iwavilnius.com/iccb

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KFF Giving and Activities Report 2024 Now Available for Review

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KFF Giving and Activities Report 2024 Now Available for Review

We are pleased to announce that our Giving and Activities Report 2024 is now available for those interested in our mission and activities. The document provides an insight at the projects we support, financial allocations, and the highlights of our work over the past year.

In 2024, we continued our commitment to supporting education, youth empowerment and social welfare programs that benefit Lithuanians both domestically and abroad. Our efforts have also been directed towards supporting emotional and mental health, fostering cultural and arts initiatives.

We invite you to explore the full report to gain a deeper understanding of our work and the support to our partners and community. Your continued collaboration and trust are invaluable as we strive to make a positive impact.

To access the KFF Giving and Activities Report 2024, please follow this link.

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Kazickas Family Foundation Visits the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in Paris

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Kazickas Family Foundation Visits the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in Paris

On January 7, the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in Paris hosted a meeting between the French-Lithuanian community and representatives of the Kazickas Family Foundation (KFF).

Ambassador Arnoldas Pranckevicius opened the event and the attendees had the opportunity to meet members of the KFF board, including Michael and Beverly Kazickas, alongside its staff, KFF’s Vilnius Office Director Domantė Greifenbergeryte, Project Coordinator Monika Zavistanaviciute, Communications Director Kamile Permine, and New York Office Director Neila Baumiliene. Representatives of KFF-supported organizations also participated – Dalia Beigiene, Director of the Craft School “Sodziaus Meistrai”, and Renata Marcinkute Lesieur, organist, Professor at the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre, and Head of the Center for Religious Music.

During the gathering, the Kazickas Family Foundation presented its key initiatives and projects, including Bring Together Lithuania, “Sodziaus Meistrai”, and the “Kristupas Festival”, among others. The French Lithuanian community also shared insights about its activities, with representatives from Strasbourg, Lyon, and Southern France participating remotely.

We thank Ieva Baublyte, who enriched the evening with a captivating musical performance and Simona Raišyte for organization of the meeting.

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