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Closing event of the 11th season of Youth Can program

Closing Event of the 11th Season of Youth Can Program

Around 150 participants from various Lithuanian towns and villages gathered at the President Valdas Adamkus Sports Centre in Kaunas to celebrate the closing event of the season. The day featured activities designed to encourage participants to step out of their comfort zones, boost self-confidence, and foster a strong sense of community.

During the event, both organizers and participants expressed heartfelt gratitude to the coaches for their dedication and hard work throughout the season. Organizers also congratulated the graduating participants, for whom this phase has been a meaningful part of their personal growth journey.

The Kazickas Family Foundation is the program’s founding sponsor and main partner.d alumna Eglė Žilinskaitė hosted the event, while Kaunas Žalgiris athletic trainer Arnas Ikamas energized the crowd. Eleven alumni also volunteered, showcasing the program’s enduring spirit of community and continuity.

Youth Can currently operates in 11 Lithuanian towns: Alsėdžiai, Ariogala, Išlaužas, Joniškėlis, Kybartai, Miroslavas, Pumpėnai, Raguvėlė, Seirijai, Šaukėnai, and Veisiejai.

The Kazickas Family Foundation is the founding sponsor and main partner of the program.

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Blossom of Hope Gala Evening

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Blossom of Hope Gala Evening

We are proud to support the Blossom of Hope Gala Evening—organized by the International Women’s Association of Vilnius (IWAV)—as one of this year’s sponsors. This impactful event raises critical awareness and funding for breast cancer prevention and care in Lithuania.

Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women in Lithuania, with 1,700 new cases each year. While early detection can save lives, the country continues to face one of the highest breast cancer mortality rates in Europe.

For 17 years, Blossom of Hope has raised over €380,000—funding lifesaving medical supplies and providing free screenings for women across Lithuania.

In support of this mission, KFF also donated the book Odyssey of Hope (“Vilties kelias”), signed by Jūratė Kazickaitė, that were sold in the silent auction.

You can also contribute by donating or becoming a sponsor. Your support helps provide essential medical supplies—like biopsy needles and breast tissue markers—that enable early diagnosis and treatment.

Every contribution makes a difference: https://www.iwavilnius.com/blossom-of-hope

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Summer Internships 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

You can find more details about available internship opportunities here: www.tautosfondas.org/stazuotes/

Scholarship: 600 EUR/month

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

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Jūratė Kazickaitė in Podcast: “The Philanthropy Gene Lives in All of Us”

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Jūratė Kazickaitė in Podcast: “The Philanthropy Gene Lives in All of Us”

Kazickas Family Foundation President Jūrate Kazickaitė and New York Office Director Neila Baumiliene were featured in the latest episode of the Business News podcast.

“There are many generous people in Lithuania – they’re simply waiting for something that touches their hearts. The philanthropy gene lives within all of us Lithuanians; we just need to find our passion,” shares Jūratė Kazickaitė.

We invite you to listen to this inspiring episode and learn more about KFF’s philanthropic philosophy, mission, gratitude-driven values, and global experience.

The conversation is held in both Lithuanian and English.

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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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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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