The panel featured Monika Zavistanavičiūtė, Acting Executive Director of the Kazickas Family Foundation in Lithuania, Kotryna Stankutė-Jaščemskienė, Executive Director of the MJJ Foundation, and Audrius Masionis, CEO of Baltisches Haus. The discussion was moderated by Simona Laiconaitė, Director of the Tesonet Foundation, which was established just one year ago.

Although the panelists represented three different approaches to philanthropy – a family legacy foundation, a corporate foundation, and a company that integrates social impact into its business model – they shared a common goal: creating lasting, meaningful change in society.

Monika Zavistanavičiūtė emphasized that philanthropy begins with building genuine human connections. That is why the Kazickas family and the Foundation team invest time in getting to know their partners – visiting organizations, learning about their work firsthand, understanding their needs, and identifying the most meaningful ways to contribute to Lithuania’s growth and long-term success.

Audrius Masionis shared the inspiring perspective that every LT Big Brother mentor is also a philanthropist. By generously giving their time, knowledge, and experience, mentors help young professionals grow and reach their potential. It is a powerful reminder that philanthropy often begins with a willingness to show up for others and share what you have to offer.

This connection is especially meaningful to the Kazickas Family Foundation, as members of the KFF team are active participants in the LT Big Brother community, having contributed both as mentors and as mentees. That made the evening more than a discussion about philanthropy – it was also an opportunity to reconnect with a community that shares many of the Foundation’s core values.

Photo: Lukas Balandis