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Every May, the Lithuanian Foundation's Grants Commission reviews applications for funding. In 2025, the meeting occurred on May 17-18. The foundation's capital increases yearly due to contributions from members, donors, and bequests. This growth allows more funds to be allocated for projects in the U.S., Lithuania, and other countries.
In 2025, $1,956,144 was allocated for various projects and scholarships by the LF Board of Directors. The Grants Commission comprised four board members: Tauras Bublys (Chairman), Saulius Čyvas, Marius Kasniūnas, and Dalius Vasys; and four representatives from the Lithuanian American Community: Žygintas Janus, Laura Garnytė, Ingrida Strokovas, and Artūras Žilys. Also present were Juozas Kapačinskas (LF Chairman of the Board), Viktoras Kaufmanas (LF President), Jūratė Mereckis (LF Executive Director), with Vida Bieliauskienė serving as secretary.
For this first round of funding in 2025, 157 applications totaling $2,539,247 were submitted. After review, 109 applications totaling $1,220,528 were approved.
Allocations included:
- Lithuanian American Community – $673,475
- Lithuanian World Community – $44,600
- Other Lithuanian organizations in the U.S. – $448,953
- Lithuanian organizations in other countries – $30,500
- Organizations in Lithuania – $23,000
The largest grants went to:
- $122,000 for U.S. Lithuanian heritage schools
- $65,000 for cultural events by Lithuanian American Community chapters
- $55,000 for an Internship Program in Lithuania for students of Lithuanian Heritage (LISS)
- $40,000 each to The 17th North American Lithuanian Folk Dance Festival in Chicago; The LAC XXIV Board of Directors meeting; Publication of the newspaper Draugas
The decisions made during this meeting were presented to the LF Board of Directors and approved on June 10. The second Grants Commission meeting is planned for October 2025 with a Scholarship Subcommission reviewing student scholarship applications in November.
