2026 Project Financing: First Round of Funding

Every year in May, the Lithuanian Foundation’s Grants Commission (GC) holds its first meeting to review applications for LF funding. The year 2026 was no exception – the Grants Commission meeting took place over two days, on May 16–17.

The LF’s capital grows thanks to the generosity of Foundation members, donors, and bequests. Increasing investment income allows the Lithuanian

Foundation to allocate more funds not only for projects within the U.S. diaspora but also to support initiatives in Lithuania and other countries.

In 2026, the LF Board of Directors allocated $2,200,000 for various projects and scholarships.

The Grants Commission consisted of four LF Board members – Tauras Bublys (Chairman), Saulius Čyvas, Audronė Pavilčius-Karalius, and Dalius Vasys – and four representatives from the Lithuanian American Community: Laura Garnytė, Ingrida Strokovas, Virgus Volertas, and Artūras Žilys.

Also in attendance were LF Chairman of the Board Juozas Kapačinskas, LF President Viktoras Kaufmanas, and LF Executive Director Jūratė Mereckis. Ina Stankevičienė served as secretary.

For the first round of funding in 2026, $182 applications totaling $2,893,191 were submitted. After a careful and thorough review, the committee approved 121 applications totaling $1,370,000

 During this first round of funding, allocations were made as follows:

Lithuanian American Community – $751,846
Other Lithuanian organizations in the US – $514,854
Lithuanian World Community – $39,000
Lithuanian organizations in other countries – $45,500
Organizations in Lithuania – $18,800

The largest grants were awarded to the following projects:

$135,000 – US Lithuanian heritage schools
$70,000 – LAC Cultural events in American Community chapters
$67,028 – Internship Program in Lithuania for students of Lithuanian Heritage (LISS)
$55,000 – The publication of the newspaper Draugas.
$54,000 – Lithuanian World Center Roof Replacement 2026
$50,000 – The XVII North American Lithuanian Folk Dance Festival in Chicago
$42,000 – The LAC XXIV Board of Directors meeting

2026 05–16–17 The complete list of financed projects is available on the LF website there.

The decisions made during the Grants Commission meeting were presented to the LF Board of Directors, which approved the committee’s resolutions at a meeting held on June 9, 2026.