Mission, Vision & History

Vilnius University Foundation is the first philanthropic university endowment fund in Lithuania, where supporters’ donations become a long-term investment in the future of science. The funds accumulated in the fund are professionally invested, and the returns are used to support the scientific talents of Vilnius University.

Thanks to the generosity of its donors, over €2 million has already been allocated to scholarships, awards, and research projects. The investment portfolio built through this philanthropy now exceeds €20 million, and every donation helps create sustainable support for future generations.

Mission & Vision

The Foundation is a key part of the Vilnius University ecosystem, helping to mobilize long-term financing to advance the University’s mission, vision, and strategic goals. Donors’ contributions to the fund become sustainable investments, enabling the University to strategically strengthen the quality of research and education, nurture talent, and enhance its international competitiveness.

The long-term vision is to build an endowment fund worth €1 billion, whose investment returns would significantly contribute to the progress of Vilnius University and elevate Lithuanian education and science to a new level of excellence. Every donor’s contribution is a step toward achieving this ambitious vision.

The Foundation’s primary funding priority is scientific talent. As the fund’s portfolio grows, donors’ contributions help to:

• finance the scholarships and fellowships of the most talented students and researchers;

• support high-quality research projects;

• develop study programs that meet global needs;

• fund internships for the most gifted students and researchers;

• attract faculty and researchers with international experience;

• promote other scientific projects that generate significant added value.

Unrestricted Fund & Sub-Funds

Like many foundations worldwide, Vilnius University Foundation is structured with an unrestricted fund and restricted sub-funds. Sub-funds can be designated for academic or non-academic units, as well as for named or thematic purposes.

• The use of returns from the unrestricted fund is determined by the Foundation’s governing bodies.
• The allocation of returns from unit sub-funds is decided by the management bodies of the respective units.
• For named and thematic sub-funds, the allocation of returns is set in advance by the donors when making their donations.

In this way, the Foundation not only ensures sustainable support for Vilnius University’s strategic goals, but also allows donors to directly support the areas they care about – nurturing talent, creating new knowledge, and generating a meaningful impact on society.

Investment Management

The Foundation seeks long-term value growth by diversifying investments across global markets. Its investment philosophy is based on risk diversification and a long-term strategy. The primary focus is on efficient asset management and ensuring returns, taking market conditions into account. Learn more about the Investment Board and quarterly reports.

The Foundation aims for moderate returns exceeding Eurozone inflation and invests globally, focusing primarily on developed markets with strong economies and high governance standards. Investments are made in accordance with risk management principles, optimizing costs, respecting established limits, adhering to VU’s values and ethics, and ensuring that returns are proportional to the risks taken.

Donors: Philanthropic Families & Organizations

The Foundation’s donors are impact investors who not only contribute financially, but also strengthen the competitiveness of Vilnius University and higher education in Lithuania through their social capital, experience, and networks. The Foundation brings together a wide network of donors, including members of the public, businesses, and the Alumni community, with three seven-figure philanthropic contributions exceeding €1 million and over 20 six-figure donations exceeding €100,000.

The public has supported the Foundation, its sub-funds, and projects more than 5,000 times. The Foundation’s work is also backed by dozens of philanthropic families and over 50 companies and organizations. Every donation is an investment in VU’s scientific talents, scholarships, innovative programs, and Lithuania’s future, creating long-term value and helping achieve the University’s most important goals.

Vilnius University Foundation is also supported by the Lithuanian diaspora – Lithuanians around the world who contribute through donations, experience, and mentorship, creating lasting value for scientific talent and Lithuania’s future. Among them are Angelė and Sigitas Kazlauskas, Algis Pacevičius Pacefrom Canada, John and Ida Valauskas, Cynthia Pasky, Juozas Sidas Sidzikauskas from the USA, and many others. Vilnius University particularly values the extraordinary contributions of the diaspora, both during the most challenging periods of Lithuania’s and the University’s history, and today.

Origins & Establishment

In June 2014, Vilnius University, together with the idea’s initiators, signed a joint activity agreement, marking an important step toward establishing the first university endowment fund in Lithuania.

The Vilnius University Foundation was officially established on April 6, 2016, becoming the first fund of its kind in the country. The founding agreement was signed by the first three donors – UAB Ekspla (represented by Rimantas Kraujalis), UAB Light Conversion (represented by Prof. Algis Petras Piskarskas), and Alvydas Žabolis – symbolizing a shared vision: a long-term investment in scientific talent and Lithuania’s future.

In May 2017, a €1 million endowment fund was established, marking the start of sustainable support for Vilnius University.

Foundation establishment (from left): Rimantas Kraujalis (UAB Ekspla), Prof. Algis Petras Piskarskas (UAB Light Conversion), and Alvydas Žabolis

Donor Recognition & Commemoration

Vilnius University Foundation offers donors exceptional recognition opportunities, continuing long-standing traditions while creating new ones. Becoming an official VU Patron means not only providing financial support, but also committing to advance science, nurture talent, and contribute to Lithuania’s future. Announcements of new donors traditionally take place at one of the University’s most important events – the closing ceremony of the academic year, Finis annis academici – where donations and their impact are celebrated publicly.

The most distinguished donors are honored on the walls of recognition, with their names given to lecture halls, laboratories, and sometimes even trees planted in their honor. These ceremonies create new traditions and symbolic moments of recognition, reminding the community of donors’ contributions and their significance for the future of science.

Every VU donor becomes more than just a contributor; they become a creator of lasting impact. Their contributions are commemorated through named sub-funds, funding named scholarships, fellowships, awards, and specific projects, all of which are continuously communicated to the VU community and the wider public. In this way, donors can see the direct impact of their support, which generates long-term value, nurtures talent, and strengthens the University’s mission.

The Foundation ensures that donors’ contributions are recognized not only within the University but also at the national level. Donors can receive the title of National, Municipal, or Community Patron, acknowledging their contributions to the broader public and highlighting the long-term impact of their support on education and science in Lithuania.

Building on a Rich Tradition of Philanthropy

The history of philanthropy at Vilnius University begins in the 16th century with bold vision and long-term decisions. In 1579, Stephen Báthory granted the University its privileges, and Pope Gregory XIII confirmed its academic status. Significant contributions were also made by Bishop Valerijonas Protasevičius, who founded the Jesuit college that became the University’s foundation, and Cardinal Jurgis Radvila, who strengthened Vilnius University’s authority in the international academic arena.

Historical VU Donors (from left): Stephen Báthory, Kazimieras Leonas Sapiega, Elžbieta Oginskaitė–Puzinienė, Valerijonas Protasevičius, Jurgis Radvila 

In the 17th century, the University grew and flourished thanks to the support of nobles and state officials. One of the most prominent donors of this period was Kazimieras Leonas Sapiega, who funded the college and supported students’ studies and scholarships. Members of the Radvila and Sapiega families consistently invested in the University’s infrastructure, research, and education, establishing a tradition of long-term philanthropy.

In the 18th century, philanthropy increasingly came to be seen as a responsibility toward future generations. Elžbieta Oginskaitė–Puzinienė became a symbol of this era, leaving a legacy in her will to support students and ensure continuity of studies, thereby contributing to accessible education and the University’s vitality. Her support also made possible the establishment of VU’s Astronomical Observatory in 1753 – one of the oldest in the region, becoming a significant symbol of scientific progress and international recognition for the University.

During the 19th and 20th centuries, despite political upheavals and historical challenges, Vilnius University was supported by the academic community, alumni, and society at large. Philanthropy remained a core part of the University’s identity – a testament to trust in science, culture, and free thought.

Today, the Vilnius University Foundation continues this centuries-old tradition, inviting donors to become part of a living history. Just as hundreds of years ago, donors’ support today creates lasting impact – opening opportunities for talent, strengthening research, and contributing to Lithuania’s future.

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