Vilnius University Foundation Marks Its 10th Anniversary: Growing for Lithuania

A decade ago, in April 2016, Lithuania saw the establishment of its first university-based philanthropic endowment fund – the Vilnius University Foundation. This significant milestone was marked by a festive evening of appreciation, bringing together the Foundation’s largest benefactors and members of the university community.

The idea for the Foundation matured over many years. Its origins date back to the tenure of Professor Benediktas Juodka (2002–2012), when the academic community increasingly emphasized the importance of long-term, sustainable support for the university. What once seemed like an ambitious vision gradually gained strength and broader support.

A decisive breakthrough came in 2014, when Vilnius University and the initiative’s founders signed a joint activity agreement. This commitment laid the groundwork for establishing an endowment fund and enabled the vision to become a reality.

In March 2016, the Foundation’s establishment agreement was signed by its three founding benefactors – Ekspla, Light Conversion, and Alvydas Žabolis. This marked the official launch of the Foundation and solidified a shared direction: long-term investment in scientific talent and the future of Lithuania.

By May 2017, the Foundation had reached its first major milestone, securing €1 million in support and marking the beginning of sustainable philanthropy. In the years that followed, the Foundation continued to grow steadily. In 2024, its capital reached €5 million, and that same year, a nearly €5 million legacy gift from the Canadian Lithuanian family of Angelė and Sigitas Kazlauskas increased it to €10 million.

In 2025, a €10 million contribution from Swedbank doubled the Foundation’s capital to €20 million. To date, the public has supported the Foundation, its sub-funds, and projects more than 5,000 times. The Foundation is backed by dozens of philanthropic families, as well as over 50 companies and organizations.

Over the past decade, the Foundation has become a significant partner to Vilnius University. More than €2 million has already been allocated from investment returns and targeted support: over 100 student scholarships have been awarded, more than 20 researchers funded, and numerous academic and community initiatives supported.

While the 10-year milestone marks an important stage, in the context of Vilnius University’s 450-year history, it is only the beginning. The current €20 million capital is a meaningful achievement, yet international practice shows that such funds have the potential to grow to hundreds of millions or even billions.

The contribution of philanthropists is strengthening the culture of giving in Lithuania and creating long-term value for society. The greatest impact of the Foundation will be felt by future generations – the work being done today lays a strong foundation for tomorrow.

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Photos by Ugnius Bagdonavičius, Agnė Dovydaitytė, and the Foundation team