The History of the Lithuanian Foundation

The fifth LF Founders' meeting Chicago, March 19,1961
Sitting from left to right: J.Liorentas, V.Ignaitis, A.Rūgytė, prel. M. Krupavičius, dr. A.Razma, S.Barzdukas, J.Breivė, J.Švedas. Standing: G.Bielskus, J.Jasaitis, V.Naudžius, A.Pupelis, B.Babrauskas, V.Šmulkstys, dr.G.Balukas, dr. A.Nasvytis, dr. A.Rugienė, dr. B.Poškus, dr. K.Ambrozaitis, A.Kareiva, dr. F.Kaunas, V. Dzenkauskas.

Over the past 150 years Lithuania, a small country on the shores of the Baltic Sea, has endured periods of political and social upheaval, which precipitated several waves of emigration of its citizens to the United States and other countries around the world. To ensure the preservation of the Lithuanian language, culture and traditions outside of Lithuania, emigres established churches, schools, and cultural institutions in their expatriate communities.

A systemic and reliable means for funding Lithuanian activities and organizations was discussed as early as 1951; however, the impetus for establishing a monetary fund came nearly a decade later in an open letter published in the American Lithuanian daily Draugas, in which Dr. Antanas Razma, an Illinois physician and community leader, appealed to American Lithuanians to start a "million-dollar fund." Like-minded visionaries in the Lithuanian community responded to Dr. Razma's call to action and by 1962 had laid the ground work for the Lithuanian Foundation, Inc., an Illinois-registered, not-for-profit organization.

From the very beginning, the Foundation's growth exceeded its founders' expectations. By 1974 the Foundation's capital fund had surpassed $1,000,000.