Atviros Lietuvos Fondas

Our Mission

The Open Lithuania Foundation (OLF) is a legally established non-profit public entity with limited civil liability, whose goal is to serve public interests by carrying out socially beneficial activities. The OLF is not accountable and not in any way dependent on the government and public authorities, political or religious interests. The OLF's strategic objectives are: 1) to develop the idea of an open society; 2) to promote the formation of a mature, responsible, active and tolerant civil society in Lithuania; 3) to contribute to Lithuania's progress towards democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

The Open Lithuania Foundation was the first non-governmental organization established after the declaration of Lithuanian independence in 1990. Between 1990 and 2008 it established 26 other CSOs that all still operate, and implemented over 50 programs worth 60 million EUR. The mission of the Foundation is to contribute to the open, democratic civil society.

Since it was re-opened in 2017, the Foundation again works to assist the further development of CSOs and civil society focusing on democracy, freedom of speech and the protection of fundamental human rights in Lithuania and Europe, and the reduction of discrimination and promotion of tolerance.

In 2017, the OLF was re-established by five founders - high reputation experts in the field of civil society, democracy and human rights - who oversee the organization's long-term strategy and direction. The OLF is accountable and reports to its founders annually during an in-person or a virtual meeting. The second annual meeting presided by the founders also includes members of the advisory board - five experts in the fields of strategy, communication, and democracy. The advisory board meets monthly, or as frequently as needed.

Diverse sources of funding, including the ERASMUS+ program, CERV, Open Society Foundation, and EEA and Norway Grants guarantee the sustainability of OLF's operations and resilience to any financial dependency.

In 2022 Open Lithuania Foundation established Ukreate Hub initiative as a competence centre for displaced Ukrainians with the core mission of empowering and mobilising the Ukrainian community in Lithuania through civic engagement, knowledge exchange, skills development, and support for community initiatives. Ukreate Hub's mission is to mobilise displaced Ukrainian for taking active civic role vis-a-vis host society and Ukraine as well.