Kindergarten Director Praises Support Funds as “Peace of Mind”
Table of Contents
- Kindergarten Director Praises Support Funds as “Peace of Mind”
- School Funding Cuts Leave Educators scrambling for resources
- Changes to PIT Support System Spark Hope for Non-Profit Organizations in Lithuania
- Changes to Lithuania’s PIT system Impact Charities and Communities
- Lithuania’s New PIT Support System: A Boost for Some, uncertainty for Others
Juodupė kindergarten director Valdis Vaičėnas expressed his gratitude for recent support funds, highlighting their crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of the institution.
Vaičėnas emphasized that the funds, while not substantial due to the small size of their community, provided a much-needed sense of security. “This was not an impressive amount of money,” he acknowledged,”but it is still a splendid thing,knowing that the budget is not all allocated,the pupil’s basket funds are also getting off very quickly.”
He explained that the funds allowed the kindergarten to purchase essential items, ranging from basic necessities like toilet paper to valuable educational tools. “This money gave peace,” Vaičėnas stated. “When you know that, for example, your wallet is not empty, it has some money saved, you feel dignified.If you really need something,you know you will be able to buy.”
The director further highlighted the flexibility offered by the support funds, noting that they could be carried over to the next year.This proved particularly beneficial during the initial months of the year when the budget had not yet been fully approved.
Vaičėnas assured parents that the kindergarten would not be resorting to additional fees to cover essential expenses like toilet paper, thanks to the support received. He stressed that the funds were instrumental in ensuring the smooth functioning of the kindergarten and allowing them to focus on providing the best possible education for the children.
School Funding Cuts Leave Educators scrambling for resources
The elimination of a key funding source for Lithuanian schools is causing concern among educators who rely on it to purchase essential equipment and support student activities.
Jūratė Kavoliūnienė, headmaster of Pandelis Gymnasium, explains that the school has long benefited from the Participation Budget, a program that allowed them to purchase items requested by students, primarily for leisure activities.
“We used these funds to buy things students needed, like equipment for their free time,” Kavoliūnienė said.”We also used them to celebrate our graduates,giving them bookstore gift certificates. We even purchased filming cameras for the school.”
The participation Budget also provided crucial support for purchasing teaching materials and addressing immediate needs.
“The school doesn’t generate any income,” kavoliūnienė emphasized. “We don’t have sources like a canteen or bus rentals to generate revenue. The PIT support was a lifeline for us, helping us acquire essential items for both students and teachers.”
The loss of this funding source is a significant blow to schools like Pandelis Gymnasium, which rely on external support to maintain their operations and provide a quality education.
Changes to PIT Support System Spark Hope for Non-Profit Organizations in Lithuania
A recent proclamation by the State Tax Inspectorate (STI) regarding changes to the Personal Income Tax (PIT) support system has generated both excitement and concern among non-profit organizations in Lithuania.The new system, which allows individuals to directly allocate a portion of their PIT to chosen organizations, is seen by some as a potential boon for smaller, community-based groups. Algis Akšys, Chairman of the Rokiskis District Disability society, expressed optimism, stating that the changes could open up more opportunities for his organization to receive vital funding.
Though, the shift has also raised questions about the potential impact on established institutions. danguolė Kondratenkienė, Director of Rokiskis Primary Health Care Center, acknowledged the positive aspects of the new system but expressed concern about the loss of a predictable income stream.
“We are not a budget institution, but we have received support through PIT in the past,” Kondratenkienė explained. “This funding has allowed us to purchase essential equipment, such as a contactless intraocular pressure measurement machine and an echoscope. While we understand the rationale behind the changes, the uncertainty surrounding future funding is a cause for concern.”
The success of the new system will ultimately depend on public engagement and awareness. Individuals will need to be informed about the options available to them and encouraged to support organizations that align with their values.
Changes to Lithuania’s PIT system Impact Charities and Communities
Lithuania is set to implement significant changes to its Personal Income tax (PIT) system in 2025, impacting how charitable organizations and communities receive funding.
The new regulations will require non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to obtain a specific “NGO mark” to be eligible for PIT support. This means that organizations currently receiving PIT donations, such as community groups and some religious institutions, will need to meet the criteria outlined in the Law on development of NGOs of the Republic of Lithuania and register with the Center of Registers.
Ingrida Pukėnienė, leader of the Rokiskis Red Cross, sees both positive and negative aspects of these changes. while she welcomes the potential for increased PIT support for her organization, she expresses concern for educational institutions like the Rokiskis Kindergarten “Pumpuris,” which will no longer be eligible for such funding.
Rita Skavičienė, a spokeswoman for Panevėžys County State Tax Inspectorate, emphasizes that the deadline for organizations to obtain the “NGO mark” is May 2025. She encourages hunters’ circles, village communities, and other potentially eligible organizations to self-assess their status and take the necessary steps.
The changes will not affect the allocation of PIT funds to political organizations. Residents will continue to be able to donate up to 0.6% of their income to their chosen political party or committee. Labor unions will also remain eligible for PIT support.
These changes aim to streamline the process of allocating PIT funds and ensure openness in how these donations are used.Please provide the article you would like me to use as a basis for the SEO-optimized news article.
Lithuania’s New PIT Support System: A Boost for Some, uncertainty for Others
Lithuania is overhauling its Personal Income Tax (PIT) support system, changing how charities and communities receive funding. We spoke with experts to understand the implications of these changes.
Q: How are the changes to Lithuania’s PIT system impacting non-profit organizations?
A: The new system, set to kick in in 2025, will require non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to obtain a specific “NGO mark” to be eligible for PIT support. This means organizations currently receiving PIT donations, like community groups and some religious institutions, will need to meet criteria outlined by Lithuania’s Law on Development of NGOs and register with the center of Registers.
Q: What does this “NGO mark” entail?
A: Obtaining the “NGO mark” involves meeting certain criteria that assess an institution’s legitimacy, transparency, and adherence to Lithuanian law. These assessments will ensure that PIT funds are directed responsibly and ethically.
Q: Are there any concerns regarding these changes?
A: While the goal is to ensure transparency, some worry about increased bureaucracy for smaller organizations. There’s also concern about the potential loss of funding for institutions like kindergartens, which may not qualify for the “NGO mark” under the new regulations.
Q: How will these changes affect organizations like the Rokiskis Red Cross?
A: Organizations like the Rokiskis Red Cross, which are already established and registered, are expected to navigate the transition more smoothly. Obtaining the “NGO mark” will likely involve fulfilling specific documentation requirements.
Q: What advice would you give to readers who want to support Lithuanian charities through PIT donations?
A: Stay informed about the changes and the “NGO mark” system. Look for organizations with a track record of transparency and impact. You can find a list of registered NGOs on the website of the Center of Registers.
Q: With a new deadline looming in May 2025, is there anything else people should be aware of?
A: Yes, residents should be aware that political organizations and labor unions will still be eligible for PIT support irrespective of the new “NGO mark” requirement.
Q: How do these changes align with Lithuania’s overall approach to charitable giving?
A: This shift reflects Lithuania’s ongoing efforts to modernize its charitable landscape. The aim is to streamline the allocation of PIT funds, promote transparency, and ensure that donations reach organizations that effectively serve the community.