Southwestern Fundraising
Fundraising has always been one of the most meaningful parts of Southwestern Ventures’ mission. While sales teaches confidence, communication and resilience, fundraising adds something deeper – purpose.
In Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, we work side-by-side with trusted nonprofit partners to raise long-term support for children, families and communities who need it most.
And the people doing this work?
Mostly young people, many of them starting their first real job – combining studies with flexible work that teaches them skills they’ll use for life.
This is the easiest and most meaningful entry point into sales, leadership and personal growth.
Why young people choose fundraising?
This job is perfect for young people who want to earn, grow, communicate and gain experience next to school or other responsibilities.
Fundraising gives them:
- real communication experience
- confidence to speak with anyone
- work rhythm & discipline
- purpose – every “yes” supports a child or family
- a safe entry into sales, before moving into higher-level roles
In the summer, we also run summer programs for high school students (18+), welcoming those who want to develop themselves and learn how sales really works.
For many, this becomes their first step into leadership and sales.
One of them is Karina Alkimavičiūtė, who joined Southwestern Ventures in 2022. She says that this work taught her responsibility, strong habits, and how to face challenges without fear and eventually led her to lead the top fundraising team in Lithuania. Stories like hers show how much this work can transform a young person’s mindset, discipline and confidence.
Where we work & who leads the teams
Our fundraising division operates in all three Baltic countries, each with its own leader, partner organization and team culture, but united by the same mission.
Estonia- led by Olev Kork
Partners: Aitan Eestit MTÜ & SOS Lasteküla
Olev is an entrepreneur, team leader and Tartu Reform Party’s campaign manager.
He has led 100+ member sales teams within Southwestern Ventures and coordinated successful election campaigns across Tartu.
Olev believes the true value of this work lies in giving young people the opportunity to grow, build confidence and leave a real mark on society. His team is known for discipline, warmth and a clear mission: support children and families who need help the most.
Latvia – led by Zane Bedikere
Partner: SOS Children’s Village Latvia
Zane brings international sales experience from the USA, Canada, the UK and across Europe. She is calm, focused and intentional a leader who truly represents the idea that “still waters run deep.”
She values work ethic, attitude and meaningful communication above everything else.
For Zane, sales is not just a job it is an essential profession that enables companies, nonprofits and communities to grow.
Her team in Latvia is known for professionalism, empathy and creating warm connections with donors.
Lithuania – led by Dominykas Jutas
Partner: Save the Children Lithuania
Dominykas began his Southwestern journey in 2017 and now leads the Southwestern Ventures divisions in Lithuania. His strength lies in spotting talent, building teams and helping people reach their potential.
His leadership focuses not only on sales performance, but on the person behind the results – their discipline, confidence, habits and growth.mBecause when people grow, results naturally follow.
His team has raised thousands of donations across Lithuania, combining strong work ethic with genuine care for children and families in crisis.
Why this work matters?
In fundraising, every conversation has a purpose. Every meeting can change someone’s life. Every “yes” helps make a child’s world safer and brighter.
We collaborate with NGOs who have spent decadedes supporting the ones who need it the most:
Save the Children Lithuania (Gelbėkit Vaikus)
Save the Children is one of the world’s most recognized child protection organizations. In Lithuania, their mission is to protect children from violence, neglect and unsafe environments, and to ensure that every child has access to education, support and a safe home. Their work includes crisis centers, after-school programs, family assistance and emergency response.
SOS Children’s Village (Estonia & Latvia)
SOS Children’s Village supports children who have lost parental care or are at risk of losing it. Their mission is to create loving, stable and safe family-like environments where children can grow with dignity and long-term support. They help families in crisis, offer counseling, provide safe homes and work to break cycles of trauma.
Aitan Eestit MTÜ (Estonia)
Aitan Eestit focuses on connecting donors with families and children in Estonia who need urgent help. Their mission is to provide direct, transparent support for children facing illness, financial hardship or crisis situations. They help fund medical treatments, support struggling families and quickly respond to emergencies.
These organizations bring expertise, trust and long-standing credibility and our young fundraisers bring the energy, communication and consistency needed to raise long-term support. Young people come to learn sales but they stay because the work means something. And they leave with confidence, leadership skills and stories that shape their future.
Our vision
We want fundraising to be the best starting place for any young person in the Baltics who wants to grow personally and professionally.
A place where they can learn valuable skills, earn fairly, be surrounded by supportive peers, and create real impact.
Across Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, our fundraising division is united by one idea: Growth. Purpose. Heart.
This is Southwestern Ventures fundraising where meaningful work meets meaningful development, and where young people take their first steps toward becoming leaders.
How to join the team?
Fill out the application form and the country team leader will contact you to agree one the next steps.
If you feel that our values and work style resonate with you, we invite you to take the first step.