The Programme dedicated to promote translation of Lithuanian literature into foreign languages has been ongoing in Lithuania since 2001. It was first run by the public institution "Lithuanian Books" operating at the time, and since 2010 the work is being continued by the Lithuanian Culture Institute. The purpose of the Translation Grant Programme is to encourage foreign publishers to translate and publish Lithuanian literature or works which are related to Lithuania (books and other publications). The Programme consists of two parts, i.e. Books Translation Grant Programme and Sample Translation Grant Programme. The Books Translation Grant Programme provides grants for those who are interested in translating and publishing books by Lithuanian authors. Publishers may apply for either partial or total coverage of the costs of the translation. Grants can be allocated for the translation of original works of literature, fiction, children's literature, publications on cultural heritage or humanities (philosophy, literary criticism, non-fiction, history and other fields) as well as for the translation of other important books and publications. Meanwhile, the Sample Translation Grant Programme seeks to encourage translation of extracts from original works of fiction, children's literature, publications on cultural heritage and humanities (philosophy, literary criticism, non-fiction, history and other disciplines). In addition to the grant programmes, Lithuanian literary translators' seminar is being held every two years since 1999. Traditionally, within the scope of the seminar, translators become acquainted with the latest works by the Lithuanian writers, meet authors, attend lectures, participate in formal discussions and share professional experience.
Since the establishment of the Translation Grant Programme, translation of over 300 Lithuanian literary works into 30 languages was supported.
A total of USD 109 000 is allocated for the implementation of the Programme in 2020. The funding of the Programme varies each year.