EN
The purpose of this article is, in addition to the general characteristics of each organization and society, to draw attention to the need for further research on the history of philanthropy in Vilnius before World War I. The second part of the article presents the Catholic institutions and organizations dealing with poor children and orphans in Vilnius. These were: The Society of Saint Francis de Sales “Moderation and Work”; The House of Jesus’ Heart; “Nazareth” - A House of Orphans; Vilnius Society of Agricultural Settlements and Reformative Shelters. Vilnius Branch of the Russian Society for the Protection of Women, giving help to unemployed women and victims of violence. Poor students from secondary schools in Vilnius were granted scholarships by the Society for Helping Unpropertied Students. The Polish Press also informed readers about the Russian charitable societies: The Alms-house of “Infant Jesus”; The Empress Maria Alexandrowna Society - the Vilnius Branch of the Imperial Society for the Protection of the Blind; “Dobrochotnaja Kopiejka”.