Today, we are thrilled to announce Digi-Bridge and Asociación de Bancos de Alimentos de Colombia (ABACO) as the next two global organizations selected to receive a $5,000 donation from Perficient in the first half of 2025. Digi-Bridge was nominated by Raj Merchant, Director, Data Solutions, who is based out of our Charlottle office and committed to making a difference in his local community. ABACO was nominated by Catalina Ullia Abella, Senior Technical Consultant, Colombia, who is improving health and well-being in our communities by helping ABACO distribute surplus food to vulnerable populations across Colombia. 
“ I encourage others to get involved in the community. There are so many organizations that need support. The phrase I always hear and recommend to others: bless others with your time, talents, and treasure.” – Raj Merchant
Sparking Interest and Passion for STEAM Education with Digi-Bridge 
Digi-Bridge sparks interest and passion in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) learning, ensuring that students have the opportunities and skills to succeed in a rapidly– changing world by fostering curiosity, creativity, exploration, persistence, and resilience.
Raj nominated Digi-Bridge because of the organization’s commitment to addressing the systemic lack of access to STEAM education in underserved communities. Perficient’s Global Grant will support Digi-Bridge’s mission to expand its programs, reach more students, and provide them with the tools, technology and resources that they need to thrive. Digi-Bridge has worked with more than 20,000 students through their school-based out-of–school–time programs. These hands-on programs teach coding, robotics, and other STEAM skills, empowering students with the skills needed for future careers in tech fields. The organization works directly with local communities, schools, and families to understand their needs and provide tailored support, whether it’s through after-school programs or weekend workshops.
Students who have participated in Digi-Bridge’s programming report higher interest, confidence and competence in STEAM disciplines.
Read More: Learn About Digi-Bridge’s School Programs and STEAMLab
Let’s Imagine More with Digi-Bridge
The “Let’s Imagine More Breakfast” is a special event hosted by Digi-Bridge to bring together community members, educators, supporters, and partners to celebrate and discuss the importance of equitable access to technology and education for underserved youth. In addition to raising awareness about Digi-Bridge’s mission, the breakfast also gives attendees the opportunity to get involved with the organization’s programming. Raj has attended these events and even helped assemble STEAM Kits.
Investing in Digi-Bridge exemplifies Perficient’s commitment to STEM education by helping close the education, opportunity, and knowledge gaps that limit the potential of students around the world. Thanks to Raj’s nomination, Perficient’s donation will empower more young people to engage in STEAM subjects, fostering a generation of thinkers, innovators, and leaders from diverse backgrounds.
Digi-Bridge’s work has a broad, lasting effect, as it not only supports students but also strengthens the Charlotte community by ensuring future generations are digitally literate and ready for the challenges of tomorrow’s economy.
“STEM education is so important, and it aligns with Perficient. This is such a great opportunity for us to identify the next generation of leaders.” – Raj Merchant
Alleviating Hunger and Reducing Food Waste in Colombia 
ABACO is a non-profit organization that focuses on the fight against hunger and food insecurity in Colombia. ABACO achieves this by locating surplus food from the agricultural, industrial, commercial, hotel, and restaurant sectors and redistributing it to a network of 25 food banks serving vulnerable populations across Colombia. Each year, ABACO prevents 25,000 tons of food from going to waste.
Catalina nominated ABACO for a Perficient Gives Global Grant after feeling inspired by the organization’s mission. She first heard of ABACO three years ago while watching the news, which drove her to get involved and regularly donate to the organization. 
Despite its rich agricultural resources, food insecurity remains a challenge for some regions, especially in rural or conflict-affected areas. Issues such as poverty, unequal distribution of resources, and infrastructure challenges can hinder access to food.
“Colombia is rich in food. We cultivate a lot of produce, and it is unfair that people are hungry here.” – Catalina Ullia Abella
Food Recovery, Redistribution, and Support in Colombia
ABACO works with food producers, distributors, and retailers to recover surplus food that would otherwise go to waste. This food is then redistributed to those in need, including low-income families, children, and elderly people. ABACO has several programs designed to bring food to those who need it most, including the following projects:
- Reagro: partnering with farmers to recover fruit and vegetable surpluses and redistributing them to more than 3.1 million people.
- Healthy Breakfasts: supplying healthy breakfasts to 3,400 children every day for a year.
- EatCloud: an AI-based platform connecting food donors with the community-based institutions in need.
- Alliance on Child Nutrition: a collaboration with other organizations to research and identify evidence-based solutions to prevent childhood hunger.
ABACO relies on volunteers to help with food collection, sorting, and distribution activities. There are opportunities to volunteer with food banks, assist with organizing events and campaigns, and raise awareness about food insecurity and waste. Volunteers often help pack and distribute food to vulnerable communities. ABACO operates with the help of food donations from individuals and businesses, as well as financial contributions to fund their operations.
Perficient’s support is important to Catalina, who has a personal passion for giving back and making the world just a little brighter for others.
“I nominated ABACO for a Perficient Gives Global Grant because I know that children will smile, and that they would have faith despite harsh things that might be passing through.” – Catalina Ullia Abella
Read More: Discover Ways to Give Back and Support ABACO’s Mission
Closing the Opportunity Gap for Future Technology Leaders
Perficient’s $5,000 donations to both Digi-Bridge and ABACO highlight their commitment to supporting impactful organizations that address critical issues in their communities. Digi-Bridge is empowering underserved students by providing access to STEAM education and fostering meaningful connection for future leaders in tech.
ABACO is alleviating hunger in Colombia by redistributing surplus food to those in need, reducing food waste, and ensuring vulnerable populations have access to nutritious meals. Both initiatives reflect Perficient’s dedication to creating positive change and investing in sustainable solutions for the future.
“Get involved in your local community, whether virtually or in-person. It’s so important to be able to give back. Many of us are fortunate and have access to other things. I would love for us to give back and share our talents. For me, it’s supporting non-profits like Digi-Bridge that make a difference.”- Raj Merchant
“I was amazed, grateful, and happy when I learned that ABACO would be receiving a Perficient Gives Global Grant. It comes at a great moment because many families are currently displaced in Colombia.”- Catalina Ullia Abella
Read more about the first recipient in 2025 and stay tuned for an announcement awarding two additional Perficient Gives Global Grants!
