Apex Digital Solutions Awards $45,000 in Technology Empowerment Grants to Michigan Nonprofits

Apex Digital Technology Empowerment Grant winners announced

Southfield, MI – October 22nd, 2025 — Apex Digital Solutions, a leading Microsoft Solutions Partner specializing in AI Business Solutions and Security, has announced the recipients of its inaugural Apex Digital Technology Empowerment Grant, a program designed to help nonprofits strengthen their technology foundations, improve efficiency, and better serve their communities.

The grant program provides in-kind technology services delivered by Apex Digital’s Microsoft-certified experts, helping nonprofits modernize critical systems, improve collaboration, and strengthen security.

The $25,000 award has been granted to Forgotten Harvest, a Metro Detroit nonprofit that rescues and redistributes surplus food to relieve hunger and reduce food waste across Southeast Michigan. The organization plans to use the funding to modernize systems that support logistics, volunteer coordination, and impact reporting, helping them scale operations and reach more households each year.

Apex Digital expanded the program beyond its original $25,000 commitment, awarding two additional $10,000 technology grants to Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency (OLHSA) and Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation (DESC). This expansion was driven by the unique opportunity to drive meaningful impact across multiple nonprofits. Both organizations will use their grants to complete Microsoft 365 assessments with Apex Digital, identifying opportunities to improve collaboration, security, and data management through better use of Microsoft tools.

“Nonprofits are navigating a time of uncertainty as they face rising costs, limited funding, and increased demand for services from the communities they serve,” said Jason Lambiris, CEO of Apex Digital Solutions. “To continue making an impact, they must stay agile by embracing technology that enables them to do more with less. Our goal is to make that easier by equipping them with the same tools, data, and AI-driven capabilities that drive transformation in every other sector. The organizations we are recognizing today lead with purpose and resilience, using innovation to amplify impact and move their missions forward.”

2025 Grant Recipients

Forgotten Harvest — $25,000 Award

Forgotten Harvest is one of Michigan’s leading hunger-relief organizations, rescuing surplus food from grocery stores, restaurants, and food distributors to distribute to hundreds of agencies across Metro Detroit. The organization’s mission is to fight both hunger and food waste while serving more than 150,000 people each month.

Forgotten Harvest will use its $25,000 grant to partner with Apex Digital Solutions on a comprehensive technology and infrastructure assessment and modernization project designed to optimize its food rescue and distribution network. Apex Digital will evaluate systems, cybersecurity, and IT infrastructure to identify opportunities for greater efficiency, automation, and scalability. By strengthening its digital foundation, Forgotten Harvest aims to improve operational stability and deliver more meals to people in need across southeastern Michigan.

“This grant and partnership with Apex Digital will strengthen our fight against hunger and food insecurity by optimizing our digital capabilities and preparing us for an AI-driven and cyber-secure future,” said Michael Butman, Chief Information Officer at Forgotten Harvest.

Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency (OLHSA) — $10,000 Award

Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency (OLHSA) serves as the Community Action Agency for Oakland and Livingston counties, providing programs that support housing stability, early childhood education, energy assistance, and workforce development. The organization helps individuals and families overcome barriers to self-sufficiency through direct services and community partnerships.

OLHSA will use its grant to work with Apex Digital Solutions on a Microsoft 365 environment assessment and roadmap aimed at improving workflows, automating repetitive tasks, and reducing administrative burden. Through this engagement, Apex Digital will provide clear recommendations that would allow staff to devote more time to direct services such as housing, early childhood education, and workforce programs.

“Technology is an essential bridge to removing barriers for the people we assist,” said Brad Michaud, Chief Financial Officer at OLHSA. “With Apex Digital Solutions’ support, OLHSA will strengthen how our teams connect, collaborate, and deliver resources, allowing us to focus more time and energy on what matters most—helping families in Oakland and Livingston Counties thrive.”

Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation (DESC) — $10,000 Award

Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation (DESC) is the City of Detroit’s workforce development agency, connecting more than 30,000 residents each year to employment, training, and career advancement opportunities. Working alongside public, private, and education partners, DESC supports a wide range of initiatives that strengthen Detroit’s workforce and help residents access meaningful, long-term careers.

DESC will use its $10,000 grant to engage with Apex Digital Solutions for a Microsoft 365 Security and Compliance Assessment, forming the foundation of a larger effort to modernize its IT environment. Through the assessment, Apex Digital will provide a detailed review of policies, configurations, and data protections across Microsoft 365, including Defender and Purview tools, while identifying opportunities to strengthen endpoint security and identity management. These upgrades will help DESC protect participant data, streamline operations, and ensure that staff and clients can access services securely and efficiently.

“We are delighted to be a recipient of this inaugural Apex Digital Technology Empowerment Grant,” said Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation President, Dana Williams. “Nothing is more important to us than the security of customer data and information, and this grant provides us with the tools and support not only to confirm and inform our security and compliance posture, but also to improve our systems and processes to take advantage of rapidly evolving digital collaboration opportunities.”

About Apex Digital Solutions

Apex Digital Solutions is a leading Microsoft Solutions Partner dedicated to empowering organizations through modern workplace technologies. With deep expertise in Microsoft 365, including Teams, Copilot, Teams Rooms, security, and digital transformation, Apex Digital advises, deploys, and manages comprehensive IT solutions that help organizations optimize collaboration, strengthen security, and scale effectively. While Apex Digital is especially committed to supporting nonprofits and mission-driven organizations, the company partners with small and medium-sized businesses across industries to help them leverage technology as a strategic advantage.

Learn more at apexdigital.com.

Media Contact:
Michael Duprey
Marketing Manager
Apex Digital Solutions
marketingteam@apexdigital.com