Steve Happ, an IT professional from Tennessee, faced unexpected challenges while trying to support Ugandan orphans through his nonprofit organization, Indigenous Advance Ministries. After successfully operating for eight years and facilitating crucial financial support for local ministries, Happ was abruptly informed by Bank of America that his organization no longer aligned with the bank’s risk tolerance, leading to the closure of its accounts.
The situation unfolded in April 2023 when Happ received five identical letters from Bank of America stating that the bank would no longer service accounts associated with Indigenous Advance Ministries. Despite being a customer since 2015 and having no prior issues, Happ found himself unable to get a clear explanation for the bank’s decision. Attempts to reach out to bank representatives yielded no satisfactory responses; they repeatedly stated they could not discuss the matter.
As the deadline for resolving the banking issue loomed, Happ prepared for a trip to Uganda, where he would be unable to access the funds needed to support the organization’s operations. The abrupt debanking left him unable to pay seven employees and provide essential support to local partner ministries, including an orphanage housing nearly two dozen children. Fortunately, a prior bulk food purchase allowed him to avert immediate hunger for the orphans, but the situation highlighted the precariousness of his organization’s financial stability.
The media coverage of Happ’s plight prompted Bank of America to reach out, offering to discuss the possibility of reinstating the accounts. However, Happ was hesitant to trust a bank that had put his nonprofit’s future at risk without a clear explanation. He expressed feelings of anger and disbelief, unable to comprehend how such a situation could occur without a proper appeals process or justification.
In response to the incident, Indigenous Advance Ministries filed a consumer complaint against Bank of America with the legal advocacy group Alliance Defending Freedom. This move raised concerns about whether the organization was targeted due to its Christian beliefs, contradicting the bank’s stated commitment to respecting the diverse religious views of its customers. Following the public outcry, other ministry leaders reached out to Happ, sharing similar experiences of being debanked by Bank of America.
The case has drawn attention to the broader issue of corporate politicization and the potential consequences for nonprofits and individuals who may be affected by a company’s internal policies. As discussions continue around corporate responsibility and neutrality, the situation serves as a stark reminder of the real-life implications when financial institutions make decisions based on perceived risks rather than the merit of the organizations they serve.