Old National Bank Foundation 20 for 20 Grantee Profiles: Exodus Lending Promotes Financial Empowerment Across Minnesota
As part of its 20th anniversary celebration, and two decades of helping build stronger, more vibrant and prosperous communities, the Old National Bank Foundation in 2026 is donating a total of $20,000 to 20 nonprofit organizations throughout its nine-state footprint, including Exodus Lending in Saint Paul, Minn.
Exodus Lending provides fair, no-interest loans as an alternative to predatory lending, helping individuals stabilize their finances and move away from harmful debt. Beyond addressing immediate needs, its work helps individuals and families build long-term financial confidence and resilience.
A community takes a stand against payday lending
Exodus Lending was born from a common occurrence in urban and rural areas alike. When a payday lender opened near a church in South Minneapolis, the church congregation decided to take a stand in the midst of their fellow community members facing economic crisis. They began advocating for an interest rate cap on small-dollar loans at the state legislature, and soon after launched a direct-lending program to refinance predatory payday loans.
“Exodus Lending was founded as a first-of-its-kind nonprofit to address predatory payday loans,” says Executive Director Anne Leland. “To this day, Exodus Lending maintains that original structure, with both advocacy and action as core parts of our work. We have refinanced 1,455 loans and have saved 950 Minnesotans an estimated $3.5 million while partnering with community organizations across the state.”
Fighting loans in excess of 150% APR
One Exodus Lending success story is Linsey, who despite working full time was struggling financially when her car’s transmission failed and she was faced with a $3,500 bill.
“We were trying to get our car fixed so we weren't missing work, and we were not eligible for bank financing at the time because of my credit history,” Linsey said. “My family, we make money to a point where we make too much to get any help or assistance, but we also have financial obligations and bills to the point where we don't have leftover money. So, we're kind of in this weird in-between … predatory lending shouldn't even be a thing at this point.”
Stuck with an online loan with a 150% APR, Exodus Lending helped pay off Linsey’s loan then restructured her payments to an affordable $90 per month.
“These are not stories of poor choices,” Leland says. “These are stories of resilience and perseverance to stay employed and minimize disruptions in families’ lives. Exodus Lending uniquely exists to offer the type of lending firmly rooted in community that works every day to expand access to stabilizing small-dollar capital, and fights alongside impacted Minnesotans to end extractive lending.”
Helping individuals, families regain control of their finances
Exodus Lending meets people with dignity and practical support in moments that matter most. The Old National Bank Foundation and Exodus Lending’s partnership reflects a shared belief that financial systems should create pathways forward, giving individuals the opportunity to regain control and build a stronger financial future.
“Old National Bank Foundation’s support allows Exodus Lending to continue freeing people from destabilizing debt,” Leland says. “Old National’s Minnesota community development team truly live out the mission of being a trusted financial and community partner in the ways they build trust, show up across our community, and make connections across the nonprofits they support. There isn’t a Minnesota nonprofit industry conference or convening that they miss, and we can always count on knowing someone in the room because Old National Bank is always there.”
Together, these partnerships through the Old National Bank Foundation help individuals and families in Minnesota avoid predatory loans and maintain financial health.
“Our ‘20 for 20’ campaign recognizes 20 organizations that have helped strengthen communities and expand opportunity through their partnership with the Old National Bank Foundation,” said Old National Bank Foundation President Joe Kiser. “Their leadership, innovation, and commitment to serving others reflect the very best of what can happen when communities come together around a shared purpose. As we celebrate the Foundation’s 20th anniversary, these organizations represent the many communities, causes, and partnerships that have shaped the Foundation’s work over the past two decades.”
To learn more about Exodus Lending, click here. (external link)
Each year, the Old National Bank Foundation endeavors to fund as many initiatives that meet our funding priorities as possible across our footprint. For more information on grants or the Old National Bank Foundation click here.
