Pride Banking, powered by Climate First Bank, is Climate First Bank’s way of celebrating Pride every day of the year. With every qualifying* Pride Checking account opened, the Bank donates to a partnering LGTBQIA+ nonprofit.

For the first half of 2025, Climate First Bank partnered with Lake County Pride, a 501(c)(3) dedicated to fostering a vibrant and inclusive community for LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies in Lake County, Florida. Their mission is to promote equality, celebrate diversity, and provide a safe space for all members of the community. Through various events, educational programs, and advocacy efforts, Lake County Pride strives to create a supportive environment where everyone can thrive.

“It started two weeks after I formally made Lake County Pride. Twelve kids came that first time we met in the park, and I had Subway sandwiches… I was carrying the food myself and all the board games. It was very funny,” said Danielle Olivani, President and Founder.

What began as a humble gathering has grown into a vital lifeline for young people in Lake County.

“There were no youth groups, meetups, LGBTQIA+ youth centers, or any youth center for that matter,” Danielle explains. “So that’s immediately what I wanted to focus on, and what we’ve continued to make our main focus.”

The youth group now offers a welcoming, expressive environment where teens can read, create art, play music, and just be themselves. For younger participants (ages 11–14), sessions are guided by a licensed therapist to ensure emotional support and safety.

“Whether it’s one kid or a hundred kids, I’m going to be there to show up. I am more than happy to take the brunt of nonsense if it means that a child has a safe place to go,” Danielle said.  

Lake County Pride’s youth group is completely free for participants.  

“No person at Lake County Pride ever has to pay for anything besides our fundraisers,” Danielle says. “We try to make everything free for the youth that come to our group.”

This is where our partnership comes in. Through our Pride Banking Program, Climate First Bank donates $100 to Lake County Pride for every new qualifying* Pride Checking account opened.

These funds help provide meals, bring in guest speakers, and keep the lights on.

“Living in a rural-ish area can be isolating for LGBTQIA+ youth… Lake County Pride changes that. They provide a space where kids can be themselves without fear or judgment… Being part of this community has helped my child feel less alone, more empowered, and more hopeful for the future,” said Christina Randall, a Lake County parent.

Danielle envisions a future where Lake County Pride has a full-fledged community center, open five days a week, offering a permanent safe space for LGBTQIA+ youth. “That’s what I see for the long run,” she says. “For the short-term, just getting enough funds to keep making it better.”

The impact of that support is deeply felt by families across the county.

“I’ve seen firsthand how Lake County Pride has impacted my child’s confidence, mental health, and overall sense of belonging. That is something I can never thank them enough for,” Randall said.  

Join us in supporting Lake County Pride by opening a Pride Banking account with Climate First Bank today! Bank with your preferred name and pronouns, with no minimum account balance or monthly fee.

*The $100 donation to Lake County Pride will be made after you open a new Pride Banking account with a minimum $50 deposit and establish recurring direct deposits totaling $750 or more within 90 days. The account earns interest at a rate of 0.10% with an Annual Percentage Yield (APY) of 0.10%, accurate as of 06-18-2025 and subject to change. No monthly fees for electronic statements; fees apply for Remote Deposit Capture (RDC) and wire transfers. Fees could reduce earnings. See full terms and conditions here.