Margin Institute Honored with 2025 Human Rights Award

Dan Pucci (right) and Dan Michel (center), receiving award from Lynn Bell (left) from Church Women United. Picture provided by Ruth Godine

Austin, Texas — We are deeply honored to announce that Margin Institute has been selected to receive the 2025 Human Rights Award from the Austin chapter of Church Women United. This recognition affirms our commitment to economic justice and human dignity through accessible capital for underserved entrepreneurs.

About the Award

The Human Rights Award from Church Women United recognizes individuals and organizations working in the field of human rights who demonstrate consistent high regard for the dignity of others. As Church Women United describes, awardees may not always be in the public eye, but they are steadfast in their dedication to uplifting others and creating pathways to opportunity.

The award will be presented at the annual Human Rights Day Celebration, a gathering that brings together advocates, community leaders, and people of faith committed to justice and human flourishing.

About Church Women United

Since 1941, Church Women United has been a movement of Christian women united in their vision of Christian unity and prayerful action. Founded as a racially, culturally, and theologically inclusive organization, Church Women United brings together Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox, and other Christian women across the nation to work for peace, justice, and reconciliation in the world.

Their mission resonates deeply with our own: creating a more just and equitable society where every person has the opportunity to thrive.

Why This Award Matters

At Margin Institute, we believe that access to capital should never be a barrier to entrepreneurial dreams. Too often, talented and hardworking individuals in underserved communities face systemic obstacles that prevent them from starting or growing businesses—not because they lack ability, but because they lack access.

This recognition from Church Women United affirms that our work is more than financial services—it's a ministry of human dignity. When we provide low-interest loans to entrepreneurs in Central Texas who have been overlooked or turned away by traditional lenders, we're making a statement: every person has inherent worth and potential, regardless of their credit history, zip code, or background.

Each loan we make is an investment in someone's God-given creativity and capacity. It's a tangible expression of our belief that economic opportunity is a fundamental human right.

Looking Forward

We are profoundly grateful to Church Women United Austin for this recognition, and we're inspired by the legacy of faith and action they represent. This award doesn't mark the end of our work—it energizes us for the journey ahead.

As we continue expanding our reach in Central Texas, we invite you to join us in this mission:

• Entrepreneurs: If you're seeking capital to start or grow your business and have faced barriers with traditional lenders, learn more about our loan programs.

• Supporters: Consider partnering with us through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word about our mission.

• Prayer Partners: Pray for the entrepreneurs we serve—that their businesses would flourish, that they would experience the dignity of meaningful work, and that our community would grow more just and equitable.

Together, we're not just changing credit scores—we're changing lives and building a community where everyone has the margin to pursue their calling.

Margin Institute is a nonprofit organization providing low-interest loans to underserved entrepreneurs in Central Texas. Learn more at www.margininstitute.org.