About Us
Our Mission
The mission of the Richard and Margaret Romano Charitable Trust is to support organizations that nurture the human spirit through learning and teaching, that show compassion and concern for others less fortunate, and/or organizations engaged in the pursuit of excellence in all of its forms.
Margaret Romano with one of the first classes of Learn Charter
Our History
Richard and Margaret Romano were born and raised in the Chicago area, both by first generation American parents. They came from very modest households where it was not customary to attain degrees beyond a high school diploma. Richard and Margaret believed in the value of education and hard work and continued to support one another’s professional ambitions while raising their three children. Margaret became a teacher in Chicago Public Schools and Richard, despite earning a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, partnered with his brother to start their own investment firm in 1962.
The successes of their endeavors coupled with a deep faith that is the foundation of the Romano family values, motivated Richard and Margaret to give back to their communities and beyond. Margaret’s passion for education and the belief that no child should be limited by their zip code, created an independent school on Chicago’s West side which has grown into a successful network of charter schools.
Our History
Despite Richard and Margaret’s strong roots to the Chicagoland area, their love of exploring and learning inspired them to travel the world and think both locally and globally about the importance of giving back. This desire came to fruition in 2005 when the Romano Charitable Trust was created.
The mission of the Romano Charitable Trust is to support organizations that nurture the human spirit through learning and teaching, show compassion and concern for others less fortunate, and organizations engaged in the pursuit of excellence in all of its forms.
The trust is dedicated to carrying out this mission to honor the many contributions that Richard and Margaret have made to so many lives and so many worthwhile causes. Their impact will be felt for generations to come.
Celebrating at Margaret's Lifetime Achievement ceremony