The Lauder and the Yael foundations have pledged €14 million ($15.5 million) in support of the expansion and improvement of the Scuole Ebraiche di Roma (Hebrew School of Rome), eJewishPhilanthropy reports.

The first major collaboration between the foundations, the funding plan includes the purchase of an abandoned school building, the renovation of another, and renting out a third to provide a steady income stream to the community. One of the largest Jewish schools in Europe, the Hebrew School of Rome currently operates out of two buildings in Rome, the main building within the city’s Jewish neighborhood and a second building outside the neighborhood that houses the kindergarten.

“Growing up in an area that lacked such educational opportunities, I feel personally compelled to ensure Jewish children have access to exceptional Jewish learning,” said Yael Foundation co-founder Yael Poliavich in a statement. “Together with our partner, the Lauder Foundation, this project represents just one of the many we’re going to embark on to support Jewish education across Europe.”

(Photo credit: Getty Images/chameleonseye)