National Housing Endowment Receives Major Gift from Kohler Estate

The National Housing Endowment (NHE) announced a $3 million gift from the estate of Herbert V. Kohler, Jr., former Kohler Co. Executive Chairman. As a founding member of NHE, Kohler served on the Board of Trustees for 35 years.

“Herb believed in our mission and work to provide the housing industry with education, training and research,” said Al Scott, chair of the Endowment. “His support of our college programs goes back decades and has paid off with over 50 residential construction management programs in place today thanks to NHE funding. His vision is now a reality, and this generous gift lets us do more.”

In addition to funding residential construction faculty and curriculum, scholarships help more than 500 students annually attend the International Builders’ Show. Laura Kohler, Chief Sustainability & DEI Officer at Kohler Co., noted, “My father understood the value of students participating in housing’s largest event through the NAHB Student Chapter Competition. He knew that the students’ opportunity to meet designers, contractors and builders face to face goes a long way in determining their residential construction career choice.”

This contribution also enables expansion of the Skilled Labor Fund’s Career Connections grant program to fund local association-organized career events. In 2023, an estimated 70,000 students will learn about the skilled trades required to build homes, meet industry professionals, and experience hands-on demonstrations with the tools and materials used in construction.

“Before we can train future home builders, we first have to make them aware of the great career opportunities available in all the residential skilled trades,” said Ted Mahoney, a member of the Skilled Labor Fund Operating Committee. “I have had the honor of working with Mr. Kohler on industry issues going back to the 1980s, and the development of young people into rewarding careers ranked high on his list of priorities.”

To learn more about Herb Kohler’s contributions to housing, manufacturing and community, visit celebrateherbkohler.com.