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.
Latest from NAHBNow
Safety
Jul 17, 2026
Keep Workers Safe from Wildfire Smoke on JobsitesWith wildfires raging across Ontario, Canada and smoke impacting huge areas of the Northeast and upper Midwest in the U.S., it is important to know the effects wildfire smoke can have across the country, even if you are not in an area that is at risk for wildfires.
Economics
Jul 17, 2026
Multifamily Gains Lift Overall Starts Despite Single-Family DeclineOverall housing starts increased 19% in June to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.43 million units, according to a report from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Jul 17, 2026
Multifamily Gains Lift Overall Starts Despite Single-Family DeclineStrong multifamily growth pushed overall housing starts higher in June, while single-family production remained sluggish as elevated mortgage rates, rising construction costs and persistent labor shortages continued to weigh on the market.
Economics
Jul 16, 2026
Builder Sentiment Stays Weak as Affordability Concerns PersistEconomic uncertainty and persistent affordability challenges driven by rising material prices, high land costs, and elevated mortgage rates continue to weigh on builder sentiment.
Economics
Jul 15, 2026
Building Material Prices Continue to Rise Despite Energy Price DeclinesResidential building material prices, excluding energy, rose 0.5% in June and were up 4.6% from a year ago. Lower energy prices were apparent in June, as energy input prices fell 10.3% over the month. Meanwhile, prices for services rose 5.2% over the year, and were up 1.0% from the previous month.