Be That Light In

Somebody’s Life

Rooted in Greater Cincinnati, we connect people, resources, and local organizations to bring real light — and real help — to those who need it most.

Ignite Hope Today!
Collage of photos showing community events organized by Neltner Foundation, featuring groups of people holding information sheets and standing at tables with supplies, and a young man smiling. The central image displays the Neltner Foundation logo with the tagline "Be that light in somebody's life."
Collage of photos showing community events organized by Neltner Foundation, featuring groups of people holding information sheets and standing at tables with supplies, and a young man smiling. The central image displays the Neltner Foundation logo with the tagline "Be that light in somebody's life."

What Kindled it All

"When I was a freshman in college, I was thrust into what was a dark pit of loneliness and despair. Luckily, my best friend and a member of our board of directors, Joseph Singer, stood by my side no matter what. I was incredibly lucky to have him — he helped me persevere, and shaped me into the man I am today. He was the light in my life.

I feel a responsibility to ensure that no one goes through life without someone such as I had. I built this foundation to be that light for others — to positively impact those who need it most, regardless of who they are or where they are in life. I'm tremendously proud of how far this community has come, and even more optimistic about its future…”

- Arthur Joseph Neltner III, Founder & President

Portrait of a young man with dark hair, wearing a dark suit, white shirt, and dark tie, against a black background.
Portrait of a young man with dark hair, wearing a dark suit, white shirt, and dark tie, against a black background.

Most Recent Fundraiser Initiative

Our most recent distribution was for the Brave Like Me Foundation on August 11, 2026, we partnered to bring books to hospitalized children in Greater Cincinnati. Children in desperate need of hope.

Thanks to our community, we raised a record $655. Through our partnership with First Book, we utilized our recently acquired 501(c)(3) status to transform that total into well over $1,000 worth of reading materials, making it our largest collaborative effort yet.

But a fundraiser should never be the end of a partnership. In September, our volunteers came back to assemble dozens of storage shelves in Brave Like Me's new warehouse. After two nights, every shelf was constructed and stocked, ready to reach the kids who need them most.

For a child spending the night in a hospital bed, a bedtime story is more than a book. It's a steady light in the dark, and proof that someone showed up for them.

Past Examples of Illumination

Four people standing on the steps of a building with a blue railing, with tables of grocery items including cooked chicken and packaged food in front. One person holds a document, and the group appears to be participating in a community event or food distribution.
Four people standing on the steps of a building with a blue railing, with tables of grocery items including cooked chicken and packaged food in front. One person holds a document, and the group appears to be participating in a community event or food distribution.

The Talbert House Cincinnati, Ohio

Group of four people standing outdoors behind a cart with cupcakes. The group includes a woman in red beret, a woman in yellow shirt, woman in gray shirt, and a man in suit. The cupcakes are decorated with white frosting and colorful sprinkles.
Group of four people standing outdoors behind a cart with cupcakes. The group includes a woman in red beret, a woman in yellow shirt, woman in gray shirt, and a man in suit. The cupcakes are decorated with white frosting and colorful sprinkles.

DCCH Center Fort Mitchell, Kentucky

Three people standing next to a cart filled with boxes and supplies, smiling at the camera, in an indoor setting.
Three people standing next to a cart filled with boxes and supplies, smiling at the camera, in an indoor setting.

Cincinnati Urban Promise Cincinnati, Ohio

Interested in joining the dozens of active members of our bright community?

Curious about ongoing and upcoming support group sessions or fundraisers?

No matter who you are or what your inquiry might be…

- we welcome you!

Become One of Many Candles in Our Chandelier!