Autism Storytelling Project Grants for Autistic Youth Creatives

The Autism Storytelling Project seeks young autistic people who aspire to tell authentic autistic stories through creative expression. The project is part of San Jose Rotary's Neurodiversity Empowerment Fund, which was co-founded by an autistic college student, his grandfather, and a committee of intergenerational leaders touched by neurodiversity in meaningful ways.

The project aims to expand understanding and decrease harmful societal stigma about autism by elevating stories about autistic peoples' personal experiences. Unrestricted grants of $2,500 - $5,000 will be awarded to support the artists' process. All forms of art and creative expression are welcome, but the story must focus on your lived experience as an autistic person or on autism as a whole. While autism must be a key element, intersectional stories about how autism interacts with other identities are welcomed.

Eligibility: Applicants must be ages 16-25, reside, work, or be educated in Santa Clara County, and self-identify as autistic (no diagnosis required). Applicants must have prior evidence of creative expression or artistic aptitude and a desire to tell stories about their autistic identity. Applicants must submit work samples (3-10 images, 0-2 audio files, 0-3 video files, 5-12 total samples) and a brief artist statement.