Artists With Autism Need Your Help. The Rain Man Initiative

This fundraiser is organized by Worldwide Starship Foundation.

Tax deductible

We believe people on the autism spectrum have incredible, untapped creative talent.

Please Watch 4 Leaves “4 Leaves” is a touching, 2-minute animated short created by our autistic artists, guided by Director Sarah Johnson and Supervising Animator John Ercek. Completed in just four months, this film proves what’s possible when neurodiverse talent is given real support.

Please meet some of our Artists on the Spectrum

That’s why the Worldwide Starship Foundation launched

The Rain Man Initiative

Please watch the entire Rain Man Initiative

The Rain Man Initiative

A groundbreaking project that’s never been done before.

We’ve brought together the first-ever team of autistic writers and animators to create ten original animated short films.

And they’re not doing it alone, they’re being mentored by Oscar-winning writer Barry Morrow (Rain Man) and top Emmy Award-winning animators.

This is more than a project. It’s a chance at real careers.

Today, 85% of autistic individuals are unemployed, not because they lack talent, but because they’re rarely given the opportunity to thrive.

With your help, we’re changing that.

Your donation:

Funds autistic artists for their work
Funds professional training
Pays software and equipment
Covers production costs for all 10 animated films

Throughout the journey, we’ll be sharing updates on our artists’ progress, giving you a front-row seat to their growth, creativity, and breakthroughs.

Once the ten films are complete, we’ll celebrate with a special online premiere for our Donors, so you can witness the stories you helped bring to life.

These films will then be released on a streaming platform, ensuring that these amazing artists on the spectrum are celebrated by audiences everywhere.

You’re helping build a transformative, intergenerational project that gives autistic artists a real path to long-term careers in the world of animation.

Help us bring these stories to life, and prove that neurodiverse voices belong in animation, in Hollywood, and in the world.