New Mexico Writers Grant Program
The New Mexico Writers annual grant program is intended to support New Mexico authors in a variety of literary endeavors. The program features a competition for funding new works or works in progress by writers from all populations and geographic areas of New Mexico, as well as members from the greater Navajo Nation.
New Mexico Writers will begin welcoming applications for its 2026 grant program in January.
Applications are accepted in one of any of the following genres: fiction, nonfiction, poetry, journalism, playwriting, and screenwriting. Grants are typically between $500 and $2,000 and are intended to support a variety of writer’s needs, including attendance at a writing-related workshop, conference, or mentorship program; research-related travel costs; time away from work to focus on a writing project; and more.
Grants are awarded at the New Mexico Writers annual dinner, where grantees are honored as special guests. The next annual dinner will be held on April 23, 2026, at La Fonda on the Plaza in Santa Fe.
There are three New Mexico Writers Grant categories.
New Mexico Writers Annual Grant: New Mexico Writers signature grant supporting writing, research, publishing, and other activities pertaining to the creation of new works or works in progress.
Douglas Preston Travel Grant: This special $1,000 grant, funded by best-selling author and Santa Fe resident Douglas Preston, specifically supports an author’s travel needs in the service of a writing project.
Preston Young Writers Grant: Supported by author Douglas Preston and his wife Christine, this grant is intended to assist an aspiring young writer between the ages of 18 and 25 obtain professional experience, networking, and training. The grant provides for an annual Emerging Writer membership in The Authors Guild—the nation’s oldest and largest professional organization for published writers—and access to the professional development tools the Guild offers. It also provides funds to attend a literary conference, with opportunities to learn about the writing and publishing world, attend workshops and sessions, meet with agents and editors, and connect with other writers.