New Mexico Writers Grant Program

The New Mexico Writers Grant Program is an annual initiative designed to support the literary endeavors of authors residing in New Mexico and members of the greater Navajo Nation. The program is administered by New Mexico Writers, a community-oriented organization dedicated to fostering literary expression throughout the state. Grants are awarded through a competitive process that aims to fund new works or works in progress in a variety of genres, including fiction, nonfiction, poetry, journalism, playwriting, and screenwriting. The overarching goal is to provide financial resources that enable writers to continue their creative pursuits and bring meaningful literary contributions to the region. Applications for the 2026 grant cycle opened on December 1, 2025, with a firm deadline for submission set for Friday, March 6, 2026. The program accommodates multiple grant types. The primary offering is the New Mexico Writers Annual Grant, which provides support for activities like writing, research, and publishing. The Douglas Preston Travel Grant, funded by bestselling author Douglas Preston, is a fixed $1,000 award specifically aimed at defraying travel costs tied to a writing project. Additionally, the Preston Young Writers Grant targets aspiring writers aged 18 to 25 and provides access to professional development resources, a membership in The Authors Guild, and funding to attend a literary conference. For this specific grant, applicants must submit a supplemental worksheet outlining projected costs and the intended professional events they wish to attend. Grants typically range from $500 to $2,000 depending on the category and the specific needs articulated in the application. All applicants are encouraged to request an approximate funding amount that aligns with their project goals, though the Grants Committee retains final authority over award levels. Eligible expenses include, but are not limited to, time away from work to focus on writing, research-related travel, participation in writing workshops or mentorships, and other project-supporting activities. Awardees will be announced in late March or early April and formally recognized at the organization’s annual dinner scheduled for April 30, 2026, at La Fonda on the Plaza in Santa Fe. To be considered, applicants must submit a single, consolidated document that includes their contact information, a 500-word project proposal, a biography, a writing sample of up to 10 pages, and one or more letters of recommendation. The proposal must specify the genre and grant category applied for, detail the intended use of funds, and outline a project timeline. Letters of recommendation must accompany the application and speak to the applicant's potential for growth as a writer. Submissions must be emailed directly (as attachments, not links) to info@nmwriters.org. A confirmation email is required to validate successful submission. If no acknowledgment is received within a week, applicants should follow up with the administrator at lisa.mccoy@nmwriters.org. Past recipients of New Mexico Writers grants are required to wait two years before reapplying. Awardees will also be obligated to submit a grant report in January 2027, documenting how the funds were used and the resulting impact on their literary work. This reporting requirement ensures accountability and allows the organization to track the success and outcomes of its funding efforts. Overall, the New Mexico Writers Grant Program represents a significant opportunity for authors across New Mexico and the Navajo Nation to secure targeted support for their literary aspirations. Through its structured categories, transparent evaluation process, and inclusive eligibility criteria, the program aims to nurture a diverse range of voices and contribute meaningfully to the literary landscape of the Southwest.