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 began welcoming applications for its 2025 grant program on December 1, 2024.

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 will be awarded at the New Mexico Writers annual dinner, where grantees are honored as special guests. The next annual dinner will be held on April 17, 2025, at La Fonda on the Plaza in Santa Fe.

Who Should Apply
All New Mexico writers, and members of the greater Navajo Nation, are invited to apply for funding to support projects in ONE of any of the following genres: fiction, nonfiction, poetry, journalism, playwriting, and screenwriting.
Previous New Mexico Writers grantees must wait two years after receiving a grant before applying for a new project grant.
Award recipients are required to submit a report to New Mexico Writers detailing how the grant was used and how their work benefited from the funding.

2025 Grant Program Application Instructions
GRANT CATEGORIES: (You may submit only ONE application in ONE of the following 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. Grants typically range from $500 to $2,000. If possible, please request a desired funding amount for your project. Although the New Mexico Writers Grants Committee reserves the right to determine the final amount of funding for a project, knowing an approximate funding range is helpful in our evaluations.

Douglas Preston Travel Grant: This special annual $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 new grant of varying amounts 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.

Applicants for this Preston Young Writers Grant, and only for this grant, must complete a worksheet that indicates which professional conference(s) the applicant wishes to attend, as well as detailed estimates of costs, including travel.Click here to download the Preston Young Writers Grant Worksheet.

FUNDING AMOUNT:
Applicants for any grant may request a specific amount of funding to support their work as needed. Although the New Mexico Writers Grants Committee reserves the right to determine the final amount of funding for a project, knowing an approximate funding range is helpful in our evaluations.

WHAT TO SUBMIT:
1. Your proposal of no more than 500 words. It should describe:

• the literary endeavor (including the genre) for which you are requesting support;
• how this grant will help you progress in this endeavor; and,
• a timeline for your project and specific use of the grant funds during that time.

2. One or more letters of recommendation from someone who knows your writing in a professional capacity or wishes to encourage your pursuit of the craft. The letter should address how this opportunity is critical for your growth as a writer. Letters must be submitted with the application. Late letters will not be accepted.
3. A writing sample of no more than 10 pages (double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12 pt. type).
4. A biography of no more than 400 words that describes your status as a writer, including whether you have previously had material published or performed in your field.

All required documents should be merged into ONE document before you submit.
Submission Instructions and Deadline to Apply - February 28, 2025Completed applications should be emailed to the NMW Administrator.

Every applicant will receive an emailed acknowledgement of receipt of the application. Applications are only considered complete when acknowledged. We do this to ensure that an application is not lost.
 Grant applications should be submitted no later than February 28, 2025. Awardees will be notified by March 17, 2025.

Spend a week with New Mexico Poet Laureate, Lauren Camp and instructor Laurie Bower at the historic NBar Ranch in the beautiful Gila National Forest and Gila Wilderness!

Writing workshops, fun improv games, mindfulness, delicious food, equine encounters and plenty of free time for relaxing, hiking or writing in this beautiful, remote setting.

Unplug from the stresses of the modern world and find new inspiration at this vintage off-grid and unique ranch, where historic figures like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Geronimo and Aldo Leopold come to life.

Like going back in time, you will stay in simple double occupancy bunkhouses, nestled among tall ponderosas and looking out on rolling meadows, where horses, cattle, and often large elk herds graze.

$1750 includes lodging, workshops plus all activities and meals from Sunday evening, June 15th 2025 through Saturday morning, June 21st, 2025.

This is a first time offering of a highly unique experience, open to adults of all writing abilities. Spouses are welcome too, with miles of hiking and fishing also available in the nearby Snow Lake and the Gila Wilderness.  

Registration is limited to only 12 participants and will fill up fast.

To register and for more information, contact trip organizer Laurie Bower directly at (970) 390-5597 or [email protected].

* note, the NBar ranch is approximately 90 minutes south of Reserve NM.  Cell phone service is not available at the ranch, and as an off-grid retreat, there are very nice communal bath houses with showers, and as the ranch boasts, "some of the nicest outhouses you've ever seen".  Bunk houses each contain two single beds and heaters if needed.  Single registrants will be asked to share a bunkhouse with another registrant.