​New Mexico and Navajo writers seeking financial support and recognition for their work may apply for the annual grants offered by New Mexico Writers (NMW). The grants provide funding for new writing as well as works in progress.


Applications are accepted in 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.


There are three grant categories:

• New Mexico Writers Annual Grant: The NMW signature grant supports writing, research, publishing, and other activities pertaining to the creation of new works or works in progress.
• Douglas Preston Travel Grant: This 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 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. 

Since the program’s inception in 2019, New Mexico Writers has awarded more than $70,000 to 63 writers of all ages, and at all stages of their writing endeavors, from across New Mexico and the greater Navajo Nation. To learn about our past grantees and their unique projects, visit the NMW website here.


Applications are due via email submission no later than Friday, March 6, 2026. 


Grants will be awarded at the 2026 NMW annual dinner, where grantees will be honored as special guests on April 30, 2026, at La Fonda on the Plaza in Santa Fe.