How does someone become a grant writer?

Answer 1

Apply for a job as one in a nonprofit organization - they are usually willing to train entry level individuals.. The job titles you can search for are either 'grant writer' or "development associate" There are also a number of books on the subject that you can read to get 'up to speed' on best practices. Once you have gained experience in your first position, you can either branch out on your own as a consultant, or move into increasingly responsible (and better paid) postions, like development director.

Answer 2

The article "How To Be a Grant Writer" http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol121/grantwriter.htm gives you ideas on how to become a grant writer.

Here are some resources on becoming a grant writer

Teaching Yourself to be a Grantwriter http://www.grantproposal.com/starting_inner.html
Minnesota Council on Foundations Writing a Successful Grant Proposal http://www.mcf.org/mcf/grant/writing.htm
American Association of Grant Professionals http://www.grantprofessionals.org
Non profit Guides http://www.npguides.org/
GrantExperts.com http://www.grantexperts.com
Association of Fund Raising Professionals http://www.afpnet.org/
Foundation Center http://foundationcenter.org/getstarted/learnabout/proposalwriting.html