Federal Grants involve the disbursement of funds by the Federal Government to a non-Federal entity to help fund projects or activities. This includes the processes associated with grant administration, including the determination of grantee eligibility, the transfer of funds, and the oversight as appropriate.

Direct Transfers to Individuals involves the disbursement of funds from the Federal Government directly to beneficiaries (individuals or organizations) who satisfy Federal eligibility requirements with no restrictions imposed on the recipient as to how the money is spent. Direct Transfers include both earned and unearned Federal Entitlement programs such as Medicare, Social Security, welfare, unemployment benefits, etc.

Subsidies involve Federal Government financial transfers that reduce costs and/or increase revenues of producers.

Tax Credits allow a special exclusion, exemption, or deduction from gross income or which provide a special credit, a preferential rate of tax, or a deferral of tax liability designed to encourage certain kinds of activities or to aid taxpayers in special circumstances.