Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
Here's government freebies to the tenth power! The U.S. Government has a Web site called The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (C.F.D.A.). This on-line catalog lists almost every government public assistance and incentive grant program available. However, the best part is that it also tells you in plain English what the programs are for, who they're for, what it takes to be eligible, how much money is allocated to the agency managing the program and (most importantly), who to contact to apply for a grant.

As if that wasn't good enough, to make things even easier, all the above information is searchable on the site by using a keyword search utility located at the bottom of the welcome page. Just plug in the information you're looking for and their search engine finds links to details on programs relevant to that subject. Here's an example. We typed in "women starting a business" and got 300 links back on 10 query results pages. (Click here to see an example of the results). Each link takes you to an information page with complete details on the specific grant or program. The search utility is fast, easy to operate and very accurate.

The bottom line here is that the government has provided a free resource to access information on just about any federal grant program. However, as with any data resource, you must spend the time to do the research to find what you want. Good luck! U.S. only.

HHS Families and Children
As apposed to the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance which is nothing more than a flat file database of links to information on federal program grant funding, this government site lists links that take you right to the managing agency's web site.

This is not a comprehensive guide but rather a gateway to many other resources you will find within the government's web pages." The site makes finding the correct agency to apply for grants easy because they list the programs in categories and then break them down by agency into sub categories.

Categories include Education, Employment and Training, Finances, Housing, Family Support, Food and Nutrition, Health, Public Safety and Cost Cutting Incentives. Each sub category takes you to the managing agencies Web site. There you get details on the grant programs along with application information direct from the horses mouth so to speak. In addition to details on grants, this site offers a wealth of other free information resources for a particular area of interest plus a special section for kids. U.S. only.

Free Government Service to STOP Telemarketing Calls
Tired of getting unsolicited marketing calls? Tell the Government to put a stop to them! The National Do Not Call Registry gives you a choice about whether to receive telemarketing calls at home. Most telemarketers should not call your number once it has been on the registry for 31 days. If they do, you can file a complaint at this Website. You can register your home or mobile phone for free. Your registration will be effective for five years. U.S. only.

Free Fit For Kids DVD from AHRQ
This very well done free DVD is offered from the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). The DVD is fun to watch for both kids and adults and provides useful and worthwhile information to help prevent obesity in children. You can even order up to 5 copies so you can pass them along to friends and family. U.S. only.

Free Coloring Book for Kids from the NICHD
This free offer is from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. It is for a free, fun, 14 page coloring book for kids called Milk Matters. As kids have fun coloring, the book helps to teach them about the importance of calcium in their diet. U.S. only.

FirstGov
If you're looking for anything having even remotely to do with the U.S. Government, FirstGov should be your FIRST stop (pardon the play on words). The site was three years in the making and is a powerhouse of government info and resources. It incorporates a fairly accurate search utility so finding exactly what you're looking for in most cases is a snap. U.S. only.

Free DVD for Teens from HHS
Get a free DVD "Smashed: Toxic Tales of Teens and Alcohol" from the U.S. department of Health and Human Services. U.S. only.

Free Health Information Kit
The kit is from the Federal Citizen Information Center and includes more than a dozen free materials. This is helpful information that recognizes the needs of women, not only as consumers, but as family decision makers. U.S. only.

The Small Business Administration
PLEASE LISTEN CLOSELY! The Small Business Administration offers much more than just loans to start a business.

Many of you are aware that the SBA offers guaranteed loans to small business for may different reasons. But did you know that they also offer a huge amount of other valuable free services like software, detailed market analysis, help in writing your business plan, a huge on-line business library, a business card listing service, new services for women and minorities and links to more free outside resources.

In a nut shell the SBA is the biggest and best free resource in the world for small business. The library alone has more good information regarding just about any type of business related matters you could think of then thousands of paid consultants put together.

If you're already in business or thinking of starting one, empower yourself with this excellent free government resource. U.S. only.

Social Security Online
SSA's official online website where you can find anything and everything having to do with Social Security. Features include and easy way to calculate your retirement benefits, how much you've all ready paid into the program, information on filing for Social Security disability benefits, applying for a card, all local contact numbers and addresses and much more. U.S. only.

Free Prism Game T-shirt or Poster
From the National Guard - Register online to play Prism and get a free full color game poster or t-shirt. U.S. only. Editors note: This offer changes periodically from t-shirts to posters, we assume due to supplies on hand.

Girl Power
A funded program of the Governments Health and Human Services Department, the Girl Power Campaign was designed to empower girls ages 8 - 14 to be the best they can be. Here girls can apply for really cool freebies like, huge full color Dominique Dawes Posters, Buttons, Stickers, Key Straps, Book Covers, Dairies and more, all with the Girl Power logo and message. All of the freebies are made of first class materials and are really hip looking. Don't miss out on this one as these items are super cool! U.S. only.

Federal Consumer Information Center - Free Book
Feel like you抳e just been ripped off when making a purchase? Now you can take action following the guidelines setup in a free book from the U.S. Federal Citizen Information Center. Just visit the link above and request a Free Consumer Action Handbook. The handbook will help you with consumer problems and complaints, find consumer contacts at hundreds of companies and consumer organizations and more. There is even a sample complaint letter included. U.S. only.

Free Maps from The Federal Highway Administration
This free service run by the National Scenic Byways Program and part of the FHA, offers totally free road maps for the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Just fill out their simple form to get yours. U.S., Canada and Mexico only.