Generic term for sources of support for cultural activity that are not easily categorised under the more usual, traditional headings (such as "grant", "earned income", "donation", "sponsorship", etc.). This is therefore a growing area of "non-government" support, which is also distinct from commercial sponsorship, etc. It can range from "soft" loans from quasi-banking institutions that apply ethical criteria, to barter systems in which goods and/or services of value are exchanged without money changing hands.