The polis, or city-state, was usually a small, self-governing, self-sustaining entity which, apart from its political autonomy, possessed very few of the characteristics of the modern state.

Biodynamic farmers seek to integrate soil, crops, animals, and society as interdependent parts of a holistically conceived and self-sustaining ecological entity.

But Mr. Bolten said Amtrak was meant to be "a for-profit, self-sustaining corporate entity," not permanently dependent on federal subsidies.

These programs are available to help organizations that are generally not self-sustaining entities.

Bulembu was purchased with a vision to rejuvenate the town to a self-sustaining entity that combines sustainable, innovative enterprises with orphan care for 2,000 of Swaziland's most vulnerable children.

"We were a self-sustaining entity with parish support," he said.

The day begins at 5:40 A.M., and is divided into prayer, work that is designed to keep the abbey the autonomous and financially self-sustaining entity it must be, helping out others and study.

The Authority is a self-sustaining entity which funds its operations through a per-person entrance fee (currently $4.00 for visitors and $2.00 for locals), parking fees, and payments received from the park's restaurant and rental concessions.

USPS is under its statutory prefunding requirement because - although it was created to be a self-sustaining entity - taxpayers stand behind the large and growing retiree health care liability.

The Aidmatrix project became a separate, self-sustaining entity called The Aidmatrix Foundation, Inc. in February 2004.