Why is VisionSpring, an organization devoted to the problem of poor eyesight in the developing world, classified as a hybrid model of social entrepreneurship? It is a for-profit business but it is classified, legally, as a nonprofit for tax purposes. Its primary concern is that of a nonprofit, but it is a for-profit company. It relies on both venture-funded philanthropy and earned-income activities to sustain itself. It is a nonprofit that functions as a for-profit enterprise.