Through our cost-recovery model, strategic use of membership funding and collaborative partnerships, we aim to use resources to expand access, improve services and strengthen communities across Missouri through support of education, libraries and public institutions.
A Cost-Recovery Model That Prioritizes Value
MOREnet operates on a cost-recovery funding model, meaning our services are priced to recover operational costs rather than generate profit. This approach ensures that member organizations—K-12 schools, higher education institutions, libraries, healthcare and government entities—receive high-quality, essential services at the lowest sustainable cost.
Membership fees, combined with strategic partnerships, support shared infrastructure and services. This collective model allows hundreds of Missouri institutions to benefit from enterprise-level connectivity, tools and expertise that would be far more expensive individually.
In financial literacy terms, it’s a lesson in economies of scale and shared investment—pooling resources to stretch every dollar further.
Leveraging Federal Funding Through E-Rate
One example of MOREnet’s financial impact is our leadership in the federal E-Rate program, which provides telecommunications discounts to eligible schools and libraries.
We not only help members navigate the complexity of E-Rate, we actively manage filings on their behalf. Since 1998, this support has helped bring over $140 million in federal funding into Missouri.
Even more impactful: eligible members receive discounted pricing upfront, improving cash flow and reducing financial strain on local institutions.
Public-Private Partnerships That Expand Access
In strict compliance with the University’s public procurement processes, we contract with private industry for our telecommunications services. All Internet connections and telecommunications lines that connect member sites are obtained from organizations doing business in Missouri. Because all circuits are acquired through public bidding processes, companies compete, resulting in lower costs to our members.
These partnerships not only reduce costs but also strengthen grant applications and improve long-term sustainability—key principles in both public finance and financial literacy.
Shared Expertise = Smarter Spending
Beyond infrastructure, MOREnet provides consulting, training and technical expertise to our members. From network design to cybersecurity strategy, these services help organizations make informed, cost-effective decisions.
By centralizing expertise, MOREnet reduces duplication of effort and helps members avoid costly missteps, reinforcing the idea that knowledge is one of the most valuable financial tools available. Check out the interview with our CFO, Lynn Burgan, to learn more about our structure as we recognize Financial Literacy Month.