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Agricultural Utilization Research Institute

EIN 41-1635043 · Crookston, MN

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood70 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Accelerate the expansion of the agricultural economy by empowering expanded uses and markets of agriculturally derived products.

Income
$6.5 million
Spending
$6.5 million
Spent on programs
61%
Reserves
9.4 months of spending
Largest source of income
government grants, 83%
Employees
38
Volunteers
11
Highest pay
$249,172, executive director

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Good: 70 out of 100. Higher than 43% of charities in its peer group (food and agriculture, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 9.4 months of spending.

  • Debt

    16 of 20

    It owes 27% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    8 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 0% of income.

  • Income trend

    10 of 15

    Income fell 8% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    8 of 15

    61% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 74% of charities in its peer group (food and agriculture, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    11 of 11 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Impact evidence

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (3)
  1. $1.3 million spent. Commercialization Services Program:The Commercialization Services Program provides technical assistance and research and development support to businesses utilizing Minnesota agricultural products to develop and commercialize value-added products and technologies. Services include staff expertise, laboratory and pilot plant resources, and cost-shared research funding when specialized capabilities beyond AURI's internal resources are needed. The program also provides support to entrepreneurs through assistance in pursuing grant funding and access to AURI laboratory facilities. These services help businesses advance innovative ideas, improve product development, and bring new agricultural products and technologies to the marketplace.
  2. $38,651 spent. Research Projects:The Research Projects program supports a limited number of internal research and development initiatives designed to develop technical knowledge, processes, and intellectual property that benefit Minnesota's agricultural industry. Through these projects, AURI staff explore early-stage concepts and innovations that may increase utilization of Minnesota agricultural commodities or improve industry practices. When technologies developed through these efforts demonstrate commercial potential, AURI may transfer or license the technology to third-party entities for commercialization, which can generate additional industry opportunities and support AURI's long-term financial sustainability.
  3. $2.6 million spent. Initiatives Program:The Initiatives Program supports collaborative partnerships, applied research, and technology transfer efforts that add value to Minnesota agricultural products or improve efficiencies in agricultural processing. Initiatives may originate internally or be identified by stakeholders, industry partners, or researchers and often address broader industry challenges or opportunities. The results of these initiatives are publicly disseminated through research publications, outreach, and industry engagement activities. These efforts connect businesses, commodity groups, academic institutions, and other stakeholders to advance innovation and strengthen Minnesota's value-added agricultural economy.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.

    Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  2. Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.

    Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.

    On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

    Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending June 2025.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since January 1991.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  6. Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.

    Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.

    Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.

Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.