Nonprofit · EIN 41-1635043
AGRICULTURAL UTILIZATION RESEARCH INSTITUTE
Also known as GREATER MINNESOTA
Tax-exempt · CROOKSTON, MN 56716
Financials
| Year ended | Form | Revenue | Expenses | Net income | Total assets | Liabilities | Net assets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 30, 2025 | 990 | $6,450,690 | $6,467,339 | -$16,649 | $8,815,408 | $2,414,614 | $6,400,794 |
| June 30, 2024 | 990 | $7,013,347 | $6,353,391 | $659,956 | $8,882,711 | $2,545,309 | $6,337,402 |
| June 30, 2023 | 990 | $6,457,680 | $6,243,627 | $214,053 | $6,675,740 | $1,105,721 | $5,570,019 |
Financial details: 990 for the year ended June 30, 2025
Revenue
- Contributions, gifts and grants
- $5,797,393
- of which government grants
- $5,321,093
- Program service revenue
- $388,059
- Investment income
- $262,032
- Royalties
- $3,206
- Net gain from sales of assets
- -$6,009
- Other revenue
- $3,206
Expenses
- Grants and similar amounts paid
- $4,700
- Compensation of officers, directors and key employees
- $275,967
- Other salaries and wages
- $3,028,116
- Salaries, compensation and benefits (total)
- $4,408,672
- Professional fundraising fees
- $0
- Legal fees
- $36,987
- Accounting fees
- $30,875
- Occupancy
- $331,822
- Travel
- $117,829
- Depreciation
- $229,755
- Program services (functional)
- $3,936,741
- Management and general (functional)
- $2,530,598
Balance sheet and other
- Total assets, start of year
- $8,882,711
- Total assets, end of year
- $8,815,408
- Total liabilities, end of year
- $2,414,614
- Net assets, end of year
- $6,400,794
- Land, buildings and equipment
- $1,356,682
- Net assets without donor restrictions
- $6,400,794
- Gross receipts
- $6,456,699
- Employees
- 38
- Volunteers
- 11
- Year formed
- 1989
- State of legal domicile
- MN
From the e-filed returns the IRS publishes as XML (latest three processing years; amended returns replace the original). PDF copies at the IRS.
Officers, directors and key employees
As listed on the 990 for the year ended June 30, 2025, highest compensation first.
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation | Other / benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shannon Schlecht | Executive Director Officer | 40 | $209,463 | $39,709 |
| Luca Zullo | Sr. Director of Science & Technology Highest-paid employee | 40 | $150,166 | $19,083 |
| Jennifer Wagner-Lahr | Sr. Director of Business Development & Commerciali Highest-paid employee | 40 | $126,884 | $34,206 |
| Adam Stratton | Sr. Director of Operations & Finance Highest-paid employee | 40 | $124,944 | $34,186 |
| Michael Sparby | Commercialization Director Highest-paid employee | 40 | $107,590 | $32,978 |
| Jason Robinson | Business Development Director, Food Highest-paid employee | 40 | $113,040 | $14,812 |
| Federico Tripodi | Chair Trustee or director, Officer | 3 | $2,000 | $0 |
| John Schafer | Vice Chair (Resigned Jan. 2025) Trustee or director, Officer | 3 | $1,220 | $0 |
| Carolyn Olson | Secretary/Treasurer Trustee or director, Officer | 3 | $1,160 | $0 |
| Jon Veldhouse | Vice Chair (as of Jan. 2025) Trustee or director, Officer | 3 | $1,060 | $0 |
| Mikayla Tabert | Director Trustee or director | 3 | $580 | $0 |
| Joe Serbus | Director Trustee or director | 3 | $480 | $0 |
| Jeff Grev | Director Trustee or director | 3 | $330 | $0 |
| Ted Winter | Director Trustee or director | 3 | $275 | $0 |
| Kent Heins | Director Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
4 more people on this return
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lauren McNamara | Director Trustee or director | 3 | $0 |
| Senator Aric Putnam | Director Trustee or director | 3 | $0 |
| Representative Samantha Vang | Director (Resigned Jan. 2025) Trustee or director | 3 | $0 |
| Representative Rick Hansen | Director (as of Jan. 2025) Trustee or director | 3 | $0 |
990 for the year ended June 30, 2024: 17 people
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation | Other / benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SHANNON SCHLECHT | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Key employee | 40 | $199,290 | $37,918 |
| LUCA ZULLO | SR. DIRECTOR OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY Highest-paid employee | 40 | $145,583 | $18,133 |
| ADAM STRATTON | SR. DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Highest-paid employee | 40 | $124,816 | $33,034 |
| JENNIFER WAGNER-LAHR | SR. DIRECTOR OF COMMERCIALIZATION Highest-paid employee | 40 | $121,374 | $33,053 |
| LISA GJERSVIK | SR. DIRECTOR OF STRATEGY MANAGEMENT Highest-paid employee | 40 | $104,752 | $31,898 |
| MICHAEL SPARBY | COMMERICIALIZATION DIRECTO Highest-paid employee | 40 | $103,538 | $31,940 |
| FEDERICO TRIPODI | CHAIR Trustee or director, Officer | 5 | $2,320 | $0 |
| JON VELDHOUSE | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 3 | $1,245 | $0 |
| JOHN SCHAFER | VICE CHAIR Trustee or director, Officer | 3 | $705 | $0 |
| JOE SERBUS | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 3 | $450 | $0 |
| JEFF GREV | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 3 | $370 | $0 |
| CAROLYN OLSON | SECRETARY/TREASURER Trustee or director, Officer | 3 | $150 | $0 |
| REPRESENTATIVE SAMANTHA VANG | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| TED WINTER | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| SENATOR ARIC PUTNAM | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| MIKAYLA TABERT | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| LAUREN MCNAMARA | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
990 for the year ended June 30, 2023: 18 people
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation | Other / benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SHANNON SCHLECHT | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Key employee | 40 | $207,219 | $34,528 |
| LUCA ZULLO | SR. DIRECTOR OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY Highest-paid employee | 40 | $142,804 | $8,502 |
| JENNIFER WAGNER-LAHR | SR. DIRECTOR OF INNOVATION Highest-paid employee | 40 | $118,808 | $29,955 |
| ADAM STRATTON | SR. DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Highest-paid employee | 40 | $132,850 | $15,761 |
| MICHAEL SPARBY | COMMERICIALIZATION DIRECTO Highest-paid employee | 40 | $103,467 | $28,964 |
| JASON ROBINSON | BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIREC Highest-paid employee | 40 | $103,325 | $8,502 |
| FEDERICO TRIPODI | CHAIR Trustee or director, Officer | 5 | $2,025 | $0 |
| CAROLYN OLSON | SECRETARY/TREASURER Trustee or director, Officer | 3 | $1,270 | $0 |
| JON VELDHOUSE | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 3 | $1,135 | $0 |
| KENNETH ASP | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 3 | $805 | $0 |
| RON OBERMOLLER | FORMER DIRECTOR Former | 0 | $740 | $0 |
| JOHN SCHAFER | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 3 | $530 | $0 |
| JERRY HASNEDL | VICE CHAIR Trustee or director, Officer | 3 | $495 | $0 |
| JEFF GREV | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| JOE SERBUS | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| LAUREN MCNAMARA | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| SENATOR ARIC PUTNAM | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| REPRESENTATIVE SAMANTHA VANG | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
Address and contacts
- Address (IRS master file)
- 510 COUNTY ROAD 71 STE 120, CROOKSTON, MN 56716-5002
- Principal officer (990 for 2024)
- Shannon Schlecht, 510 County Road 71 Ste 120, Crookston, MN 56716
- Signed the 990
- Shannon Schlecht, Executive Director
- Phone
- (218) 281-7600
- Website
- WWW.AURI.org
- Return prepared by
- Abdo LLP
Mission
Accelerate the expansion of the agricultural economy by empowering expanded uses and markets of agriculturally derived products.
Program accomplishments
- 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.Expenses $1,298,458 · grants $4,700 · revenue $171,369
- 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.Expenses $38,651
- 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.Expenses $2,599,632 · revenue $216,690
What it must file and when
IRS records say it files Form 990 or 990-EZ. Based on its last return; a smaller organization may file the 990-N. Its accounting year ends in June, so each return is due on the 15th day of the 5th month after that.
| Tax year | Year ended | Due | IRS public records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | June 30, 2026 | November 16, 2026 | Not due yet |
| 2024 | June 30, 2025 | November 17, 2025 | 990 on file |
| 2023 | June 30, 2024 | November 15, 2024 | 990 on file |
IRS record
- EIN
- 41-1635043
- Tax-exempt status
- 501(c)(3): Charitable, religious, educational or scientific organization
- Foundation status
- Publicly supported organization (170(b)(1)(A)(vi))
- Donations deductible (Pub 78)
- Public charity, 50% deduction limit
- Exempt since
- 1991
- Accounting year ends
- June
- Files
- Form 990 or 990-EZ
- Category (NTEE)
- Food, agriculture and nutrition (K20E)
- Assets (IRS master file)
- $8,815,408
- Income (IRS master file)
- $6,456,699
Filing history
| Form | Year ended | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 990 | June 2025 | $6,450,690 | $6,467,339 | $8,815,408 | IRS |
| 990 | June 2024 | $7,013,347 | $6,353,391 | $8,882,711 | XML |
| 990 | June 2023 | $6,457,680 | $6,243,627 | $6,675,740 | XML |
| 990 | June 2022 | $5,034,016 | $4,961,957 | $6,538,023 | IRS |
| 990 | June 2021 | – | – | – | IRS |
| 990 | June 2020 | – | – | – | IRS |
| 990 | June 2019 | – | – | – | IRS |
| 990 | June 2018 | – | – | – | IRS |
990-N: the IRS bulk file holds only the latest e-Postcard per organization; earlier years come from archived copies of that file since 2020 and can have gaps (the IRS e-Postcard search lists every one). 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF, 990-T: every e-filed return in the IRS e-file index since 2019; XML for the latest three processing years, amounts from the IRS Statistics of Income extracts before that. PDF copies and determination letters at the IRS (search EIN 41-1635043).
Questions about AGRICULTURAL UTILIZATION RESEARCH INSTITUTE
- What is the EIN of AGRICULTURAL UTILIZATION RESEARCH INSTITUTE?
- The employer identification number (EIN) of AGRICULTURAL UTILIZATION RESEARCH INSTITUTE is 41-1635043.
- Is AGRICULTURAL UTILIZATION RESEARCH INSTITUTE tax-exempt?
- Yes. The IRS lists it as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) since 1991.
- Are donations to AGRICULTURAL UTILIZATION RESEARCH INSTITUTE tax-deductible?
- Yes. It is listed in IRS Publication 78 (Public charity, 50% deduction limit).
- Which annual return does AGRICULTURAL UTILIZATION RESEARCH INSTITUTE file?
- Form 990 or 990-EZ. Based on its last return; a smaller organization may file the 990-N.
- When is the next return of AGRICULTURAL UTILIZATION RESEARCH INSTITUTE due?
- The return for tax year 2025 (the year ending June 30, 2026) is due November 16, 2026. Form 8868 extends it by six months; the 990-N cannot be extended.
- When did AGRICULTURAL UTILIZATION RESEARCH INSTITUTE last file with the IRS?
- The latest return in the IRS public files is the 990 for the year ended June 2025.
- Who is the principal officer of AGRICULTURAL UTILIZATION RESEARCH INSTITUTE?
- The 990 for the year ended June 30, 2025 names Shannon Schlecht.
- Who are the officers and directors of AGRICULTURAL UTILIZATION RESEARCH INSTITUTE?
- The 990 for the year ended June 30, 2025 lists 19 people; 14 received compensation from the organization, the highest $209,463 (Shannon Schlecht, Executive Director).
- How much revenue does AGRICULTURAL UTILIZATION RESEARCH INSTITUTE have?
- On its 990 for the year ended June 30, 2025 it reported revenue of $6,450,690, expenses of $6,467,339 and total assets of $8,815,408 at year end.
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