CUSTODY AGREEMENT
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This AGREEMENT, dated as of December 12, 2000, by and between THE APPLETON
FUNDS (the "Trust"), a business trust organized under the laws of the State of
Ohio, acting with respect to its existing series as of the date of this
Agreement, and such other series as shall be designated from time to time by the
Trust (individually, a "Fund" and, collectively, the "Funds"), each of them a
series of the Trust and each of them operated and administered by the Trust, and
FIRSTAR BANK, N.A., a national banking association (the "Custodian").
W I T N E S S E T H:
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WHEREAS, the Trust desires that the Funds' Securities and cash be held and
administered by the Custodian pursuant to this Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the Trust is an open-end management investment company registered
under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"); and
WHEREAS, the Custodian represents that it is a bank having the
qualifications prescribed in Section 26(a)(i) of the 1940 Act;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements herein made, the
Trust and the Custodian hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
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DEFINITIONS
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Whenever used in this Agreement, the following words and phrases, unless
the context otherwise requires, shall have the following meanings:
1.1 "AUTHORIZED PERSON" means any Officer or other person duly authorized
by resolution of the Board of Trustees to give Oral Instructions and Written
Instructions on behalf of
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the Funds and named in Exhibit A hereto or in such resolutions of the Board of
Trustees, certified by an Officer, as may be received by the Custodian from time
to time.
1.2 "BOARD OF TRUSTEES" shall mean the Trustees from time to time serving
under the Trust's Agreement and Declaration of Trust, as from time to time
amended.
1.3 "BOOK-ENTRY SYSTEM" shall mean a federal book-entry system as provided
in Subpart O of Treasury Circular No. 300, 31 CFR 306, in Subpart B of 31 CFR
Part 350, or in such book-entry regulations of federal agencies as are
substantially in the form of such Subpart O.
1.4 "BUSINESS DAY" shall mean any day recognized as a settlement day by The
New York Stock Exchange, Inc. and any other day for which the Trust computes the
net asset value of Shares of any Fund.
1.5 "FUND CUSTODY ACCOUNT" shall mean any of the accounts in the name of
the Trust, which is provided for in Section 3.2 below.
1.6 "NASD" shall mean The National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
1.7 "OFFICER" shall mean the Chairman, the President, any Vice President,
any Assistant Vice President, the Secretary, any Assistant Secretary, the
Treasurer, or any Assistant Treasurer of the Trust.
1.8 "ORAL INSTRUCTIONS" shall mean instructions orally transmitted to and
accepted by the Custodian because such instructions are: (i) reasonably believed
by the Custodian to have been given by an Authorized Person, (ii) recorded and
kept among the records of the Custodian made in the ordinary course of business
and (iii) orally confirmed by the Custodian. The Trust shall cause all Oral
Instructions to be confirmed by Written Instructions prior to the end of the
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next Business Day. If such Written Instructions confirming Oral Instructions are
not received by the Custodian prior to a transaction, it shall in no way affect
the validity of the transaction or the authorization thereof by the Trust. If
Oral Instructions vary from the Written Instructions which purport to confirm
them, the Custodian shall notify the Trust of such variance but such Oral
Instructions will govern unless the Custodian has not yet acted.
1.9 "PROPER INSTRUCTIONS" shall mean Oral Instructions or Written
Instructions. Proper Instructions may be continuing Written Instructions when
deemed appropriate by both parties.
1.10 "SECURITIES DEPOSITORY" shall mean The Depository Trust Company and
(provided that Custodian shall have received a copy of a resolution of the Board
of Trustees, certified by an Officer, specifically approving the use of such
clearing agency as a depository for the Funds) any other clearing agency
registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under Section 17A of the
Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 as amended (the "1934 Act"), which acts as a
system for the central handling of Securities where all Securities of any
particular class or series of an issuer deposited within the system are treated
as fungible and may be transferred or pledged by bookkeeping entry without
physical delivery of the Securities.
1.11 "SECURITIES" shall include, without limitation, common and preferred
stocks, bonds, call options, put options, debentures, notes, bank certificates
of deposit, bankers' acceptances, mortgage-backed securities or other
obligations, and any certificates, receipts, warrants or other instruments or
documents representing rights to receive, purchase or subscribe for the same, or
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evidencing or representing any other rights or interests therein, or any similar
property or assets that the Custodian has the facilities to clear and to
service.
1.12 "SHARES" shall mean, with respect to a Fund, the units of beneficial
interest issued by the Trust on account of such Fund.
1.13 "SUB-CUSTODIAN" shall mean and include (i) any branch of a "U.S.
Bank," as that term is defined in Rule 17f-5 under the 1940 Act, (ii) any
"Eligible Foreign Custodian," as that term is defined in Rule 17f-5 under the
1940 Act, having a contract with the Custodian which the Custodian has
determined will provide reasonable care of assets of the Funds based on the
standards specified in Section 3.3 below. Such contract shall include provisions
that provide: (i) for indemnification or insurance arrangements (or any
combination of the foregoing) such that the Funds will be adequately protected
against the risk of loss of assets held in accordance with such contract; (ii)
that the Funds' assets will not be subject to any right, charge, security
interest, lien or claim of any kind in favor of the Sub-Custodian or its
creditors except a claim of payment for their safe custody or administration, in
the case of cash deposits, liens or rights in favor of creditors of the
Sub-Custodian arising under bankruptcy, insolvency, or similar laws; (iii) that
beneficial ownership of the Funds' assets will be freely transferable without
the payment of money or value other than for safe custody or administration;
(iv) that adequate records will be maintained identifying the assets as
belonging to the Funds or as being held by a third party for the benefit of the
Funds; (v) that the Funds' independent public accountants will be given access
to those records or confirmation of the contents of those records; and (vi) that
the Funds will receive periodic reports with respect to the safekeeping of the
Funds' assets, including, but not limited to,
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notification of any transfer to or from a Fund's account or a third party
account containing assets held for the benefit of the Fund. Such contract may
contain, in lieu of any or all of the provisions specified above, such other
provisions that the Custodian determines will provide, in their entirety, the
same or greater level of care and protection for Fund assets as the specified
provisions, in their entirety.
1.14 "WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS" shall mean (i) written communications actually
received by the Custodian and signed by an Authorized Person, or (ii)
communications by telex or any other such system from one or more persons
reasonably believed by the Custodian to be Authorized Persons, or (iii)
communications between electro-mechanical or electronic devices provided that
the use of such devices and the procedures for the use thereof shall have been
approved by resolutions of the Board of Trustees, a copy of which, certified by
an Officer, shall have been delivered to the Custodian.
ARTICLE II
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APPOINTMENT OF CUSTODIAN
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2.1 APPOINTMENT. The Trust hereby constitutes and appoints the Custodian
as custodian of all Securities and cash owned by or in the possession of the
Funds at any time during the period of this Agreement.
2.2 ACCEPTANCE. The Custodian hereby accepts appointment as such custodian
and agrees to perform the duties thereof as hereinafter set forth.
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2.3 DOCUMENTS TO BE FURNISHED. The following documents, including any
amendments thereto, will be provided contemporaneously with the execution of the
Agreement to the Custodian by the Trust:
a. A copy of the Declaration of Trust of the Trust certified by the
Secretary or an Assistant Secretary;
b. A copy of the Bylaws of the Trust certified by the Secretary or
Assistant Secretary;
c. A copy of the resolution of the Board of Trustees of the Trust
appointing the Custodian, certified by the Secretary or Assistant
Secretary;
d. A copy of the then current Prospectus of each Fund; and
e. A certification of the Chairman or the President and Secretary or
Assistant Secretary of the Trust setting forth the names and
signatures of the current Officers of the Trust and other
Authorized Persons.
2.4 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF DIVIDEND AND TRANSFER AGENT. The Trust agrees
to notify the Custodian in writing of the appointment, termination or change in
appointment of any Dividend and Transfer Agent of the Funds.
ARTICLE III
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CUSTODY OF CASH AND SECURITIES
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3.1 SEGREGATION. All Securities and non-cash property held by the
Custodian for the account of a Fund (other than Securities maintained in a
Securities Depository or Book-Entry System) shall be physically segregated from
other Securities and non-cash property in the
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possession of the Custodian (including the Securities and non-cash property of
the other Funds) and shall be identified as subject to this Agreement.
3.2 FUND CUSTODY ACCOUNTS. As to each Fund, the Custodian shall open and
maintain in its trust department a custody account in the name of the Trust
coupled with the name of such Fund, subject only to draft or order of the
Custodian, in which the Custodian shall enter and carry all Securities, cash and
other assets of such Fund which are delivered to it.
3.3 APPOINTMENT OF AGENTS. (a) In its discretion, the Custodian may
appoint one or more Sub-Custodians to act as Securities Depositories or as
sub-custodians to hold Securities and cash of the Funds and to carry out such
other provisions of this Agreement as it may determine, provided, however, that
the appointment of any such agents and maintenance of any Securities and cash of
the Fund shall be at the Custodian's expense and shall not relieve the Custodian
of any of its obligations or liabilities under this Agreement.
(b) If, after the initial approval of Sub-Custodians by the Board of
Trustees in connection with this Agreement, the Custodian wishes to appoint
other Sub-Custodians to hold property of the Funds, it will so notify the Trust
and provide it with information reasonably necessary to determine any such new
Sub-Custodian's eligibility under Rule 17f-5 under the 1940 Act, including a
copy of the proposed agreement with such Sub-Custodian. The Trust shall at the
meeting of the Board of Trustees next following receipt of such notice and
information give a written approval or disapproval of the proposed action.
(c) The Agreement between the Custodian and each Sub-Custodian acting
hereunder shall contain the required provisions set forth in Rule
17f-5(a)(1)(iii).
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(d) At the end of each calendar quarter, the Custodian shall provide
written reports notifying the Board of Trustees of the placement of the
Securities and cash of the Funds with a particular Sub-Custodian and of any
material changes in the Funds' arrangements. The Custodian shall promptly take
such steps as may be required to withdraw assets of the Funds from any
Sub-Custodian that has ceased to meet the requirements of Rule 17f-5 under the
1940 Act.
(e) With respect to its responsibilities under this Section 3.3, the
Custodian hereby warrants to the Trust that it agrees to exercise reasonable
care, prudence and diligence such as a person having responsibility for the
safekeeping of property of the Funds. The Custodian further warrants that a
Fund's assets will be subject to reasonable care, based on the standards
applicable to custodians in the relevant market, if maintained with each
Sub-Custodian, after considering all factors relevant to the safekeeping of such
assets, including, without limitation: (i) the Sub-Custodian's practices,
procedures, and internal controls, including, but not limited to, the physical
protections available for certificated securities (if applicable), the method of
keeping custodial records, and the security and data protection practices; (ii)
whether the Sub-Custodian has the requisite financial strength to provide
reasonable care for Fund assets; (iii) the Sub-Custodian's general reputation
and standing and, in the case of a Securities Depository, the Securities
Depository's operating history and number of participants; and (iv) whether the
Fund will have jurisdiction over and be able to enforce judgments against the
Sub-Custodian, such as by virtue of the existence of any offices of the
Sub-Custodian in the United States or the Sub-Custodian's consent to service of
process in the United States.
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(f) The Custodian shall establish a system to monitor the appropriateness
of maintaining the Funds' assets with a particular Sub-Custodian and the
contract governing the Funds' arrangements with such Sub-Custodian.
3.4 DELIVERY OF ASSETS TO CUSTODIAN. The Trust shall deliver, or cause to
be delivered, to the Custodian all of the Funds' Securities, cash and other
assets, including (a) all payments of income, payments of principal and capital
distributions received by the Funds with respect to such Securities, cash or
other assets owned by the Funds at any time during the period of this Agreement,
and (b) all cash received by the Funds for the issuance, at any time during such
period, of Shares. The Custodian shall not be responsible for such Securities,
cash or other assets until actually received by it.
3.5 SECURITIES DEPOSITORIES AND BOOK-ENTRY SYSTEMS. The Custodian may
deposit and/or maintain Securities of the Funds in a Securities Depository or in
a Book-Entry System, subject to the following provisions:
(a) Prior to a deposit of Securities of the Funds in any Securities
Depository or Book-Entry System, the Trust shall deliver to the
Custodian a resolution of the Board of Trustees, certified by an
Officer, authorizing and instructing the Custodian on an on-going
basis to deposit in such Securities Depository or Book-Entry System
all Securities eligible for deposit therein and to make use of such
Securities Depository or Book-Entry System to the extent possible and
practical in connection with its performance hereunder, including,
without limitation, in connection with settlements of purchases and
sales of Securities, loans of Securities, and deliveries and returns
of collateral consisting of Securities.
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(b) Securities of the Funds kept in a Book-Entry System or Securities
Depository shall be kept in an account ("Depository Account") of the
Custodian in such Book-Entry System or Securities Depository which
includes only assets held by the Custodian as a fiduciary, custodian
or otherwise for customers.
(c) The records of the Custodian with respect to Securities of a Fund
maintained in a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository shall, by
book-entry, identify such Securities as belonging to such Fund.
(d) If Securities purchased by a Fund are to be held in a Book-Entry
System or Securities Depository, the Custodian shall pay for such
Securities upon (i) receipt of advice from the Book-Entry System or
Securities Depository that such Securities have been transferred to
the Depository Account, and (ii) the making of an entry on the records
of the Custodian to reflect such payment and transfer for the account
of such Fund. If Securities sold by a Fund are held in a Book-Entry
System or Securities Depository, the Custodian shall transfer such
Securities upon (i) receipt of advice from the Book-Entry System or
Securities Depository that payment for such Securities has been
transferred to the Depository Account, and (ii) the making of an entry
on the records of the Custodian to reflect such transfer and payment
for the account of such Fund.
(e) The Custodian shall provide the Trust with copies of any report
(obtained by the Custodian from a Book-Entry System or Securities
Depository in which Securities of the Funds are kept) on the internal
accounting controls and procedures for safeguarding Securities
deposited in such Book-Entry System or Securities Depository.
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(f) Anything to the contrary in this Agreement notwithstanding, the
Custodian shall be liable to the Trust for any loss or damage to a
Fund resulting (i) from the use of a Book-Entry System or Securities
Depository by reason of any negligence or willful misconduct on the
part of Custodian or any Sub-Custodian appointed pursuant to Section
3.3 above or any of its or their employees, or (ii) from failure of
Custodian or any such Sub-Custodian to enforce effectively such rights
as it may have against a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository.
At its election, the Trust shall be subrogated to the rights of the
Custodian with respect to any claim against a Book-Entry System or
Securities Depository or any other person from any loss or damage to
the Funds arising from the use of such Book-Entry System or Securities
Depository, if and to the extent that the Funds have not been made
whole for any such loss or damage.
3.6 DISBURSEMENT OF MONEYS FROM FUND CUSTODY ACCOUNTS. Upon receipt of
Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall disburse moneys from a Fund Custody
Account but only in the following cases:
(a) For the purchase of Securities for the Fund but only in accordance
with Section 4.1 of this Agreement and only (i) in the case of
Securities (other than options on Securities, futures contracts and
options on futures contracts), against the delivery to the Custodian
(or any Sub-Custodian appointed pursuant to Section 3.3 above)
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of such Securities registered as provided in Section 3.9 below or in
proper form for transfer, or if the purchase of such Securities is
effected through a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository, in
accordance with the conditions set forth in Section 3.5 above; (ii) in
the case of options on Securities, against delivery to the Custodian
(or such Sub-Custodian) of such receipts as are required by the
customs prevailing among dealers in such options; (iii) in the case of
futures contracts and options on futures contracts, against delivery
to the Custodian (or such Sub-Custodian) of evidence of title thereto
in favor of the Fund or any nominee referred to in Section 3.9 below;
and (iv) in the case of repurchase or reverse repurchase agreements
entered into between the Trust and a bank which is a member of the
Federal Reserve System or between the Trust and a primary dealer in
U.S. Government securities, against delivery of the purchased
Securities either in certificate form or through an entry crediting
the Custodian's account at a Book-Entry System or Securities
Depository with such Securities;
(b) In connection with the conversion, exchange or surrender, as set forth
in Section 3.7(f) below, of Securities owned by the Fund;
(c) For the payment of any dividends or capital gain distributions
declared by the Fund;
(d) In payment of the redemption price of Shares as provided in Section
5.1 below;
(e) For the payment of any expense or liability incurred by the Fund,
including but not limited to the following payments for the account of
the Fund: interest; taxes;
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administration, investment advisory, accounting, auditing, transfer
agent, custodian, trustee and legal fees; and other operating expenses
of the Fund; in all cases, whether or not such expenses are to be in
whole or in part capitalized or treated as deferred expenses;
(f) For transfer in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among
the Trust, the Custodian and a broker-dealer registered under the 1934
Act and a member of the NASD, relating to compliance with rules of The
Options Clearing Corporation and of any registered national securities
exchange (or of any similar organization or organizations) regarding
escrow or other arrangements in connection with transactions by the
Fund;
(g) For transfer in accordance with the provision of any agreement among
the Trust, the Custodian, and a futures commission merchant registered
under the Commodity Exchange Act, relating to compliance with the
rules of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and/or any contract
market (or any similar organization or organizations) regarding
account deposits in connection with transactions by the Fund;
(h) For the funding of any uncertificated time deposit or other
interest-bearing account with any banking institution (including the
Custodian), which deposit or account has a term of one year or less;
and
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(i) For any other proper purpose, but only upon receipt, in addition to
Proper Instructions, of a copy of a resolution of the Board of
Trustees, certified by an Officer, specifying the amount and purpose
of such payment, declaring such purpose to be a proper corporate
purpose, and naming the person or persons to whom such payment is to
be made.
3.7 DELIVERY OF SECURITIES FROM FUND CUSTODY ACCOUNTS. Upon receipt of
Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall release and deliver Securities from a
Fund Custody Account but only in the following cases:
(a) Upon the sale of Securities for the account of the Fund but only
against receipt of payment therefor in cash, by certified or cashiers
check or bank credit;
(b) In the case of a sale effected through a Book-Entry System or
Securities Depository, in accordance with the provisions of Section
3.5 above;
(c) To an offeror's depository agent in connection with tender or other
similar offers for Securities of the Fund; provided that, in any such
case, the cash or other consideration is to be delivered to the
Custodian;
(d) To the issuer thereof or its agent (i) for transfer into the name of
the Fund, the Custodian or any Sub-Custodian appointed pursuant to
Section 3.3 above, or of any nominee or nominees of any of the
foregoing, or (ii) for exchange for a different number of certificates
or other evidence representing the same aggregate
(e) face amount or number of units; provided that, in any such case, the
new Securities are to be delivered to the Custodian;
(f) To the broker selling Securities, for examination in accordance with
the "street delivery" custom;
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(g) For exchange or conversion pursuant to any plan or merger,
consolidation, recapitalization, reorganization or readjustment of the
issuer of such Securities, or pursuant to provisions for conversion
contained in such Securities, or pursuant to any deposit agreement,
including surrender or receipt of underlying Securities in connection
with the issuance or cancellation of depository receipts; provided
that, in any such case, the new Securities and cash, if any, are to be
delivered to the Custodian;
(h) Upon receipt of payment therefor pursuant to any repurchase or reverse
repurchase agreement entered into by the Fund;
(i) In the case of warrants, rights or similar Securities, upon the
exercise thereof, provided that, in any such case, the new Securities
and cash, if any, are to be delivered to the Custodian;
(j) For delivery in connection with any loans of Securities of the Fund,
but only against receipt of such collateral as the Trust shall have
specified to the Custodian in Proper Instructions;
(k) For delivery as security in connection with any borrowings by the Fund
requiring a pledge of assets by the Trust, but only against receipt by
the Custodian of the amounts borrowed;
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(l) Pursuant to any authorized plan of liquidation, reorganization,
merger, consolidation or recapitalization of the Trust;
(m) For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among
the Trust, the Custodian and a broker-dealer registered under the 1934
Act and a member of the NASD, relating to compliance with the rules of
The Options Clearing Corporation and of any registered national
securities exchange (or of any similar organization or organizations)
regarding escrow or other arrangements in connection with transactions
by the Fund;
(n) For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among
the Trust, the Custodian, and a futures commission merchant registered
under the Commodity Exchange Act, relating to compliance with the
rules of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and/or any contract
market (or any similar organization or organizations) regarding
account deposits in connection with transactions by the Fund; or
(o) For any other proper corporate purpose, but only upon receipt, in
addition to Proper Instructions, of a copy of a resolution of the
Board of Trustees, certified by an Officer, specifying the Securities
to be delivered, setting forth the purpose for
(p) which such delivery is to be made, declaring such purpose to be a
proper corporate purpose, and naming the person or persons to whom
delivery of such Securities shall be made.
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3.8 ACTIONS NOT REQUIRING PROPER INSTRUCTIONS. Unless otherwise instructed
by the Trust, the Custodian shall with respect to all Securities held for a
Fund:
(a) Subject to Section 7.4 below, collect on a timely basis all income and
other payments to which the Fund is entitled either by law or pursuant
to custom in the securities business;
(b) Present for payment and, subject to Section 7.4 below, collect on a
timely basis the amount payable upon all Securities which may mature
or be called, redeemed, or retired, or otherwise become payable;
(c) Endorse for collection, in the name of the Fund, checks, drafts and
other negotiable instruments;
(d) Surrender interim receipts or Securities in temporary form for
Securities in definitive form;
(e) Execute, as custodian, any necessary declarations or certificates of
ownership under the federal income tax laws or the laws or regulations
of any other taxing authority now or hereafter in effect, and prepare
and submit reports to the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") and to the
Trust at such time, in such manner and containing such information as
is prescribed by the IRS;
(f) Hold for the Fund, either directly or, with respect to Securities held
therein, through a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository, all
rights and similar securities issued with respect to Securities of the
Fund; and
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(g) In general, and except as otherwise directed in Proper Instructions,
attend to all non-discretionary details in connection with the sale,
exchange, substitution, purchase, transfer and other dealings with
Securities and assets of the Fund.
3.9 REGISTRATION AND TRANSFER OF SECURITIES. All Securities held for a
Fund that are issued or issuable only in bearer form shall be held by the
Custodian in that form, provided that any such Securities shall be held in a
Book-Entry System if eligible therefor. All other Securities held for a Fund may
be registered in the name of such Fund, the Custodian, or any Sub-Custodian
appointed pursuant to Section 3.3 above, or in the name of any nominee of any of
them, or in the name of a Book-Entry System, Securities Depository or any
nominee of either thereof. The Trust shall furnish to the Custodian appropriate
instruments to enable the Custodian to hold or deliver in proper form for
transfer, or to register in the name of any of the nominees hereinabove referred
to or in the name of a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository, any
Securities registered in the name of a Fund.
3.10 RECORDS. (a) The Custodian shall maintain, by Fund, complete and
accurate records with respect to Securities, cash or other property held for the
Funds, including (i) journals or other records of original entry containing an
itemized daily record in detail of all receipts and deliveries of Securities and
all receipts and disbursements of cash; (ii) ledgers (or other records)
reflecting (A) Securities in transfer, (B) Securities in physical possession,
(C) monies and Securities borrowed and monies and Securities loaned (together
with a record of the collateral therefor and substitutions of such collateral),
(D) dividends and interest received, and (E) dividends receivable and interest
receivable; and (iii) canceled checks and bank records related
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thereto. The Custodian shall keep such other books and records of the Funds as
the Trust shall reasonably request, or as may be required by the 1940 Act,
including, but not limited to, Section 31 of the 1940 Act and Rule 31a-2
promulgated thereunder.
(b) All such books and records maintained by the Custodian shall (i) be
maintained in a form acceptable to the Trust and in compliance with rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, (ii) be the property of
the Trust and at all times during the regular business hours of the Custodian be
made available upon request for inspection by duly authorized officers,
employees or agents of the Trust and employees or agents of the Securities and
Exchange Commission, and (iii) if required to be maintained by Rule 31a-1 under
the 1940 Act, be preserved for the periods prescribed in Rule 31a-2 under the
1940 Act.
3.11 FUND REPORTS BY CUSTODIAN. The Custodian shall furnish the Trust with
a daily activity statement by Fund and a summary of all transfers to or from
each Fund Custody Account on the day following such transfers. At least monthly
and from time to time, the Custodian shall furnish the Trust with a detailed
statement, by Fund, of the Securities and moneys held by the Custodian and the
Sub-Custodians for the Funds under this a Agreement.
3.12 OTHER REPORTS BY CUSTODIAN. The Custodian shall provide the Trust with
such reports, as the Trust may reasonably request from time to time, on the
internal accounting controls and procedures for safeguarding Securities, which
are employed by the Custodian or any Sub-Custodian appointed pursuant to Section
3.3 above.
3.13 PROXIES AND OTHER MATERIALS. The Custodian shall cause all proxies
relating to Securities which are not registered in the name of a Fund, to be
promptly executed by the
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registered holder of such Securities, without indication of the manner in which
such proxies are to be voted, and shall promptly deliver to the Trust such
proxies, all proxy soliciting materials and all notices relating to such
Securities.
3.14 INFORMATION ON CORPORATE ACTIONS. The Custodian shall promptly deliver
to the Trust all information received by the Custodian and pertaining to
Securities being held by the Funds with respect to optional tender or exchange
offers, calls for redemption or purchase, or expiration of rights as described
in the Standards of Service Guide attached as Exhibit B. If the Trust desires to
take action with respect to any tender offer, exchange offer or other similar
transaction, the Trust shall notify the Custodian at least five Business Days
prior to the date on which the Custodian is to take such action. The Trust will
provide or cause to be provided to the Custodian all relevant information for
any Security which has unique put/option provisions at least five Business Days
prior to the beginning date of the tender period.
ARTICLE IV
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PURCHASE AND SALE OF INVESTMENTS OF THE FUNDS
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4.1 PURCHASE OF SECURITIES. Promptly upon each purchase of Securities for
a Fund, Written Instructions shall be delivered to the Custodian, specifying (a)
the Fund for which the purchase was made, (b) the name of the issuer or writer
of such Securities, and the title or other description thereof, (c) the number
of shares, principal amount (and accrued interest, if any) or other units
purchased, (d) the date of purchase and settlement, (e) the purchase price per
unit, (f) the total amount payable upon such purchase, and (g) the name of the
person to whom such amount is payable. The Custodian shall upon receipt of such
Securities purchased by a Fund pay
20
<PAGE>
out of the moneys held for the account of such Fund the total amount specified
in such Written Instructions to the person named therein. The Custodian shall
not be under any obligation to pay out moneys to cover the cost of a purchase of
Securities for a Fund, if in the relevant Fund Custody Account there is
insufficient cash available to the Fund for which such purchase was made.
4.2 LIABILITY FOR PAYMENT IN ADVANCE OF RECEIPT OF SECURITIES PURCHASED.
In any and every case where payment for the purchase of Securities for a Fund is
made by the Custodian in advance of receipt of the Securities purchased but in
the absence of specified Written Instructions to so pay in advance, the
Custodian shall be liable to the Fund for such Securities to the same extent as
if the Securities had been received by the Custodian.
4.3 SALE OF SECURITIES. Promptly upon each sale of Securities by a Fund,
Written Instructions shall be delivered to the Custodian, specifying (a) the
Fund for which the sale was made, (b) the name of the issuer or writer of such
Securities, and the title or other description thereof, (c) the number of
Shares, principal amount (and accrued interest, if any), or other units sold,
(d) the date of sale and settlement, (e) the sale price per unit, (f) the total
amount payable upon such sale, and (g) the person to whom such Securities are to
be delivered. Upon receipt of the total amount payable to the Fund as specified
in such Written Instructions, the Custodian shall deliver such Securities to the
person specified in such Written Instructions. Subject to the foregoing, the
Custodian may accept payment in such form as shall be satisfactory to it, and
may deliver Securities and arrange for payment in accordance with the customs
prevailing among dealers in Securities.
21
<PAGE>
4.4 DELIVERY OF SECURITIES SOLD. Notwithstanding Section 4.3 above or any
other provision of this Agreement, the Custodian, when instructed to deliver
Securities against payment, shall be entitled, if in accordance with generally
accepted market practice, to deliver such Securities prior to actual receipt of
final payment therefor. In any such case, the Fund for which such Securities
were delivered shall bear the risk that final payment for such Securities may
not be made or that such Securities may be returned or otherwise held or
disposed of by or through the person to whom they were delivered, and the
Custodian shall have no liability for any for the foregoing.
4.5 PAYMENT FOR SECURITIES SOLD, ETC. In its sole discretion and from time
to time, the Custodian may credit the relevant Fund Custody Account, prior to
actual receipt of final payment thereof, with (i) proceeds from the sale of
Securities which it has been instructed to deliver against payment, (ii)
proceeds from the redemption of Securities or other assets of the Fund, and
(iii) income from cash, Securities or other assets of the Fund. Any such credit
shall be conditional upon actual receipt by Custodian of final payment and may
be reversed if final payment is not actually received in full. The Custodian
may, in its sole discretion and from time to time, permit a Fund to use funds so
credited to its Fund Custody Account in anticipation of actual receipt of final
payment. Any such funds shall be repayable immediately upon demand made by the
Custodian at any time prior to the actual receipt of all final payments in
anticipation of which funds were credited to the Fund Custody Account.
4.6 ADVANCES BY CUSTODIAN FOR SETTLEMENT. The Custodian may, in its sole
discretion and from time to time, advance funds to the Trust to facilitate the
settlement of a Fund's transactions in its Fund Custody Account. Any such
advance shall be repayable immediately upon demand made by Custodian.
22
<PAGE>
ARTICLE V
---------
REDEMPTION OF FUND SHARES
-------------------------
5.1 TRANSFER OF FUNDS. From such funds as may be available for the purpose
in the relevant Fund Custody Account, and upon receipt of Proper Instructions
specifying that the funds are required to redeem Shares of a Fund, the Custodian
shall wire each amount specified in such Proper Instructions to or through such
bank as the Trust may designate with respect to such amount in such Proper
Instructions.
5.2 NO DUTY REGARDING PAYING BANKS. The Custodian shall not be under any
obligation to effect payment or distribution by any bank designated in Proper
Instructions given pursuant to Section 5.1 above of any amount paid by the
Custodian to such bank in accordance with such Proper Instructions.
ARTICLE VI
----------
SEGREGATED ACCOUNTS
-------------------
Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall establish and
maintain a segregated account or accounts for and on behalf of a Fund, into
which account or accounts may be transferred cash and/or Securities, including
Securities maintained in a Depository Account,
(a) in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among the Trust,
the Custodian and a broker-dealer registered under the 1934 Act and a
member of the NASD (or any futures commission merchant registered
under the Commodity
23
<PAGE>
Exchange Act), relating to compliance with the rules of The Options
Clearing Corporation and of any registered national securities
exchange (or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission or any
registered contract market), or of any similar
(b) organization or organizations, regarding escrow or other arrangements
in connection with transactions by the Fund,
(c) for purposes of segregating cash or Securities in connection with
securities options purchased or written by the Fund or in connection
with financial futures contracts (or options thereon) purchased or
sold by the Fund,
(d) which constitute collateral for loans of Securities made by the Fund,
(e) for purposes of compliance by the Fund with requirements under the
1940 Act for the maintenance of segregated accounts by registered
investment companies in connection with reverse repurchase agreements
and when-issued, delayed delivery and firm commitment transactions,
and
(f) for other proper corporate purposes, but only upon receipt of, in
addition to Proper Instructions, a certified copy of a resolution of
the Board of Trustees, certified by an Officer, setting forth the
purpose or purposes of such segregated account and declaring such
purposes to be proper corporate purposes.
Each segregated account established under this Article VI shall be
established and maintained for a single Fund only. All Proper Instructions
relating to a segregated account shall specify the Fund involved.
24
<PAGE>
ARTICLE VII
-----------
CONCERNING THE CUSTODIAN
------------------------
7.1 STANDARD OF CARE. The Custodian shall be held to the exercise of
reasonable care in carrying out its obligations under this Agreement, and shall
be without liability to the Trust or any Fund for any loss, damage, cost,
expense (including attorneys' fees and disbursements), liability or claim unless
such loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or claim arises from negligence, bad
faith or willful misconduct on its part or on the part of any Sub-Custodian
appointed pursuant to Section 3.3 above. The Custodian shall be entitled to rely
on and may act upon advice of counsel on all matters, and shall be without
liability for any action reasonably taken or omitted pursuant to such advice.
The Custodian shall promptly notify the Trust of any action taken or omitted by
the Custodian pursuant to advice of counsel. The Custodian shall not be under
any obligation at any time to ascertain whether the Trust or a Fund is in
compliance with the 1940 Act, the regulations thereunder, the provisions of the
Trust's charter documents or bylaws, or its investment objectives and policies
as then in effect.
7.2 ACTUAL COLLECTION REQUIRED. The Custodian shall not be liable for, or
considered to be the custodian of, any cash belonging to a Fund or any money
represented by a check, draft or other instrument for the payment of money,
until the Custodian or its agents actually receive such cash or collect on such
instrument.
7.3 NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR TITLE, ETC. So long as and to the extent that it
is in the exercise of reasonable care, the Custodian shall not be responsible
for the title,validity or genuineness of any property or evidence of title
thereto received or delivered by it pursuant to this Agreement.
25
<PAGE>
7.4 LIMITATION ON DUTY TO COLLECT. Custodian shall not be required to
enforce collection, by legal means or otherwise, of any money or property due
and payable with respect to Securities held for a Fund if such Securities are in
default or payment is not made after due demand or presentation.
7.5 RELIANCE UPON DOCUMENTS AND INSTRUCTIONS. The Custodian shall be
entitled to rely upon any certificate, notice or other instrument in writing
received by it and reasonably believed by it to be genuine. The Custodian shall
be entitled to rely upon any Oral Instructions and any Written Instructions
actually received by it pursuant to this Agreement.
7.6 EXPRESS DUTIES ONLY. The Custodian shall have no duties or obligations
whatsoever except such duties and obligations as are specifically set forth in
this Agreement, and no covenant or obligation shall be implied in this Agreement
against the Custodian.
7.7 CO-OPERATION. The Custodian shall cooperate with and supply necessary
information, by Fund, to the entity or entities appointed by the Trust to keep
the books of account of the Funds and/or compute the value of the assets of the
Funds. The Custodian shall take all such reasonable actions as the Trust may
from time to time request to enable the Trust to obtain, from year to year,
favorable opinions from the Trust's independent accountants with respect to the
Custodian's activities hereunder in connection with (a) the preparation of the
Trust's reports on Form N-1A and Form N-SAR and any other reports required by
the Securities and Exchange Commission, and (b) the fulfillment by the Trust of
any other requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
26
<PAGE>
ARTICLE VIII
------------
INDEMNIFICATION
---------------
8.1 INDEMNIFICATION BY TRUST. The Trust shall indemnify and hold harmless
the Custodian and any Sub-Custodian appointed pursuant to Section 3.3 above, and
any nominee of the Custodian or of such Sub-Custodian, from and against any
loss, damage, cost, expense (including attorneys' fees and disbursements),
liability (including, without limitation, liability arising under the Securities
Act of 1933, the 1934 Act, the 1940 Act, and any state or foreign securities
and/or banking laws) or claim arising directly or indirectly (a) from the fact
that Securities are registered in the name of any such nominee, or (b) from any
action or inaction by the Custodian or such Sub-Custodian (i) at the request or
direction of or in reliance on the advice of the Trust, or (ii) upon Proper
Instructions, or (c) generally, from the performance of its obligations under
this Agreement or any sub-custody agreement with a Sub-Custodian appointed
pursuant to Section 3.3 above, provided that neither the Custodian nor any such
Sub-Custodian shall be indemnified and held harmless from and against any such
loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or claim arising from the Custodian's or
such Sub-Custodian's negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct.
8.2 INDEMNIFICATION BY CUSTODIAN. The Custodian shall indemnify and hold
harmless the Trust from and against any loss, damage, cost, expense (including
attorneys' fees and disbursements), liability (including without limitation,
liability arising under the Securities Act of
27
<PAGE>
1933, the 1934 Act, the 1940 Act, and any state or foreign securities and/or
banking laws) or claim arising from the negligence, bad faith or willful
misconduct of the Custodian or any Sub-Custodian appointed pursuant to Section
3.3 above, or any nominee of the Custodian or of such Sub-Custodian.
8.3 INDEMNITY TO BE PROVIDED. If the Trust requests the Custodian to take
any action with respect to Securities, which may, in the opinion of the
Custodian, result in the Custodian or its nominee becoming liable for the
payment of money or incurring liability of some other form, the Custodian shall
not be required to take such action until the Trust shall have provided
indemnity therefor to the Custodian in an amount and form satisfactory to the
Custodian.
8.4 SECURITY. If the Custodian advances cash or Securities to a Fund for
any purpose, either at the Trust's request or as otherwise contemplated in this
Agreement, or in the event that the Custodian or its nominee incurs, in
connection with its performance under this Agreement, any loss, damage, cost,
expense (including attorneys' fees and disbursements), liability or claim
(except such as may arise from its or its nominee's negligence, bad faith or
willful misconduct), then, in any such event, any property at any time held for
the account of such Fund shall be security therefor, and should such Fund fail
promptly to repay or indemnify the Custodian, the Custodian shall be entitled to
utilize available cash of such Fund and to dispose of other assets of such Fund
to the extent necessary to obtain reimbursement or indemnification.
28
<PAGE>
ARTICLE IX
----------
FORCE MAJEURE
-------------
Neither the Custodian nor the Trust shall be liable for any failure or
delay in performance of its obligations under this Agreement arising out of or
caused, directly or indirectly, by circumstances beyond its reasonable control,
including, without limitation, acts of God; earthquakes; fires; floods; wars;
civil or military disturbances; sabotage; strikes; epidemics; riots; power
failures; computer failure and any such circumstances beyond its reasonable
control as may cause interruption, loss or malfunction of utility,
transportation, computer (hardware or software) or telephone communication
service; accidents; labor disputes; acts of civil or military authority;
governmental actions; or inability to obtain labor, material, equipment or
transportation; provided, however, that the Custodian in the event of a failure
or delay (i) shall not discriminate against the Funds in favor of any other
customer of the Custodian in making computer time and personnel available to
input or process the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and (ii) shall
use its best efforts to ameliorate the effects of any such failure or delay.
ARTICLE X
---------
EFFECTIVE PERIOD; TERMINATION
-----------------------------
10.1 EFFECTIVE PERIOD. This Agreement shall become effective as of its
execution and shall continue in full force and effect until terminated as
hereinafter provided.
10.2 TERMINATION. Either party hereto may terminate this Agreement by
giving to the other party a notice in writing specifying the date of such
termination, which shall be not less than sixty (60) days after the date of the
giving of such notice. If a successor custodian shall have been
29
<PAGE>
appointed by the Board of Trustees, the Custodian shall, upon receipt of a
notice of acceptance by the successor custodian, on such specified date of
termination (a) deliver directly to the successor custodian all Securities
(other than Securities held in a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository) and
cash then owned by the Funds and held by the Custodian as custodian, and (b)
transfer any Securities held in a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository to
an account of or for the benefit of the Funds at the successor custodian,
provided that the Trust shall have paid to the Custodian all fees, expenses and
other amounts to the payment or reimbursement of which it shall then be
entitled. Upon such delivery and transfer, the Custodian shall be relieved of
all obligations under this Agreement. The Trust may at any time immediately
terminate this Agreement in the event of the appointment of a conservator or
receiver for the Custodian by regulatory authorities or upon the happening of a
like event at the direction of an appropriate regulatory agency or court of
competent jurisdiction.
10.3 FAILURE TO APPOINT SUCCESSOR CUSTODIAN. If a successor custodian is
not designated by the Trust on or before the date of termination specified
pursuant to Section 10.1 above, then the Custodian shall have the right to
deliver to a bank or trust company of its own selection, which (a) is a "bank"
as defined in the 1940 Act and (b) has aggregate capital, surplus and undivided
profits as shown on its then most recent published report of not less than $25
million, all Securities, cash and other property held by Custodian under this
Agreement and to transfer to an account of or for the Funds at such bank or
trust company all Securities of the Funds held in a Book-Entry System or
Securities Depository. Upon such delivery and transfer, such bank or trust
company shall be the successor custodian under this Agreement and the Custodian
shall be relieved of all obligations under this Agreement.
30
<PAGE>
ARTICLE XI
----------
COMPENSATION OF CUSTODIAN
-------------------------
The Custodian shall be entitled to compensation as agreed upon from time to
time by the Trust and the Custodian. The fees and other charges in effect on the
date hereof and applicable to the Funds are set forth in Exhibit C attached
hereto.
ARTICLE XII
-----------
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
-----------------------
It is expressly agreed that the obligations of the Trust hereunder shall
not be binding upon any of the Trustees, shareholders, nominees, officers,
agents or employees of the Trust personally, but shall bind only the trust
property of the Trust as provided in the Trust's Agreement and Declaration of
Trust, as from time to time amended. The execution and delivery of this
Agreement have been authorized by the Trustees, and this Agreement has been
signed and delivered by an authorized officer of the Trust, acting as such, and
neither such authorization by the Trustees nor such execution and delivery by
such officer shall be deemed to have been made by any of them individually or to
impose any liability on any of them personally, but shall bind only the trust
property of the Trust as provided in the above-mentioned Agreement and
Declaration of Trust.
31
<PAGE>
ARTICLE XIII
------------
NOTICES
-------
Unless otherwise specified herein, all demands, notices, instructions, and
other communications to be given hereunder shall be in writing and shall be sent
or delivered to the recipient at the address set forth after its name
hereinbelow:
TO THE TRUST:
-------------
The Appleton Funds
221 East Fourth Street, Suite 300
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
Telephone: (513) 362-8000
Facsimile: (513) 362-8314
TO CUSTODIAN:
-------------
Firstar Bank, N.A.
425 Walnut Street, M.L. 6118
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
Attention: Mutual Fund Custody Services
Telephone: (513) 632-3016
Facsimile: (513) 632-4448
or at such other address as either party shall have provided to the other by
notice given in accordance with this Article XIII. Writing shall include
transmissions by or through teletype, facsimile, central processing unit
connection, on-line terminal and magnetic tape.
ARTICLE XIV
-----------
MISCELLANEOUS
-------------
14.1 GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio.
32
<PAGE>
14.2 REFERENCES TO CUSTODIAN. The Trust shall not circulate any printed
matter which contains any reference to Custodian without the prior written
approval of Custodian, excepting printed matter contained in the prospectus or
statement of additional information for a Fund and such other printed matter as
merely identifies Custodian as custodian for one or more Funds. The Trust shall
submit printed matter requiring approval to Custodian in draft form, allowing
sufficient time for review by Custodian and its counsel prior to any deadline
for printing.
14.3 NO WAIVER. No failure by either party hereto to exercise, and no delay
by such party in exercising, any right hereunder shall operate as a waiver
thereof. The exercise by either party hereto of any right hereunder shall not
preclude the exercise of any other right, and the remedies provided herein are
cumulative and not exclusive of any remedies provided at law or in equity.
14.4 AMENDMENTS. This Agreement cannot be changed orally and no amendment
to this Agreement shall be effective unless evidenced by an instrument in
writing executed by the parties hereto.
14.5 COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, and by the parties hereto on separate counterparts, each of which
shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute but one
and the same instrument.
14.6 SEVERABILITY. If any provision of this Agreement shall be invalid,
illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law, the validity,
legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not be affected or
impaired thereby.
33
<PAGE>
14.7 SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall
inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and
assigns; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that this Agreement shall not be assignable by
either party hereto without the written consent of the other party hereto.
14.8 HEADINGS. The headings of sections in this Agreement are for
convenience of reference only and shall not affect the meaning or construction
of any provision of this Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this Agreement to
be executed and delivered in its name and on its behalf by its representatives
thereunto duly authorized, all as of the day and year first above written.
ATTEST: THE APPLETON FUNDS
----------------------------- By:
Its: President
ATTEST: FIRSTAR BANK, N.A.
----------------------------- By:
Its:
34
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT A
---------
AUTHORIZED PERSONS
------------------
Set forth below are the names and specimen signatures of the persons
authorized by the Trust to administer the Fund Custody Accounts.
NAME SIGNATURE
---- ---------
Douglas A. Chamberlain
----------------------------------------
James I. Ladge
----------------------------------------
Scott A. Englehart
----------------------------------------
Lisa R. Oliverio
----------------------------------------
Tina D. Hosking
----------------------------------------
Jeffrey Rutowski
----------------------------------------
Renee Carnes
----------------------------------------
Daniel J. Simonson
----------------------------------------
35
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT B
FIRSTAR BANK, N.A.
STANDARDS OF SERVICE GUIDE
Firstar Bank, N.A., is committed to providing superior quality service to
all customers and their agents at all times. We have compiled this guide as a
tool for our clients to determine our standards for the processing of security
settlements, payment collection, and capital change transactions. Deadlines
recited in this guide represent the times required for Firstar Bank to guarantee
processing. Failure to meet these deadlines will result in settlement at our
client's risk. In all cases, Firstar Bank will make every effort to complete all
processing on a timely basis.
Firstar Bank is a direct participant of the Depository Trust Company, a
direct member of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, and utilizes the Bankers
Trust Company as its agent for ineligible and foreign securities.
For corporate reorganizations, Firstar Bank utilizes SEI's Reorg Source,
Financial Information, Inc., XCITEK, DTC Important Notices, and the WALL STREET
JOURNAL,
For bond calls and mandatory puts, Firstar Bank utilizes SEI's Bond Source,
Kenny Information Systems, Standard & Poor's Corporation, and DTC Important
Notices. Firstar Bank will not notify clients of optional put opportunities.
Any securities delivered free to Firstar Bank or its agents must be
received three (3) business days prior to any payment or settlement in order for
the Firstar Bank standards of service to apply.
Should you have any questions regarding the information contained in this
guide, please feel free to contact your account representative.
The information contained in this Standards Service Guide is subject to change.
Should any changes be made Firstar Bank will provide you with an updated copy of
its Standards of Service Guide.
36
<PAGE>
FIRSTAR BANK SECURITY SETTLEMENT STANDARDS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TRANSACTION TYPE INSTRUCTIONS DEADLINES* DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS
---------------- ----------------------- ---------------------
<S> <C> <C>
DTC 1:30 P.M. on Settlement Date DTC Participant #2219
Agent Bank ID #27895
Institutional #
For Account #
Federal Reserve Book Entry 12:30 P.M. on Settlement Date Federal Reserve Bank of
Cinti/Trust for Firstar Bank, N.A.
ABA# 042000013
For Account #
Federal Reserve Book Entry 1:00 P.M. on Settlement Date Federal Reserve Bank of
(Repurchase Agreement For Account # Cinti/Spec for Firstar Bank, N.A.
Collateral Only) ABA# 042000013
PTC Securities 12:00 P.M. on Settlement Date PTC For Account BTRST/CUST
(GNMA Book Entry) Sub Account: Firstar Bank, N.A. #090334
Physical Securities 9:30 A.M. EST on Settlement Date Bankers Trust Company
(for Deliveries, by 4:00 P.M. on 16 Wall Street 4th Floor, Window 43
Settlement Date minus 1) for Star Bank Account #090334
CEDEL/EURO-CLEAR 11:00 A.M. on Settlement Date Eurclear Via Cedel Bridge
minus 2 In favor of Bankers Trust Comp
Cedel 53355
For Firstar Bank Account #501526354
Cash Wire Transfer 3:00 P.M. Firstar Bank, N.A. Cinti/Trust
Credit Account #9901877 ABA# 042000013
Further Credit to
Account #
</TABLE>
*All times listed are Cincinnati time.
<PAGE>
FIRSTAR BANK PAYMENT STANDARDS
SECURITY TYPE INCOME PRINCIPAL
Equities Payable Date
Municipal Bonds* Payable Date Payable Date
Corporate Bonds* Payable Date Payable Date
Federal Reserve Bank
Book Entry* Payable Date Payable Date
PTC GNMA's (P&I) Payable Date + 1 Payable Date + 1
CMOs*
DTC Payable Date + 1 Payable Date + 1
Bankers Trust Payable Date + 1 Payable Date + 1
SBA Loan Certificates When Received When Received
Unit Investment Trust Payable Date Payable Date
Certificates*
Certificates of Deposit* Payable Date Payable Date
Limited Partnerships When Received When Received
Foreign Securities When Received When Received
*Variable Rate Securities
Federal Reserve Bank
Book Entry Payable Date Payable Date
DTC Payable Date + 1 Payable Date + 1
Bankers Trust Payable Date + 1 Payable Date + 1
NOTE: If a payable date falls on a weekend or bank holiday, payment will be
made on the immediately following business day.
<PAGE>
FIRSTAR BANK CORPORATE REORGANIZATION STANDARDS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TYPE OF ACTION NOTIFICATION TO CLIENT DEADLINE FOR CLIENT INSTRUCTIONS TRANSACTION
TO FIRSTAR BANK POSTING
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Rights, Warrants, Later of 10 business days prior 5 business days prior to expiration Upon receipt
and Optional Mergers to expiration or receipt of notice
Mandatory Puts with Later of 10 business days prior 5 business days prior to expiration Upon receipt
Option to Retain to expiration or receipt of notice
Class Actions 10 business days prior to 5 business days prior to expiration Upon receipt
expiration date
Voluntary Tenders, Later of 10 business days prior 5 business days prior to expiration Upon receipt
Exchanges, to expiration or receipt of notice
and Conversions
Mandatory Puts, Defaults, At posting of funds or securities None Upon receipt
Liquidations, Bankruptcies, received
Stock Splits, Mandatory
Exchanges
Full and Partial Calls Later of 10 business days prior None Upon receipt
to expiration or receipt of notice
</TABLE>
NOTE: Fractional shares/par amounts resulting from any of the above will be
sold.
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT C
FIRSTAR INSTITUTIONAL CUSTODY SERVICES
PROPOSED DOMESTIC CUSTODY FEE SCHEDULE FOR THE APPLETON EQUITY GROWTH
FUND
Firstar Institutional Custody Services, as Custodian, will receive monthly
compensation for services according to the terms of the following Schedule:
I. PORTFOLIO TRANSACTION FEES:
---------------------------
(a) For each repurchase agreement transaction $ 7.00
(b) For each portfolio transaction processed through
DTC or Federal Reserve $ 9.00
(c) For each portfolio transaction processed through
our New York custodian $25.00
(d) For each GNMA/Amortized Security Purchase $25.00
(e) For each GNMA Prin/Int Paydown, GNMA Sales $ 8.00
(f) For each covered call option/future contract written,
exercised or expired $10.00
(g) For each Cedel/Euro clear transaction $80.00
(h) For each Disbursement (Fund expenses only) $ 5.00
A transaction is a purchase/sale of a security, free receipt/free delivery
(excludes initial conversion), maturity, tender or exchange:
II. MARKET VALUE FEE
----------------
Based upon an annual rate of: Million
.0003 (3 Basis Points) on First $20
.0002 (2 Basis Points) on Next $30
.00015 (1.5 Basis Points) on Balance
III. MONTHLY MINIMUM FEE-PER FUND $300.00
----------------------------
IV. OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSES
----------------------
The only out-of-pocket expenses charged to your account will be shipping
fees or transfer fees.
V. IRA DOCUMENTS
-------------
Per Shareholder/year to hold each IRA Document $ 8.00
VI. EARNINGS CREDITS
----------------
On a monthly basis any earnings credits generated from uninvested custody
balances will be applied against any cash management service fees
generated.
<PAGE>
FIRSTAR INSTITUTIONAL CUSTODY SERVICES
PROPOSED CASH MANAGEMENT FEE SCHEDULE FOR THE APPLETON EQUITY
GROWTH FUND
SERVICES UNIT COST ($) MONTHLY COST ($)
-------- ------------- ----------------
D.D.A. Account Maintenance 15.00
Deposits .42
Deposited Items .109
Checks Paid .159
Balance Reporting - P.C. Access 50.00 1st Acct
35.00 each add'l
ACH Transaction .105
ACH Monthly Maintenance 40.00
ACH Additions, Deletions, Changes 6.00
ACH Stop Payment 5.00
ACH Debits .12
Deposited Items Returned 6.00
International Items Returned 10.00
NSF Returned Checks 25.00
Stop Payments 22.00
Data Transmission per account 115.00
Drafts Cleared .179
Lockbox Maintenance 60.00
Lockbox items Processed .34
Miscellaneous Lockbox items .12
Positive Pay .06
Issued Items .015
Invoicing for Service Charge 15.00
Wires Incoming
Domestic 11.00
International 11.00
Wires Outgoing
Domestic International
Repetitive 14.00 Repetitive 35.00
Non-Repetitive 13.00 Non-Repetitive 40.00
PC - Initiated Wires:
Domestic International
Repetitive 10.00 Repetitive 25.00
Non-Repetitive 11.00 Non-Repetitive 25.00
Customer Initiated 9.00
UNCOLLECTED CHARGE -- FIRSTAR PRIME RATE AS OF FIRST OF MONTH PLUS 4% OTHER
AVAILABLE CASH MANAGEMENT SERVICES ARE PRICED SEPARATELY.
