WILLAMETTE FUNDS
N-1A, 2001-01-18
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    AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON JANUARY 17, 2001

                                              File Nos. 811-10275 and __________

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM N-1A

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933                      /X/
Pre-Effective Amendment No. ___                                              / /
Post-Effective Amendment No. ___                                             / /

                                     and/or

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940              /X/
Amendment No. ___                                                            / /

                        (Check appropriate box or boxes)

                              THE WILLAMETTE FUNDS
               (Exact name of Registrant as specified in charter)

                         220 N.W. 2nd Avenue, Suite 940
                             Portland, Oregon 97209
                    (Address of Principal Executive Offices)

       Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code: (503) 224-8207

                               Timothy C. Phillips
                         Willamette Asset Managers, Inc.
                         220 N.W. 2nd Avenue, Suite 940
                             Portland, Oregon 97209
                     (Name and address of agent for service)

Please send copies of all communications to:

   Keith T. Robinson                       Timothy C. Phillips
   Dechert                                 Willamette Asset Managers, Inc.
   1775 Eye Street, N.W.                   220 N.W. 2nd Avenue, Suite 940
   Washington, D.C.  20006-2401            Portland, Oregon 97209

Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering:  The Registrant  hereby amends the
Registration  Statement  on such date or dates as may be  necessary to delay its
effective  date  until  the  Registrant  shall  file a further  amendment  which
specifically  states that this  Registration  Statement shall thereafter  become
effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until
the  Registration   Statement  shall  become  effective  on  such  date  as  the
Commission, acting pursuant to Section 8(a), shall determine.


<PAGE>

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                              The Willamette Funds
                              --------------------

                              Willamette Value Fund
                        Willamette Small Cap Growth Fund
                           Willamette Technology Fund
                     Willamette Global Health Sciences Fund
                      Willamette Post-Venture Capital Fund

                                     [LOGO]

                                   WILLAMETTE
                                 Asset Managers

                                   ----------
                         PROSPECTUS DATED ________, 2001
                                   ----------

              As with all mutual funds, the Securities and Exchange
              Commission has not approved the Fund's securities or
                determined whether this prospectus is accurate or
                   complete. Anyone who tells you otherwise is
                               committing a crime.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                   Questions?
                           Call 1-877-945-3863 or your
                            investment representative
                    ----------------------------------------


<PAGE>

The Willamette Funds                                Table of Contents

                                        [ICON] Fund Information
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Carefully review this important section,
which summarizes each Fund's investment
objectives and strategies, risks, past
performance, who may want to invest and
fees.

Objectives, Strategies, Risks and Performance                     3
  Willamette Value Fund                                           3
  Willamette Small Cap Growth Fund                                6
  Willamette Technology Fund                                      9
  Willamette Global Health Sciences Fund                         12
  Willamette Post-Venture Capital Fund                           15
Fund Expenses                                                    18

                                        [ICON] Shareholder Information
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Review this section for details on how
shares are valued, how to purchase, sell
and exchange shares, related charges,
and payments of dividends and
distributions.

Pricing of Fund Shares                                           19
Purchasing and Adding to Your Shares                             19
Selling Your Shares                                              22
General Policies on Selling                                      23
Distribution Arrangements/Sales Charges                          24
Exchanging Your Shares                                           26
Dividends, Distributions and Taxes                               27

                                        [ICON] Fund Management
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Review this section for details on the
people and organizations who oversee
each Fund.

The Investment Adviser                                           28
Sub-Advisers                                                     28
The Distributor and Administrator                                30

                                        [ICON] Financial Highlights
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Review this section for details on
selected financial highlights of the
Fund.

Financial Highlights                                             31


2

<PAGE>

[ICON] Willamette Value Fund

Investment Objective

The Fund's investment objective is to seek above average total return through a
combination of capital appreciation and dividend income.

Policies and Strategies

The Fund follows a "value" investment strategy that employs two portfolio
components. The first component, consisting of about one-half of the Fund's
total assets, is normally allocated by the Sub-Adviser to the ten highest
dividend-yielding stocks in the Dow Jones Industrial Average ("DJIA"). With the
second component, also consisting of about one-half of the Fund's assets, the
Sub-Adviser pursues a value strategy through active management. Thus, under
normal market conditions, the Sub-Adviser will invest this second component
primarily in equity securities that the Sub-Adviser believes have certain
characteristics of "value" stocks. These characteristics include: low price to
normalized earnings ratio, above-average dividend yield, low price relative to
net asset value, low valuation relative to the security's historic average, and
other factors.

The Sub-Adviser is subject to certain limitations with respect to investment of
each component because the Fund has elected to be a "diversified investment
company." A diversified investment company is restricted in the amount it can
invest in securities of a single issuer. Additionally, the assets allocated to
the above components will be reduced to the extent needed to maintain some
portion of the Fund's total assets in cash or cash equivalents to satisfy
redemption requests, to pay Fund expenses and for other contingencies. However,
under normal market conditions, at least 65% (and generally more substantial
portions) of the Fund's assets will be invested in accordance with the above two
components of its value strategy. The Fund's portfolio will be rebalanced
annually so that approximately one-half the Fund's assets, subject to the
foregoing limitations, will be allocated to each component. In the event of
bankruptcy, pending bankruptcy, a dividend cut, or other significant event
affecting a security in the DJIA component of the Fund's portfolio, the
Sub-Adviser may, but is not required to, replace the security with the next
highest dividend-yielding stock in the DJIA. Under abnormal market conditions,
the Fund may invest without limit in money market instruments and debt
securities rated A or better by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or
Standard and Poor's Ratings Services ("S&P"), or deemed by the Sub-Adviser to be
of comparable quality, including debt instruments of certain non-U.S. banks and
other non-U.S. issuers, which may cause the Fund to fail to achieve its
investment objective. If an instrument falls below this quality, the Fund will
sell the instrument unless the Sub-Adviser determines that a sale is not in the
Fund's best interest.

The Fund invests primarily in stock of U.S. issuers but it may also invest in
stock of foreign issuers in the form of sponsored or unsponsored depositary
receipts. The Fund may additionally invest in put and call options, futures
contracts and options on futures contracts, and in restricted or illiquid
securities. It may also lend its portfolio securities and may invest in
securities of other investment companies, which would result in some duplication
of expenses for Fund shareholders.


                                                                               3

<PAGE>

Willamette Value Fund

Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund

An investment in the Fund is subject to investment risks, and you can lose money
on your investment. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of any bank and
is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any
other government agency. More specifically, the Fund may be affected by the
following types of risks:

Equity Risk: The value of the equity securities held by the Fund, and thus of
the Fund's shares, can fluctuate -- at times dramatically. The prices of equity
securities are affected by various factors, including market conditions,
political and other events, and developments affecting the particular issuer or
its industry or geographic sector. The fact that the Sub-Adviser follows a
specific discipline can provide no assurance against a decline in the value of
the Fund's shares.

Market Risk: The Fund's portfolio securities can be affected by events that
affect the securities markets generally or particular segments of the market in
which the Fund has invested. Factors that are part of market risk include
interest rate fluctuations, quality of instruments in the Fund's portfolio,
national and international economic and political conditions and general market
conditions and market psychology.

Foreign Securities Risk: Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers have
special risks. These risks include international economic and political
developments, foreign government actions including restrictions on payments to
non-domestic persons such as the Fund, less regulation, less information,
currency fluctuations and interruptions in currency flow. Investments in foreign
securities also entail higher costs. The Fund's investments in foreign
securities may be in the form of sponsored or unsponsored depositary receipts,
such as American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"), Global Depositary Receipts
("GDRs") and European Depositary Receipts ("EDRs"). Ownership of unsponsored
depositary receipts may not entitle the Fund to financial and other reports from
the issuer of the underlying security, and certain costs related to the receipts
that would otherwise be borne by the issuer of a sponsored depositary receipt
may be passed through, in whole or in part, to holders of unsponsored receipts.

The Fund's fixed income investments are particularly subject to:

Interest Rate Risk: The value of the Fund's investments in debt instruments will
tend to fall if current interest rates increase and to rise if current interest
rates decline.

Credit Risk: The value of the Fund's debt instruments will generally decline if
the credit rating of the issuer declines, while their value will be favorably
affected by an increased credit rating. Also, an issuer whose credit rating has
declined may be unable to make payments of principal and/or interest.

Hedging Risks: The Fund's hedging activities, although they are designed to help
offset negative movements in the markets for the Fund's investments, will not
always be successful. Moreover, they can cause the Fund to lose money or fail to
get the benefit of a gain. Among other things, these negative effects can occur
if the market moves in a direction that the Fund's Sub-Adviser does not expect
or if the Fund cannot close out its position in a hedging instrument.

Securities Lending Risk: Although the Fund's loans of portfolio securities will
be fully collateralized and marked to market throughout the period of the loan,
the Fund may experience delays in getting the securities returned and may not
receive mark-to-market payments if the borrower enters bankruptcy or has other
financial problems.


4

<PAGE>

Willamette Value Fund

Fund Performance              The bar chart and table provide an indication of
                              the risks of an investment in the Fund by showing
                              its performance from year to year and as compared
                              to a broad-based securities index. Past
                              performance does not indicate how the Fund will
                              perform in the future. The Fund's performance was
                              achieved while it was a series of another
                              investment company, The Coventry Group. Note in
                              particular that performance reflected prior to
                              June 5, 2000 is that of the Adviser and after June
                              5, 2000 is that of the Sub-Adviser, the date the
                              Sub-Adviser commenced management of the Fund's
                              portfolio. The bar chart does not reflect the
                              impact of the sales charges applicable to sales of
                              the Fund's shares, which are reflected in the
                              total return table.

                        Performance Bar Chart and Table*
                  Year-by-Year Total Returns as of December 31
                      (Both the Chart and the Table assume
                  reinvestment of dividends and distributions)

[Graph Omitted]                    Best Quarter:       Q   ____    %
                                   Worst Quarter:      Q   ____    %

                      Average Annual Total Returns
                      (for the period ending December 31, 2000)
                                                  Inception   Past     Since
                                                    Date      Year   Inception
                      Willamette Value Fund:      5/26/98        %        %
                      Dow Jones 65
                        Composite Average*         6/1/98        %        %

*     Dow Jones 65 Composite Average - a price-weighted average consisting of
      the 65 stocks that make up the Dow Jones Industrial Average, the Dow Jones
      Transportation Average, and the Dow Jones Utility Average.

Who May                       Consider investing in the Fund if you are:
Want To Invest?                     o     investing for a long-term goal such as
                                          retirement (five year investment
                                          horizon);
                                    o     looking to add a growth component to
                                          your portfolio;
                                    o     willing to accept higher risks of
                                          investing in the stock market in
                                          exchange for potentially higher long
                                          term returns.

                              This Fund will not be appropriate for someone:
                                    o     seeking monthly income;
                                    o     pursuing a short-term goal or
                                          investing emergency reserves;
                                    o     seeking safety of principal.


                                                                               5

<PAGE>

[ICON] Willamette Small Cap Growth Fund

Investment Objective

The Fund's investment objective is to provide long term capital appreciation.

Policies and Strategies

The Fund, under normal market conditions, will invest primarily (at least 65% of
the value of its total assets) in equity securities of small domestic and
foreign issuers. The Fund currently considers "small" issuers to be those with
market capitalization of $1.5 billion or less at the time of purchase by the
Fund. The Fund may continue to hold companies in its portfolio even after their
market capitalizations exceed $1.5 billion. The Sub-Adviser will select
investments it believes have potential for rapid growth in earnings or revenues
due to expanded operations, new products, new technologies, new channels of
distribution, revitalized management or general industry conditions. Current
income will not be a factor in selecting investments for the Fund.

The Fund will invest primarily in stock of U.S. issuers but it may also invest
in stock of foreign issuers. The Fund may invest up to 15% of its assets in
foreign securities that are not listed on a securities exchange and foreign debt
securities that are not US dollar-denominated. The Fund may invest in U.S. and
foreign government obligations and money market instruments; under abnormal
market conditions, the Fund may invest without limit in these securities, which
may cause the Fund to fail to achieve its investment objective. The Fund has not
established minimum quality standards for its investments in debt securities.

The Fund may additionally invest in put and call options, futures contracts and
options on futures contracts, and restricted or illiquid securities. It may also
lend its portfolio securities and may invest in securities of other investment
companies, which results in some duplication of expenses for Fund shareholders.

Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund

An investment in the Fund is subject to investment risks, and you can lose money
on your investment. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of any bank and
is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any
other government agency. More specifically, the Fund may be affected by the
following types of risks:

Equity Risk: The value of the equity securities held by the Fund, and thus of
the Fund's shares, can fluctuate -- at times dramatically. The prices of equity
securities are affected by various factors, including market conditions,
political and other events, and developments affecting the particular issuer or
its industry or geographic sector. The fact that the Sub-Adviser follows a
specific discipline can provide no assurance against a decline in the value of
the Fund's shares.

Risks of Development Stage and Small Cap Stocks: Stocks of development stage and
small capitalization companies involve substantial risk. These stocks
historically have experienced greater price volatility than stocks of more
established and larger capitalization companies, and they may be expected to do
so in the future. Start-up and other small companies may have less-experienced
management, limited product lines, unproven track records or inadequate capital
reserves. Their securities may carry increased market, liquidity, information
and other risks. Key information about the company may be inaccurate or
unavailable.


6

<PAGE>

Willamette Small Cap Growth Fund

Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund
continued

Market Risk: The Fund's portfolio securities can be affected by events that
affect the securities markets generally or particular segments of the market in
which the Fund has invested. Factors that are part of market risk include
interest rate fluctuations, quality of instruments in the Fund's portfolio,
national and international economic and political conditions and general market
conditions and market psychology.

Foreign Securities Risk: Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers have
special risks. These risks include international economic and political
developments, foreign government actions including restrictions on payments to
non-domestic persons such as the Fund, less regulation, less information,
currency fluctuations and interruptions in currency flow. Investments in foreign
securities also entail higher costs. The Fund's investments in foreign
securities may be in the form of sponsored or unsponsored depositary receipts,
such as American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"), Global Depositary Receipts
("GDRs") and European Depositary Receipts ("EDRs"). Ownership of unsponsored
depositary receipts may not entitle the Fund to financial and other reports from
the issuer of the underlying security, and certain costs related to the receipts
that would otherwise be borne by the issuer of a sponsored depositary receipt
may be passed through, in whole or in part, to holders of unsponsored receipts.

The Fund's fixed income investments are particularly subject to:

Interest Rate Risk: The value of the Fund's investments in debt instruments will
tend to fall if current interest rates increase and to rise if current interest
rates decline.

Credit Risk: The value of the Fund's debt instruments will generally decline if
the credit rating of the issuer declines, while their value will be favorably
affected by an increased credit rating. Also, an issuer whose credit rating has
declined may be unable to make payments of principal and/or interest.

Risks of Lower Rated Securities: The Fund has not established minimum quality
standards for its investments in debt securities and it may invest in "junk"
bonds. Securities rated BBB or Baa by Standard and Poor's Ratings Services
("S&P") or Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") may have speculative
characteristics, and securities rated BB or Ba and unrated securities are
subject to higher risk of non-payment of principal or interest, or both, that
higher rated securities.

Hedging Risks: The Fund's hedging activities, although they are designed to help
offset negative movements in the markets for the Fund's investments, will not
always be successful. Moreover, they can cause the Fund to lose money or fail to
get the benefit of a gain. Among other things, these negative effects can occur
if the market moves in a direction that the Fund's Sub-Adviser does not expect
or if the Fund cannot close out its position in a hedging instrument.

Securities Lending Risk: Although the Fund's loans of portfolio securities will
be fully collateralized and marked to market throughout the period of the loan,
the Fund may experience delays in getting the securities returned and may not
receive mark-to-market payments if the borrower enters bankruptcy or has other
financial problems.


                                                                               7

<PAGE>

Willamette Small Cap Growth Fund

Fund Performance              The bar chart and table provide an indication of
                              the risks of an investment in the Fund by showing
                              its performance for its first complete calendar
                              year and as compared to a broad-based securities
                              index. Past performance does not indicate how the
                              Fund will perform in the future. The Fund's
                              performance was achieved while it was a series of
                              another investment company, The Coventry Group.
                              The bar chart does not reflect the impact of the
                              sales charges applicable to sales of the Fund's
                              shares, which are reflected in the total return
                              table.

                        Performance Bar Chart and Table*
           Total Returns for the Calendar Year ended December 31, 2000
                      (Both the Chart and the Table assume
                 reinvestment of dividends and distributions.)

[Graph Omitted]                    Best Quarter:     Q__   ____ ____%
                                   Worst Quarter:    Q__   ____ ____%

                         Average Annual Total Returns
                         (for the period ending December 31, 2000)
                                                  Inception   Past     Since
                                                     Date     Year   Inception
                         Willamette Value Fund:    4/01/99    ____%    ____%
                         Russell 2000(R) Index*               ____%    ____%

*     Russell 2000(R) Index- The Russell 2000(R) Index is a capitalization-
      weighted index of domestic equities traded on the NYSE, AMEX and NASDAQ
      Stock Market, Inc. ("NASDAQ"). The index represents the bottom 2,000
      companies of the 3,000 U.S. stocks with the largest market capitalizations

Who May                       Consider investing in the Fund if you are:
Want To Invest?                     o     investing for a long-term goal such as
                                          retirement (five year investment
                                          horizon);
                                    o     looking to add a growth component to
                                          your portfolio;
                                    o     willing to accept higher risks of
                                          investing in stock of smaller issuers.

                              This Fund will not be appropriate for someone:
                                    o     seeking monthly income;
                                    o     pursuing a short-term goal or
                                          investing emergency reserves;
                                    o     seeking safety of principal.


8

<PAGE>

[ICON] Willamette Technology Fund

Investment Objective

The Fund's investment objective is to provide long term growth of capital.

Policies and Strategies

The Fund, under normal market conditions, will invest primarily (at least 65% of
the value of its total assets) in common stocks of companies that the Fund's
Sub-Adviser believes either have, or will develop, products, processes or
services that will provide or will benefit significantly from technological
innovations, advances and improvements. These may include:

      o     Inexpensive computing power, such as personal computers;

      o     Improved methods of communications, such as satellite transmission;
            and

      o     Technology-related services, such as internet-related marketing
            services.

The prime emphasis of the Fund is to identify companies that the Sub-Adviser
believes are positioned to benefit from technological advances in areas such as
semi-conductors, computers, software, communications and online services.
Companies in which the Fund invests may include development stage companies
(companies that do not have significant revenues) and small capitalization
companies.

The Sub-Adviser will select companies that it believes exhibit strong management
teams, a strong competitive position, above average growth in revenues and a
sound balance sheet.

Up to 25% of the Fund's total assets may be invested in securities of foreign
issuers that are either listed on a United States stock exchange or are
represented by American Depositary Receipts.

To generate additional income, the Fund may lend securities representing up to
one-third of the value of its total assets to broker-dealers, banks and other
institutions.

The Fund may invest in U.S. government obligations and money market instruments;
under abnormal market conditions, the Fund may invest without limit in these
securities, which may cause the Fund to fail to achieve its investment
objective.


                                                                               9

<PAGE>

Willamette Technology Fund

Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund

An investment in the Fund is subject to investment risks, and you can lose money
on your investment. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of any bank and
is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any
other governmental agency. More specifically, the Fund may be affected by the
following types of risks:

Equity Risk: The value of the equity securities held by the Fund, and thus of
the Fund's shares, can fluctuate -- at times dramatically. The prices of equity
securities are affected by various factors, including market conditions,
political and other events, and developments affecting the particular issuer or
its industry or geographic sector. The fact that the Sub-Adviser follows a
specific discipline can provide no assurance against a decline in the value of
the Fund's shares.

Risks of the Technology Sector: Because the Fund invests primarily in
technology-related stocks, it is particularly susceptible to risks associated
with the technology industry. Competitive pressures may have a significant
effect on the financial condition of companies in that industry.

Risks of Non-Diversification: The Fund is non-diversified. This means that it
may invest a larger portion of its assets in a limited number of companies than
a diversified fund. Because a relatively high percentage of the Fund's assets
may be invested in the securities of a limited number of issuers that will be in
the same or related economic sectors, the Fund's portfolio may be more
susceptible to any single economic, technological or regulatory occurrence than
the portfolio of a diversified fund.

Risks of Development Stage and Small Cap Stocks: Stocks of development stage and
small capitalization companies involve substantial risk. These stocks
historically have experienced greater price volatility than stocks of more
established and larger capitalization companies, and they may be expected to do
so in the future. Start-up and other small companies may have less-experienced
management, limited product lines, unproven track records or inadequate capital
reserves. Their securities may carry increased market, liquidity, information
and other risks. Key information about the company may be inaccurate or
unavailable.

Foreign Securities Risk: Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers have
special risks. These risks include international economic and political
developments, foreign government actions including restrictions on payments to
non-domestic persons such as the Fund, less regulation, less information,
currency fluctuations and interruptions in currency flow. Investments in foreign
securities also entail higher costs. The Fund's investments in foreign
securities may be in the form of sponsored or unsponsored American Depositary
Receipts ("ADRs"). Ownership of unsponsored depositary receipts may not entitle
the Fund to financial and other reports from the issuer of the underlying
security, and certain costs related to the receipts that would otherwise be
borne by the issuer of a sponsored depositary receipt may be passed through, in
whole or in part, to holders of unsponsored receipts.

Securities Lending Risk: Although the Fund's loans of portfolio securities will
be fully collateralized and marked to market throughout the period of the loan,
the Fund may experience delays in getting the securities returned and may not
receive mark-to-market payments if the borrower enters bankruptcy or has other
financial problems.

New Fund Risk: There can be no assurance that the Fund will grow to an
economically viable size, in which case Fund management may determine to
liquidate the Fund at a time that may not be opportune for shareholders.


10

<PAGE>

Willamette Technology Fund

Fund Performance              Because the Fund commenced operations on March 1,
                              2000, it does not have a record of performance for
                              a calendar year. Performance information for
                              another fund managed by the Sub-Adviser in a
                              manner substantially identical to the Fund is
                              included in Appendix A.

Who May                       Consider investing in the Fund if you are:
Want To Invest?                     o     investing for a long-term goal such as
                                          retirement (five year investment
                                          horizon);
                                    o     looking to add a growth component to
                                          your portfolio;
                                    o     willing to accept higher risks of
                                          investing in a non-diversified
                                          portfolio of technology and small cap
                                          issuers.

                              This Fund will not be appropriate for someone:
                                    o     seeking monthly income;
                                    o     pursuing a short-term goal or
                                          investing emergency reserves;
                                    o     seeking safety of principal.


                                                                              11

<PAGE>

[ICON] Willamette Global Health Sciences Fund

Investment Objective

The Fund's investment objective is to provide long term growth of capital.

Policies And Strategies

The Fund, under normal market conditions, will invest primarily (at least 65% of
the value of its total assets) in equity and debt securities of U.S. and foreign
health sciences companies. Health sciences companies are enterprises that are
principally engaged in research and development, production, or distribution of
products or services related to health care, medicine and life sciences. The
Fund's investments will include companies from at least three different
countries, including the U.S., and there are no limits on the amount the Fund
may invest in foreign securities. The Fund may invest in companies of any size,
including large, medium and small capitalization companies and development stage
companies.

The Fund's investments, normally at least 80% of its assets, will be principally
in equity securities of health sciences companies. Equity securities include
common and preferred stocks, rights and warrants, and securities exchangeable
for or convertible into common stocks. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its
assets in debt securities, including debt securities rated below investment
grade ("junk bonds").

To generate additional income, the Fund may lend securities representing up to
one-third of the value of its total assets to broker-dealers, banks and other
institutions.

The Fund may invest in U.S. government obligations, money market instruments and
repurchase agreements; under abnormal market conditions, the Fund may invest
without limit in these securities, which may cause the Fund to fail to achieve
its investment objective.


12

<PAGE>

Willamette Global Health Sciences Fund

Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund

An investment in the Fund is subject to investment risks, and you can lose money
on your investment. More specifically, the Fund may be affected by the following
types of risks:

Equity Security Risk: The value of the equity securities held by the Fund, and
thus of the Fund's shares, can fluctuate -- at times dramatically. The prices of
equity securities are affected by various factors, including market conditions,
political and other events, and developments affecting the particular issuer or
its industry or geographic sector. The fact that the Sub-Adviser follows a
specific discipline can provide no assurance against a decline in the value of
the Fund's shares.

Risks of Health Sciences Companies: Because the Fund invests primarily in stocks
of health sciences companies, it is particularly susceptible to risks associated
with these industries. The Fund's performance will depend on the performance of
securities of these industries, which may differ from general stock market
performance. Many products and services in these industries may become rapidly
obsolete due to technological and scientific advances. In addition, governmental
regulation may have a material effect on the demand for products and services in
these industries, and new or amended regulations can adversely affect the issuer
or the market value of its securities. Finally, lawsuits or legal proceedings
against these companies can adversely affect the value of their securities.

Risks of Non-Diversification: The Fund is non-diversified. This means that it
may invest a larger portion of its assets in a limited number of companies than
a diversified fund. Because a relatively high percentage of the Fund's assets
may be invested in the securities of a limited number of issuers that will be in
the same or related economic sectors, the Fund's portfolio may be more
susceptible to any single economic, technological, regulatory or legal
occurrence than the portfolio of a diversified fund.

Risks of Development Stage and Small Cap Stocks: Stocks of development stage and
small capitalization companies involve substantial risk. These stocks
historically have experienced greater price volatility than stocks of more
established and larger capitalization companies, and they may be expected to do
so in the future. Start-up and other small companies may have less-experienced
management, limited product lines, unproven track records or inadequate capital
reserves. Their securities may carry increased market, liquidity, information
and other risks. Key information about the company may be inaccurate or
unavailable.

Foreign Securities Risk: Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers have
special risks. These risks include international economic and political
developments, foreign government actions including restrictions on payments to
non-domestic persons such as the Fund, less regulation, less information,
currency fluctuations and interruptions in currency flow. Investments in foreign
securities also entail higher costs. The Fund's investments in foreign
securities may include investments in the form of sponsored or unsponsored
American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"). Ownership of unsponsored depositary
receipts may not entitle the Fund to financial and other reports from the issuer
of the underlying security, and certain costs related to the receipts that would
otherwise be borne by the issuer of a sponsored depositary receipt may be passed
through, in whole or in part, to holders of unsponsored receipts.

Securities Lending Risk: Although the Fund's loans of portfolio securities will
be fully collateralized and marked to market throughout the period of the loan,
the Fund may experience delays in getting the securities returned and may not
receive mark-to-market payments if the borrower enters bankruptcy or has other
financial problems.

New Fund Risk: There can be no assurance that the Fund will grow to an
economically viable size, in which case Fund management may determine to
liquidate the Fund at a time that may not be opportune for shareholders.


                                                                              13

<PAGE>

Willamette Global Health Sciences Fund

Fund Performance              Because the Fund commenced operations on June 12,
                              2000, it does not have a record of performance for
                              a calendar year.

Who May                       Consider investing in the Fund if you are:
Want To Invest?                     o     investing for a long-term goal such as
                                          retirement (five year investment
                                          horizon);
                                    o     looking to add a growth component to
                                          your portfolio; and
                                    o     willing to accept higher risks of
                                          investing in a non-diversified
                                          portfolio of health sciences issuers.

                              This Fund will not be appropriate for someone:
                                    o     seeking monthly income;
                                    o     pursuing a short-term goal or
                                          investing emergency reserves;
                                    o     seeking safety of principal.


14

<PAGE>

[ICON] Willamette Post-Venture Capital Fund

Investment Objective

The Fund's investment objective is to provide long term growth of capital.

Policies and Strategies

Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 65% of assets in
equity securities of post-venture-capital companies from at least three
countries, including the U.S. Currently, the Fund intends to invest at least 35%
of total assets in companies located or conducting a majority of their business
outside the U.S. The Fund may invest in companies of any size and will diversify
its investments across companies, industries and countries.

The Sub-Adviser considers a post-venture-capital company as one that has
received venture-capital financing either:

      o     during the early stages of the company's existence or the early
            stages of the development of a new product or service, or

      o     as part of a restructuring or recapitalization of the company.

In either case, one or more of the following will have occurred within 10 years
prior to the Fund's purchase of the company's securities:

      o     the investment of venture-capital financing,

      o     distribution of the company's securities to venture-capital
            investors, or

      o     an initial public offering.

The Fund may invest up to 10% of its assets in private-equity portfolios that
invest in venture-capital companies, without limit in special-situation
companies, and without limit in foreign securities ("Private Funds"). The fund
also may engage in other investment practices.

To generate additional income, the Fund may lend securities representing up to
one-third of the value of its total assets to broker-dealers, banks and other
institutions.

The Fund may invest in U.S. government obligations and money market instruments;
under abnormal market conditions, the Fund may invest without limit in these
securities, which may cause the Fund to fail to achieve its investment
objective.


                                                                              15

<PAGE>

Willamette Post-Venture Capital Fund

Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund

An investment in the Fund is subject to investment risks, and you can lose money
on your investment. More specifically, the Fund may be affected by the following
types of risks:

Equity Risk: The value of the equity securities held by the Fund, and thus of
the Fund's shares, can fluctuate -- at times dramatically. The prices of equity
securities are affected by various factors, including market conditions,
political and other events, and developments affecting the particular issuer or
its industry or geographic sector. The fact that the Sub-Adviser follows a
specific discipline can provide no assurance against a decline in the value of
the Fund's shares.

Special-Situation Companies Risk: "Special situations" are unusual developments
that affect a company's market value. Examples include mergers, acquisitions and
reorganizations. Securities of special-situation companies may decline in value
if the anticipated benefits of the special situation do not materialize.

Risks of Development Stage and Small Cap Stocks: Stocks of development stage and
small capitalization companies involve substantial risk. These stocks
historically have experienced greater price volatility than stocks of more
established and larger capitalization companies, and they may be expected to do
so in the future. Start-up and other small companies may have less-experienced
management, limited product lines, unproven track records or inadequate capital
reserves. Their securities may carry increased market, liquidity, information
and other risks. Key information about the company may be inaccurate or
unavailable.

Foreign Securities Risk: Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers have
special risks. These risks include international economic and political
developments, foreign government actions including restrictions on payments to
non-domestic persons such as the Fund, less regulation, less information,
currency fluctuations and interruptions in currency flow. Investments in foreign
securities also entail higher costs. The Fund's investments in foreign
securities may be in the form of sponsored or unsponsored American Depositary
Receipts ("ADRs"). Ownership of unsponsored depositary receipts may not entitle
the Fund to financial and other reports from the issuer of the underlying
security, and certain costs related to the receipts that would otherwise be
borne by the issuer of a sponsored depositary receipt may be passed through, in
whole or in part, to holders of unsponsored receipts.

Securities Lending Risk: Although the Fund's loans of portfolio securities will
be fully collateralized and marked to market throughout the period of the loan,
the Fund may experience delays in getting the securities returned and may not
receive mark-to-market payments if the borrower enters bankruptcy or has other
financial problems.

New Fund Risk: There can be no assurance that the Fund will grow to an
economically viable size, in which case Fund management may determine to
liquidate the Fund at a time that may not be opportune for shareholders.

Liquidity Risk: The ability of the Fund to dispose of interests in Private Funds
is very limited. Interests in the Private Funds are subject to substantial
restrictions on transfer and, in some instances, may be non-transferable for a
period of years. There is generally no market for such interests. Interests may
be difficult or impossible to sell at prices comparable to the market prices of
similar securities that are publicly traded and limited liquidity could create
substantial losses for the Fund.


16

<PAGE>

Willamette Post-Venture Capital Fund


Fund Performance              Because the Fund had not commenced operations
                              prior to the date of this prospectus, it does not
                              have a record of performance.

Who May                       Consider investing in the Fund if you are:
Want To Invest?                     o     investing for a long-term goal such as
                                          retirement (five year investment
                                          horizon);
                                    o     looking to add a growth component to
                                          your portfolio;
                                    o     willing to accept higher risks of
                                          losing money in exchange for
                                          attractive potential long term
                                          returns;
                                    o     looking to diversify your portfolio
                                          internationally.

                              This Fund will not be appropriate for someone:
                                    o     seeking monthly income;
                                    o     pursuing a short-term goal or
                                          investing emergency reserves;
                                    o     seeking safety of principal;
                                    o     looking to limit your exposure to
                                          foreign securities.


                                                                              17

<PAGE>

[ICON] Risk/Return Summary & Fund Expenses

Fees and Expenses

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
shares of each of the Funds.

                                    Fee Table
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                  Willamette
                                                                       Willamette                   Global            Willamette
                                                          Willamette    Small Cap   Willamette      Health           Post-Venture
                                                             Value       Growth     Technology     Sciences            Capital
                                                             Fund         Fund         Fund          Fund                Fund
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                          <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>               <C>
  Shareholder Fees
    (fees paid by you directly from your investment)
  Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases
    (as a % of offering price)                               5.75%(1)     5.75%(1)     5.75%(1)      5.75%(1)          5.75%(1)
  Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load)
    (as a % of offering or sales price, whichever is less)   None         None         None          None              None
  Annual Fund Operating Expenses
    (expenses paid from Fund assets)
  Management fees                                            1.00%(2)     1.20%(2)     1.20%(2)(4)      1.20%(2)(4)    1.20%(2)(4)
  Distribution (12b-1) and service fees                      0.50%        0.50%        0.50%         0.50%             0.50%
  Other expenses                                             ____%        ____%        ____%         ____%(3)          ____%(3)
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses                         ____%        ____%        ____%         ____%             ____%
</TABLE>
----------
(1)   Lower sales charges are available depending upon the amount invested. See
      "Distribution Arrangements."
(2)   The Adviser pays fees of the Sub-Adviser out of its Management Fee from
      the Fund.
(3)   Other expenses are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.
(4)   The Adviser plans to waive 0.20% of its Management Fee with respect to the
      Funds but may terminate this waiver at any time.

Example: This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in
the Funds with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes:
      o     $10,000 investment
      o     5% annual return at the end of each period o redemption at the end
            of each period o no changes in the Fund's operating expenses

Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions,
your cost would be:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                  Willamette
                                                                       Willamette                   Global      Willamette
                                                          Willamette    Small Cap   Willamette      Health     Post-Venture
                                                             Value       Growth     Technology     Sciences       Capital
                                                             Fund         Fund         Fund          Fund          Fund
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                        <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>          <C>
  One Year After Purchase                                  $_______     $_______     $_______      $_______     $_______
  Three Years After Purchase                               $_______     $_______     $_______      $_______     $_______
  Five Years After Purchase                                $_______     $_______     $_______         N/A          N/A
  Ten Years After Purchase                                 $_______     $_______     $_______         N/A          N/A
</TABLE>
----------
(1)   The Securities and Exchange Commission requires that these Funds estimate
      expenses for one and three years only.


18

<PAGE>

[ICON] Shareholder Information

Pricing of Fund Shares

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How NAV is Calculated

The NAV is calculated by adding the total value of a Fund's investments and
other assets, subtracting its liabilities and then dividing that figure by the
number of outstanding shares of the Fund:

                                      NAV =
                           Total Assets - Liabilities
                           --------------------------
                                Number of Shares
                                   Outstanding

You can find the Fund's NAV daily in The Wall Street Journal and other
newspapers.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Per share net asset value (NAV) for each Fund is determined and its shares are
priced at the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange, normally
at 4:00 p.m. Eastern time on days the Exchange is open ("Business Days"). If
portfolio investments of a Fund are traded in markets on days that are not
Business Days of the Fund, the Fund's NAV may vary on days when investors cannot
purchase, redeem or exchange shares.

Your order for purchase, sale or exchange of shares is priced at the next NAV
calculated after your order is accepted by the Fund plus any applicable sales
charge as noted in the section on "Distribution Arrangements/Sales Charges."
This is what is known as the offering price.

Each Fund's securities are generally valued at current market prices. If market
quotations are not available, prices will be based on fair value as determined
by the Fund's Trustees.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Purchasing and Adding to Your Shares

You may purchase a Fund through the Distributor or through investment
representatives, who may charge additional fees and may require higher minimum
investments or impose other limitations on buying and selling shares. If you
purchase shares through an investment representative, that party is responsible
for transmitting orders by close of business and may have an earlier cut-off
time for purchase and sale requests. Consult your investment representative for
specific information.

                         Minimum           Minimum
                         Initial         Subsequent
Account Type           Investment        Investment

  Regular                $1,000              $100
  (non-retirement)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Retirement             $  250              $  -
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Automatic
  Investment Plan        $  250              $ 25
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All purchases must be in U.S. dollars. A fee will be charged for any checks that
do not clear. Third-party checks are not accepted.

A Fund may waive its minimum purchase requirement and the Distributor may reject
a purchase order if it considers it in the best interest of the Fund and its
shareholders.


                                                                              19

<PAGE>

Shareholder Information

Purchasing and Adding To Your Shares
continued

Instructions for Opening or Adding to an Account

By Regular Mail

Initial Investment:

1.    Carefully read and complete the application. Establishing your account
      privileges now saves you the inconvenience of having to add them later.

2.    Make check, bank draft or money order payable to "Willamette Funds."

3.    Mail to: The Willamette Funds, P.O. Box 182301, Columbus, OH 43218-2301

Subsequent:

1.    Use the investment slip attached to your account statement. Or, if
      unavailable,

2.    Include the following information on a piece of paper:

      o     Fund name;

      o     Amount invested;

      o     Account name;

      o     Account number.

      Include your account number on your check.

3.    Mail to: The Willamette Funds, P.O. Box 182301, Columbus, OH 43218-2301.

By Overnight Service

See instructions 1-2 above for subsequent investments.

3.    Send to: The Willamette Funds,
      Attn: Shareholder Services, 3435 Stelzer Road, Columbus, OH 43219

By Wire Transfer

Note: Your bank may charge a wire transfer fee.

Prior to wiring funds and in order to ensure that wire orders are invested
promptly, investors must call the Fund at (877) 945-3863 to obtain instructions
regarding the bank account number to which the funds should be wired and other
pertinent information.

You can add to your account by using the convenient options described below.
Each Fund reserves the right to change or eliminate these privileges at any time
with 60 days notice.

                                                            Questions?
                                                    Call 1-800-258-9232 or your
                                                     investment representative
                                                  ------------------------------


20

<PAGE>

Shareholder Information

Purchasing and Adding to Your Shares
continued

Automatic Investment Plan

You can make automatic investments in a Fund from your bank account. Automatic
investments can be as little as $25, once you've invested the $250 minimum
required to open the account.

To invest regularly from your bank account:

[]    Complete the Automatic Investment Plan portion on your Account
      Application.

      Make  sure you note:

      o     Your bank name, address and ABA number;

      o     Your checking or savings account number;

      o     The amount you wish to invest automatically (minimum $25);

      o     How often you want to invest (every month, twice a month, 4 times a
            year or once a year);

      o     Attach a voided personal check or savings deposit slip.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividends and Distributions

All dividends and distributions will be automatically reinvested unless you
request otherwise. There are no sales charges for reinvested dividends and
distributions. Capital gains are distributed at least annually.

Distributions are made on a per share basis regardless of how long you've owned
your shares. Therefore, if you invest shortly before the distribution date, some
of your investment will be returned to you in the form of a distribution.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                                                        21

<PAGE>

Shareholder Information

Selling Your Shares
                                   --------------------------------------------
Instructions For Selling Shares    Withdrawing Money from Your Fund Investment

You may sell your shares at        As a mutual fund shareholder, you are
any time. Your sales price         technically selling shares when you request
will be the next NAV after         a withdrawal in cash. This is also known as
your sell order is received by     redeeming shares or a redemption of shares.
the Fund, its transfer agent,      --------------------------------------------
or your investment
representative. Normally you
will receive your proceeds
within a week after your
request is received. See the
section "General Policies on
Selling Shares".

By telephone (unless you have declined telephone sales privileges)

      1.    Call (877) 945-3863 with instructions as to how you wish to receive
            your funds (mail, check or wire). Note: IRA redemptions must be
            requested by mail.

By mail

      1.    Call (877) 945-3863 to request redemption forms or write a letter of
            instruction indicating: o your Fund and account number; o amount you
            wish to redeem; o address where your check should be sent; o account
            owner(s) signature.

      2.    Mail to: The Willamette Funds, P.O. Box 182301, Columbus, OH
            43218-2301

Wire transfer

You must indicate this option on your application.

A Fund may charge a wire transfer fee.

Note: Your financial institution may also charge a separate fee.

Call (877) 945-3863 to request a wire transfer.

If you call by 4 p.m. Eastern time, your payment will normally be wired to your
bank on the next business day.

Automatic Withdrawal Plan

You can receive automatic payments from your account on a monthly, quarterly,
semi annual, or annual basis. The minimum withdrawal is $100. To activate this
feature:

      o     Make sure you've checked the appropriate box on the Account
            Application. Or call (877) 945-3863;

      o     A minimum balance of $12,000 is required;

      o     Include a voided personal check;

      o     If the value of your account falls below $500, you may be asked to
            add sufficient funds to bring the account back to $500, or the Fund
            may close your account and mail the proceeds to you.


22

<PAGE>

Shareholder Information

General Policies on Selling Shares

Redemptions in Writing Required

You must request redemption in writing in the following situations:

1.    Redemptions from Individual Retirement Accounts ("IRAs").

2.    Redemption requests requiring a signature guarantee which include each of
      the following:

      o     Redemptions Over $50,000;

      o     Your account registration or the name(s) in your account has changed
            within the last 10 business days;

      o     The check is not being mailed to the address on your account;

      o     The check is not being made payable to the owner of the account;

      o     The redemption proceeds are being transferred to another Fund
            account with a different registration.

A signature guarantee can be obtained from a financial institution, such as a
bank, broker-dealer, credit union, clearing agency, or savings association.

Verifying Telephone Redemptions

Each Fund makes every effort to insure that telephone redemptions are only made
by authorized shareholders. All telephone calls are recorded for your protection
and you will be asked for information to verify your identity. Given these
precautions, unless you have specifically indicated on your application that you
do not want the telephone redemption feature, you may be responsible for any
fraudulent telephone orders. If appropriate precautions have not been taken, the
Transfer Agent may be liable for losses due to unauthorized transactions.

Redemptions Within 10 Business Days of Initial Investment

When you have made your initial investment by check, you cannot redeem any
portion of it until the Transfer Agent is satisfied that the check has cleared
(which may require up to 10 business days). You can avoid this delay by
purchasing shares with a certified check or wire transfer.

Refusal of Redemption Request

Payment for shares may be delayed under extraordinary circumstances or as
permitted by the SEC in order to protect remaining shareholders.

Redemption in Kind

The Funds reserve the right to make payment in securities rather than cash,
known as "redemption in kind." This could occur under extraordinary
circumstances, such as a very large redemption that could affect a Fund's
operations (for example, more than 1% of the Fund's net assets). If a Fund deems
it advisable for the benefit of all shareholders, redemption in kind will
consist of securities equal in market value to your shares. When you convert
these securities to cash, you will pay brokerage charges.

Closing of Small Accounts

If your account falls below $500, a Fund may ask you to increase your balance.
If it is still below $500 after 60 days, the Fund may close your account and
send you the proceeds at the current NAV.

Undeliverable Redemption Checks

For any shareholder who chooses to receive distributions in cash: If
distribution checks (1) are returned and marked as "undeliverable" or (2) remain
uncashed for six months, your account will be changed automatically so that all
future distributions are reinvested in your account. Checks that remain uncashed
for six months will be canceled and the money reinvested in the Fund.


                                                                              23

<PAGE>

Shareholder Information

Distribution Arrangements/Sales Charges

This section describes the sales charges and fees you will pay as an investor in
the Funds and ways to qualify for reduced sales charges.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Sales Charge (Load) Front-end sales charge; reduced sales
                  charges available.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Distribution (12b-1) Subject to annual distribution (12b-1)
                  and shareholder servicing fees of and Service Fees up to .50%
                  of the Fund's total assets.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Calculation of Sales Charges

Shares of a Fund are sold at its public offering price. This price includes the
initial sales charge. Therefore, part of the money you invest will be used to
pay the sales charge. The remainder is invested in Fund shares. The sales charge
decreases with larger purchases. There is no sales charge on reinvested
dividends and distributions.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         Amount of Sales
                                                                                       Charge Reallowed to
                                                                                          Dealers as a
                                            Sales Charge            Sales Charge       Percentage of your
                  Your                        as a % of               as a % of          Public Offering
               Investment                  Offering Price          Your Investment           Price**
<S>         <C>                                 <C>                     <C>                   <C>
  Less than $50,000                             5.75%                   6.10%                 5.00%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  $50,000 but less than $100,000                5.00%                   5.26%                 4.25%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  $100,000 but less than $250,000               4.00%                   4.17%                 3.60%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  $250,000 but less than $500,000               3.00%                   3.09%                 2.70%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  $500,000 but less than $750,000               2.50%                   2.56%                 2.25%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  $750,000 but less than $1,000,000             1.25%                   1.27%                 1.10%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  $1,000,000 and above*                         0.00%                   0.00%                 0.00%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 * In the case of investments of $1 million or more, a 0.25% redemption fee will
be assessed on shares redeemed within 12 months of purchase (excluding shares
purchased with reinvested dividends and/or distributions).

** The Distributor may reallow up to 100% of the sales charge to Phillips &
Company Securities, Inc., an affiliate of the Adviser. The staff of the
Securities and Exchange Commission has indicated that dealers who receive more
than 90% of the sales charge may be considered underwriters. The Distributor, at
its expense, may provide additional compensation to dealers in connection with
sales of Shares of the Fund.


24

<PAGE>

Shareholder Information

Distribution Arrangements/Sales Charges
continued

Sales Charge Reductions

Reduced sales charges are available to shareholders with investments of $100,000
or more. In addition, you may qualify for reduced sales charges under the
following circumstances.

Letter of Intent: You inform the Fund in writing that you intend to purchase
enough shares over a 13-month period to qualify for a reduced sales charge. You
must include a minimum of 5% of the total amount you intend to purchase with
your letter of intent.

Rights of Accumulation: When the value of shares you already own plus the amount
you intend to invest reaches the amount needed to qualify for reduced sales
charges, your added investment will qualify for the reduced sales charge.

Combination Privilege: Combine accounts of multiple Funds or accounts of
immediate family household members (spouse and children under 21) to achieve
reduced sales charges.

Sales Charge Waivers

The sales charge will not apply to purchases of Shares by: (a) trust, investment
management and other fiduciary accounts managed by the Adviser pursuant to a
written agreement; (b) any person purchasing Shares with the proceeds of a
distribution from a trust, investment management or other fiduciary account
managed by the Adviser pursuant to a written agreement; (c) BISYS Fund Services
("BISYS") or any of its affiliates; (d) Trustees or officers of the Fund; (e)
directors or officers of BISYS, the Adviser or affiliates or bona fide full-time
employees of the foregoing who have acted as such for not less than 90 days
(including members of their immediate families and their retirement accounts or
plans) for which there is a written service agreement between any Fund and the
plan sponsor, so long as such Shares are purchased through the Fund; or (g) any
person purchasing shares within an approved asset allocation program sponsored
by a financial services organization. The sales charge also does not apply to
shares sold to representatives of selling brokers and members of their immediate
families that have signed a selling group agreement with the Fund. In addition,
the sales charge does not apply to sales to bank trust departments, acting on
behalf of one or more clients, of Shares having an aggregate value equal to or
exceeding $200,000. Finally, up to 50% of applicable sales charges may be waived
for customers of Phillips & Co. Securities, Inc. and Willamette Securities,
Inc., both broker-dealer affiliates of the Adviser.

Distribution (12b-1) and Service Fees

Each Fund is permitted to pay annually up to 0.50% of its average daily net
assets in 12b-1 fees. 12b-1 fees compensate the Distributor and other dealers
and investment representatives for services and expenses relating to the sale
and distribution of a Fund's shares and/or for providing shareholder services.
12b-1 fees are paid from Fund assets on an ongoing basis, and will increase the
cost of your investment.

The Distributor may use up to .25% of the 12b-1 fee for shareholder servicing.

Long-term shareholders may pay indirectly more than the equivalent of the
maximum permitted front-end sales charge due to the recurring nature of 12b-1
distribution and service fees.


                                                                              25

<PAGE>

Shareholder Information

Exchanging Your Shares

You can exchange your shares in a Fund for shares of another Willamette Fund,
usually without paying additional sales charges. No transaction fees are charged
for exchanges.

You must meet the minimum investment requirements for the Fund into which you
are exchanging. Exchanges from one Fund to another are taxable.

Instructions for Exchanging Shares

Exchanges may be made by sending a written request to The Willamette Funds, P.O.
Box 182301, Columbus, OH 43218-2301 or by calling (877) 945-3863. Please provide
the following information:

      o     Your name and telephone number;

      o     The exact name on your account and account number;

      o     Taxpayer identification number (usually your Social Security
            number);

      o     Dollar value or number of shares to be exchanged;

      o     The name of the Fund from which the exchange is to be made;

      o     The name of the Fund into which the exchange is being made.

See "Selling your Shares" for important information about telephone
transactions.

Notes on Exchanges

      o     To prevent disruption in the management of each Fund, due to market
            timing strategies, exchange activity may be limited to 4 exchanges
            within a calendar year.

      o     The registration and tax identification numbers of the two accounts
            must be identical.

      o     The exchange privilege may be changed or eliminated at any time upon
            a 60-day notice to shareholders.

Individual Retirement Account ("IRA")

An IRA enables individuals, even if they participate in an employer-sponsored
retirement plan, to establish their own retirement programs. IRA contributions
may be tax-deductible and earnings are tax-deferred. Under the Tax Reform Act of
1986, the tax deductibility of IRA contributions is restricted or eliminated for
individuals who participate in certain employer pension plans and whose annual
income exceeds certain limits. Existing IRAs and future contributions up to the
IRA maximums, whether deductible or not, still earn income on a tax-deferred
basis.

All IRA distribution requests must be made in writing to BISYS. Any additional
deposits to an IRA must distinguish the type and year of the contribution.

For more information on an IRA call The Willamette Funds at (877) 945-3863.
Shareholders are advised to consult a tax adviser regarding IRA contribution and
withdrawal requirements and restrictions.


26

<PAGE>

Shareholder Information

Dividends, Distributions and Taxes

Any income a Fund receives in the form of dividends is paid out, less expenses,
to its shareholders. Income dividends are declared, and usually paid, annually.
Capital gains for that Fund are distributed at least annually.

Dividends and distributions from a Fund will be automatically paid in additional
shares of that Fund unless the shareholder elects to receive either of these
amounts in cash. This election is made in the Application Form, and any change
must be made in writing to the Fund at P.O. Box 182301, Columbus, Ohio
43218-2301 and will be effective for payments having a record date after the
Fund's receipt of this notice. If payments made in cash are returned marked
"Undeliverable" or remain uncashed for six months, the cash election will be
automatically changed to provide for automatic reinvestment. Undeliverable or
returned checks will be cancelled and the amounts payable on those checks will
be reinvested in additional shares of the applicable Fund at the net asset value
on the date of cancellation.

Dividends and distributions are treated in the same manner for federal income
tax purposes whether you receive them in cash or in additional shares.

Dividends are taxable as ordinary income. If the Fund designates a distribution
as a long-term capital gains distribution, it will be taxable to you at your
long-term capital gains rate, regardless of how long you have owned your Fund
shares.

Some dividends are taxable in the calendar year in which they are declared, even
though your account statement may reflect them as being distributed in the
following year.

You will be notified in January each year about the federal tax status of
distributions made by the Fund. Depending on your residence for tax purposes,
distributions also may be subject to state and local taxes, including
withholding taxes.

An exchange of Fund shares is considered a sale, and any related gains may be
subject to applicable taxes.

Foreign shareholders may be subject to special withholding requirements. There
is a tax penalty on certain pre-retirement distributions from retirement
accounts. Consult your tax adviser about the federal, state and local tax
consequences in your particular circumstances.

Each Fund is required to withhold 31% of taxable dividends, capital gains
distributions and redemptions paid to shareholders who have not provided the
Fund with their certified taxpayer identification number in compliance with IRS
rules or shareholders that are subject to back-up withholding. To avoid
withholding, make sure you provide your correct Tax Identification Number
(Social Security Number for most investors) on your account application.


                                                                              27

<PAGE>

[ICON] Fund Management

The Investment Adviser

Willamette Asset Managers, Inc., 220 NW 2nd Avenue, Suite 950, Portland, Oregon
97209, is the investment adviser for the Fund. The Adviser is an affiliate of
two registered broker-dealers -- Phillips & Company Securities Inc. and
Willamette Securities, Inc. The Adviser is responsible for general management of
each Fund. Each Fund pays fees to the Adviser at an annual rate of 1.20% of the
Fund's average daily net assets except the Willamette Value Fund, for which the
Fund pays fees to the Adviser of an annual rate of 1.00% of the Fund's average
daily net assets. The Adviser pays fees of the Sub-Adviser out of its fees from
the Fund, at no additional cost to the Fund.

The Sub-Advisers

Willamette Value Fund

The Bank of New York, One Wall Street, New York, New York 10286, provides
portfolio management services to the Willamette Value Fund, as Sub-Adviser. The
Sub-Adviser, founded by Alexander Hamilton in 1784, is one of the largest U.S.
commercial banks, with assets over $___ billion as of December 31, 2000. As of
that date, the Sub-Adviser provided administrative or advisory services for
approximately $__ billion in assets.

Portfolio managers for the DJIA portion of the Fund's portfolio are Kurt Zyla
and Tracy Hemmi. Charles Foley and Henry Wilmerding are portfolio managers for
the actively managed portion of the Fund's portfolio.

Mr. Zyla is responsible for all aspects of the Sub-Adviser's passive investment
management group. His additional responsibilities include equity derivative
product strategy, analysis and trading for the Sub-Adviser's Investment and
Trust sectors. Prior to joining the Sub-Adviser in 1989, he worked in the
Specialty Chemicals division of Engelhard Corporation, in the areas of technical
sales and product management. Mr. Zyla has a B.S. in chemical engineering from
New Jersey Institute of Technology and an MBA from New York University's Stern
School of Business.

Ms. Hemmi joined the Sub-Adviser's Index Fund Management department in July
1999. She is responsible for the day-to-day management and trading of equity
index portfolios for the Sub-Adviser's Investment and Trust sectors. Prior to
joining the Sub-Adviser, she worked as the index portfolio manager at Key Asset
Management, and as a financial analyst and funds management trader for KeyCorp.
Ms. Hemmi holds a B.A. in Economics from the University of Rochester and an
M.B.A. from Case Western Reserve University's Weatherhead School of Management.

Mr. Foley has been a Senior Vice President of the Sub-Adviser since June 1,
2000, and is President and Portfolio Manager of its subsidiary, Estabrook
Capital Management LLC, with which he has been associated since 1970. From 1966
to 1970, he was with Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. in their Investment and Bond
Department. Mr. Foley holds a B.A. from Manhattan College and an M.B.A. from
Columbia University Graduate School of Business. He holds a Chartered Financial
Analyst designation and is a member of the New York Society of Security
Analysts.

Mr. Wilmerding has been a Vice President of the Sub-Adviser since June 1, 2000
and is currently a Director and Portfolio Manager of the Sub-Adviser's
subsidiary, Estabrook Capital Management, which he joined in 1995. Mr.
Wilmerding began his career in 1992 in the Investment Advisory Department of
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. He holds a B.A. from Colby College and an M.B.A.
from Columbia University Graduate School of Business.


28

<PAGE>

Fund Management

Willamette Small Cap Growth Fund

The Bank of New York also serves as Sub-Adviser for the Willamette Small Cap
Growth Fund.

John C. Lui, Vice President of the Sub-Adviser, is responsible for day-to-day
management of the Fund. Mr. Lui has been employed by the Sub-Adviser for the
past four years as an institutional equity manager, and is responsible for
managing various investments in equity securities on behalf of the Sub-Adviser's
institutional clients. He also serves as portfolio manager to the Small Cap
Growth Fund, a series of BNY Hamilton Funds. From 1993 to 1995, Mr. Lui was
employed by Barclays Global Asset Management, where he managed global equity and
bond portfolios.

Willamette Technology Fund

U.S. Bank National Association, 601 Second Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota
55480 acting through its First American Asset Management division, provides
portfolio management services to the Fund, as Sub-Adviser. The Sub-Adviser
provides investment management services to individuals and institutions,
including corporations, foundations, pensions and retirements plans, and other
registered investment companies. As of December 31, 2000, the Sub-Adviser had
more than $___ billion in assets under management, including investment company
assets of approximately $___ billion.

A team of persons associated with the Sub-Adviser is responsible for day-to-day
management of the Fund.

Willamette Global Health Sciences Fund

Credit Suisse Asset Management, LLC (CSAM), One Citicorp Center, 153 East 53rd
Street, New York, NY 10022, acts as Sub-Adviser to the Global Health Sciences
Fund. The Sub-Adviser also acts as investment adviser to the Warburg Pincus
Family of Funds. The Sub-Adviser is a member company of Credit Suisse Asset
Management, the institutional asset management and mutual fund arm of Credit
Suisse Group (Credit Suisse), one of the world's leading banks. As of December
31, 2000 The Credit Suisse Asset Management companies managed more than $___
billion in the U.S. and $___ billion globally. They have offices in 14
countries, including SEC-registered offices in New York and London.

Portfolio Managers for the Fund are Susan Black and Peter T. Wen.

Susan Black, Managing Director, is the senior manager of large-capitalization
U.S. growth equity portfolios. She joined Warburg Pincus Asset Management, Inc.
(WPAM) in 1985 and came to CSAM in 1999 when Credit Suisse acquired WPAM. Ms.
Black served as WPAM's director of research from 1988 through 1994. Previously,
she was a partner and portfolio manager at Century Capital Associates; an equity
analyst at Drexel Burnham Lambert and Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette; and an
equity analyst and then director of research at Argus Research. Ms. Black holds
a B.A. in Economics from Mount Holyoke College. She is a Chartered Financial
Analyst.

Peter T. Wen, Vice President, is an analyst focusing on health care companies in
large-capitalization U.S. equity portfolios. He joined CSAM in 1999 from Lynch &
Mayer, where he was a health care analyst. Previously, he was a principal at
SPEC, an information systems consulting firm. Mr. Wen holds a B.A. in Biology
from Harvard College and an M.B.A. in Finance from the University of
Pennsylvania's Wharton School. He is fluent in Mandarin Chinese.


                                                                              29

<PAGE>

Fund Management

Willamette Post-Venture Capital Fund

Credit Suisse Asset Management, LLC also serves as Sub-Adviser to the Willamette
Post-Venture Capital Fund.

A team of persons associated with the Sub-Adviser is responsible for day-to-day
management of the Fund.

Manager of Managers

The Willamette Funds ("Trust") has filed an application for an order of the
Securities and Exchange Commission granting exemptions from certain provisions
of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, to permit the Funds to be
managed under a "manager of managers" structure. If the Securities Exchange
Commission grants the requested exemptive order, the Adviser will, subject to
the supervision and approval of the Trust's Board of Trustees, be permitted to
hire, terminate or replace investment sub-advisers for each of the Funds without
shareholder approval. However, if the Funds hire a new sub-adviser, they will
provide written information concerning the new sub-adviser to shareholders of
the Fund concerned. The purpose of the "manager of managers" structure is to
give the Adviser the means to more directly monitor the management of the Funds
and to give the Adviser greater flexibility to react to poor investment
performance by an investment sub-adviser and other service issues at less cost
to shareholders. There is no guarantee that the Trust will obtain this order
from the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The Distributor and Administrator

BISYS Fund Services is each Fund's distributor and BISYS Fund Services Ohio,
Inc. is each Fund's administrator. The address of each is 3435 Stelzer Road,
Columbus, OH 43219.

The Statement of Additional Information has more detailed information about the
Fund's service providers.

Capital Structure

The Willamette Funds was organized as a Delaware business trust on ________,
2001 and overall responsibility for the management of the Funds is vested in the
Board of Trustees.


30

<PAGE>

[ICON] Financial Highlights

Willamette Value Fund

The Financial Highlights table is intended to help you understand the Fund's
financial performance since its inception on May 26, 1998. Certain information
reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the
table represent the rate that an investor would have realized on an investment
in a Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any).
The information through March 31, 2000 has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP,
whose report, along with the Fund's financial statements, are included in the
annual report of the Fund, which is available upon request.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            Six Months
                                                               Ended       Year Ended   Period Ended
                                                           September 30,     March 31     March 31
                                                               2000            2000       1999 (a)
                                                           -------------   ----------   ------------
                                                            (Unaudited)
<S>                                                           <C>            <C>         <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period                          $  9.65        $ 10.11     $  10.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Investment Activities
    Net investment income                                         --            0.01           --
    Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments     (0.48)          (0.10)        0.11
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total from investment activities                         (0.48)          (0.09)        0.11
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Distributions
    Net investment income                                      (0.01)             --**         --
    In excess of net investment income                            --           (0.01)          --
    Net realized gains                                            --           (0.36)          --
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total Distributions                                      (0.01)          (0.37)          --
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Asset Value, End of Period                               $  9.16          $ 9.65     $  10.11
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total return (excludes sales charge)                     (4.96)%(b)      (0.98)%       1.11%(b)
  Ratios/Supplementary Data:
    Net assets, end of period (000)                          $13,600         $15,872      $14,965
    Ratio of net expenses to average net assets                 2.90%(c)        2.75%        2.90%(c)
    Ratio of net investment income to average net assets        0.06%(c)        0.03%        0.02%(c)
    Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets*              2.90%(c)        3.02%        3.20%(c)
  Portfolio turnover                                           39.87%          79.63%        0.39%
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
*     During the period, certain fees were voluntarily reimbursed. If such
      voluntary fee reimbursements had not occurred, the ratio would have been
      as indicated.
**    Amount is less than $0.005
(a)   For the period from May 26, 1998 (commencement of operations) to March 31,
      1999
(b)   Not annualized.
(c)   Annualized.


                                                                              31

<PAGE>

Financial Highlights

Willamette Small Cap Growth Fund

The Financial Highlights table is intended to help you understand the Fund's
financial performance since its inception on April 1, 1999. Certain information
reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the
table represent the rate that an investor would have realized on an investment
in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any).
The information through March 31, 2000 has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP,
whose report, along with the Fund's financial statements, are included in the
annual report of the Fund, which is available upon request.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       Six Months
                                                                          Ended        Period Ended
                                                                      September 30,      March 31,
                                                                          2000           2000 (a)
                                                                      -------------    ------------
                                                                       (Unaudited)
<S>                                                                      <C>              <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period                                     $ 19.94          $ 10.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment Activities
  Net investment income                                                    (0.17)           (0.25)
  Net realized and unrealized gain from investments                         0.65            10.38
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total from investment activities                                        0.48            10.13
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions
  Net realized gains                                                          --            (0.19)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net Asset Value, End of Period                                         $ 20.42          $ 19.94
Total return (excludes sales charge) (b)                                    2.46%(b)       101.67%
Ratios/Supplementary Data:
  Net Assets, end of period (000)                                        $41,486          $38,634
  Ratio of net expenses to average net assets (c)                           2.55%(c)         2.82%
  Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets (c)                   (1.95)%(c)       (2.26)%
  Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets*  (c)                       2.55%(c)         2.93%
  Portfolio turnover                                                       24.53%           55.15%
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
*     During the period, certain fees were voluntarily reduced. If such
      voluntary fee reductions had not occurred, the ratio would have been as
      indicated.
(a)   For the period from April 1, 1999 (commencement of operations) to March
      31, 2000.
(b)   Not annualized.
(c)   Annualized.


32

<PAGE>

Financial Highlights

Willamette Technology Fund

The Financial Highlights table is intended to help you understand the Fund's
financial performance since its inception on March 1, 2000. Certain information
reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the
table represent the rate that an investor would have realized on an investment
in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any).
The information through March 31, 2000 has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP,
whose report, along with the Fund's financial statements, are included in the
annual report of the Fund, which is available upon request.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       Six Months
                                                                          Ended        Period Ended
                                                                      September 30,      March 31,
                                                                          2000           2000 (a)
                                                                      -------------    ------------
                                                                       (Unaudited)
<S>                                                                      <C>              <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period                                     $  8.95          $ 10.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment Activities
  Net investment loss                                                      (0.08)           (0.01)
  Net realized and unrealized loss on investments                          (1.77)           (1.04)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total from investment activities                                       (1.85)           (1.05)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Asset Value, End of Period                                           $  7.10            $8.95
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total return (excludes sales charge)                                      (20.67)%(b)      (10.50)%(b)
Ratios/Supplementary Data:
  Net Assets, end of period (000)                                        $35,650          $32,719
  Ratio of net expenses to average net assets                               2.64%(c)         2.77%(c)
  Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets                       (2.30)%(c)       (1.51)%(c)
  Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets*                            2.64%(c)         2.97%(c)
  Portfolio turnover                                                       73.90%           11.14%
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(*)   During the period, certain fees were voluntarily reduced. If such
      voluntary fee reductions had not occurred, the ratio would have been as
      indicated.
(a)   For the period from March 1, 2000 (commencement of operations) to March
      31, 2000.
(b)   Not annualized.
(c)   Annualized.


                                                                              33

<PAGE>

Financial Highlights

Willamette Global Health Sciences Fund

The Financial Highlights table is intended to help you understand the Fund's
financial performance since its inception on June 12, 2000. Certain information
reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the
table represent the rate that an investor would have realized on an investment
in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any).

                                                                    Period
                                                                     Ended
                                                                 September 30,
                                                                     2000
                                                                 -------------
                                                                  (Unaudited)
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period                                $ 10.00
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment Activities
  Net investment loss                                                 (0.06)
  Net realized/unrealized gains on investments and
    foreign currency transactions                                      2.83
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total from investment activities                                   2.77
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Asset Value, End of Period                                      $ 12.77
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total return (excludes sales charge)                                  27.70%(b)
Ratios/Supplementary Data:
  Net Assets, end of period (000)                                   $26,238
  Ratio of net expenses to average net assets                          2.84%(c)
  Ratio of net investment income to average net assets                (2.20)%(c)
  Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets*                       2.95%(c)
  Portfolio turnover                                                  23.28%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(*)   During the period, certain fees were voluntarily reimbursed. If such
      voluntary fee reimbursements had not occurred, the ratio would have been
      as indicated.
(a)   For the period from June 12, 2000 (commencement of operations) through the
      indicated period.
(b)   Not annualized.
(c)   Annualized.

Willamette Post-Venture Capital Fund

The Fund had not commenced operations on the date of this prospectus, and thus
does not present per share financial highlight information.


34

<PAGE>

Financial Highlights

                                   Appendix A

Related Performance

The Fund's investment objectives and policies are substantially similar to those
of First American Technology Fund ("FATF"), a series of First American
Investment Funds, Inc., which, like the Fund, is managed by an investment team
of the Sub-Adviser. The following chart compares the performance of FATF, from
its inception on April 30, 1994 through December 31, 2000, with that of the S&P
Technology Composite Index, an index of technology stocks. Note that these
performance results are those of FATF. They are not results of the Fund and
should not be interpreted as indicative of the future performance of the Fund or
of the Fund's team of managers. Not only will there be differences in market
conditions and investment opportunities for the Fund going forward, but the
level of the Fund's expenses is likely to be different.

The following figures represent total returns for Class A shares of FATF for the
periods indicated. They reflect the reinvestment of all dividends and capital
gains distributions at net asset value and the deduction of a front end sales
charge of 5.25%. They also reflect total operating expenses of 1.15%, which are
lower than expenses projected for the Fund and which reflect waivers of certain
fees. Returns for FATF would be reduced if there were no fee waivers and if a
front-end sales charge were deducted. (Note that the Fund imposes a front-end
sales charge and is expected to have higher expenses.)

                                                                        Since
                                                                       Inception
                                        1 Year(2)  3 Year     5 Year    4/30/94
  First American Technology Fund         _____%     _____%    _____%     _____%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  S&P Technology Composite Index(2)      _____%     _____%    _____%     _____%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1)   Returns were primarily achieved buying IPO and technology related stocks
      in a period favorable for these investments. Of course, such favorable
      returns involve accepting the risks of volatility, and there is no
      assurance that future investment in IPOs and technology stocks will have
      the same effect on future performance or be available to the Fund.
(2)   An unmanaged index composed of technology stocks in the S&P 500 (an
      unmanaged index of large capitalization stocks). For more information
      about a Fund, the following documents are available free upon request:

                                                                              35


<PAGE>

For more information about a Fund, the following documents are available free
upon request:

Annual/Semi-Annual Reports:

A Fund's reports to shareholders will contain additional information on the
Fund's investments. In the annual report, you will find a discussion of the
market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the
Fund's performance during its last fiscal year.

Statement of Additional Information (SAI):

The SAI provides more detailed information about each Fund, including its
operations and investment policies. It is incorporated by reference and is
legally considered a part of this prospectus.

You can receive free copies of reports and the SAI, or request other information
and discuss your questions about the Funds by contacting a broker that sells the
Funds, or contact the Funds at:

                            The Willamette Funds
                            P.O. Box 182301
                            Columbus, Ohio 43218-2301
                            Telephone: 1-877-945-3863
                          ------------------------------

You can review the Funds' reports and SAIs at the Public Reference Room of the
Securities and Exchange Commission. You can receive text-only copies:

o     For a fee, by writing the Public Reference Section of the Commission,
      Washington, D.C. 20549-0102 or calling 1-202-942-8090, or by email to
      [email protected].

o     Free from the Commission's Website at http://www.sec.gov.

Investment Company Act file no. _________.

WIL 3/1/2000


<PAGE>


                              WILLAMETTE VALUE FUND
                        WILLAMETTE SMALL CAP GROWTH FUND
                     WILLAMETTE GLOBAL HEALTH SCIENCES FUND
                           WILLAMETTE TECHNOLOGY FUND
                      WILLAMETTE POST-VENTURE CAPITAL FUND

                            Investment Portfolios of

                              The Willamette Funds

                       Statement of Additional Information

                                     , 2001

      This Statement of Additional  Information is not a prospectus,  but should
be read in  conjunction  with the  prospectus  for the  Willamette  Value  Fund,
Willamette  Small Cap Growth  Fund,  Willamette  Global  Health  Sciences  Fund,
Willamette  Technology Fund and Willamette  Post-Venture Capital Fund ("Funds"),
dated , 2001 ("Prospectus"). Each Fund is a separate investment portfolio of The
Willamette Funds (the "Trust"),  an open-end management investment company. This
Statement of Additional  Information  is  incorporated  in its entirety into the
Prospectus.  Copies of the  Prospectus  may be  obtained by writing the Funds at
3435 Stelzer  Road,  Columbus,  Ohio 43219,  or by  telephoning  toll free (877)
945-3863.


<PAGE>

                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                            Page
                                                                            ----

THE WILLAMETTE FUNDS.....................................................
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES........................................
         Additional Information on Portfolio Instruments.................
         Investment Restrictions.........................................
         Portfolio Turnover..............................................
NET ASSET VALUE   .......................................................
ADDITIONAL PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION...........................
         Matters Affecting Redemption....................................
MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST..................................................
         Trustees and Officers...........................................
         Control Persons and Principal Holders of Securities.............
         Investment Adviser and Sub-Advisers.............................
         Code of Ethics..................................................
         Portfolio Transactions..........................................
         Banking Laws....................................................
         Administrator...................................................
         Distributor.....................................................
         Custodian.......................................................
         Transfer Agency and Fund Accounting Services....................
         Independent Auditors............................................
         Legal Counsel...................................................
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION...................................................
         Description of Shares...........................................
         Vote of a Majority of the Outstanding Shares....................
         Additional Tax Information......................................
         Yields and Total Returns........................................
         Performance Comparisons.........................................
         Principal Shareholders..........................................
         Miscellaneous...................................................
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.....................................................
APPENDIX          .......................................................    A-1


<PAGE>

                       STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

                              THE WILLAMETTE FUNDS

      The Willamette  Funds (the "Trust") is an open-end  management  investment
company  which  issues  its Shares in  separate  series.  Each  series of Shares
relates  to a  separate  portfolio  of  assets.  This  Statement  of  Additional
Information  deals with the  portfolios  called  Willamette  Value Fund  ("Value
Fund"),  Willamette  Small Cap Growth Fund ("Growth  Fund"),  Willamette  Global
Health  Sciences Fund  ("Health  Sciences  Fund"),  Willamette  Technology  Fund
("Technology  Fund")  and  Willamette  Post-Venture  Capital  Fund  ("VC  Fund")
(collectively, "Funds").

      Each of the Funds (except the VC Fund) is the successor to a fund with the
same  name,  investment  objective  and  polices  that was a series  of  another
registered  investment  company,  The Coventry  Group.  On March ___,  2001, the
shareholders of each of the predecessor funds approved their reorganization into
the  corresponding  Fund,  effective April 1, 2001. VC Fund is a newly organized
fund.  Unless otherwise noted, all historical fees and expenses set forth herein
relating to a Fund relate to those paid by the predecessor fund.

      Willamette Asset Managers,  Inc.  ("Adviser") serves as investment adviser
to each of the Funds.  The Bank of New York ("BONY") manages the assets of Value
Fund and Growth Fund. U.S. Bank National Association ("U.S. Bank"),  through its
First American Asset Management Division, manages the assets of Technology Fund.
Credit  Suisse  Asset  Management,  LLC  ("CSAM")  manages  the assets of Health
Sciences Fund and VC Fund (BONY,  U.S. Bank and CSAM are each a  "Sub-Adviser").
Much of the  information  contained in this Statement of Additional  Information
expands upon  subjects  discussed in the  Prospectus  of the Funds.  Capitalized
terms not defined herein are defined in the Prospectus.  No investment in Shares
of the Funds should be made without first reading the Prospectus.

                        INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES

Additional Information on Portfolio Instruments

      The following policies supplement the investment objective and policies of
the Funds as set forth in the Prospectus.

      Common Stocks. The Funds may invest in common stocks, which include the
common stock of any class or series of domestic or foreign  corporations  or any
similar  equity  interest,  such  as a  trust  or  partnership  interest.  These
investments may or may not pay dividends and may or may not carry voting rights.
Common stock occupies the most junior position in a company's capital structure.
The Funds may also invest in warrants and rights related to common stocks.

      Convertible  Securities.  The Funds may invest in convertible  securities,
including debt  securities or preferred  stock that may be converted into common
stock or that carry the right to purchase common stock.  Convertible  securities
entitle the holder to exchange the securities  for a specified  number of shares
of common  stock,  usually of the same  company,  at specified  prices  within a
certain  period of time.  They also  entitle  the holder to receive  interest or
dividends until the holder elects to exercise the conversion privilege.

      The terms of any convertible security determine its ranking in a
company's capital structure. In the case of subordinated convertible debentures,
the  holder's  claims on assets and earnings are  generally  subordinate  to the
claims of other  creditors,  and  senior to the claims of  preferred  and common
stockholders. In the case of convertible preferred stock, the holder's claims on
assets and  earnings  are  subordinate  to the claims of all  creditors  and are
senior to the claims of common  stockholders.  As a result of their ranking in a
company's  capitalization,  convertible  securities that are rated by nationally
recognized  statistical  rating  organizations  are generally  rated below other
obligations of the company and many  convertible  securities are not rated.  The
Fund does not have any rating  criteria  applicable  to its  investments  in any
securities, convertible or otherwise.

      Preferred Stock. The Funds may invest in preferred stock. Preferred stock,
unlike  common  stock,  offers a stated  dividend rate payable from the issuer's
earnings.  Preferred  stock  dividends  may  be  cumulative  or  non-cumulative,
participating,  or auction rate. If interest  rates rise,  the fixed dividend on
preferred stocks may be less attractive, causing the price of the


                                       1
<PAGE>

preferred stocks to decline. Preferred stock may have mandatory sinking fund
provisions, as well as call/redemption  provisions prior to maturity, a negative
feature when interest rates decline.

      Warrants.  The Funds may invest in  warrants  (the VC Fund will limit such
investment  to 5% of its net  assets).  A Fund may purchase  warrants  issued by
domestic  and foreign  companies to purchase  newly  created  equity  securities
consisting of common and preferred stock.  Warrants are securities that give the
holder  the right,  but not the  obligation  to  purchase  equity  issues of the
company issuing the warrants, or a related company, at a fixed price either on a
date certain or during a set period. The equity security underlying a warrant is
authorized  at the time the  warrant  is issued or is issued  together  with the
warrant.

      Investing in warrants can provide a greater  potential  for profit or loss
than an equivalent  investment in the underlying  security,  and, thus, can be a
speculative  investment.  At the  time  of  issue,  the  cost  of a  warrant  is
substantially  less than the cost of the underlying  security itself,  and price
movements  in the  underlying  security  are  generally  magnified  in the price
movements of the warrant.  This  leveraging  effect enables the investor to gain
exposure to the underlying  security with a relatively  low capital  investment.
This leveraging increases an investor's risk, however, in the event of a decline
in the value of the underlying security and can result in a complete loss of the
amount invested in the warrant. In addition,  the price of a warrant tends to be
more  volatile  than,  and  may not  correlate  exactly  to,  the  price  of the
underlying security. If the market price of the underlying security is below the
exercise price of the warrant on its expiration date, the warrant will generally
expire without value. The value of a warrant may decline because of a decline in
the value of the underlying  security,  the passage of time, changes in interest
rates or in the dividend or other policies of the company whose equity underlies
the  warrant  or a  change  in the  perception  as to the  future  price  of the
underlying  security,  or any  combination  thereof.  Warrants  generally pay no
dividends  and  confer no voting or other  rights  other  than to  purchase  the
underlying security.

      United States Government Obligations.  The Funds may invest in obligations
issued or  guaranteed  by the United  States  Government,  or by its agencies or
instrumentalities.  Obligations  issued or  guaranteed  by federal  agencies  or
instrumentalities may or may not be backed by the "full faith and credit" of the
United  States.  Securities  that are backed by the full faith and credit of the
United States include  Treasury  bills,  Treasury  notes,  Treasury  bonds,  and
obligations of the Government  National Mortgage  Association,  the Farmers Home
Administration, and the Export-Import Bank. In the case of securities not backed
by the full  faith  and  credit  of the  United  States,  the  Funds  must  look
principally  to the agency issuing or  guaranteeing  the obligation for ultimate
repayment and may not be able to assert a claim against the United States itself
in the  event  the  agency  or  instrumentality  does not meet its  commitments.
Securities that are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States
include,  but are not limited to, obligations of the Tennessee Valley Authority,
the Federal National Mortgage  Association and the United States Postal Service,
each of which has the right to borrow  from the United  States  Treasury to meet
its  obligations,  and  obligations  of the Federal  Farm Credit  System and the
Federal Home Loan Banks,  both of whose obligations may be satisfied only by the
individual credits of each issuing agency.

      Foreign  Government  Obligations.  The  Funds  may  invest  in  short-term
obligations   of   foreign   sovereign   governments   or  of  their   agencies,
instrumentalities,  authorities or political subdivisions.  These securities may
be  denominated in United States  dollars or in another  currency.  See "Foreign
Investment Risk."

      Bank  Obligations.  Each  Fund  may  invest  in bank  obligations  such as
bankers' acceptances, certificates of deposit, and time deposits.

      Growth Fund will invest in obligations only of banks with more than $2
billion  in total  assets  that are (i)  organized  under the laws of the United
States or any state, (ii) foreign branches of these banks or of foreign banks of
equivalent  size ("Euros") and (iii) United States  branches of foreign banks of
equivalent  size  ("Yankees").  Growth Fund will not invest in  obligations  for
which the Sub-Adviser, or any of its affiliated persons, is the ultimate obligor
or accepting bank.  Growth Fund may also invest in obligations of  international
banking institutions  designated or supported by national governments to promote
economic  reconstruction,  development  or  trade  between  nations  (e.g.,  the
European  Investment  Bank, the  Inter-American  Development  Bank, or the World
Bank).

      Value Fund and Technology  Fund may invest only in Bank  Instruments  that
are either  issued by an  institution  having  capital,  surplus  and  undivided
profits over $100 million,  or insured by the Bank Insurance Fund ("BIF") or the
Savings  Association  Insurance Fund ("SAIF").  Health  Sciences Fund may invest
only in bank obligations that are of high quality. In


                                       2
<PAGE>

addition to domestic  instruments such as bankers'  acceptances and certificates
of deposit,  Bank  Instruments  may include  Eurodollar  Certificates of Deposit
("ECDs"),  Yankee  Certificates  of Deposit  ("Yankee CDs") and Eurodollar  Time
Deposits ("ETDs").

      Bankers'  acceptances are negotiable drafts or bills of exchange typically
drawn by an  importer or exporter  to pay for  specific  merchandise,  which are
"accepted" by a bank, meaning, in effect, that the bank  unconditionally  agrees
to pay the face  value  of the  instrument  on  maturity.  Bankers'  acceptances
invested in by Value Fund will be those guaranteed by domestic and foreign banks
having, at the time of investment,  capital,  surplus,  and undivided profits in
excess  of  $100,000,000  (as of the  date  of  their  most  recently  published
financial statements).

      Certificates of deposit are negotiable certificates issued against
funds  deposited in a commercial  bank or a savings and loan  association  for a
definite period of time and earning a specified return.

      Commercial Paper. Commercial paper consists of unsecured promissory notes,
including  Master Notes,  issued by  corporations.  Issues of  commercial  paper
normally  have  maturities  of less than nine  months and fixed rates of return.
Master Notes, however, are obligations that provide for a periodic adjustment in
the interest rate paid and permit daily changes in the amount borrowed.

      For  Growth  Fund and  Technology  Fund,  Master  Notes  are  governed  by
agreements  between the issuer and the respective  Sub-Adviser  acting as agent,
for no additional fee, in its capacity as Sub-Adviser to a Fund and as fiduciary
for other clients for whom it exercises investment discretion. The monies loaned
to the borrower come from accounts  maintained  with or managed by a Sub-Adviser
or its affiliates  pursuant to  arrangements  with such  accounts.  Interest and
principal  payments are credited to such accounts.  A  Sub-Adviser,  acting as a
fiduciary  on behalf of its  clients,  has the right to increase or decrease the
amount provided to the borrower under an obligation.  The borrower has the right
to pay without penalty all or any part of the principal  amount then outstanding
on an  obligation  together  with  interest to the date of payment.  Since these
obligations  typically  provide that the  interest  rate is tied to the Treasury
bill auction rate,  the rate on Master Notes is subject to change.  Repayment of
Master Notes to participating accounts depends on the ability of the borrower to
pay the accrued  interest  and  principal of the  obligation  on demand which is
continuously monitored by the Sub-Adviser.

Master Notes typically are not rated by credit rating agencies.

      Value Fund may purchase commercial paper consisting of issues rated at the
time of purchase  within the three  highest  rating  categories  by a nationally
recognized  statistical  rating  organization (an "NRSRO").  Value Fund may also
invest in  commercial  paper that is not rated but is determined by the Adviser,
under  guidelines  established  by  the  Trust's  Board  of  Trustees,  to be of
comparable quality.  Growth Fund has not established minimum rating requirements
for the Fund's investments.  Technology Fund may purchase commercial paper rated
at the time of purchase within the two highest rating categories by an NRSRO, or
deemed  by U.S.  Bank to be of  comparable  quality.  Health  Sciences  Fund may
purchase  commercial  paper rated no lower than A-2 by Standard & Poor's Ratings
Services ("S&P") or Prime-2 by Moody's Investors  Service,  Inc.  ("Moody's") or
the equivalent  from another major rating  service or, if unrated,  of an issuer
having an outstanding,  unsecured debt issue then rated within the highest three
rating  categories.  VC Fund may purchase  commercial paper consisting of issues
rated at the time of purchase  within the four highest  rating  categories by an
NRSRO.  VC Fund may also  invest in  commercial  paper  that is not rated but is
determined  by  CSAM,  under  guidelines  established  by the  Trust's  Board of
Trustees, to be of comparable quality.

      Other Fixed  Income  Securities.  Other fixed income  securities  in which
Health   Sciences  Fund,   Technology  Fund  and  VC  Fund  may  invest  include
nonconvertible  preferred stocks and  nonconvertible  corporate debt securities.
For  Technology  Fund,  investments  in  nonconvertible   preferred  stocks  and
nonconvertible corporate debt securities will be limited to securities which are
rated at the time of  purchase  not less than BBB by S&P or Baa by  Moody's  (or
equivalent short-term ratings), or which have been assigned an equivalent rating
by another nationally recognized  statistical rating organization,  or which are
of comparable quality in the judgment of the Sub-Adviser. Obligations rated BBB,
Baa  or  their   equivalent,   although   investment   grade,  have  speculative
characteristics  and carry a somewhat  higher risk of default  that  obligations
rated in the higher investment grade categories.


                                       3
<PAGE>

      Technology Fund may invest in short-term investments (including repurchase
agreements "collateralized fully," as provided in Rule 2a-7 under the Investment
Company Act of 1940 ("1940  Act");  interest-bearing  or  discounted  commercial
paper, including dollar denominated commercial paper of foreign issuers; and any
other taxable and tax-exempt money market  instruments,  including variable rate
demand notes,  that are  "Eligible  Securities"  as defined in Rule 2a-7),  on a
joint basis with other funds advised by U.S. Bank to the extent  permitted by an
exemptive order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission ("Commission").

      Variable  Amount Master Demand Notes.  Variable amount master demand notes
are unsecured demand notes that permit the  indebtedness  thereunder to vary and
provide for periodic  readjustments  in the interest rate according to the terms
of the  instrument.  They are also  referred to as variable  rate demand  notes.
Because master demand notes are direct lending  arrangements  between a Fund and
the issuer, they are not normally traded.  Although there is no secondary market
in the notes, a Fund may demand payment of principal and accrued interest at any
time or during  specified  periods not  exceeding one year,  depending  upon the
instrument  involved,  and may resell the note at any time to a third party. The
Adviser or  Sub-Adviser  will consider the earning  power,  cash flow, and other
liquidity  ratios of the  issuers  of such notes and will  continuously  monitor
their financial status and ability to meet payment on demand.

      Variable and Floating Rate Notes.  A variable rate note is one whose terms
provide for the  readjustment of its interest rate on set dates and which,  upon
such  readjustment,  can  reasonably  be  expected  to have a market  value that
approximates  its par value. A floating rate note is one whose terms provide for
the readjustment of its interest rate whenever a specified interest rate changes
and which,  at any time,  can reasonably be expected to have a market value that
approximates its par value. Such notes are frequently not rated by credit rating
agencies.  For Health Sciences Fund,  Technology  Fund and VC Fund,  these notes
must satisfy the same quality standards as commercial paper investments.  Growth
Fund has no minimum  rating  requirements.  Unrated  variable and floating  rate
notes purchased by Value Fund will be determined by the Adviser under guidelines
approved by the Trust's  Board of  Trustees to be of  comparable  quality at the
time of purchase to rated  instruments  eligible for  purchase  under the Fund's
investment policies.  In making such  determinations,  the Adviser will consider
the earning power,  cash flow and other liquidity  ratios of the issuers of such
notes (such issuers  include  financial,  merchandising,  bank holding and other
companies) and will  continuously  monitor their financial  condition.  Although
there may be no active secondary market with respect to a particular variable or
floating  rate note  purchased by a Fund, a Fund may resell the note at any time
to a third party. The absence of an active secondary market, however, could make
it  difficult  for a Fund to dispose of a variable or floating  rate note in the
event the issuer of the note  defaulted  on its payment  obligations  and a Fund
could,  as a result or for  other  reasons,  suffer a loss to the  extent of the
default.  Variable  or  floating  rate notes may be  secured by bank  letters of
credit.

      Foreign  Investments.  The Funds  may  invest in  certain  obligations  or
securities of foreign issuers.  Certain of these  investments may be in the form
of American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"), European Depositary Receipts ("EDRs"),
Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs"),  other similar depositary receipts,  Yankee
Obligations,  and U.S. dollar-denominated  securities issued by foreign branches
of U.S. and foreign  banks.  Growth Fund has a limit of up to 15% of its foreign
investments  in securities  that are not listed on a securities  exchange or, in
the case of debt  securities,  that are not  United  States  dollar-denominated.
Foreign  investments may subject a Fund to investment  risks that differ in some
respects  from those  related to  investment  in  obligations  of U.S.  domestic
issuers. Such risks include future adverse political and economic  developments,
possible seizure, nationalization, or expropriation of foreign investments, less
stringent  disclosure  requirements,  the  possible  establishment  of  exchange
controls  or taxation at the source or other  taxes,  and the  adoption of other
foreign  governmental  restrictions.  Growth  Fund will not  invest  in  foreign
commercial  paper  that is subject  to  foreign  withholding  tax at the time of
purchase.

      Additional  risks  include  less  publicly  available  information,   less
government  supervision and regulation of foreign securities exchanges,  brokers
and  issuers,  the risk that  companies  may not be subject  to the  accounting,
auditing and financial  reporting  standards and requirements of U.S. companies,
the risk that foreign securities markets may have less volume and that therefore
many securities traded in these markets may be less liquid and their prices more
volatile than U.S.  securities,  and the risk that custodian and brokerage costs
may be higher. Foreign issuers of securities or obligations are often subject to
accounting  treatment  and engage in  business  practices  different  from those
respecting  domestic  issuers  of similar  securities  or  obligations.  Foreign
branches  of U.S.  banks and  foreign  banks may be  subject  to less  stringent
reserve  requirements  than those applicable to domestic branches of U.S. banks.
Certain of these  investments  may  subject  the Funds to  currency  fluctuation
risks.


                                       4
<PAGE>

      Depositary  Receipts.  A Fund's  investments  may  include  securities  of
foreign  issuers in the form of sponsored or  unsponsored  ADRs,  GDRs and EDRs.
ADRs are depositary  receipts  typically  issued by a United State bank or trust
company which evidence  ownership of underlying  securities  issued by a foreign
corporation.  EDRs and GDRs  are  typically  issued  by  foreign  banks or trust
companies,  although  they also may be issued  by United  States  banks or trust
companies,  and evidence  ownership of underlying  securities issued by either a
foreign  or a United  States  corporation.  Generally,  depositary  receipts  in
registered form are designed for use in the United States  securities market and
depositary  receipts in bearer form are designed for use in  securities  markets
outside  the  United  States.   Depositary   receipts  may  not  necessarily  be
denominated  in the same currency as the underlying  securities  into which they
may be converted.  Ownership of unsponsored  depositary receipts may not entitle
the  Fund to  financial  or other  reports  from the  issuer  of the  underlying
security,  to which it would be  entitled as the owner of  sponsored  depositary
receipts.

      Euro Conversion. The introduction of a single European currency, the euro,
on January  1, 1999 for  participating  European  nations  in the  Economic  and
Monetary  Union has created  certain  uncertainties  and the  transition  period
relating to adoption of the euro is not scheduled to end until end July 1, 2002.
These  uncertainties  include:  (i) how the payment and  operational  systems of
banks and other financial  institutions  will function;  (ii) the need to create
suitable  clearing and settlement  systems for the euro; (iii) how the euro will
fluctuate against other currencies;  and (iv) whether the interest rate, tax and
labor  systems  of  the   participating   countries  will  converge  over  time.
Additionally,  changes in participants or in membership in the European Monetary
Union,  such as admission of new members from Eastern  Europe,  could affect the
euro  adversely.  These and other  factors  could cause market  disruptions  and
affect adversely the value of foreign securities and currencies held by a Fund.

      Emerging Markets. Each Fund may invest in securities of issuers located
in "emerging  markets" (less developed  countries  located outside of the U.S.).
Investing in emerging  markets  involves not only the risks described above with
respect to investing  in foreign  securities,  but also other  risks,  including
exposure to economic structures that are generally less diverse and mature than,
and to political systems that can be expected to have less stability than, those
of  developed  countries.  For example,  many  investments  in emerging  markets
experienced  significant  declines  in  value  due  to  political  and  currency
volatility in emerging markets  countries during the latter part of 1997 and the
first half of 1998.  Other  characteristics  of emerging markets that may affect
investment  include certain  national  policies that may restrict  investment by
foreigners  in issuers or  industries  deemed  sensitive  to  relevant  national
interests and the absence of developed  structures governing private and foreign
investments  and private  property.  The typically  small size of the markets of
securities of issuers  located in emerging  markets and the possibility of a low
or nonexistent  volume of trading in those  securities may also result in a lack
of liquidity and in price volatility of those securities.

      Brady Bonds. Health Sciences Fund and VC Fund may invest in "Brady Bonds,"
which are  issued  by  certain  Latin  American  countries  in  connection  with
restructurings  of their debt.  The Brady Bonds are issued in exchange  for cash
and certain of the country's  outstanding  commercial bank loans. Brady Bonds do
not have a long payment  history  and, due to the loan default  record for Latin
American public and private entities, may be considered speculative investments.
They  may be  collateralized  or  uncollateralized  and are  issued  in  various
currencies.  They are actively traded in the  over-the-counter  secondary market
for debt of Latin American issuers.

      When-Issued and Delayed Delivery Securities.  Growth Fund, Health Sciences
Fund,  Technology  Fund and VC Fund may purchase  securities on a when-issued or
delayed delivery basis. Delivery of and payment for these securities may take as
long as a month or more after the date of the purchase commitment.  The value of
these  securities  is subject to market  fluctuation  during  this period and no
interest or income accrues to a Fund until  settlement.  The Funds will maintain
with the  custodian a separate  account  with a  segregated  portfolio of liquid
assets consisting of cash, U.S. Government securities or other liquid high-grade
debt securities in an amount at least equal to these commitments.  When entering
into a  when-issued  or delayed  delivery  transaction,  a Fund will rely on the
other party to consummate  the  transaction;  if the other party fails to do so,
the Fund may be  disadvantaged.  It is the  current  policy  of the Funds not to
enter into when- issued commitments exceeding in the aggregate 25% of the market
value of a Fund's  total assets (20% of the market value of total assets for the
VC  Fund),  less  liabilities  other  than  the  obligations  created  by  these
commitments.

      Lower Rated or Unrated Securities.  Securities rated Baa by Moody's or BBB
by S&P, or deemed of comparable quality by the Sub-Adviser, may have speculative
characteristics.  Securities  rated below investment  grade,  i.e., below Baa or
BBB, or deemed of comparable quality by the Sub-Adviser,  have higher yields but
also involve greater risks than higher rated securities.


                                       5
<PAGE>

Growth Fund and Health  Sciences Fund have no minimum quality  requirements  for
their debt  obligations,  although Health  Sciences  Fund's  investments in debt
securities including debt securities rated below investment grade are limited to
20% of its assets.  The VC Fund may invest up to 5% of its total  assets in debt
securities (including  convertible debt securities) rated below investment grade
and as low as C by Moody's or D by S&P, or in unrated  securities  considered to
be of equivalent  quality.  Debt  securities  held by a Private Fund (as defined
below) in which the VC Fund invests will tend to be rated below investment grade
and may be rated as low as C by Moody's or D by S&P.  Under  guidelines  used by
rating  agencies,   securities  rated  below  investment  grade,  or  deemed  of
comparable  quality,  have large  uncertainties  or major risk  exposures in the
event of adverse conditions,  which features outweigh any quality and protective
characteristics.  Securities  with the lowest  ratings  are  considered  to have
extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any real investment standing, to have
a current  identifiable  vulnerability  to  default,  to be unlikely to have the
capacity to pay  interest and repay  principal  when due in the event of adverse
business,  financial  or  economic  conditions,  and/or to be in  default or not
current in the payment of interest or principal.  Such securities are considered
speculative  with  respect to the  issuer's  capacity to pay  interest and repay
principal in accordance with the terms of the  obligations.  Accordingly,  it is
possible that these types of factors  could,  in certain  instances,  reduce the
value of such  securities  held by the Fund  with a  commensurate  effect on the
value of its shares.

      The secondary  market for lower rated  securities is not as liquid as that
for higher rated  securities.  This market is  concentrated  in  relatively  few
market makers and participants in the market are mostly institutional investors,
including  insurance   companies,   banks,  other  financial   institutions  and
investment companies. In addition, the trading market for lower rated securities
is generally  lower than that for  higher-rated  securities,  and the  secondary
markets could contract under adverse market or economic  conditions  independent
of any specific adverse changes in the condition of a particular  issuer.  These
factors  may have an adverse  effect on the  Fund's  ability to dispose of these
securities and may limit its ability to obtain  accurate  market  quotations for
purposes  of  determining  the value of its  assets.  If the Fund is not able to
obtain precise or accurate market quotations for a particular security,  it will
become more difficult for the Fund's Trustees to value its portfolio,  requiring
them to rely more on judgment. Less liquid secondary markets may also affect the
Fund's ability to sell securities at their fair value. In addition, the Fund may
invest  up to 15% of its net  assets,  measured  at the time of  investment,  in
illiquid  securities,  which may be more  difficult to value and to sell at fair
value.  If the secondary  markets for high yield debt securities are affected by
adverse  economic  conditions,  the proportion of the Fund's assets  invested in
illiquid securities may increase.

      In the case of  corporate  debt  securities,  while the  market  values of
securities rated below investment grade and comparable  unrated  securities tend
to  react  less to  fluctuations  in  interest  rate  levels  than do  those  of
higher-rated  securities,  the market values of certain of these securities also
tend to be more sensitive to individual  corporate  developments  and changes in
economic  conditions than  higher-rated  securities.  Price  volatility in these
securities  will be  reflected in the Fund's  share  value.  In  addition,  such
securities  generally  present a higher degree of credit risk.  Issuers of these
securities often are highly leveraged and may not have more traditional  methods
of financing  available  to them,  so that their  ability to service  their debt
obligations  during an economic  downturn or during sustained  periods of rising
interest rates may be impaired.  The risk of loss due to default by such issuers
is  significantly  greater than with investment  grade  securities  because such
securities  generally are unsecured and frequently are subordinated to the prior
payment of senior indebtedness.

      A description of the quality  ratings of prominent  NSRSOs is contained in
Appendix A.

      Zero Coupon  Securities.  Health  Sciences  Fund and VC Fund may invest in
"zero coupon" U.S.  Treasury,  foreign government and U.S. and foreign corporate
convertible and nonconvertible debt securities, which are bills, notes and bonds
that have been  stripped  of their  unmatured  interest  coupons  and  custodial
receipts  or  certificates  of  participation  representing  interests  in  such
stripped debt  obligations and coupons.  A zero coupon security pays no interest
to its holder prior to maturity. Accordingly, such securities usually trade at a
deep  discount  from  their  face or par value and will be  subject  to  greater
fluctuations  of market value in response to changing  interest  rates than debt
obligations  of  comparable   maturities  that  make  current  distributions  of
interest.  Each Fund  anticipates  that it will not  normally  hold zero  coupon
securities to maturity. Redemption of shares of the Fund that require it to sell
zero coupon  securities  prior to maturity may result in capital gains or losses
that may be substantial. Federal tax law requires that a holder of a zero coupon
security accrue a portion of the discount at which the security was purchased as
income  each year,  even though the holder  receives no interest  payment on the
security  during  the  year.  Such  accrued   discount  will  be  includible  in
determining the amount of dividends the Fund must pay each year and, in order to
generate cash necessary to pay such dividends,  the Fund may liquidate portfolio
securities at a time when it would not otherwise have done so.


                                       6
<PAGE>

      Hedging. Hedging is a means of transferring risk that an investor does not
wish to assume during an uncertain market  environment.  The Funds are permitted
to enter into these  transactions  solely:  (a) to hedge against  changes in the
market value of portfolio  securities and against changes in the market value of
securities  intended  to be  purchased  or (b) to close out or  offset  existing
positions.

      Hedging activity in a Fund may include selling futures contracts on
stock indexes,  options on stock index futures traded on a national  exchange or
board of trade and options on securities and on stock indexes traded on national
securities   exchanges  or  through   private   transactions   directly  with  a
broker-dealer. A Fund may also hedge a portion of its portfolio by selling stock
index futures  contracts or purchasing puts on these contracts to limit exposure
to an actual or anticipated market decline. A Fund may hedge against fluctations
in currency  exchange  rates,  in  connection  with its  investments  in foreign
securities,  by purchasing  foreign forward  currency  exchange  contracts.  All
hedging  transactions  must be appropriate for reduction of risk; they cannot be
for speculation.

      Under  regulations  promulgated  under  the  Commodity  Exchange  Act,  an
investment  company  registered under the 1940 Act is exempt from the definition
of "commodity pool operator", and, therefore, is not subject to regulation under
the  Commodity  Exchange  Act,  provided  that the entity agrees to restrict its
investments in commodity  futures and commodity  options  contracts to: (i) bona
fide hedging  transactions  within the meaning of the Commodity  Futures Trading
Commission's  regulations,  without any  limitation on quantity,  and (ii) other
futures and  options  transactions  in which the  aggregate  initial  margin and
premiums do not exceed 5% of the  liquidation  value of the  entity's  portfolio
after taking into account  unrealized  profits and unrealized losses on any such
contracts.  The Fund will use commodity  futures and commodity options contracts
only in a manner consistent with these requirements.

      Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts. A Fund may enter into forward
foreign  currency  exchange  contracts in  connection  with its  investments  in
foreign  securities.  A  forward  contract  may be used by a Fund  only to hedge
against  possible  variations  in exchange  rates of  currencies in countries in
which it may invest.  A forward foreign  currency  exchange  contract  ("forward
contract")  involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specific  currency at a
future date, which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract
agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract.  Forward
contracts are traded in the interbank  market directly  between currency traders
(usually  large  commercial  banks)  and their  customers.  A  forward  contract
generally  has no deposit  requirement,  and no  commissions  are charged at any
stage for trades.

      Futures  Contracts.  Each Fund may invest in futures contracts and options
thereon  (stock index  futures  contracts,  interest  rate futures  contracts or
currency futures  contracts or options) to hedge or manage risks associated with
the Fund's securities  investments.  To enter into a futures contract, an amount
of cash and cash equivalents, equal to the market value of the futures contract,
is  deposited  in a segregated  account  with the Fund's  Custodian  and/or in a
margin  account with a broker to  collateralize  the position and thereby ensure
that the use of such futures is unleveraged.  Positions in futures contracts may
be closed out only on an  exchange  that  provides a  secondary  market for such
futures.  However, there can be no assurance that a liquid secondary market will
exist for any particular futures contract at any specific time. Thus, it may not
be  possible  to  close a  futures  position.  In the  event  of  adverse  price
movements,  a Fund would  continue to be required to make daily cash payments to
maintain its required  margin.  In such  situations,  if a Fund had insufficient
cash,  it  might  have  to  sell  portfolio  securities  to  meet  daily  margin
requirements at a time when it would be disadvantageous to do so. In addition, a
Fund might be required to make delivery of the  instruments  underlying  futures
contracts it holds.  The inability to close options and futures  positions  also
could  have an  adverse  impact on a Fund's  ability  to hedge or  manage  risks
effectively.

      Successful  use of futures by a Fund is also  subject to the  Adviser's or
Sub-Adviser's  ability to predict  movements  correctly in the  direction of the
market.  There is typically an imperfect  correlation  between  movements in the
price of the future and  movements in the price of the  securities  that are the
subject of the  hedge.  In  addition,  the price of  futures  may not  correlate
perfectly  with movement in the cash market due to certain  market  distortions.
Due to the possibility of price  distortion in the futures market and because of
the imperfect correlation between the movements in the cash market and movements
in the price of futures, a correct forecast of general market trends or interest
rate  movements  by the  Adviser  or  Sub-Adviser  may  still  not  result  in a
successful hedging transaction over a short time frame.


                                       7
<PAGE>

      The trading of futures  contracts  is also  subject to the risk of trading
halts,  suspension,  exchange or clearing house equipment  failures,  government
intervention,  insolvency  of a  brokerage  firm  or  clearing  house  or  other
disruption of normal trading activity, which could at times make it difficult or
impossible to liquidate existing positions or to recover excess variation margin
payments.

      The purchase and sale of futures  contracts or related options will not be
a primary  investment  technique of the Funds.  A Fund will not purchase or sell
futures  contracts  (or  related  options  thereon)  if,  immediately  after the
transaction, the aggregate initial margin deposits and premiums paid by the Fund
on its open  futures  and options  positions  that do not  constitute  bona fide
hedging  transactions,  as  defined  by  applicable  rules,  exceed  5%  of  the
liquidation  value of the Fund after taking into account any unrealized  profits
and  unrealized  losses on any such futures or related  options  contracts  into
which it has entered.

      Interest  Rate  Futures.  A Fund may  purchase  an interest  rate  futures
contract as a hedge against  changes in interest rates. An interest rate futures
contract provides for the future sale by one party and the purchase by the other
party of a certain  amount  of a  specific  interest  rate  sensitive  financial
instrument  (debt  security)  at  a  specified  price,  date,  time  and  place.
Generally,  if market  interest rates  increase,  the value of outstanding  debt
securities  declines  (and vice versa).  Thus,  if a Fund holds  long-term  debt
obligations and the Sub-Adviser  anticipates a rise in long-term interest rates,
the Fund could, instead of selling its debt obligations,  enter into an interest
rate futures contract for the sale of similar long-term securities.  If interest
rates rise, the value of the futures contract would also rise, helping to offset
the price  decline  of the  obligations  held by the  Fund.  A Fund  might  also
purchase futures  contracts as a proxy for underlying  securities that it cannot
presently buy.

      Stock Index  Futures.  A Fund may  purchase  and sell stock index  futures
contracts as a hedge against  changes  resulting  from market  conditions in the
values  of  securities  that are held in its  portfolio  or that it  intends  to
purchase  or when such  purchase  or sale is  economically  appropriate  for the
reduction of risks inherent in the ongoing management of the Fund. A stock index
futures  contract is an  agreement  in which one party  agrees to deliver to the
other an amount of cash equal to a specific  dollar amount times the  difference
between the value of a specific stock index at the close of the last trading day
of the contract and the price at which the agreement is made.  When the contract
is executed,  each party  deposits with a broker,  or in a segregated  custodial
account,  a specified  percentage  of the  contract  amount,  called the initial
margin,  and  during  the term of the  contract,  the  amount of the  deposit is
adjusted  based on the  current  value of the  futures  contract  by payments of
variation  margin to or from the broker or  segregated  account.  In the case of
options on stock  index  futures,  the holder of the option  pays a premium  and
receives the right,  upon exercise of the option at a specified price during the
option period,  to assume the option writer's  position in a stock index futures
margin account; if exercised on the last trading day, cash in an amount equal to
the  difference  between the option  exercise price and the closing level of the
relevant index on the expiration date is delivered.

      A Fund may hedge a portion of its portfolio by selling stock index futures
contracts or purchasing  puts on these  contracts to limit exposure to an actual
or anticipated  market  decline.  This provides an alternative to liquidation of
securities positions. Conversely, during a market advance or when the investment
adviser  anticipates an advance,  a Fund may hedge a portion of its portfolio by
purchasing  stock index  futures,  or options on these  futures.  This affords a
hedge against a Fund not  participating in a market advance when it is not fully
invested and serves as a temporary  substitute  for the  purchase of  individual
securities which may later be purchased in a more  advantageous  manner.  When a
Fund   purchases   stock  index  futures   contracts,   it  will  deposit,   and
mark-to-market  daily,  an amount  of liquid  assets  consisting  of cash,  U.S.
Government  securities,  or other liquid securities equal to the market value of
the futures contracts in a segregated account with its custodian. Alternatively,
a Fund may cover such positions by purchasing offsetting positions,  or by using
a combination of offsetting positions and cash or liquid securities.

      A Fund's  successful use of stock index futures contracts depends upon the
Adviser's or Sub-Adviser's ability to predict the direction of the market and is
subject to various  additional  risks.  The correlation  between movement in the
price of the stock index future and the price of the securities  being hedged is
imperfect and the risk from imperfect  correlation  increases as the composition
of a Fund's  portfolio  diverges from the  composition of the relevant index. In
addition, if a Fund purchases futures to hedge against market advances before it
can invest in common stock in an  advantageous  manner and the market  declines,
there may be a loss on the futures contracts. In addition, the ability of a Fund
to close out a futures  position  or an option on  futures  depends  on a liquid
secondary market. There is no assurance that liquid secondary markets will exist
for any  particular  futures  contract  or option on a futures  contract  at any
particular time. The risk of loss to a Fund is theoretically  unlimited when the
Fund sells an uncovered  futures contract because there is an obligation to make
delivery  unless the contract is closed out,  regardless of


                                       8
<PAGE>

fluctuations in the price of the underlying security. A Fund's ability to engage
in  hedging   activities   may  be  limited  by  certain   federal   income  tax
considerations.

      Foreign  Currency  Futures  Transactions.  Unlike forward foreign currency
exchange  contracts,  foreign currency futures  contracts and options on foreign
currency  futures contract are standardized as to amount and delivery period and
may be traded on boards of trade and  commodities  exchanges or directly  with a
dealer which makes a market in such  contracts  and options.  It is  anticipated
that such  contracts may provide  greater  liquidity and lower cost than forward
foreign  currency  exchange  contracts.  As  part  of  their  financial  futures
transactions,  the Funds may use foreign currency futures  contracts and options
on such futures contracts.  Through the purchase or sale of such contracts,  the
Funds may be able to achieve many of the same objectives as through investing in
forward foreign currency exchange.

      Foreign  Currency  Options.  A foreign currency option provides the option
buyer with the right to buy or sell a stated  amount of foreign  currency at the
exercise price at a specified  date or during the option  period.  A call option
gives its owner the right, but not the obligation,  to buy the currency, while a
put  option  gives its  owner the  right,  but not the  obligation,  to sell the
currency.  The option  seller  (writer) is obligated to fulfill the terms of the
option sold if it is  exercised.  However,  either seller or buyer may close its
position  during the option period in the  secondary  market for such options at
any time prior to expiration.

      A foreign  currency call option rises in value if the underlying  currency
appreciates.  Conversely,  a foreign  currency  put option rises in value if the
underlying currency depreciates.  While purchasing a foreign currency option may
protect a Fund against an adverse  movement in the value of a foreign  currency,
it would not limit the gain which might result from a favorable  movement in the
value  of  the  currency.  For  example,  if  a  Fund  were  holding  securities
denominated  in an  appreciating  foreign  currency and had  purchased a foreign
currency put to hedge against a decline in the value of the  currency,  it would
not have to  exercise  its put.  In such an event,  however,  the  amount of the
Fund's  gain  would  be  offset  in part by the  premium  paid  for the  option.
Similarly,  if a Fund entered into a contract to purchase a security denominated
in a foreign  currency and purchased a foreign  currency call to hedge against a
rise  in the  value  of the  currency  between  the  date  of  purchase  and the
settlement  date,  the Fund would not need to exercise  its call if the currency
instead  depreciated in value. In such a case, the Fund would acquire the amount
of foreign  currency  needed for  settlement in the spot market at a lower price
than the exercise price of the option.

      Options on  Securities.  A Fund may  purchase  put options  only on equity
securities  held in its  portfolio  and write call  options  and put  options on
stocks only if they are covered,  as described below, and such call options must
remain covered so long as the Fund is obligated as a writer. Option transactions
can be executed either on a national  exchange or through a private  transaction
with a broker-dealer (an  "over-the-counter"  transaction).  Each Fund may write
(sell)  "covered"  call  options  and  purchase  options  to close  out  options
previously written by it.

      A call option gives the holder  (buyer) the "right to purchase" a security
at a specified  price (the exercise price) at any time until a certain date (the
expiration  date).  So long as the  obligation  of the  writer of a call  option
continues,  he may be assigned an exercise notice by the  broker-dealer  through
whom such  option was sold,  requiring  him to deliver the  underlying  security
against  payment of the exercise  price.  This  obligation  terminates  upon the
expiration of the call option,  or such earlier time at which the writer effects
a closing  purchase  transaction  by  repurchasing  an option  identical to that
previously sold. To secure his obligation to deliver the underlying  security in
the case of a call  option,  a writer is  required  to  deposit  in  escrow  the
underlying  security or other assets in accordance with the rules of the Options
Clearing Corporation.

      The purpose of writing  covered  call  options is to  generate  additional
premium  income for a Fund.  This premium  income will serve to enhance a Fund's
total  return and will  reduce the effect of any price  decline of the  security
involved  in the option.  Covered  call  options  will  generally  be written on
securities which, in the opinion of the Adviser or Sub-Adviser, are not expected
to make any major price moves in the near future but which,  over the long term,
are deemed to be attractive investments for the particular Fund.

      A Fund may only write call  options  that are  "covered",  meaning that it
either owns the  underlying  security or has an absolute and immediate  right to
acquire that security,  without additional cash consideration (or for additional
cash  consideration  held  in a  segregated  account  by  its  custodian),  upon
conversion or exchange of other securities  currently held in its portfolio.  In
addition,  a Fund  will not  permit  the call to become  uncovered  prior to the
expiration of the option or termination  through a closing purchase  transaction
as described below. If a Fund writes a call option,  the purchaser of the option
has the  right to buy


                                       9
<PAGE>

(and a Fund has the obligation to sell) the underlying  security at the exercise
price  throughout  the term of the option.  The initial amount paid to a Fund by
the purchaser of the option is the "premium". A Fund's obligation to deliver the
underlying  security against payment of the exercise price will terminate either
upon  expiration  of the  option  or  earlier  if the  Fund is able to  effect a
"closing  purchase  transaction"  through the purchase of an equivalent  option.
There can be no assurance that a closing purchase transaction can be effected at
any  particular  time or at all.  A Fund  would  not be able to effect a closing
purchase  transaction  after it had  received  notice of  exercise.  A Fund will
normally not write a covered call option if, as a result,  the aggregate  market
value of all portfolio  securities covering all call options would exceed 15% of
the market value of its net assets (25% of the market value of total Fund assets
in the case of the VC Fund).

      Fund  securities  on which call  options may be written  will be purchased
solely  on the  basis  of  investment  considerations  consistent  with a Fund's
investment  objective.  The writing of covered  call  options is a  conservative
investment  technique believed to involve relatively little risk (in contrast to
the writing of naked or  uncovered  options,  which the Funds will not do),  but
capable of enhancing a Fund's total return.  When writing a covered call option,
a Fund, in return for the premium,  gives up the  opportunity  for profit from a
price increase in the underlying  security above the exercise price, but retains
the risk of loss should the price of the security  decline.  Unlike one who owns
securities  not subject to an option,  a Fund has no control over when it may be
required to sell the underlying securities, since it may be assigned an exercise
notice at any time prior to the expiration of its  obligation as a writer.  If a
call option  which a Fund has written  expires,  the Fund will realize a gain in
the amount of the premium;  however, such gain may be offset by a decline in the
market value of the underlying  security  during the option period.  If the call
option is  exercised,  the Fund will realize a gain or loss from the sale of the
underlying  security.  The security  covering the call will be  maintained  in a
segregated account of the Funds' Custodian.

      The premium received is the market value of an option.  The premium a Fund
will receive from writing a call option will reflect,  among other  things,  the
current  market  price  of the  underlying  security,  the  relationship  of the
exercise  price to such market price,  the  historical  price  volatility of the
underlying  security,  and the length of the option period. Once the decision to
write a call option has been made,  the Adviser or  Sub-Adviser,  in determining
whether a particular  call option  should be written on a  particular  security,
will consider the  reasonableness of the anticipated  premium and the likelihood
that a liquid secondary market will exist for such option.  The premium received
by a Fund for writing  covered  call  options will be recorded as a liability in
the Fund's statement of assets and liabilities.  This liability will be adjusted
daily to the option's current market value,  which will be the latest sale price
at the time at which  the net  asset  value  per  share of the Fund is  computed
(close of the New York Stock  Exchange),  or, in the  absence of such sale,  the
latest asked price.  The liability will be  extinguished  upon expiration of the
option,  the  purchase  of an  identical  option  in a closing  transaction,  or
delivery of the underlying security upon the exercise of the option.

      Closing  transactions  will be effected in order to realize a profit on an
outstanding call option, to prevent an underlying security from being called, or
to permit the sale of the underlying security. Furthermore,  effecting a closing
transaction  will permit a Fund to write  another call option on the  underlying
security with either a different exercise price or expiration date or both. If a
Fund desires to sell a particular  security  from its  portfolio on which it has
written a call option, it will seek to effect a closing transaction prior to, or
concurrently  with, the sale of the security.  There is, of course, no assurance
that a Fund will be able to effect  such  closing  transactions  at a  favorable
price.  If a Fund cannot  enter into such a  transaction,  it may be required to
hold a  security  that it might  otherwise  have  sold,  in which  case it would
continue to be at market risk on the security. A Fund will pay transaction costs
in  connection  with the  writing  of options  to close out  previously  written
options.  Such  transaction  costs are normally higher than those  applicable to
purchases and sales of portfolio securities.

      Call options written by a Fund will normally have expiration dates of less
than nine months from the date written. The exercise price of the options may be
below, equal to, or above the current market values of the underlying securities
at the time the options are  written.  From time to time, a Fund may purchase an
underlying security for delivery in accordance with an exercise notice of a call
option  assigned to it, rather than delivering such security from its portfolio.
In such cases, additional costs will be incurred.

      A Fund will realize a profit or loss from a closing  purchase  transaction
if the cost of the  transaction  is less or more than the premium  received from
the  writing of the  option.  Because  increases  in the market  price of a call
option will  generally  reflect  increases in the market price of the underlying
security,  any loss  resulting from the repurchase of a call option is likely to
be offset in whole or in part by appreciation  of the underlying  security owned
by a Fund.


                                       10
<PAGE>

      In order to write a call  option,  a Fund is  required  to comply with the
rules of The Options Clearing Corporation and the various exchanges with respect
to collateral  requirements.  A Fund may not purchase call options on individual
stocks except in connection with a closing purchase transaction.  It is possible
that the cost of effecting a closing transaction may be greater than the premium
received by a Fund for writing the option.

      A Fund may also  purchase  put  options  so long as they are  listed on an
exchange.  If a Fund  purchases  a put  option,  it has the  option  to sell the
subject security at a specified price at any time during the term of the option.

      Purchasing put options may be used as a portfolio investment strategy when
the Adviser or Sub-Adviser perceives significant short-term risk but substantial
long-term  appreciation for the underlying  security.  The put option acts as an
insurance  policy,  as it protects against  significant  downward price movement
while it allows full participation in any upward movement.  If a Fund is holding
a stock that the Adviser or Sub-Adviser feels has strong  fundamentals,  but for
some reason may be weak in the near term,  it may  purchase a listed put on such
security,  thereby  giving  itself the right to sell such  security at a certain
strike  price  throughout  the term of the  option.  Consequently,  a Fund  will
exercise the put only if the price of such security falls below the strike price
of the put. The  difference  between the put's strike price and the market price
of  the  underlying  security  on  the  date  a Fund  exercises  the  put,  less
transaction  costs,  will be the  amount by which the Fund will be able to hedge
against a decline  in the  underlying  security.  If,  during  the period of the
option  the market  price for the  underlying  security  remains at or above the
put's strike price,  the put will expire  worthless,  representing a loss of the
price a Fund  paid for the put,  plus  transaction  costs.  If the  price of the
underlying  security  increases,  the profit a Fund  realizes on the sale of the
security  will be reduced by the premium paid for the put option less any amount
for which the put may be sold.

      A Fund may write put options on a fully covered basis on a stock the
Fund intends to purchase.  If a Fund writes a put option,  the  purchaser of the
option  has the  right to sell  (and the  Fund  has the  obligation  to buy) the
underlying security at the exercise price throughout the term of the option. The
initial amount paid to a Fund by the purchaser of the option is the "premium". A
Fund's  obligation to purchase the underlying  security  against  payment of the
exercise price will terminate either upon expiration of the option or earlier if
the Fund is able to effect a "closing purchase transaction" through the purchase
of an  equivalent  option.  There can be no  assurance  that a closing  purchase
transaction can be effected at any particular time or at all. In all cases where
a put option is  written,  a Fund will  segregate  or put into  escrow  with its
custodian,  or pledge to a broker as collateral  any  combination  of "qualified
securities" (which consists of cash, U.S. Government  securities or other liquid
securities)  with a market  value at the time the  option is written of not less
than 100% of the exercise  price of the put option  multiplied  by the number of
options contracts written times the option multiplier.

      A Fund may  purchase a call  option in a stock it intends to  purchase  at
some  point in the  future.  The  purchase  of a call  option  is  viewed  as an
alternative to the purchase of the actual stock.  The number of option contracts
purchased  multiplied by the exercise price times the option multiplier will not
be any greater than the number of shares that would have been  purchased had the
underlying  security been purchased.  If a Fund purchases a call option,  it has
the right but not the  obligation to purchase (and the seller has the obligation
to sell) the underlying  security at the exercise  price  throughout the term of
the option.  The initial  amount paid by a Fund to the seller of the call option
is known as the  "premium".  If during the period of the option the market price
of the underlying  security  remains at or below the exercise price, a Fund will
be able to purchase the security at the lower market price. The profit or loss a
Fund may realize on the  eventual  sale of a security  purchased by means of the
exercise  of a call  option  will be  reduced by the  premium  paid for the call
option.

      Stock Index  Options.  Except as described  below,  a Fund will write call
options on indexes  only if on such date it holds a portfolio of stocks at least
equal to the  value of the  index  times  the  multiplier  times  the  number of
contracts.  When a Fund writes a call  option on a  broadly-based  stock  market
index,  it will segregate or put into escrow with its custodian,  or pledge to a
broker as collateral for the option,  any combination of "qualified  securities"
(which consists of cash, U.S. Government  securities or other liquid securities)
with a market  value at the time the  option is written of not less than 100% of
the current index value times the multiplier times the number of contracts.

      If a Fund has written an option on an industry or market segment index, it
will segregate or put into escrow with its  custodian,  or pledge to a broker as
collateral for the option, one or more "qualified securities",  all of which are
stocks of issuers


                                       11
<PAGE>

in such industry or market segment, with a market value at the
time the  option is  written of not less than 100% of the  current  index  value
times the multiplier times the number of contracts.

      If at the close of business on any  business  day the market value of such
qualified securities so segregated, escrowed, or pledged falls below 100% of the
current index value times the multiplier  times the number of contracts,  a Fund
will so segregate,  escrow or pledge an amount in cash,  Treasury bills or other
liquid  securities  equal in value to the difference.  In addition,  when a Fund
writes a call on an index that is  in-the-money at the time the call is written,
it will segregate with its custodian or pledge to the broker as collateral cash,
U.S. Government or other liquid securities equal in value to the amount by which
the call is in-the-money times the multiplier times the number of contracts. Any
amount segregated  pursuant to the foregoing sentence may be applied to a Fund's
obligation to segregate additional amounts in the event that the market value of
the qualified  securities  falls below 100% of the current index value times the
multiplier times the number of contracts. However, if a Fund holds a call on the
same  index as the call  written  where the  exercise  price of the call held is
equal to or less than the exercise price of the call written or greater than the
exercise  price of the call written if the  difference  is  maintained  in cash,
short-term  U.S.  Government  securities,   or  other  liquid  securities  in  a
segregated  account  with  its  custodian,   it  will  not  be  subject  to  the
requirements described in this paragraph.

      Risks of  Transactions  in Stock  Options.  Purchase  and sales of options
involves  the risk  that  there  will be no  market in which to effect a closing
transaction.  An option  position  may be closed  out only on an  exchange  that
provides  a  secondary  market  for an  option  of  the  same  series  or if the
transaction   was  an   over-the-counter   transaction,   through  the  original
broker-dealer.  Although the Fund will  generally buy and sell options for which
there appears to be an active  secondary  market,  there is no assurance  that a
liquid secondary market on an exchange will exist for any particular  option, or
at any particular  time, and for some options no secondary market on an exchange
may exist.  If the Fund,  as a covered call or put option  writer,  is unable to
effect a closing purchase transaction in a secondary market, it will not be able
to sell the  underlying  security  until the option  expires or it  delivers  or
purchases the underlying security upon exercise.

      Risks of Options on Indexes. A Fund's purchase and sale of options on
indexes will be subject to risks described above under "Risks of Transactions in
Stock  Options".  In  addition,  the  distinctive  characteristic  of options on
indexes creates certain risks that are not present with stock options.

      Since the value of an index option depends upon the movements in the level
of the index,  rather than the price of a particular stock,  whether a Fund will
realize a gain or loss on the purchase or sale of an option on an index  depends
upon movements in the level of stock prices in the stock market  generally or in
an industry or market segment rather than movements in the price of a particular
stock.  Accordingly,  successful  use by a Fund of options  on indexes  would be
subject to the Adviser's or Sub-Adviser's ability to correctly predict movements
in the direction of the stock market generally or of a particular industry. This
requires skills and techniques different than predicting changes in the price of
individual stocks.

      Index prices may be distorted if trading of certain stocks included in the
index is  interrupted.  Trading in the index options also may be  interrupted in
certain circumstances, such as if trading were halted in a substantial number of
stocks  included  in the index.  If this  occurred,  a Fund would not be able to
close out options  that it had  purchased  or written  and, if  restrictions  on
exercise  were  imposed,  might  not be able to close  out  options  that it had
purchased or written and, if restrictions on exercise were imposed, might not be
able  to  exercise  an  option  that  it was  holding,  which  could  result  in
substantial  losses to the Fund.  It is the policy of each Fund to  purchase  or
write  options  only on indexes that  include a number of stocks  sufficient  to
minimize the likelihood of a trading halt in the index, for example, the S&P 100
or S&P 500 index option.

      Trading in index  options  commenced in April 1993 with the S&P 100 option
(formerly  called the CBOE 100).  Since that time, a number of additional  index
option contracts have been introduced,  including  options on industry  indexes.
Although the markets for certain index option contracts have developed  rapidly,
the markets for other index options are still relatively  illiquid.  The ability
to  establish  and close out  positions  on such  options will be subject to the
development and maintenance of a liquid secondary market. It is not certain that
this market will develop in all index option  contracts.  Fund will not purchase
or  sell  index  option   contracts  unless  and  until,  in  the  Adviser's  or
Sub-Adviser's  opinion,  the market for such options has developed  sufficiently
that the risk in connection with these  transactions is no greater than the risk
in connection with options on stock.


                                       12
<PAGE>

      Swaps.  The VC Fund may enter into swaps relating to indexes,  currencies,
interest rates, equity and debt interests of foreign issuers, although swaps are
not  expected  to be used to a  significant  extent.  A swap  transaction  is an
agreement  between the Fund and a  counterparty  to act in  accordance  with the
terms of the swap  contract.  Index swaps  involve the exchange by the Fund with
another  party of the  respective  amounts  payable  with  respect to a notional
principal  amount  related to one or more  indexes.  Currency  swaps involve the
exchange of cash flows on a notional amount of two or more  currencies  based on
their relative future values. An equity swap is an agreement to exchange streams
of payments  computed by reference to a notional amount based on the performance
of a  basket  of  stocks  or a single  stock.  The Fund  may  enter  into  these
transactions  to  preserve  a return  or spread on a  particular  investment  or
portion of its assets, to protect against currency  fluctuations,  as a duration
management  technique  or to  protect  against  any  increase  in the  price  of
securities  the Fund  anticipates  purchasing at a later date. The Fund may also
use these  transactions  for speculative  purposes,  such as to obtain the price
performance  of  a  security  without   actually   purchasing  the  security  in
circumstances, for example, the subject security is illiquid, is unavailable for
direct investment or available only on less attractive  terms.  Swaps have risks
associated  with them  including  possible  default by the  counterparty  to the
transaction,  illiquidity and, where swaps are used as hedges, the risk that the
use of a swap  could  result  in  losses  greater  than if the swap had not been
employed.

      The Fund  will  usually  enter  into  swaps on a net basis  (i.e.  the two
payment streams are netted out in a cash settlement on the payment date or dates
specified in the agreement,  with the Fund receiving or paying,  as the case may
be, only the net amount of the two payments).  Swaps do not involve the delivery
of securities,  other underlying assets or principal.  Accordingly,  the risk of
loss with  respect to swaps is limited  to the net amount of  payments  that the
Fund is contractually obligated to make. If the counterparty to a swap defaults,
the Fund's risk of loss  consists of the net amount of payments that the Fund is
contractually  entitled to receive.  Where swaps are entered into for good faith
hedging  purposes,  the Sub-Advisor  believes such obligations do not constitute
senior  securities under the 1940 Act and,  accordingly,  will not treat them as
being subject to the Fund's borrowing restrictions. Where swaps are entered into
for other than hedging  purposes,  the Fund will  segregate an amount of cash or
liquid  securities having a value equal to the accrued excess of its obligations
over entitlements with respect to each swap on a daily basis.

      REIT Securities. Health Sciences Fund and VC Fund may invest in securities
of  real  estate  investment   trusts  ("REITs").   REITs  are  publicly  traded
corporations  or trusts that  specialize  in  acquiring,  holding  and  managing
residential,  commercial or industrial  real estate.  A REIT is not taxed at the
entity level on income  distributed  to its  shareholders  or  unitholders if it
distributes  to  shareholders  or unitholders at least 95% of its taxable income
for each taxable year and complies with regulatory  requirements relating to its
organization, ownership, assets and income.

      REITs  generally can be classified  as Equity  REITs,  Mortgage  REITs and
Hybrid REITs. An Equity REIT invests the majority of its assets directly in real
property and derives its income  primarily  from rents and from capital gains on
real estate  appreciation  which are realized through property sales. A Mortgage
REIT  invests  the  majority  of its assets in real  estate  mortgage  loans and
services its income primarily from interest payments. A Hybrid REIT combines the
characteristics  of an Equity REIT and a Mortgage  REIT.  Although  the Fund can
invest  in  all  three  kinds  of  REITs,  its  emphasis  is  expected  to be on
investments in Equity REITs.

      Investments in the real estate industry involve particular risks. The real
estate industry has been subject to substantial  fluctuations  and declines on a
local,  regional  and  national  basis in the past and may continue to be in the
future.  Real property values,  and income from real property  continue to be in
the future.  Real property  values and income from real property may decline due
to  general  and  local   economic   conditions,   overbuilding   and  increased
competition,  increases in property  taxes and  operating  expenses,  changes in
zoning laws, casualty or condemnation losses,  regulatory  limitations on rents,
changes in  neighborhoods  and in  demographics,  increases  in market  interest
rates, or other factors.  Factors such as these may adversely  affect  companies
which  own and  operate  real  estate  directly,  companies  which  lend to such
companies, and companies which service the real estate industry.

      Direct  investments  in REITs also  involve  risks.  Equity  REITs will be
affected  by changes in the values of and income from the  properties  they own,
while Mortgage REITs may be affected by the credit quality of the mortgage loans
they hold. In addition, REITs are dependent on specialized management skills and
on their  ability  to  generate  cash flow for  operating  purposes  and to make
distributions   to  shareholders   or   unitholders.   REITs  may  have  limited
diversification and are subject to risks associated with obtaining financing for
real  property,  as well as to the risk of  self-liquidation.  REITs also can be
adversely


                                       13
<PAGE>

affected  by their  failure  to  qualify  for  tax-free  pass-through
treatment of their income under the Internal  Revenue Code of 1986,  as amended,
or their failure to maintain an exemption from registration  under the 1940 Act.
By investing in REITs indirectly  through the Fund, a shareholder bears not only
a proportionate  share of the expenses of the Fund, but also may indirectly bear
similar expenses of some of the REITs in which it invests.

      Structured  Securities.  Health Sciences Fund and VC Fund may purchase any
type of publicly traded or privately negotiated fixed income security, including
mortgage-backed   securities;   structured  notes,  bonds  or  debentures;   and
assignments of and participations in loans.

      Mortgage-Backed Securities. Health Sciences Fund and VC Fund may invest in
mortgage-backed  securities,  such as those  issued by the  Government  National
Mortgage Association  ("GNMA"),  Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA"),
Federal Home Loan Mortgage  Corporation  ("FHLMC") or certain  foreign  issuers.
Mortgage-backed  securities  represent direct or indirect  participations in, or
are secured by and payable from,  mortgage loans secured by real  property.  The
mortgages backing these securities  include,  among other mortgage  instruments,
conventional  30-year  fixed-rate   mortgages,   15-year  fixed-rate  mortgages,
graduated payment mortgages and adjustable rate mortgages. The government or the
issuing  agency  typically  guarantees  the payment of interest and principal of
these securities. However, the guarantees do not extend to the securities' yield
or value,  which are likely to vary  inversely  with  fluctuations  in  interest
rates, nor do the guarantees  extend to the yield or value of the Fund's shares.
These securities  generally are  "pass-through"  instruments,  through which the
holders  receive  a share  of all  interest  and  principal  payments  from  the
mortgages underlying the securities, net of certain fees.

      Yields on  pass-through  securities  are  typically  quoted by  investment
dealers and vendors based on the maturity of the underlying  instruments and the
associated  average  life  assumption.  The average life of  pass-through  pools
varies with the maturities of the underlying  mortgage  loans. A pool's term may
be shortened by  unscheduled  or early  payments of principal on the  underlying
mortgages.  The  occurrence  of  mortgage  prepayments  is  affected  by various
factors, including the level of interest rates, general economic conditions, the
location,  scheduled  maturity  and age of the  mortgage  and other  social  and
demographic  conditions.  Because  prepayment  rates of  individual  pools  vary
widely,  it is  not  possible  to  predict  accurately  the  average  life  of a
particular pool. For pools of fixed-rate  30-year mortgages in a stable interest
rate environment, a common industry practice in the U.S. has been to assume that
prepayments  will  result  in a  12-year  average  life,  although  it may  vary
depending on numerous factors. At present, pools,  particularly those with loans
with other maturities or different characteristics,  are priced on an assumption
of average life determined for each pool. In periods of falling  interest rates,
the rate of prepayment tends to increase,  thereby shortening the actual average
life of a pool of mortgage-related securities.  Conversely, in periods of rising
rates the rate of prepayment tends to decrease,  thereby  lengthening the actual
average  life of the pool.  However,  these  effects may not be present,  or may
differ in degree,  if the mortgage loans in the pools have  adjustable  interest
rates or other  special  payment  terms,  such as a  prepayment  charge.  Actual
prepayment  experience  may  cause the yield of  mortgage-backed  securities  to
differ from the assumed  average life yield.  Reinvestment  of  prepayments  may
occur at higher or lower  interest  rates  than the  original  investment,  thus
affecting the Fund's yield.

      The rate of  interest  on  mortgage-backed  securities  is lower  than the
interest rates paid on the mortgages  included in the underlying pool due to the
annual  fees paid to the  servicer  of the  mortgage  pool for  passing  through
monthly payments to certificate holders and to any guarantor,  such as GNMA, and
due to any yield  retained  by the issuer.  Actual  yield to the holder may vary
from the coupon rate, even if adjustable, if the mortgage-backed  securities are
purchased  or  traded in the  secondary  market at a  premium  or  discount.  In
addition,  there is normally  some delay  between  the time the issuer  receives
mortgage  payments  from the servicer and the time the issuer makes the payments
on the mortgage-backed securities, and this delay reduces the effective yield to
the holder of such securities.

      Asset-Backed  Securities.  Health  Sciences Fund and VC Fund may invest in
asset-backed  securities,  which represent  participations in, or are secured by
and payable from, assets such as motor vehicle  installment  sales,  installment
loan  contracts,  leases of  various  types of real and  personal  property  and
receivables  from  revolving  credit (credit card)  agreements.  Such assets are
securitized through the use of trusts and special purpose corporations. Payments
or  distributions  of principal  and interest  may be  guaranteed  up to certain
amounts and for a certain time period by a letter of credit or a pool  insurance
policy  issued  by a  financial  institution  unaffiliated  with  the  trust  or
corporation.


                                       14
<PAGE>

      Asset-backed  securities  present  certain risks that are not presented by
other securities in which the Fund may invest.  Automobile receivables generally
are secured by automobiles.  Most issuers of automobile  receivables  permit the
loan  servicers  to retain  possession  of the  underlying  obligations.  If the
servicer were to sell these  obligations to another party,  there is a risk that
the purchaser  would acquire an interest  superior to that of the holders of the
asset-backed  securities.  In addition,  because of the large number of vehicles
involved in a typical issuance and technical  requirements under state laws, the
trustee  for the  holders of the  automobile  receivables  may not have a proper
security  interest  in  the  underlying  automobiles.  Therefore,  there  is the
possibility that recoveries on repossessed collateral may not, in some cases, be
available to support payments on these  securities.  Credit card receivables are
generally unsecured,  and the debtors are entitled to the protection of a number
of state and federal  consumer  credit laws, many of which give such debtors the
right to set off certain amounts owed on the credit cards,  thereby reducing the
balance due. In addition,  there is no assurance  that the security  interest in
the collateral can be realized.

      Structured Notes,  Bonds and Debentures.  Health Sciences Fund and VC Fund
may invest in structured notes,  bonds and debentures.  Typically,  the value of
the principal and/or interest on these instruments is determined by reference to
changes  in the  value of  specific  currencies,  interest  rates,  commodities,
indexes or other financial  indicators (the  "Reference") or the relevant change
in two or more  References.  The interest rate or the principal  amount  payable
upon maturity or redemption may be increased or decreased depending upon changes
in the applicable Reference.  The terms of the structured securities may provide
that in certain  circumstances  no principal is due at maturity and,  therefore,
may result in the loss of a Fund's  entire  investment.  The value of structured
securities  may move in the same or the  opposite  direction as the value of the
Reference,  so that  appreciation  of the  Reference  may produce an increase or
decrease in the interest rate or value of the security at maturity. In addition,
the change in interest  rate or the value of the  security at maturity  may be a
multiple of the change in the value of the Reference so that the security may be
more  or  less  volatile  than  the   Reference,   depending  on  the  multiple.
Consequently,  structured  securities may entail a greater degree of market risk
and volatility than other types of debt obligations.

      Assignments  and  Participations.  Health  Sciences  Fund  and VC Fund may
invest in assignments of and  participations  in loans issued by banks and other
financial institutions.

      When the Fund purchases  assignments from lending financial  institutions,
the Fund will acquire direct rights  against the borrower on the loan.  However,
since assignments are generally  arranged through private  negotiations  between
potential assignees and potential assignors, the rights and obligations acquired
by the Fund as the  purchaser  of an  assignment  may differ  from,  and be more
limited than, those held by the assigning lender.

      Participations  in  loans  will  typically  result  in the  Fund  having a
contractual  relationship  with  the  lending  financial  institution,  not  the
borrower.  The Fund  would  have the right to  receive  payments  of  principal,
interest  and any fees to which  it is  entitled  only  from the  lender  of the
payments from the borrower.  In connection with purchasing a participation,  the
Fund generally will have no right to enforce compliance by the borrower with the
terms of the loan  agreement  relating  to the loan,  nor any  rights of set-off
against the borrower,  and the Fund may not benefit directly from any collateral
supporting the loan in which it has purchased a participation.  As a result, the
Fund purchasing a participation will assume the credit risk of both the borrower
and the lender selling the participation.  In the event of the insolvency of the
lender selling the participation,  the Fund may be treated as a general creditor
of the lender and may not benefit  from any  set-off  between the lender and the
borrower.

      The Fund may have difficulty  disposing of assignments and  participations
because  there is no liquid  market  for such  securities.  The lack of a liquid
secondary market will have an adverse impact on the value of such securities and
on the Fund's  ability to dispose of particular  assignments  or  participations
when necessary to meet the Fund's  liquidity  needs or in response to a specific
economic event, such as a deterioration in the creditworthiness of the borrower.
The lack of a liquid market for assignments and participations  also may make it
more  difficult for the Fund to assign a value to these  securities for purposes
of valuing the Fund's portfolio and calculating its net asset value.

      The Fund may invest in fixed and floating  rate loans  ("Loans")  arranged
through private negotiations between a foreign government (a "Borrower") and one
or  more  financial  institutions  ("Lenders").   The  majority  of  the  Fund's
investments in Loans are expected to be in the form of  participations  in Loans
("Participations")  and  assignments  of  portions  of Loans from third  parties
("Assignments").  Participations  typically  will  result  in the Fund  having a
contractual  relationship only with the Lender, not with the Borrower.  The Fund
will have the right to receive  payments of principal,  interest and any fees to
which it is entitled  only from the Lender  selling the  Participation  and only
upon receipt by the Lender of the payments from the Borrower. In


                                       15
<PAGE>

connection with purchasing Participations, the Fund generally will have no right
to  enforce  compliance  by the  Borrower  with the terms of the loan  agreement
relating to the Loan,  nor any rights of set-off  against the Borrower,  and the
Fund may not directly  benefit from any collateral  supporting the Loan in which
it has purchased the Participation. As a result, the Fund will assume the credit
risk of both the Borrower and the Lender that is selling the  Participation.  In
the event of the insolvency of the Lender selling a Participation,  the Fund may
be treated as a general  creditor  of the  Lender and may not  benefit  from any
set-off   between  the  Lender  and  the   Borrower.   The  Fund  will   acquire
Participations  only if the  Lender  interpositioned  between  the  Fund and the
Borrower is determined by CSAM to be creditworthy.

      When the Fund purchases  Assignments  from Lenders,  the Fund will acquire
direct rights against the Borrower on the Loan.  However,  since Assignments are
generally arranged through private  negotiations between potential assignees and
potential  assignors,  the rights and  obligations  acquired  by the Fund as the
purchaser of an Assignment may differ from, and be more limited than, those held
by the assigning Lender.

      There are risks involved in investing in  Participations  and Assignments.
The Fund may have difficulty disposing of them because there is no liquid market
for such securities.  The lack of a liquid secondary market will have an adverse
impact on the value of such  securities  and on the Fund's ability to dispose of
particular  Participations  or  Assignments  when  necessary  to meet the Fund's
liquidity  needs  or  in  response  to a  specific  economic  event,  such  as a
deterioration  in the  creditworthiness  of the  Borrower.  The lack of a liquid
market for  Participations  and Assignments  also may make it more difficult for
the Fund to assign a value to these  securities  for  purposes  of  valuing  the
Fund's portfolio and calculating its net asset value.

      Restricted  and  Illiquid  Securities.  A Fund may  acquire,  in privately
negotiated  transactions,  securities  that cannot be offered for public sale in
the United States  without first being  registered  under the  Securities Act of
1933 ("Securities  Act").  Restricted  securities are subject to restrictions on
resale under federal securities law. Because of these  restrictions,  a Fund may
not be able to readily resell these securities at a price equal to what it might
obtain for similar  securities with a more liquid market.  A Fund's valuation of
these  securities  will  reflect  this  restricted  liquidity.   Under  criteria
established by the Funds' Trustees,  certain restricted securities sold pursuant
to Rule 144A under the  Securities  Act may be determined  to be liquid.  To the
extent that  restricted  securities are not  determined to be liquid,  each Fund
will limit its  purchase,  together  with other  illiquid  securities  including
non-negotiable  time  deposits,  Private  Funds  (in the  case of VC  Fund)  and
repurchase  agreements  providing  for  settlement in more than seven days after
notice, to no more than 15% of its net assets.

      Restricted  securities  in which a Fund may invest may include  commercial
paper issued in reliance on the exemption from registration  afforded by Section
4(2) of the Securities Act.  Section 4(2)  commercial  paper is restricted as to
disposition under federal securities law, and is generally sold to institutional
investors,  such as the Funds,  who agree that they are purchasing the paper for
investment  purposes and not with a view to public  distribution.  Any resale by
the purchaser must be in an exempt transaction. Section 4(2) commercial paper is
normally resold to other institutional  investors like the Funds through or with
the assistance of the issuer or investment  dealers who make a market in Section
4(2)  commercial  paper,  thus providing  liquidity.  The Adviser  believes that
Section 4(2) commercial paper and possibly  certain other restricted  securities
which meet the criteria for liquidity  established  by the Trustees of the Funds
are  quite  liquid.  The  Funds  intend,  therefore,  to  treat  the  restricted
securities  which meet the criteria for liquidity  established  by the Trustees,
including Section 4(2) commercial paper, as determined by the Adviser, as liquid
and not subject to the investment limitations applicable to illiquid securities.

      Securities  of  Other  Investment  Companies.  The  Funds  may  invest  in
securities issued by the other investment companies. Each Fund intends to limit
its investments in accordance with applicable law. Among other things,  such law
would  limit  these  investments  so that,  as  determined  immediately  after a
securities  purchase is made by a Fund: (a) not more than 5% of the value of its
total assets will be invested in the securities of any one  investment  company;
(b) not more than 10% of the value of its total  assets  will be invested in the
aggregate in  securities of  investment  companies as a group;  and (c) not more
than 3% of the  outstanding  voting stock of any one investment  company will be
owned by the Fund; and (d) not more than 10% of the outstanding  voting stock of
any one  closed-end  investment  company will be owned by the Fund together with
all other  investment  companies that have the same  investment  adviser.  Under
certain sets of conditions, different sets of restrictions may be applicable. As
a shareholder of another investment company, a Fund would bear, along with other
shareholders,  its pro  rata  portion  of  that  company's  expenses,  including
advisory  fees.  These  expenses  would be in addition to the advisory and other
expenses  that a Fund bears  directly  in  connection  with its own  operations.
Investment  companies  in which a Fund  may  invest


                                       16
<PAGE>

may also impose a sales or  distribution  charge in connection with the purchase
or redemption of their Shares and other types of  commissions  or charges.  Such
charges will be payable by the Fund and,  therefore,  will be borne  directly by
Shareholders.

      Investment companies in which Technology Fund may invest include money
market funds advised by U.S. Bank, subject to certain restrictions  contained in
an exemptive order issued by the Commission.

      Repurchase  Agreements.  Securities  held  by a  Fund  may be  subject  to
repurchase  agreements.  These  transactions  permit a Fund to earn  income  for
periods as short as overnight.  The Fund could receive less than the  repurchase
price on any sale of such securities. Under the terms of a repurchase agreement,
a Fund  would  acquire  securities  from  member  banks of the  Federal  Deposit
Insurance   Corporation  and  registered   broker-dealers  and  other  financial
institutions   which  the  Adviser  or  Sub-Adviser  deems   creditworthy  under
guidelines  approved by the Trust's  Board of Trustees,  subject to the seller's
agreement to  repurchase  such  securities  at a mutually  agreed-upon  date and
price.  The repurchase price would generally equal the price paid by a Fund plus
interest  negotiated on the basis of current short-term rates, which may be more
or less than the rate on the underlying portfolio securities. The seller under a
repurchase  agreement  will be  required to  maintain  continually  the value of
collateral held pursuant to the agreement at not less than the repurchase  price
(including  accrued  interest).  If the seller were to default on its repurchase
obligation or become insolvent,  the Fund holding such obligation would suffer a
loss to the extent that the  proceeds  from a sale of the  underlying  portfolio
securities  were less than the repurchase  price under the agreement,  or to the
extent that the  disposition of such securities by the Fund were delayed pending
court action.  Additionally,  there is no controlling legal precedent confirming
that a Fund would be entitled, as against a claim by such seller or its receiver
or trustee in  bankruptcy,  to retain the  underlying  securities,  although the
Board of  Trustees of the Trust  believes  that,  under the  regular  procedures
normally in effect for custody of the Funds'  securities  subject to  repurchase
agreements and under federal laws, a court of competent  jurisdiction would rule
in favor of the Trust if  presented  with the  question.  Securities  subject to
repurchase  agreements will be held by the Funds' custodian or another qualified
custodian  or in the  Federal  Reserve/Treasury  book-entry  system.  Repurchase
agreements are considered to be loans by a Fund under the 1940 Act.

      Reverse  Repurchase  Agreements.  Growth Fund, Health Sciences Fund and VC
Fund are each  permitted  to enter  into  reverse  repurchase  agreements.  In a
reverse repurchase  agreement,  a Fund sells a security and agrees to repurchase
it at a mutually  agreed upon date and at a price  reflecting  the interest rate
effective  for the  term of the  agreement.  This  may  also  be  viewed  as the
borrowing  of money by the Fund.  The Funds will not invest  the  proceeds  of a
reverse  repurchase  agreement  for a period  which  exceeds the duration of the
reverse  repurchase  agreement.  No  Fund  may  enter  into  reverse  repurchase
agreements exceeding in the aggregate one-third of the market value of its total
assets,   less  liabilities  other  than  the  obligations  created  by  reverse
repurchase  agreements.  Each Fund will segregate  assets  consisting of cash or
liquid  securities  in an amount at least  equal to its  repurchase  obligations
under its reverse repurchase agreements.

      Reverse  repurchase  agreements  involve the risk that the market value of
the securities  retained by a Fund may decline below the price of the securities
it has sold but is obligated to repurchase under the agreement. In the event the
buyer of securities under a reverse repurchase agreement files for bankruptcy or
becomes insolvent, a Fund's use of proceeds from the agreement may be restricted
pending a determination by the other party or its trustee or receiver whether to
enforce the Fund's obligation to repurchase the securities.

      Loans of Portfolio Securities. Each Fund may lend securities if such loans
are secured  continuously by liquid assets  consisting of cash, U.S.  Government
securities or other liquid debt  securities or by a letter of credit in favor of
the  Fund at  least  equal  at all  times  to 100% of the  market  value  of the
securities loaned, plus accrued interest. While such securities are on loan, the
borrower will pay the Fund any income accruing thereon. Loans will be subject to
termination by the Fund in the normal settlement time,  currently three Business
Days after  notice,  or by the  borrower  on one day's  notice (as used  herein,
"Business Day" shall denote any day on which the New York Stock Exchange and the
custodian are both open for  business).  Any gain or loss in the market price of
the borrowed  securities  that occurs  during the term of the loan inures to the
lending Fund and its  shareholders.  The Funds may pay  reasonable  finders' and
custodial fees, including fees to a Sub-Adviser or its affiliate,  in connection
with loans.  In addition,  the Funds will  consider all facts and  circumstances
including the creditworthiness of the borrowing financial  institution,  and the
Funds will not lend their  securities to any  director,  officer,  employee,  or
affiliate of the Adviser,  a Sub-Adviser,  the Administrator or the Distributor,
unless permitted by applicable law. Loans of portfolio securities involve risks,
such  as  delays  or  an  inability  to  regain  the  securities  or  collateral
adjustments in the event the borrower defaults or enters into bankruptcy.


                                       17
<PAGE>

      Short Sales Against The Box.  Health  Sciences Fund and VC Fund may engage
in short  sales  against  the box.  In a short  sale,  a Fund  sells a  borrowed
security  and  has a  corresponding  obligation  to the  lender  to  return  the
identical security.  The seller does not immediately deliver the securities sold
and is said to have a short position in those  securities until delivery occurs.
A Fund may engage in a short sale if at the time of the short sale the Fund owns
or has the  right to  obtain  without  additional  cost an equal  amount  of the
security being sold short.  This  investment  technique is known as a short sale
"against the box." It may be entered  into by a Fund to, for example,  lock in a
sale price for a security the Fund does not wish to sell immediately.  If a Fund
engages  in a  short  sale,  the  collateral  for  the  short  position  will be
segregated in an account with the Fund's  custodian or qualified  sub-custodian.
The VC Fund  does not  expect  to engage  in short  sales  against  the box to a
significant extent and no more than 10% of the Health Sciences Fund's net assets
(taken at current  value) may be held as collateral  for short sales against the
box at any one time.

      A Fund may make a short sale as a hedge,  when it believes  that the price
of a security may decline, causing a decline in the value of a security owned by
the Fund (or a security convertible or exchangeable for such security).  In such
case,  any future losses in the Fund's long position  should be offset by a gain
in the short position and,  conversely,  any gain in the long position should be
reduced  by a loss in the short  position.  The  extent to which  such  gains or
losses  are  reduced  will  depend  upon the amount of the  security  sold short
relative  to the  amount  the  Fund  owns.  There  will  be  certain  additional
transaction  costs  associated with short sales against the box, but a Fund will
endeavor to offset these costs with the income from the  investment  of the cash
proceeds of short sales.

      If a Fund  effects  a short  sale of  securities  at a time when it has an
unrealized gain on the securities,  it may be required to recognize that gain as
if it had actually sold the securities (as a "constructive sale") on the date it
effects the short sale. However,  such constructive sale treatment may not apply
if the Fund closes out the short sale with securities other than the appreciated
securities  held at the time of the short sale and if certain  other  conditions
are satisfied.  Uncertainty  regarding the tax  consequences  of effecting short
sales may limit the extent to which the Fund may effect short sales.

      Short Sales (excluding Short Sales "Against the Box"). The Health Sciences
Fund and VC Fund may from time to time sell securities  short. A short sale is a
transaction in which a Fund sells  securities it does not own in anticipation of
a decline in the market price of the securities. The current market value of the
securities sold short  (excluding short sales "against the box") will not exceed
10% of a Fund's assets.

      To deliver the  securities  to the buyer,  a Fund must  arrange  through a
broker to borrow the securities and, in so doing, the Fund becomes  obligated to
replace  the  securities   borrowed  at  their  market  price  at  the  time  of
replacement,  whatever  that  price may be. A Fund will make a profit or incur a
loss as a  result  of a  short  sale  depending  on  whether  the  price  of the
securities  decreases  or  increases  between the date of the short sale and the
date on which the Fund purchases the security to replace the borrowed securities
that have been sold.  The amount of any loss  would be  increased  (and any gain
decreased)  by any premium or  interest a Fund is required to pay in  connection
with a short sale.

      A Fund's obligation to replace the securities  borrowed in connection with
a  short  sale  will  be  secured  by cash or  liquid  securities  deposited  as
collateral  with the  broker.  In  addition,  a Fund will place in a  segregated
account  with its  custodian  or a qualified  subcustodian  an amount of cash or
liquid securities equal to the difference,  if any, between (i) the market value
of the  securities  sold at the time they  were sold  short and (ii) any cash or
liquid securities deposited as collateral with the broker in connection with the
short sale (not including the proceeds of the short sale). Until it replaces the
borrowed  securities,  a Fund will  maintain the  segregated  account daily at a
level so that (a) the amount  deposited in the account plus the amount deposited
with the broker (not  including the proceeds from the short sale) will equal the
current market value of the securities  sold short and (b) the amount  deposited
in the account  plus the amount  deposited  with the broker (not  including  the
proceeds  from the short  sale)  will not be less than the  market  value of the
securities at the time they were sold short.

      Affiliated  Transactions.  The Funds are  authorized to execute  portfolio
transactions  through, and to pay commissions to, Phillips & Company Securities,
Inc.  ("Phillips"),  and Williamette  Securities,  Inc.  ("WSI")  broker-dealers
affiliated with the Adviser, and Piper Jaffray Inc. and U.S. Bancorp Securities,
broker-dealers  affiliates of the Sub-Adviser,  U.S. Bank National  Association,
and to purchase  securities in underwritings in which these  broker-dealers  are
members  of the  underwriting


                                       18
<PAGE>

syndicate. A Fund will not acquire portfolio securities issued by, or enter into
repurchase  agreements or reverse  repurchase  agreements  with, the Adviser,  a
Sub-Adviser, the Distributor or their affiliates.

Additional Information About Health Sciences Fund

      The Fund's investment  objective is long-term growth of capital.  The Fund
is a non-diversified  management  investment company. The Fund intends to invest
at least  80% of its  total  assets in  equity  securities  of  health  sciences
companies,  and under normal market  conditions  will invest at least 65% of its
assets in  equity  and debt  securities  of health  sciences  companies.  Equity
securities  are  common  stocks,   preferred  stocks,  warrants  and  securities
convertible  into or exchangeable for common stocks.  Health sciences  companies
are  companies  that  are  principally  engaged  in the  research,  development,
production  or  distribution  of products or  services  related to health  care,
medicine or the life sciences (collectively termed "health sciences"). A company
is considered to be  "principally  engaged" in health sciences when at least 50%
of its assets are  committed  to, or at least 50% of its  revenues or  operating
profits are derived from, the activities  described in the previous sentence.  A
company will also be considered  "principally engaged" in health sciences if, in
the  judgment of the  Sub-Adviser,  the company  has the  potential  for capital
appreciation primarily as a result of particular products,  technology,  patents
or other market  advantages  in a health  sciences  business and (a) the company
holds itself out to the public as being  primarily  engaged in a health sciences
business, and (b) a substantial percentage of the company's expenses are related
to a health sciences business and these expenses exceed revenues from non-health
sciences businesses.

      Because the Fund will focus its  investments  in  securities  of companies
that are  principally  engaged in the health  sciences,  the value of its shares
will  be  especially  affected  by  factors  relating  to the  health  sciences,
resulting in greater  volatility  in share price than may be the case with funds
that invest in a wider range of industries.

      Companies engaged in biotechnology, drugs and medical devices are
affected by, among other things,  limited patent duration,  intense competition,
obsolescence   brought  about  by  rapid  technological  change  and  regulatory
requirements.  In addition,  many health sciences companies are smaller and less
seasoned, suffer from inexperienced management,  offer limited product lines (or
may not yet offer products),  and may have persistent  losses or erratic revenue
patterns.   Securities  of  these  smaller   companies  may  have  more  limited
marketability and, thus, may be more volatile.  Because small companies normally
have fewer shares  outstanding than larger  companies,  it may be more difficult
for the  Fund to buy or sell  significant  amounts  of such  shares  without  an
unfavorable impact on prevailing  prices.  There is also typically less publicly
available  information  concerning  smaller  companies  than  for  larger,  more
established ones.

      Other  health  sciences  companies,  including  pharmaceutical  companies,
companies  undertaking  research and  development,  and operators of health care
facilities and their suppliers are subject to government regulation,  product or
service approval and, with respect to medical devices,  the receipt of necessary
reimbursement  codes,  which  could have a  significant  effect on the price and
availability  of such  products  and  services,  and may  adversely  affect  the
revenues of these  companies.  These  companies are also  susceptible to product
liability claims and competition from  manufacturers and distributors of generic
products.  Companies  engaged in the  ownership  or  management  of health  care
facilities  receive a  substantial  portion of their  revenues  from federal and
state  governments  through  Medicare and Medicaid  payments.  These  sources of
revenue are subject to extensive  regulation  and government  appropriations  to
fund these  expenditures are under intense scrutiny.  Numerous federal and state
legislative  initiatives  are being  considered that seek to control health care
costs and,  consequently,  could  affect the  profitability  and stock prices of
companies engaged in the health sciences.

      Health sciences  companies are generally  subject to greater  governmental
regulation than other  industries at both the state and federal levels.  Changes
in  governmental  policies may have a material effect on the demand for or costs
of certain  products  and  services.  A health  sciences  company  must  receive
government  approval  before  introducing  new  drugs  and  medical  devices  or
procedures.  This  process  may delay the  introduction  of these  products  and
services to the marketplace,  resulting in increased  development costs, delayed
cost-recovery  and  loss of  competitive  advantage  to the  extent  that  rival
companies have developed  competing products or procedures,  adversely affecting
the company's revenues and profitability. Expansion of facilities by health care
providers is subject to "determinations  of need" by the appropriate  government
authorities. This process not only increases the time and cost involved in these
expansions,  but also makes expansion plans uncertain,  limiting the revenue and
profitability  growth  potential  of  health  care  facilities  operators,   and
negatively affecting the price of their securities.


                                       19
<PAGE>

      Certain  health  sciences  companies  depend  on the  exclusive  rights or
patents for the  products  they develop and  distribute.  Patents have a limited
duration and, upon expiration,  other companies may market substantially similar
"generic"  products  which have cost less to develop and may cause the  original
developer of the product to lose market share  and/or  reduce the price  charged
for the product, resulting in lower profits for the original developer.

      Because the products and services of health sciences  companies affect the
health and  well-being  of many  individuals,  these  companies  are  especially
susceptible to product liability lawsuits.  The share price of a health sciences
company  can drop  dramatically  not only as a reaction  to an adverse  judicial
ruling, but also from the adverse publicity accompanying threatened litigation.

Additional Information About VC Fund

      Private  Fund  Investments.  Up to 10% of the  Fund's  net  assets  may be
invested in U.S. or foreign  private limited  partnerships  or other  investment
funds ("Private  Funds") that themselves  invest in equity or debt securities of
(a)  companies  in  the  venture  capital  or  post-venture  capital  stages  of
development  or (b)  companies  engaged  in  special  situations  or  changes in
corporate control, including buyouts. In selecting Private Funds for investment,
CSAM  attempts  to invest in a mix of Private  Funds that will  provide an above
average  internal rate of return  (i.e.,  the discount rate at which the present
value of an investment's future cash inflows (dividend income and capital gains)
are  equal  to the  cost of the  investment).  CSAM  believes  that  the  Fund's
investments in Private Funds offer individual  investors a unique opportunity to
participate in venture  capital and other private  investment  funds,  providing
access  to  investment   opportunities   typically   available   only  to  large
institutions  and  accredited  investors.  Although  the Fund's  investments  in
Private Funds are limited to a maximum of 10% of the Fund's assets  (measured at
the time the investments are made), these investments are highly speculative and
volatile and may produce gains or losses in this portion of the Fund's portfolio
that exceed  those of the Fund's  other  holdings  and of more mature  companies
generally.

      Because Private Funds are investment companies for certain purposes of the
1940 Act,  the Fund's  ability to invest in them will be limited.  In  addition,
Fund  shareholders will remain subject to the Fund's expenses while also bearing
their pro rata share of the operating expenses of the Private Funds. The ability
of the Fund to dispose of  interests  in Private  Funds is very limited and will
involve  certain risks.  In valuing the Fund's  holdings of interests in Private
Funds,  the Fund will be  relying on the most  recent  reports  provided  by the
Private Funds  themselves  prior to  calculation  of the Fund's net asset value.
These reports,  which are provided on an infrequent  basis,  often depend on the
subjective  valuations  of the  managers of the Private  Funds and, in addition,
would  not  generally  reflect  positive  or  negative  subsequent  developments
affecting  companies held by the Private Fund. Debt securities held by a Private
Fund will tend to be rated below  investment  grade and may be rated as low as C
by Moody's or D by S&P.  Securities  in these rating  categories  are in payment
default or have extremely poor prospects of attaining any investment standing.

      Although   investments  in  Private  Funds  offer  the   opportunity   for
significant  capital gains, these investments  involve a high degree of business
and  financial  risk that can result in  substantial  losses in the portion of a
Fund's  portfolio  invested  in these  investments.  Among  these  are the risks
associated with investment in companies in an early stage of development or with
little  or  no  operating  history,  companies  operating  at  a  loss  or  with
substantial variation in operation results from period to period, companies with
the need for substantial  additional capital to support expansion or to maintain
a competitive position,  or companies with significant financial leverage.  Such
companies may also face intense  competition  from others  including  those with
greater  financial  resources  or  more  extensive  development,  manufacturing,
distribution or other attributes, over which the Fund will have no control.

      Interests in the Private  Funds in which a Fund may invest will be subject
to  substantial  restrictions  on  transfer  and,  in  some  instances,  may  be
non-transferable  for a period of years. Private Funds may participate in only a
limited number of investments and, as a consequence,  the return of a particular
Private  Fund  may  be  substantially  adversely  affected  by  the  unfavorable
performance of even a single  investment.  Certain of the Private Funds in which
the Fund  may  invest  may pay  their  investment  managers  a fee  based on the
performance  of the Fund,  which may create an incentive for the manager to make
investments  that are riskier or more  speculative than would be the case if the
manager was paid a fixed fee.  Private Funds are not  registered  under the 1940
Act  and,  consequently,  are not  subject  to the  restrictions  on  affiliated
transactions  and  other   protections   applicable  to  registered   investment
companies.  The valuation of companies held by Private Funds,  the


                                       20
<PAGE>

securities of which are generally  unlisted and illiquid,  may be very difficult
and will often depend on the subjective valuation of the managers of the Private
Funds,  which may prove to be  inaccurate.  Inaccurate  valuations  of a Private
Fund's  portfolio  holdings may affect the Fund's net asset value  calculations.
Private  Funds in which the Fund  invests will not borrow to increase the amount
of assets available for investment or otherwise engage in leverage.

      The Fund may also hold non-publicly  traded equity securities of companies
in the venture capital and post-venture  capital stages of development,  such as
those of closely-held  companies or private placements of public companies.  The
portion of the Fund's assets invested in these  non-publicly  traded  securities
will vary over time depending on investment opportunities and other factors. The
Fund's illiquid assets,  including Private Funds and other  non-publicly  traded
securities, may not exceed 15% of the Fund's net assets.

      Other  Strategies.  The Fund will  invest in  securities  of  post-venture
capital  companies  that are traded on a national  securities  exchange or in an
organized OTC market, such as The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc., JASDAQ,  EASDAQ and
AIM. The Fund may invest,  directly or through  Private Funds,  in securities of
issuers  engaged at the time of  purchase  in  "special  situations,"  such as a
restructuring  or  recapitalization;  an acquisition,  consolidation,  merger or
tender  offer;  a  change  in  corporate  control  or  investment  by a  venture
capitalist.   For  temporary  defensive  purposes,   such  as  during  times  of
international  political or economic uncertainty,  all of the Fund's investments
may be made temporarily in the U.S.

Investment Restrictions

      The   following   policies   are   fundamental   investment   restrictions
("Fundamental  Restrictions")  of  each  Fund  and may  not be  changed  without
approval by vote of a majority of the  outstanding  shares of the Fund. For this
purpose,  such a majority vote means the lesser of (1) 67% or more of the voting
securities  present at an annual or special meeting of Shareholders,  if holders
of more than 50% of the outstanding  voting  securities of a Fund are present of
represented by proxy or (2) more than 50% of the outstanding  voting  securities
of the Fund.

      Value  Fund,  Growth  Fund and VC Fund have each  elected  to qualify as a
diversified  series of the Trust.  Health Sciences Fund and Technology Fund have
each elected to be  non-diversified  series of the Trust.  Both Health  Sciences
Fund and Technology Fund intend,  however,  to conduct their operations so as to
qualify as regulated  investment  companies  under the Internal  Revenue Code of
1986, as amended. Additionally, none of the Funds may:

       (1)      borrow money, except as permitted under the Investment Company
                Act of 1940,  as amended,  and as  interpreted  or modified by
                regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to time;

       (2)      issue  senior  securities,   except  as  permitted  under  the
                Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and as interpreted
                or modified by regulatory authority having jurisdiction,  from
                time to time;

       (3)      concentrate its investments in a particular industry,  as that
                term  is  used  in the  Investment  Company  Act of  1940,  as
                amended,   and  as   interpreted  or  modified  by  regulatory
                authority  having  jurisdiction,  from time to time,  provided
                that Health Sciences Fund will  concentrate its investments in
                health  sciences-related  industries and Technology  Fund will
                concentrate its investments in technology-related industries.

       (4)      engage in the business of  underwriting  securities  issued by
                others,  except to the extent  that a Fund may be deemed to be
                an underwriter in connection with the disposition of portfolio
                securities;

       (5)      purchase  or  sell  real   estate,   which  does  not  include
                securities of companies which deal in real estate or mortgages
                or  investments  secured by real estate or interests  therein,
                except that each Fund  reserves  freedom of action to hold and
                to  sell  real  estate  acquired  as a  result  of the  Fund's
                ownership of securities;

       (6)      purchase physical commodities or contracts relating to physical
                commodities; or


                                       21
<PAGE>

       (7)      make loans to other  persons,  except  (i) loans of  portfolio
                securities,  and (ii) to the extent that entry into repurchase
                agreements  and the purchase of debt  instruments or interests
                in  indebtedness  in  accordance  with  a  Fund's   investment
                objective and policies may be deemed to be loans.

Portfolio Turnover

      The  portfolio  turnover  rate for each Fund is calculated by dividing the
lesser of the Fund's purchases or sales of portfolio  securities for the year by
the monthly average value of the portfolio securities.  The calculation excludes
all securities  whose remaining  maturities at the time of acquisition  were one
year or less.

                                 NET ASSET VALUE

      The net asset  value of Shares of each Fund is  determined  and the Shares
are priced as of the  Valuation  Time on each  Business  Day of the  Company.  A
"Business  Day"  constitutes  any day on which the New York Stock  Exchange (the
"NYSE") is open for trading and any other day except days on which there are not
sufficient changes in the value of a Fund's portfolio securities that the Fund's
net asset value might be materially affected and days during which no Shares are
tendered  for  redemption  and  no  orders  to  purchase  Shares  are  received.
Currently,  the NYSE is closed on New Year's Day,  Martin Luther King,  Jr. Day,
President's  Day,  Good  Friday,  Memorial  Day,  Independence  Day,  Labor Day,
Thanksgiving  Day and  Christmas  Day. If  portfolio  investments  of a Fund are
traded in markets on days that are not Business Days of the Fund, the Fund's net
asset value may vary on days when investors cannot purchase,  redeem or exchange
Shares.

      Portfolio  equity  securities  for which  market  quotations  are  readily
available  are valued  based upon  their  last sales  prices in their  principal
market.  Lacking any sales,  these  securities are valued at the most recent bid
price.  Debt  securities  with  remaining  maturities of 60 days or less will be
valued at their  amortized cost.  Other debt securities are generally  valued by
pricing agents based on valuations  supplied by  broker-dealers or calculated by
electronic  methods.  Other  securities and assets for which  quotations are not
readily available,  including  restricted  securities,  securities  purchased in
private transactions and Private Funds (with respect to the VC Fund), are valued
at their fair value in the best judgment of the Adviser or Sub-Adviser under the
supervision of the Trust's Board of Trustees.

      Among the  factors  that will be  considered,  if they  apply,  in valuing
portfolio  securities held by a Fund are the existence of restrictions  upon the
sale of the security by the Fund, the absence of a market for the security,  the
extent of any discount in acquiring  the  security,  the  estimated  time during
which the security will not be freely marketable, the expenses of registering or
otherwise qualifying the security for public sale,  underwriting  commissions if
underwriting  would  be  required  to  effect  a sale,  the  current  yields  on
comparable  securities for debt obligations  traded  independently of any equity
equivalent,  changes in the financial condition and prospects of the issuer, and
any other  factors  affecting  fair  value.  In making  valuations,  opinions of
counsel  may be relied  upon as to  whether  or not  securities  are  restricted
securities and as to the legal requirements for public sale.

      The VC Fund's  investments  in Private  Funds will be valued  initially at
cost and, thereafter,  in accordance with periodic reports received by CSAM from
the Private Funds (generally quarterly).  Because the issuers of securities held
by Private Funds are generally not subject to the reporting  requirements of the
federal  securities laws, interim changes in the value of investments in Private
Funds will not  generally be  reflected in the Fund's net asset value.  However,
CSAM will report to the Board of the Trust information about certain holdings of
Private  Funds  that,  in its  judgment,  could  have a  material  impact on the
valuation of a Private Fund. The Board of the Trust will take these reports into
account in valuing Private Funds.

      As noted,  the Trust may use a pricing service to value certain  portfolio
securities  where the prices  provided  are  believed to reflect the fair market
value of such securities. A pricing service would normally consider such factors
as yield,  risk,  quality,  maturity,  type of issue,  trading  characteristics,
special  circumstances  and  other  factors  it deems  relevant  in  determining
valuations of normal  institutional  trading units of debt  securities and would
not rely  exclusively on quoted prices.  The methods used by the pricing service
and the  valuations  so  established  will be  reviewed  by the Trust  under the
general  supervision of the Trust's Board of Trustees.  Several pricing services
are  available,  one or more of which may be used by the Adviser or  Sub-Adviser
from time to time.


                                       22
<PAGE>

                 ADDITIONAL PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION

Matters Affecting Redemption

      Fund Shares are sold on a continuous  basis by BISYS Fund Services Limited
Partnership  d/b/a BISYS Fund Services (the  "Distributor" or "BISYS"),  and the
Distributor  has  agreed to use  appropriate  efforts to  solicit  all  purchase
orders.

      The Trust may suspend  the right of  redemption  or  postpone  the date of
payment for Shares with  respect to a Fund during any period when (a) trading on
the New York Stock Exchange is restricted by applicable rules and regulations of
the Commission,  (b) the Exchange is closed for other than customary weekend and
holiday closings,  (c) the Commission has by order permitted such suspension for
the protection of security holders of the Trust or a Fund, or (d) the Commission
has determined that an emergency exists as a result of which (i) disposal by the
Trust or a Fund of securities owned by it is not reasonably  practical,  or (ii)
it is not  reasonably  practical  for the Trust or a Fund to determine  the fair
value of its net assets.

      The Trust may redeem Shares of a Fund  involuntarily if redemption appears
appropriate  in light of the Trust's  responsibilities  under the 1940 Act.  See
"SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION" in the Prospectus.

                             MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST

Trustees and Officers

      Overall responsibility for management of the Trust rests with its Board
of Trustees,  which is elected by the  Shareholders  of the Trust.  The Trustees
elect the officers of the Trust to supervise actively its day-to-day operations.
The names of the Trustees and officers of the Trust,  their addresses,  ages and
principal occupations during the past five years are as follows:

<TABLE>

                                      Position(s)
                                      Held With                    Principal Occupation
Name, Address and Age                 the Trust                    During Past 5 Years**
---------------------                 ---------                    ---------------------
<S>                                   <C>                        <C>
Timothy C. Phillips (Age 34)*         Trustee, Chairman,         CEO of Phillips & Co.
220 NW 2nd, Suite 950                 President, Treasurer       Securities, Inc. and
Portland, OR 97209                    and Secretary              Willamette Securities, Inc.
                                                                 since February 1992 and January,
                                                                 1999, respectively

                            [THE FOLLOWING IS SUBJECT
                                 TO COMPLETION]

S. Christopher  Clark  (Age 34)*       **                        Executive VP (1993) and
220 NW 2nd, Suite 950                                            Managing Director (1997) for
Portland, OR 97209                                               Phillips & Co. Securities, Inc. and
                                                                 Managing Director of
                                                                 Willamette Securities, Inc. (1999)

James T. Smith  (Age 34 )*             **                        Compliance Officer (1995) and CFO
220 NW 2nd, Suite 950                                            (1997) for Phillips & Co.
Portland, OR 97209                                               Securities, Inc. and COO (1999) for
                                                                 Willamette Securities, Inc. Joined
                                                                 Phillips & Co. in 10/94 and
                                                                 Willamette Securities, Inc. in 1/99.
                                                                 From 10/92 to 09/94 was the Sup. of
                                                                 payroll & billing services for
                                                                 Interim Services, Inc.
</TABLE>


                                       23
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<S>                                    <C>                      <C>
                                       **
Charlie Mohr  (Age 53)                                          Group President of Outsourcing
396A Sound Beach Ave                                            (1998) for BISYS.  From 9/91 to 9/94
Old Greenwich, CT 06870                                         was the Investment Adviser for Sun

                                                                America Asset Mgmt. and from 1/96 to
                                                                1/98 was the Investment Adviser for
                                                                Systematic Mgmt.

                                       **
Andy Gerlicher  (Age 48)                                        Attorney (2000) for Schwabe
600 SW Columbia, Suite 3210                                     Williamson & Wyatt.  From 5/99 to
Bend, OR 97702                                                  5/00 was a banker for Key Bank,
                                                                N.A.  From 4/96 to 4/99 was the
                                                                Trust Co. President for West Coast
                                                                Trust Co.  From 9/85 to 3/96 was the
                                                                S.V.P., General Counsel for First
                                                                Interstate Bank.
</TABLE>

* Messrs.  Phillips,  Clark and Smith are each  considered to be an  "interested
person" of the Trust as defined in the 1940 Act.

** (To be completed by amendment prior to effectiveness)

      As of the date of this  Statement of Additional  Information,  the Trust's
officers and Trustees,  as a group, own less than 1% of each Fund's  outstanding
Shares.

      The officers of the Trust receive no compensation  directly from the Trust
for  performing  the duties of their  offices.  BISYS Fund Services  Ohio,  Inc.
receives fees from the Funds for acting as  administrator  and fund  accountant,
the Distributor  receives fees pursuant to the Service and Distribution Plan and
BISYS Fund Services, Inc. receives fees for transfer agent services.

                           Trustee Compensation Table
                                [to be provided]

      Trustees  of the Trust not  affiliated  with the  Adviser  or  Distributor
receive  from the Trust an annual fee of $_____,  plus  $_____ for each  regular
meeting of the Board of Trustees attended and $_____ for each special meeting of
the Board  attended in person and $___ for other  special  meetings of the Board
attended  by  telephone,  and  are  reimbursed  for all  out-of-pocket  expenses
relating to attendance at such meetings.  Trustees who are  affiliated  with the
Distributor do not receive compensation from the Trust.

      Because these Funds had not commenced operations as of the date of this
Statement of Additional Information, the Trustees have not received compensation
from the Funds yet.

Investment Adviser and Sub-Advisers

      Willamette Asset Managers,  Inc., 220 NW 2nd Avenue,  Suite 950, Portland,
Oregon  97209,  acts as investment  adviser to the Funds  pursuant to Investment
Advisory  Agreements  dated.  Each Fund pays the Adviser  fees for its  services
under these agreements. The fees, which are computed daily and paid monthly, are
at the following  annual rates for each Fund,  calculated as a percentage of the
particular  Fund's  average daily net assets:  Value Fund,  1.00%;  Growth Fund,
1.20%; Health Sciences Fund, 1.20%;  Technology Fund, 1.20%; and VC Fund, 1.20%.
The  Adviser  may  periodically  waive all or a portion of its  advisory  fee to
increase the net income of a Fund available for  distribution as dividends or to
limit a Fund's total operating expenses.

      For each of the Funds,  the Adviser has retained a Sub-Adviser  to provide
portfolio management services. The Adviser pays the fees of each Sub-Adviser, at
no additional cost to a Fund.


                                       24
<PAGE>

      Unless sooner terminated,  each Advisory Agreement will continue in effect
for and initial period of up to two years, and from year to year thereafter,  if
such  continuance is approved at least annually by the Trust's board of Trustees
or by vote of a majority of the  outstanding  Shares of the applicable  Fund (as
defined under "Investment  Restrictions," above), and a majority of the Trustees
who are not parties to the Advisory  Agreement or interested persons (as defined
in the 1940 Act) of any party to the Advisory  Agreement by votes cast in person
at a meeting called for such purpose.  Each Advisory  Agreement is terminable at
any time on 60 days' written notice without penalty by the Trustees,  by vote of
a majority of the outstanding  Shares of the particular Fund, or by the Adviser.
Each  Advisory  Agreement  also  terminates  automatically  in the  event of any
assignment, as defined in the 1940 Act.

      Each Advisory  Agreement provides that the Adviser shall not be liable for
any  error  of  judgment  or  mistake  of law or for any  loss  suffered  by the
applicable Fund in connection  with the  performance of the Advisory  Agreement,
except a loss  resulting  from a breach of  fiduciary  duty with  respect to the
receipt  of  compensation   for  services  or  a  loss  resulting  from  willful
misfeasance,  bad faith,  or gross  negligence on the part of the Adviser in the
performance  of its duties,  or from  reckless  disregard by thee Adviser of its
duties and obligations thereunder.

      The Bank of New York (BONY),  One Wall Street,  New York,  New York 10286,
provides portfolio management services, as Sub-Adviser, to Value Fund and Growth
Fund  pursuant  to  Sub-Investment  Advisory  Agreements  with the Trust and the
Adviser,  dated as of. For its  services to Value Fund,  the Adviser pays BONY a
fee, calculated daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate equal to the following
amounts based on Value Fund's average daily net assets:  (a) for that portion of
Value Fund's  portfolio,  generally  about 50% of Value Fund's  assets,  that is
invested in the ten highest dividend yielding stocks in the Dow Jones Industrial
Average,  the annual  fee rate is equal to the  following  percentages  of Value
Fund's  average daily net assets:  0.10% on assets up to  $50,000,000;  0.07% on
assets  from  $50,000,000  to  $100,000,000;   0.05%  on  assets  in  excess  of
$100,000,000,  with a minimum  annual fee of $10,000  for this  portion of Value
Fund's  portfolio;  (b) for that  portion of Value Fund's  portfolio,  generally
about 50% of Value Fund's assets, that is actively managed,  the annual fee rate
is equal to 0.45%,  with a minimum  annual  fee of $10,000  for this  portion of
Value Fund's  portfolio.  The Adviser  pays BONY a fee  computed  daily and paid
monthly at an annual rate  calculated as a percentage  of Growth Fund's  average
daily net assets, of 0.45%.

      U.S.  Bank  National  Association  (U.S.  Bank),  601 Second Avenue South,
Minneapolis,  Minnesota 55480, serves as Sub-Adviser to Technology Fund pursuant
to a Sub-Investment  Advisory Agreement dated as of __________________.  For its
services to Technology Fund, the Adviser pays U.S. Bank a fee computed daily and
paid monthly at an annual rate of 0.50% calculated as a percentage of the Fund's
average daily net assets.

      Credit Suisse Asset Management,  LLC (Credit Suisse), One Citicorp Center,
153 East 53rd Street, New York, NY 10022, acts as Sub-Adviser to Health Sciences
Fund  and VC  Fund  pursuant  to  Sub-Investment  Advisory  Agreements  dated  ,
respectively.  Credit  Suisse  also acts as  investment  adviser to the  Warburg
Pincus Family of Funds. Credit Suisse is a member company of Credit Suisse Asset
Management  (CSAM),  the  institutional  asset management and mutual fund arm of
Credit Suisse Trust, one of the world's leading banks. The CSAM companies manage
more than $58 billion in the U.S. and $186 billion  globally.  They have offices
in 14 countries, including SEC-registered offices in New York and London. CSAM's
other offices,  including those in Budapest,  Frankfurt,  Milan, Moscow,  Paris,
Prague,  Sydney,  Tokyo,  Warsaw and  Zurich,  are not  SEC-registered.  For its
services to Health  Sciences  Fund,  the adviser pays Credit  Suisse a fee at an
assessed  rate,  calculated as a percentage of Health  Sciences  Fund's  average
daily net assets, of 0.55%

     Each  Sub-Investment  Advisory  Agreement  will continue in effect,  unless
sooner terminated, for two years from its effective date, and has provisions for
continuation  and  termination  similar  to  those  of the  Investment  Advisory
Agreements. Each Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement may also be terminated by the
Adviser.

     The Advisory Agreement for each Fund and Sub-Investment  Advisory Agreement
for each applicable Fund were approved by the Trust's Board of Trustees on , and
each Fund's initial shareholder on ____________________.

     Investment  advisory  fees earned by the Adviser for services to Value Fund
for the fiscal years ended March 31, 1999 and March 31, 2000 totaled $90,925 and
$174,029,  respectively,  and the Adviser waived  advisory fees in the amount of
$27,500 and $47,091,  respectively,  for those years. For its services to Growth
Fund,  which  commenced  operations on April 1, 1999, the


                                       25
<PAGE>

Adviser earned fees of $259,469, during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000 and
the  Adviser  waived  fees in the amount of  $23,161  for that  period.  For its
services to Technology  Fund,  which commenced  operations on March 1, 2000, the
Adviser  earned  fees of $33,800  for the fiscal  year ended  March 31, 2000 and
waived fees totaling  $5,633.  The Adviser  earned no fees from Health  Sciences
Fund or VC Fund as of March  31,  2000,  since  those  Funds  had not  commenced
operations as of that date.

      BONY  commenced  its services as  Sub-Adviser  as of June 5, 2000, so BONY
received no Sub-Advisory fees from Value Fund during the fiscal year ended March
31, 2000. For its services to Growth Fund,  which commenced  operations on April
1, 1999,  BONY received fees of $106,339 for its services to Growth Fund for the
fiscal year ended March 31, 2000.

      For its services to Technology Fund,  which commenced  operations on March
1, 2000,  U.S. Bank  received  fees  totaling  $11,736 for the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2000.

Code of Ethics

      The Willamette  Funds,  the Adviser,  each Sub-Adviser and the Distributor
have each adopted a Code of Ethics,  pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the Investment
Company  Act  of  1940,  applicable  to  securities  trading  activities  of its
personnel. Each Code permits covered personnel to trade in securities in which a
Fund may invest, subject to certain restrictions and reporting requirements.

Portfolio Transactions

      Pursuant  to the  Advisory  Agreements  and  the  Sub-Investment  Advisory
Agreements,  the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser determine,  subject to the general
supervision  of the Board of Trustees of the Trust and in  accordance  with each
Fund's  investment  objective  and  restrictions,  which  securities  are  to be
purchased and sold by the Funds, and which brokers are to be eligible to execute
the Funds'  portfolio  transactions.  Certain  purchases  and sales of portfolio
securities  with  respect  to the  Funds  are  principal  transactions  in which
portfolio  securities are normally purchased directly from the issuer or from an
underwriter or market maker for the securities.  Purchases from  underwriters of
portfolio  securities  generally  include a commission or concession paid by the
issuer to the  underwriter,  and purchases from dealers serving as market makers
may include the spread  between the bid and asked price.  Transactions  on stock
exchanges involve the payment of negotiated brokerage commissions.  Transactions
in  the  over-the-counter  market  are  generally  principal  transactions  with
dealers.   With  respect  to  the  over-the-counter   market,  the  Adviser  and
Sub-Advisers,  where possible, will deal directly with dealers who make a market
in the securities  involved except in those circumstances where better price and
execution are available elsewhere.

      Investment  decisions for the Funds are made  independently from those for
other accounts managed by the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers. Any such account may
also  invest in the same  securities  as a Fund.  When a purchase or sale of the
same  security  is made at  substantially  the same time on behalf of a Fund and
another  account,  the transaction  will be averaged as to price,  and available
investments  will be  allocated  as to amount in a manner which the Adviser or a
Sub-Adviser  believes  to be  equitable  to the  applicable  Fund and such other
account. In some instances,  this investment  procedure may adversely affect the
price paid or received by a Fund or the size of the position obtained by a Fund.
To the extent  permitted by law, the Adviser or a Sub-Adviser  may aggregate the
securities to be sold or purchased for a Fund with those to be sold or purchased
for the other accounts in order to obtain best execution.

      For the fiscal year ended  March 31,  2000,  Value  Fund,  Growth Fund and
Technology  Fund paid  brokerage  Commissions  of $34,586;  $3,436;  and $1,996,
respectively.  Health Sciences Fund had not commenced operations as of March 31,
2000.

Administrator

      BISYS Fund Services Ohio, Inc. serves as  administrator  ("Administrator")
to the  Funds  pursuant  to a  Management  and  Administration  Agreement  dated
__________________ (the "Administration  Agreement").  The Administrator assists
in supervising  all  operations of the Funds (other than those  performed by the
Adviser  and  Sub-Advisers  under the  Advisory  Agreements  and  Sub-Investment
Advisory  Agreements,  the Custodian under the Custodian  Agreement,  BISYS Fund
Services  Ohio,  Inc.  under the Funding  Accounting  Agreement,  and BISYS Fund
Services, Inc. under the Transfer Agency Agreement).


                                       26
<PAGE>

The  Administrator is a broker-dealer  registered with the Commission,  and is a
member of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. The Administrator
provides financial services to institutional clients.

      Under  the  Administration  Agreement,  the  Administrator  has  agreed to
maintain office  facilities;  furnish  statistical and research data,  clerical,
certain  bookkeeping  services and stationery and office  supplies;  prepare the
periodic  reports  to the  Commission  on Form  N-SAR or any  replacement  forms
therefor;  compile data for,  prepare for execution by the Funds and file all of
the Funds'  federal and state tax returns and  required  tax filings  other than
those required to be made by the Funds'  Custodian and Transfer  Agent;  prepare
compliance  filings  pursuant  to state  securities  laws with the advice of the
Trust's  counsel;  assist to the extent  requested  by the Funds with the Funds'
preparation of their Annual and Semi-Annual  Reports to  Shareholders  and their
Registration Statement; compile data for, prepare and file timely Notices to the
Commission required pursuant to Rule 24f-2 under the 1940 Act; keep and maintain
the financial accounts and records of the Funds,  including calculation of daily
expense  accruals;  and generally assist in all aspects of the Funds' operations
other than those performed by the Adviser, under the Advisory Agreements, by the
Sub-Advisers  under the  Sub-Investment  Advisory  Agreements,  by the Custodian
under the Custodian Agreement or by BISYS Fund Services, Inc. under the Transfer
Agency  Agreement or BISYS Fund Services Ohio,  Inc.  under the Fund  Accounting
Agreement.  Under the Administration  Agreement,  the Administrator may delegate
all or any part of its responsibilities thereunder.

      The  Administrator  receives  a fee from  each  Fund for its  services  as
Administrator and expenses assumed pursuant to the Administration Agreement, (1)
twenty  one-hundredths  of one percent  (0.20%) of the Funds'  average daily net
assets or (2) such  other fee as may be agreed  upon in writing by the Trust and
the Administrator.  The Administrator may periodically waive all or a portion of
its fee with  respect  to each Fund in order to  increase  the net income of the
Fund available for distribution as dividends.

      For the Fiscal  year ended  March 31,  2000,  the  Administrator  was paid
administrative  fees of $34,806;  $43,240 and $5,633 for services to Value Fund,
Growth Fund and  Technology  Fund,  respectively.  Health  Sciences Fund had not
commenced operations as of March 31, 2000.

      Unless sooner terminated as provided therein, the Administration Agreement
will  continue  in effect for an initial  three-year  term.  The  Administration
Agreement  thereafter shall be renewed  automatically for successive  three-year
terms,  unless written notice not to renew is given by the non-renewing party to
the other  party at least 60 days prior to the  expiration  of the  then-current
term. The  Administration  Agreement is terminable  with respect to a particular
Fund only upon mutual agreement of the parties to the  Administration  Agreement
and for cause (as defined in the Administration Agreement) by the party alleging
cause,  on not less than 60 days' notice by the Trust's  Board of Trustees or by
the Administrator.

      The Administration  Agreement provides that the Administrator shall not be
liable for any error of  judgment  or mistake of law or any loss  suffered  by a
Fund in  connection  with the  matters  to which  the  Administration  Agreement
relates,  except a loss resulting from willful misfeasance,  bad faith, or gross
negligence in the performance of its duties,  or from the reckless  disregard by
the Administrator of its obligations and duties thereunder.

Distributor

      BISYS  serves as  distributor  to the Funds  pursuant to the  Distribution
Agreement  dated ,  _________________  (the  "Distribution  Agreement").  Unless
otherwise  terminated,  the Distribution  Agreement will continue in effect with
respect to a Fund for an  initial  term of two years,  and  thereafter,  if such
continuance  is approved at least  annually (i) by the Trust's Board of Trustees
or by the vote of a majority of the  outstanding  Shares of the Fund and (ii) by
the vote of a majority  of the  Trustees of the Trust who are not parties to the
Distribution Agreement or interested persons (as defined in the 1940 Act) of any
party to the Distribution Agreement,  cast in person at a meeting called for the
purpose of voting on such approval.  The  Distribution  Agreement will terminate
automatically in the event of any assignment, as defined in the 1940 Act.

      In its  capacity as  Distributor,  BISYS  solicits  orders for the sale of
Shares,  advertises  and pays the  costs of  advertising,  office  space and the
personnel involved in such activities.  The Distributor receives no compensation
under the Distribution  Agreement with the Trust,  but may receive  compensation
from each Fund under the Service and Distribution Plan described below.


                                       27
<PAGE>

      As  described  in the  Prospectus,  the  Trust has  adopted a Service  and
Distribution  Plan for each Fund (the  "Plan")  pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the
1940 Act under which each Fund is authorized to compensate the  Distributor  for
payments  it makes to banks,  other  institutions  and  broker-dealers,  and for
expenses the Distributor  and any of its affiliates or subsidiaries  incur (with
all  of  the  foregoing   organizations  being  referred  to  as  "Participating
Organizations")  for  providing  administration,   distribution  or  shareholder
service  assistance.  Payments to such  Participating  Organizations may be made
pursuant to agreements  entered into with the  Distributor.  The Plan authorizes
each Fund to make payments to the Distributor in an amount not to exceed,  on an
annual  basis,  0.50% of the  Fund's  average  daily  net  assets.  Each Fund is
authorized to pay a Shareholder  Service Fee of up to 0.25% of its average daily
net assets.  As required  by Rule 12b-1,  the Plan was  approved by the Board of
Trustees, including a majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons of
the Funds and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation
of the Plan ("Independent Trustees") at the organizational meeting held on . The
Plan may be  terminated  with  respect  to a Fund by vote of a  majority  of the
Independent  Trustees, or by vote of a majority of the outstanding Shares of the
Fund.  The  Trustees  review  quarterly  a written  report of such costs and the
purposes  for which such costs  have been  incurred.  The Plan may be amended by
vote of the Trustees including a majority of the Independent  Trustees,  cast in
person at a meeting called for that purpose.

      However,  any  change  in the Plan  that  would  materially  increase  the
distribution cost to a Fund requires approval by that Fund's  Shareholders.  For
so long as the Plan is in effect,  selection and  nomination of the  Independent
Trustees shall be committed to the discretion of such Independent Trustees.  All
agreements  with any person  relating to the  implementation  of the Plan may be
terminated  at any  time on 60  days'  written  notice  without  payment  of any
penalty, by vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees or, with respect to a
Fund,  by vote of a majority of the  outstanding  Shares of that Fund.  The Plan
will continue in effect with respect to a Fund for successive  one-year periods,
provided that each such continuance is specifically  approved (i) by the vote of
a majority of the  Independent  Trustees,  and (ii) by the vote of a majority of
the  entire  Board of  Trustees  cast in  person at a  meeting  called  for that
purpose.  The  Board  of  Trustees  has a duty  to  request  and  evaluate  such
information  as  may  be  reasonably  necessary  for  it  to  make  an  informed
determination  of  whether  the Plan  should be  implemented  or  continued.  In
addition,  for each Fund,  the Trustees,  in approving the Plan,  must determine
that there is a  reasonable  likelihood  that the Plan will benefit the Fund and
its Shareholders.

      For the  fiscal  year  ended  March 31,  2000,  the  Distributor  received
$87,014,  $108,101 and $14,083 pursuant to the Plan for Value Fund,  Growth Fund
and Technology Fund,  respectively,  all of which was paid to Phillips & Company
Securities  Inc., an affiliated  broker-dealer  of the Adviser.  As of March 31,
2000, Health Sciences Fund had not yet commenced operations.

      The Board of Trustees of the Trust  believes  that the Plan is in the best
interests of each Fund since it  encourages  Fund  growth.  As the Fund grows in
size, certain expenses, and, therefore, total expenses per Share, may be reduced
and overall performance per Share may be improved.

Custodian

      Union Bank of California,  475 Sansome Street,  San Francisco,  California
94111, serves as the Funds' custodian.

Transfer Agency and Fund Accounting Services

      BISYS Fund Services, Inc. serves as Transfer Agent and Dividend Disbursing
Agent  ("Transfer  Agent")  for  the  Funds,  pursuant  to the  Transfer  Agency
Agreement dated  ___________________ . Pursuant to such Agreement,  the Transfer
Agent,  among other things,  performs the following  services in connection with
the Funds'  Shareholders of record:  maintenance of shareholder records for each
of the  Funds'  Shareholders  of record;  processing  shareholder  purchase  and
redemption orders;  processing transfers and exchanges of Shares of the Funds on
the   shareholder   files  and  records;   processing   dividend   payments  and
reinvestments;  and assistance in the mailing of  shareholder  reports and proxy
solicitation  materials.  For such  services the Transfer  Agent  receives a fee
based, in part, on the number of shareholders of record. In addition, BISYS Fund
Services  Ohio,  Inc.  ("Fund  Accountant")  provides  certain  fund  accounting
services to the Funds pursuant to the Fund Accounting Agreement dated . The Fund
Accountant receives a fee from each Fund for such services in an amount computed
daily and paid  periodically  at an annual rate of three  one-hundredths  of one
percent  (.03%) of each Fund's  average daily net assets subject to a minimum of
$35,000 per year.  In addition,  the Fund  Accountant  shall be  reimbursed  for
reasonable  out-of-pocket  expenses.  Under such Agreement,  the Fund Accountant
maintains the accounting books and the records for each Fund, including journals
containing


                                       28
<PAGE>

an itemized daily record of all purchases and sales of portfolio securities, all
receipts and disbursements of cash and all other debits and credits, general and
auxiliary ledgers reflecting all asset, liability,  reserve, capital, income and
expense accounts,  including interest accrued and interest  received,  and other
required  separate  ledger  accounts;  maintains a monthly  trial balance of all
ledger accounts;  performs certain accounting services for the Funds,  including
calculation  of the net asset value per Share,  calculation  of the dividend and
capital  gain  distributions,  if  any,  and of  yield,  reconciliation  of cash
movements  with the  Custodian,  affirmation  to the  Custodian of all portfolio
trades and cash settlements,  verification and reconciliation with the Custodian
of  all  daily  trade  activity;   provides  certain  reports;   obtains  dealer
quotations,  prices  from a pricing  service or matrix  prices on all  portfolio
securities in order to mark the portfolio to the market; and prepares an interim
balance sheet,  statement of income and expense, and statement of changes in net
assets for each Fund.

      During the fiscal year ended  March 31,  2000 Value Fund,  Growth Fund and
Technology  Fund  paid  the  Fund  Accountant   $37,821,   $39,964  and  $3,253,
respectively pursuant to the Fund Accounting  Agreement.  During the fiscal year
ended March 31,  2000,  Value Fund,  Growth  Fund and  Technology  Fund paid the
Transfer  Agent  $87,790,  $74,354  and  $7,360,  respectively,  pursuant to the
Transfer Agency  Agreement.  As of March 31, 2000,  Health Sciences Fund had not
yet commenced operations.

Independent Auditors

      Ernst & Young LLP, 10 West Broad Street, Suite 2300, Columbus, Ohio 43215,
has been  selected  as  independent  auditors  for the Funds.  Ernst & Young LLP
performs an annual audit of each Fund's financial  statements and provides other
services related to filings with respect to securities  regulations.  Reports of
their activities are provided to the Trust's Board of Trustees.

Legal Counsel

      Dechert, 1775 Eye Street, N.W., Washington,  D.C. 20006, is counsel to the
Trust.

                             ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Description of Shares

      The Trust is a Delaware business trust, organized on January ______, 2001.
Each of the Funds  (except the VC Fund) is the  successor  to a fund of the same
name that was a series of another registered  investment  company,  The Coventry
Group. On March ___, 2001, the  shareholders  of each of the  predecessor  funds
approved their  reorganization into the corresponding  Fund,  effective April 1,
2001. VC Fund is a newly organized fund.

      The Trust's Declaration of Trust is on file with the Secretary of State of
Delaware.  The Declaration of Trust authorizes the Board of Trustees to issue an
unlimited number of Shares, which are Shares of beneficial interest,  with a par
value of $0.01 per share.  The Trust  consists  of several  funds  organized  as
separate series of Shares. The Trust's Declaration of Trust authorizes the Board
of Trustees to divide or redivide any  unissued  Shares of the Trust into one or
more additional  series by setting or changing in any one or more respects their
respective preferences,  conversion or other rights, voting power, restrictions,
limitations  as to  dividends,  qualifications,  and  terms  and  conditions  of
redemption, and to establish separate classes of Shares.

      Shares have no subscription or preemptive  rights and only such conversion
or exchange  rights as the Board of Trustees may grant in its  discretion.  When
issued  for  payment  as  described  in the  Prospectus  and this  Statement  of
Additional Information, the shares will be fully paid and non-assessable. In the
event of a liquidation or dissolution  of the Trust,  Shareholders  of each Fund
are entitled to receive the assets available for distribution  belonging to that
fund, and a proportionate distribution,  based upon the relative asset values of
the respective funds, of any general assets not belonging to any particular fund
which  are  available  for  distribution,  subject  to  any  differential  class
expenses.

      Rule 18f-2  under the 1940 Act  provides  that any matter  required  to be
submitted to the holders of the outstanding  voting  securities of an investment
company  such as the Trust  shall not be deemed to have been  effectively  acted
upon unless approved by the holders of a majority of the  outstanding  Shares of
each Fund  affected  by the matter.  For  purposes  of  determining  whether the
approval of a majority of the  outstanding  Shares of a Fund will be required in
connection  with a matter,  a Fund will be  deemed  to be  affected  by a matter
unless it is clear that the interests of each Fund in the matter are  identical,
or that the matter


                                       29
<PAGE>

does not affect any interest of the Fund.  Under Rule 18f-2,  the approval of an
investment  advisory  agreement  or any  change in  investment  policy  would be
effectively  acted upon with respect to a Fund only if approved by a majority of
the outstanding Shares of that Fund. However,  Rule 18f-2 also provides that the
ratification  of  independent  public  accountants  (for  Funds  having the same
independent accountants),  the approval of principal underwriting contracts, and
the election of Trustees may be effectively  acted upon by  Shareholders  of the
Trust voting without regard to individual Funds.

Vote of a Majority of the Outstanding Shares

      As used in the Prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information,  a
"vote of a majority of the  outstanding  Shares" of a Fund means the affirmative
vote, at a meeting of Shareholders duly called, of the lesser of (a) 67% or more
of the votes of Shareholders of a Fund present at a meeting at which the holders
of more than 50% of the votes attributable to Shareholders of record of the Fund
are  represented  in person or by proxy,  or (b) the holders of more than 50% of
the outstanding votes of Shareholders of the Fund.

Additional Tax Information

      Taxation of The Funds.  Each Fund intends to qualify annually and to elect
to be treated as a regulated  investment company under the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, as amended (the "Code").

      To qualify as a regulated investment company,  each Fund must, among other
things,  (a) derive in each  taxable  year at least 90% of its gross income from
dividends,  interest,  payments with respect to securities  loans and gains from
the sale or other  disposition  of stock,  securities  or foreign  currencies or
other  income  derived  with respect to its business of investing in such stock,
securities or currencies; (b) diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each
quarter of each taxable year, (i) at least 50% of the market value of the Fund's
assets is  represented  by cash and cash  items  (including  receivables),  U.S.
Government  securities,  the securities of other regulated  investment companies
and other  securities,  with such other securities of any one issuer limited for
the purposes of this  calculation  to an amount not greater than 5% of the value
of the Fund's total assets and not greater  than 10% of the  outstanding  voting
securities of such issuer,  and (ii) not more than 25% of the value of its total
assets is invested in the securities (other than U.S.  Government  securities or
the securities of other regulated investment companies) of any one issuer, or of
two or more  issuers  which the Fund  controls  and which are  determined  to be
engaged  in the same or  similar  trades  or  businesses  or  related  trades or
businesses;  and (c) distribute at least 90% of its investment  company  taxable
income  (which  includes,  among  other  items,  dividends,   interest  and  net
short-term  capital gains in excess of net long-term capital losses) and any net
tax-exempt interest income each taxable year.

      As a regulated investment company, a Fund generally will not be subject to
U.S. federal income tax on its investment company taxable income and net capital
gains (the excess of net  long-term  capital gains over net  short-term  capital
losses),  if any,  that it  distributes  to  Shareholders.  Each Fund intends to
distribute to its  Shareholders,  at least  annually,  substantially  all of its
investment company taxable income and net capital gains. Amounts not distributed
on a timely basis in accordance  with a calendar year  distribution  requirement
are  subject to a  nondeductible  4% excise tax.  To prevent  imposition  of the
excise tax, a Fund must distribute  during each calendar year an amount equal to
the sum of (1) at least 98% of its ordinary  income (not taking into account any
capital gains or losses) for the calendar  year, (2) at least 98% of its capital
gains in excess of its capital losses (adjusted for certain ordinary losses,  as
prescribed  by the Code) for the  one-year  period  ending on  October 31 of the
calendar year, and (3) any ordinary  income and capital gains for previous years
that were not distributed  during those years. A distribution will be treated as
paid on December 31 of the current  calendar year if it is declared by a Fund in
October,  November  or December  to  Shareholders  of record on a date in such a
month and paid by the Fund during January of the following  calendar year.  Such
distributions  will be treated as received by  Shareholders in the calendar year
in which the distributions are declared,  rather than the calendar year in which
the distributions are received.  To prevent  application of the excise tax, each
Fund intends to make its  distributions  in  accordance  with the calendar  year
distribution requirement.

      Distributions.  Dividends paid out of a Fund's investment  company taxable
income  generally will be taxable to a U.S.  Shareholder as ordinary  income.  A
portion of each Fund's income may consist of dividends paid by U.S. corporations
and, accordingly,  a portion of the dividends paid by a Fund may be eligible for
the corporate dividends-received deduction. Properly designated distributions of
net capital gains,  if any,  generally are taxable to  Shareholders as long-term
capital  gains,  regardless  of


                                       30
<PAGE>

how long the  Shareholder  has held the Fund's Shares,  and are not eligible for
the dividends-received  deduction.  Shareholders receiving  distributions in the
form of additional Shares, rather than cash, generally will have a cost basis in
each such Share equal to the net asset value of a Share of the  particular  Fund
on the reinvestment date.  Shareholders will be notified annually as to the U.S.
federal tax status of distributions, and Shareholders receiving distributions in
the form of additional Shares will receive a report as to the net asset value of
those Shares.

      Distributions  by a Fund reduce the net asset value of the Fund's  shares.
Should a taxable  distribution  reduce the net asset value below a Shareholder's
cost basis, the distribution nevertheless would be taxable to the Shareholder as
ordinary  income or  capital  gain as  described  above,  even  though,  from an
investment  standpoint,  it may  constitute  a  partial  return of  capital.  In
particular,  investors  should be careful to consider  the tax  implications  of
buying  shares  just  prior to a  distribution  by a Fund.  The  price of shares
purchased at that time includes the amount of the forthcoming distribution,  but
the distribution will generally be taxable to them.

      Discount  Securities.  Investments by a Fund in securities that are issued
at a discount will result in income to the Fund equal to a portion of the excess
of the face value of the securities  over their issue price (the "original issue
discount") each year that the securities are held, even though the Fund receives
no cash interest payments.  This income is included in determining the amount of
income  which a Fund must  distribute  to  maintain  its  status as a  regulated
investment  company  and to avoid the  payment of federal  income tax and the 4%
excise tax.

      Some of the debt securities may be purchased by a Fund at a discount which
exceeds the  original  issue  discount  on such debt  securities,  if any.  This
additional  discount represents market discount for federal income tax purposes.
Generally,  the gain realized on the  disposition of any debt security  acquired
after April 30, 1993 having market  discount will be treated as ordinary  income
to the  extent it does not  exceed  the  accrued  market  discount  on such debt
security.

      Options  and Hedging  Transactions.  The  taxation  of equity  options and
over-the-counter  options on debt  securities  is governed by Code section 1234.
Pursuant to Code section 1234, the premium received by a Fund for selling a call
option is not included in income at the time of receipt.  If the option expires,
the premium is  short-term  capital gain to the Fund.  If the Fund enters into a
closing  transaction,  the  difference  between the amount paid to close out its
position and the premium received is short-term  capital gain or loss. If a call
option  written by a Fund is exercised,  thereby  requiring the Fund to sell the
underlying security, the premium will increase the amount realized upon the sale
of such security and any resulting  gain or loss will be a capital gain or loss,
and will be long-term or  short-term  depending  upon the holding  period of the
security.  With  respect to a call option that is  purchased  by a Fund,  if the
option is sold,  any resulting  gain or loss will be a capital gain or loss, and
will be  long-term  or  short-term,  depending  upon the  holding  period of the
option.  If the option  expires,  the  resulting  loss is a capital  loss and is
long-term or short-term, depending upon the holding period of the option. If the
option  is  exercised,  the cost of the  option  is  added  to the  basis of the
purchased security.

      Certain  options in which a Fund may invest are "section 1256  contracts".
Gains or losses on section 1256 contracts generally are considered 60% long-term
and 40% short-term capital gains or losses;  however,  foreign currency gains or
losses (as discussed  below) arising from certain  Section 1256 contracts may be
treated as ordinary income or loss. Also,  section 1256 contracts held by a Fund
at the end of each taxable year (and,  generally,  for purposes of the 4% excise
tax,  on October 31 of each year) are  "marked-to-market"  (that is,  treated as
sold at fair  market  value),  resulting  in  unrealized  gains or losses  being
treated as though they were realized.

      Generally, the hedging transactions undertaken by a Fund may result in
"straddles" for U.S. federal income tax purposes.  The straddle rules may affect
the  character  of gains (or losses)  realized by a Fund.  In  addition,  losses
realized  by a Fund on  positions  that are part of a straddle  may be  deferred
under the straddle  rules,  rather than being taken into account in  calculating
the  taxable  income for the  taxable  year in which the  losses  are  realized.
Because  only a few  regulations  implementing  the  straddle  rules  have  been
promulgated,  the tax consequences to a Fund of engaging in hedging transactions
are not  entirely  clear.  Hedging  transactions  may  increase  the  amount  of
short-term  capital  gain  realized by a Fund which is taxed as ordinary  income
when distributed to Shareholders.

      A Fund may  make one or more of the  elections  available  under  the Code
which are  applicable to straddles.  If a Fund makes any of the  elections,  the
amount,  character  and timing of the  recognition  of gains or losses  from the
affected  straddle  positions


                                       31
<PAGE>

will be determined under rules that vary according to the election(s)  made. The
rules  applicable  under certain of the elections may operate to accelerate  the
recognition of gains or losses from the affected straddle positions.

      Because the  straddle  rules may affect the  character of gains or losses,
defer  losses  and/or  accelerate  the  recognition  of gains or losses from the
affected   straddle   positions,   the  amount  which  may  be   distributed  to
Shareholders,  and which  will be taxed to them as  ordinary  income or  capital
gain, may be increased or decreased as compared to a fund that did not engage in
such hedging transactions.

      Notwithstanding  any of the foregoing,  a Fund may recognize gain (but not
loss) from a constructive sale of certain  "appreciated  financial positions" if
the Fund enters into a short sale,  offsetting  notional  principal  contract or
forward  contract  transactions  with  respect to the  appreciated  position  or
substantially  identical  property.  Appreciated  financial positions subject to
this  constructive sale treatment are interests  (including  options and forward
contracts and short sales) in stock,  partnership  interests,  certain  actively
traded  trust  instruments  and  certain  debt  instruments.  Constructive  sale
treatment  does not apply to certain  transactions  closed in the 90-day  period
ending  with the 30th day  after  the  close of the  taxable  year,  if  certain
conditions are met.

      Unless  certain  constructive  sales rules  (discussed  more fully  above)
apply,  a Fund will not realize gain or loss on a short sale of a security until
it closes the  transaction  by delivering  the borrowed  security to the lender.
Pursuant to Code Section 1233, all or a portion of any gain arising from a short
sale may be treated as  short-term  capital  gain,  regardless of the period for
which a Fund held the  security  used to close the short sale.  In  addition,  a
Fund's holding period of any security,  which is substantially identical to that
which is sold short, may be reduced or eliminated as a result of the short sale.
Recent  legislation,  however,  alters this treatment by treating  certain short
sales  against  the box and other  transactions  as a  constructive  sale of the
underlying  security held by a Fund,  thereby requiring  current  recognition of
gain, as described  more fully above.  Similarly,  if a Fund enters into a short
sale of property that becomes substantially  worthless,  the Fund will recognize
gain at that time as though  it had  closed  the  short  sale.  Future  Treasury
regulations may apply similar  treatment to other  transactions  with respect to
property that becomes substantially worthless.

      The  diversification  requirements  applicable  to each Fund's  assets may
limit the  extent to which a Fund  will be able to  engage  in  transactions  in
options and other hedging transactions.

      Under the Code,  gains or losses  attributable to fluctuations in exchange
rates which occur  between the time a Fund accrues  receivables  or  liabilities
denominated in a foreign currency,  and the time the Fund actually collects such
receivables or pays such  liabilities,  generally are treated as ordinary income
or ordinary loss. Similarly,  on disposition of debt securities denominated in a
foreign  currency and on disposition of certain  options and futures  contracts,
gains or losses  attributable to  fluctuations in the value of foreign  currency
between the date of  acquisition  of the  security  or contract  and the date of
disposition  also are treated as ordinary  gain or loss.  These gains or losses,
referred to under the Code as  "section  988" gains or losses,  may  increase or
decrease  the  amount  of a  Fund's  investment  company  taxable  income  to be
distributed to its shareholders as ordinary income.

     Each Fund may invest in shares of foreign  corporations  (including through
ADRs)  which may be  classified  under the Code as  passive  foreign  investment
companies  ("PFICs").  In general, a foreign corporation is classified as a PFIC
if at least one-half of its assets constitute  investment-type assets, or 75% or
more of its  gross  income  is  investment-type  income.  If a Fund  receives  a
so-called "excess  distribution" with respect to PFIC stock, the Fund itself may
be subject to a tax on a portion of the excess distribution,  whether or not the
corresponding  income is  distributed by the Fund to  Shareholders.  In general,
under the PFIC rules, an excess  distribution is treated as having been realized
ratably  over the  period  during  which a Fund held the PFIC  shares.  The Fund
itself will be subject to tax on the portion,  if any, of an excess distribution
that is so allocated to prior Fund taxable years and an interest  factor will be
added to the tax, as if the tax had been  payable in such prior  taxable  years.
Certain  distributions  from a PFIC as well as gain from the sale of PFIC shares
are treated as excess  distributions.  Excess distributions are characterized as
ordinary  income even  though,  absent  application  of the PFIC rules,  certain
excess distributions might have been classified as capital gain.

      A Fund may be eligible to elect  alternative tax treatment with respect to
PFIC   shares.   Under  an  election   that   currently  is  available  in  some
circumstances, a Fund generally would be required to include in its gross income
its share of the earnings of a PFIC on a current  basis,  regardless  of whether
distributions  are received from the PFIC in a given year. If this election were


                                       32
<PAGE>

made, the special  rules,  discussed  above,  relating to the taxation of excess
distributions,  would not apply.  In addition,  another  election  would involve
marking to market a Fund's PFIC shares at the end of each taxable year, with the
result  that  unrealized  gains are  treated as though  they were  realized  and
reported  as ordinary  income.  Any  mark-to-market  losses and any loss from an
actual  disposition of PFIC shares would be deductible as ordinary losses to the
extent of any net mark-to-market gains included in income in prior years.

      Fund Taxes on Swaps. As a result of entering into index swaps, the VC Fund
may make or  receive  periodic  net  payments.  They may also make or  receive a
payment when a swap is terminated prior to maturity through an assignment of the
swap or  other  closing  transaction.  Periodic  net  payments  will  constitute
ordinary  income or  deductions,  while  termination  of a swap  will  result in
capital gain or loss (which will be a long-term capital gain or loss if the Fund
has been a party to the swap for more than one year).

      Sale of Shares. Upon the sale or other disposition of Fund Shares, or upon
receipt of a  distribution  in complete  liquidation  of a Fund,  a  Shareholder
generally will realize a taxable  capital gain or loss which may be eligible for
reduced  capital gains tax rates,  generally  depending  upon the  Shareholder's
holding  period for the Shares.  Any loss realized on a sale or exchange will be
disallowed to the extent the Shares disposed of are replaced  (including  Shares
acquired  pursuant to a dividend  reinvestment  plan) within a period of 61 days
beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after  disposition of the Shares. In
such a case,  the basis of the Shares  acquired  will be adjusted to reflect the
disallowed  loss.  Any loss realized by a Shareholder  on a disposition  of Fund
Shares  held by the  Shareholder  for six  months or less will be  treated  as a
long-term  capital loss to the extent of any  distributions of net capital gains
received by the Shareholder with respect to such Shares.

      In some cases,  Shareholders  will not be permitted to take sales  charges
into account for purposes of determining  the amount of gain or loss realized on
the disposition of their Shares.  This prohibition  generally  applies where (1)
the  Shareholder  incurs a sales  charge in  acquiring  the stock of a regulated
investment  company,  (2) the stock is disposed of before the 91st day after the
date on which it was acquired,  and (3) the  Shareholder  subsequently  acquires
Shares of the same or another  regulated  investment  company and the  otherwise
applicable  sales charge is reduced or eliminated  under a "reinvestment  right"
received upon the initial purchase of Shares of stock. In that case, the gain or
loss recognized will be determined by excluding from the tax basis of the Shares
exchanged  all or a portion of the sales  charge  incurred  in  acquiring  those
Shares. This exclusion applies to the extent that the otherwise applicable sales
charge  with  respect  to the newly  acquired  Shares is  reduced as a result of
having incurred a sales charge  initially.  Sales charges  affected by this rule
are treated as if they were  incurred with respect to the stock  acquired  under
the reinvestment right. This provision may be applied to successive acquisitions
of stock.

      Foreign  Withholding Taxes.  Income received by a Fund from sources within
foreign  countries may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by such
countries.

      Backup Withholding. A Fund may be required to withhold U.S. federal income
tax at the rate of 31% of all reportable payments,  including dividends, capital
gain  distributions and redemptions  payable to Shareholders who fail to provide
the Fund with their correct taxpayer  identification  number or to make required
certifications,  or who have been  notified  by the IRS that they are subject to
backup  withholding.  Corporate  Shareholders  and  certain  other  Shareholders
specified in the Code generally are exempt from such backup withholding.  Backup
withholding  is not an  additional  tax.  Any amounts  withheld  may be credited
against the Shareholder's U.S. federal income tax liability.

      Foreign Shareholders.  The tax consequences to a foreign Shareholder of an
investment  in a Fund may be  different  from those  described  herein.  Foreign
Shareholders  are advised to consult  their own tax advisers with respect to the
particular tax consequences to them of an investment in a Fund.

      Other Taxation.  The Trust is organized as a Delaware  business trust and,
under  current  law,  neither the Trust nor any fund is liable for any income or
franchise  tax in the State of Delaware,  provided  that each fund  continues to
qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code.

      Fund  Shareholders  may be subject to state and local  taxes on their Fund
distributions.  In many  states,  Fund  distributions  which  are  derived  from
interest on certain U.S. Government obligations may be exempt from taxation.


                                       33
<PAGE>

Yields and Total Returns

      Yield Calculations. Yields on Fund Shares will be computed by dividing the
net investment  income per share (as described  below) earned by a Fund during a
30-day (or one month) period by the maximum offering price per share on the last
day of the period and  annualizing  the result on a semi-annual  basis by adding
one to the quotient,  raising the sum to the power of six,  subtracting one from
the result and then doubling the difference. The net investment income per share
earned  during  the  period  is based on the  average  daily  number  of  Shares
outstanding  during  the  period  entitled  to receive  dividends  and  includes
dividends and interest  earned during the period minus expenses  accrued for the
period, net of reimbursements. This calculation can be expressed as follows:

                             a-b
               Yield = 2 [(------- +1)exp(6)-1]
                             cd
        Where: a =      dividends and interest earned during the period.

               b =      expenses accrued for the period (net of reimbursements).

               c =      the  average   daily   number  of  Shares  outstanding
                          during  the  period  that  were  entitled to receive
                          dividends.

               d =      maximum  offering  price per Share on the last day of
                          the period.

      For the purpose of  determining  net  investment  income earned during the
period (variable "a" in the formula),  dividend income on equity securities held
by a Fund is  recognized  by accruing  1/360 of the stated  dividend rate of the
security each day that the security is held by the Fund.  Interest earned on any
debt obligations held by a Fund is calculated by computing the yield to maturity
of each  obligation held by the Fund based on the market value of the obligation
(including  actual  accrued  interest)  at the  close  of  business  on the last
Business Day of each month, or, with respect to obligations purchased during the
month, the purchase price (plus actual accrued interest) and dividing the result
by 360 and  multiplying  the  quotient  by the  market  value of the  obligation
(including actual accrued interest) in order to determine the interest income on
the obligation for each day of the subsequent  month that the obligation is held
by the Fund.  For  purposes of this  calculation,  it is assumed that each month
contains 30 days.  The maturity of an  obligation  with a call  provision is the
next call date on which the  obligation  reasonably may be expected to be called
or, if none, the maturity date. With respect to debt obligations  purchased at a
discount  or  premium,  the  formula  generally  calls for  amortization  of the
discount or  premium.  The  amortization  schedule  will be adjusted  monthly to
reflect changes in the market values of such debt obligations.

      Undeclared  earned income will be subtracted  from the net asset value per
share  (variable  "d" in the  formula).  Undeclared  earned  income  is the  net
investment income which, at the end of the base period, has not been declared as
a  dividend,  but is  reasonably  expected  to be and is  declared as a dividend
shortly thereafter.

      During  any  given  30-day  period,  the  Adviser,   a  Sub-Adviser,   the
Administrator  or Distributor  may  voluntarily  waive all or a portion of their
fees with  respect to a Fund.  Such waiver would cause the yield of that Fund to
be higher than it would otherwise be in the absence of such a waiver.

      Total Return Calculations. Average annual total return is a measure of the
change  in value of an  investment  in a Fund  over the  period  covered,  which
assumes any dividends or capital gains  distributions  are  reinvested in Shares
immediately  rather  than paid to the  investor  in cash.  A Fund  computes  the
average annual total return by determining the average annual  compounded  rates
of return during  specified  periods that equate the initial amount  invested to
the ending  redeemable  value of such  investment.  This is done by dividing the
ending  redeemable value of a hypothetical  $1,000 initial payment by $1,000 and
raising the  quotient to a power equal to one divided by the number of years (or
fractional  portion thereof) covered by the computation and subtracting one from
the result. This calculation can be expressed as follows:


                                       34
<PAGE>

               Average Annual ERV
               Total Return = [(------)exp (1/n)-1]
                                       P

        Where: ERV =    ending redeemable value at the end of the period covered
                        by the computation of a hypothetical $1,000 payment made
                        at the beginning of the period.

               P   =    hypothetical initial payment of $1,000.

               n   =    period covered by the computation, expressed in terms of
                        years.

      A Fund computes its aggregate  total return by  determining  the aggregate
compounded  rate of return during  specified  periods that  likewise  equate the
initial amount invested to the ending  redeemable value of such investment.  The
formula for calculating aggregate total return is as follows:

               Aggregate Total ERV
               Return   =     [(------]-1]
                                       P

               ERV =    ending  redeemable  value at the end of  the period
                        covered by the computation of a hypothetical  $1,000
                        payment  made at the beginning of the period.

               P   =    hypothetical initial payment of $1,000.

      The calculations of average annual total return and aggregate total return
assume the  reinvestment of all dividends and capital gain  distributions on the
reinvestment  dates during the period.  The ending  redeemable  value  (variable
"ERV" in each  formula) is  determined  by assuming  complete  redemption of the
hypothetical investment and the deduction of all nonrecurring charges at the end
of the period covered by the computations.

      With respect to the Value Fund:  (1) the total return for the Fund for the
one-year  period ended  September 30, 2000 was _____% assuming the imposition of
the maximum  front-end  sales  charge and was _____%  assuming  that the maximum
front-end sales charge had not been imposed; (2) the average annual total return
for the Fund for the  period  from May 26,  1998  (commencement  of  operations)
through  September  30, 2000 was _____%  assuming the  imposition of the maximum
front-end  sales  charge of _____%  and was  _____%  assuming  that the  maximum
front-end sales charge had not been imposed;  and (3) the aggregate total return
for the Fund for the  period  from May 26,  1998  (commencement  of  operations)
through  September  30, 2000 was _____%  assuming the  imposition of the maximum
front-end  sales  charge of _____%  and was  _____%  assuming  that the  maximum
front-end sales charge had not been imposed.

      With respect to the Growth Fund: (1) the total return for the Fund for the
one-year period ended September 30, 2000 was ___% assuming the imposition of the
maximum  front-end sales charge and was ___% assuming that the maximum front-end
sales charge had not been imposed;  (2) the average  annual total return for the
Fund for the period  from April 1, 1999  (commencement  of  operations)  through
September 30, 2000 was _____%  assuming the imposition of the maximum  front-end
sales charge and assuming that the maximum  front-end  sales charge had not been
imposed;  and (3) the  aggregate  total  return for the Fund for the period from
April 1, 1999  (commencement of operations)  through September 30, 2000 was ___%
assuming  the  imposition  of the maximum  front-end  sales  charge and was ___%
assuming that the maximum front-end sales charge had not been imposed.

      With respect to the Technology Fund, the total return for the Fund for the
period from March 1, 2000  (commencement  of operations)  through  September 30,
2000 was _____% ) assuming the imposition of the maximum  front-end sales charge
and was _____%  assuming  that the maximum  front-end  sales charge had not been
imposed.

      With respect to the Global Health  Sciences Fund, the total return for the
Fund for the period  from June 12, 2000  (commencement  of  operations)  through
September 30, 2000 was (_____%) assuming the imposition of the maximum front-end
sales charge and was (_____)%  assuming that the maximum  front-end sales charge
had not been imposed.

Performance Comparisons

      Investors  may  judge  a  Fund's   performance  by  comparing  it  to  the
performance  of other mutual  funds or mutual fund  portfolios  with  comparable
investment  objectives  and  policies  through  various  mutual  fund or  market
indices,  such as those  prepared by Dow Jones & Co., Inc. and Standard & Poor's
Ratings Services,  and to data prepared by Lipper Analytical  Services,  Inc., a
widely recognized  independent  service which monitors the performance of mutual
funds or Ibbotson  Associates,  Inc.  Comparisons may also be made to indices or
data  published in  IBC/Donaghue's  MONEY FUND REPORT,  a  nationally-recognized
money market fund reporting service, Money Magazine,  Forbes, Barron's, The Wall
Street Journal, The


                                       35
<PAGE>

New York Times,  Business  Week,  and U.S.A.  Today.  In addition to performance
information,  general information about the Funds that appears in a publication,
such as those mentioned above, may be included in advertisements  and in reports
to  Shareholders.  The Funds may also include in  advertisements  and reports to
Shareholders  information  comparing  the  performance  of  the  Adviser  or the
Sub-Adviser to other investment  advisers;  such comparisons may be published by
or included in Nelsons Directory of Investment  Managers,  Roger's,  Casey/PIPER
Manager Database, CDA/Cadence, or Chase Global Data and Research.

      Current yields or performance will fluctuate from time to time and are not
necessarily  representative  of future results.  Accordingly,  a Fund's yield or
performance may not be directly comparable to bank deposits or other investments
that pay a fixed return for a stated period of time.  Yield and  performance are
functions of the quality,  composition  and maturity of a Fund's  portfolio,  as
well as expenses  allocated to a Fund.  Fees imposed upon  customer  accounts by
third parties for cash management  services will reduce a Fund's effective yield
to customers.

      From time to time, the Funds may include general comparative  information,
such as statistical data regarding inflation, securities indices or the features
or performance of alternative investments,  in advertisements,  sales literature
and reports to shareholders.  The Funds may also include  calculations,  such as
hypothetical   compounding  examples,  which  describe  hypothetical  investment
results in such  communications.  Such performance  examples will be based on an
express set of assumptions and are not indicative of the performance of a Fund.

Miscellaneous

      The Funds may include  information in their Annual Reports and Semi-Annual
Reports  to  Shareholders  that  (1)  describes  general  economic  trends,  (2)
describes  general trends within the financial  services  industry or the mutual
fund  industry,  (3) describes past or  anticipated  portfolio  holdings for the
Funds or (4) describes  investment  management  strategies  for the Funds.  Such
information  is provided to inform  Shareholders  of the activities of the Funds
for the most  recent  fiscal year or  half-year  and to provide the views of the
Adviser,  the Sub-Advisers,  and/or Trust officers regarding expected trends and
strategies.

      The financial  statements  of the Funds  appearing in the Annual Report to
Shareholders  of The  Coventry  Group for the period ended March 31, 2000 and in
the  Semi-Annual  Report to  Shareholders  of The Coventry  Group for the period
ended September 30, 2000 are incorporated  herein by reference.  No reports have
yet been prepared for Health Sciences Fund.

      Individual  Trustees  are  elected  by the  Shareholders  and,  subject to
removal by the vote of  two-thirds  of the Board of  Trustees,  serve for a term
lasting until the next meeting of  Shareholders  at which  Trustees are elected.
Such  meetings  are  not  required  to  be  held  at  any  specific   intervals.
Shareholders  owning  not less than 10% of the  outstanding  Shares of the Trust
entitled to vote may cause the Trustees to call a special meeting, including for
the purpose of considering the removal of one or more Trustees.  Any Trustee may
be removed at any meeting of  Shareholders  by vote of two-thirds of the Trust's
outstanding  shares.  The  Declaration  of Trust provides that the Trustees will
assist shareholder communications to the extent required by Section 16(c) of the
1940 Act in the event that a  Shareholder  request to hold a special  meeting is
made.

      The Prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information omit
certain of the information  contained in the  Registration  Statement filed with
the Commission.  Copies of such  information may be obtained from the Commission
upon payment of any prescribed fee.

      The  Prospectus and this  Statement of Additional  Information  are not an
offering of the securities  herein described in any state in which such offering
may not lawfully be made. No salesman,  dealer, or other person is authorized to
give any  information or make any  representation  other than those contained in
the Prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information.


                                       36
<PAGE>

                                   APPENDIX A

      The nationally recognized statistical rating organizations  (individually,
an  "NRSRO")  that may be  utilized  by the  Adviser  with  regard to  portfolio
investments for the Funds include Moody's Investors  Service,  Inc.  ("Moody's")
and Standard & Poor's Ratings Services ("S&P") and Duff & Phelps,  Inc. ("D&F").
Set forth below is a description of the relevant ratings of each such NRSRO. The
description  of each  NRSRO's  ratings  is as of the date of this  Statement  of
Additional Information, and may subsequently change.

      LONG TERM DEBT  RATINGS (may be assigned,  for example,  to corporate  and
municipal bonds)

Description Of Moody's Debt Ratings

      Excerpts  from  Moody's  description  of its bond  ratings  are  listed as
      follows:

            Aaa -- judged to be the best  quality  and they  carry the  smallest
            degree of investment risk;

            Aa -- judged to be of high quality by all standards -- together with
            the Aaa group,  they comprise what are generally known as high grade
            bonds;

            A -- possess  many  favorable  investment  attributes  and are to be
            considered as "upper medium" grade obligations;

            Baa -- considered  to be medium grade  obligations,  i.e.,  they are
            neither highly protected nor poorly secured -- interest payments and
            principal  security  appear  adequate  for the  present  but certain
            protective  elements  may be  lacking  or may be  characteristically
            unreliable over any great length of time;

            Ba -- judged to have  speculative  element,  their future  cannot be
            considered as well assured;

            B -- generally lack characteristics of the desirable investment;

            Caa -- are of poor  standing  -- such  issues  may be in  default or
            there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal or
            interest;

            Ca -- speculative in a high degree, often in default;

            C -- lowest rated class of bonds,  regarded as having extremely poor
            prospects.

            Moody's  also  supplies  numerical  indicators  1, 2 and 3 to rating
      categories.  The  modifier 1 indicates  that the security is in the higher
      end of its rating category;  the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking;
      and modifier 3 indicates a ranking toward the lower end of the category.


                                      A-1
<PAGE>

Description of S&P'S Debt Ratings

      Excerpts from S&P's description of its bond ratings are listed as follows:

            AAA -- highest grade obligations,  in which capacity to pay interest
            and repay principal is extremely strong;

            AA  --  has a  very  strong  capacity  to  pay  interest  and  repay
            principal, and differs from AAA issues only in a small degree;

            A -- has a strong  capacity  to pay  interest  and repay  principal,
            although they are somewhat more  susceptible to the adverse  effects
            of changes in  circumstances  and economic  conditions  than debt in
            higher rated categories;

            BBB -- regarded as having an adequate  capacity to pay  interest and
            repay principal;  whereas it normally exhibits  adequate  protection
            parameters,  adverse economic  conditions or changing  circumstances
            are more likely to lead to a weakened  capacity to pay  interest and
            repay  principal  for debt in this  category  than in  higher  rated
            categories.  This group is the lowest which qualifies for commercial
            bank investment.

            BB, B, CCC,  CC, C --  predominantly  speculative  with  respect  to
            capacity to pay interest  and repay  principal  in  accordance  with
            terms of the  obligations;  BB indicates the highest grade and C the
            lowest within the speculative rating categories.

            D -- interest or principal payments are in default.

      S&P  applies  indicators  "+,"  no  character,   and  "-"  to  its  rating
categories.  The  indicators  show  relative  standing  within the major  rating
categories.

Description of Moody's Ratings of Short-term Municipal Obligations:

      Moody's  ratings for state and municipal  short-term  obligations  will be
designated  Moody's  Investment Grade or MIG or VMIG. Such ratings recognize the
differences between short-term credit and long-term risk.  Short-term ratings on
issues  with  demand   features   (variable   rate   demand   obligations)   are
differentiated by the use of the VMIG symbol to reflect such  characteristics as
payment  upon  periodic  demand  rather than fixed  maturity  dates and payments
relying on external liquidity. Ratings categories for securities in these groups
are as follows:

      MIG 1/VMIG 1 -- denotes best quality,  there is present strong  protection
      by established  cash flows,  superior  liquidity  support or  demonstrated
      broad-based access to the market for refinancing;

      MIG 2/VMIG 2 -- denotes  high  quality,  margins of  protection  are ample
      although not as large as in the preceding group;

      MIG 3/VMIG 3 -- denotes high  quality,  all security  elements are counted
      for but there is lacking the undeniable strength of the preceding grades;

      MIG 4/VMIG 4 -- denotes adequate quality,  protection commonly regarded as
      required of an investment security is present, but there is specific risk;

      SQ -- denotes  speculative  quality;  instruments  in this  category  lack
      margins of protection.

Description of Moody's Commercial Paper Ratings:

      Excerpts from Moody's commercial paper ratings are listed as follows:


                                      A-2
<PAGE>

      Prime-1 -- issuers (or supporting  institutions)  have a superior  ability
      for repayment of senior short-term promissory obligations;

      Prime-2 -- issuers (or supporting  institutions) have a strong ability for
      repayment of senior short-term promissory obligations;

      Prime-3 -- issuers (or supporting institutions) have an acceptable ability
      for repayment of senior short-term promissory obligations;

      Not Prime -- issuers do not fall within any of the Prime categories.

Description of S&P'S Ratings for Corporate and Municipal Bonds:

      Investment grade ratings:

            AAA -- the highest rating assigned by S&P,  capacity to pay interest
            and repay principal is extremely strong;

            AA -- has a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal
            and differs from the highest rated issues only in a small degree;

            A --  has  strong  capacity  to pay  interest  and  repay  principal
            although it is somewhat more  susceptible to the adverse  effects of
            changes in circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher
            rated categories;

            BBB -- regarded as having an adequate  capacity to pay  interest and
            repay principal -- whereas it normally exhibits adequate  protection
            parameters,  adverse economic  conditions or changing  circumstances
            are more likely to lead to a weakened  capacity to pay  interest and
            repay  principal  for debt in this  category  than in  higher  rated
            categories.

      Speculative grade ratings:

            BB, B, CCC, CC, C -- debt rated in these  categories  is regarded as
            having  predominantly  speculative  characteristics  with respect to
            capacity to pay interest and repay  principal  -while such debt will
            likely have some quality and protective  characteristics,  these are
            outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse
            conditions;

            CI -- reserved for income bonds on which no interest is being paid;

            D -- in  default,  and  payment  of  interest  and/or  repayment  of
            principal  is in arrears.  Plus (+) or Minus (-) -- the ratings from
            "AA" to "CCC" may be  modified  by the  addition  of a plus or minus
            sign to show relative  standing  within the major relative  standing
            within the major rating categories.

Description of S&P'S Ratings for Municipal Notes and Short-term Municipal Demand
Obligations:

      Rating categories are as follows:

            SP-1 -- has a very strong or strong  capacity to pay  principal  and
            interest -- those issues determined to possess  overwhelming  safety
            characteristics will be given a plus (+) designation;

            SP-2 -- has a satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest;

            SP-3 -- issues carrying this designation have a speculative capacity
            to pay principal and interest.


                                      A-3
<PAGE>

Description of S&P'S Ratings for Short-term  Corporate  Demand  Obligations  and
Commercial Paper:

      An S&P commercial  paper rating is a current  assessment of the likelihood
of timely  repayment  of debt  having an  original  maturity of no more than 365
days. Excerpts from S&P's description of its commercial paper ratings are listed
as follows:

            A-1 -- the degree of safety  regarding  timely  payment is strong --
            those  issues   determined  to  possess   extremely   strong  safety
            characteristics will be denoted with a plus (+) designation;

            A-2 -- capacity for timely payment is satisfactory  -- however,  the
            relative  degree of safety is not as high as for  issues  designated
            "A-1;"

            A-3 -- has adequate capacity for timely payment -- however,  is more
            vulnerable to the adverse effects of changes in  circumstances  than
            obligations carrying the higher designations;

            B --  regarded  as  having  only  speculative  capacity  for  timely
            payment;

            C -- a doubtful capacity for payment;

            D -- in  payment  default -- the "D"  rating  category  is used when
            interest  payments or  principal  payments  are not made on the date
            due, even if the applicable grade period has not expired, unless S&P
            believes that such payments will be made during such grace period.


<PAGE>

                                     PART C
                                OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 23.  Exhibits

          (a)(1)           Certificate  of Trust of The  Willamette  Funds  (the
                           "Registrant")
          (a)(2)           Form of Declaration of Trust of Registrant
          (b)              Form of By-laws of Registrant
          (c)              Not Applicable
          (d)(1)           Form of Investment Advisory Agreement with Willamette
                           Asset Managers, Inc. for the Willamette Value Fund
          (d)(2)           Form of Investment Advisory Agreement with Willamette
                           Asset  Managers,  Inc. for the  Willamette Small  Cap
                           Growth Fund
          (d)(3)           Form of Investment Advisory Agreement with Willamette
                           Asset Managers, Inc. for the Willamette Global Health
                           Sciences Fund
          (d)(4)           Form of Investment Advisory Agreement with Willamette
                           Asset  Managers,  Inc. for the Willamette  Technology
                           Fund
          (d)(5)           Form of Investment Advisory Agreement with Willamette
                           Asset  Managers,  for  the  Willamette   Post-Venture
                           Capital Fund
          (d)(6)           Form of Sub-Investment  Advisory  Agreement with Bank
                           of New York for the Willamette Value Fund
          (d)(7)           Form of Sub-Investment  Advisory  Agreement with Bank
                           of New York for the Willamette Small Cap Growth Fund
          (d)(8)           Form of Sub-Investment  Advisory  Agreement with U.S.
                           Bank   National   Association   for  the   Willamette
                           Technology Fund
          (d)(9)           Form of Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement with Credit
                           Suisse  Asset  Management,  LLC  for  the  Willamette
                           Health Sciences Fund
          (d)(9)(a)        Form of Letter  Agreement  with Credit  Suisse  Asset
                           Management,  LLC for  the  Willamette  Global  Health
                           Sciences Fund
          (d)(10)          Form of Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement with Credit
                           Suisse  Asset  Management,  LLC  for  the  Willamette
                           Post-Venture Capital Fund
          (e)              Form  of  Distribution   Agreement  with  BISYS  Fund
                           Services Limited Partnership
          (f)              Not Applicable
          (g)(1)           Form  of  Custody   Agreement   with  Union  Bank  of
                           California
          (g)(1)(a)        Form of Annex to Custody Agreement with Union Bank of
                           California
          (h)(1)           Form of  Transfer  Agency  Agreement  with BISYS Fund
                           Services, Inc.
          (h)(2)           Form of  Administration  Agreement  with  BISYS  Fund
                           Services Ohio, Inc.
          (h)(3)           Form of Fund  Accounting  Agreement  with  BISYS Fund
                           Services Ohio, Inc.
          (i)              Opinion and Consent of Dechert (1)
          (j)              Consent of Ernst & Young, LLP (1)
          (k)              Not Applicable
          (l)              Not Applicable
          (m)              Form of Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plan
          (n)              Not Applicable
          (o)(1)           Code of Ethics of Registrant (1)
          (o)(2)           Code of Ethics of Willamette Asset Managers, Inc. (2)
          (o)(3)           Code of Ethics of BISYS Fund Services (2)
          (o)(4)           Code of Ethics of The Bank of New York (3)
          (o)(5)           Code of Ethics of U.S. Bank National Association (2)
          (o)(6)           Code of Ethics of Credit Suisse Asset Management, LLC
                           (3)
          (p)              Powers of Attorney (1)


                                      C-1
<PAGE>

1.    To be filed by amendment

2.    Incorporated  by  reference  to  Post-Effective  Amendment  No.  67 of The
      Coventry  Group   Registration   Statement   (File  No.   33-44964)  filed
      electronically  with the Securities  and Exchange  Commission on April 14,
      2000.

3.    Incorporated  by  reference  to  Post-Effective  Amendment  No.  69 of The
      Coventry  Group   Registration   Statement   (File  No.   33-44964)  filed
      electronically  with the  Securities  and Exchange  Commission  on June 5,
      2000.

ITEM 24. Persons Controlled By or Under Common Control With Registrant.

     Not Applicable.

ITEM 25. Indemnification

      (a) Subject to the exceptions and limitations contained in Section 3(b) of
      Article VII of Registrant's Declaration of Trust:

            (i) every  Person  who is, or has been,  a Trustee or officer of the
      Trust (hereinafter referred to as a "Covered Person") shall be indemnified
      by  the  Trust  to  the  fullest  extent  permitted  by  law  against  all
      liabilities and against all expenses reasonably incurred or paid by him or
      her in connection with any claim,  action,  suit or proceeding in which he
      or she becomes  involved as a party or  otherwise  by virtue of his or her
      being or having  been a Trustee or officer  and  against  amounts  paid or
      incurred by him or her in the settlement thereof;

            (ii) the words  "claim,"  "action,"  "suit," or  "proceeding"  shall
      apply to all  claims,  actions,  suits or  proceedings  (civil,  criminal,
      administrative,  investigative or other,  including appeals),  threatened,
      pending  or  completed,  while in  office  or  thereafter,  and the  words
      "liability" and "expenses" shall include,  without limitation,  attorneys'
      fees, costs, judgments,  amounts paid in settlement,  fines, penalties and
      all other liabilities whatsoever.

      (b) No indemnification shall be provided hereunder to a Covered Person:

            (i) who shall have been  adjudicated by a court or body before which
      the proceeding  was brought to be liable to the Trust or its  Shareholders
      by reason of willful misfeasance,  bad faith, gross negligence or reckless
      disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office.

            (ii)  in  the  event  of a  settlement,  unless  there  has  been  a
      determination  that such  Trustee  or  officer  did not  engage in willful
      misfeasance,  bad faith,  gross  negligence  or reckless  disregard of the
      duties  involved in the  conduct of his office,  (A) by the court or other
      body  approving  the  settlement;  (B) by at  least a  majority  of  those
      Trustees who are neither  Interested  Persons of the Trust nor are parties
      to the matter based upon a review of readily  available  facts (as opposed
      to a full  trial-type  inquiry);  or (C) by written opinion of independent
      legal counsel based upon a review of readily  available  facts (as opposed
      to a full trial-type inquiry).

      (c) The rights of  indemnification  herein provided may be insured against
      by policies  maintained  by the Trust,  shall be  severable,  shall not be
      exclusive  of or affect any other  rights to which any Covered  Person may
      now or hereafter be entitled, shall continue as to a person who has ceased
      to be a  Covered  Person  and shall  inure to the


                                      C-2
<PAGE>

      benefit  of the  heirs,  executors  and  administrators  of such a person.
      Nothing  contained  herein shall affect any rights to  indemnification  to
      which Trust personnel,  other than Covered Persons,  and other persons may
      be entitled by contract or otherwise under law.

            Expenses in connection with the  preparation  and  presentation of a
      defense  to any  claim,  action,  suit  or  proceeding  of  the  character
      described in Section  3(a) of this  Article  shall be paid by the Trust or
      Series prior to final  disposition  thereof upon receipt of an undertaking
      by or on behalf of such Covered  Person that such amount will be paid over
      by him or her to the Trust, unless it is ultimately  determined that he or
      she is  entitled  to  indemnification  under  this  Section  3;  provided,
      however,   that  either  (i)  such  Covered  Person  shall  have  provided
      appropriate  security for such  undertaking,  or (ii) the Trust is insured
      against losses arising out of any such advance payments, or (iii) either a
      majority of the Trustees who are neither  Interested  Persons of the Trust
      nor  parties to the  matter,  or  independent  legal  counsel in a written
      opinion,  shall have determined,  based upon a review of readily available
      facts (as opposed to a  trial-type  inquiry or full  investigation),  that
      there is reason to believe that such Covered Person will be found entitled
      to indemnification under Section 3.

      Insofar as  indemnification  for liabilities  arising under the Securities
      Act of 1933  (the  "Act")  may be  permitted  to  trustees,  officers  and
      controlling   persons  of  the   Registrant   pursuant  to  the  foregoing
      provisions,  or  otherwise,  the  Registrant  has been advised that in the
      opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such  indemnification is
      against  public  policy  as  expressed  in  the  Act  and  is,  therefore,
      unenforceable.  In the event that a claim for indemnification against such
      liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred
      or paid by a trustee,  officer, or controlling person of the Registrant in
      connection with the successful defense of any action,  suit or proceeding)
      is asserted by such trustee,  officer or controlling  person in connection
      with the securities being  registered,  the Registrant will, unless in the
      opinion  of its  counsel  the  matter  has  been  settled  by  controlling
      precedent,  submit to a court of  appropriate  jurisdiction  the  question
      whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expresed in
      the Act, and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

ITEM 26. Business and Other Connections of Investment Advisor

The  desciptions  of the  Adviser  and  Sub-Advisers  under the caption of "Fund
Management" in the Prospectus and under the caption "Management of the Trust" in
the  Statement  of   Additional   Information   constituting   Parts  A  and  B,
respectively,  of this  Registration  Statement  are  incorporated  by reference
herein.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name & Address           Position with WAM   Principal Occupation for past 5 yrs.
--------------           -----------------   ------------------------------------
<S>                      <C>                  <C>
Timothy C. Phillips            CEO            CEO of Phillips and Co. Securities,
220 NW 2nd, Suite 950                         Inc. (02/92 to Present), CEO of Willamette
Portland, OR 97209                            Securities, Inc. (01/99  to Present)
                                              CEO of Willamette Asset Managers, Inc.
                                              (04/98 to Present)

S. Christopher Clark     Managing Director    President/Managing Director of Phillips
220 NW 2nd, Suite 950                         and Co. Securities, Inc. (08/93 to Present)
Portland, OR 97209                            Managing Director of Willamette Securities,
                                              Inc. (01/99 to Present)

James T. Smith                 CFO            CFO of Phillips and Co. Securities, Inc.
220 NW 2nd, Suite 950                         (09/94 to Present), CFO of Willamette
Portland, OR 97209                            Securities, Inc. (01/99 to Present)
                                              CFO of Willamette Asset Managers, Inc.
                                              (04/98 to Present)
</TABLE>

* The business address of Phillips & Co. Securities,  Inc. is 220 N.W. 2nd #950,
Portland, Oregon 97209. The business address for Willamette Securities,  Inc. is
700 N.E. Multnomah, Suite 500, Portland, Oregon 97232.


                                      C-3
<PAGE>

               Business and Other Connections of Bank of New York
               --------------------------------------------------

Name                      Title/Company
----                      -------------
Richard Barth..........   Retired; Formerly Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
                          of Ciba-Geigy Corporation (diversified chemical
                          products)

Frank J. Biondi, Jr....   Chairman and Chief Executive Office of Universal
                          Studios (diversified entertainment operator)

Harold E. Sells........   Retired; Formerly Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
                          of Woolworth Corporation (retailing)

William R. Chaney......   Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Tiffany & Co.,
                          (international designers, manufacturers and
                          distributors of jewelry and fine goods)

Ralph E. Gomory........   President of Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, Inc. (private
                          foundation)

Richard J. Kogan.......   President and Chief Executive Officer of
                          Schering-Plough Corporation (manufacturer of
                          pharmaceutical and consumer products)

John A. Luke, Jr.......   Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of
                          Westvaco Corporation (manufacturer of paper,
                          packaging, and specialty chemicals)

John C. Malone.........   President and Chief Executive Officer of
                          Tele-Communications, Inc., (cable television multiple
                          system operator)

Donald L. Miller.......   Chief Executive Officer and Publisher of Our World
                          News, LLC (media)

H. Barclay Morley......   Retired; Formerly Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
                          of Stauffer Chemical Company (chemicals)

Catherine A. Rein......   Senior Executive Vice President of Metropolitan Life
                          Insurance Company (insurance and financial services)

         Business of Other Connections of U.S. Bank National Association
         ---------------------------------------------------------------

Name                      Title/Company
----                      -------------

John F. Grundhofer.....   Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of U.S. Bancorp


                                      C-4
<PAGE>

Robert L. Dryden.......   President and Chief Executive Officer of ConneXt, Inc.

Edward J. Phillips.....   Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Phillips
                          Beverage Company

Linda L. Ahlers........   President of Dayton's, Marshall Field's, Hudson's

Joshua Green III.......   Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Joshua Green
                          Corporation

Paul A. Redmond........   Retired Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Avista
                          Corp.

Harry L. Bettis........   Rancher

Delbert W. Johnson.....   Vice President of Safeguard Scientifics, Inc.

Richard G. Reiten......   President and Chief Executive Officer of Northwest
                          Natural Gas Company

Arthur D. Collins......   President and Chief Operating Officer of Medtronic,
                          Inc.

Joel W. Johnson........   Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of
                          Hormen Foods Corporation

S. Walter Richey.......   Former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of
                          Meritex, Inc.

Peter H. Coors.........   Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of Coors
                          Brewing Company

Jerry W. Levin.........   Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sunbeam
                          Corporation

Warren R. Staley.......   President and Chief Executive Officer of Cargill, Inc.

   Business of Other Connections of Credit Suisse Asset Management, LLC (CSAM)
   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Name                      Title/Company
----                      -------------

William W. Priest, Jr..   Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of Management
                          Committee and Managing Director, CSAM

Laurence R. Smith......   Chief Investment Officer, Member of Management
                          Committee and Managing Director, CSAM


                                      C-5
<PAGE>

Eugene L. Podsiadlo....   Head of Retail Distribution, Member of Management
                          Committee and Managing Director, CSAM.

Timothy T. Taussig.....   Head of Institutional Distribution, Member of
                          Management Committee and Managing Director, CSAM

Elizabeth B. Dater.....   Member of Management Committee and Managing Director,
                          CSAM

Sheila N. Scott........   Member of Management Committee and Managing Director,
                          CSAM

ITEM 27. Principal Underwriters

      Shares  of the Funds  are  distributed  by BISYS  Fund  Services,  Limited
      Partnership

            (a) BISYS, Limited Partnership ("BISYS") acts as distributor for
      Registrant. BISYS Fund Services also distributes the securities of Alpine
      Equity Trust, American Independence Funds Trust, American Performance
      Funds, AmSouth Funds, The BB&T Mutual Funds Group, The Coventry Group, The
      Eureka Funds, Fifth Third Funds, Governor Funds, Hirtle Callaghan Trust,
      HSBC Funds Trust and HSBC Mutual Funds Trust, The Infinity Mutual Funds,
      Inc., Magna Funds, Mercantile Mutual Funds, Inc., Metamarkets.com, Myers
      Investment Trust, MMA Praxis Mutual Funds, M.S.D.&T. Funds, Pacific
      Capital Funds, Republic Advisor Funds Trust, Republic Funds Trust, Summit
      Investment Trust, USAllianz Funds, USAllianz Funds Variable Insurance
      Products Trust, Variable Insurance Funds, The Victory Portfolios, The
      Victory Variable Insurance Funds, Vintage Mutual Funds, Inc.

            (b) Directors officers, or partners of the Distributor are as
      follows:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name                         Position with Underwriter        Position with Fund
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WC Subsidiary Corporation    Sole Limited Partner             None
150 Clove Road
Little Falls, NJ 07424
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BISYS Fund Services, Inc.    Sole General Partner             None
3435 Stelzer Road
Columbus, OH 43219
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Other BISYS distributors

In addition to the following officers of the BISYS related  distributors  listed
below,  each  distributor has additional  officers listed to the right (business
address for each person and  distributor  unless noted otherwise is 3435 Stelzer
Road,  Columbus,  OH 43219 and  unless  noted  otherwise  each  person  holds no
position with the Fund):

         Lynn Mangum                        Director
         Dennis Sheehan                     Director
         Kevin Dell                         Vice President/Secretary
         William Tomko                      Sr. Vice President
         Robert Tuch                        Assistant Secretary


                                      C-6
<PAGE>

* Barr Rosenberg Funds Distributor, Inc.   Irimga McKay - President
         Barr Rosenberg Funds              Greg Maddox - Vice President (1)

BNY Hamilton Distributors, Inc.            William J. Tomko - President (2)
         BNY Hamilton Funds, Inc.          Richard Baxt - Sr. Vice President (3)

* Centura Funds Distributor, Inc.          Walter B. Grimm - President
         Centura Funds                     William J. Tomko - Sr. Vice President

CFD Funds Distributor, Inc.                Richard Baxt - President
         Chase Funds

Concord Financial Group, Inc.              Walter B. Grimm - President
         ProFunds

*Evergreen Distributor, Inc.               D'Ray Moore - President
         Evergreen Funds

* Performance Funds Distributor, Inc.      Walter B. Grimm - President (4)
         Performance Funds                 William J. Tomko - Sr. Vice President

The One Group Services Company             Mark Redman - President (5)
         The One Group of Funds            William J. Tomko - Sr. Vice President
                                           (2)

Vista Funds Distributors, Inc.             Richard Baxt - President
         Chase Vista Funds                 Lee Schultheis - Sr. Vice President
                                           William J. Tomko - Sr. Vice President

Kent Funds Distributors, Inc.

Mentor Distributors, LLC                   D'Ray Moore - President

*IBJ Funds Distributor, Inc.               Walter B. Grimm - Senior Vice
                                           President

         * address is 90 Park Avenue, NY, NY

(1) Serves as Assistant Treasurer to Centura Funds

(2) Serves as  President  to BNY  Hamilton  Funds and  Treasurer to One Group of
    Funds

(3) Serves as Vice President to BNY Hamilton Funds

(4) Serves as President to Performance Funds

(5) Serves as President to One Group of Funds

(c) Not applicable

ITEM 28. Location of Accounts and Records

      The  accounts,  books and other  documents  required to be  maintained  by
      Registrant  pursuant  to Section 31 (a) of the  Investment  Company Act of
      1940 and rules promulgated  thereunder are in the possession of Willamette
      Asset Managers,  Inc. 220 NW 2nd Avenue, Suite 950, Portland Oregon 97209,
      (records  relating to its  function as  Adviser);  The Bank of New York, 1
      Wall Street,  New York, New York 10286 (records


                                      C-7
<PAGE>

      relating to its  functions as  Sub-Adviser  to  Willamette  Value Fund and
      Willamette Growth Fund); U.S. Bank National Association, 601 Second Avenue
      South, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402, (records relating to its functions as
      Sub-Adviser   to  Willamette   Technology   Fund);   Credit  Suisse  Asset
      Management,  LLC, One Citicorp Center, 153 East 53rd Street, New York, New
      York 10022 (records  relating to its function as Sub-Adviser to Willamette
      Global Health  Sciences Fund and  Willamette  Post-Venture  Capital Fund);
      BISYS Fund Services,  Limited  Partnership,  3435 Stelzer Road,  Columbus,
      Ohio  43219  (records  relating  to  its  functions  as  General  Manager,
      Administrator and  Distributor);  and BISYS Fund Services Ohio, Inc., 3435
      Stelzer Road,  Columbus,  Ohio 43219 (records relating to its functions as
      Transfer Agent).

ITEM 29. Management Services

      Not Applicable.

ITEM 30. Undertakings

      Not Applicable.


                                      C-8
<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES

      Pursuant  to the  requirements  of the  Securities  Act of  1933  and  the
Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration
Statement  to be  signed  on its  behalf  by  the  undersigned,  thereunto  duly
authorized, in the city of Portland, and the State of Oregon, on the 17th day of
January, 2001.

                                         THE WILLAMETTE FUNDS

                                         By: /s/ Timothy C. Phillips
                                             -------------------------------
                                             Timothy C. Phillips
                                             President

      Pursuant  to  the  requirements  of  the  Securities  Act  of  1933,  this
Registration  Statement  has been signed below by the  following  persons in the
capacities and on the date indicated.

Signatures                        Title                            Date
----------                        -----                            ----
By: /s/ Timothy C. Phillips       President, Trustee          January 17, 2001
   ------------------------       and Chairman, Treasurer,
        Timothy C. Phillips       Secretary


                                      C-9

<PAGE>

                                  EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibits

(a)(1)       Certificate of Trust of Willamette Funds (the "Registrant")
(a)(2)       Declaration of Trust of Registrant
(b)          By-laws of Registrant
(c)          Not Applicable
(d)(1)       Form  of  Investment   Advisory  Agreement  with  Willamette  Asset
             Managers, Inc for the Willamette Value Fund
(d)(2)       Form  of  Investment   Advisory  Agreement  with  Willamette  Asset
             Managers, Inc for the Willamette Small Cap Growth Fund
(d)(3)       Form  of  Investment   Advisory  Agreement  with  Willamette  Asset
             Managers, Inc for the Willamette Global Health Sciences Fund
(d)(4)       Form  of  Investment   Advisory  Agreement  with  Willamette  Asset
             Managers, Inc for the Willamette Technology Fund
(d)(5)       Form  of  Investment   Advisory  Agreement  with  Willamette  Asset
             Managers, Inc. for the Willamette Post-Venture Capital Fund.
(d)(6)       Form of Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement with Bank of New York for
             the Willamette Value Fund
(d)(7)       Form of Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement with Bank of New York for
             the Willamette Small Cap Growth Fund
(d)(8)       Form of Sub-Investment  Advisory  Agreement with U.S. Bank National
             Association for the Willamette Technology Fund
(d)(9)       Form of Sub-Investment  Advisory Agreement with Credit Suisse Asset
             Management, LLC for the Willamette Health Sciences Fund
(d)(9)(a)    Form of Letter Agreement with Credit Suisse Asset  Management,  LLC
             for the Willamette Health Sciences Fund
(d)(10)      Form of Sub-Investment  Advisory Agreement with Credit Suisse Asset
             Management, LLC for the Willamette Post-Venture Capital Fund
(e)          Form of  Distribution  Agreement  with BISYS Fund Services  Limited
             Partnership
(f)          Not Applicable
(g)(1)       Form of Custody Agreement with Union Bank of California
(g)(1)(a)    Form of Annex to Custody Agreement with Union Bank of California
(h)(1)       Form of Transfer Agency Agreement with BISYS Fund Services, Inc.
(h)(2)       Form of Administration Agreement with BISYS Fund Services Ohio,
             Inc.
(h)(3)       Form of Fund  Accounting  Agreement  with BISYS Fund Services Ohio,
             Inc.
(m)          Form of Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plan



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