<PAGE>
Exhibit (j)
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Post-Effective Amendment
No. 20 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 2-86931) of The
Empire Builder Tax Free Bond Fund, of our report dated April 18, 2000 on our
audit of the financial statements and financial highlights of The Empire Builder
Tax Free Bond Fund which report is included in the Annual Report to Shareholders
for the year ended February 29, 2000, which is incorporated by reference in the
Statement of Additional Information in this Post-Effective Amendment to the
Registration Statement. We also consent to the references to our Firm under the
caption "Financial Highlights" in the Prospectus and "Independent Accountants"
in the Statement of Additional Information relating to The Empire Builder Tax
Free Bond Fund in this Post-Effective Amendment No. 20 to the Registration
Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 2-86931).
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Columbus, Ohio
June 15, 2000