NATIONS FUND INC
485APOS, 1997-02-07
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              As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
                               on February 7, 1997
                       Registration No. 33-4038; 811-4614
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549
                                    FORM N-1A
           REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 [ ]

                       Post-Effective Amendment No. 32 [X]
                                       and
       REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 [ ]

 ..                           Amendment No. 33 [X]

                        (Check appropriate box or boxes)
                            ------------------------
                               NATIONS FUND, INC.
               (Exact Name of Registrant as specified in Charter)
                                111 Center Street
                           Little Rock, Arkansas 72201
          (Address of Principal Executive Offices, including Zip Code)
                           --------------------------
       Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code: (800) 321-7854
                              Richard H. Blank, Jr.
                                c/o Stephens Inc.
                                111 Center Street
                           Little Rock, Arkansas 72201
                     (Name and Address of Agent for Service)
                                 With copies to:
  Robert M. Kurucza, Esq.                        Carl Frischling, Esq.
  Marco E. Adelfio, Esq.                         Kramer, Levin, Naftalis
  Morrison & Foerster LLP                        & Frankel
  2000 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Suite 5500       919 Third Avenue
  Washington, D.C.  20006                        New York, New York  10022

It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<S>                                                           <C>   

[ ]   Immediately upon filing pursuant to Rule 485(b); or       [ ]     on (date), pursuant to Rule
                                                                        485(b), or
[ ]   60 days after filing pursuant to Rule 485(a), or          [ ]     on  (date) pursuant to Rule
                                                                        485(a)
[X]   75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)         [ ]     on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of
                                                                        Rule 485
</TABLE>

If appropriate, check the following box:
[ ]   this post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a
      previously filed post-effective amendment.
The Registrant has registered an indefinite number of shares of its Common
Stock, $.001 par value, under the Securities Act of 1933, pursuant to Rule 24f-2
under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The Registrant filed the
notice required by Rule 24f-2 for its most recent fiscal period ended March 31,
1996 on May 24, 1996.


<PAGE>


                                EXPLANATORY NOTE


         This Post-Effective Amendment No. 32 to the Registration Statement of
Nations Fund, Inc. (the "Company") is being filed to register five classes of
shares for three new portfolios to the Company-Nations International Growth
Fund, Nations Small Company Growth Fund, and Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund
("New Funds"). Certain classes of the New Funds will be the successor funds to
corresponding portfolios of The Pilot Funds (SEC File Nos. 2-78440 and
811-3517), subject to shareholder approval in accordance with the Agreement and
Plan of Reorganization by and between The Pilot Funds and the Company.

<PAGE>
            
                               NATIONS FUND, INC.
                              CROSS REFERENCE SHEET




Part A
Item No.                               Prospectus

  1.   Cover Page .....................Cover Page

  2.   Synopsis .......................Expenses Summary

  3.   Condensed Financial
      Information .....................Financial Highlights;
                                       How Performance Is Shown

  4.   General Description of
      Registrant ......................Cover Page; Objectives; How
                                       Objectives Are Pursued; Organization And
                                       History

  5.  Management of the Fund ..........How The Funds Are Managed

  6.  Capital Stock and Other
      Securities ......................How To Buy Shares; How The
                                       Funds Value Their Shares; How Dividends
                                       And Distributions Are Made; Tax
                                       Information
  7.  Purchase of Securities Being
      Offered .........................Cover Page; How To Buy Shares

  8.  Redemption or Repurchase ........How To Redeem Shares; How To
                                       Exchange Shares

  9.  Legal Proceedings ...............Organization And History

Part B
Item No.

10.   Cover Page.......................Cover Page

11.   Table of Contents................Table Of Contents

12.   General Information and
      History..........................Introduction



<PAGE>



13.   Investment Objectives and
      Policies.........................Additional Information On Fund
                                       Investments

14.   Management of the Registrant.....Directors And Officers


15.   Control Persons and Principal
      Holders of Securities............Miscellaneous -- Certain Record
                                       Holders


16.   Investment Advisory and Other
      Services.........................Investment Advisory, Administration,
                                       Custody, Transfer Agency,
                                       Shareholder Servicing And
                                       Distribution Agreements

17.   Brokerage Allocation ............Fund Transactions And Brokerage
                                       -- General Brokerage Policy


18.   Capital Stock and Other
      Securities.......................Description Of Shares; Investment
                                       Advisory, Administration,
                                       Custody, Transfer Agency,
                                       Shareholder Servicing And
                                       Distribution Agreements -- The
                                       Company And Its Common Stock


19.   Purchase, Redemption and Pricing
      of Securities Being Offered......Net Asset Value -- Purchases
                                       And Redemptions


20.   Tax Status.......................Additional Information Concerning
                                       Taxes

21.   Underwriters.....................Investment Advisory, Administration,
                                       Custody, Transfer Agency,
                                       Shareholder Servicing And
                                       Distribution Agreements --
                                       Distributor


<PAGE>


22.   Calculation of Performance Data..Additional Information On
                                       Performance


23.   Financial Statements.............Independent Accountant And
                                       Reports




Part C
Item No.                               Other Information

                                       Information
                                       required to be
                                       included in
                                       Part C is set
                                       forth under the
                                       appropriate
                                       Item, so
                                       numbered, in
                                       Part C of this
                                       Document


<PAGE>
 
Prospectus
 
                                    PRIMARY A SHARES
                                      MAY     , 1997
 
NATIONS INTERNATIONAL GROWTH FUND
 
NATIONS SMALL COMPANY GROWTH FUND
 
NATIONS U.S. GOVERNMENT BOND FUND


                                              (Nations Funds Logo appears here)


 
INVESTMENT ADVISER: NationsBanc Advisors, Inc.
INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISERS: Kleinwort Benson
                      Investment Management Americas Inc.
                      Boatmen's Trust Company
DISTRIBUTOR: Stephens Inc.
 
<PAGE>
Prospectus
 
                                    PRIMARY A SHARES
                                      MAY     , 1997
 
This Prospectus describes NATIONS INTERNATIONAL
GROWTH FUND, NATIONS
SMALL COMPANY GROWTH FUND and NATIONS U.S.
GOVERNMENT BOND 
FUND (the "Funds") of Nations Fund, Inc., an
open-end management investment company in the
Nations Funds Family ("Nations Funds" or "Nations
Funds Family"). This Prospectus describes one class
of shares of each Fund  -- 
Primary A Shares.
This Prospectus sets forth concisely the information
about each Fund that a prospective purchaser of
Primary A Shares should consider before investing.
Investors should read this Prospectus and retain it
for future reference. Additional
information about Nations Fund, Inc. is contained in
a separate Statement of Additional Information (the
"SAI"), that has been filed with the Secur
ities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and is
available upon request without charge by writing or
calling Nations Funds at its address or telephone
number shown below. The SAI for Nations Fund, Inc.,
dated May   , 1997, is incorporated by reference in
its entirety into this Prospectus. NationsBanc
Advisors, Inc. ("NBAI") is investment adviser to the
Funds. Kleinwort Benson Investment Management
Americas Inc. ("Kleinwort Benson") is investment
sub-adviser to Nations International Growth Fund,
and Boatmen's Trust Company ("Boatmen's") is
investment sub-adviser to Nations Small Company
Growth Fund and Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund.
As used herein the term "Adviser" shall mean NBAI,
Kleinwort Benson and/or Boatmen's as the context may
require.
 
SHARES OF NATIONS FUNDS ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OTHER
OBLIGATIONS OF, OR ISSUED, ENDORSED OR GUARANTEED
BY, NATIONSBANK, N.A. ("NATIONSBANK") OR ANY OF ITS
AFFILIATES. SUCH SHARES ARE NOT INSURED BY THE U.S.
GOVERNMENT, THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE
CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD OR ANY OTHER
GOVERNMENT AGENCY. AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUNDS
INVOLVES CERTAIN RISKS, INCLUDING POSSIBLE LOSS OF
PRINCIPAL.
 
NATIONSBANK AND CERTAIN OF ITS AFFILIATES PROVIDE
CERTAIN OTHER SERVICES TO NATIONS FUNDS, FOR WHICH
THEY ARE COMPENSATED. STEPHENS INC., WHICH IS NOT
AFFILIATED WITH NATIONSBANK, IS THE SPONSOR AND
ADMINISTRATOR AND SERVES AS THE DISTRIBUTOR FOR
NATIONS FUNDS.
 
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR
DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR
HAS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY
STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY
OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION
TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.



                                                    Nations International
                                                      Growth Fund
                                                    Nations Small
                                                      Company Growth
                                                      Fund
                                                    Nations U.S.
                                                      Government Bond 
                                                      Fund

                                                    For Fund information call:
                                                    1-800-626-2275
                                                    Nations Funds
                                                    c/o Stephens Inc.
                                                    One NationsBank Plaza
                                                    33rd Floor
                                                    Charlotte, NC 28255

                                                    (Nations Funds logo 
                                                     appears here)

 
<PAGE>
                            Table  Of  Contents
 
                            Prospectus Summary                        3
About The
    Funds
                            Expenses Summary                                   4
 
                            Financial Highlights                               5
 
                            Objectives                                         8
 
                            How Objectives Are Pursued                         8
 
                            How Performance Is Shown                          11
 
                            How The Funds Are Managed                         12
 
                            Organization And History                          14
 
                            How To Buy Shares                                 15
About Your
Investment
                            How To Redeem Shares                              15
 
                            How To Exchange Shares                            16
 
                            How The Funds Value Their Shares                  16
 
                            How Dividends And Distributions Are Made;
                            Tax Information                                   17
 
                            Appendix A -- Portfolio Securities                18
 
                            Appendix B -- Description Of Ratings              24
 
                            NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
                            INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS NOT
                            CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS, OR IN THE FUNDS' SAI
                            INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE, IN CONNECTION WITH
                            THE OFFERING MADE BY THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN
                            OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST
                            NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY
                            NATIONS FUNDS OR ITS DISTRIBUTOR. THIS PROSPECTUS
                            DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFERING BY NATIONS FUNDS OR
                            BY THE DISTRIBUTOR IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH
                            OFFERING MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE.
 
2
 
<PAGE>
About The Funds
 
   Prospectus Summary
 
(Bullet) TYPE OF COMPANY: Open-end management investment company.
 
(Bullet) INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES:
 
(Bullet) Nations International Growth Fund's investment objective is to seek
         long-term capital growth by investing primarily in equity securities of
         companies domiciled in countries outside the United States and listed
         on major stock exchanges primarily in Europe and the Pacific Basin.
 
(Bullet) Nations Small Company Growth Fund's investment objective is to seek
         long-term capital growth by investing primarily in equity securities.
 
(Bullet) Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund's investment objective is to seek
         total return and preservation of capital by investing in U.S.
         Government securities and repurchase agreements.
 
(Bullet) INVESTMENT ADVISER: NBAI serves as the investment adviser to the Funds.
         NBAI provides investment advice to more than 50 investment company
         portfolios in the Nations Funds Family. Kleinwort Benson provides
         sub-advisory services to Nations International Growth Fund, and
         Boatmen's provides sub-advisory services to Nations Small Company
         Growth Fund and Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund. See "How The Funds
         Are Managed."
 
(Bullet) DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS: Nations International Growth Fund and
         Nations Small Company Growth Fund declare and pay dividends from net
         investment income quarterly and Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund
         declares dividends daily and pays them monthly. Each Fund's net
         realized capital gains, including net short-term capital gains, are
         distributed at least annually.
 
(Bullet) PRINCIPAL RISK FACTORS: Although the Adviser seeks to achieve the
         investment objective of each Fund, there is no assurance that it will
         be able to do so. Investments in a Fund are not insured against loss of
         principal. Investments by a Fund in common stocks and other equity
         securities are subject to stock market risk, which is the risk that the
         value of the stocks the Fund holds may decline over short or even
         extended periods. Investments by a Fund in debt securities are subject
         to interest rate risk, which is the risk that increases in market
         interest rates will adversely affect a Fund's investments in debt
         securities. The value of a Fund's investments in debt securities,
         including U.S. Government Obligations (as defined below), will tend to
         decrease when interest rates rise and increase when interest rates
         fall. In general, longer-term debt instruments tend to fluctuate in
         value more than shorter-term debt instruments in response to interest
         rate movements. In addition, debt securities which are not backed by
         the United States Government are subject to credit risk, which is the
         risk that the issuer may not be able to pay principal and/or interest
         when due. Certain of the Funds' investments constitute derivative
         securities. Certain types of derivative securities can, under certain
         circumstances, significantly increase an investor's exposure to market
         or other risks. For a discussion of these and other factors, see "How
         Objectives Are Pursued -- Risk Considerations" and "Appendix
         A -- Portfolio Securities."
 
         Nations International Growth Fund is designed for long-term investors
         seeking international diversification and who are willing to bear the
         risks associated with international investing, such as foreign currency
         fluctuations and economic and political risks. For a discussion of
         these factors, see "How Objectives Are Pursued -- Special Risk
         Considerations Relevant to an Investment in the Nations International
         Growth Fund."
 
(Bullet) MINIMUM PURCHASE: $500,000 minimum initial investment per record
         holder. See "How To Buy Shares."
 
                                                                               3
 
<PAGE>
   Expenses Summary
 
Expenses are one of several factors to consider when investing in the Funds. The
following tables summarize shareholder transaction and operating expenses for
Primary A Shares of the Funds. The Examples show the cumulative expenses
attributable to a hypothetical $1,000 investment in the Funds over specified
periods.
 
PRIMARY A SHARES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                                      <C>              <C>
                                                                                             Nations          Nations
                                                                                          International    Small Company
                                                                                           Growth Fund      Growth Fund
 
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
 
Sales Load Imposed on Purchases                                                               None             None
Deferred Sales Load                                                                           None             None
 
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             Nations
                                                                                         U.S. Government
                                                                                            Bond Fund
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
Sales Load Imposed on Purchases                                                               None
Deferred Sales Load                                                                           None
</TABLE>
 
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
(as a percentage of average net assets)

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                      <C>              <C>
Management Fees (After Fee Waivers)                                                           .90%             .75%
All Other Expenses                                                                            .22%             .20%
Total Operating Expenses (After Fee Waivers)                                                  1.12%            .95%
 
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                                      <C>
Management Fees (After Fee Waivers)                                                           .40%
All Other Expenses                                                                            .20%
Total Operating Expenses (After Fee Waivers)                                                  .60%
</TABLE>
 
EXAMPLES: You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment in Primary
A Shares of the indicated Fund, assuming (1) a 5% annual return and (2)
redemption at the end of each time period.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                                      <C>                  <C>
                                                                                               Nations              Nations
                                                                                            International        Small Company
                                                                                             Growth Fund          Growth Fund
 
1 Year                                                                                        $      11            $      10
3 Years                                                                                       $      36            $      30
5 Years                                                                                       $      62            $      53
10 Years                                                                                      $     136            $     117
 
<CAPTION>
                                                                                               Nations
                                                                                           U.S. Government
                                                                                              Bond Fund
1 Year                                                                                        $       6
3 Years                                                                                       $      19
5 Years                                                                                              33
10 Years                                                                                      $      75
</TABLE>
 
The purpose of the foregoing tables is to assist an investor in understanding
the various shareholder transaction and operating expenses that an investor in
Primary A Shares will bear either directly or indirectly. The figures in the
above tables are based on amounts incurred during each Fund's most recent fiscal
year and have been adjusted as necessary to reflect current service provider
fees. There is no assurance that any fee waivers and reimbursements will
continue beyond the current fiscal year. If fee waivers and/or reimbursements
are discontinued, the amounts contained in the "Examples" above may increase.
Absent fee waivers, "Management Fees" and "Total Operating Expenses" for the
following Funds would have been as follows: Nations Small Company Growth
Fund -- 1.00% and 1.20%, respectively; and Nations U.S. Government Bond
Fund -- .60% and .80%, respectively. For more complete descriptions of the
Funds' operating expenses, see "How The Funds Are Managed."
 
THE FOREGOING SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED TO BE AN ACTUAL REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR
FUTURE PERFORMANCE. ACTUAL EXPENSES AND RATES OF RETURN MAY BE GREATER OR LESS
THAN THOSE SHOWN.
 
4
 
<PAGE>
   Financial Highlights
 
The following information for Primary A Shares of Nations International Growth
Fund, Nations Small Company Growth Fund and Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund
has been derived from the Financial Highlights in the January 2, 1997
Prospectuses for the Pilot Shares of The Pilot Funds' Pilot International Equity
Fund, Pilot Small Capitalization Equity Fund and Pilot U.S. Government
Securities Fund, the predecessor Funds to the current Nations Funds listed
above. This information has been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP. This
information is provided to help you understand the historical performance of the
Funds and their predecessors. This information should be read in conjunction
with the predecessor Funds' annual financial statements and the respective notes
thereto, which are incorporated by reference into the SAI.
 
NATIONS INTERNATIONAL GROWTH FUND
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                         <C>              <C>              <C>
                                                                                 YEAR             YEAR             YEAR
                                                                                 ENDED            ENDED            ENDED
PRIMARY A SHARES (FORMERLY PILOT SHARES)                                       08/31/96         08/31/95         08/31/94
Operating performance:
Net asset value at the beginning of the period                               $     16.24      $     16.34      $     14.14
Net investment income                                                        $      0.18      $      0.13(g)   $      0.11(g)
Net realized and unrealized capital gain/(loss) on investments               $      1.61      $     (0.22)(g)  $      1.65(g)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on foreign currency related
  transactions (a)                                                           $     (0.13)     $      0.39(g)   $      0.59(g)
Total income (loss) from investments                                         $      1.66      $      0.30      $      2.35
Dividends from net investment income                                         $     (0.46)     $     (0.11)              --
Dividends from net realized gain on investments and foreign currency
  related transactions                                                       $     (0.39)     $     (0.29)     $     (0.15)
Net asset value at the end of the period                                     $     17.05      $     16.24      $     16.34
Total return (b)                                                                   10.64%            2.08%           16.75%
Portfolio turnover rate (h)                                                        22.31%           35.91%           35.40%
Ratio of expenses to average net assets                                             1.08%            1.18%            1.12%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets                         0.69%            0.82%            0.75%
Net assets at end of period (in 000's)                                       $   579,019      $   363,212      $   307,561
Average Commission Rate (i)                                                      $0.0160
 
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 EIGHT
                                                                                MONTHS
                                                                                 ENDED
PRIMARY A SHARES (FORMERLY PILOT SHARES)                                     08/31/93 (c)
Operating performance:
Net asset value at the beginning of the period                               $    13.15
Net investment income                                                        $    (0.01)(g)
Net realized and unrealized capital gain/(loss) on investments               $     1.10(g)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on foreign currency related
  transactions (a)                                                           $    (0.10)(g)
Total income (loss) from investments                                         $     0.99
Dividends from net investment income                                                 --
Dividends from net realized gain on investments and foreign currency
  related transactions                                                               --
Net asset value at the end of the period                                     $    14.14
Total return (b)                                                                   7.53%(d)
Portfolio turnover rate (h)                                                       26.65%(d)(f)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets                                            1.31%(e)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets                       (0.56)%(e)
Net assets at end of period (in 000's)                                       $  195,548
Average Commission Rate (i)
</TABLE>
 
 (a) For years preceding the fiscal year ended August 31, 1993, net realized and
     unrealized gain/(losses) from foreign currency related transactions were
     included in net realized and unrealized gain/(losses) from investments.
     Effective January 1, 1993, realized and unrealized gain/(losses) from
     foreign currency related transactions are disclosed separately from net
     realized and unrealized gain/(losses) from investments.
 
 (b) Assumes investment at net asset value at the beginning of the period,
     reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, a complete redemption of
     the investment at the net asset value at the end of the period and no sales
     charges.
 
 (c) Pilot Shares were initially issued on July 26, 1993.
 
 (d) Not annualized.
 
 (e) Annualized.
 
 (f) Calculated on a portfolio-wide level and excludes the transfer of assets
     effective on August 6, 1993.
 
 (g) Calculated based on the average shares outstanding methodology.
 
 (h) Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis of the portfolio as a whole
     without distinguishing between the classes of shares issued and is not
     annualized.
 
 (i) The average commission rate represents the total dollar amount of
     commissions paid on portfolio transactions, for the time period of May 4,
     1996 to August 31, 1996, divided by the total number of portfolio shares
     purchased and sold for which commissions were charged. Disclosure is not
     required for prior periods.
 
                                                                               5
 
<PAGE>
NATIONS SMALL COMPANY GROWTH FUND
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                                                                   <C>
PRIMARY A SHARES (FORMERLY PILOT SHARES)
Operating performance:
Net asset value at the beginning of the period
Net investment income
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments and futures
Total income from investment operations
Dividends from net investment income
Net asset value at the end of the period
Total return (b)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (c)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (c)
Portfolio turnover rate (e)
Net assets at end of period (in 000's)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (assuming no waivers or expense reimbursements)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (assuming no waivers or expense reimbursements)
Average Commission Rate (d)
 
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                           PERIOD
 
                                                                                                                            ENDED
 
PRIMARY A SHARES (FORMERLY PILOT SHARES)                                                                                 08/31/96(a)
Operating performance:
Net asset value at the beginning of the period                                                                         $   10.00
Net investment income                                                                                                  $    0.09
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments and futures                                                            $    0.64
Total income from investment operations                                                                                $    0.73
Dividends from net investment income                                                                                   $   (0.08)
Net asset value at the end of the period                                                                               $   10.65
Total return (b)                                                                                                            7.37%
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (c)                                                                                 1.00%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (c)                                                                    1.06%
Portfolio turnover rate (e)                                                                                                   31%
Net assets at end of period (in 000's)                                                                                 $  70,483
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (assuming no waivers or expense reimbursements)                                     1.54%(c)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (assuming no waivers or expense reimbursements)                        0.52%(c)
Average Commission Rate (d)                                                                                               $.0340
 
</TABLE>
 
(a) Share activity commenced December 12, 1995.
(b) Assumes investment at net asset value at the beginning of the period,
    reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, a complete redemption of
    the investment at the net asset value at the end of the period and no sales
    charges. Total return is not annualized.
(c) Annualized.
(d) The average commission rate represents the total dollar amount of
    commissions paid on portfolio transactions, for the time period of May 4,
    1996 to August 31, 1996, divided by the total number of portfolio shares
    purchased and sold for which commissions were charged. Disclosure is not
    required for prior periods.
(e) Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis of the portfolio as a whole
    without distinguishing between the classes of shares issued.
 
6
 
<PAGE>
NATIONS U.S. GOVERNMENT BOND FUND
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                                                     <C>
                                                                                                            PERIOD
                                                                                                             ENDED
PRIMARY A SHARES (FORMERLY PILOT SHARES)                                                                   08/31/96
Operating performance:
Net asset value at the beginning of the period                                                           $     11.20
Net investment income                                                                                    $      0.61
Net realized and unrealized gain on investment transactions                                              $     (0.22)
Total income from investment operations                                                                  $      0.39
Dividends from net investment income                                                                     $     (0.61)
Dividends from net realized gains                                                                        $     (0.45)
Net asset value at the end of the period                                                                 $     10.53
Total return (b)                                                                                                3.46%
Ratio of expenses to average net assets                                                                         0.65%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets                                                            5.61%
Portfolio turnover rate (d)                                                                                       87%
Net assets at end of period (in 000's)                                                                   $   145,066
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (assuming no waiver or expense reimbursements)                          0.82%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (assuming no waiver or expense reimbursements)             5.44%
 
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                            PERIOD
 
                                                                                                             ENDED
 
PRIMARY A SHARES (FORMERLY PILOT SHARES)                                                                  08/31/95(a)
Operating performance:
Net asset value at the beginning of the period                                                           $     10.00
Net investment income                                                                                    $      0.56
Net realized and unrealized gain on investment transactions                                              $      1.20
Total income from investment operations                                                                  $      1.76
Dividends from net investment income                                                                     $     (0.56)
Dividends from net realized gains                                                                                 --
Net asset value at the end of the period                                                                 $     11.20
Total return (b)                                                                                               18.03%
Ratio of expenses to average net assets                                                                         0.62%(c)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets                                                            6.45%(c)
Portfolio turnover rate (d)                                                                                      132%
Net assets at end of period (in 000's)                                                                   $   137,621
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (assuming no waiver or expense reimbursements)                          0.87%(c)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (assuming no waiver or expense reimbursements)             6.20%(c)
 
</TABLE>
 
(a) Pilot share activity commenced November 7, 1994.
 
(b) Assumes investment at net asset value at the beginning of the period,
    reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, a complete redemption of
    the investment at the net asset value at the end of the period and no sales
    charges. Total return is not annualized.
 
(c) Annualized.
 
(d) Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis of the portfolio as a whole
    without distinguishing between the classes of shares issued.
 
                                                                               7
 
<PAGE>
   Objectives
 
NATIONS INTERNATIONAL GROWTH FUND: Nations International Growth Fund's
investment objective is to seek long-term capital growth by investing primarily
in equity securities of companies domiciled in countries outside the United
States and listed on major stock exchanges primarily in Europe and the Pacific
Basin.
 
NATIONS SMALL COMPANY GROWTH FUND: Nations Small Company Growth Fund's
investment objective is to seek long-term capital growth by investing primarily
in equity securities.
 
NATIONS U.S. GOVERNMENT BOND FUND: Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund's
investment objective is to seek total return and preservation of capital by
investing in U.S. Government securities and repurchase agreements.
 
   How Objectives Are Pursued
 
NATIONS INTERNATIONAL GROWTH FUND: In pursuing its investment objective, the
Fund will invest at least 65% of its total assets in foreign equity securities,
including securities convertible into equity securities and securities which are
listed on major stock exchanges, under normal circumstances. The Fund may
purchase the stock of small, mid- and large capitalization companies.
 
The Fund may invest up to 35% of its total assets in securities of issuers
domiciled in developing countries. These countries are generally located in
Eastern Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, Latin and South America, Africa and,
subject to approval by the Board of Directors, the former Soviet Union and the
Middle East. Debt securities, if any, purchased by the Fund will be rated in the
top two categories by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization
("NRSRO"), or, if unrated, determined by the Adviser to be of comparable
quality. For temporary defensive purposes, the Fund may invest up to 100% of its
assets in debt and equity securities of U.S. issuers. Debt securities in which
the Fund may invest include short-term and intermediate-term obligations of
corporations, foreign governments and international organizations (such as the
International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (the "World Bank")),
including money market instruments.
 
The Fund may invest in common stocks (including securities convertible into
common stocks) of foreign issuers and rights to purchase common stock, options
and futures contracts on securities, securities indexes and foreign currencies,
securities lending, forward foreign exchange contracts and repurchase
agreements. For more information concerning these and other permissible Fund
investments, see "Appendix A".
 
NATIONS SMALL COMPANY GROWTH FUND: In pursuing its investment objective, the
Fund will invest at least 65% of its total assets in equity securities,
including securities convertible into equity securities, under normal
circumstances. In addition, the Fund will invest at least 65% of its total
assets in companies with a market capitalization of $1 billion or less.
 
In making investment decisions for the Fund, the Adviser, on a quarterly basis,
classifies approximately 6,000 companies by market value and eliminates the
largest 20%. The remaining companies constitute the Fund's small-capitalization
universe and generally represent only one-tenth of the aggregate U.S. equity
market capitalization. Due to the large number of small stocks to choose from,
the Adviser's selection process uses advanced quantitative techniques to
identify, buy and sell candidates in a timely and objective manner. The strategy
is to own those investments offering both attractive fundamental valuation and
relatively good prospects for earnings improvement. Typically, two types of
companies are candidates for purchase: (i) mature companies which may have
fallen from a larger market due to business difficulties, but which now exhibit
improving prospects; and (ii) smaller or younger companies which are
experiencing strong trends in earnings growth, but remain reasonably valued and
therefore offer premium growth at a discount in comparison to other companies.
 
The Adviser's internally designed investment approach uses a sophisticated
valuation process which measures changes in current earnings estimates and
longer-term growth trends, compares recent earnings results with market
expectations, and evaluates a company's earnings power relative to its stock
price. Companies become purchase candidates based upon a composite ranking of
these factors, and the top 20% are further evaluated on additional criteria.
Candidates for investment must also possess a sound financial structure and
demonstrate consistent factor rankings before being added to the Fund's
portfolio.
 
The Fund's weighted median capitalization generally is not expected to exceed
125% of the weighted median capitalization of the Russell 2000 Small Stock Index
(the "Russell 2000") as measured on a quarterly basis, although this may vary
from time to time. Furthermore,
 
8
 
<PAGE>
a stock may be sold if the composite rank falls into the bottom 20% of the
universe, financial quality weakens significantly, or if individual factors
demonstrate patterns of deterioration.
 
The Fund may invest up to 35% of its total assets in securities of issuers with
a market capitalization greater than $1 billion and in debt securities. However,
the Fund will not invest more than 10% of its total assets in debt securities,
unless the Fund assumes a temporary defensive position as discussed below. Debt
securities, if any, purchased by the Fund will be rated AA or above by Standard
& Poor's Corporation ("S&P") or Aa or above by Moody's Investor Services, Inc.
("Moody's") or, if unrated, determined by the Adviser to be of comparable
quality. For temporary defensive purposes, the Fund may invest up to 100% of its
assets in debt securities. Debt securities in which the Fund may invest include
short-term and intermediate-term obligations of corporations, the U.S. and
foreign governments and international organizations (such as the World Bank),
including money market instruments.
 
The Fund may invest in common stocks (including securities convertible into
common stocks) of foreign issuers and rights to purchase common stock, options
and futures contracts on securities, securities indexes and foreign currencies,
securities lending, forward foreign exchange contracts and repurchase
agreements. The Fund currently intends to limit any investment in foreign
securities to 5% of total assets. For more information concerning these and
other permissible Fund investments, see "Appendix A".
 
NATIONS U.S. GOVERNMENT BOND FUND: The Fund invests at least 65% of its total
assets in U.S. Government securities and repurchase agreements collateralized by
such securities. While the maturity of individual securities will not be
restricted, except during temporary defensive periods or unusual market
conditions, the average weighted maturity of the Fund will be between five and
thirty years. The Fund may invest in a variety of U.S. Government securities,
including U.S. Treasury bonds, notes and bills, and other obligations issued or
guaranteed as to payment of principal and interest by a number of U.S.
Government agencies and instrumentalities ("U.S. Government Obligations"). The
Fund may also invest in interests in the foregoing securities, including
collateralized mortgage obligations issued or guaranteed by a U.S. Government
agency or instrumentality. U.S. Government Obligations have historically had a
very low risk of loss of principal if held to maturity. The Fund, however, can
give no assurance that the U.S. Government would provide financial support to
its agencies or instrumentalities if it were not legally required to do so.
 
The Fund may also invest up to 35% of its total assets in debt securities of
U.S. and foreign corporate and foreign government issuers, American Depository
Receipts ("ADRs") and European Depository Receipts ("EDRs"), zero coupon bonds
and cash equivalents. The Fund will purchase only those non-government
investments which are rated investment grade or better by at least one NRSRO or,
if unrated, are determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality. If a
portfolio security held by the Fund ceases to be rated investment grade by at
least one NRSRO or if the Adviser determines that an unrated portfolio security
held by the Fund is no longer of comparable quality to an investment grade
security, the security will be sold in an orderly manner as quickly as possible.
Additionally, the Fund may also invest in futures contracts, interest rate swaps
and options. From time to time, the Fund may also hold uninvested cash reserves
which do not earn income.
 
The value of the Fund's portfolio (and consequently its shares) is expected to
fluctuate inversely in relation to changes in the direction of interest rates.
For more information concerning these and other investments in which the Fund
may invest, see "Appendix A".
 
GENERAL: Each of the Funds may invest in certain specified derivative
securities, including: interest rate swaps, caps and floors for hedging
purposes; exchange-traded options; over-the-counter options executed with
primary dealers, including long calls and puts and covered calls to enhance
return; and U.S. and foreign exchange-traded financial futures approved by the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC") and options thereon for market
exposure risk-management. Each of the Funds also may lend its portfolio
securities to qualified institutional investors and may invest in restricted,
private placement and other illiquid securities. Nations U.S. Government Bond
Fund may engage in reverse repurchase agreements and dollar roll transactions.
Additionally, each Fund may purchase securities issued by other investment
companies, consistent with the Fund's investment objective and policies.
 
For more information concerning these and other investments in which the Funds
may invest and their investment practices, see "Appendix A."
 
Although changes in the value of securities subsequent to their acquisition are
reflected in the net asset value of the Funds' shares, such changes will not
affect the income received by the Funds from such securities. However, since
available yields vary over time, no specific level of income can ever be
assured. The dividends paid by the Funds will increase or decrease in relation
to the income received by the Funds from their investments, which will in any
case be reduced by the Funds' expenses before being distributed to the Funds'
shareholders.
 
SPECIAL RISK CONSIDERATIONS RELEVANT TO AN INVESTMENT IN NATIONS INTERNATIONAL
GROWTH FUND: Investors should understand and consider carefully the special
risks involved in foreign investing.
 
                                                                               9
 
<PAGE>
Investors in Nations International Growth Fund should be aware that the Fund
may, from time to time, invest in securities of companies located in Eastern
Europe. Economic and political reforms in this region are still in their
infancy. As a result, investment in such countries would be highly speculative
and could result in losses to the Fund and, thus, to its shareholders.
 
Investors should also understand and consider carefully the special risks
involved in investing in the Pacific Basin and Far East. Countries in the
Pacific Basin and Far East are in various stages of economic development,
ranging from emerging markets to mature economies, but each has unique risks.
Most countries in this region are heavily dependent on international trade, and
some are especially vulnerable to recessions in other countries. Some of these
countries are also sensitive to world commodity prices. Some countries that have
experienced rapid growth may still have obsolete financial systems, economic
problems or archaic legal systems. In addition, many of these nations are
experiencing political and social uncertainties.
 
The same is true, but even more so, for the emerging market countries in which
the Fund will invest. Although the Fund believes that its investments present
the possibility for significant growth over the long term, they also entail
significant risks. Many investments in emerging markets can be considered
speculative, and their prices can be much more volatile than in the more
developed nations of the world. This difference reflects the greater
uncertainties of investing in less established markets and economies. The
financial markets of emerging markets countries are generally less well
capitalized and thus securities of issuers based in such countries may be less
liquid.
 
The Fund's yield and share price will change based on changes in domestic or
foreign interest rates and in an issuer's creditworthiness. In general, bond
prices rise when interest rates fall, and vice versa.
 
Investing in securities denominated in foreign currencies and utilization of
forward foreign currency exchange contracts and other currency hedging
techniques involve certain considerations comprising both opportunities and
risks not typically associated with investing in U.S. dollar-denominated
securities. Additionally, changes in the value of foreign currencies can
significantly affect a Fund's share price. General economic and political
factors in the various world markets can also impact a Fund's share price.
 
The expenses to individual investors of investing directly in foreign securities
are very high relative to similar costs for investing in U.S. securities. While
the Fund offers a more efficient way for individual investors to participate in
foreign markets, their expenses, including custodial fees, are also higher than
the typical domestic equity mutual fund.
 
Risks unique to international investing include: (1) restrictions on foreign
investment and repatriation of capital; (2) fluctuations in currency exchange
rates; (3) costs of converting foreign currency into U.S. dollars and U.S.
dollars into foreign currencies; (4) greater price volatility and less
liquidity; (5) settlement practices, including delays, which may differ from
those customary in United States markets; (6) exposure to political and economic
risks, including the risk of nationalization, expropriation of assets and war;
(7) possible imposition of foreign taxes and exchange control and currency
restrictions; (8) lack of uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting
standards; (9) less governmental supervision of securities markets, brokers and
issuers of securities; (10) less financial information available to investors;
and (11) difficulty in enforcing legal rights outside the United States. These
risks often are heightened for investments in emerging or developing countries.
See "Appendix A" for additional discussion of the risks associated with an
investment in the Nations International Growth Fund.
 
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER: Generally, Funds will purchase portfolio securities for
capital appreciation or investment income, or both, and not for short-term
trading profits. While it is not possible to predict exactly annual portfolio
turnover rates, it is expected that under normal market conditions, the annual
portfolio turnover rate will be 50% for Nations International Growth Fund, 125%
for Nations Small Company Growth Fund, and 100% for Nations U.S. Government Bond
Fund.
 
RISK CONSIDERATIONS: Although the Adviser will seek to achieve the investment
objective of each Fund, there is no assurance that it will be able to do so. No
single Fund should be considered, by itself, to provide a complete investment
program for any investor. Investments in a Fund are not insured against loss of
principal.
 
Investments by a Fund in common stocks and other equity securities are subject
to stock market risks. The value of the stocks that the Fund holds, like the
broader stock market, may decline over short or even extended periods.
 
The value of a Fund's investments in debt securities, including U.S. Government
Obligations, will tend to decrease when interest rates rise and increase when
interest rates fall. In general, longer-term debt instruments tend to fluctuate
in value more than shorter-term debt instruments in response to interest rate
movements. In addition, debt securities that are not backed by the United States
Government are subject to credit risk, which is the risk that the issuer may not
be able to pay principal and/or interest when due.
 
Certain of the Funds' investments constitute derivative securities, which are
securities whose value is derived, at least in part, from an underlying index or
reference rate. There are certain types of derivative securities that can,
 
10
 
<PAGE>
under certain circumstances, significantly increase a purchaser's exposure to
market or other risks. The Adviser, however, only purchases derivative
securities in circumstances where it believes such purchases are consistent with
such Funds' investment objectives and do not unduly increase the Funds' exposure
to market or other risks. For additional risk information regarding the Funds'
investments in particular instruments, see "Appendix A -- Portfolio Securities."
 
INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS: Each Fund is subject to a number of investment
limitations. The following investment limitations are matters of fundamental
policy and may not be changed without the affirmative vote of the holders of a
majority of the Fund's outstanding shares. Other investment limitations that
cannot be changed without such a vote of shareholders are described in the SAI.
 
Each Fund may not:
 
1. Purchase any securities which would cause 25% or more of the value of the
Fund's total assets at the time of such purchase to be invested in the
securities of one or more issuers conducting their principal activities in the
same industry. (For purposes of this limitation, U.S. Government Obligations are
not considered members of any industry.)
 
2. Make loans, except that a Fund may purchase and hold debt instruments
(whether such instruments are part of a public offering or privately placed),
may enter into repurchase agreements and may lend portfolio securities in
accordance with its investment policies.
 
3. Purchase securities of any one issuer (other than U.S. Government
Obligations), if, immediately after such purchase, more than 5% of the value of
such Fund's total assets would be invested in the securities of such issuer,
except that up to 25% of the value of the Fund's total assets may be invested
without regard to these limitations and with respect to 75% of such Fund's
assets, such Fund will not hold more than 10% of the voting securities of any
issuer.
 
The investment objective and policies of each Fund, unless otherwise specified,
are non-fundamental and may be changed without a vote of the Fund's
shareholders. Shareholders however, must receive at least 30 days' prior written
notice in the event an investment objective is changed. If the investment
objective or policies of a Fund change, shareholders should consider whether the
Fund remains an appropriate investment in light of their current position and
needs.
 
In order to register a Fund's shares for sale in certain states, a Fund may make
commitments more restrictive than the investment policies and limitations
described in this Prospectus and the SAI. Should a Fund determine that any such
commitment is no longer in the best interests of the Fund, it may consider
terminating sales of its shares in the states involved.
 
   How Performance Is Shown
 
From time to time the Funds may advertise the total return and yield on a class
of shares. Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund also may advertise the tax
equivalent yield of a class of shares. TOTAL RETURN AND YIELD FIGURES ARE BASED
ON HISTORICAL DATA AND ARE NOT INTENDED TO INDICATE FUTURE PERFORMANCE. The
"total return" of a class of shares of a Fund may be calculated on an average
annual total return basis or an aggregate total return basis. Average annual
total return refers to the average annual compounded rates of return over one-,
five-, and ten-year periods or the life of the Fund (as stated in the
advertisement) that would equate an initial amount invested at the beginning of
a stated period to the ending redeemable value of the investment, assuming the
reinvestment of all dividend and capital gain distributions. Aggregate total
return reflects the total percentage change in the value of the investment over
the measuring period again assuming the reinvestment of all dividends and
capital gain distributions. Total return may also be presented for other
periods.
 
"Yield" is calculated by dividing the annualized net investment income per share
during a recent 30-day (or one month) period of a class of shares of a Fund by
the maximum public offering price per share on the last day of that period.
 
Investment performance, which will vary, is based on many factors, including
market conditions, the composition of a Fund's portfolio and such Fund's
operating expenses. Investment performance also often reflects the risks
associated with a Fund's investment objective and policies. These factors should
be considered when comparing a Fund's investment results to those of other
mutual funds and other investment vehicles. Since yields fluctuate, yield data
cannot necessarily be used to compare an investment in the Funds with bank
deposits, savings accounts, and similar investment alternatives which often
provide an agreed-upon or guaranteed fixed yield for a stated period of time.
 
In addition to Primary A Shares, the Funds offer Primary B, Investor A, Investor
C and Investor N Shares. Each class of shares may bear different sales charges,
shareholder servicing fees, loads and other expenses, which may cause the
performance of a class to differ from the performance of the other classes.
Performance quotations will be computed separately for each class of
 
                                                                              11
 
<PAGE>
a Fund's shares. Any fees charged by an institution directly to its customers'
accounts in connection with investments in the Funds will not be included in
calculations of total return or yield. Each Fund's annual report contains
additional performance information and is available upon request without charge
from the Funds' distributor or an investor's Institution, as defined below.
 
   How The Funds Are Managed
 
The business and affairs of Nations Fund, Inc. are managed under the direction
of its Board of Directors. Nations Fund, Inc.'s SAI contains the names of and
general background information concerning each Director of Nations Fund, Inc.
 
Nations Funds and the Adviser have adopted codes of ethics which contain
policies on personal securities transactions by "access persons," including
portfolio managers and investment analysts. These policies substantially comply
in all material respects with the recommendations set forth in the May 9, 1994
Report of the Advisory Group on Personal Investing of the Investment Company
Institute.
 
INVESTMENT ADVISER: NBAI serves as investment adviser to the Funds. NBAI is a
wholly owned subsidiary of NationsBank, which in turn is a wholly owned banking
subsidiary of NationsBank Corporation, a bank holding company organized as a
North Carolina corporation. NBAI has its principal offices at One NationsBank
Plaza, Charlotte, North Carolina 28255.
 
Kleinwort Benson, with principal offices at 200 Park Avenue, New York, New York
10166, serves as investment sub-adviser to Nations International Growth Fund.
Kleinwort Benson is the SEC registered investment management subsidiary of the
London-based Kleinwort Benson Group plc, a holding company for a merchant
banking group whose origins date back to 1792. Kleinwort Benson has offices in
London, Hong Kong and Tokyo and may utilize the general expertise of Kleinwort
Benson Group plc and its affiliates in respect of, for example, economic
analyses and predictions and market developments and trends.
 
Boatmen's serves as investment sub-advisor to Nations Small Company Growth Fund
and Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund. Its principal offices are located at 100
North Broadway, St. Louis, Missouri 63178-4737. Boatmen's is an indirect
subsidiary of NationsBank Corporation, a registered bank holding company.
 
Subject to the general supervision of Nations Fund, Inc.'s Board of Directors,
and in accordance with each Fund's investment policies, the Adviser formulates
guidelines and lists of approved investments for each Fund, makes decisions with
respect to and places orders for each Fund's purchases and sales of portfolio
securities and maintains records relating to such purchases and sales. The
Adviser is authorized to allocate purchase and sale orders for portfolio
securities to certain financial institutions, including, in the case of agency
transactions, financial institutions which are affiliated with the Adviser or
which have sold shares in such Funds, if the Adviser believes that the quality
of the transaction and the commission are comparable to what they would be with
other qualified brokerage firms. From time to time, to the extent consistent
with its investment objective, policies and restrictions, each Fund may invest
in securities of companies with which NationsBank has a lending relationship.
 
For the services provided and expenses assumed pursuant to an Investment
Advisory Agreement, NBAI is entitled to receive advisory fees, computed daily
and paid monthly, at the rate of: .90% of the average daily net assets of
Nations International Growth Fund; 1.00% of the average daily net assets of
Nations Small Company Growth Fund; and .60% of the average daily net assets of
Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund.
 
For the services provided and the expenses assumed pursuant to various
Sub-Advisory Agreements, NBAI will pay Kleinwort Benson sub-advisory fees at the
rate of .40% of Nations International Growth Fund's average net assets up to and
including $325,000,000 in assets and .25% on assets in excess of $325,000,000.
NBAI will pay Boatmen's sub-advisory fees at the rate of .25% of the average net
assets of Nations Small Company Growth Fund and at the rate of .15% of the
average daily net assets of Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund.
 
From time to time, NBAI (and/or Kleinwort Benson and/or Boatmen's) may waive or
reimburse (either voluntarily or pursuant to applicable state limitations)
advisory fees or expenses payable by a Fund.
 
Boatmen's has designated the following portfolio manager as being primarily
responsible for the management of Nations International Growth Fund. Michael E.
Kenneally, Chartered Financial Analyst ("CFA"), is a Senior Vice President and
Director of Research. In addition to his responsibilities in connection with the
management of the Fund, Mr. Kenneally is responsible for all fundamental and
quantitative research as well as the management of all small capitalization and
growth-style portfolios.
 
Mr. Kenneally is also part of the team responsible for the day to day management
of the Nations Small Company Growth Fund's investment activities. His additional
responsibilities include investment product development, international equity
investment, and equity
deriv-
 
12
 
<PAGE>
ative strategies. Mr. Kenneally holds both a bachelor's degree in economics and
an MBA in finance from the University of Missouri. He joined Boatmen's in 1983
as an equity analyst, later became a quantitative analyst, and subsequently
worked as both a fixed-income portfolio manager and an equity portfolio manager.
Mr. Kenneally is also a member of the Association for Investment Management and
Research (AIMR), the St. Louis Society of Financial Analysts, the Chicago
Quantitative Alliance, and the Society of Quantitative Analysts.
 
Mr. Daniel N. Ginsparg, Senior Portfolio Manager and Manager of Quantitative
Research is part of the team responsible for the day to day management of the
Nations Small Company Growth Fund's investment activities. Mr. Ginsparg is
responsible for quantitative research applications and is involved in the
management of the Fund. Mr. Ginsparg received both his bachelor's degree and MBA
from the University of Missouri. He joined Boatmen's in 1989 and is a member of
the Chicago Quantitative Alliance, the Society of Quantitative Analysts, and the
St. Louis Society of Financial Analysts.
 
C. Thomas Clapp, CFA, is Director of the Equity Management Group for TradeStreet
and Portfolio Manager of Nations Emerging Growth Fund. Mr. Clapp has been
Portfolio Manager for Nations Emerging Growth Fund since September, 1996. He is
also part of the Adviser's team responsible for the day to day management of
Nations Small Company Growth Fund and has been an officer of Boatmen's since
January, 1997. Prior to assuming his position with TradeStreet in 1995, he was
Senior Vice President and Director of Research for the Investment Management
Group at NationsBank. Prior to joining NationsBank in 1992, Mr. Clapp was a
Senior Portfolio Manager with Royal Insurance Group. Mr. Clapp has worked in the
investment community since 1984. He received his B.A. in Economics from the
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an M.B.A. from the University of
South Carolina. He also holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation and is
a member of the Association for Investment Management and Research and the North
Carolina Society of Financial Analysts, Inc.
 
The Fixed Income Committee of Boatmen's is responsible for the day-to-day
management of the investment portfolio of Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund.
 
Morrison & Foerster LLP, counsel to Nations Funds and special counsel to
NationsBank has advised Nations Funds and NationsBank that NationsBank and its
affiliates may perform the services contemplated by the various Investment
Advisory Agreements and this Prospectus without violation of the Glass-Steagall
Act. Such counsel has pointed out, however, that there are no controlling
judicial or administrative interpretations or decisions and that future judicial
or administrative interpretations of, or decisions relating to, present federal
or state statutes, including the Glass-Steagall Act, and regulations relating to
the permissible activities of banks and their subsidiaries or affiliates, as
well as future changes in such federal or state statutes, regulations and
judicial or administrative decisions or interpretations, could prevent such
entities from continuing to perform, in whole or in part, such services. If any
such entity were prohibited from performing any of such services, it is expected
that new agreements would be proposed or entered into with another entity or
entities qualified to perform such services.
 
OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS: Stephens Inc. ("Stephens"), with principal offices at
111 Center Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72201, serves as the administrator of
Nations Funds pursuant to an Administration Agreement. Pursuant to the terms of
the Administration Agreement, Stephens provides various administrative and
corporate secretarial services to the Funds, including providing general
oversight of other service providers, office space, utilities and various legal
and administrative services in connection with the satisfaction of various
regulatory requirements applicable to the Funds.
 
First Data Investor Services Group, Inc. ("First Data"), a wholly owned
subsidiary of First Data Corporation, with principal offices at One Exchange
Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, serves as the co-administrator of Nations
Funds pursuant to a Co-Administration Agreement. Under the Co-Administration
Agreement, First Data provides various administrative and accounting services to
the Funds including performing the calculations necessary to determine net asset
value per share and dividends, preparing tax returns and financial statements
and maintaining the portfolio records and certain of the general accounting
records for the Funds. For the services rendered pursuant to the Administration
and Co-Administration Agreements, Stephens and First Data are entitled to
receive a combined fee at the annual rate of up to 0.10% of each Fund's average
daily net assets.
 
NationsBank serves as sub-administrator for Nations Funds pursuant to a
Sub-Administration Agreement. Pursuant to the terms of the Sub-Administration
Agreement, NationsBank assists Stephens in supervising, coordinating and
monitoring various aspects of the Funds' administrative operations. For
providing such services, NationsBank shall be entitled to receive a monthly fee
from Stephens based on an annual rate of .01% of the Funds' average daily net
assets.
 
Shares of the Funds are sold on a continuous basis by Stephens, as the Funds'
sponsor and distributor. Stephens is a registered broker/dealer with principal
offices at 111 Center Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72201. Nations Funds has
entered into a distribution agreement with Stephens which provides that Stephens
has the exclusive right to distribute shares of the Funds. Stephens may pay
service fees or commissions to
Institu-
 
                                                                              13
 
<PAGE>
tions which assist customers in purchasing Primary A Shares of the Funds.
 
NationsBank of Texas, N.A. ("NationsBank of Texas" and, collectively with Bank
of New York ("BONY"), called "Custodians") serves as custodian for the assets of
each Fund. NationsBank of Texas, which also serves as the sub-transfer agent for
each Fund's Primary A Shares, is located at 1401 Elm Street, Dallas, Texas
75202, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of NationsBank Corporation. In return
for providing custodial services, NationsBank of Texas is entitled to receive,
in addition to out-of-pocket expenses, fees at the rate of (i) $300,000 per
annum, to be paid monthly in payments of $25,000 for custodian services for up
to and including 50 Funds; and (ii) $6,000 per annum, to be paid in equal
monthly payments, for custodian services for each additional Fund above 50
Funds.
 
BONY serves as sub-custodian for the assets of Nations International Growth
Fund, Nations Small Company Growth Fund and Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund.
BONY is located at 90 Washington Street, New York, New York 10286. In return for
providing sub-custodial services, BONY shall receive, in addition to out of
pocket expenses, fees at the rate of (i) 3/4 of one basis point per annum on the
aggregate net assets of the Funds up to $10 billion; and (ii) 1/2 of one basis
point on the excess.
 
First Data serves as the Transfer Agent for each of the Fund's Primary A Shares.
 
In return for providing sub-transfer agency services for the Primary A Shares of
Nations Funds, NationsBank of Texas is entitled to receive an annual fee from
First Data of $251,000.
 
Price Waterhouse LLP serves as independent accountant to Nations Funds. Its
address is 160 Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110.
 
EXPENSES: The accrued expenses of each Fund are deducted from the Fund's total
accrued income before dividends are declared. These expenses include, but are
not limited to: fees paid to the Adviser, NationsBank, Stephens and First Data;
taxes; interest; fees (including fees paid to Nations Fund's trustees, directors
and officers); federal and state securities registration and qualification fees;
brokerage fees and commissions; costs of preparing and printing prospectuses for
regulatory purposes and for distribution to existing shareholders; charges of
the Custodians and Transfer Agent; certain insurance premiums; outside auditing
and legal expenses; costs of shareholder reports and shareholder meetings; other
expenses which are not expressly assumed by the Adviser, NationsBank, Stephens
or First Data under their respective agreements with Nations Funds; and any
extraordinary expenses. Any general expenses of Nations Fund, Inc. that are not
readily identifiable as belonging to a particular investment portfolio are
allocated among all portfolios in the proportion that the assets of a portfolio
bears to the assets of Nations Fund, Inc. or in such other manner as the Board
of Directors determines is fair and equitable.
 
   Organization And History
 
The Funds are members of the Nations Funds Family, which consists of Nations
Fund Trust, Nations Fund, Inc., Nations Portfolios and Nations Institutional
Reserves. The Nations Funds Family currently has more than 50 distinct
investment portfolios and total assets in excess of $20 billion.
 
Nations Fund, Inc. was incorporated in Maryland on December 13, 1983, but had no
operations prior to December 15, 1986. Nations Fund, Inc.'s fiscal year end is
March 31; prior to 1996, Nations Fund, Inc.'s fiscal year end was May 31. As of
the date of this Prospectus, the authorized capital stock of Nations Fund, Inc.
consists of 420,000,000,000 shares of common stock, par value of $.001 per
share, which are divided into series or funds each of which consists of separate
classes of shares. This Prospectus relates only to the Primary A Shares of the
following funds of Nations Fund, Inc.: Nations International Growth Fund,
Nations Small Company Growth Fund and Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund. To
obtain additional information regarding the Funds' other classes of shares which
may be available to you, contact your Institution (as defined below) or Nations
Funds at 1-800-626-2275.
 
Shares of each fund and class have equal rights with respect to voting, except
that the holders of shares of a particular fund or class will have the exclusive
right to vote on matters affecting only the rights of the holders of such fund
or class. In the event of dissolution or liquidation, holders of each class will
receive pro rata, subject to the rights of creditors, (a) the proceeds of the
sale of that portion of the assets allocated to that class held in the
respective fund of Nations Fund, Inc., less (b) the liabilities of Nations Fund,
Inc. attributable to the respective fund or class or allocated among the funds
or classes based on the respective liquidation value of each fund or class.
 
Shareholders of Nations Fund, Inc. do not have cumulative voting rights, and
therefore the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of all funds
voting together for election of directors may elect all of the members of the
Board of Directors of Nations Fund, Inc.
 
14
 
<PAGE>
Meetings of shareholders may be called upon the request of 10% or more of the
outstanding shares of Nations Fund, Inc. There are no preemptive rights
applicable to any of Nations Fund, Inc.'s shares. Nations Fund, Inc.'s shares,
when issued, will be fully paid and non-assessable.
 
As of May   , 1997, NationsBank and its affiliates possessed or shared power to
dispose of or vote with respect to more than 25% of the outstanding shares of
Nations Fund, Inc. and therefore could be considered to be a controlling person
of Nations Fund, Inc. for purposes of the 1940 Act. For more detailed
information concerning the percentage of each class or series over which
NationsBank and its affiliates possessed or shared power to dispose or vote as
of a certain date, see Nations Fund, Inc.'s SAI. It is anticipated that Nations
Fund, Inc. will not hold annual shareholder meetings on a regular basis unless
required by the 1940 Act or Maryland law.
 
About Your Investment
 
   How To Buy Shares
 
Primary A Shares may be sold to NationsBank and its affiliates acting on behalf
of bona fide trust customers. Primary A Shares also may be sold to employee
benefit plans, charitable foundations, endowments and to other funds in the
Nations Funds Family.
 
Primary A Shares are sold at net asset value without the imposition of a sales
charge. Financial institutions ("Institutions") acting on behalf of their
customers ("Customers") may establish certain procedures for processing
Customers' purchase orders and may charge their Customers for services provided
to them in connection with their investments.
 
Purchases of the Funds may be effected on days on which the New York Stock
Exchange (the "Exchange") is open for business (a "Business Day").
 
There is a minimum initial investment of $500,000 for each record holder; there
is no minimum subsequent investment.
 
Nations Funds and Stephens reserve the right to reject any purchase order. The
issuance of Primary A Shares is recorded on the books of the Funds, and share
certificates are not issued. It is the responsibility of Institutions, when
applicable, to record beneficial ownership of Primary A Shares and to reflect
such ownership in the account statements provided to their Customers.
 
Purchase orders for Primary A Shares in the Funds which are received by Stephens
or by the Transfer Agent before the close of regular trading hours on the
Exchange (currently 4:00 p.m., Eastern time) on any Business Day are priced
according to the net asset value determined on that day but are not executed
until 4:00 p.m., Eastern time, on the Business Day on which immediately
available funds in payment of the purchase price are received by the Fund's
Custodian. Such payment must be received no later than 4:00 p.m., Eastern time,
by the third Business Day following receipt of the order. If funds are not
received by such date, the order will not be accepted and notice thereof will be
given to the Institution or investor placing the order. Payment for orders which
are not received or accepted will be returned after prompt inquiry to the
sending Institution or investor. Primary A Shares are purchased at the net asset
value per share next determined after receipt of the order by Stephens or by the
Transfer Agent.
 
Institutions are responsible for transmitting orders for purchases of Primary A
Shares by their Customers, and for delivering required funds, on a timely basis.
It is Stephens' responsibility to transmit orders it receives to Nations Funds.
 
   How To Redeem Shares
 
Redemption proceeds are normally remitted in federal funds wired to the
redeeming Institution or investor within three Business Days following receipt
of the order.
 
Nations Funds may redeem a shareholder's Primary A Shares if the balance in such
shareholder's account with the Fund drops below $500 as a result of redemptions,
and the shareholder does not increase the balance to at least $500 on 60 days'
written notice. If a Customer has agreed with a particular Institution to
maintain a minimum balance in his or her account at the Institution, and the
balance in such Institution account falls below that minimum, the Customer may
be obliged to redeem all or a part of his or her Primary A Shares in the Funds
to the extent necessary to maintain the required minimum balance in such
Institution account. Nations Funds also may redeem shares involuntarily or make
payment for redemption in readily marketable securities or other
 
                                                                              15
 
<PAGE>
property under certain circumstances in accordance with the 1940 Act.
 
Institutions are responsible for transmitting redemption orders to Stephens or
to the Transfer Agent and for crediting their Customers' accounts with the
redemption proceeds on a timely basis. It is the responsibility of Stephens to
transmit orders it receives to Nations Funds. No charge for wiring redemption
payments is imposed by Nations Funds, although Institutions may charge their
Customer accounts for these or other services provided in connection with the
redemption of Primary A Shares and may establish additional procedures.
Information concerning any charges or procedures is available from the
Institutions. Redemption orders are effected at the net asset value per share
next determined after acceptance of the order by Stephens or by the Transfer
Agent.
 
   How To Exchange Shares
 
The exchange feature enables a shareholder of Primary A Shares of a Fund to
acquire Primary A Shares of another Fund when that shareholder believes that a
shift between Funds is an appropriate investment decision. An exchange of
Primary A Shares for Primary A Shares of another Fund is made on the basis of
the next calculated net asset value per share of each Fund after the exchange
order is received.
 
The Funds and each of the other funds of Nations Funds may limit the number of
times this exchange feature may be exercised by a shareholder within a specified
period of time. Also, the exchange feature may be terminated or revised at any
time by Nations Funds upon such notice as may be required by applicable
regulatory agencies (presently 60 days for termination or material revision),
provided that the exchange feature may be terminated or materially revised
without notice under certain unusual circumstances.
 
The current prospectus for each fund of Nations Funds describes its investment
objective and policies, and shareholders should obtain a copy and examine it
carefully before investing. Exchanges are subject to the minimum investment
requirement and any other conditions imposed by each fund. In the case of any
shareholder holding a share certificate or certificates, no exchanges may be
made until all applicable share certificates have been received by the Transfer
Agent and deposited in the shareholder's account. An exchange will be treated
for Federal income tax purposes the same as a redemption of shares, on which the
shareholder may realize a capital gain or loss. However, the ability to deduct
capital losses on an exchange may be limited in situations where there is an
exchange of shares within 90 days after the shares are purchased.
 
Nations Funds reserves the right to reject any exchange request. Only shares
that may legally be sold in the state of the investor's residence may be
acquired in an exchange. Only shares of a class that is accepting investments
generally may be acquired in an exchange.
 
If you have telephone exchange privileges, during periods of significant
economic or market change, such telephone exchanges may be difficult to
complete. In such event, shares may be exchanged by mailing your request
directly to the entity through which the original shares were purchased.
Investors should consult their Institution or Stephens for further information
regarding exchanges.
 
Primary A Shares may be exchanged by directing a request directly to the
Institution, if any, through which the original Primary A Shares were purchased
or in other cases Stephens or the Transfer Agent. Investors should consult their
Institution, Stephens, or the Transfer Agent for further information regarding
exchanges. Your exchange feature may be governed by your account agreement with
your Institution.
 
   How The Funds Value Their Shares
 
The net asset value of a share of each class is calculated by dividing the total
value of its assets, less liabilities, by the number of shares in the class
outstanding. Shares of the Funds are valued as of the close of regular trading
on the Exchange (currently 4:00 p.m., Eastern time) on each Business Day.
Currently, the days on which the Exchange is closed (other than weekends) are:
New Year's Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day (observed),
Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
 
Portfolio securities for which market quotations are readily available are
valued at market value. Short-term investments that will mature in 60 days or
less are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value. All other
securities are valued at their fair value following procedures approved by the
Directors.
 
16
 
<PAGE>
   How Dividends And Distributions Are Made;
   Tax Information
 
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
 
Even though the Funds seek to manage taxable distributions, the Funds may be
expected to earn and distribute taxable income and may also be expected to
realize and distribute capital gains from time to time. Nations International
Growth Fund and Nations Small Company Growth Fund declare and pay dividends from
net investment income each calendar quarter, and Nations U.S. Government Bond
Fund declares dividends daily and pays them monthly. Each Fund's net realized
capital gains (including net short-term capital gains) are distributed at least
annually.
 
Primary A Shares of Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund are eligible to begin
earning dividends that are declared on the day the purchase order is executed
and continue to be eligible for dividends through and including the day before
the redemption order is executed. Primary A Shares of Nations International
Growth Fund and Nations Small Company Growth Fund are eligible to receive
dividends when declared, provided, however, that the purchase order for such
shares is received at least one day prior to the dividend declaration and such
shares continue to be eligible for dividends through and including the day
before the redemption order is executed. Distributions paid by the Funds with
respect to one class of shares may be greater or less than those paid with
respect to another class of shares due to the different expenses of the
different classes.
 
The net asset value of Primary A Shares in the Funds will be reduced by the
amount of any dividend or distribution. Dividends and distributions are paid in
cash within five Business Days of the end of the month or quarter to which the
dividend relates. Dividends are paid within five Business Days after the end of
each month. Dividends are paid in the form of additional Primary A Shares of the
same Fund unless the Customer or investor has elected prior to the date of
distribution to receive payment in cash. Such election, or any revocation
thereof, must be made in writing to the Fund's Transfer Agent and will become
effective with respect to dividends paid after its receipt. Dividends and
distributions payable to a shareholder are paid in cash within five Business
Days after a shareholder's complete redemption of his or her Primary A Shares.
 
TAX INFORMATION
 
Each of the Funds intends to qualify as a separate "regulated investment
company" under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). Such
qualification relieves a Fund of liability for Federal income tax to the extent
its earnings are distributed in accordance with the Code.
 
Each Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its investment company
taxable income and net tax-exempt income each taxable year. Such distributions
by a Fund of its net investment income (including net foreign currency gains)
and the excess, if any, of its net short-term capital gain over its net
long-term capital loss will be taxable as ordinary income to shareholders who
are not currently exempt from Federal income tax, whether such income is
received in cash or reinvested in additional shares. (Federal income tax for
distributions to an Individual Retirement Account are generally deferred under
the Code.)
 
Corporate shareholders in the Funds may be entitled to the dividends-received
deduction for distributions from those Funds investing in the stock of domestic
corporations to the extent of the total qualifying dividends received by the
distributing Fund. Corporate shareholders of Nations International Growth Fund
and Nations Small Company Growth Fund, may be eligible for the
dividends-received deduction on the dividends (excluding the net capital gains
dividends) paid by such Fund to the extent that each such Fund's income is
derived from dividends (which, if received directly, would qualify for such
deduction) received from domestic corporations. In order to qualify for the
dividends-received deduction, a corporate shareholder must hold the fund shares
paying the dividends upon which the deduction is based for at least 46 days.
 
Substantially all of the net realized long-term capital gains of the Funds, if
any, will be distributed at least annually to such Funds' shareholders. The
Funds will generally have no tax liability with respect to such gains, and the
distributions will be taxable to such shareholders who are not currently exempt
from Federal income tax as long-term capital gains, regardless of how long the
shareholders have held such Funds' shares and whether such gains are received in
cash or reinvested in additional shares.
 
Each year, shareholders will be notified as to the amount and Federal tax status
of all dividends and capital gains paid during the prior year. Such dividends
and capital gains may also be subject to state and local taxes.
 
Dividends declared in October, November or December of any year payable to
shareholders of record on a specified date in such months will be deemed to have
been received by shareholders and paid by a Fund on December 31 of such year in
the event such dividends are actually paid during January of the following year.
 
                                                                              17
 
<PAGE>
Federal law requires Nations Funds to withhold 31% from any dividends (other
than exempt-interest dividends) paid by Nations Funds and/or redemptions
(including exchange redemptions) that occur in certain shareholder accounts if
the shareholder has not properly furnished a certified correct Taxpayer
Identification Number and has not certified that withholding does not apply. If
the Internal Revenue Service has notified Nations Funds that the Taxpayer
Identification Number listed on a shareholder account is incorrect according to
its records, or that the shareholder is subject to backup withholding, the Fund
is required by the Internal Revenue Service to withhold 31% of any dividend
(other than exempt-interest dividends) and/or redemption (including exchange
redemptions). Amounts withheld are applied to the shareholder's Federal tax
liability, and a refund may be obtained from the Internal Revenue Service if
withholding results in overpayment of taxes. Federal law also requires the Funds
to withhold 30% or the applicable tax treaty rate from dividends paid to certain
nonresident alien, non-U.S. partnership and non-U.S. corporation shareholder
accounts.
 
Portions of each Fund's investment income may be subject to foreign income taxes
withheld at their source. Tax conventions between certain countries and the
United States may reduce or eliminate such taxes. Generally, more than 50% of
the value of the total assets of each Fund will consist of securities of foreign
issuers, and therefore each Fund may elect to "pass through" to its shareholders
these foreign taxes, if any. In such event each shareholder will be required to
include his or her pro rata portion thereof in his or her gross income, but will
be able to deduct or (subject to various limitations) claim a foreign tax credit
against U.S. income tax for such amount.
 
The foregoing discussion is based on tax laws and regulations that were in
effect as of the date of this Prospectus and summarizes only some of the
important tax considerations generally affecting the Funds and their
shareholders. It is not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning.
Accordingly, potential investors should consult their tax advisors with specific
reference to their own tax situations. Further tax information is contained in
the SAI.
 
   Appendix A -- Portfolio Securities
 
The following are summary descriptions of certain types of instruments in which
a Fund may invest. The "How Objectives Are Pursued" section of this Prospectus
identifies each Fund's permissible investments, and the SAI contains more
information concerning such investments.
 
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES: Asset-backed securities arise through the grouping by
governmental, government-related, and private organizations of loans,
receivables, or other assets originated by various lenders. Asset-backed
securities consist of both mortgage- and non-mortgage-backed securities.
Interests in pools of these assets may differ from other forms of debt
securities, which normally provide for periodic payment of interest in fixed
amounts with principal paid at maturity or specified call dates. Conversely,
asset-backed securities provide periodic payments which may consist of both
interest and principal payments.
 
The life of an asset-backed security varies depending upon rate of the
prepayment of the underlying debt instruments. The rate of such prepayments will
be a function of current market interest rates and other economic and
demographic factors. For example, falling interest rates generally result in an
increase in the rate of prepayments of mortgage loans while rising interest
rates generally decrease the rate of prepayments. An acceleration in prepayments
in response to sharply falling interest rates will shorten the security's
average maturity and limit the potential appreciation in the security's value
relative to a conventional debt security. Consequently, asset-backed securities
may not be as effective in locking in high, long-term yields. Conversely, in
periods of sharply rising rates, prepayments are generally slow, increasing the
security's average life and its potential for price depreciation.
 
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES: Mortgage-backed securities represent an ownership
interest in a pool of mortgage loans.
 
Mortgage pass-through securities may represent participation interests in pools
of residential mortgage loans originated by U.S. governmental or private lenders
and guaranteed, to the extent provided in such securities, by the U.S.
Government or one of its agencies, authorities or instrumentalities. Such
securities, which are ownership interests in the underlying mortgage loans,
differ from conventional debt securities, which provide for periodic payment of
interest in fixed amounts (usually semi-annually) and principal payments at
maturity or on specified call dates. Mortgage pass-through securities provide
for monthly payments that are a "pass-through" of the monthly interest and
principal payments (including any prepayments) made by the individual borrowers
on the pooled mortgage loans, net of any fees paid to the guarantor of such
securities and the servicer of the underlying mortgage loans.
 
The guaranteed mortgage pass-through securities in which a Fund may invest may
include those issued or guaranteed by GNMA, by FNMA and FHLMC. Such Certificates
are mortgage-backed securities which represent a partial ownership interest in a
pool of mortgage loans issued by lenders such as mortgage bankers, commercial
banks and savings and loan associations. Such mortgage loans may have fixed or
adjustable rates of interest.
 
18
 
<PAGE>
The average life of a mortgage-backed security is likely to be substantially
less than the original maturity of the mortgage pools underlying the securities.
Prepayments of principal by mortgagors and mortgage foreclosures will usually
result in the return of the greater part of principal invested far in advance of
the maturity of the mortgages in the pool.
 
The yield which will be earned on mortgage-backed securities may vary from their
coupon rates for the following reasons: (i) Certificates may be issued at a
premium or discount, rather than at par; (ii) Certificates may trade in the
secondary market at a premium or discount after issuance; (iii) interest is
earned and compounded monthly which has the effect of raising the effective
yield earned on the Certificates; and (iv) the actual yield of each Certificate
is affected by the prepayment of mortgages included in the mortgage pool
underlying the Certificates and the rate at which principal so prepaid is
reinvested. In addition, prepayment of mortgages included in the mortgage pool
underlying a GNMA Certificate purchased at a premium may result in a loss to the
Fund.
 
Mortgage-backed securities issued by private issuers, whether or not such
obligations are subject to guarantees by the private issuer, may entail greater
risk than obligations directly or indirectly guaranteed by the U.S. Government.
 
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations or "CMOs" are debt obligations
collateralized by mortgage loans or mortgage pass-through securities (collateral
collectively hereinafter referred to as "Mortgage Assets"). Multi-class pass-
through securities are interests in a trust composed of Mortgage Assets and all
references herein to CMOs will include multi-class pass-through securities.
Payments of principal of and interest on the Mortgage Assets, and any
reinvestment income thereon, provide the funds to pay debt service on the CMOs
or make scheduled distribution on the multi-class pass-through securities.
 
Moreover, principal prepayments on the Mortgage Assets may cause the CMOs to be
retired substantially earlier than their stated maturities or final distribution
dates, resulting in a loss of all or part of the premium if any has been paid.
Interest is paid or accrues on all classes of the CMOs on a monthly, quarterly
or semiannual basis.
 
The principal and interest payments on the Mortgage Assets may be allocated
among the various classes of CMOs in several ways. Typically, payments of
principal, including any prepayments, on the underlying mortgages are applied to
the classes in the order of their respective stated maturities or final
distribution dates, so that no payment of principal is made on CMOs of a class
until all CMOs of other classes having earlier stated maturities or final
distribution dates have been paid in full.
 
Stripped mortgage-backed securities ("SMBS") are derivative multi-class mortgage
securities. A Fund will only invest in SMBS that are obligations backed by the
full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. SMBS are usually structured with
two classes that receive different proportions of the interest and principal
distributions from a pool of mortgage assets. A Fund will only invest in SMBS
whose mortgage assets are U.S. Government Obligations.
 
A common type of SMBS will be structured so that one class receives some of the
interest and most of the principal from the Mortgage Assets, while the other
class receives most of the interest and the remainder of the principal. If the
underlying Mortgage Assets experience greater than anticipated prepayments of
principal, a Fund may fail to fully recoup its initial investment in these
securities. The market value of any class which consists primarily or entirely
of principal payments generally is unusually volatile in response to changes in
interest rates.
 
The average life of mortgage-backed securities varies with the maturities of the
underlying mortgage instruments. The average life is likely to be substantially
less than the original maturity of the mortgage pools underlying the securities
as the result of mortgage prepayments, mortgage refinancings, or foreclosures.
The rate of mortgage prepayments, and hence the average life of the
certificates, will be a function of the level of interest rates, general
economic conditions, the location and age of the mortgage and other social and
demographic conditions. Such prepayments are passed through to the registered
holder with the regular monthly payments of principal and interest and have the
effect of reducing future payments. Estimated average life will be determined by
the Adviser and used for the purpose of determining the average weighted
maturity and duration of the Funds. For additional information concerning
mortgage backed securities, see the SAI.
 
BANK INSTRUMENTS: Bank instruments consist mainly of certificates of deposit,
time deposits and bankers' acceptances. The Funds will limit their investments
in bank obligations so they do not exceed 25% of each Fund's total assets at the
time of purchase.
 
U.S. dollar denominated obligations issued by foreign branches of domestic banks
("Eurodollar" obligations) and domestic branches of foreign banks ("Yankee
dollar" obligations) and other foreign obligations involve special investment
risks, including the possibility that liquidity could be impaired because of
future political and economic developments, the obligations may be less
marketable than comparable domestic obligations of domestic issuers, a foreign
jurisdiction might impose withholding taxes on interest income payable on such
obligations, deposits may be seized or nationalized, foreign governmental
restrictions such as exchange controls may be adopted which might adversely
affect the payment of principal of and interest on such obligations, the
selec-
 
                                                                              19
 
<PAGE>
tion of foreign obligations may be more difficult because there may be less
publicly available information concerning foreign issuers, there may be
difficulties in enforcing a judgment against a foreign issuer or the accounting,
auditing and financial reporting standards, practices and requirements
applicable to foreign issuers may differ from those applicable to domestic
issuers. In addition, foreign banks are not subject to examination by U.S.
Government agencies or instrumentalities.
 
BORROWINGS: When a Fund borrows money, the net asset value of a share may be
subject to greater fluctuation until the borrowing is paid off. The Funds may
borrow money from banks for temporary purposes in amounts of up to one-third of
their respective total assets, provided that borrowings in excess of 5% of the
value of the Funds' total assets must be repaid prior to the purchase of
portfolio securities. Pursuant to line of credit arrangements, certain of the
Funds may borrow primarily for temporary or emergency purposes, including the
meeting of redemption requests that otherwise might require the untimely
disposition of securities.
 
Reverse repurchase agreements and dollar roll transactions may be considered to
be borrowings. When a Fund invests in a reverse repurchase agreement, it sells a
portfolio security to another party, such as a bank or broker/dealer, in return
for cash, and agrees to buy the security back at a future date and price.
Reverse repurchase agreements may be used to provide cash to satisfy unusually
heavy redemption requests without having to sell portfolio securities, or for
other temporary or emergency purposes. In addition, certain of the Funds may use
reverse repurchase agreements for the purpose of investing the proceeds in
tri-party repurchase agreements. Generally, the effect of such a transaction is
that the Funds can recover all or most of the cash invested in the portfolio
securities involved during the term of the reverse repurchase agreement, while
they will be able to keep the interest income associated with those portfolio
securities. Such transactions are only advantageous if the interest cost to the
Funds of the reverse repurchase transaction is less than the cost of obtaining
the cash otherwise.
 
At the time a Fund enters into a reverse repurchase agreement, it may establish
a segregated account with its custodian bank in which it will maintain cash,
U.S. Government Securities or other liquid high grade debt obligations equal in
value to its obligations in respect of reverse repurchase agreements. Reverse
repurchase agreements involve the risk that the market value of the securities
the Funds are obligated to repurchase under the agreement may decline below the
repurchase price. In the event the buyer of securities under a reverse
repurchase agreement files for bankruptcy or becomes insolvent, the Funds' use
of proceeds of the agreement may be restricted pending a determination by the
other party, or its trustee or receiver, whether to enforce the Funds'
obligation to repurchase the securities. In addition, there is a risk of delay
in receiving collateral or securities or in repurchasing the securities covered
by the reverse repurchase agreement or even of a loss of rights in the
collateral or securities in the event the buyer of the securities under the
reverse repurchase agreement files for bankruptcy or becomes insolvent. The Fund
only enters into reverse repurchase agreements (and repurchase agreements) with
counterparties that are deemed by the Adviser to be credit worthy. Reverse
repurchase agreements are speculative techniques involving leverage, and are
subject to asset coverage requirements if the Funds do not establish and
maintain a segregated account (as described above). Under the requirements of
the 1940 Act, the Funds are required to maintain an asset coverage (including
the proceeds of the borrowings) of at least 300% of all borrowings. Depending on
market conditions, the Funds' asset coverage and other factors at the time of a
reverse repurchase, the Funds may not establish a segregated account when the
Adviser believes it is not in the best interests of the Funds to do so. In this
case, such reverse repurchase agreements will be considered borrowings subject
to the asset coverage described above.
 
Dollar roll transactions consist of the sale by a Fund of mortgage-backed or
other asset-backed securities, together with a commitment to purchase similar,
but not identical, securities at a future date, at the same price. In addition,
a Fund is paid a fee as consideration for entering into the commitment to
purchase. If the broker/dealer to whom a Fund sells the security becomes
insolvent, the Fund's right to purchase or repurchase the security may be
restricted; the value of the security may change adversely over the term of the
dollar roll; the security that the Fund is required to repurchase may be worth
less than the security that the Fund originally held, and the return earned by
the Fund with the proceeds of a dollar roll may not exceed transaction costs.
 
COMMON AND PREFERRED STOCKS: Common stocks are generally more volatile than
other securities. Preferred stocks share some of the characteristics of both
debt and equity and are generally preferred over common stocks with respect to
dividends and in liquidation.
 
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES, PREFERRED STOCK, AND WARRANTS: Certain of the Funds may
invest in debt securities convertible into or exchangeable for equity
securities, preferred stocks or warrants. Preferred stocks are securities that
represent an ownership interest in a corporation providing the owner with claims
on a company's earnings and assets before common stock owners, but after bond or
other debt security owners. Warrants are options to buy a stated number of
shares of common stock at a specified price any time during the life of the
warrants.
 
CURRENCY SWAPS: Nations International Growth Fund may enter into currency swaps
for hedging purposes and to seek to increase total return. Currency swaps
involve the exchange of rights to make or receive payments in specified
currencies. Since currency swaps are
individu-
 
20
 
<PAGE>
ally negotiated, the Fund expects to achieve an acceptable degree of correlation
between its portfolio investments and its currency swap positions. Currency
swaps usually involve the delivery of the entire principal value of one
designated currency in exchange for the other designated currency. Therefore,
the entire principal value of a currency swap is subject to the risk that the
other party to the swap will default on its contractual delivery obligations.
 
The use of currency swaps is a highly specialized activity which involves
investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary
portfolio securities transactions. If Kleinwort Benson is incorrect in its
forecasts of market values and currency exchange rates, the investment
performance of the Fund would be less favorable than it would be if this
investment technique were not used.
 
EMERGING MARKETS: Nations International Growth Fund may invest up to 35% of its
total assets in one or more countries with emerging economies. These countries
are located in the Asia-Pacific region, Eastern Europe, Latin and South America,
Africa and, subject to approval by the Board of Directors, the former Soviet
Union and the Middle East. Political and economic structures in many of such
countries may be undergoing significant evolution and rapid development, and
such countries may lack the social, political and economic stability
characteristic of more developed countries. Certain of such countries may have
in the past failed to recognize private property rights and have at times
nationalized or expropriated the assets of private companies. As a result, the
risks described above, including the risks of nationalization or expropriation
of assets, may be heightened. In addition, unanticipated political or social
developments may affect the values of the Fund's investments in those countries
and the availability to the Fund of additional investments in those countries.
The small size and inexperience of the securities markets in certain of such
countries and the limited volume of trading in securities in those countries may
make the Fund's investments in such countries illiquid and more volatile than
investments in most other non-major U.S. markets, and the Fund may be required
to establish special custodial or other arrangements before making certain
investments in those countries. There may be little financial or accounting
information available with respect to issuers located in certain of such
countries, and it may be difficult as a result to assess the value of prospects
of an investment in such issuers.
 
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS: Certain of the Funds may enter into foreign
currency exchange transactions to convert foreign currencies to and from the
U.S. dollar. A Fund either enters into these transactions on a spot (I.E., cash)
basis at the spot rate prevailing in the foreign currency exchange market, or
uses forward contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies. A forward foreign
currency exchange contract is an obligation by a Fund 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.
 
Foreign currency hedging transactions are an attempt to protect a Fund against
changes in foreign currency exchange rates between the trade and settlement
dates of specific securities transactions or changes in foreign currency
exchange rates that would adversely affect a portfolio position or an
anticipated portfolio position. Although these transactions tend to minimize the
risk of loss due to a decline in the value of the hedged currency, at the same
time they tend to limit any potential gain that might be realized should the
value of the hedged currency increase. Neither spot transactions nor forward
foreign currency exchange contracts eliminate fluctuations in the prices of a
Fund's portfolio securities or in foreign exchange rates, or prevent loss if the
prices of these securities should decline.
 
A Fund will generally enter into forward currency exchange contracts only under
two circumstances: (i) when the Fund enters into a contract for the purchase or
sale of a security denominated in a foreign currency, to "lock" in the U.S.
dollar price of the security; and (ii) when the Adviser believes that the
currency of a particular foreign country may experience a substantial movement
against another currency. Under certain circumstances, the Fund may commit a
substantial portion of its portfolio to the execution of these contracts. The
Adviser will consider the effects such a commitment would have on the investment
program of the Fund and the flexibility of the Fund to purchase additional
securities. Although forward contracts will be used primarily to protect the
Fund from adverse currency movements, they also involve the risk that
anticipated currency movements will not be accurately predicted.
 
FOREIGN SECURITIES: Foreign securities include debt and equity obligations
(dollar- and non-dollar-denominated) of foreign corporations and banks as well
as obligations of foreign governments and their political subdivisions (which
will be limited to direct government obligations and government-guaranteed
securities). Such investments may subject a Fund to special investment risks,
including future political and economic developments, the possible imposition of
withholding taxes on interest income, possible seizure or nationalization of
foreign deposits, the possible establishment of exchange controls, or the
adoption of other foreign governmental restrictions which might adversely affect
the payment of principal and interest on such obligations. In addition, foreign
issuers in general may be subject to different accounting, auditing, reporting,
and record keeping standards than those applicable to domestic companies, and
securities of foreign issuers may be less liquid and their prices more volatile
than those of comparable domestic issuers.
 
Investments in foreign securities may present additional risks, whether made
directly or indirectly, including the political or economic instability of the
issuer or the
coun-
 
                                                                              21
 
<PAGE>
try of issue and the difficulty of predicting international trade patterns. In
addition, there may be less publicly available information about a foreign
company than about a U.S. company. Further, foreign securities markets are
generally not as developed or efficient as those in the U.S., and in most
foreign markets volume and liquidity are less than in the United States. Fixed
commissions on foreign securities exchanges are generally higher than the
negotiated commissions on U.S. exchanges, and there is generally less government
supervision and regulation of foreign securities exchanges, brokers, and
companies than in the United States. With respect to certain foreign countries,
there is a possibility of expropriation or confiscatory taxation, limitations on
the removal of funds or other assets, or diplomatic developments that could
affect investments within those countries. Because of these and other factors,
securities of foreign companies acquired by a Fund may be subject to greater
fluctuation in price than securities of domestic companies.
 
FUTURES, OPTIONS AND OTHER DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS: Certain of the Funds may
attempt to reduce the overall level of investment risk of particular securities
and attempt to protect a Fund against adverse market movements by investing in
futures, options and other derivative instruments. These include the purchase
and writing of options on securities (including index options) and options on
foreign currencies, and investing in futures contracts for the purchase or sale
of instruments based on financial indices, including interest rate indices or
indices of U.S. or foreign government, equity or fixed income securities
("futures contracts"), options on futures contracts, forward contracts and swaps
and swap-related products such as interest rate swaps, currency swaps, caps,
collars and floors.
 
The use of futures, options, forward contracts and swaps exposes a Fund to
additional investment risks and transaction costs. If the Adviser incorrectly
analyzes market conditions or does not employ the appropriate strategy with
respect to these instruments, a Fund could be left in a less favorable position.
Additional risks inherent in the use of futures, options, forward contracts and
swaps include: imperfect correlation between the price of futures, options and
forward contracts and movements in the prices of the securities or currencies
being hedged; the possible absence of a liquid secondary market for any
particular instrument at any time; and the possible need to defer closing out
certain hedged positions to avoid adverse tax consequences. A Fund may not
purchase put and call options which are traded on a national stock exchange in
an amount exceeding 5% of its net assets. Further information on the use of
futures, options and other derivative instruments, and the associated risks, is
contained in the SAI.
 
OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANIES: Each Fund may invest in securities issued by other
investment companies to the extent that such investments are consistent with the
Fund's investment objective and policies and permissible under the 1940 Act. As
a shareholder of another investment company, a Fund would bear, along with other
shareholders, its pro rata portion of the other investment 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.
 
PARTICIPATIONS AND TRUST RECEIPTS: Each Fund may purchase from domestic
financial institutions and trusts created by such institutions participation
interests and trust receipts in high quality debt securities. A participation
interest or receipt gives a Fund an undivided interest in the security in the
proportion that a Fund's participation interest or receipt bears to the total
principal amount of the security. Each Fund intends only to purchase
participations and trust receipts from an entity or syndicate, and does not
intend to serve as a co-lender in any such activity.
 
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS: A repurchase agreement involves the purchase of a
security by a Fund and a simultaneous agreement (generally with a bank or
broker/dealer) to repurchase that security from the Fund at a specified price
and date or upon demand. This technique offers a method of earning income on
uninvested cash. A risk associated with repurchase agreements is the failure of
the seller to repurchase the securities as agreed, which may cause a Fund to
suffer a loss if the market value of such securities declines before they can be
liquidated on the open market. Repurchase agreements with a duration of more
than seven days are considered illiquid securities and are subject to the limit
stated above. A Fund may enter into joint repurchase agreements jointly with
other investment portfolios of Nations Funds.
 
SECURITIES LENDING: To increase return on portfolio securities, the Funds may
lend their portfolio securities to broker/dealers and other institutional
investors pursuant to agreements requiring that the loans be continuously
secured by collateral equal at all times in value to at least the market value
of the securities loaned. There is a risk of delay in receiving collateral or in
recovering the securities loaned or even a loss of rights in the collateral
should the borrower of the securities fail financially. However, loans are made
only to borrowers deemed by the Adviser to be credit worthy and when, in their
judgment, the income to be earned from the loan justifies the attendant risks.
The aggregate of all outstanding loans of a Fund may not exceed 30% of the value
of its total assets.
 
SMALL CAPITALIZATION COMPANIES: Nations International Growth Fund may invest in
smaller, lesser-known companies which Kleinwort Benson believes offer greater
growth potential than larger, more mature, better-known firms. Investing in the
securities of such companies, however, may also involve greater risk and the
possibility of greater portfolio price volatility. Among the reasons for the
greater price volatility of these small
 
22
 
<PAGE>
company and unseasoned stocks are the less certain growth prospects of smaller
firms, the lower degree of liquidity in the markets for such stocks, and the
greater sensitivity of small companies to changing economic conditions. For
example, these companies are associated with higher investment risk than that
normally associated with larger firms due to the greater business risks of small
size and limited product lines, markets, distribution channels and financial and
managerial resources.
 
STRIPPED SECURITIES: Each Fund may invest in instruments known as "stripped"
securities. These instruments include U.S. Treasury bonds and notes and federal
agency obligations on which the unmatured interest coupons have been separated
from the underlying obligation. These obligations are usually issued at a
discount to their "face value", and because of the manner in which principal and
interest are returned may exhibit greater price volatility than more
conventional debt securities. Each Fund may invest in "interest only" stripped
securities that have been issued by a federal instrumentality known as the
Resolution Funding Corporation and other stripped securities issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Government, where the principal and interest components
are traded independently under the Separate Trading of Registered Interest and
Principal Securities program ("STRIPS"). Each Fund may also invest in
instruments that have been stripped by their holder, typically a custodian bank
or investment brokerage firm, and then resold in a custodian receipt program
under such names as TIGRS (Treasury Income Growth Receipts) and CATS
(Certificates of Accrual on Treasuries).
 
In addition, each Fund may purchase SMBS issued by the U.S. Government (or a
U.S. Government agency or instrumentality) or by private issuers such as banks
and other institutions. SMBS, in particular, may exhibit greater price
volatility than ordinary debt securities because of the manner in which their
principal and interest are returned to investors.
 
U.S. GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS: U.S. Government Obligations consist of marketable
securities and instruments issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or any of
its agencies, authorities or instrumentalities. Direct obligations are issued by
the U.S. Treasury and include all U.S. Treasury instruments. U.S. Treasury
Obligations differ only in their interest rates, maturities and time of
issuance. Obligations of U.S. Government agencies, authorities and
instrumentalities are issued by government-sponsored agencies and enterprises
acting under authority of Congress. Although obligations of federal agencies,
authorities and instrumentalities are not debts of the U.S. Treasury, some are
backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury, such as direct
pass-through certificates of the Government National Mortgage Association; some
are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Government,
such as obligations of Federal Home Loan Banks, and some are backed only by the
credit of the issuer itself, such as obligations of the Federal National
Mortgage Association. No assurance can be given that the U.S. Government would
provide financial support to government-sponsored instrumentalities if it is not
obligated to do so by law.
 
The market value of U.S. Government Obligations may fluctuate due to
fluctuations in market interest rates. As a general matter, the value of debt
instruments, including U.S. Government Obligations, declines when market
interest rates increase and rises when market interest rates decrease. Certain
types of U.S. Government Obligations are subject to fluctuations in yield or
value due to their structure or contract terms.
 
VARIABLE- AND FLOATING-RATE INSTRUMENTS: Certain instruments issued, guaranteed
or sponsored by the U.S. Government or its agencies, state and local government
issuers, and certain debt instruments issued by domestic and foreign banks and
corporations may carry variable or floating rates of interest. Such instruments
bear interest rates which are not fixed, but which vary with changes in
specified market rates or indices, such as a Federal Reserve composite index. A
variable-rate demand instrument is an obligation with a variable or floating
interest rate and an unconditional right of demand on the part of the holder to
receive payment of unpaid principal and accrued interest. Certain Funds may
invest in securities with demand features where (a) the security or its issuer
has received a short-term rating from an NRSRO; and (b) the issuer of the demand
feature, or another institution, undertakes to notify promptly the holder of the
security in the event that the demand feature is substituted with a demand
feature provided by another issuer. (Note, however, that certain securities
first issued on or before June 3, 1996 are not subject to these rating and
notice requirements.) An instrument with a demand period exceeding seven days
may be considered illiquid if there is no secondary market for such security.
 
WHEN-ISSUED, DELAYED DELIVERY AND FORWARD COMMITMENT SECURITIES: The purchase of
new issues of securities on a "when-issued," "delayed delivery" or "forward
commitment" basis occurs when the payment for and delivery of securities take
place at a future date. Because actual payment for and delivery of such
securities generally take place 15 to 45 days after the purchase date,
purchasers of such securities bear the risk that interest rates on debt
securities at the time of delivery may be higher or lower than those contracted
for on the security purchased.
 
ZERO COUPON SECURITIES: Each Fund may invest in zero coupon securities. Zero
coupon securities are debt obligations which do not entitle the holder to any
periodic payments of interest prior to maturity or a specified date when the
securities begin paying current interest (the "cash payment date") and therefore
are issued and traded at a discount from their face amounts or par value. Such
bonds carry an additional risk in that, unlike
 
                                                                              23
 
<PAGE>
bonds which pay interest throughout the period to maturity, a Fund will realize
no cash until the cash payment date and, if the issuer defaults, the Fund may
obtain no return at all on its investment.
 
A Fund will be required to include in income daily portions of original issue
discount accrued which will cause the Fund to be required to make distributions
of such amounts to shareholders annually, even if no payment is received before
the distribution date. These distributions must be made from the Fund's cash
assets or, if necessary, from the proceeds of sales of portfolio securities. The
Fund will not be able to purchase additional income producing securities with
cash used to make such distributions and its current income ultimately may be
reduced as a result.
 
   Appendix B -- Description Of Ratings
 
The following summarizes the highest six ratings used by S&P for corporate and
municipal bonds. The first four ratings denote investment grade securities.
 
     AAA -- This is the highest rating assigned by S&P to a debt obligation and
     indicates an extremely strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal.
 
     AA -- Debt rated AA is considered to have a very strong capacity to pay
     interest and repay principal and differs from AAA issues only in a small
     degree.
 
     A -- Debt rated A has a 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 -- Debt rated BBB is 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 for those in
     higher-rated categories.
 
     BB, B -- Bonds rated BB and B are regarded, on balance, as predominantly
     speculative with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay principal in
     accordance with the terms of the obligation. BB represents the lowest
     degree of speculation and B a higher degree of speculation. While such
     bonds will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these
     are outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse
     conditions.
 
To provide more detailed indications of credit quality, the AA, A and BBB
ratings may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative
standing within these major rating categories.
 
The following summarizes the highest six ratings used by Moody's for corporate
and municipal bonds. The first four ratings denote investment grade securities.
 
     Aaa -- Bonds that are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality. They
     carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to
     as "gilt edge." Interest payments are protected by a large or by an
     exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure. While the various
     protective elements are likely to change, such changes as can be visualized
     are most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of such
     issues.
 
     Aa -- Bonds that are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all
     standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally
     known as high grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because
     margins of protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or
     fluctuation of protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there may
     be other elements present which make the long-term risks appear somewhat
     larger than in Aaa securities.
 
     A -- Bonds that are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes
     and are to be considered upper medium grade obligations. Factors giving
     security to principal and interest are considered adequate, but elements
     may be present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the
     future.
 
     Baa -- Bonds that are rated Baa are considered 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. Such bonds lack outstanding investment
     characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics as well.
 
     Ba -- Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements;
     their future cannot be considered as well assured. Often the protection of
     interest and principal payments may be very moderate and thereby not well
     safeguarded during both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of
     position characterizes bonds in this class.
 
     B -- Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the
     desirable investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of
     maintenance of other terms of the contract over any long period of time may
     be small.
 
24
 
<PAGE>
Moody's applies numerical modifiers (1, 2 and 3) with respect to corporate bonds
rated Aa through B. The modifier 1 indicates that the bond being rated ranks in
the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a
mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates that the bond ranks in the lower
end of its generic rating category. With regard to municipal bonds, those bonds
in the Aa, A and Baa groups which Moody's believes possess the strongest
investment attributes are designated by the symbols Aa1, A1 or Baa1,
respectively.
 
The following summarizes the highest four ratings used by D&P for bonds, each of
which denotes that the securities are investment grade:
 
     AAA -- Bonds that are rated AAA are of the highest credit quality. The risk
     factors are considered to be negligible, being only slightly more than for
     risk-free U.S. Treasury debt.
 
     AA -- Bonds that are rated AA are of high credit quality. Protection
     factors are strong. Risk is modest, but may vary slightly from time to time
     because of economic conditions.
 
     A -- Bonds that are rated A have protection factors which are average but
     adequate. However, risk factors are more variable and greater in periods of
     economic stress.
 
     BBB -- Bonds that are rated BBB have below average protection factors but
     still are considered sufficient for prudent investment. Considerable
     variability in risk exists during economic cycles.
 
To provide more detailed indications of credit quality, the AA, A and BBB
ratings may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative
standing within these major categories.
 
The following summarizes the highest four ratings used by Fitch for bonds, each
of which denotes that the securities are investment grade:
 
     AAA -- Bonds considered to be investment grade and of the highest credit
     quality. The obligor has an exceptionally strong ability to pay interest
     and repay principal, which is unlikely to be affected by reasonably
     foreseeable events.
 
     AA -- Bonds considered to be investment grade and of very high credit
     quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is very
     strong, although not quite as strong as bonds rated AAA. Because bonds
     rated in the AAA and AA categories are not significantly vulnerable to
     foreseeable future developments, short-term debt of these issuers is
     generally rated F-1+.
 
     A -- Bonds considered to be investment grade and of high credit quality.
     The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is considered to
     be strong, but may be more vulnerable to adverse changes in economic
     conditions and circumstances than bonds with higher ratings.
 
     BBB -- Bonds considered to be investment grade and of satisfactory credit
     quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is
     considered to be adequate. Adverse changes in economic conditions and
     circumstances, however, are more likely to have adverse impact on these
     bonds, and therefore impair timely payment. The likelihood that the ratings
     of these bonds will fall below investment grade is higher than for bonds
     with higher ratings.
 
To provide more detailed indications of credit quality, the AA, A and BBB
ratings may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative
standing within these major rating categories.
 
The following summarizes the two highest ratings used by Moody's for short-term
municipal notes and variable-rate demand obligations:
 
     MIG-1/VMIG-1 -- Obligations bearing these designations are of the best
     quality, enjoying strong protection from established cash flows, superior
     liquidity support or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for
     refinancing.
 
     MIG-2/VMIG-2 -- Obligations bearing these designations are of high quality,
     with ample margins of protection although not so large as in the preceding
     group.
 
The following summarizes the two highest ratings used by S&P for short-term
municipal notes:
 
     SP-1 -- Very strong or strong capacity to pay principal and interest. Those
     issues determined to possess overwhelming safety characteristics are given
     a "plus" (+) designation.
 
     SP-2 -- Satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest.
 
The three highest rating categories of D&P for short-term debt, each of which
denotes that the securities are investment grade, are D-1, D-2 and D-3. D&P
employs three designations, D-1+, D-1 and D-1-, within the highest rating
category. D-1+ indicates highest certainty of timely payment. Short-term
liquidity, including internal operating factors and/or access to alternative
sources of funds, is judged to be "outstanding, and safety is just below
risk-free U.S. Treasury short-term obligations." D-1 indicates very high
certainty of timely payment. Liquidity factors are excellent and supported by
good fundamental protection factors. Risk factors are considered to be minor.
D-1- indicates high certainty of timely payment. Liquidity factors are strong
and supported by good fundamental protection factors. Risk factors are very
small. D-2 indicates good certainty of timely payment. Liquidity factors and
company fundamentals are sound. Although ongoing funding needs may enlarge total
financing requirements, access to capital markets is
 
                                                                              25
 
<PAGE>
good. Risk factors are small. D-3 indicates satisfactory liquidity and other
protection factors which qualify the issue as investment grade. Risk factors are
larger and subject to more variation. Nevertheless, timely payment is expected.
 
The following summarizes the two highest rating categories used by Fitch for
short-term obligations, each of which denotes securities that are investment
grade:
 
     F-1+ securities possess exceptionally strong credit quality. Issues
     assigned this rating are regarded as having the strongest degree of
     assurance for timely payment.
 
     F-1 securities possess very strong credit quality. Issues assigned this
     rating reflect an assurance of timely payment only slightly less in degree
     than issues rated F-1+.
 
     F-2 securities possess good credit quality. Issues carrying this rating
     have a satisfactory degree of assurance for timely payment, but the margin
     of safety is not as great as for issues assigned the F-1+ and F-1 ratings.
 
Commercial paper rated A-1 by S&P indicates that the degree of safety regarding
timely payment is strong. Those issues determined to possess extremely strong
safety characteristics are denoted A-1+. Capacity for timely payment on
commercial paper rated A-2 is satisfactory, but the relative degree of safety is
not as high as for issues designated A-1.
 
The rating Prime-1 is the highest commercial paper rating assigned by Moody's.
Issuers rated Prime-1 (or related supporting institutions) are considered to
have a superior capacity for repayment of senior short-term obligations. Issuers
rated Prime-2 (or related supporting institutions) are considered to have a
strong capacity for repayment of senior short-term obligations. This will
normally be evidenced by many of the characteristics of issuers rated Prime-1,
but to a lesser degree. Earnings trends and coverage ratios, while sound, will
be more subject to variation. Capitalization characteristics, while still
appropriate, may be more affected by external conditions. Ample alternate
liquidity is maintained.
 
For commercial paper, D&P uses the short-term debt ratings described above.
 
For commercial paper, Fitch uses the short-term debt ratings described above.
 
BankWatch ratings are based upon a qualitative and quantitative analysis of all
segments of the organization including, where applicable, holding company and
operating subsidiaries. BankWatch ratings do not constitute a recommendation to
buy or sell securities of any of these companies. Further, BankWatch does not
suggest specific investment criteria for individual clients.
 
BankWatch long-term ratings apply to specific issues of long-term debt and
preferred stock. The long-term ratings specifically assess the likelihood of
untimely payment of principal or interest over the term to maturity of the rated
instrument. The following are the four investment grade ratings used by
BankWatch for long-term debt:
 
     AAA -- The highest category; indicates ability to repay principal and
     interest on a timely basis is extremely high.
 
     AA -- The second highest category; indicates a very strong ability to repay
     principal and interest on a timely basis with limited incremental risk
     versus issues rated in the highest category.
 
     A -- The third highest category; indicates the ability to repay principal
     and interest is strong. Issues rated "A" could be more vulnerable to
     adverse developments (both internal and external) than obligations with
     higher ratings.
 
     BBB -- The lowest investment grade category; indicates an acceptable
     capacity to repay principal and interest. Issues rated "BBB" are, however,
     more vulnerable to adverse developments (both internal and external) than
     obligations with higher ratings.
 
The BankWatch short-term ratings apply to commercial paper, other senior
short-term obligations and deposit obligations of the entities to which the
rating has been assigned. The BankWatch short-term ratings specifically assess
the likelihood of an untimely payment of principal or interest.
 
     TBW-1 -- The highest category; indicates a very high likelihood that
     principal and interest will be paid on a timely basis.
 
     TBW-2 -- The second highest category; while the degree of safety regarding
     timely repayment of principal and interest is strong, the relative degree
     of safety is not as high as for issues rated "TBW-1".
 
     TBW-3 -- The lowest investment grade category; indicates that while more
     susceptible to adverse developments (both internal and external) than
     obligations with higher ratings, capacity to service principal and interest
     in a timely fashion is considered adequate.
 
     TBW-4 -- The lowest rating category; this rating is regarded as
     non-investment grade and therefore speculative.
 
The following summarizes the four highest long-term ratings used by IBCA:
 
     AAA -- Obligations for which there is the lowest expectation of investment
     risk. Capacity for timely repayment of principal and interest is
     substantial such that adverse changes in business, economic or financial
     conditions are unlikely to increase investment risk significantly.
 
26
 
<PAGE>
     AA -- Obligations for which there is a very low expectation of investment
     risk. Capacity for timely repayment of principal and interest is
     substantial. Adverse changes in business, economic or financial conditions
     may increase investment risk albeit not very significantly.
 
     A -- Obligations for which there is a low expectation of investment risk.
     Capacity for timely repayment of principal and interest is strong, although
     adverse changes in business, economic or financial conditions may lead to
     increased investment risk.
 
     BBB -- Obligations for which there is currently a low expectation of
     investment risk. Capacity for timely repayment of principal and interest is
     adequate, although adverse changes in business, economic or financial
     conditions are more likely to lead to increased investment risk than for
     obligations in other categories.
 
A plus or minus sign may be appended to a rating below AAA to denote relative
status within major rating categories.
 
The following summarizes the two highest short-term debt ratings used by IBCA:
 
     A1+ -- When issues possess a particularly strong credit feature.
 
     A1 -- Obligations supported by the highest capacity for timely repayment.
 
     A2 -- Obligations supported by a good capacity for timely repayment.
 
                                                                              27
 



<PAGE>
Prospectus
 
                                    PRIMARY B SHARES
                                       MAY    , 1997
 
This Prospectus describes NATIONS INTERNATIONAL
GROWTH FUND, NATIONS SMALL COMPANY GROWTH FUND and
NATIONS U.S. GOVERNMENT BOND FUND (the "Funds") of
Nations Fund, Inc. an open-end management investment
company in the Nations Funds Family ("Nations Funds"
or "Nations Funds Family"). This Prospectus
describes one class of shares of each Fund --
Primary B Shares.
 
This Prospectus sets forth concisely the information
about Nations Funds that a prospective purchaser of
Primary B Shares should consider before investing.
Investors should read this Prospectus and retain it
for future reference. Additional information about
Nations Fund, Inc. is contained in a separate
Statement of Additional Information, that has been
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(the "SEC") and is available upon request without
charge by writing or calling Nations Funds at its
address or telephone number shown below. The SAI for
Nations Fund, Inc. is dated May , 1997, is
incorporated by reference in its entirety into this
Prospectus. NationsBanc Advisors, Inc. ("NBAI") is
investment adviser to the Funds. Kleinwort Benson
Investment Management Americas Inc. ("Kleinwort
Benson") is investment sub-adviser to Nations
International Growth Fund, and Boatmen's Trust
Company ("Boatmen's") is investment sub-adviser to
Nations Small Company Growth Fund and Nations U.S.
Government Bond Fund. As used herein the "Adviser"
shall mean NBAI, Kleinwort Benson and/or Boatmen's
as the context may require.
 
SHARES OF NATIONS FUNDS ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OTHER
OBLIGATIONS OF, OR ISSUED, ENDORSED OR GUARANTEED
BY, NATIONSBANK, N.A. ("NATIONSBANK") OR ANY OF ITS
AFFILIATES. SUCH SHARES ARE NOT INSURED BY THE U.S.
GOVERNMENT, THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE
CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD OR ANY OTHER
GOVERNMENT AGENCY. AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUNDS
INVOLVES CERTAIN RISKS, INCLUDING POSSIBLE LOSS OF
PRINCIPAL.
 
NATIONSBANK AND CERTAIN OF ITS AFFILIATES PROVIDE
CERTAIN OTHER SERVICES TO NATIONS FUNDS, FOR WHICH
THEY ARE COMPENSATED. STEPHENS INC., WHICH IS NOT
AFFILIATED WITH NATIONSBANK, IS THE SPONSOR AND
ADMINISTRATOR AND SERVES AS THE DISTRIBUTOR FOR
NATIONS FUNDS.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR
DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR
HAS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY
STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY
OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION
TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
                                                    Nations International
                                                       Growth Fund

                                                    Nations Small
                                                       Company Growth
                                                       Fund
 
                                                    Nations U.S.
                                                       Government Bond
                                                       Fund

 
                                                    For Fund information call:
                                                    1-800-621-2192
                                                    Nations Funds
                                                    c/o Stephens Inc.
                                                    One NationsBank Plaza
                                                    33rd Floor
                                                    Charlotte, NC 28255
                                                    (NATIONS FUNDS logo)
 
<PAGE>
                            Table  Of  Contents

About The Funds

 
                            Prospectus Summary                                 3
 
                            Expenses Summary                                   4
 
                            Objectives                                         6
 
                            How Objectives Are Pursued                         6
 
                            How Performance Is Shown                           9
 
                            How The Funds Are Managed                         10
 
                            Organization And History                          12
 
About Your
Investment
 
                            How To Buy Shares                                 13
 
                            How To Redeem Shares                              14
 
                            How To Exchange Shares                            14
 
                            Shareholder Administration Arrangements           15
 
                            How The Funds Value Their Shares                  15
 
                            How Dividends And Distributions Are Made; Tax
                            Information 16
 
                            Appendix A -- Portfolio Securities                17
 
                            Appendix B -- Description Of Ratings              23
 
 
                            NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
                            INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS NOT
                            CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS, OR IN THE FUNDS' SAI
                            INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE, IN CONNECTION WITH
                            THE OFFERING MADE BY THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN
                            OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST
                            NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY
                            NATIONS FUNDS OR ITS DISTRIBUTOR. THIS PROSPECTUS
                            DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFERING BY NATIONS FUNDS OR
                            BY THE DISTRIBUTOR IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH
                            OFFERING MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE.
 
                                                                               2
 
<PAGE>
About The Funds
 
   Prospectus Summary
 

(Bullet) TYPE OF COMPANY: Open-end management investment company.

 
(Bullet) INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES:
 

         (Bullet) Nations International Growth Fund's investment objective is to
                  seek long-term capital growth by investing primarily in equity
                  securities of companies domiciled in countries outside the
                  United States and listed on major stock exchanges primarily in
                  Europe and the Pacific Basin.

 

         (Bullet) Nations Small Company Growth Fund's investment objective is 
                  to seek long-term capital growth by investing primarily in 
                  equity securities.

 

         (Bullet) Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund's investment objective is 
                  to seek total return and preservation of capital by 
                  investing in U.S. Government securities and repurchase
                  agreements.

 

(Bullet) INVESTMENT ADVISER: NBAI serves as the investment adviser to the Funds.
         NBAI provides investment advice to more than 50 investment company
         portfolios in the Nations Funds Family. Kleinwort Benson provides
         sub-advisory services to Nations International Growth Fund, and
         Boatmen's provides sub-advisory services to Nations Small Company
         Growth Fund and Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund. See "How The Funds
         Are Managed."

 

(Bullet) DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS: Nations International Growth Fund and
         Nations Small Company Growth Fund declare and pay dividends from net
         investment income quarterly and Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund
         declares dividends daily and pays them monthly. Each Fund's net
         realized capital gains, including net short-term capital gains are
         distributed at least annually.

 

(Bullet) PRINCIPAL RISK FACTORS: Although the Adviser seeks to achieve the
         investment objective of each Fund, there is no assurance that it will
         be able to do so. Investments in a Fund are not insured against loss of
         principal. Investments by a Fund in common stocks and other equity
         securities are subject to stock market risk, which is the risk that the
         value of the stocks the Fund holds may decline over short or even
         extended periods. Investments by a Fund in debt securities are subject
         to interest rate risk, which is the risk that increases in market
         interest rates will adversely affect a Fund's investments in debt
         securities. The value of a Fund's investments in debt securities,
         including U.S. Government Obligations (as defined below), will tend to
         decrease when interest rates rise and increase when interest rates
         fall. In general, longer-term debt instruments tend to fluctuate in
         value more than shorter-term debt instruments in response to interest
         rate movements. In addition, debt securities which are not backed by
         the United States Government are subject to credit risk, which is the
         risk that the issuer may not not be able to pay principal and/or
         interest when due. Certain of the Funds' investments constitute
         derivative securities. Certain types of derivative securities can,
         under certain circumstances, significantly increase an investor's
         exposure to market or other risks. For a discussion of these and other
         factors, see "How Objectives Are Pursued -- Risk Considerations" and
         "Appendix A -- Portfolio Securities."

 

         Nations International Growth Fund, is designed for long-term investors
         seeking international diversification and who are willing to bear the
         risks associated with international investing, such as foreign currency
         fluctuations and economic and political risks. For a discussion of
         these factors, see "How Objectives Are Pursued -- Special Risk
         Considerations Relevant to an Investment in Nations International
         Growth Fund."

 
(Bullet) MINIMUM PURCHASE: $1,000 minimum initial investment per record holder.
         See "How To Buy Shares."
 
                                                                               3
 
<PAGE>
   Expenses Summary
 
Expenses are one of several factors to consider when investing in the Funds. The
following tables summarize shareholder transaction and operating expenses for
Primary B Shares of the Funds. The Examples show the cumulative expenses
attributable to a hypothetical $1,000 investment in the Funds over specified
periods.
 

PRIMARY B SHARES


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                                      <C>                <C>
                                                                                                                 Nations
                                                                                              Nations             Small
                                                                                           International         Company
                                                                                            Growth Fund        Growth Fund
 
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
 
Sales Load Imposed on Purchases1                                                                  None               None
Deferred Sales Load                                                                               None               None
 
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
  (as a percentage of average net assets)
 
Management Fees
  (After Fee Waivers)                                                                             .90%               .75%
Other Expenses
  (After Expense Reimbursements)                                                                  .72%               .70%
Total Operating Expenses (After Fee Waivers
  and Expense Reimbursements)                                                                    1.62%              1.45%
 
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              Nations
                                                                                               U.S.
                                                                                            Government
                                                                                             Bond Fund
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
Sales Load Imposed on Purchases1                                                                  None
Deferred Sales Load                                                                               None
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
  (as a percentage of average net assets)
Management Fees
  (After Fee Waivers)                                                                             .40%
Other Expenses
  (After Expense Reimbursements)                                                                  .70%
Total Operating Expenses (After Fee Waivers
  and Expense Reimbursements)                                                                    1.10%
</TABLE>

 

1 Primary B Shares are purchased at net asset value per share without the
  imposition of a sales charge according to procedures established by the
  Institution (as defined below). Institutions, however, may charge the accounts
  of their customers for services provided in connection with the purchase or
  redemption of shares.

 
4
 
<PAGE>
EXAMPLES:
 
You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment in Primary B Shares
of the indicated Fund, assuming (1) a 5% annual return and (2) redemption at the
end of each time period.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                                      <C>                  <C>
                                                                                               Nations              Nations
                                                                                            International        Small Company
                                                                                             Growth Fund          Growth Fund
 
1 Year                                                                                        $      16            $      15
3 Years                                                                                       $      51            $      46
 
<CAPTION>
                                                                                               Nations
                                                                                           U.S. Government
                                                                                              Bond Fund
1 Year                                                                                        $      11
3 Years                                                                                       $      35
</TABLE>

 
The purpose of the foregoing tables is to assist an investor in understanding
the various shareholder transaction and operating expenses that an investor in
Primary B Shares will bear either directly or indirectly. The "Other Expenses"
figures in the above tables are based on estimated amounts for each Fund's
current fiscal year and reflect anticipated fee waivers and reimbursements.
There is no assurance that any fee waivers and reimbursements will continue
beyond the current fiscal year. If fee waivers and/or reimbursements are
discontinued, the amounts contained in the "Examples" above may increase.
Long-term shareholders of the Funds could pay more in sales charges than the
economic equivalent of the maximum front-end sales charges applicable to mutual
funds sold by members of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
("NASD"). For more complete descriptions of the Funds' operating expenses, see
"How The Funds Are Managed."
 

Absent fee waivers and expense reimbursements, "Management Fees," "Other
Expenses" and "Total Operating Expenses" for Primary B Shares of the indicated
fund would have been as follows: Nations Small Company Growth Fund -- 1.00%,
 .80% and 1.80%, respectively; and Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund -- .60%,
 .80%, and 1.40%, respectively. Absent fee waivers and expense reimbursements,
"Other Expenses" and "Total Operating Expenses" for Primary B Shares of the
indicated Fund would have been as follows: Nations International Growth
Fund -- .82% and 1.72%, respectively.

 
THE FOREGOING SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED TO BE AN ACTUAL REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR
FUTURE PERFORMANCE. ACTUAL EXPENSES AND RATES OF RETURN MAY BE GREATER OR LESS
THAN THOSE SHOWN.
 
                                                                               5
 
<PAGE>
   Objectives
 

NATIONS INTERNATIONAL GROWTH FUND: Nations International Growth Fund's
investment objective is to seek long-term capital growth by investing primarily
in equity securities of companies domiciled in countries outside the United
States and listed on major stock exchanges primarily in Europe and the Pacific
Basin.

 

NATIONS SMALL COMPANY GROWTH FUND: Nations Small Company Growth Fund's
investment objective is to seek long-term capital growth by investing primarily
in equity securities.

 

NATIONS U.S. GOVERNMENT BOND FUND: Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund's
investment objective is to seek total return and preservation of capital by
investing in U.S. Government securities and repurchase agreements.

 
Although the Adviser will seek to achieve the investment objective of each Fund,
there is no assurance that it will be able to do so. No single Fund should be
considered, by itself, to provide a complete investment program for any
investor. The net asset value of the shares of the Funds will fluctuate based on
market conditions. Therefore, investors should not rely upon the Funds for
short-term financial needs, nor are the Funds meant to provide a vehicle for
participating in short-term swings in the stock market.
 
   How Objectives Are Pursued
 

NATIONS INTERNATIONAL GROWTH FUND: In pursuing its investment objective, the
Fund will invest at least 65% of its total assets in foreign equity securities,
including securities convertible into equity securities and securities which are
listed on major stock exchanges, under normal circumstances. The Fund may
purchase the stock of small, mid- and large capitalization companies.

 

The Fund may invest up to 35% of its total assets in securities of issuers
domiciled in developing countries. These countries are generally located in
Eastern Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, Latin and South America, Africa and,
subject to approval by the Board of Directors, the former Soviet Union and the
Middle East. Debt securities, if any, purchased by the Fund will be rated in the
top two categories by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization
("NRSRO") or, if unrated, determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality.
For temporary defensive purposes, the Fund may invest up to 100% of its assets
in debt and equity securities of U.S. issuers. Debt securities in which the Fund
may invest include short-term and intermediate-term obligations of corporations,
foreign governments and international organizations (such as the International
Bank for Reconstruction and Development (the "World Bank")), including money
market instruments.

 

The Fund may invest in common stocks (including securities convertible into
common stocks) of foreign issuers and rights to purchase common stock, options
and futures contracts on securities, securities indexes and foreign currencies,
securities lending, forward foreign exchange contracts and repurchase
agreements. For more information concerning these and other permissible Fund
investments, see "Appendix A".

 

NATIONS SMALL COMPANY GROWTH FUND: In pursuing its investment objective, the
Fund will invest at least 65% of its total assets in equity securities,
including securities convertible into equity securities, under normal
circumstances. In addition, the Fund will invest at least 65% of its total
assets in companies with a market capitalization of $1 billion or less.

 

In making investment decisions for the Fund, the Adviser, on a quarterly basis,
classifies approximately 6,000 companies by market value and eliminates the
largest 20%. The remaining companies constitute the Fund's small-capitalization
universe and generally represent only one-tenth of the aggregate U.S. equity
market capitalization. Due to the large number of small stocks to choose from,
the Adviser's selection process uses advanced quantitative techniques to
identify, buy and sell candidates in a timely and objective manner. The strategy
is to own those investments offering both attractive fundamental valuation and
relatively good prospects for earnings improvement. Typically, two types of
companies are candidates for purchase: (i) mature companies which may have
fallen from a larger market value due to business difficulties, but which now
exhibit improving prospects; and (ii) smaller or younger companies which are
experiencing strong trends in earnings growth, but remain reasonably valued and
therefore offer premium growth at a discount in comparison to other companies.

 

The Adviser's internally designed investment approach uses a sophisticated
valuation process which measures changes in current earnings estimates and
longer-term growth trends, compares recent earnings results with market
expectations, and evaluates a company's earnings power relative to its stock
price. Companies become purchase candidates based upon a composite ranking of
these factors, and the top 20% are further evaluated on

 
6
 
<PAGE>

additional criteria. Candidates for investment must also possess a sound
financial structure and demonstrate consistent factor rankings before being
added to the Fund's portfolio.

 

The Fund's weighted median capitalization generally is not expected to exceed
125% of the weighted median capitalization of the Russell 2000 Small Stock Index
(the "Russell 2000") as measured on a quarterly basis, although this may vary
from time to time. Furthermore, a stock may be sold if the composite rank falls
into the bottom 20% of the universe, financial quality weakens significantly, or
if individual factors demonstrate patterns of deterioration.

 

The Fund may invest up to 35% of its total assets in securities of issuers with
a market capitalization greater than $1 billion and in debt securities. However,
the Fund will not invest more than 10% of its total assets in debt securities,
unless the Fund assumes a temporary defensive position as discussed below. Debt
securities, if any, purchased by the Fund will be rated AA or above by Standard
& Poor's Corporation ("S&P") or Aa or above by Moody's Investor Services, Inc.
("Moody's") or, if unrated, determined by the Adviser to be of comparable
quality. For temporary defensive purposes, the Fund may invest up to 100% of its
assets in debt securities. Debt securities in which the Fund may invest include
short-term and intermediate-term obligations of corporations, the U.S. and
foreign governments and international organizations (such as the World Bank),
including money market instruments.

 

The Fund may invest in common stocks (including securities convertible into
common stocks) of foreign issuers and rights to purchase common stock, options
and futures contracts on securities, securities indexes and foreign currencies,
securities lending and repurchase agreements. The Fund currently intends to
limit any investment in foreign securities to 5% of total assets. For more
information concerning these and other permissible Fund investments, see
"Appendix A".

 

NATIONS U.S. GOVERNMENT BOND FUND: The Fund invests at least 65% of its total
assets in U.S. Government securities and repurchase agreements collateralized by
such securities. While the maturity of individual securities will not be
restricted, except during temporary defensive periods or unusual market
conditions, the average weighted maturity of the Fund will be between five and
thirty years. The Fund may invest in a variety of U.S. Government securities,
including U.S. Treasury bonds, notes and bills, and other obligations issued or
guaranteed as to payment of principal and interest by a number of U.S.
Government agencies and instrumentalities ("U.S. Government Obligations"). The
Fund may also invest in interests in the foregoing securities, including
collateralized mortgage obligations issued or guaranteed by a U.S. Government
agency or instrumentality. U.S. Government Obligations have historically had a
very low risk of loss of principal if held to maturity. The Fund, however, can
give no assurance that the U.S. Government would provide financial support to
its agencies or instrumentalities if it were not legally required to do so.

 

The Fund may also invest up to 35% of its total assets in debt securities of
U.S. and foreign corporate and foreign government issuers, American Depository
Receipts ("ADRs") and European Depository Receipts ("EDRs"), zero coupon bonds
and cash equivalents. The Fund will purchase only those non-government
investments which are rated investment grade or better by at least one NRSRO or,
if unrated, are determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality. If a
portfolio security held by the Fund ceases to be rated investment grade by at
least one NRSRO or if the Adviser determines that an unrated portfolio security
held by the Fund is no longer of comparable quality to an investment grade
security, the security will be sold in an orderly manner as quickly as possible.
Additionally, the Fund may also invest in futures contracts, interest rate swaps
and options. From time to time, the Fund may also hold uninvested cash reserves
which do not earn income.

 

The value of the Fund's portfolio (and consequently its shares) is expected to
fluctuate inversely in relation to changes in the direction of interest rates.
For more information concerning these and other investments in which the Fund
may invest, see "Appendix A".

 

GENERAL: Each Equity Fund may invest in certain specified derivative securities,
including: exchange-traded options; over-the-counter options executed with
primary dealers, including long calls and puts and covered calls to enhance
return; and U.S. and foreign exchange-traded financial futures approved by the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC") and options thereon for market
exposure risk management. Each Fund may lend its portfolio securities to
qualified institutional investors. Each Fund also may invest in restricted,
private placement and other illiquid securities. Each Fund also may invest in
real estate investment trust securities. In addition, each Fund may invest in
securities issued by other investment companies, consistent with the Fund's
investment objective and policies. Nations International Growth Fund, Nations
Small Company Growth Fund and Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund may invest in
forward foreign exchange contracts and repurchase agreements. Additionally,
Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund may engage in reverse repurchase agreements
and dollar roll transactions.

 
For more information concerning these and other instruments in which the Funds
may invest and their investment practices, see "Appendix A."
 

Although changes in the value of securities subsequent to their acquisition are
reflected in the net asset value of the Funds' shares, such changes will not
affect the

 
                                                                               7
 
<PAGE>
income received by the Funds from such securities. However, since available
yields vary over time, no specific level of income can ever be assured. The
dividends paid by the Funds will increase or decrease in relation to the income
received by the Funds from their investments, which will in any case be reduced
by the Funds' expenses before being distributed to the Funds' shareholders.
 

SPECIAL RISK CONSIDERATIONS RELEVANT TO AN INVESTMENT IN NATIONS INTERNATIONAL
GROWTH FUND: Investors should understand and consider carefully the special
risks involved in foreign investing.

 

Investors in Nations International Growth Fund should be aware that the Fund
may, from time to time, invest in securities of companies located in Eastern
Europe. Economic and political reforms in this region are still in their
infancy. As a result, investment in such countries would be highly speculative
and could result in losses to the Fund and, thus, to its shareholders.

 

Investors should also understand and consider carefully the special risks
involved in investing in the Pacific Basin and Far East. Countries in the
Pacific Basin and Far East are in various stages of economic development,
ranging from emerging markets to mature economies, but each has unique risks.
Most countries in this region are heavily dependent on international trade, and
some are especially vulnerable to recessions in other countries. Some of these
countries are also sensitive to world commodity prices. Some countries that have
experienced rapid growth may still have obsolete financial systems, economic
problems or archaic legal systems. In addition, many of these nations are
experiencing political and social uncertainties.

 

The same is true, but even more so, for the emerging market countries in which
the Fund will invest. Although the Fund believes that its investments present
the possibility for significant growth over the long term, they also entail
significant risks. Many investments in emerging markets can be considered
speculative, and their prices can be much more volatile than in the more
developed nations of the world. This difference reflects the greater
uncertainties of investing in less established markets and economies. The
financial markets of emerging markets countries are generally less well
capitalized and thus securities of issuers based in such countries may be less
liquid.

 

The Fund's yield and share price will change based on changes in domestic or
foreign interest rates and in an issuer's creditworthiness. In general, bond
prices rise when interest rates fall, and vice versa.

 

Investing in securities denominated in foreign currencies and utilization of
forward foreign currency exchange contracts and other currency hedging
techniques involve certain considerations comprising both opportunities and
risks not typically associated with investing in U.S. dollar-denominated
securities. Additionally, changes in the value of foreign currencies can
significantly affect a Fund's share price. General economic and political
factors in the various world markets can also impact a Fund's share price.

 

The expenses to individual investors of investing directly in foreign securities
are very high relative to similar costs for investing in U.S. securities. While
the Fund offers a more efficient way for individual investors to participate in
foreign markets, their expenses, including custodial fees, are also higher than
the typical domestic equity mutual fund.

 

Risks unique to international investing include: (1) restrictions on foreign
investment and repatriation of capital; (2) fluctuations in currency exchange
rates; (3) costs of converting foreign currency into U.S. dollars and U.S.
dollars into foreign currencies; (4) greater price volatility and less
liquidity; (5) settlement practices, including delays, which may differ from
those customary in United States markets; (6) exposure to political and economic
risks, including the risk of nationalization, expropriation of assets and war;
(7) possible imposition of foreign taxes and exchange control and currency
restrictions; (8) lack of uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting
standards; (9) less governmental supervision of securities markets, brokers and
issuers of securities; (10) less financial information available to investors;
and (11) difficulty in enforcing legal rights outside the United States. These
risks often are heightened for investments in emerging or developing countries.
See "Appendix A" for additional discussion of the risks associated with an
investment in the Nations International Growth Fund.

 

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER: Generally, the Funds will purchase portfolio securities for
capital appreciation or investment income, or both, and not for short-term
trading profits. While it is not possible to predict exactly annual portfolio
turnover rates, it is expected that under normal market conditions, the annual
portfolio turnover rate will be 50% for Nations International Growth Fund, 125%
for Nations Small Company Growth Fund, and 100% for Nations U.S. Government Bond
Fund.

 

RISK CONSIDERATIONS: Although the Adviser of Nations International Growth Fund
will seek to achieve the investment objective of each Fund, there is no
assurance that it will be able to do so. No single Fund should be considered, by
itself, to provide a complete investment program for any investor. Investments
in a Fund are not insured against loss of principal.

 
Investments by a Fund in common stocks and other equity securities are subject
to stock market risks. The value of the stocks that the Fund holds, like the
broader stock market, may decline over short or even extended periods.
 
8
 
<PAGE>
The value of a Fund's investments in debt securities, including U.S. Government
Obligations, will tend to decrease when interest rates rise and increase when
interest rates fall. In general, longer-term debt instruments tend to fluctuate
in value more than shorter-term debt instruments in response to interest rate
movements. In addition, debt securities that are not backed by the United States
Government are subject to credit risk, I.E., that the issuer may not be able to
pay principal and/or interest when due.
 
Certain of the Funds' investments constitute derivative securities, which are
securities whose value is derived, at least in part, from an underlying index or
reference rate. There are certain types of derivative securities that can, under
certain circumstances, significantly increase a purchaser's exposure to market
or other risks. The Adviser, however, only purchases derivative securities in
circumstances where it believes such purchases are consistent with the Fund's
investment objective and do not unduly increase the Fund's exposure to market or
other risks. For additional risk information regarding the Funds' investments in
particular instruments, see "Appendix A -- Portfolio Securities."
 

INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS: Each Fund is subject to a number of investment
limitations. The following investment limitations are matters of fundamental
policy and may not be changed without the affirmative vote of the holders of a
majority of the Fund's outstanding shares. Other investment limitations that
cannot be changed without such a vote of shareholders are described in the SAI.

 
Each Fund may not:
 

1. Purchase any securities which would cause 25% or more of the value of the
Fund's total assets at the time of such purchase to be invested in the
securities of one or more issuers conducting their principal activities in the
same industry. (For purposes of this limitation, U.S. Government Obligations are
not considered members of any industry.)

 
2. Make loans, except that a Fund may purchase and hold debt instruments
(whether such instruments are part of a public offering or privately placed),
may enter into repurchase agreements and may lend portfolio securities in
accordance with its investment policies.
 

3. Purchase securities of any one issuer (other than U.S. Government
Obligations), if, immediately after such purchase, more than 5% of the value of
such Fund's total assets would be invested in the securities of such issuer,
except that up to 25% of the value of the Fund's total assets may be invested
without regard to these limitations and with respect to 75% of such Fund's
assets, such Fund will not hold more than 10% of the voting securities of any
issuer.


The investment objective and policies of each Fund, unless otherwise specified,
are non-fundamental and may be changed without a vote of the Fund's
shareholders. Shareholders however, must receive at least 30 days' prior written
notice in the event an investment objective is changed. If the investment
objective or policies of a Fund change, shareholders should consider whether the
Fund remains an appropriate investment in light of their then current position
and needs.

 

In order to register a Fund's shares for sale in certain states, a Fund may make
commitments more restrictive than the investment policies and limitations
described in this Prospectus and the SAI. Should a Fund determine that any such
commitment is no longer in the best interest of the Fund, it may consider
terminating sales of its shares in the states involved.

 
   How Performance Is Shown
 

From time to time the Funds may advertise the total return and yield on a class
of shares. Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund also may advertise the tax
equivalent yield of a class of shares. TOTAL RETURN AND YIELD FIGURES ARE BASED
ON HISTORICAL DATA AND ARE NOT INTENDED TO INDICATE FUTURE PERFORMANCE. The
"total return" of a class of shares of a Fund may be calculated on an average
annual total return basis or an aggregate total return basis. Average annual
total return refers to the average annual compounded rates of return over one-,
five-, and ten-year periods or the life of the Fund (as stated in the
advertisement) that would equate an initial amount invested at the beginning of
a stated period to the ending redeemable value of the investment, assuming the
reinvestment of all dividend and capital gain distributions. Aggregate total
return reflects the total percentage change in the value of the investment over
the measuring period again assuming the reinvestment of all dividends and
capital gain distributions. Total return may also be presented for other
periods.

 

"Yield" is calculated by dividing the annualized net investment income per share
during a recent 30-day (or one month) period of a class of shares of a Fund by
the maximum public offering price per share on the last day of that period.

 
Investment performance, which will vary, is based on many factors, including
market conditions, the composition of a Fund's portfolio and such Fund's
operating expenses. Investment performance also often reflects the risks
associated with a Fund's investment objective and policies. These factors should
be considered when com-
 
                                                                               9
 
<PAGE>
paring a Fund's investment results to those of other mutual funds and other
investment vehicles. Since yields fluctuate, yield data cannot necessarily be
used to compare an investment in the Funds with bank deposits, savings accounts,
and similar investment alternatives which often provide an agreed-upon or
guaranteed fixed yield for a stated period of time.
 
In addition to Primary B Shares, the Funds offer Primary A, Investor A, Investor
C and Investor N Shares. Each class of shares may bear different sales charges,
shareholder servicing fees, loads and other expenses, which may cause the
performance of a class to differ from the performance of the other classes.
Performance quotations will be computed separately for each class of a Fund's
shares. Any fees charged by an institution and/or servicing agent directly to
its customers' accounts in connection with investments in the Funds will not be
included in calculations of total return or yield. Each Fund's annual report
contains additional performance information and is available upon request
without charge from the Funds' distributor or an Investor's Institution, as
defined below.
 
   How The Funds Are Managed
 

The business and affairs of each of Nations Fund, Inc. are managed under the
direction of its Board of Directors. Nations Fund, Inc. SAI contains the names
of and general background information concerning each Director of Nations Fund,
Inc.

 

Nations Funds and the Adviser have adopted codes of ethics which contain
policies on personal securities transactions by "access persons," including
portfolio managers and investment analysts. These policies substantially comply
in all material respects with the recommendations set forth in the May 9, 1994
Report of the Advisory Group on Personal Investing of the Investment Company
Institute.

 

INVESTMENT ADVISER: NBAI serves as investment adviser to the Funds. NBAI is a
wholly owned subsidiary of NationsBank, which in turn is a wholly owned banking
subsidiary of NationsBank Corporation, a bank holding company organized as a
North Carolina corporation. NationsBank has its principal offices at One
NationsBank Plaza, Charlotte, North Carolina 28255.

 

Kleinwort Benson, with principal offices at 200 Park Avenue, New York, New York
10166, serves as investment sub-adviser to Nations International Growth Fund.
Kleinwort Benson is the SEC registered investment management subsidiary of the
London-based Kleinwort Benson Group plc, a holding company for a merchant
banking group whose origins date back to 1792. Kleinwort Benson has offices in
London, Hong Kong and Tokyo and may utilize the general expertise of Kleinwort
Benson Group plc and its affiliates in respect of, for example, economic
analyses and predictions and market developments and trends.

 

Boatmen's serves as investment sub-adviser to Nations Small Company Growth Fund
and Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund. Its principal offices are located at 100
North Broadway, St. Louis, Missouri 63178-4737. Boatmen's is an indirect
subsidiary of NationsBank Corporation, a registered bank holding company.

 

Subject to the general supervision of Nations Fund, Inc.'s Board of Directors,
and in accordance with each Fund's investment policies, the Adviser formulates
guidelines and lists of approved investments for each Fund, makes decisions with
respect to and places orders for each Fund's purchases and sales of portfolio
securities and maintains records relating to such purchases and sales. The
Adviser is authorized to allocate purchase and sale orders for portfolio
securities to certain financial institutions, including, in the case of agency
transactions, financial institutions which are affiliated with the Adviser or
which have sold shares in such Funds, if the Adviser believes that the quality
of the transaction and the commission are comparable to what they would be with
other qualified brokerage firms. From time to time, to the extent consistent
with its investment objective, policies and restrictions, each Fund may invest
in securities of companies with which NationsBank has a lending relationship.

 

For the services provided and expenses assumed pursuant to an Investment
Advisory Agreement, NBAI is entitled to receive advisory fees, computed daily
and paid monthly, at the rate of: .90% of the average daily net assets of
Nations International Growth Fund; 1.00% of the average daily net assets of
Nations Small Company Growth Fund; and .60% of the average daily net assets of
Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund.

 

For the services provided and the expenses assumed pursuant to various
Sub-Advisory Agreements, NBAI will pay Kleinwort Benson sub-advisory fees at the
rate of .40% of Nations International Growth Fund's average net assets, up to
and including $325,000,000 in assets and .25% on assets in excess of
$325,000,000. NBAI will pay Boatmen's sub-advisory fees at the rate of .25% of
the average net assets of Nations Small Company Growth Fund and at the rate of
 .15% of the average daily net assets of Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund.

 

From time to time, NBAI (and/or Kleinwort Benson and/or Boatmen's) may waive or
reimburse (either vol-

 
10
 
<PAGE>

untarily or pursuant to applicable state limitations) advisory fees or expenses
payable by a Fund.

 

Boatmen's has designated the following portfolio manager as being primarily
responsible for the management of Nations International Growth Fund. Michael E.
Kenneally, Chartered Financial Analyst ("CFA"), is a Senior Vice President and
Director of Research. In addition to his responsibilities in connection with the
management of the Fund, Mr. Kenneally is responsible for all fundamental and
quantitative research as well as the management of all small capitalization and
growth-style portfolios.

 

Mr. Kenneally is also part of the team responsible for the day to day management
of the Nations Small Company Growth Fund's investment activities. His additional
responsibilities include investment product development, international equity
investment, and equity derivative strategies. Mr. Kenneally holds both a
bachelor's degree in economics and an MBA in finance from the University of
Missouri. He joined Boatmen's in 1983 as an equity analyst, later became a
quantitative analyst, and subsequently worked as both a fixed-income portfolio
manager and an equity portfolio manager. Mr. Kenneally is also a member of the
Association for Investment Management and Research (AIMR), the St. Louis Society
of Financial Analysts, the Chicago Quantitative Alliance, and the Society of
Quantitative Analysts.

 

Mr. Daniel N. Ginsparg, Senior Portfolio Manager and Manager of Quantitative
Research is part of the team responsible for the day to day management of the
Nations Small Company Growth Fund's investment activities. Mr. Ginsparg is
responsible for quantitative research applications and is involved in the
management of the Fund. Mr. Ginsparg received both his bachelor's degree and MBA
from the University of Missouri. He joined Boatmen's in 1989 and is a member of
the Chicago Quantitative Alliance, the Society of Quantitative Analysts, and the
St. Louis Society of Financial Analysts.

 

C. Thomas Clapp, CFA, is Director of the Equity Management Group for TradeStreet
and Portfolio Manager of Nations Emerging Growth Fund. Mr. Clapp has been
Portfolio Manager for Nations Emerging Growth Fund since September, 1996. He is
also part of the Adviser's team responsible for the day to day management of
Nations Small Company Growth Fund, and has been an officer of Boatmen's since
January, 1997. Prior to assuming his position with TradeStreet in 1995, he was
Senior Vice President and Director of Research for the Investment Management
Group at NationsBank. Prior to joining NationsBank in 1992, Mr. Clapp was a
Senior Portfolio Manager with Royal Insurance Group. Mr. Clapp has worked in the
investment community since 1984. He received his B.A. in Economics from the
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an M.B.A. from the University of
South Carolina. He also holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation and is
a member of the Association for Investment Management and Research and the North
Carolina Society of Financial Analysts, Inc.

 

The Fixed Income Committee of Boatmen's is responsible for the day-to-day
management of the investment portfolio of Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund.

 

Morrison & Foerster LLP, counsel to Nations Funds and special counsel to
NationsBank, has advised Nations Funds and NationsBank that NationsBank and its
affiliates may perform the services contemplated by the various Investment
Advisory Agreements, and this Prospectus without violation of the Glass-Steagall
Act. Such counsel has pointed out, however, that there are no controlling
judicial or administrative interpretations or decisions and that future judicial
or administrative interpretations of, or decisions relating to, present federal
or state statutes, including the Glass-Steagall Act, and regulations relating to
the permissible activities of banks and their subsidiaries or affiliates, as
well as future changes in federal or state statutes, including the
Glass-Steagall Act, and regulations and judicial or administrative decisions or
interpretations thereof, could prevent such entities from continuing to perform,
in whole or in part, such services. If any such entity were prohibited from
performing any such services, it is expected that new agreements would be
proposed or entered into with another entity or entities qualified to perform
such services.

 

OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS: Stephens Inc. ("Stephens"), with principal offices at
111 Center Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72201, serves as the administrator of
Nations Funds pursuant to an Administration Agreement. Pursuant to the terms of
the Administration Agreement, Stephens provides various administrative and
corporate secretarial services to the Funds, including providing general
oversight of other service providers, office space, utilities and various legal
and administrative services in connection with the satisfaction of various
regulatory requirements applicable to the Funds.

 

First Data Investor Services Group, Inc. ("First Data"), a wholly owned
subsidiary of First Data Corporation, with principal offices at One Exchange
Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, serves as the co-administrator of Nations
Funds pursuant to a Co-Administration Agreement. Under the Co-Administration
Agreement, First Data provides various administrative and accounting services to
the Funds including performing the calculations necessary to determine the net
asset value per share and dividends of each class of the Funds, preparing tax
returns and financial statements and maintaining the portfolio records and
certain of the general accounting records for the Funds.

 
For the services rendered pursuant to the Administration and Co-Administration
Agreements, Stephens and First Data are entitled to receive a combined fee at
the
 
                                                                              11
 
<PAGE>
annual rate of up to 0.10% of each Fund's average daily net assets.
 

NationsBank serves as sub-administrator for Nations Funds pursuant to a
Sub-Administration Agreement. Pursuant to the terms of the Sub-Administration
Agreement, NationsBank assists Stephens in supervising, coordinating and
monitoring various aspects of the Funds' administrative operations. For
providing such services, NationsBank shall be entitled to receive a monthly fee
from Stephens based on an annual rate of 0.01% of the Funds' average daily net
assets.

 

Shares of the Funds are sold on a continuous basis by Stephens, as the Funds'
sponsor and distributor. Stephens is a registered broker/dealer with principal
offices at 111 Center Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72201. Nations Funds has
entered into a distribution agreement with Stephens which provides that Stephens
has the exclusive right to distribute shares of the Funds. Stephens may pay
service fees or commissions to Institutions which assist customers in purchasing
Primary B Shares of the Funds.

 

NationsBank of Texas, N.A. ("NationsBank of Texas" and, collectively with Bank
of New York ("BONY"), called "Custodians") serves as custodian for the assets of
each Fund. NationsBank of Texas, which also serves as the sub-transfer agent for
each Fund's Primary B Shares, is located at 1401 Elm Street, Dallas, Texas
75202, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of NationsBank Corporation. In return
for providing custodial services, NationsBank of Texas is entitled to receive,
in addition to out-of-pocket expenses, fees at the rate of (i) $300,000 per
annum, to be paid monthly in payments of $25,000 for custodian services for up
to and including 50 Funds; and (ii) $6,000 per annum, to be paid in equal
monthly payments, for custodian services for each additional Fund above 50
Funds.

 

BONY serves as sub-custodian for the assets of Nations International Growth
Fund, Nations Small Company Growth Fund and Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund.
BONY is located at 90 Washington Street, New York, New York 10286. In return for
providing sub-custodial services, BONY shall receive, in addition to out of
pocket expenses, fees at the rate of (i) 3/4 of one basis point per annum on the
aggregate net assets of the Funds up to $10 billion; and (ii) 1/2 of one basis
point on the excess.

 

First Data serves as the Transfer Agent for each of the Fund's Primary B Shares.

 

In return for providing sub-transfer agency services for the Primary B Shares of
Nations Funds, NationsBank of Texas is entitled to receive an annual fee from
First Data of $251,000.

 

Price Waterhouse LLP serves as independent accountants to Nations Funds. Its
address is 160 Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110.

 

EXPENSES: The accrued expenses of each Fund, as well as certain expenses
attributable to Primary B Shares, are deducted from the Fund's total accrued
income before dividends are declared. These expenses include, but are not
limited to: fees paid to the Adviser, NationsBank, Stephens and First Data;
taxes; interest; fees (including fees paid to Nations Fund's trustees, directors
and officers); federal and state securities registration and qualification fees;
brokerage fees and commissions; costs of preparing and printing prospectuses for
regulatory purposes and for distribution to existing shareholders; charges of
the Custodians and Transfer Agent; certain insurance premiums; outside auditing
and legal expenses; costs of shareholder reports and shareholder meetings; other
expenses which are not expressly assumed by the Adviser, NationsBank, Stephens
or First Data under their respective agreements with Nations Funds; and any
extraordinary expenses. Primary B Shares also bear certain shareholder servicing
costs. Any general expenses of Nations Fund, Inc. that are not readily
identifiable as belonging to a particular investment portfolio are allocated
among all portfolios in the proportion that the assets of a portfolio bears to
the assets of Nations Fund, Inc. or in such other manner as the Board of
Directors determines is fair and equitable.

 
   Organization And History
 

The Funds are members of the Nations Funds Family, which consists of Nations
Fund Trust, Nations Fund, Inc., Nations Portfolios and Nations Institutional
Reserves. The Nations Funds Family currently has more than 50 distinct
investment portfolios and total assets in excess of $20 billion.

 

Nations Fund, Inc. was incorporated in Maryland on December 13, 1983, but had no
operations prior to December 15, 1986. Nations Fund, Inc.'s fiscal year end is
March 31; prior to 1996, Nations Fund, Inc.'s fiscal year end was May 31. As of
the date of this Prospectus, the authorized capital stock of Nations Fund, Inc.
consists of 420,000,000,000 shares of common stock, par value of $.001 per
share, which are divided into series or funds each of which consists of separate
classes of shares. This Prospectus relates only to the Primary B Shares of the
following funds of Nations Fund, Inc.: Nations International Growth Fund,
Nations Small Company Growth Fund and Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund. To
obtain additional information regarding the Funds' other classes of shares which
may be avail-

 
12
 
<PAGE>

able to you, contact your Institution (as defined below) or Nations Funds at
1-800-621-2192.

 
Shares of each fund and class have equal rights with respect to voting, except
that the holders of shares of a particular fund or class will have the exclusive
right to vote on matters affecting only the rights of the holders of such fund
or class. In the event of dissolution or liquidation, holders of each class will
receive pro rata, subject to the rights of creditors, (a) the proceeds of the
sale of that portion of the assets allocated to that class held in the
respective fund of Nations Fund, Inc., less (b) the liabilities of Nations Fund,
Inc. attributable to the respective fund or class or allocated among the funds
or classes based on the respective liquidation value of each fund or class.
 
Shareholders of Nations Fund, Inc. do not have cumulative voting rights, and
therefore the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of all funds
voting together for election of directors may elect all of the members of the
Board of Directors of Nations Fund, Inc. Meetings of shareholders may be called
upon the request of 10% or more of the outstanding shares of Nations Fund, Inc.
There are no preemptive rights applicable to any of Nations Fund, Inc.'s shares.
Nations Fund, Inc.'s shares, when issued, will be fully paid and non-assessable.
 

As of May   , 1997, NationsBank and its affiliates possessed or shared power to
dispose of or vote with respect to more than 25% of the outstanding shares of
Nations Fund, Inc. and therefore could be considered to be a controlling person
of Nations Fund, Inc. for purposes of the Investment Company Act of 1940 ("the
1940 Act"). For more detailed information concerning the percentage of each
class or series over which NationsBank and its affiliates possessed or shared
power to dispose or vote as of a certain date, see Nations Fund, Inc.'s SAI. It
is anticipated that Nations Fund, Inc. will not hold annual shareholder meetings
on a regular basis unless required by the 1940 Act or Maryland law.

 
About Your Investment
 
   How To Buy Shares
 

Primary B Shares may be purchased through banks, broker/dealers or other
financial institutions (including certain affiliates of NationsBank)
("Institutions") that have entered into a shareholder administration agreement
(an "Administration Agreement") with Nations Funds and/or a selling agreement
with Stephens.

 
Primary B Shares are purchased at net asset value per share without the
imposition of a sales charge according to procedures established by the
Institution. Institutions, however, may charge the accounts of their customers
("Customers") for services provided in connection with the purchase of shares.
Purchases of the Funds may be effected on days on which the New York Stock
Exchange (the "Exchange") is open for business ("Business Day").
 
There is a minimum initial investment of $1,000 for each record holder; there is
no minimum subsequent investment.
 

Pursuant to the Administration Agreements, Institutions will provide various
shareholder services for their Customers that own Primary B Shares. From time to
time, Nations Funds may voluntarily reduce the maximum fees payable for
shareholder services.

 

Nations Funds and Stephens reserve the right to reject any purchase order. The
issuance of Primary B Shares is recorded on the books of the Funds, and share
certificates are not issued.

 
Purchase orders for Primary B Shares in the Funds which are received by Stephens
or by the Transfer Agent before the close of regular trading hours on the
Exchange (currently 4:00 p.m., Eastern time) on any Business Day are priced
according to the net asset value determined on that day but are not executed
until 4:00 p.m., Eastern time, on the Business Day on which immediately
available funds in payment of the purchase price are received by the Fund's
Custodian. Such payment must be received no later than 4:00 p.m., Eastern time,
by the third Business Day following receipt of the order. If funds are not
received by such date, the order will not be accepted and notice thereof will be
given to the Institution placing the order. Payment for orders which are not
received or accepted will be returned after prompt inquiry to the sending
Institution.
 

Institutions are responsible for transmitting orders for purchases of Primary B
Shares by their Customers, and for delivering required funds, on a timely basis.
It is the responsibility of Stephens to transmit orders it receives to Nations
Funds.

 
                                                                              13
 
<PAGE>
   How To Redeem Shares
 

Customers may redeem all or part of their Primary B Shares in accordance with
instructions and limitations pertaining to their account at an Institution. It
is the responsibility of the Institutions to transmit redemption orders to
Stephens or to the Transfer Agent and to credit their Customers' accounts with
the redemption proceeds on a timely basis. It is the responsibility of Stephens
to transmit orders that it receives to Nations Funds. No charge for wiring
redemption payments is imposed by Nations Funds, although the Institutions may
charge their Customer accounts for these or other services provided in
connection with the redemption of Primary B Shares. Information concerning these
services and any charges are available from the Institutions. Redemption orders
are effected at the net asset value per share next determined after acceptance
of the order by Stephens or by the Transfer Agent.

 
With respect to the Funds, redemption proceeds are normally remitted in federal
funds wired to the redeeming Institution within three Business Days following
receipt of the order.
 

Nations Funds may redeem a shareholder's Primary B Shares if the balance in such
shareholder's account drops below $500 as a result of redemptions, and the
shareholder does not increase his or her balance to at least $500 on 60 days'
written notice. If a shareholder has agreed with a particular Institution to
maintain a minimum balance in his or her account at the Institution, and the
balance in such Institution account falls below that minimum, the shareholder
may be obliged to redeem all or a part of his or her Primary B Shares in the
Funds to the extent necessary to maintain the required minimum balance in such
Institution account. Nations Funds also may redeem shares involuntarily or make
payment for redemption in readily marketable securities or other property under
certain circumstances in accordance with the 1940 Act.

 
   How To Exchange Shares
 
The exchange feature enables a shareholder of Primary B Shares of a Fund to
acquire Primary B Shares of another Fund when that shareholder believes that a
shift between Funds is an appropriate investment decision. An exchange of
Primary B Shares for Primary B Shares of another Fund is made on the basis of
the next calculated net asset value per share of each Fund after the exchange
order is received.
 

The Funds and each of the other funds of Nations Funds may limit the number of
times this exchange feature may be exercised by a shareholder within a specified
period of time. Also, the exchange feature may be terminated or revised at any
time by Nations Funds upon such notice as may be required by applicable
regulatory agencies (presently 60 days for termination or material revision),
provided that the exchange feature may be terminated or materially revised
without notice under certain unusual circumstances.

 

The current prospectus for each fund of Nations Funds describes its investment
objective and policies, and shareholders should obtain a copy and examine it
carefully before investing. Exchanges are subject to the minimum investment
requirement and any other conditions imposed by each fund. In the case of any
shareholder holding a share certificate or certificates, no exchanges may be
made until all applicable share certificates have been received by the Transfer
Agent and deposited in the shareholder's account. An exchange will be treated
for Federal income tax purposes the same as a redemption of shares, on which the
shareholder may realize a capital gain or loss. However, the ability to deduct
capital losses on an exchange may be limited in situations where there is an
exchange of shares within 90 days after the shares are purchased.

 

Nations Funds reserves the right to reject any exchange request. Only shares
that may legally be sold in the state of the investor's residence may be
acquired in an exchange. Only shares of a class that is accepting investments
generally may be acquired in an exchange.

 
Provided your Institution allows telephone exchanges, during periods of
significant economic or market change, such telephone exchanges may be difficult
to complete. In such event, shares may be exchanged by mailing your request
directly to the Institution through which the original shares were purchased.
Investors should consult their Institution or Stephens for further information
regarding exchanges.
 
Primary B Shares may be exchanged by directing a request directly to the
Institution through which the original Primary B Shares were purchased or in
some cases Stephens or the Transfer Agent. Investors should consult their
Institution or Stephens for further information regarding exchanges. Your
exchange feature may be governed by your account agreement with your
Institution.
 
14
 
<PAGE>
   Shareholder Administration Arrangements
 
The Funds have adopted a Shareholder Administration Plan (the "Administration
Plan") pursuant to which Institutions provide shareholder administration
services to their Customers who from time to time beneficially own Primary B
Shares. Payments under the Administration Plan are calculated daily and paid
monthly at a rate or rates set from time to time by the Funds, provided that the
annual rate may not exceed 0.60% of the average daily net asset value of the
Primary B Shares beneficially owned by Customers with whom the Institutions have
a servicing relationship. Additionally, in no event may the portion of the
shareholder administration fee that constitutes a "service fee," as that term is
defined in Article III, Section 26(b)(9) of the Rules of Fair Practice of the
NASD, exceed 0.25% of the average daily net asset value of such Primary B Shares
of a Fund. Holders of Primary B Shares will bear all fees paid to Institutions
under the Administration Plan.
 
Such shareholder administration services supplement the services provided by
Stephens, First Data and the Transfer Agent to shareholders of record. The
shareholder administration services provided by Institutions may include: (i)
aggregating and processing purchase and redemption requests for Primary B Shares
from Customers and transmitting promptly net purchase and redemption orders to
Stephens or the Transfer Agent; (ii) providing Customers with a service that
invests the assets of their accounts in Primary B Shares pursuant to specific or
pre-authorized instructions; (iii) processing dividend and distribution payments
from the Funds on behalf of Customers; (iv) providing information periodically
to Customers showing their positions in Primary B Shares; (v) arranging for bank
wires; (vi) responding to Customers' inquiries concerning their investment in
Primary B Shares; (vii) providing sub-accounting with respect to Primary B
Shares beneficially owned by Customers or the information necessary for
sub-accounting; (viii) if required by law, forwarding shareholder communications
(such as proxies, shareholder reports, annual and semi-annual financial
statements and dividend, distribution and tax notices) to Customers; (ix)
forwarding to Customers proxy statements and proxies containing any proposals
regarding the Administration Agreement; (x) employee benefit plan recordkeeping,
administration, custody and trustee services; (xi) general shareholder liaison
services; and (xii) providing such other similar services as may be reasonably
requested.
 

Nations Funds may suspend or reduce payments under the Administration Plan at
any time, and payments are subject to the continuation of the Administration
Plan described above and the terms of the Administration Agreement between
Institutions and Nations Funds. See the SAI for more details on the
Administration Plan.

 
The Administration Plan also provides that, to the extent any portion of the
fees payable under the Administration Plan is deemed to be for services
primarily intended to result in the sale of Fund shares, such fees are deemed
approved and may be paid under the Administration Plan. Accordingly, the
Administration Plan has been approved and will be operated pursuant to Rule
12b-1 under the 1940 Act.
 

Nations Funds understands that Institutions may charge fees to their Customers
who are the owners of Primary B Shares in connection with their Customers'
accounts. These fees would be in addition to any amounts which may be received
by an Institution under its Administration Agreement with Nations Funds. The
Administration Agreement requires an Institution to disclose to its Customers
any compensation payable to the Institution by Nations Funds and any other
compensation payable by the Customers in connection with the investment of their
assets in Primary B Shares. Customers of Institutions should read this
Prospectus in light of the terms governing their accounts with their
Institutions.

 

Conflict of interest restrictions may apply to the receipt by Institutions of
compensation from Nations Funds in connection with the investment of fiduciary
assets in Primary B Shares. Institutions, including banks regulated by the
Comptroller of the Currency, the Federal Reserve Board, or the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation, and investment advisers and other money managers subject
to the jurisdiction of the SEC, the Department of Labor, or state securities
commissions, are urged to consult their legal advisers before investing such
assets in Primary B Shares.

 
   How The Funds Value Their Shares
 
The net asset value of a share of each class is calculated by dividing the total
value of its assets, less liabilities, by the number of shares in the class
outstanding. Shares of the Funds are valued as of the close of regular trading
on the Exchange (currently 4:00 p.m., Eastern time) on each Business Day.
Currently, the days on which the Exchange is closed (other than weekends) are:
New Year's Day, President's Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day (observed),
Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
 

The Funds' portfolio securities for which market quotations are readily
available are valued at market value. Short-term investments that will mature in
60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value.
All other securities are valued at their fair value following procedures
approved by the Directors.

 
                                                                              15
 
<PAGE>
   How Dividends And Distributions Are Made;
   Tax Information
 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS: Even though the Funds seek to manage taxable
distributions, the Funds may be expected to earn and distribute taxable income
and may also be expected to realize and distribute capital gains from time to
time. Nations International Growth Fund and Nations Small Company Growth Fund
declare and pay dividends from net investment income each calendar quarter, and
Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund declares dividends daily and pays them
monthly. Each Fund's net realized capital gains (including net short-term
capital gains) are distributed at least annually.

 

Primary B Shares of Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund are eligible to begin
earning dividends that are declared on the day the purchase order is executed
and continue to be eligible for dividends through and including the day before
the redemption order is executed. Primary B Shares of Nations International
Growth Fund and Nations Small Company Growth Fund are eligible to receive
dividends when declared, provided however, that the purchase order for such
shares is received at least one day prior to the dividend declaration and such
shares continue to be eligible for dividends through and including the day
before the redemption order is executed. Distributions paid by the Funds with
respect to one class of shares may be greater or less than those paid with
respect to another class of shares due to the different expenses of the
different classes.

 
The net asset value of Primary B Shares in the Funds will be reduced by the
amount of any dividend or distribution. Dividends and distributions are paid in
cash within five Business Days of the end of the month or quarter to which the
dividend relates. Certain purchasing Institutions may provide for the
reinvestment of dividends in additional Primary B Shares of the same Fund.
Dividends and distributions payable to a shareholder are paid in cash within
five Business Days after a shareholder's complete redemption of his or her
Primary B Shares in a Fund. Each Fund's net investment income available for
distribution to the holders of Primary B Shares will be reduced by the amount of
administration fees payable to Institutions under the Administration Agreements.
 
TAX INFORMATION: Each Fund intends to qualify as a separate "regulated
investment company" under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code"). Such qualification relieves a Fund of liability for Federal income tax
to the extent its earnings are distributed in accordance with the Code.
 
Each Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its investment company
taxable income and net tax-exempt income each taxable year. Such distributions
by a Fund of its net investment income (including net foreign currency gains)
and the excess, if any, of its net short-term capital gain over its net
long-term capital loss will be taxable as ordinary income to shareholders who
are not currently exempt from Federal income tax, whether such income is
received in cash or reinvested in additional shares. (Federal income tax for
distributions to an Individual Retirement Account are generally deferred under
the Code.)
 

Corporate shareholders in the Funds may be entitled to the dividends-received
deduction for distributions from those Funds investing in the stock of domestic
corporations to the extent of the total qualifying dividends received by the
distributing Fund. Corporate shareholders of Nations International Growth Fund
and Nations Small Company Growth Fund may be eligible for the dividends-received
deduction on the dividends (excluding the net capital gains dividends) paid by
these Funds to the extent that each such Fund's income is derived from dividends
(which, if received directly, would qualify for such deduction) received from
domestic corporations. In order to qualify for the dividends-received deduction,
a corporate shareholder must hold the fund shares paying the dividends upon
which the deduction is based for at least 46 days.

 
Substantially all of the net realized long-term capital gains of the Funds, if
any, will be distributed at least annually to such Funds' shareholders. The
Funds will generally have no tax liability with respect to such gains, and the
distributions will be taxable to such shareholders who are not currently exempt
from Federal income tax as long-term capital gains, regardless of how long the
shareholders have held such Funds' shares and whether such gains are received in
cash or reinvested in additional shares.
 

Portions of each Fund's investment income may be subject to foreign income taxes
withheld at their source. Tax conventions between certain countries and the
United States may reduce or eliminate such taxes. Generally, more than 50% of
the value of the total assets of each Fund will consist of securities of foreign
issuers, and therefore each Fund may elect to "pass through" to its shareholders
these foreign taxes, if any. In such event each shareholder will be required to
include his or her pro rata portion thereof in his or her gross income, but will
be able to deduct or (subject to various limitations) claim a foreign tax credit
against U.S. income tax for such amount.

 
Each year, shareholders will be notified as to the amount and Federal tax status
of all dividends and capital gains paid during the prior year. Such dividends
and capital gains may also be subject to state and local taxes.
 
Dividends declared in October, November or December of any year payable to
shareholders of record on a specified date in such months will be deemed to have
been
 
16
 
<PAGE>
received by shareholders and paid by a Fund on December 31 of such year in the
event such dividends are actually paid during January of the following year.
 

Federal law requires Nations Funds to withhold 31% from any dividends (other
than exempt-interest dividends) paid by Nations Funds and/or redemptions
(including exchange redemptions) that occur in certain shareholder accounts if
the shareholder has not properly furnished a certified correct Taxpayer
Identification Number and has not certified that withholding does not apply. If
the Internal Revenue Service has notified Nations Funds that the Taxpayer
Identification Number listed on a shareholder account is incorrect according to
its records, or that the shareholder is subject to backup withholding, the Fund
is required by the Internal Revenue Service to withhold 31% of any dividend
(other than exempt-interest dividends) and/or redemption (including exchange
redemptions). Amounts withheld are applied to the shareholder's Federal tax
liability, and a refund may be obtained from the Internal Revenue Service if
withholding results in overpayment of taxes. Federal law also requires the Funds
to withhold 30% or the applicable tax treaty rate from dividends paid to certain
nonresident alien, non-U.S. partnership and non-U.S. corporation shareholder
accounts.

 

The foregoing discussion is based on tax laws and regulations that were in
effect as of the date of this Prospectus and summarizes only some of the
important tax considerations generally affecting the Funds and their
shareholders. It is not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning.
Accordingly, potential investors should consult their tax advisors with specific
reference to their own tax situations. Further tax information is contained in
the SAI.

 
   Appendix A -- Portfolio Securities
 

The following are summary descriptions of certain types of instruments in which
a Fund may invest. The "How Objectives Are Pursued" section of this Prospectus
identifies each Fund's permissible investments, and the SAI contains more
information concerning such investments.

 
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES: Asset-backed securities arise through the grouping by
governmental, government-related, and private organizations of loans,
receivables, or other assets originated by various lenders. Asset-backed
securities consist of both mortgage- and non-mortgage-backed securities.
Interests in pools of these assets may differ from other forms of debt
securities, which normally provide for periodic payment of interest in fixed
amounts with principal paid at maturity or specified call dates. Conversely,
asset-backed securities provide periodic payments which may consist of both
interest and principal payments.
The life of an asset-backed security varies depending upon the rate of the
prepayment of the underlying debt instruments. The rate of such prepayments will
be a function of current market interest rates and other economic and
demographic factors. For example, falling interest rates generally result in an
increase in the rate of prepayments of mortgage loans while rising interest
rates generally decrease the rate of prepayments. An acceleration in prepayments
in response to sharply falling interest rates will shorten the security's
average maturity and limit the potential appreciation in the security's value
relative to a conventional debt security. Consequently, asset-backed securities
may not be as effective in locking in high, long-term yields. Conversely, in
periods of sharply rising rates, prepayments are generally slow, increasing the
security's average life and its potential for price depreciation.
 
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES: Mortgage-backed securities represent an ownership
interest in a pool of mortgage loans.
 
Mortgage pass-through securities may represent participation interests in pools
of residential mortgage loans originated by U.S. governmental or private lenders
and guaranteed, to the extent provided in such securities, by the U.S.
Government or one of its agencies, authorities or instrumentalities. Such
securities, which are ownership interests in the underlying mortgage loans,
differ from conventional debt securities, which provide for periodic payment of
interest in fixed amounts (usually semi-annually) and principal payments at
maturity or on specified call dates. Mortgage pass-through securities provide
for monthly payments that are a "pass-through" of the monthly interest and
principal payments (including any prepayments) made by the individual borrowers
on the pooled mortgage loans, net of any fees paid to the guarantor of such
securities and the servicer of the underlying mortgage loans.
 
The guaranteed mortgage pass-through securities in which a Fund may invest may
include those issued or guaranteed by GNMA, by FNMA and FHLMC. Such Certificates
are mortgage-backed securities which represent a partial ownership interest in a
pool of mortgage loans issued by lenders such as mortgage bankers, commercial
banks and savings and loan associations. Such mortgage loans may have fixed or
adjustable rates of interest.
 
The average life of a mortgage-backed security is likely to be substantially
less than the original maturity of the mortgage pools underlying the securities.
Prepayments of principal by mortgagors and mortgage foreclosures will usually
result in the return of the greater part of
 
                                                                              17
 
<PAGE>
principal invested far in advance of the maturity of the mortgages in the pool.
 
The yield which will be earned on mortgage-backed securities may vary from their
coupon rates for the following reasons: (i) Certificates may be issued at a
premium or discount, rather than at par; (ii) Certificates may trade in the
secondary market at a premium or discount after issuance; (iii) interest is
earned and compounded monthly which has the effect of raising the effective
yield earned on the Certificates; and (iv) the actual yield of each Certificate
is affected by the prepayment of mortgages included in the mortgage pool
underlying the Certificates and the rate at which principal so prepaid is
reinvested. In addition, prepayment of mortgages included in the mortgage pool
underlying a GNMA Certificate purchased at a premium may result in a loss to the
Fund.
 
Mortgage-backed securities issued by private issuers, whether or not such
obligations are subject to guarantees by the private issuer, may entail greater
risk than obligations directly or indirectly guaranteed by the U.S. Government.
 

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations or "CMOs" are debt obligations
collateralized by mortgage loans or mortgage pass-through securities (collateral
collectively hereinafter referred to as "Mortgage Assets"). Multi-class pass-
through securities are interests in a trust composed of Mortgage Assets and all
references herein to CMOs will include multi-class pass-through securities.
Payments of principal of and interest on the Mortgage Assets, and any
reinvestment income thereon, provide the funds to pay debt service on the CMOs
or make scheduled distribution on the multi-class pass-through securities.

 
Moreover, principal prepayments on the Mortgage Assets may cause the CMOs to be
retired substantially earlier than their stated maturities or final distribution
dates, resulting in a loss of all or part of the premium if any has been paid.
Interest is paid or accrues on all classes of the CMOs on a monthly, quarterly
or semiannual basis.
 
The principal and interest payments on the Mortgage Assets may be allocated
among the various classes of CMOs in several ways. Typically, payments of
principal, including any prepayments, on the underlying mortgages are applied to
the classes in the order of their respective stated maturities or final
distribution dates, so that no payment of principal is made on CMOs of a class
until all CMOs of other classes having earlier stated maturities or final
distribution dates have been paid in full.
 
Stripped mortgage-backed securities ("SMBS") are derivative multi-class mortgage
securities. A Fund will only invest in SMBS that are obligations backed by the
full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. SMBS are usually structured with
two classes that receive different proportions of the interest and principal
distributions from a pool of Mortgage Assets. A Fund will only invest in SMBS
whose Mortgage Assets are U.S. Government obligations.
 
A common type of SMBS will be structured so that one class receives some of the
interest and most of the principal from the Mortgage Assets, while the other
class receives most of the interest and the remainder of the principal. If the
underlying Mortgage Assets experience greater than anticipated prepayments of
principal, a Fund may fail to fully recoup its initial investment in these
securities. The market value of any class which consists primarily or entirely
of principal payments generally is unusually volatile in response to changes in
interest rates.
 

The average life of mortgage-backed securities varies with the maturities of the
underlying mortgage instruments, which have maximum maturities of 40 years. The
average life is likely to be substantially less than the original maturity of
the mortgage pools underlying the securities as the result of mortgage
prepayments, mortgage refinancings, or foreclosures. The rate of mortgage
prepayments, and hence the average life of the certificates, will be a function
of the level of interest rates, general economic conditions, the location and
age of the mortgage and other social and demographic conditions. Such
prepayments are passed through to the registered holder with the regular monthly
payments of principal and interest and have the effect of reducing future
payments. Estimated average life will be determined by the Adviser and used for
the purpose of determining the average weighted maturity and duration of the
Funds. For additional information concerning mortgage-backed securities, see the
SAI.

 

BANK INSTRUMENTS: Bank instruments consist mainly of certificates of deposit,
time deposits and bankers' acceptances. The Funds will limit their investments
in bank obligations so they do not exceed 25% of each Fund's total assets at the
time of purchase.

 
U.S. dollar-denominated obligations issued by foreign branches of domestic banks
("Eurodollar" obligations) and domestic branches of foreign banks ("Yankee
dollar" obligations) and other foreign obligations involve special investment
risks, including the possibility that liquidity could be impaired because of
future political and economic developments, the obligations may be less
marketable than comparable domestic obligations of domestic issuers, a foreign
jurisdiction might impose withholding taxes on interest income payable on such
obligations, deposits may be seized or nationalized, foreign governmental
restrictions such as exchange controls may be adopted which might adversely
affect the payment of principal of and interest on such obligations, the
selection of foreign obligations may be more difficult because there may be less
publicly available information concern-
 
18
 
<PAGE>
ing foreign issuers, there may be difficulties in enforcing a judgment against a
foreign issuer or the accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards,
practices and requirements applicable to foreign issuers may differ from those
applicable to domestic issuers. In addition, foreign banks are not subject to
examination by U.S. Government agencies or instrumentalities.
 
BORROWINGS: When a Fund borrows money, the net asset value of a share may be
subject to greater fluctuation until the borrowing is paid off. The Funds may
borrow money from banks for temporary purposes in amounts of up to one-third of
their respective total assets, provided that borrowings in excess of 5% of the
value of the Funds' total assets must be repaid prior to the purchase of
portfolio securities. Pursuant to line of credit arrangements, certain of the
Funds may borrow primarily for temporary or emergency purposes, including the
meeting of redemption requests that otherwise might require the untimely
disposition of securities.
 
Reverse repurchase agreements and dollar roll transactions may be considered to
be borrowings. When a Fund invests in a reverse repurchase agreement, it sells a
portfolio security to another party, such as a bank or broker/dealer, in return
for cash, and agrees to buy the security back at a future date and price.
Reverse repurchase agreements may be used to provide cash to satisfy unusually
heavy redemption requests without having to sell portfolio securities, or for
other temporary or emergency purposes. In addition, certain of the Funds may use
reverse repurchase agreements for the purpose of investing the proceeds in
tri-party repurchase agreements as discussed below. Generally, the effect of
such a transaction is that the Funds can recover all or most of the cash
invested in the portfolio securities involved during the term of the reverse
repurchase agreement, while they will be able to keep the interest income
associated with those portfolio securities. Such transactions are only
advantageous if the interest cost to the Funds of the reverse repurchase
transaction is less than the cost of obtaining the cash otherwise.
 
At the time a Fund enters into a reverse repurchase agreement, it may establish
a segregated account with its custodian bank in which it will maintain cash,
U.S. Government Securities or other liquid high grade debt obligations equal in
value to its obligations in respect of reverse repurchase agreements. Reverse
repurchase agreements involve the risk that the market value of the securities
the Funds are obligated to repurchase under the agreement may decline below the
repurchase price. In the event the buyer of securities under a reverse
repurchase agreement files for bankruptcy or becomes insolvent, the Funds' use
of proceeds of the agreement may be restricted pending a determination by the
other party, or its trustee or receiver, whether to enforce the Funds'
obligation to repurchase the securities. In addition, there is a risk of delay
in receiving collateral or securities or in repurchasing the securities covered
by the reverse repurchase agreement or even of a loss of rights in the
collateral or securities in the event the buyer of the securities under the
reverse repurchase agreement files for bankruptcy or becomes insolvent. The Fund
only enters into reverse repurchase agreements (and repurchase agreements) with
counterparties that are deemed by the Adviser to be credit worthy. Reverse
repurchase agreements are speculative techniques involving leverage, and are
subject to asset coverage requirements if the Funds do not establish and
maintain a segregated account (as described above). Under the requirements of
the 1940 Act, the Funds are required to maintain an asset coverage (including
the proceeds of the borrowings) of at least 300% of all borrowings. Depending on
market conditions, the Fund's asset coverage and other factors at the time of a
reverse repurchase, the Funds may not establish a segregated account when the
Adviser believes it is not in the best interests of the Funds to do so. In this
case, such reverse repurchase agreements will be considered borrowings subject
to the asset coverage described above.
 
Dollar roll transactions consist of the sale by a Fund of mortgage-backed or
other asset-backed securities, together with a commitment to purchase similar,
but not identical, securities at a future date, at the same price. In addition,
a Fund is paid a fee as consideration for entering into the commitment to
purchase. If the broker/dealer to whom a Fund sells the security becomes
insolvent, the Fund's right to purchase or repurchase the security may be
restricted; the value of the security may change adversely over the term of the
dollar roll; the security that the Fund is required to repurchase may be worth
less than the security that the Fund originally held, and the return earned by
the Fund with the proceeds of a dollar roll may not exceed transaction costs.
 

COMMON AND PREFERRED STOCKS: Common stocks are generally more volatile than
other securities. Preferred stocks share some of the characteristics of both
debt and equity and are generally preferred over common stocks with respect to
dividends and in liquidation.

 
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES, PREFERRED STOCK, AND WARRANTS: Certain of the Funds may
invest in debt securities convertible into or exchangeable for equity
securities, preferred stocks or warrants. Preferred stocks are securities that
represent an ownership interest in a corporation providing the owner with claims
on a company's earnings and assets before common stock owners, but after bond or
other debt security owners. Warrants are options to buy a stated number of
shares of common stock at a specified price any time during the life of the
warrants.
 

CURRENCY SWAPS: Nations International Growth Fund may enter into currency swaps
for hedging purposes and to seek to increase total return. Currency swaps
involve the exchange of rights to make or receive payments in

 
                                                                              19
 
<PAGE>

specified currencies. Since currency swaps are individually negotiated, the Fund
expects to achieve an acceptable degree of correlation between its portfolio
investments and its currency swap positions. Currency swaps usually involve the
delivery of the entire principal value of one designated currency in exchange
for the other designated currency. Therefore, the entire principal value of a
currency swap is subject to the risk that the other party to the swap will
default on its contractual delivery obligations.

 

The use of currency swaps is a highly specialized activity which involves
investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary
portfolio securities transactions. If Kleinwort Benson is incorrect in its
forecasts of market values and currency exchange rates, the investment
performance of the Fund would be less favorable than it would be if this
investment technique were not used.

 

EMERGING MARKETS: Nations International Growth Fund may invest up to 35% of its
total assets in one or more countries with emerging economies. These countries
are located in the Asia-Pacific region, Eastern Europe, Latin and South America,
Africa and, subject to approval by the Board of Directors, the former Soviet
Union and the Middle East. Political and economic structures in many of such
countries may be undergoing significant evolution and rapid development, and
such countries may lack the social, political and economic stability
characteristic of more developed countries. Certain of such countries may have
in the past failed to recognize private property rights and have at times
nationalized or expropriated the assets of private companies. As a result, the
risks described above, including the risks of nationalization or expropriation
of assets, may be heightened. In addition, unanticipated political or social
developments may affect the values of the Fund's investments in those countries
and the availability to the Fund of additional investments in those countries.
The small size and inexperience of the securities markets in certain of such
countries and the limited volume of trading in securities in those countries may
make the Fund's investments in such countries illiquid and more volatile than
investments in most other non-major U.S. markets, and the Fund may be required
to establish special custodial or other arrangements before making certain
investments in those countries. There may be little financial or accounting
information available with respect to issuers located in certain of such
countries, and it may be difficult as a result to assess the value of prospects
of an investment in such issuers.

 
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS: Certain of the Funds may enter into foreign
currency exchange transactions to convert foreign currencies to and from the
U.S. Dollar. A Fund either enters into these transactions on a spot (I.E., cash)
basis at the spot rate prevailing in the foreign currency exchange market, or
uses forward contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies. A forward foreign
currency exchange contract is an obligation by a Fund 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.
 
Foreign currency hedging transactions are an attempt to protect a Fund against
changes in foreign currency exchange rates between the trade and settlement
dates of specific securities transactions or changes in foreign currency
exchange rates that would adversely affect a portfolio position or an
anticipated portfolio position. Although these transactions tend to minimize the
risk of loss due to a decline in the value of the hedged currency, at the same
time they tend to limit any potential gain that might be realized should the
value of the hedged currency increase. Neither spot transactions nor forward
foreign currency exchange contracts eliminate fluctuations in the prices of a
Fund's portfolio securities or in foreign exchange rates, or prevent loss if the
prices of these securities should decline.
 
A Fund will generally enter into forward currency exchange contracts only under
two circumstances: (i) when the Fund enters into a contract for the purchase or
sale of a security denominated in a foreign currency, to "lock" in the U.S.
dollar price of the security; and (ii) when the Adviser believes that the
currency of a particular foreign country may experience a substantial movement
against another currency. Under certain circumstances, the Fund may commit a
substantial portion of its portfolio to the execution of these contracts. The
Adviser will consider the effects such a commitment would have on the investment
program of the Fund and the flexibility of the Fund to purchase additional
securities. Although forward contracts will be used primarily to protect the
Fund from adverse currency movements, they also involve the risk that
anticipated currency movements will not be accurately predicted.
 
FOREIGN SECURITIES: Foreign securities include debt and equity obligations
(dollar- and non-dollar-denominated) of foreign corporations and banks as well
as obligations of foreign governments and their political subdivisions (which
will be limited to direct government obligations and government-guaranteed
securities). Such investments may subject a Fund to special investment risks,
including future political and economic developments, the possible imposition of
withholding taxes on interest income, possible seizure or nationalization of
foreign deposits, the possible establishment of exchange controls, or the
adoption of other foreign governmental restrictions which might adversely affect
the payment of principal and interest on such obligations. In addition, foreign
issuers in general may be subject to different accounting, auditing, reporting,
and record keeping standards than those applicable to domestic companies, and
securities of foreign issuers may be less liquid
 
20
 
<PAGE>
and their prices more volatile than those of comparable domestic issuers.
 
Investments in foreign securities may present additional risks, whether made
directly or indirectly, including the political or economic instability of the
issuer or the country of issue and the difficulty of predicting international
trade patterns. In addition, there may be less publicly available information
about a foreign company than about a U.S. company. Further, foreign securities
markets are generally not as developed or efficient as those in the U.S., and in
most foreign markets volume and liquidity are less than in the United States.
Fixed commissions on foreign securities exchanges are generally higher than the
negotiated commissions on U.S. exchanges, and there is generally less government
supervision and regulation of foreign securities exchanges, brokers, and
companies than in the United States. With respect to certain foreign countries,
there is a possibility of expropriation or confiscatory taxation, limitations on
the removal of funds or other assets, or diplomatic developments that could
affect investments within those countries. Because of these and other factors,
securities of foreign companies acquired by a Fund may be subject to greater
fluctuation in price than securities of domestic companies.
 
FUTURES, OPTIONS AND OTHER DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS: Certain of the Funds may
attempt to reduce the overall level of investment risk of particular securities
and attempt to protect a Fund against adverse market movements by investing in
futures, options and other derivative instruments. These include the purchase
and writing of options on securities (including index options) and options on
foreign currencies, and investing in futures contracts for the purchase or sale
of instruments based on financial indices, including interest rate indices or
indices of U.S. or foreign government, equity or fixed income securities
("futures contracts"), options on futures contracts, forward contracts and swaps
and swap-related products such as equity swap contracts, interest rate swaps,
currency swaps, caps, collars and floors.
 

The use of futures, options, forward contracts and swaps exposes a Fund to
additional investment risks and transaction costs. If the Adviser incorrectly
analyzes market conditions or does not employ the appropriate strategy with
respect to these instruments, a Fund could be left in a less favorable position.
Additional risks inherent in the use of futures, options, forward contracts and
swaps include: imperfect correlation between the price of futures, options and
forward contracts and movements in the prices of the securities or currencies
being hedged; the possible absence of a liquid secondary market for any
particular instrument at any time; and the possible need to defer closing out
certain hedged positions to avoid adverse tax consequences. A Fund may not
purchase put and call options which are traded on a national stock exchange in
an amount exceeding 5% of its net assets. Further information on the use of
futures, options and other derivative instruments, and the associated risks, is
contained in the SAI.

 

OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANIES: Each Fund may invest in securities issued by other
investment companies to the extent that such investments are consistent with the
Fund's investment objective and policies and permissible under the 1940 Act. As
a shareholder of another investment company, a Fund would bear, along with other
shareholders, its pro rata portion of the other investment 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.

 

PARTICIPATIONS AND TRUST RECEIPTS: Each Fund may purchase from domestic
financial institutions and trusts created by such institutions participation
interests and trust receipts in high quality debt securities. A participation
interest or receipt gives a Fund an undivided interest in the security in the
proportion that a Fund's participation interest or receipt bears to the total
principal amount of the security. Each Fund intends only to purchase
participations and trust receipts from an entity or syndicate, and does not
intend to serve as a co-lender in any such activity.

 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS: A repurchase agreement involves the purchase of a
security by a Fund and a simultaneous agreement (generally with a bank or
broker/dealer) to repurchase that security from the Fund at a specified price
and date or upon demand. This technique offers a method of earning income on
idle cash. A risk associated with repurchase agreements is the failure of the
seller to repurchase the securities as agreed, which may cause a Fund to suffer
a loss if the market value of such securities declines before they can be
liquidated on the open market. Repurchase agreements with a duration of more
than seven days are considered illiquid securities and are subject to the limit
stated above. A Fund may enter into joint repurchase agreements jointly with
other investment portfolios of Nations Funds.

 
SECURITIES LENDING: To increase return on portfolio securities, the Funds may
lend their portfolio securities to broker/dealers and other institutional
investors pursuant to agreements requiring that the loans be continuously
secured by collateral equal at all times in value to at least the market value
of the securities loaned. There is a risk of delay in receiving collateral or in
recovering the securities loaned or even a loss of rights in the collateral
should the borrower of the securities fail financially. However, loans are made
only to borrowers deemed by the Adviser to be of credit worthy and when, in
their judgment, the income to be earned from the loan justifies the attendant
risks. The aggregate of all outstanding loans of a Fund may not exceed 30% of
the value of its total assets.
 
                                                                              21
 
<PAGE>

SMALL CAPITALIZATION COMPANIES: Nations International Growth Fund may invest in
smaller, lesser-known companies which Kleinwort Benson believes offer greater
growth potential than larger, more mature, better-known firms. Investing in the
securities of such companies, however, may also involve greater risk and the
possibility of greater portfolio price volatility. Among the reasons for the
greater price volatility of these small company and unseasoned stocks are the
less certain growth prospects of smaller firms, the lower degree of liquidity in
the markets for such stocks, and the greater sensitivity of small companies to
changing economic conditions. For example, these companies are associated with
higher investment risk than that normally associated with larger firms due to
the greater business risks of small size and limited product lines, markets,
distribution channels and financial and managerial resources.

 

STRIPPED SECURITIES: Each Fund may invest in instruments known as "stripped"
securities. These instruments include U.S. Treasury bonds and notes and federal
agency obligations on which the unmatured interest coupons have been separated
from the underlying obligation. These obligations are usually issued at a
discount to their "face value", and because of the manner in which principal and
interest are returned may exhibit greater price volatility than more
conventional debt securities. Each Fund may invest in "interest only" stripped
securities that have been issued by a federal instrumentality known as the
Resolution Funding Corporation and other stripped securities issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Government, where the principal and interest components
are traded independently under the Separate Trading of Registered Interest and
Principal Securities program ("STRIPS"). Each Fund may also invest in
instruments that have been stripped by their holder, typically a custodian bank
or investment brokerage firm, and then resold in a custodian receipt program
under such names as TIGRS (Treasury Income Growth Receipts) and CATS
(Certificates of Accrual on Treasuries).

 

In addition, each Fund may purchase stripped mortgage-backed securities ("SMBS")
issued by the U.S. Government (or a U.S. Government agency or instrumentality)
or by private issuers such as banks and other institutions. SMBS, in particular,
may exhibit greater price volatility than ordinary debt securities because of
the manner in which their principal and interest are returned to investors.

 
U.S. GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS: U.S. Government Obligations consist of marketable
securities and instruments issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or any of
its agencies, authorities or instrumentalities. Direct obligations are issued by
the U.S. Treasury and include all U.S. Treasury instruments. U.S. Treasury
Obligations differ only in their interest rates, maturities and time of
issuance. Obligations of U.S. Government agencies, authorities and
instrumentalities are issued by government-sponsored agencies and enterprises
acting under authority of Congress. Although obligations of federal agencies,
authorities and instrumentalities are not debts the U.S. Treasury, some are
backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury, such as direct pass-
through certificates of the Government National Mortgage Association; some are
supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Government, such as
obligations of Federal Home Loan Banks and some are backed only by the credit of
the issuer itself, such as obligations of the Federal National Mortgage
Association. No assurance can be given that the U.S. Government would provide
financial support to government-sponsored instrumentalities if it is not
obligated to do so by law.
 
The market value of U.S. Government Obligations may fluctuate due to
fluctuations in market interest rates. As a general matter, the value of debt
instruments, including U.S. Government Obligations, declines when market
interest rates increase and rises when market interest rates decrease. Certain
types of U.S. Government Obligations are subject to fluctuations in yield or
value due to their structure or contract terms.
 
VARIABLE- AND FLOATING-RATE INSTRUMENTS: Certain instruments issued, guaranteed
or sponsored by the U.S. Government or its agencies, state and local government
issuers, and certain debt instruments issued by domestic and foreign banks and
corporations may carry variable or floating rates of interest. Such instruments
bear interest rates which are not fixed, but which vary with changes in
specified market rates or indices, such as a Federal Reserve composite index. A
variable-rate demand instrument is an obligation with a variable or floating
interest rate and an unconditional right of demand on the part of the holder to
receive payment of unpaid principal and accrued interest. An instrument with a
demand period exceeding seven days may be considered illiquid if there is no
secondary market for such security.
 
WHEN-ISSUED, DELAYED DELIVERY AND FORWARD COMMITMENT SECURITIES: The purchase of
new issues of securities on a "when-issued," "delayed delivery" or "forward
commitment" basis occurs when the payment for and delivery of securities takes
place at a future date. Because actual payment for and delivery of such
securities generally take place 15 to 45 days after the purchase date,
purchasers of such securities bear the risk that interest rates on debt
securities at the time of delivery may be higher or lower than those contracted
for on the security purchased.
 

ZERO COUPON SECURITIES: Each Fund may invest in zero coupon securities. Zero
coupon securities are debt obligations which do not entitle the holder to any
periodic payments of interest prior to maturity or a specified date when the
securities begin paying current interest

 
22
 
<PAGE>

(the "cash payment date") and therefore are issued and traded at a discount from
their face amounts or par value. Such bonds carry an additional risk in that,
unlike bonds which pay interest throughout the period to maturity, a Fund will
realize no cash until the cash payment date and, if the issuer defaults, the
Fund may obtain no return at all on its investment.

 

A Fund will be required to include in income daily portions of original issue
discount accrued which will cause the Fund to be required to make distributions
of such amounts to shareholders annually, even if no payment is received before
the distribution date. These distributions must be made from the Fund's cash
assets or, if necessary, from the proceeds of sales of portfolio securities. The
Fund will not be able to purchase additional income producing securities with
cash used to make such distributions and its current income ultimately may be
reduced as a result.

 
   Appendix B -- Description Of Ratings
 
The following summarizes the highest six ratings used by S&P for corporate and
municipal bonds. The first four ratings denote investment grade securities.
 
     AAA -- This is the highest rating assigned by S&P to a debt obligation and
     indicates an extremely strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal.
 
     AA -- Debt rated AA is considered to have a very strong capacity to pay
     interest and repay principal and differs from AAA issues only in a small
     degree.
 
     A -- Debt rated A has a 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 -- Debt rated BBB is 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 for those in
     higher-rated categories.
 
     BB, B -- Bonds rated BB and B are regarded, on balance, as predominantly
     speculative with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay principal in
     accordance with the terms of the obligation. BB represents the lowest
     degree of speculation and B a higher degree of speculation. While such
     bonds will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these
     are outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse
     conditions.
 
To provide more detailed indications of credit quality, the AA, A and BBB
ratings may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative
standing within these major rating categories.
 
The following summarizes the highest six ratings used by Moody's for corporate
and municipal bonds. The first four ratings denote investment grade securities.
 
     Aaa -- Bonds that are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality. They
     carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to
     as "gilt edge." Interest payments are protected by a large or by an
     exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure. While the various
     protective elements are likely to change, such changes as can be visualized
     are most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of such
     issues.
 
     Aa -- Bonds that are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all
     standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally
     known as high grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because
     margins of protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or
     fluctuation of protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there may
     be other elements present which make the long-term risks appear somewhat
     larger than in Aaa securities.
 
     A -- Bonds that are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes
     and are to be considered upper medium grade obligations. Factors giving
     security to principal and interest are considered adequate, but elements
     may be present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the
     future.
 
     Baa -- Bonds that are rated Baa are considered 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. Such bonds lack outstanding investment
     characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics as well.
 
     Ba -- Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements;
     their future cannot be considered as well assured. Often the protection of
     interest and principal payments may be very moderate and thereby not well
     safeguarded during both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of
     position characterizes bonds in this class.
 
                                                                              23
 
<PAGE>
     B -- Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the
     desirable investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of
     maintenance of other terms of the contract over any long period of time may
     be small.
 
Moody's applies numerical modifiers (1, 2 and 3) with respect to corporate bonds
rated Aa through B. The modifier 1 indicates that the bond being rated ranks in
the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a
mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates that the bond ranks in the lower
end of its generic rating category. With regard to municipal bonds, those bonds
in the Aa, A and Baa groups which Moody's believes possess the strongest
investment attributes are designated by the symbols Aa1, A1 or Baa1,
respectively.
 
The following summarizes the highest four ratings used by D&P for bonds, each of
which denotes that the securities are investment grade:
 
     AAA -- Bonds that are rated AAA are of the highest credit quality. The risk
     factors are considered to be negligible, being only slightly more than for
     risk-free U.S. Treasury debt.
 
     AA -- Bonds that are rated AA are of high credit quality. Protection
     factors are strong. Risk is modest, but may vary slightly from time to time
     because of economic conditions.
 
     A -- Bonds that are rated A have protection factors which are average but
     adequate. However, risk factors are more variable and greater in periods of
     economic stress.
 
     BBB -- Bonds that are rated BBB have below average protection factors but
     still are considered sufficient for prudent investment. Considerable
     variability in risk exists during economic cycles.
 
To provide more detailed indications of credit quality, the AA, A and BBB
ratings may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative
standing within these major categories.
 
The following summarizes the highest four ratings used by Fitch for bonds, each
of which denotes that the securities are investment grade:
 
     AAA -- Bonds considered to be investment grade and of the highest credit
     quality. The obligor has an exceptionally strong ability to pay interest
     and repay principal, which is unlikely to be affected by reasonably
     foreseeable events.
 
     AA -- Bonds considered to be investment grade and of very high credit
     quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is very
     strong, although not quite as strong as bonds rated AAA. Because bonds
     rated in the AAA and AA categories are not significantly vulnerable to
     foreseeable future developments, short-term debt of these issuers is
     generally rated F-1+.
 
     A -- Bonds considered to be investment grade and of high credit quality.
     The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is considered to
     be strong, but may be more vulnerable to adverse changes in economic
     conditions and circumstances than bonds with higher ratings.
 
     BBB -- Bonds considered to be investment grade and of satisfactory credit
     quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is
     considered to be adequate. Adverse changes in economic conditions and
     circumstances, however, are more likely to have adverse impact on these
     bonds, and therefore impair timely payment. The likelihood that the ratings
     of these bonds will fall below investment grade is higher than for bonds
     with higher ratings.
 
To provide more detailed indications of credit quality, the AA, A and BBB
ratings may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative
standing within these major rating categories.
 
The following summarizes the two highest ratings used by Moody's for short-term
municipal notes and variable rate demand obligations:
 
     MIG-1/VMIG-1 -- Obligations bearing these designations are of the best
     quality, enjoying strong protection from established cash flows, superior
     liquidity support or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for
     refinancing.
 
     MIG-2/VMIG-2 -- Obligations bearing these designations are of high quality,
     with ample margins of protection although not so large as in the preceding
     group.
 
The following summarizes the two highest ratings used by S&P for short-term
municipal notes:
 
     SP-1 -- Very strong or strong capacity to pay principal and interest. Those
     issues determined to possess overwhelming safety characteristics are given
     a "plus" (+) designation.
 
     SP-2 -- Satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest.
 
The three highest rating categories of D&P for short-term debt, each of which
denotes that the securities are investment grade, are D-1, D-2 and D-3. D&P
employs three designations, D-1+, D-1 and D-1-, within the highest rating
category. D-1+ indicates highest certainty of timely payment. Short-term
liquidity, including internal operating factors and/or access to alternative
sources of funds, is judged to be "outstanding, and safety is just below
risk-free U.S. Treasury short-term obligations."
 
24
 
<PAGE>
D-1 indicates very high certainty of timely payment. Liquidity factors are
excellent and supported by good fundamental protection factors. Risk factors are
considered to be minor. D-1- indicates high certainty of timely payment.
Liquidity factors are strong and supported by good fundamental protection
factors. Risk factors are very small. D-2 indicates good certainty of timely
payment. Liquidity factors and company fundamentals are sound. Although ongoing
funding needs may enlarge total financing requirements, access to capital
markets is good. Risk factors are small. D-3 indicates satisfactory liquidity
and other protection factors which qualify the issue as investment grade. Risk
factors are larger and subject to more variation. Nevertheless, timely payment
is expected.
 
The following summarizes the two highest rating categories used by Fitch for
short-term obligations, each of which denotes securities that are investment
grade:
 
     F-1+ securities possess exceptionally strong credit quality. Issues
     assigned this rating are regarded as having the strongest degree of
     assurance for timely payment.
 
     F-1 securities possess very strong credit quality. Issues assigned this
     rating reflect an assurance of timely payment only slightly less in degree
     than issues rated F-1+.
 
     F-2 securities possess good credit quality. Issues carrying this rating
     have a satisfactory degree of assurance for timely payment, but the margin
     of safety is not as great as for issues assigned the F-1+ and F-1 ratings.
 
Commercial paper rated A-1 by S&P indicates that the degree of safety regarding
timely payment is strong. Those issues determined to possess extremely strong
safety characteristics are denoted A-1+. Capacity for timely payment on
commercial paper rated A-2 is satisfactory, but the relative degree of safety is
not as high as for issues designated A-1.
 
The rating Prime-1 is the highest commercial paper rating assigned by Moody's.
Issuers rated Prime-1 (or related supporting institutions) are considered to
have a superior capacity for repayment of senior short-term promissory
obligations. Issuers rated Prime-2 (or related supporting institutions) are
considered to have a strong capacity for repayment of senior short-term
promissory obligations. This will normally be evidenced by many of the
characteristics of issuers rated Prime-1, but to a lesser degree. Earnings
trends and coverage ratios, while sound, will be more subject to variation.
Capitalization characteristics, while still appropriate, may be more affected by
external conditions. Ample alternate liquidity is maintained.
 
For commercial paper, D&P uses the short-term debt ratings described above.
 
For commercial paper, Fitch uses the short-term debt ratings described above.
 
BankWatch ratings are based upon a qualitative and quantitative analysis of all
segments of the organization including, where applicable, holding company and
operating subsidiaries. BankWatch ratings do not constitute a recommendation to
buy or sell securities of any of these companies. Further, BankWatch does not
suggest specific investment criteria for individual clients.
 
BankWatch long-term ratings apply to specific issues of long-term debt and
preferred stock. The long-term ratings specifically assess the likelihood of
untimely payment of principal or interest over the term to maturity of the rated
instrument. The following are the four investment grade ratings used by
BankWatch for long-term debt:
 
     AAA -- The highest category; indicates ability to repay principal and
     interest on a timely basis is extremely high.
 
     AA -- The second highest category; indicates a very strong ability to repay
     principal and interest on a timely basis with limited incremental risk
     versus issues rated in the highest category.
 
     A -- The third highest category; indicates the ability to repay principal
     and interest is strong. Issues rated "A" could be more vulnerable to
     adverse developments (both internal and external) than obligations with
     higher ratings.
 
     BBB -- The lowest investment grade category; indicates an acceptable
     capacity to repay principal and interest. Issues rated "BBB" are, however,
     more vulnerable to adverse developments (both internal and external) than
     obligations with higher ratings.
 
The BankWatch short-term ratings apply to commercial paper, other senior
short-term obligations and deposit obligations of the entities to which the
rating has been assigned. The BankWatch short-term ratings specifically assess
the likelihood of an untimely payment of principal or interest.
 
     TBW-1 -- The highest category; indicates a very high likelihood that
     principal and interest will be paid on a timely basis.
 
     TBW-2 -- The second highest category; while the degree of safety regarding
     timely repayment of principal and interest is strong, the relative degree
     of safety is not as high as for issues rated "TBW-1".
 
     TBW-3 -- The lowest investment grade category; indicates that while more
     susceptible to adverse
 
                                                                              25
 
<PAGE>
     developments (both internal and external) than obligations with higher
     ratings, capacity to service principal and interest in a timely fashion is
     considered adequate.
 
     TBW-4 -- The lowest rating category; this rating is regarded as
     non-investment grade and therefore speculative.
 
The following summarizes the four highest long-term ratings used by IBCA:
 
     AAA -- Obligations for which there is the lowest expectation of investment
     risk. Capacity for timely repayment of principal and interest is
     substantial such that adverse changes in business, economic or financial
     conditions are unlikely to increase investment risk significantly.
 
     AA -- Obligations for which there is a very low expectation of investment
     risk. Capacity for timely repayment of principal and interest is
     substantial. Adverse changes in business, economic or financial conditions
     may increase investment risk albeit not very significantly.
 
     A -- Obligations for which there is a low expectation of investment risk.
     Capacity for timely repayment of principal and interest is strong, although
     adverse changes in business, economic or financial conditions may lead to
     increased investment risk.
 
     BBB -- Obligations for which there is currently a low expectation of
     investment risk. Capacity for timely repayment of principal and interest is
     adequate, although adverse changes in business, economic or financial
     conditions are more likely to lead to increased investment risk than for
     obligations in other categories.
 
A plus or minus sign may be appended to a rating below AAA to denote relative
status within major rating categories.
 
The following summarizes the two highest short-term debt ratings used by IBCA:
 
     A1+ -- Where issues possess a particularly strong credit feature.
 
     A1 -- Obligations supported by the highest capacity for timely repayment.
 
     A2 -- Obligations supported by a good capacity for timely repayment.
 
26
 



                                      



<PAGE>
Prospectus
 

                                  INVESTOR A SHARES
                                     MAY     , 1997

 

This Prospectus describes NATIONS INTERNATIONAL
GROWTH FUND, NATIONS SMALL COMPANY GROWTH FUND AND
NATIONS U.S. GOVERNMENT BOND FUND (the "Funds") of
Nations Fund, Inc., an open-end management
investment company in the Nations Funds Family
("Nations Funds" or "Nations Funds Family"). This
Prospectus describes one class of shares of the
Funds -- Investor A Shares.

 

This Prospectus sets forth concisely the
information about the Funds that prospective
purchasers of Investor A Shares should consider
before investing. Investors should read this
Prospectus and retain it for future reference.
Additional information about Nations Fund, Inc. is
contained in a separate Statement of Additional
Information (the "SAI"), that has been filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC")
and is available upon request without charge by
writing or calling Nations Funds at its address or
telephone number shown below. The SAI for Nations
Fund, Inc., dated May   , 1997, is incorporated by
reference in its entirety into this Prospectus.
NationsBanc Advisors, Inc. ("NBAI") is investment
adviser to the Funds. Kleinwort Benson Investment
Management Americas Inc. ("Kleinwort Benson") is
investment sub-adviser to Nations International
Growth Fund, and Boatmen's Trust Company
("Boatmen's") is investment sub-adviser to Nations
Small Company Growth Fund and Nations U.S.
Government Bond Fund. As used herein the "Adviser"
shall mean NBAI, Kleinwort Benson and/or Boatmen's
as the context may require.

 

SHARES OF NATIONS FUNDS ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OTHER
OBLIGATIONS OF, OR ISSUED, ENDORSED OR GUARANTEED
BY, NATIONSBANK, N.A. ("NATIONSBANK") OR ANY OF ITS
AFFILIATES. SUCH SHARES ARE NOT INSURED BY THE U.S.
GOVERNMENT, THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE
CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD OR ANY OTHER
GOVERNMENT AGENCY. AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUNDS
INVOLVES CERTAIN RISKS, INCLUDING POSSIBLE LOSS OF
PRINCIPAL.

 
NATIONSBANK AND CERTAIN OF ITS AFFILIATES PROVIDE
CERTAIN OTHER SERVICES TO NATIONS FUNDS, FOR WHICH
THEY ARE COMPENSATED. STEPHENS INC., WHICH IS NOT
AFFILIATED WITH NATIONSBANK, IS THE SPONSOR AND
ADMINISTRATOR AND SERVES AS THE DISTRIBUTOR FOR
NATIONS FUNDS.

THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR
DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR
HAS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY
STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY
REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL
OFFENSE.

                                                     Nations International
                                                      Growth Fund

 

                                                     Nations Small Company
                                                      Growth Fund

 

                                                     Nations U.S. Government
                                                      Bond Fund

 
                                                     For Fund information call:
                                                     1-800-321-7854
                                                     Nations Funds
                                                     c/o Stephens Inc.
                                                     One NationsBank Plaza
                                                     33rd Floor
                                                     Charlotte, NC 28255

                                                     (NATIONS FUNDS logo)
<PAGE>


                             Table  Of  Contents

About The Funds
 
                             Prospectus Summary                                3

                             Expenses Summary                                  4

                             Financial Highlights                              6

                             Objectives                                       10

                             How Objectives Are Pursued                       10

                             How Performance Is Shown                         14

                             How The Funds Are Managed                        15

                             Organization And History                         19

About Your Investment

                             How To Buy Shares                                19

                             How To Redeem Shares                             21

                             How To Exchange Shares                           23

                             Shareholder Servicing And Distribution Plans     24

                             How The Funds Value Their Shares                 25

                             How Dividends And Distributions Are Made;
                             Tax Information                                  25

                             Appendix A -- Portfolio Securities               27

                             Appendix B -- Description Of Ratings             34

 
 
                             NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
                             INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS NOT
                             CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS, OR IN THE FUNDS' 
                             SAI INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE, IN 
                             CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING MADE BY
                             THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH
                             INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED
                             UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY NATIONS FUNDS OR
                             ITS DISTRIBUTOR. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT
                             CONSTITUTE AN OFFERING BY NATIONS FUNDS OR BY THE
                             DISTRIBUTOR IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH
                             OFFERING MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE.

 
                                                                               2
 
<PAGE>
About The Funds
 
   Prospectus Summary

(Bullet) TYPE OF COMPANY: Open-end management investment company.

(Bullet) INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES:
 
         (Bullet) Nations International Growth Fund's investment objective is to
                  seek long-term capital growth by investing primarily in equity
                  securities of companies domiciled in countries outside the
                  United States and listed on major stock exchanges primarily in
                  Europe and the Pacific Basin.

         (Bullet) Nations Small Company Growth Fund's investment objective is 
                  to seek long-term capital growth by investing primarily in 
                  equity securities.

         (Bullet) Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund's investment objective is 
                  to seek total return and preservation of capital by 
                  investing in U.S. Government securities and repurchase
                  agreements.

(Bullet) INVESTMENT ADVISER: NBAI serves as the investment adviser to the Funds.
         NBAI provides investment advice to more than 50 investment company
         portfolios in the Nations Funds Family. Kleinwort Benson provides
         sub-advisory services to Nations International Growth Fund, and
         Boatmen's provides sub-advisory services to Nations Small Company
         Growth Fund and Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund. See "How The Funds
         Are Managed."

(Bullet) DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS: Nations International Growth Fund and
         Nations Small Company Growth Fund declare and pay dividends from net
         investment income quarterly and Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund
         declares dividends daily and pays them monthly. Each Fund's net
         realized capital gains, including net short-term capital gains, are
         distributed at least annually.

(Bullet) PRINCIPAL RISK FACTORS: Although the Adviser seeks to achieve the
         investment objective of each Fund, there is no assurance that it will
         be able to do so. Investments in a Fund are not insured against loss of
         principal. Investments by a Fund in common stocks and other equity
         securities are subject to stock market risk, which is the risk that the
         value of the stocks the Fund holds may decline over short or even
         extended periods. Investments by a Fund in debt securities are subject
         to interest rate risk, which is the risk that increases in market
         interest rates will adversely affect a Fund's investments in debt
         securities. The value of a Fund's investments in debt securities,
         including U.S. Government Obligations (as defined below), will tend to
         decrease when interest rates rise and increase when interest rates
         fall. In general, longer-term debt instruments tend to fluctuate in
         value more than shorter-term debt instruments in response to interest
         rate movements. In addition, debt securities which are not backed by
         the United States Government are subject to credit risk, which is the
         risk that the issuer may not be able to pay principal and/or interest
         when due. Certain of the Funds' investments constitute derivative
         securities. Certain types of derivative securities can, under certain
         circumstances, significantly increase an investor's exposure to market
         or other risks. For a discussion of these and other factors, see "How
         Objectives Are Pursued-Risk Considerations" and "Appendix
         A -- Portfolio Securities."

(Bullet) MINIMUM PURCHASE: $1,000 minimum initial investment per record holder
         except that the minimum initial investment is: $500 for Individual
         Retirement Account ("IRA") investors; $250 for non-working spousal
         IRAs; and $100 for investors participating on a monthly basis in the
         Systematic Investment Plan. There is no minimum investment amount for
         investments by certain 401(k) and employee pension plans or salary
         reduction-Individual Retirement Accounts. The minimum subse-
 
                                                                               3
 
<PAGE>
         quent investment is $100, except for investments pursuant to the
         Systematic Investment Plan. See "How To Buy Shares."
 
   Expenses Summary
 
Expenses are one of several factors to consider when investing in the Funds. The
following tables summarize shareholder transaction and operating expenses for
Investor A Shares of the Funds. The Examples show the cumulative expenses
attributable to a hypothetical $1,000 investment in the Funds over specified
periods.
 
INVESTOR A SHARES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                            <C>                <C>
                                                                                                       Nations
                                                                                    Nations         Small Company
                                                                                 International         Growth
                                                                                  Growth Fund           Fund
 
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
 
Maximum Sales Load Imposed on Purchases                                                 None               None
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge                                                           None               None
 
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
  (as a percentage of average net assets)
 
Management Fees (After Fee Waivers)                                                      .90%               .75%
Rule 12b-1 Fees (Including Shareholder Servicing Fees)                                   .25%               .25%
Other Expenses                                                                           .22%               .20%
Total Operating Expenses (After Fee Waivers)                                            1.37%              1.20%
 
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    Nations
                                                                                U.S. Government
                                                                                     Bond
                                                                                     Fund
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
Maximum Sales Load Imposed on Purchases                                                 None
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge                                                           None
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
  (as a percentage of average net assets)
Management Fees (After Fee Waivers)                                                      .40%
Rule 12b-1 Fees (Including Shareholder Servicing Fees)                                   .25%
Other Expenses                                                                           .20%
Total Operating Expenses (After Fee Waivers)                                             .85%
</TABLE>

 
4
 
<PAGE>
EXAMPLES:
 
You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment in Investor A Shares
of the Funds assuming (1) a 5% annual return and (2) redemption at the end of
each time period.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                       <C>                  <C>
                                                                                                     Nations
                                                                                                      Small
                                                                                Nations              Company
                                                                             International           Growth
                                                                              Growth Fund             Fund
 
1 Year                                                                         $      14            $      12
3 Years                                                                        $      43            $      38
5 Years                                                                        $      75            $      66
10 Years                                                                       $     165            $     145
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                                Nations
                                                                            U.S. Government
                                                                                 Bond
                                                                                 Fund
1 Year                                                                         $       9
3 Years                                                                        $      27
5 Years                                                                        $      47
10 Years                                                                       $     105
</TABLE>

 

The purpose of the foregoing tables is to assist an investor in understanding
the various shareholder transaction and operating expenses that an investor in
Investor A Shares of the Funds will bear either directly or indirectly. The
amounts in the above tables are based on amounts incurred during each Fund's
most recent fiscal year and have been adjusted as necessary to reflect current
service provider fees. There is no assurance that any fee waivers and
reimbursements will continue beyond the current fiscal year. If fee waivers
and/or reimbursements are discontinued, the amounts contained in the "Examples"
above may increase. For more complete descriptions of the Funds' operating
expenses, see "How The Funds Are Managed." For a more complete description of
the Rule 12b-1 and shareholder servicing fees payable by the Funds, see
"Shareholder Servicing And Distribution Plans." Absent fee waivers, "Management
Fees" and "Total Operating Expenses" for the following Funds would have been as
follows: Nations Small Company Growth Fund -- 1.00% and 1.45%, respectively; and
Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund -- .60% and 1.05%, respectively.

 
THE FOREGOING SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED TO BE AN ACTUAL REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR
FUTURE EXPENSES OR PERFORMANCE. ACTUAL EXPENSES AND RATES OF RETURN MAY BE
GREATER OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN.
 
                                                                               5
 
<PAGE>

   Financial Highlights

 

The following information for Investor A Shares of Nations International Growth
Fund, Nations Small Company Growth Fund and Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund
has been derived from the Financial Highlights in the January 2, 1997
Prospectuses for the Class A Shares of The Pilot Funds' Pilot International
Equity Fund, Pilot Small Capitalization Equity Fund and Pilot U.S. Government
Securities Fund, the predecessor Funds to the current Nations Funds listed
above. This information (except for the years from 12/31/87 to 12/31/92 with
respect to the Pilot International Equity Fund) has been audited by Arthur
Andersen LLP. This information is provided to help you understand the historical
performance of the Funds and their predecessors. This information should be read
in conjunction with the predecessor Funds' annual financial statements and the
respective notes thereto, which are incorporated by reference into the SAI.

 

NATIONS INTERNATIONAL GROWTH FUND

 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                        <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>                <C>
                                                                                                       EIGHT
                                                 YEAR              YEAR              YEAR             MONTHS              YEAR
INVESTOR A SHARES                               ENDED             ENDED             ENDED              ENDED             ENDED
  (FORMERLY CLASS A SHARES)                    08/31/96        08/31/95(i)         08/31/94          08/31/93        12/31/92(a)(b)
Operating performance:
Net asset value at the beginning of the
  period                                      $   16.14         $   16.29         $   14.13       $   11.85            $   12.29
Net investment income                         $    0.04         $    0.08(h)      $    0.07(h)    $    0.02(h)         $    0.04(h)
Net realized and unrealized capital
  gain/(loss) on investments                  $    1.69         $   (0.22)(h)     $    1.65(h)    $    2.51(h)         $   (0.46)(h)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)
  on foreign currency related
  transactions (c)                            $   (0.12)        $    0.39(h)      $    0.59(h)    $   (0.25)(h)               --
Total income (loss) from investments          $    1.61         $    0.25         $    2.31       $    2.28            $   (0.42)
Dividends from net investment income          $   (0.46)        $   (0.11)        $      --       $      --            $   (0.02)
Dividends from net realized gain on
  investments and foreign currency
  related transactions                        $   (0.39)        $   (0.29)        $   (0.15)      $      --            $      --
Net asset value at the end of the period      $   16.90         $   16.14         $   16.29       $   14.13            $   11.85
Total return (d)                                  10.40%             1.77%            16.48%          19.24%(e)            (3.42)%
Portfolio turnover rate (k)                       22.31%            35.91%            35.40%          26.65%(e)(g)         58.55%
Ratio of expenses to average net assets            1.32%             1.42%             1.37%           2.17%(f)             1.78%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to
  average net assets                               0.48%             0.50%             0.48%           0.25%(f)             0.35%
Net assets at end of period (in 000's)        $  26,730         $  27,625         $  44,990       $  55,816            $  56,358
Average Commission Rate (j)                   $  0.0160
</TABLE>

 
6
 
<PAGE>

NATIONS INTERNATIONAL GROWTH FUND

 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                        <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>
                                                YEAR             YEAR             YEAR             YEAR             YEAR
INVESTOR A SHARES                               ENDED            ENDED            ENDED            ENDED            ENDED
  (FORMERLY CLASS A SHARES)                   12/31/91         12/31/90         12/31/89         12/31/88         12/31/87
Operating performance:
Net asset value at the beginning of the
  period                                     $   12.65        $   15.58        $   14.66        $   13.21        $   22.92
Net investment income                        $    0.06        $    0.12        $    0.07        $   (0.01)              --
Net realized and unrealized capital
  gain/(loss) on investments                 $    1.36        $   (2.40)       $    3.22        $    2.73        $    2.11
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)
  on foreign currency related
  transactions (c)                                  --               --               --               --               --
Total income (loss) from investments         $    1.42        $   (2.28)       $    3.29        $    2.72        $    2.11
Dividends from net investment income         $   (0.08)       $   (0.14)       $   (0.22)              --               --
Dividends from net realized gain on
  investments and foreign currency
  related transactions                       $   (1.70)       $   (0.51)       $   (2.15)       $   (1.27)       $  (11.82)
Net asset value at the end of the period     $   12.29        $   12.65        $   15.58        $   14.66        $   13.21
Total return (d)                                 11.81%          (14.77)%          22.99%           21.03%            9.28%
Portfolio turnover rate (k)                      51.88%           52.00%           61.54%           54.84%           58.98%
Ratio of expenses to average net assets           1.79%            1.82%            2.00%            2.31%            1.72%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to
  average net assets                              0.45%            0.76%            0.39%           (0.07)%           0.01%
Net assets at end of period (in 000's)       $  65,939        $  72,007        $  80,224        $  59,864        $  53,800
</TABLE>

(a) Prior to a tax-free organization into Pilot Administration shares effective
    July 12, 1993, the Pilot Kleinwort Benson International Equity Portfolio was
    a separate portfolio of Kleinwort Benson Investment Strategies known as
    Kleinwort Benson International Equity Fund. The predecessor portfolio was
    advised by Kleinwort Benson International Investment Limited and had a
    December 31 fiscal year end.

(b) Prior to July 12, 1993, the Pilot Administration shares were not subject to
    an Administration Plan.

(c) For years preceding the fiscal year ended August 31, 1993, net realized and
    unrealized gain/(losses) from foreign currency related transactions were
    included in net realized and unrealized gain/(losses) from investments.
    Effective January 1, 1993, realized and unrealized gain/(losses) from
    Foreign currency related transactions are disclosed separately from net
    realized and unrealized gain/(losses) from investments.

(d) Assumes investment at net asset value at the beginning of the period,
    reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, a complete redemption of
    the investment at the net asset value at the end of the period and no sales
    charges. Total return would be reduced if sales charges were taken for the
    Class A Shares.

(e) Not annualized.

(f) Annualized.

(g) Calculated on a portfolio-wide level and excludes the transfer of assets
    effective on August 6, 1993.

(h) Calculated based on the average shares outstanding methodology.

(i) Effective August 21, 1995 the Administration Class Shares were redesignated
    as the Class A Shares.

(j) Represents the total dollar amount of commissions paid on security
    transactions, for the time periods of May 4, 1996 to August 31, 1996,
    divided by total number of security shares purchased and sold for which
    commissions were charged. Disclosure is not required for prior periods.

(k) Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis of the portfolio as a whole
    without distinguishing between the classes of shares issued and is not
    annualized.

 
                                                                               7
 
<PAGE>

NATIONS SMALL COMPANY GROWTH FUND

 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                                                  <C>
                                                                                                          PERIOD
                                                                                                          ENDED
INVESTOR A SHARES (FORMERLY CLASS A SHARES)                                                            08/31/96(a)
Operating performance:
Net asset value, beginning of the period                                                                $   10.00
Net investment income                                                                                   $    0.05
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments and futures                                             $    0.64
Total income from investment operations                                                                 $    0.69
Dividends from net investment income                                                                    $   (0.05)
Net asset value at the end of the period                                                                $   10.64
Total return (b)                                                                                             6.88%
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (c)                                                                  1.25%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets                                                         0.66%
Portfolio turnover rate (e)                                                                                    31%
Net assets at end of period (in 000's)                                                                  $   2,611
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (assuming no waiver or expense reimbursements)                       1.65%(c)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (assuming no waiver or expense reimbursements)          0.26%(c)
Average Commission Rate (d)                                                                             $   .0340
</TABLE>

(a) Share activity commenced December 12, 1995.

(b) Assumes investment at net asset value at the beginning of the period,
    reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, a complete redemption of
    the investment at the net asset value at the end of the period and no sales
    charges. Total return would be reduced if sales charges were taken for Class
    A Shares. Total return is not annualized.

(c) Annualized.

(d) The average commission rate represents the total dollar amount of
    commissions paid on portfolio transactions, for the time period of May 4,
    1996 to August 31, 1996, divided by the total number of portfolio shares
    purchased and sold for which commissions were charged. Disclosure is not
    required for prior periods.

(e) Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis of the portfolio as a whole
    without distinguishing between the classes of shares issued.

8
 
<PAGE>

NATIONS U.S. GOVERNMENT BOND FUND

 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                                   <C>               <C>
                                                                                            YEAR              YEAR
                                                                                           ENDED             ENDED
INVESTOR A SHARES (FORMERLY CLASS A SHARES)                                               08/31/96        08/31/95(a)
Operating performance:
Net asset value, at the beginning of the period                                          $   11.19         $   10.48
Net investment income                                                                    $    0.59         $    0.37
Net realized and unrealized gain on investment transactions                              $   (0.20)        $    0.71
Total income from investment operations                                                  $    0.39         $    1.08
Dividends from net investment income                                                     $   (0.59)        $   (0.37)
Dividends from net realized gains                                                        $   (0.45)               --
Net asset value at the end of the period                                                 $   10.54         $   11.19
Total return (b)                                                                              3.44%            10.41%
Ratio of expenses to average net assets                                                       0.85%             0.82%(c)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets                                          5.44%             5.76%(c)
Portfolio turnover rate (d)                                                                     87%              132%
Net assets at end of period (in 000's)                                                        $632               $87
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (assuming no waiver or expense
  reimbursements)                                                                             1.07%             1.12%(c)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (assuming no waiver or expense
  reimbursements)                                                                             5.22%             5.46%(c)
</TABLE>

(a) Class A Shares activity commenced February 7, 1995.

(b) Assumes investment at net asset value at the beginning of the period,
    reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, a complete redemption of
    the investment at the net asset value at the end of the period and no sales
    charges. Total return would be reduced if sales charges were taken for Class
    A Shares. Total return is not annualized.

(c) Annualized.

(d) Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis of the portfolio as a whole
    without distinguishing between the classes of shares issued.

                                                                               9
 
<PAGE>

   Objectives

NATIONS INTERNATIONAL GROWTH FUND: Nations International Growth Fund's
investment objective is to seek long-term capital growth by investing primarily
in equity securities of companies domiciled in countries outside the United
States and listed on major stock exchanges primarily in Europe and the Pacific
Basin.

NATIONS SMALL COMPANY GROWTH FUND: Nations Small Company Growth Fund's
investment objective is to seek long-term capital growth by investing primarily
in equity securities.

NATIONS U.S. GOVERNMENT BOND FUND: Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund's
investment objective is to seek total return and preservation of capital by
investing in U.S. Government securities and repurchase agreements.

   How Objectives Are Pursued
 
NATIONS INTERNATIONAL GROWTH FUND: In pursuing its investment objective, the
Fund will invest at least 65% of its total assets in foreign equity securities,
including securities convertible into equity securities and securities which are
listed on major stock exchanges, under normal circumstances. The Fund may
purchase the stock of small, mid- and large capitalization companies.

The Fund may invest up to 35% of its total assets in securities of issuers
domiciled in developing countries. These countries are generally located in
Eastern Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, Latin and South America, Africa and,
subject to approval by the Board of Directors, the former Soviet Union and the
Middle East. Debt securities, if any, purchased by the Fund will be rated in the
top two categories by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization
("NRSRO") or, if unrated, determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality.
For temporary defensive purposes, the Fund may invest up to 100% of its assets
in debt and equity securities of U.S. issuers. Debt securities in which the Fund
may invest include short-term and intermediate-term obligations of corporations,
foreign governments and international organizations (such as the International
Bank for Reconstruction and Development (the "World Bank")), including money
market instruments.

The Fund may invest in common stocks (including securities convertible into
common stocks) of foreign issuers and rights to purchase common stock, options
and futures contracts on securities, securities indexes and foreign currencies,
securities lending, forward foreign exchange contracts and repurchase
agreements. For more information concerning these and other permissible Fund
investments, see "Appendix A".

NATIONS SMALL COMPANY GROWTH FUND: In pursuing its investment objective, the
Fund will invest at least 65% of its total assets in equity securities,
including securities convertible into equity securities, under normal
circumstances. In addition, the Fund will invest at least 65% of its total
assets in companies with a market capitalization of $1 billion or less.

In making investment decisions for the Fund, the Adviser, on a quarterly basis,
classifies approximately 6,000 companies by market value and eliminates the
largest 20%. The remaining companies constitute the Fund's small-capitalization
universe and generally represent only one-tenth of the aggregate U.S. equity
market capitalization. Due to the large number of small stocks to choose from,
the Adviser's selection process uses advanced quantitative techniques to
identify, buy and sell candidates in a timely and objective manner. The strategy
is to own those investments offering both attractive fun-
 
10
 
<PAGE>

damental valuation and relatively good prospects for earnings improvement.
Typically, two types of companies are candidates for purchase: (i) mature
companies which may have fallen from a larger market value due to business
difficulties, but which now exhibit improving prospects; and (ii) smaller or
younger companies which are experiencing strong trends in earnings growth, but
remain reasonably valued and therefore offer premium growth at a discount in
comparison to other companies.

The Adviser's internally designed investment approach uses a sophisticated
valuation process which measures changes in current earnings estimates and
longer-term growth trends, compares recent earnings results with market
expectations, and evaluates a company's earnings power relative to its stock
price. Companies become purchase candidates based upon a composite ranking of
these factors, and the top 20% are further evaluated on additional criteria.
Candidates for investment must also possess a sound financial structure and
demonstrate consistent factor rankings before being added to the Fund's
portfolio.

The Fund's weighted median capitalization generally is not expected to exceed
125% of the weighted median capitalization of the Russell 2000 Small Stock Index
(the "Russell 2000") as measured on a quarterly basis, although this may vary
from time to time. Furthermore, a stock may be sold if the composite rank falls
into the bottom 20% of the universe, financial quality weakens significantly, or
if individual factors demonstrate patterns of deterioration.

The Fund may invest up to 35% of its total assets in securities of issuers with
a market capitalization greater than $1 billion and in debt securities. However,
the Fund will not invest more than 10% of its total assets in debt securities,
unless the Fund assumes a temporary defensive position as discussed below. Debt
securities, if any, purchased by the Fund will be rated AA or above by Standard
& Poor's Corporation ("S&P") or Aa or above by Moody's Investor Services, Inc.
("Moody's") or, if unrated, determined by the Adviser to be of comparable
quality. For temporary defensive purposes, the Fund may invest up to 100% of its
assets in debt securities. Debt securities in which the Fund may invest include
short-term and intermediate-term obligations of corporations, the U.S. and
foreign governments and international organizations (such as the World Bank),
including money market instruments.

The Fund may invest in common stocks (including securities convertible into
common stocks) of foreign issuers and rights to purchase common stock, options
and futures contracts on securities, securities indexes and foreign currencies,
securities lending and repurchase agreements. The Fund currently intends to
limit any investment in foreign securities to 5% of total assets. For more
information concerning these and other permissible Fund investments, see
"Appendix A".

NATIONS U.S. GOVERNMENT BOND FUND: The Fund invests at least 65% of its total
assets in U.S. Government securities and repurchase agreements collateralized by
such securities. While the maturity of individual securities will not be
restricted, except during temporary defensive periods or unusual market
conditions, the average weighted maturity of the Fund will be between five and
thirty years. The Fund may invest in a variety of U.S. Government securities,
including U.S. Treasury bonds, notes and bills, and other obligations issued or
guaranteed as to payment of principal and interest by a number of U.S.
Government agencies and instrumentalities ("U.S. Government Obligations"). The
Fund may also invest in interests in the foregoing securities, including
collateralized mortgage obligations issued or guaranteed by a U.S. Government
agency or instrumentality. U.S. Government Obligations have historically had a
very low risk of loss of principal if held to maturity. The Fund, however, can
give no assurance that the U.S. Government would provide financial support to
its agencies or instrumentalities if it were not legally required to do so.

The Fund may also invest up to 35% of its total assets in debt securities of
U.S. and foreign corporate and foreign government issuers, American Depository
Receipts ("ADRs") and European Depository Receipts ("EDRs"), zero coupon bonds
and cash equivalents. The Fund will purchase only those non-government
investments

 
                                                                              11
 
<PAGE>

which are rated investment grade or better by at least one NRSRO or, if unrated,
are determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality. If a portfolio
security held by the Fund ceases to be rated investment grade by at least one
NRSRO or if the Adviser determines that an unrated portfolio security held by
the Fund is no longer of comparable quality to an investment grade security, the
security will be sold in an orderly manner as quickly as possible. Additionally,
the Fund may also invest in futures contracts, interest rate swaps and options.
From time to time, the Fund may also hold uninvested cash reserves which do not
earn income.

The value of the Fund's portfolio (and consequently its shares) is expected to
fluctuate inversely in relation to changes in the direction of interest rates.
For more information concerning these and other investments in which the Fund
may invest, see "Appendix A".

GENERAL: Each Fund may invest in certain specified derivative securities,
including: exchange-traded options; over-the-counter options executed with
primary dealers, including long calls and puts and covered calls to enhance
return; and U.S. and foreign exchange-traded financial futures approved by the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission ( the "CFTC") and options thereon for
market exposure risk management. Each Fund may lend its portfolio securities to
qualified institutional investors. Each Fund also may invest in restricted,
private placement and other illiquid securities and securities issued by other
investment companies, consistent with the Fund's investment objective and
policies. Each Fund may invest in real estate investment trust securities.
Additionally, Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund may engage in reverse repurchase
agreements and dollar roll transactions.

For more information concerning these and other instruments in which the Funds
may invest and their investment practices, see "Appendix A."

Although changes in the value of securities subsequent to their acquisition are
reflected in the net asset value of the Funds' shares, such changes will not
affect the income received by the Funds from such securities. However, since
available yields vary over time, no specific level of income can ever be
assured. The dividends paid by the Funds will increase or decrease in relation
to the income received by the Funds from their investments, which will in any
case be reduced by the Funds' expenses before being distributed to the Funds'
shareholders.


SPECIAL RISK CONSIDERATIONS RELEVANT TO AN INVESTMENT IN NATIONS INTERNATIONAL
GROWTH FUND: Investors should understand and consider carefully the special
risks involved in foreign investing.

Investors should be aware that the Fund may, from time to time, invest in
securities of companies located in Eastern Europe. Economic and political
reforms in this region are still in their infancy. As a result, investment in
such countries would be highly speculative and could result in losses to the
Fund and, thus, to its shareholders.

Investors should also understand and consider carefully the special risks
involved in investing in the Pacific Basin and Far East. Countries in the
Pacific Basin and Far East are in various stages of economic development,
ranging from emerging markets to mature economies, but each has unique risks.
Most countries in this region are heavily dependent on international trade, and
some are especially vulnerable to recessions in other countries. Some of these
countries are also sensitive to world commodity prices. Some countries that have
experienced rapid growth may still have obsolete financial systems, economic
problems or archaic legal systems. In addition, many of these nations are
experiencing political and social uncertainties.

The same is true, but even more so, for the emerging market countries in which
the Fund will invest. Although the Fund believes that its investments present
the possibility for significant growth over the long term, they also entail
significant risks. Many investments in emerging markets can be considered
speculative, and their prices can be much more volatile than in the more
developed nations of the world. This difference reflects the greater
uncertainties of investing in less established markets and economies. The
financial markets of emerging markets countries are generally less well
capitalized and thus securities of issuers based in such countries may be less
liquid.

The Fund's yield and share price will change based on changes in domestic or
foreign interest rates and in an issuer's creditworthiness. In general, bond
prices rise when interest rates fall, and vice versa.

Investing in securities denominated in foreign currencies and utilization of
forward foreign cur-
 
12
 
<PAGE>

rency exchange contracts and other currency hedging techniques involve certain
considerations comprising both opportunities and risks not typically associated
with investing in U.S. dollar-denominated securities. Additionally, changes in
the value of foreign currencies can significantly affect a Fund's share price.
General economic and political factors in the various world markets can also
impact a Fund's share price.

The expenses to individual investors of investing directly in foreign securities
are very high relative to similar costs for investing in U.S. securities. While
the Fund offers a more efficient way for individual investors to participate in
foreign markets, their expenses, including custodial fees, are also higher than
the typical domestic equity mutual fund.

Risks unique to international investing include: (1) restrictions on foreign
investment and repatriation of capital; (2) fluctuations in currency exchange
rates; (3) costs of converting foreign currency into U.S. dollars and U.S.
dollars into foreign currencies; (4) greater price volatility and less
liquidity; (5) settlement practices, including delays, which may differ from
those customary in United States markets; (6) exposure to political and economic
risks, including the risk of nationalization, expropriation of assets and war;
(7) possible imposition of foreign taxes and exchange control and currency
restrictions; (8) lack of uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting
standards; (9) less governmental supervision of securities markets, brokers and
issuers of securities; (10) less financial information available to investors;
and (11) difficulty in enforcing legal rights outside the United States. These
risks often are heightened for investments in emerging or developing countries.
See "Appendix A" for additional discussion of the risks associated with an
investment in the Nations International Growth Fund.


PORTFOLIO TURNOVER: Generally, the Funds will purchase portfolio securities for
capital appreciation or investment income, or both, and not for short-term
trading profits. While it is not possible to predict exactly annual portfolio
turnover rates, it is expected that under normal market conditions, the annual
portfolio turnover rate will be 50% for Nations International Growth Fund, 125%
for Nations Small Company Growth Fund, and 100% for Nations U.S. Government Bond
Fund.

RISK CONSIDERATIONS: Although the Adviser will seek to achieve the investment
objective of each Fund, there is no assurance that it will be able to do so. No
single Fund should be considered, by itself, to provide a complete investment
program for any investor. The net asset value of the shares of the Funds will
fluctuate based on market conditions. Therefore, investors should not rely upon
the Funds for short-term financial needs, nor are the Funds meant to provide a
vehicle for participating in short-term swings in the stock market. Investments
in a Fund are not insured against loss of principal.

Investments by a Fund in common stocks and other equity securities are subject
to stock market risks. The value of the stocks that the Fund holds, like the
broader stock market, may decline over short or even extended periods. The value
of a Fund's investments in debt securities, including U.S. Government
Obligations, will tend to decrease when interest rates rise and increase when
interest rates fall. In general, longer-term debt instruments tend to fluctuate
in value more than shorter-term debt instruments in response to interest rate
movements. In addition, debt securities that are not backed by the United States
Government are subject to credit risk, which is the risk that the issuer may not
be able to pay principal and/or interest when due.

Certain of the Funds' investments constitute derivative securities, which are
securities whose
 
                                                                              13
 
<PAGE>
value is derived, at least in part, from an underlying index or reference rate.
There are certain types of derivative securities that can, under certain
circumstances, significantly increase a purchaser's exposure to market or other
risks. The Adviser, however, only purchases derivative securities in
circumstances where it believes such purchases are consistent with a Fund's
investment objective and do not unduly increase the Fund's exposure to market or
other risks. For additional risk information regarding the Funds' investments in
particular instruments, see "Appendix A -- Portfolio Securities."

INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS: Each Fund is subject to a number of investment
limitations. The following investment limitations are matters of fundamental
policy and may not be changed without the affirmative vote of the holders of a
majority of the Fund's outstanding shares. Other investment limitations that
cannot be changed without such a vote of shareholders are described in the SAI.

Each Fund may not:

1. Purchase any securities which would cause 25% or more of the value of the
Fund's total assets at the time of such purchase to be invested in the
securities of one or more issuers conducting their principal activities in the
same industry. (For purposes of this limitation, U.S. Government Obligations are
not considered members of any industry.)

2. Make loans, except that a Fund may purchase and hold debt instruments
(whether such instruments are part of a public offering or privately placed),
may enter into repurchase agreements and may lend portfolio securities in
accordance with its investment policies.
 
3. Purchase securities of any one issuer (other than U.S. Government
Obligations), if, immediately after such purchase, more than 5% of the value of
such Fund's total assets would be invested in the securities of such issuer,
except that up to 25% of the value of the Fund's total assets may be invested
without regard to these limitations and with respect to 75% of such Fund's
assets, such Fund will not hold more than 10% of the voting securities of any
issuer.

The investment objective and policies of each Fund, unless otherwise specified,
are non-fundamental and may be changed without a vote of the Fund's
shareholders. Shareholders however, must receive at least 30 days' prior written
notice in the event an investment objective is changed. If the investment
objective or policies of a Fund change, shareholders should consider whether the
Fund remains an appropriate investment in light of their then current position
and needs.

In order to register a Fund's shares for sale in certain states, a Fund may make
commitments more restrictive than the investment policies and limitations
described in this Prospectus and the SAI. Should a Fund determine that any such
commitment is no longer in the best interest of the Fund, it may consider
terminating sales of its shares in the states involved.

   How Performance Is Shown

From time to time the Funds may advertise the total return and yield on a class
of shares. Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund also may advertise the tax
equivalent yield of a class of shares. BOTH TOTAL RETURN AND YIELD FIGURES ARE
BASED ON HISTORICAL DATA AND ARE NOT INTENDED TO INDICATE FUTURE PERFORMANCE.
The "total return" of a class of shares of the Funds may be calculated on an
average annual total return basis or an aggregate total return basis. Average
annual total return refers to the average annual compounded rates of return on a
class of shares over one-, five-, and ten-year periods or the life of a Fund (as
stated in the advertisement) that would equate an initial amount invested at the
beginning of a stated period to the ending redeemable value of the investment
(reflecting the deduction of any applicable contingent deferred sales charge
("CDSC")), assuming the reinvestment of all dividend and capital gain dis-
 
14
 
<PAGE>
tributions. Aggregate total return reflects the total percentage change in the
value of the investment over the measuring period, again assuming the
reinvestment of all dividends and capital gain distributions. Total return may
also be presented for other periods or may not reflect a deduction of any
applicable CDSC.
 
"Yield" is calculated by dividing the annualized net investment income per share
during a recent 30-day (or one month) period of a class of shares of a Fund by
the maximum public offering price per share on the last day of that period. The
yield on a class of shares does not reflect deduction of any applicable CDSC.
 
Investment performance, which will vary, is based on many factors, including
market conditions, the composition of the Funds' portfolios and the Funds'
operating expenses. Investment performance also often reflects the risks
associated with a Fund's investment objective and policies. These factors should
be considered when comparing the Funds' investment results to those of other
mutual funds and other investment vehicles. Since yields fluctuate, yield data
cannot necessarily be used to compare an investment in the Funds with bank
deposits, savings accounts, and similar investment alternatives which often
provide an agreed-upon or guaranteed fixed yield for a stated period of time.
 
In addition to Investor A Shares, the Funds offer Primary A, Primary B, Investor
C and Investor N Shares. Each class of shares may bear different sales charges,
shareholder servicing fees, loads and other expenses, which may cause the
performance of a class to differ from the performance of the other classes.
Total return and yield quotations will be computed separately for each class of
the Funds' shares. Any quotation of total return or yield not reflecting CDSCs
would be reduced if such sales charges were reflected.
 
Any fees charged by a selling agent and/or servicing agent directly to its
customers' accounts in connection with investments in the Funds will not be
included in calculations of total return or yield. Each Fund's annual report
contains additional performance information and is available upon request
without charge from the Funds' distributor or an investor's Agent (as defined
below).
 
   How The Funds Are Managed

The business and affairs of Nations Fund, Inc. are managed under the direction
of its Board of Directors. Nations Fund, Inc.'s SAI contains the names of and
general background information concerning each Director of Nations Fund, Inc.

Nations Funds and the Adviser have adopted codes of ethics which contain
policies on personal securities transactions by "access persons," including
portfolio managers and investment analysts. These policies substantially comply
in all material respects with the recommendations set forth in the May 9, 1994
Report of the Advisory Group on Personal Investing of the Investment Company
Institute.

INVESTMENT ADVISER: NBAI serves as investment adviser to the Funds. NBAI is a
wholly owned subsidiary of NationsBank, which in turn is a wholly owned banking
subsidiary of NationsBank Corporation, a bank holding company organized as a
North Carolina corporation. NBAI has its principal offices at One NationsBank
Plaza, Charlotte, North Carolina 28255.

Kleinwort Benson, with principal offices at 200 Park Avenue, New York, New York
10166, serves as investment sub-adviser to Nations International Growth Fund.
Kleinwort Benson is the SEC registered investment management subsidiary of the
London-based Kleinwort Benson Group plc, a holding company for a merchant
banking group whose origins date back to 1792. Kleinwort Benson has offices in
London, Hong Kong and Tokyo and may utilize the general expertise of Kleinwort
Benson Group plc and its affiliates in respect of, for example, economic
analyses and predictions and market developments and trends.

 
                                                                              15
 
<PAGE>

Boatmen's serves as investment sub-adviser to Nations Small Company Growth Fund
and Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund. Its principal offices are located at 100
North Broadway, St. Louis, Missouri 63178-4737. Boatmen's is an indirect
subsidiary of NationsBank Corporation, a registered bank holding company.

Subject to the general supervision of Nations Fund, Inc.'s Board of Directors,
and in accordance with each Fund's investment policies, the Adviser formulates
guidelines and lists of approved investments for each Fund, makes decisions with
respect to and places orders for each Fund's purchases and sales of portfolio
securities and maintains records relating to such purchases and sales. The
Adviser is authorized to allocate purchase and sale orders for portfolio
securities to certain financial institutions, including, in the case of agency
transactions, financial institutions which are affiliated with the Adviser or
which have sold shares in the Funds, if the Adviser believes that the quality of
the transaction and the commission are comparable to what they would be with
other qualified brokerage firms. From time to time, to the extent consistent
with its investment objective, policies and restrictions, each Fund may invest
in securities of companies with which NationsBank has a lending relationship.

For the services provided and expenses assumed pursuant to an Investment
Advisory Agreement, NBAI is entitled to receive advisory fees, computed daily
and paid monthly, at the monthly rate of: .90% of the average daily net assets
of Nations International Growth Fund; 1.00% of the average daily net assets of
Nations Small Company Growth Fund; and .60% of the average daily net assets of
Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund.

For the services provided and the expenses assumed pursuant to various
Sub-Advisory Agreements, NBAI will pay Kleinwort Benson sub-advisory fees at the
rate of .40% of Nations International Growth Fund's average net assets up to and
including $325,000,000 in assets and .25% on assets in excess of $325,000,000.
NBAI will pay Boatmen's sub-advisory fees at the rate of .25% of the average net
assets of Nations Small Company Growth Fund and .15% of the average daily net
assets of Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund.

From time to time, NBAI (and/or Kleinwort Benson and/or Boatmen's) may waive or
reimburse (either voluntarily or pursuant to applicable state limitations)
advisory fees or expenses payable by a Fund.

Boatmen's has designated the following portfolio manager as being primarily
responsible for the management of Nations International Growth Fund. Michael E.
Kenneally, Chartered Financial Analyst ("CFA"), is a Senior Vice President and
Director of Research. In addition to his responsibilities in connection with the
management of the Fund, Mr. Kenneally is responsible for all fundamental and
quantitative research as well as the management of all small capitalization and
growth-style portfolios.

Mr. Kenneally is also part of the team responsible for the day to day management
of the Nations Small Company Growth Fund's investment activities. His additional
responsibilities include investment product development, international equity
investment, and equity derivative strategies. Mr. Kenneally holds both a
bachelor's degree in economics and an MBA in finance from the University of
Missouri. He joined Boatmen's in 1983 as an equity analyst, later became a
quantitative analyst, and subsequently worked as both a fixed-income portfolio
manager and an equity portfolio manager. Mr. Kenneally is also a member of the
Association for Investment Management and Research (AIMR), the St. Louis Society
of Financial Analysts, the Chicago Quantitative Alliance, and the Society of
Quantitative Analysts.

Mr. Daniel N. Ginsparg, Senior Portfolio Manager and Manager of Quantitative
Research is part of the team responsible for the day to day management of the
Nations Small Company Growth Fund's investment activities. Mr. Ginsparg is
responsible for quantitative research applications and is involved in the
management of the Fund. Mr. Ginsparg received both his bachelor's degree and MBA
from the University of Missouri. He joined Boatmen's in 1989 and is a member of
the Chicago Quantitative Alliance,

 
16
 
<PAGE>

the Society of Quantitative Analysts, and the St. Louis Society of Financial
Analysts.

C. Thomas Clapp, CFA, is Director of the Equity Management Group for TradeStreet
and Portfolio Manager of Nations Emerging Growth Fund. Mr. Clapp has been
Portfolio Manager for Nations Emerging Growth Fund since September, 1996. He is
also part of the Adviser's team responsible for the day to day management of
Nations Small Company Growth Fund, and has been an officer of Boatmen's since
January, 1997. Prior to assuming his position with TradeStreet in 1995, he was
Senior Vice President and Director of Research for the Investment Management
Group at NationsBank. Prior to joining NationsBank in 1992, Mr. Clapp was a
Senior Portfolio Manager with Royal Insurance Group. Mr. Clapp has worked in the
investment community since 1984. He received his B.A. in Economics from the
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an M.B.A. from the University of
South Carolina. He also holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation and is
a member of the Association for Investment Management and Research and the North
Carolina Society of Financial Analysts, Inc.

The Fixed Income Committee of Boatmen's is responsible for the day-to-day
management of the investment portfolio of Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund.

Morrison & Foerster LLP, counsel to Nations Funds and special counsel to
NationsBank, has advised Nations Funds and NationsBank, that NationsBank and its
affiliates may perform the services contemplated by the various Investment
Advisory Agreements and this Prospectus, without violation of the Glass-Steagall
Act. Such counsel has pointed out, however, that there are no controlling
judicial or administrative interpretations or decisions and that future judicial
or administrative interpretations of, or decisions relating to, present federal
or state statutes, including the Glass-Steagall Act, and regulations relating to
the permissible activities of banks and their subsidiaries or affiliates, as
well as future changes in federal or state statutes, including the
Glass-Steagall Act, and regulations and judicial or administrative decisions or
interpretations thereof, could prevent such entities from continuing to perform,
in whole or in part, such services. If any such entity were prohibited from
performing any of such services, it is expected that new agreements would be
proposed or entered into with another entity or entities qualified to perform
such services.

OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS: Stephens Inc. ("Stephens"), with principal offices at
111 Center Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72201, serves as the administrator of
Nations Funds pursuant to an Administration Agreement. Pursuant to the terms of
the Administration Agreement, Stephens provides various administrative and
corporate secretarial services to the Funds, including providing general
oversight of other service providers, office space, utilities and various legal
and administrative services in connection with the satisfaction of various
regulatory requirements applicable to the Funds.

First Data Investor Services Group, Inc. ("First Data"), a wholly owned
subsidiary of First Data Corporation, with principal offices at One Exchange
Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, serves as the co-administrator of Nations
Funds pursuant to a Co-Administration Agreement. Under the Co-Administration
Agreement, First Data provides various administrative and accounting services to
the Funds including performing the calculations necessary to determine the net
asset value per share and dividends of each class of the Funds, preparing tax
returns and financial statements and maintaining the portfolio records and
certain of the general accounting records for the Funds.

For the services rendered pursuant to the Administration and Co-Administration
Agreements, Stephens and First Data are entitled to receive a combined fee at
the annual rate of up to 0.10% of each Fund's average daily net assets.

NationsBank serves as sub-administrator for Nations Funds pursuant to a
Sub-Administration Agreement. Pursuant to the terms of the Sub-Administration
Agreement, NationsBank assists Stephens in supervising, coordinating and
monitoring various aspects of the Funds' administrative operations. For
providing such services, NationsBank shall be entitled to receive a monthly fee
from Stephens based on an annual

 
                                                                              17
 
<PAGE>
rate of 0.01% of the Funds' average daily net assets.

Shares of the Funds are sold on a continuous basis by Stephens, as the Funds'
sponsor and distributor. Stephens is a registered broker/dealer with principal
offices at 111 Center Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72201. Nations Funds has
entered into a distribution agreement with Stephens which provides that Stephens
has the exclusive right to distribute shares of the Funds. Stephens may pay
service fees or commissions to selling agents that assist customers in
purchasing Investor A Shares of the Funds. See "Shareholder Servicing And
Distribution Plans."

NationsBank of Texas, N.A. ("NationsBank of Texas" and, collectively with Bank
of New York ("BONY"), called "Custodians") serves as custodian for the assets of
each Fund. NationsBank of Texas is located at 1401 Elm Street, Dallas, Texas
75202, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of NationsBank Corporation. In return
for providing custodial services, NationsBank of Texas is entitled to receive,
in addition to out-of-pocket expenses, fees at the rate of (i) $300,000 per
annum, to be paid monthly in payments of $25,000 for custodian services for up
to and including 50 Funds; and (ii) $6,000 per annum, to be paid in equal
monthly payments, for custodian services for each additional Fund above 50
Funds.

BONY serves as sub-custodian for the assets of Nations International Growth
Fund, Nations Small Company Growth Fund and Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund.
BONY is located at 90 Washington Street, New York, New York 10286. In return for
providing sub-custodial services, BONY shall receive, in addition to out of
pocket expenses, fees at the rate of (i) 3/4 of one basis point per annum on the
aggregate net assets of the Funds up to $10 billion; and (ii) 1/2 of one basis
point on the excess.

First Data serves as transfer agent (the "Transfer Agent") for the Funds'
Investor A Shares. The Transfer Agent is located at One Exchange Place, Boston,
Massachusetts 02109.

Price Waterhouse LLP serves as independent accountant to Nations Funds. Its
address is 160 Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110.

EXPENSES: The accrued expenses of the Funds, as well as certain expenses
attributable to Investor A Shares, are deducted from accrued income before
dividends are declared. The Funds' expenses include, but are not limited to:
fees paid to the Adviser, NationsBank, Stephens and First Data; taxes; interest;
trustees' and directors' and officers' fees; federal and state securities
registration and qualification fees; brokerage fees and commissions; cost of
preparing and printing prospectuses for regulatory purposes and for distribution
to existing shareholders; charges of the Custodian and Transfer Agent; certain
insurance premiums; outside auditing and legal expenses; costs of shareholder
reports and shareholder meetings, other expenses which are not expressly assumed
by the Adviser, NationsBank, Stephens or First Data under their respective
agreements with Nations Funds; and any extraordinary expenses. Investor A Shares
may bear certain class specific retail transfer agency expenses and also bear
certain additional shareholder service and/or sales support costs. Any general
expenses of Nations Fund, Inc. that are not readily identifiable as belonging to
a particular investment portfolio are allocated among all portfolios in the
proportion that the assets of a portfolio bears to the assets of Nations Fund,
Inc. or in such other manner as the Board of Directors deems appropriate.

 
18
 
<PAGE>

   Organization And History
 
The Funds are members of the Nations Funds Family, which consists of Nations
Fund Trust, Nations Fund, Inc., Nations Fund Portfolios, Inc. and Nations
Institutional Reserves. The Nations Funds Family currently has more than 50
distinct investment portfolios and total assets in excess of $20 billion.

Nations Fund, Inc. was incorporated in Maryland on December 13, 1983, but had no
operations prior to December 15, 1986. Nations Fund, Inc.'s fiscal year end is
March 31; prior to 1996, Nations Fund, Inc.'s fiscal year end was May 31. As of
the date of this Prospectus, the authorized capital stock of Nations Fund, Inc.
consists of 420,000,000,000 shares of common stock, par value of $.001 per
share, which are divided into series or funds each of which consists of separate
classes of shares. This Prospectus relates only to the Investor A Shares of
Nations International Growth Fund, Nations Small Company Growth Fund and Nations
U.S. Government Bond Fund of Nations Fund, Inc. To obtain additional information
regarding the Fund's other classes of shares which may be available to you,
contact your Selling Agent (as defined below) or Nations Funds at
1-800-321-7854.

Shares of each fund and class have equal rights with respect to voting, except
that the holders of shares of a particular fund or class will have the exclusive
right to vote on matters affecting only the rights of the holders of such fund
or class. In the event of dissolution or liquidation, holders of each class will
receive pro rata, subject to the rights of creditors, (a) the proceeds of the
sale of that portion of the assets allocated to that class held in the
respective fund of Nations Fund, Inc., less (b) the liabilities of Nations Fund,
Inc. attributable to the respective fund or class or allocated among the funds
or classes based on the respective liquidation value of each fund or class.
 
Shareholders of Nations Fund, Inc. do not have cumulative voting rights, and
therefore the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of all funds
voting together for election of directors may elect all of the members of the
Board of Directors of Nations Fund, Inc. Meetings of shareholders may be called
upon the request of 10% or more of the outstanding shares of Nations Fund, Inc.
There are no preemptive rights applicable to any of Nations Fund, Inc.'s shares.
Nations Fund, Inc.'s shares, when issued, will be fully paid and non-assessable.
 
As of May   , 1997, NationsBank and its affiliates possessed or shared power to
dispose of or vote with respect to more than 25% of the outstanding shares of
Nations Fund, Inc. and therefore could be considered to be a controlling person
of Nations Fund, Inc. for purposes of the 1940 Act. For more detailed
information concerning the percentage of each class or series over which
NationsBank and its affiliates possessed or shared power to dispose or vote as
of a certain date, see Nations Fund, Inc.'s SAI. It is anticipated that Nations
Fund, Inc. will not hold annual shareholder meetings on a regular basis unless
required by the 1940 Act or Maryland law.

About Your Investment
 
   How To Buy Shares
 
The Funds have established various procedures for purchasing Investor A Shares
in order to accommodate different investors. Purchase orders for Investor A
Shares may be placed directly with a Fund or through banks, broker/dealers or
other financial institutions (including certain affiliates of NationsBank) that
have entered into a shareholder servicing agreement ("Servicing Agreement") with
Nations Fund ("Servicing Agents") and/or a sales sup-
 
                                                                              19
 
<PAGE>
port agreement ("Sales Support Agreement") with Stephens ("Selling Agents").
Servicing Agents and Selling Agents are sometimes referred to hereafter as
"Agents."
 
In addition, Investor A Shares may be purchased through a Nations Fund Personal
Investment Planner account, which is a managed agency/asset allocation account
established with NBAI (an "Account"). Investments through an Account are
governed by the terms and conditions of the Account, which are set forth in the
Client Agreement and Disclosure Statement provided by NBAI to each investor who
establishes an Account. Because of the nature of the Account, certain of the
features described in this Prospectus are not available to investors purchasing
Investor A Shares through an Account. Potential investors through an Account
should refer to the Client Agreement and Disclosure Statement for more
information regarding the Account, including information regarding the fees and
expenses charged in connection with an Account.
 
There is a minimum initial investment of $1,000 in the Funds, except that the
minimum initial investment is:
 
(Bullet) $500 for IRA investors;
(Bullet) $250 for non-working spousal IRAs; and
 
(Bullet) $100 for investors participating on a monthly basis in the Systematic
         Investment Plan described below.

There is no minimum investment amount for investments by 401(k) plans,
simplified employee pension plans ("SEPs"), salary reduction-simplified employee
pension plans ("SAR-SEPs") or salary reduction-Individual Retirement Account
("SAR-IRAs"). However, the assets of such plans must reach an asset value of
$1,000 ($500 for SEPs, SAR-SEPs and SAR-IRAs) within one year of the account
open date. If the assets of such plans do not reach the minimum asset size
within one year, Nations Fund reserves the right to redeem the shares held by
such plans on 60 days' written notice. The minimum subsequent investment is
$100, except for investments pursuant to the Systematic Investment Plan
described below.
 
Investor A Shares are purchased at net asset value per share. Purchases may be
effected on days on which the New York Stock Exchange (the "Exchange") is open
for business (a "Business Day").
 
Nations Fund and Stephens reserve the right to reject any purchase order. The
issuance of Investor A Shares is recorded on the books of the Funds, and share
certificates are not issued unless expressly requested in writing. Certificates
are not issued for fractional shares.
 
OPENING AN ACCOUNT DIRECTLY WITH A FUND: Investors may open a regular
(non-retirement) account directly with a Fund, either by mail or by wire.
 
BY MAIL: Investors should complete a New Account Application and forward it,
along with a check made payable to the Fund, to:
 
Nations Fund
P.O. Box 34602
Charlotte, NC 28254-4602
 
BY WIRE: Investors should call Investor Services at 1-800-982-2271 for an
account number and use the following wire instructions:
 
Nations Fund
c/o Boston Safe Deposit & Trust
ABA #011001234
DDA #154202
 
Account Name
 
Account Number
 
Fund Name
 
Investors should complete a New Account Application and mail it to the address
above.
 
RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS: For IRAs and other retirement accounts, investors should
call Investor Services at 1-800-982-2271.
 
ADDITIONAL PURCHASES: Additional purchases may be made by mail or wire. To
purchase additional shares by mail, send a check made payable to the Fund with a
reinvestment slip to the address set forth above. To purchase additional shares
by wire, follow the wiring instructions set forth above.
 
EFFECTIVE TIME OF PURCHASES: Purchase orders for Investor A Shares of the Funds
which are received by Stephens or by the Transfer Agent before the close of
regular trading hours on the Exchange (currently 4:00 p.m., Eastern time) on any
Business Day are priced according to the net
 
20
 
<PAGE>
asset value determined on that day but are not executed until 4:00 p.m., Eastern
time, on the Business Day on which immediately available funds in payment of the
purchase price are received by the Funds' Custodian. Such payment must be
received no later than 4:00 p.m., Eastern time, by the third Business Day
following receipt of the order. If funds are not received by such date, the
order will not be accepted and notice thereof will be given to the Agent placing
the order. Payment for orders which are not received or accepted will be
returned after prompt inquiry to the sending Agent.
 
The Agents are responsible for transmitting orders for purchases of Investor A
Shares by their customers ("Customers"), and delivering required funds, on a
timely basis. Stephens is responsible for transmitting orders it receives to
Nations Fund.
 
SYSTEMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN: Under the Funds' Systematic Investment Plan ("SIP")
a shareholder may automatically purchase Investor A Shares. On a bi-monthly,
monthly or quarterly basis, a shareholder may direct cash to be transferred
automatically from his/her checking or savings account at any bank which is a
member of the Automated Clearing House to his/her Fund account. Transfers will
occur on or about the 15th and/or 30th day of the applicable month. The
systematic investment amount may be in any amount from $25 to $100,000. For more
information concerning the SIP, contact your Agent or Investor Services.
 
TELEPHONE TRANSACTIONS: Investors may effect purchases, redemptions (up to
$50,000) and exchanges by telephone. See "How To Redeem Shares" and "How To
Exchange Shares" below. Shareholders should be aware that by using the telephone
transaction feature, such shareholders may be giving up a measure of security
that they may have if they were to authorize written requests only. A
shareholder may bear the risk of any resulting losses from a telephone
transaction. Nations Fund will employ reasonable procedures to confirm that
instructions communicated by telephone are genuine, and if Nations Fund and its
service providers fail to employ such measures, they may be liable for any
losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent instructions. Nations Fund requires a
form of personal identification prior to acting upon instructions received by
telephone and provides written confirmation to shareholders of each telephone
share transaction. In addition, Nations Fund reserves the right to record all
telephone conversations.
 
   How To Redeem Shares
 
For shareholders who open and maintain an account directly with a Fund,
redemption orders should be communicated to such Fund by calling Investor
Services at 1-800-982-2271 or in writing. (Shareholders must have established
telephone features on their account in order to effect telephone transactions.)
Redemption proceeds are normally sent by mail or wired within three Business
Days after receipt of the order by the Fund. For shareholders who purchased
their shares through an Agent, redemption orders should be transmitted by
telephone or in writing through the same Agent. Redemption proceeds are normally
wired to the redeeming Agent within three Business Days after receipt of the
order by Stephens or by the Transfer Agent. Redemption orders are effected at
the net asset value per share next determined after receipt of the order by the
Fund, Stephens, or the Transfer Agent, as the case may be. The Agents are
responsible for transmitting redemption orders to Stephens or to the Transfer
Agent and for crediting their Customer's account with the redemption proceeds on
a timely basis. Redemption proceeds for shares purchased by check may not be
remitted until at least 15 days after the date of purchase to ensure that the
check has cleared; a certified check, however, is deemed to be cleared
immediately. No charge for wiring redemption payments is imposed by Nations
Fund. There is no redemption charge.
 
Nations Fund may redeem a shareholder's Investor A Shares upon 60 days' written
notice if the balance in the shareholder's account drops below $500 as a result
of redemptions. Share balances also may be redeemed at the direction of an Agent
pursuant to arrangements between the
 
                                                                              21
 
<PAGE>
Agent and its Customers. Nations Fund also may redeem shares of the Funds
involuntarily or make payment for redemption in readily marketable securities or
other property under certain circumstances in accordance with the 1940 Act.
 
Prior to effecting a redemption of Investor A Shares represented by
certificates, the Transfer Agent must have received such certificates at its
principal office. All such certificates must be endorsed by the redeeming
shareholder or accompanied by a signed stock power, in each instance with the
signature guaranteed by a commercial bank or a member of a major stock exchange,
unless other arrangements satisfactory to Nations Fund have previously been
made. Nations Fund may require any additional information reasonably necessary
to evidence that a redemption has been duly authorized.
 
CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE: Subject to certain waivers specified below,
Investor A Shares of the Funds that were purchased prior to January 1, 1996 in
amounts of $1 million or more or through the Nations Fund Personal Investment
Planner may be subject to a CDSC equal to 1.00% of the lesser of the net asset
value or the purchase price of the shares being redeemed if such shares are
redeemed within one year of purchase, declining to 0.50% in the second year
after purchase and eliminated thereafter. No CDSC is imposed on increases in net
asset value above the initial purchase price, including shares acquired by
reinvestment of distributions.
 
Solely for purposes of determining the period of time that has elapsed from the
purchase of any Investor A Shares, all purchases are deemed to have been made on
the trade date of the transaction. In determining whether a CDSC is applicable
to a redemption, the calculation will be made in the manner that results in the
lowest possible charge being assessed. In this regard, it will be assumed that
the redemption is first of shares held for the longest period of time or shares
acquired pursuant to reinvestment of dividends or distributions. The charge will
not be applied to dollar amounts representing an increase in the net asset value
since the time of purchase.
 
The CDSC will be waived on redemptions of Investor A Shares (i) following the
death or disability (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the "Code")) of a shareholder (including a registered joint owner), (ii) in
connection with the following retirement plan distributions: (a) by qualified
plans, (except in cases of plan level terminations); (b) distributions from an
IRA following attainment of age 59 1/2; (c) a tax-free return of an excess
contribution to an IRA, and (d) distributions from a qualified retirement plan
that are not subject to the 10% additional Federal withdrawal tax pursuant to
Section 72(t)(2) of the Code, (iii) effected pursuant to Nations Fund's right to
liquidate a shareholder's account, including instances where the aggregate net
asset value of the Investor A Shares held in the account is less than the
minimum account size, (iv) in connection with the combination of Nations Fund
with any other registered investment company by merger, acquisition of assets or
by any other transaction, and (v) effected pursuant to the Automatic Withdrawal
Plan discussed below, provided that such redemptions do not exceed, on an annual
basis, 12% of the net asset value of the Investor A Shares in the account.
Shareholders are responsible for providing evidence sufficient to establish that
they are eligible for any waiver of the CDSC.
 
Within 120 days after a redemption of Investor A Shares of a Fund, a shareholder
may reinvest any portion of the proceeds of such redemption in Investor A Shares
of the same Fund. The amount which may be so reinvested is limited to an amount
up to, but not exceeding, the redemption proceeds (or to the nearest full share
if fractional shares are not purchased). A shareholder exercising this privilege
would receive a pro rata credit for any CDSC paid in connection with the prior
redemption. A shareholder may not exercise this privilege with the proceeds of a
redemption of shares previously purchased through the reinvestment privilege. In
order to exercise this privilege, a written order for the purchase of Investor A
Shares must be received by the Transfer Agent or by Stephens within 120 days
after the redemption.
 
AUTOMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN: An Automatic Withdrawal Plan ("AWP") may be
established by a new or existing shareholder of the Funds if the value of the
Investor A Shares in his/her accounts within the Nations Fund Family (val-
 
22
 
<PAGE>
ued at the net asset value at the time of the establishment of the AWP) equals
$10,000 or more. Investor A Shares redeemed under the AWP will not be subject to
a CDSC, provided that the shares so redeemed do not exceed, on an annual basis,
12% of the net asset value of the Investor A Shares in the account. Otherwise,
any applicable CDSC will be imposed on shares redeemed under the AWP.
Shareholders who elect to establish an AWP may receive a monthly, quarterly or
annual check or automatic transfer to a checking or savings account in a stated
amount of not less than $25 on or about the 10th or 25th day of the applicable
month of withdrawal. Investor A Shares will be redeemed (net of any applicable
CDSC) as necessary to meet withdrawal payments. Withdrawals will reduce
principal and may eventually deplete the shareholder's account. If a shareholder
desires to establish an AWP after opening an account, a signature guarantee will
be required. An AWP may be terminated by a shareholder on 30 days' written
notice to his/her Agent or by Nations Fund at any time.
 
   How To Exchange Shares
 
GENERAL: The exchange feature enables a shareholder of a fund of Nations Fund to
acquire shares of the same class that are offered by any other fund of Nations
Fund when the shareholder believes that a shift between funds is an appropriate
investment decision. A qualifying exchange is based on the next calculated net
asset value per share of each fund after the exchange order is received.
 
For shareholders who maintain an account directly with a Fund, exchange requests
should be communicated to the Fund by calling Investor Services at
1-800-982-2271 or in writing. For shareholders who purchased their shares
through an Agent, exchange requests should be communicated to the Agent, who is
responsible for transmitting the request to Stephens or to the Transfer Agent.
 
The Funds and each of the other funds of Nations Fund may limit the number of
times this exchange feature may be exercised by a shareholder within a specified
period of time. Also, the exchange feature may be terminated or revised at any
time by Nations Fund upon such notice as may be required by applicable
regulatory agencies (presently 60 days for termination or material revision),
absent unusual circumstances.
 
The current prospectus for each fund of Nations Fund describes its investment
objective and policies, and shareholders should obtain a copy and examine it
carefully before investing. Exchanges are subject to the minimum investment
requirement and any other conditions imposed by each fund. In the case of any
shareholder holding a share certificate or certificates, no exchanges may be
made until all applicable share certificates have been received by the Transfer
Agent and deposited in the shareholder's account. An exchange will be treated
for Federal income tax purposes the same as a redemption of shares, on which the
shareholder may realize a capital gain or loss. And, the ability to deduct
capital losses on an exchange may be limited in situations where there is an
exchange of shares within 90 days after the shares are purchased.
 
The Investor A Shares exchanged must have a current value of at least $1,000
(except for exchanges through the Automatic Exchange Feature, which is described
below). Nations Fund reserves the right to reject any exchange request. Only
shares that may legally be sold in the state of the shareholder's residence may
be acquired in an exchange. Only shares of a class that is accepting investments
generally may be acquired in an exchange. During periods of significant economic
or market change, telephone exchanges may be difficult to complete. In such
event, shareholders should consider communicating their exchange requests by
mail.
 
If Investor A Shares of the Funds purchased prior to January 1, 1996 are
exchanged for shares of the same class of another fund, any CDSC applicable to
the original shares purchased will be applied upon the redemption of the
acquired shares. The holding period of such Investor A Shares (for purposes of
determining whether a CDSC is applicable upon redemption)
 
                                                                              23
 
<PAGE>
will be computed from the time of the initial purchase of the Investor A Shares
of a Fund.
 
AUTOMATIC EXCHANGE FEATURE: Under the Funds' Automatic Exchange Feature ("AEF")
a shareholder may automatically exchange at least $25 on a monthly or quarterly
basis. A shareholder may direct proceeds to be exchanged from one fund of
Nations Fund to another as allowed by the applicable exchange rules within the
prospectus. Exchanges will occur on or about the 15th or 30th day of the
applicable month. The shareholder must have an existing position in both Funds
in order to establish the AEF. This feature may be established by directing a
request to the Transfer Agent by telephone or in writing. For additional
information, a shareholder should contact his/her Selling Agent or Investor
Services.
 
   Shareholder Servicing And
   Distribution Plans
 
The Funds' Shareholder Servicing and Distribution Plan (the "Investor A Plan"),
adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, permits the Funds to
compensate (i) Servicing Agents and Selling Agents for services provided to
their Customers that own Investor A Shares and (ii) Stephens for
distribution-related expenses incurred in connection with Investor A Shares.
Aggregate payments under the Investor A Plan are calculated daily and paid
monthly at a rate or rates set from time to time by the Funds, provided that the
annual rate may not exceed 0.25% of the average daily net asset value of the
Investor A Shares of the Funds.
 
The fees payable to Servicing Agents under the Investor A Plan are used
primarily to compensate or reimburse Servicing Agents for shareholder services
provided, and related expenses incurred, by such Servicing Agents. The
shareholder services provided by Servicing Agents may include: (i) aggregating
and processing purchase and redemption requests for Investor A Shares from
Customers and transmitting net purchase and redemption orders to Stephens or the
Transfer Agent; (ii) providing Customers with a service that invests the assets
of their accounts in Investor A Shares pursuant to specific or preauthorized
instructions; (iii) processing dividend and distribution payments from the Funds
on behalf of Customers; (iv) providing information periodically to Customers
showing their positions in Investor A Shares; (v) arranging for bank wires; and
(vi) providing general shareholder liaison services. The fees payable to Selling
Agents are used primarily to compensate or reimburse Selling Agents for
providing sales support assistance in connection with the sale of Investor A
Shares to Customers, which may include forwarding sales literature and
advertising provided by Nations Fund to Customers.
 
The fees under the Investor A Plan also may be used to reimburse Stephens for
distribution-related expenses actually incurred by Stephens, including, but not
limited to, expenses of organizing and conducting sales seminars, printing
prospectuses and statements of additional information (and supplements thereto)
and reports for other than existing shareholders, preparation and distribution
of advertising and sales literature and the costs of administering the Investor
A Plan.
 
Stephens may, from time to time, at its expense or as an expense for which it
may be reimbursed under the Investor A Plan, pay a bonus or other consideration
or incentive to Agents who sell a minimum dollar amount of shares of the Funds
during a specified period of time. Stephens also may, from time to time, pay
additional consideration to Agents not to exceed 1.00% of the offering price per
share on all sales of Investor A Shares as an expense of Stephens or for which
Stephens may be reimbursed under the Investor A Plan or upon receipt of a CDSC.
Any such additional consideration or incentive program may be terminated at any
time by Stephens.
 
24
 
<PAGE>
In addition, Stephens has established a non-cash compensation program pursuant
to which broker/dealers or financial institutions that sell shares of the Funds
may earn additional compensation in the form of trips to sales seminars or
vacation destinations, tickets to sporting events, theater or other
entertainment, opportunities to participate in golf or other outings and gift
certificates for meals or merchandise. This non-cash compensation program may be
amended or terminated at any time by Stephens.

Nations Fund and Stephens may suspend or reduce payments under the Investor A
Plan at any time, and payments are subject to the continuation of the Investor A
Plan described above and the terms of the Servicing Agreements and Sales Support
Agreements. See the SAI for more details on the Investor A Plan.

Nations Fund understands that Agents may charge fees to their Customers who are
the owners of Investor A Shares for various services provided in connection with
a Customer's account. These fees would be in addition to any amounts received by
a Selling Agent under its Sales Support Agreement with Stephens or by a
Servicing Agent under its Servicing Agreement with Nations Fund. The Sales
Support Agreements and Servicing Agreements require Agents to disclose to their
Customers any compensation payable to the Agent by Stephens or Nations Fund and
any other compensation payable by the Customers for various services provided in
connection with their accounts. Customers should read this Prospectus in light
of the terms governing their accounts with their Agents.
 
   How The Funds Value Their Shares
 
The Funds calculate the net asset value of a share of each class by dividing the
total value of its assets, less liabilities, by the number of shares in the
class outstanding. Shares are valued as of the close of regular trading on the
Exchange (currently 4:00 p.m., Eastern time) on each Business Day. Currently,
the days on which the Exchange is closed (other than weekends) are: New Year's
Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day (observed), Independence Day,
Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Portfolio securities for which market quotations are readily available are
valued at market value. Short-term investments that will mature in 60 days or
less are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value. All other
securities and assets are valued at their fair value following procedures
approved by the Directors.

   How Dividends And Distributions Are
   Made; Tax Information
 
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS: Even though the Funds seek to manage taxable
distributions, the Funds may be expected to earn and distribute taxable income
and may also be expected to realize and distribute capital gains from time to
time. Nations International Growth Fund and Nations Small Company Growth Fund
declare and pay dividends from net investment income each calendar quarter, and
Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund declares dividends daily and pays them
monthly. Each Fund's net realized capital gains (including net short-term
capital gains) are distributed at least annually.

Investor A Shares of Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund are eligible to begin
earning dividends that are declared on the day the purchase order is executed
and continue to be eligible for dividends through and including the day before
the redemption order is executed. Investor A Shares of the Funds are eligible 
to receive dividends when declared, provided, how-
 
                                                                              25
 
<PAGE>
ever, that the purchase order for such shares is received at least one day prior
to the dividend declaration and such shares continue to be eligible for
dividends through and including the day before the redemption order is executed.
Distributions paid by the Funds with respect to one class of shares may be
greater or less than those paid with respect to another class of shares due to
the different expenses of the different classes.
 
The net asset value of Investor A Shares will be reduced by the amount of any
dividend or distribution. Certain Agents may provide for the reinvestment of
dividends in the form of additional Investor A Shares of the same class in the
same Fund. Dividends and distributions are paid in cash within five Business
Days of the end of the quarter to which the dividend relates. Dividends and
distributions payable to a shareholder are paid in cash within five Business
Days after a shareholder's complete redemption of his/her Investor A Shares.
 
TAX INFORMATION: Each Fund intends to qualify as a "regulated investment
company" under the Code. Such qualification relieves the Fund of liability for
Federal income tax on amounts distributed in accordance with the Code.
 
Each Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its investment company
taxable income and net tax-exempt income each taxable year. Distributions by a
Fund of its net investment income (including net foreign currency gains) and the
excess, if any, of its net short-term capital gain over its net long-term
capital loss are taxable as ordinary income to shareholders who are not
currently exempt from Federal income tax, whether such income is received in
cash or reinvested in additional shares. (Federal income tax for distributions
to an IRA are generally deferred under the Code.)

Corporate investors in Nations International Growth Fund and Nations Small
Company Growth Fund may be entitled to the dividends-received deduction on all
or a portion of such Fund's dividends to the extent that the Fund's income is
derived from dividends (which, if received directly, would qualify for such
deduction) received from domestic corporations. In order to qualify for the
dividends-received deduction, a corporate shareholder must hold the fund shares
paying the dividends upon which the deduction is based for at least 46 days.

Substantially all of the Funds' net realized long-term capital gains will be
distributed at least annually. The Funds will generally have no tax liability
with respect to such gains, and the distributions will be taxable to
shareholders who are not exempt from Federal income tax as long-term capital
gains, regardless of how long the shareholders have held the Funds' shares and
whether such gains are received in cash or reinvested in additional shares.
 
Each year, shareholders will be notified as to the amount and Federal tax status
of all dividends and capital gains paid during the prior year. Such dividends
and capital gains may be subject to state and local taxes.
 
Dividends declared in October, November, or December of any year payable to
shareholders of record on a specified date in such months will be deemed to have
been received by shareholders and paid by the Funds on December 31 of such year
in the event such dividends are actually paid during January of the following
year.
 
Federal law requires Nations Fund to withhold 31% from any dividends (other than
exempt-interest dividends) paid by Nations Fund and/or redemptions (including
exchange redemptions) that occur in certain shareholder accounts if the
shareholder has not properly furnished a certified correct Taxpayer
Identification Number and has not certified that withholding does not apply, or
if the Internal Revenue Service has notified Nations Fund that the Taxpayer
Identification Number listed on a shareholder account is incorrect according to
its records, or that the shareholder is subject to backup withholding. Amounts
withheld are applied to the shareholder's Federal tax liability, and a refund
may be obtained from the Internal Revenue Service if withholding results in
overpayment of taxes. Federal law also requires the Funds to withhold 30% or the
applicable tax treaty rate from dividends paid to certain nonresident alien,
non-U.S. partnership and non-U.S. corporation shareholder accounts.
 
The foregoing discussion is based on tax laws and regulations which were in
effect as of the date of this Prospectus and summarizes only
 
26
 
<PAGE>

some of the important Federal tax considerations generally affecting the Funds
and their shareholders. It is not intended as a substitute for careful tax
planning; investors should consult their tax advisors with respect to their
specific tax situations as well as with respect to state and local taxes.
Further tax information is contained in the SAI.

 
   Appendix A -- Portfolio Securities
 

The following are summary descriptions of certain types of instruments in which
a Fund may invest. The "How Objectives Are Pursued" section of the Prospectus
identifies each Fund's permissible investments, and the SAI contain more
information concerning such investments.

ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES: Asset-backed securities arise through the grouping by
governmental, government-related, and private organizations of loans,
receivables, or other assets originated by various lenders. Asset-backed
securities consist of both mortgage and non-mortgage-backed securities.
Interests in pools of these assets may differ from other forms of debt
securities, which normally provide for periodic payment of interest in fixed
amounts with principal paid at maturity or specified call dates. Conversely,
asset-backed securities provide periodic payments which may consist of both
interest and principal payments.

The life of an asset-backed security varies depending upon rate of the
prepayment of the underlying debt instruments. The rate of such prepayments will
be a function of current market interest rates and other economic and
demographic factors. For example, falling interest rates generally result in an
increase in the rate of prepayments of mortgage loans while rising interest
rates generally decrease the rate of prepayments. An acceleration in prepayments
in response to sharply falling interest rates will shorten the security's
average maturity and limit the potential appreciation in the security's value
relative to a conventional debt security. Consequently, asset-backed securities
may not be as effective in locking in high, long-term yields. Conversely, in
periods of sharply rising rates, prepayments are generally slow, increasing the
security's average life and its potential for price depreciation.

MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES: Mortgage-backed securities represent an ownership
interest in a pool of mortgage loans.

Mortgage pass-through securities may represent participation interests in pools
of residential mortgage loans originated by U.S. governmental or private lenders
and guaranteed, to the extent provided in such securities, by the U.S.
Government or one of its agencies, authorities or instrumentalities. Such
securities, which are ownership interests in the underlying mortgage loans,
differ from conventional debt securities, which provide for periodic payment of
interest in fixed amounts (usually semi-annually) and principal payments at
maturity or on specified call dates. Mortgage pass-through securities provide
for monthly payments that are a "pass-through" of the monthly interest and
principal payments (including any prepayments) made by the individual borrowers
on the pooled mortgage loans, net of any fees paid to the guarantor of such
securities and the servicer of the underlying mortgage loans.

The guaranteed mortgage pass-through securities in which a Fund may invest may
include those issued or guaranteed by GNMA, by FNMA and FHLMC. Such Certificates
are mortgage-backed securities which represent a partial ownership interest in a
pool of mortgage loans issued by lenders such as mortgage bankers, commercial
banks and savings and loan associations. Such mortgage loans may have fixed or
adjustable rates of interest.

The average life of a mortgage-backed security is likely to be substantially
less than the original maturity of the mortgage pools underlying the securities.
Prepayments of principal by mortgagors and mortgage foreclosures will usually
result in the return of the greater part of principal invested far in advance of
the maturity of the mortgages in the pool.

 
                                                                              27
 
<PAGE>

The yield which will be earned on mortgage-backed securities may vary from their
coupon rates for the following reasons: (i) Certificates may be issued at a
premium or discount, rather than at par; (ii) Certificates may trade in the
secondary market at a premium or discount after issuance; (iii) interest is
earned and compounded monthly which has the effect of raising the effective
yield earned on the Certificates; and (iv) the actual yield of each Certificate
is affected by the prepayment of mortgages included in the mortgage pool
underlying the Certificates and the rate at which principal so prepaid is
reinvested. In addition, prepayment of mortgages included in the mortgage pool
underlying a GNMA Certificate purchased at a premium may result in a loss to the
Fund.

Mortgage-backed securities issued by private issuers, whether or not such
obligations are subject to guarantees by the private issuer, may entail greater
risk than obligations directly or indirectly guaranteed by the U.S. Government.

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations or "CMOs" are debt obligations
collateralized by mortgage loans or mortgage pass-through securities (collateral
collectively hereinafter referred to as "Mortgage Assets"). Multi-class
pass-through securities are interests in a trust composed of Mortgage Assets and
all references herein to CMOs will include multi-class pass-through securities.
Payments of principal of and interest on the Mortgage Assets, and any
reinvestment income thereon, provide the funds to pay debt service on the CMOs
or make scheduled distribution on the multi-class pass-through securities.

Moreover, principal prepayments on the Mortgage Assets may cause the CMOs to be
retired substantially earlier than their stated maturities or final distribution
dates, resulting in a loss of all or part of the premium if any has been paid.
Interest is paid or accrues on all classes of the CMOs on a monthly, quarterly
or semiannual basis.

The principal and interest payments on the Mortgage Assets may be allocated
among the various classes of CMOs in several ways. Typically, payments of
principal, including any prepayments, on the underlying mortgages are applied to
the classes in the order of their respective stated maturities or final
distribution dates, so that no payment of principal is made on CMOs of a class
until all CMOs of other classes having earlier stated maturities or final
distribution dates have been paid in full.

Stripped mortgage-backed securities ("SMBS") are derivative multi-class mortgage
securities. A Fund will only invest in SMBS that are obligations backed by the
full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. SMBS are usually structured with
two classes that receive different proportions of the interest and principal
distributions from a pool of mortgage assets. A Fund will only invest in SMBS
whose mortgage assets are U.S. Government Obligations.

A common type of SMBS will be structured so that one class receives some of the
interest and most of the principal from the Mortgage Assets, while the other
class receives most of the interest and the remainder of the principal. If the
underlying Mortgage Assets experience greater than anticipated prepayments of
principal, a Fund may fail to fully recoup its initial investment in these
securities. The market value of any class which consists primarily or entirely
of principal payments generally is unusually volatile in response to changes in
interest rates.

The average life of mortgage-backed securities varies with the maturities of the
underlying mortgage instruments. The average life is likely to be substantially
less than the original maturity of the mortgage pools underlying the securities
as the result of mortgage prepayments, mortgage refinancings, or foreclosures.
The rate of mortgage prepayments, and hence the average life of the
certificates, will be a function of the level of interest rates, general
economic conditions, the location and age of the mortgage and other social and
demographic conditions. Such prepayments are passed through to the registered
holder with the regular monthly payments of principal and interest and have the
effect of reducing future payments. Estimated average life will be determined by
the Adviser and used for the purpose of determining the average weighted
maturity and duration of the Funds. For additional information concerning
mortgage backed securities, see the SAI.

 
28
 
<PAGE>

BANK INSTRUMENTS: Bank instruments consist mainly of certificates of deposit,
time deposits and bankers' acceptances. The Funds will limit their investments
in bank obligations so they do not exceed 25% of each Fund's total assets at the
time of purchase.

U.S. dollar-denominated obligations issued by foreign branches of domestic banks
("Eurodollar" obligations) and domestic branches of foreign banks ("Yankee
dollar" obligations) and other foreign obligations involve special investment
risks, including the possibility that liquidity could be impaired because of
future political and economic developments, the obligations may be less
marketable than comparable domestic obligations of domestic issuers, a foreign
jurisdiction might impose withholding taxes on interest income payable on such
obligations, deposits may be seized or nationalized, foreign governmental
restrictions such as exchange controls may be adopted which might adversely
affect the payment of principal of and interest on such obligations, the
selection of foreign obligations may be more difficult because there may be less
publicly available information concerning foreign issuers, there may be
difficulties in enforcing a judgment against a foreign issuer or the accounting,
auditing and financial reporting standards, practices and requirements
applicable to foreign issuers may differ from those applicable to domestic
issuers. In addition, foreign banks are not subject to examination by U.S.
Government agencies or instrumentalities.
 
BORROWINGS: When a Fund borrows money, the net asset value of a share may be
subject to greater fluctuation until the borrowing is paid off. The Funds may
borrow money from banks for temporary purposes in amounts of up to one-third of
their respective total assets, provided that borrowings in excess of 5% of the
value of the Funds' total assets must be repaid prior to the purchase of
portfolio securities. Pursuant to line of credit arrangements, certain of the
Funds may borrow primarily for temporary or emergency purposes, including the
meeting of redemption requests that otherwise might require the untimely
disposition of securities.
 
Reverse repurchase agreements and dollar roll transactions may be considered to
be borrowings. When a Fund invests in a reverse repurchase agreement, it sells a
portfolio security to another party, such as a bank or broker/dealer, in return
for cash, and agrees to buy the security back at a future date and price.
Reverse repurchase agreements may be used to provide cash to satisfy unusually
heavy redemption requests without having to sell portfolio securities, or for
other temporary or emergency purposes. Generally, the effect of such a
transaction is that the Funds can recover all or most of the cash invested in
the portfolio securities involved during the term of the reverse repurchase
agreement, while they will be able to keep the interest income associated with
those portfolio securities. Such transactions are only advantageous if the
interest cost to the Funds of the reverse repurchase transaction is less than
the cost of obtaining the cash otherwise.
 
At the time a Fund enters into a reverse repurchase agreement, it may establish
a segregated account with its custodian bank in which it will maintain cash,
U.S. Government securities or other liquid high grade debt obligations equal in
value to its obligations in respect of reverse repurchase agreements. Reverse
repurchase agreements involve the risk that the market value of the securities
the Funds are obligated to repurchase under the agreement may decline below the
repurchase price. In the event the buyer of securities under a reverse
repurchase agreement files for bankruptcy or becomes insolvent, the Funds' use
of proceeds of the agreement may be restricted pending a determination by the
other party, or its trustee or receiver, whether to enforce the Funds'
obligation to repurchase the securities. In addition, there is a risk of delay
in receiving collateral or securities or in repurchasing the securities covered
by the reverse repurchase agreement or even of a loss of rights in the
collateral or securities in the event the buyer of the securities under the
reverse repurchase agreement files for bankruptcy or becomes insolvent. The
Funds only enter into reverse repurchase agreements (and repurchase agreements)
with counterparties that are deemed by the Adviser to be credit worthy. Reverse
repurchase agreements are speculative techniques involving leverage, and are
subject to asset coverage described above. Under the requirements of the 1940
Act, the Funds are required to maintain an asset coverage (includ-
 
                                                                              29
 
<PAGE>
ing the proceeds of the borrowings) of at least 300% of all borrowings.
Depending on market conditions, the Funds' asset coverage and other factors at
the time of a reverse repurchase, the Funds may not establish a segregated
account when the Adviser believes it is not in the best interests of the Funds
to do so. In this case, such reverse repurchase agreements will be considered
borrowings subject to the asset coverage described above.
 
Dollar roll transactions consist of the sale by a Fund of mortgage-backed or
other asset-backed securities, together with a commitment to purchase similar,
but not identical, securities at a future date, at the same price. In addition,
a Fund is paid a fee as consideration for entering into the commitment to
purchase. If the broker/dealer to whom a Fund sells the security becomes
insolvent, the Fund's right to purchase or repurchase the security may be
restricted; the value of the security may change adversely over the term of the
dollar roll; the security that the Fund is required to repurchase may be worth
less than the security that the Fund originally held, and the return earned by
the Fund with the proceeds of a dollar roll may not exceed transaction costs.
 

COMMON AND PREFERRED STOCKS: Common stocks are generally more volatile than
other securities. Preferred stocks share some of the characteristics of both
debt and equity and are generally preferred over common stocks with respect to
dividends and in liquidation.

CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES, PREFERRED STOCK, AND WARRANTS: Certain of the Funds may
invest in debt securities convertible into or exchangeable for equity
securities, preferred stocks or warrants. Preferred stocks are securities that
represent an ownership interest in a corporation providing the owner with claims
on a company's earnings and assets before common stock owners, but after bond or
other debt security owners. Warrants are options to buy a stated number of
shares of common stock at a specified price any time during the life of the
warrants.

CURRENCY SWAPS: Nations International Growth Fund may enter into currency swaps
for hedging purposes and to seek to increase total return. Currency swaps
involve the exchange of rights to make or receive payments in specified
currencies. Since currency swaps are individually negotiated, the Fund expects
to achieve an acceptable degree of correlation between its portfolio investments
and its currency swap positions. Currency swaps usually involve the delivery of
the entire principal value of one designated currency in exchange for the other
designated currency. Therefore, the entire principal value of a currency swap is
subject to the risk that the other party to the swap will default on its
contractual delivery obligations.

The use of currency swaps is a highly specialized activity which involves
investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary
portfolio securities transactions. If Kleinwort Benson is incorrect in its
forecasts of market values and currency exchange rates, the investment
performance of the Fund would be less favorable than it would be if this
investment technique were not used.

EMERGING MARKETS: Nations International Growth Fund may invest up to 35% of its
total assets in one or more countries with emerging economies. These countries
are located in the Asia-Pacific region, Eastern Europe, Latin and South America,
Africa and, subject to approval by the Board of Directors, the former Soviet
Union and the Middle East. Political and economic structures in many of such
countries may be undergoing significant evolution and rapid development, and
such countries may lack the social, political and economic stability
characteristic of more developed countries. Certain of such countries may have
in the past failed to recognize private property rights and have at times
nationalized or expropriated the assets of private companies. As a result, the
risks described above, including the risks of nationalization or expropriation
of assets, may be heightened. In addition, unanticipated political or social
developments may affect the values of the Fund's investments in those countries
and the availability to the Fund of additional investments in those countries.
The small size and inexperience of the securities markets in certain of such
countries and the limited volume of trading in securities in those countries may
make the Fund's investments in such countries illiquid and more volatile than
investments in most other non-major U.S. markets, and the Fund may be

 
30
 
<PAGE>

required to establish special custodial or other arrangements before making
certain investments in those countries. There may be little financial or
accounting information available with respect to issuers located in certain of
such countries, and it may be difficult as a result to assess the value of
prospects of an investment in such issuers.

 
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS: To the extent provided under "How Objectives Are
Pursued," the Funds may enter into foreign currency exchange transactions to
convert foreign currencies to and from the U.S. Dollar. A Fund either enters
into these transactions on a spot (I.E., cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing
in the foreign currency exchange market, or uses forward contracts to purchase
or sell foreign currencies. A forward foreign currency exchange contract is an
obligation by a Fund 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.
 
Foreign currency hedging transactions are an attempt to protect a Fund against
changes in foreign currency exchange rates between the trade and settlement
dates of specific securities transactions or changes in foreign currency
exchange rates that would adversely affect a portfolio position or an
anticipated portfolio position. Although these transactions tend to minimize the
risk of loss due to a decline in the value of the hedged currency, at the same
time they tend to limit any potential gain that might be realized should the
value of the hedged currency increase. Neither spot transactions nor forward
foreign currency exchange contracts eliminate fluctuations in the prices of a
Fund's portfolio securities or in foreign exchange rates, or prevent loss if the
prices of these securities should decline.
 
A Fund will generally enter into forward currency exchange contracts only under
two circumstances: (i) when the Fund enters into a contract for the purchase or
sale of a security denominated in a foreign currency, to "lock" in the U.S.
dollar price of the security; and (ii) when the Adviser believes that the
currency of a particular foreign country may experience a substantial movement
against another currency. Under certain circumstances, the Fund may commit a
substantial portion of its portfolio to the execution of these contracts. The
Adviser will consider the effects such a commitment would have on the investment
program of the Fund and the flexibility of the Fund to purchase additional
securities. Although forward contracts will be used primarily to protect the
Fund from adverse currency movements, they also involve the risk that
anticipated currency movements will not be accurately predicted.
 
FOREIGN SECURITIES: Foreign securities include debt and equity obligations
(dollar- and non-dollar-denominated) of foreign corporations and banks as well
as obligations of foreign governments and their political subdivisions (which
will be limited to direct government obligations and government-guaranteed
securities). Such investments may subject a Fund to special investment risks,
including future political and economic developments, the possible imposition of
withholding taxes on interest income, possible seizure or nationalization of
foreign deposits, the possible establishment of exchange controls, or the
adoption of other foreign governmental restrictions which might adversely affect
the payment of principal and interest on such obligations. In addition, foreign
issuers in general may be subject to different accounting, auditing, reporting,
and record keeping standards than those applicable to domestic companies, and
securities of foreign issuers may be less liquid and their prices more volatile
than those of comparable domestic issuers.
 
Investments in foreign securities may present additional risks, whether made
directly or indirectly, including the political or economic instability of the
issuer or the country of issue and the difficulty of predicting international
trade patterns. In addition, there may be less publicly available information
about a foreign company than about a U.S. company. Further, foreign securities
markets are generally not as developed or efficient as those in the U.S., and in
most foreign markets volume and liquidity are less than in the United States.
Fixed commissions on foreign securities exchanges are generally higher than the
negotiated commissions on U.S. exchanges, and there is generally less government
supervision and regulation of foreign securities exchanges, brokers, and
companies than in the United States. With respect to cer-
 
                                                                              31
 
<PAGE>
tain foreign countries, there is a possibility of expropriation or confiscatory
taxation, limitations on the removal of funds or other assets, or diplomatic
developments that could affect investments within those countries. Because of
these and other factors, securities of foreign companies acquired by a Fund may
be subject to greater fluctuation in price than securities of domestic
companies.
 
FUTURES, OPTIONS AND OTHER DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS: To the extent provided under
"How Objectives Are Pursued" the Funds may attempt to reduce the overall level
of investment risk of particular securities and attempt to protect a Fund
against adverse market movements by investing in futures, options and other
derivative instruments. These include the purchase and writing of options on
securities (including index options) and options on foreign currencies, and
investing in futures contracts for the purchase or sale of instruments based on
financial indices, including interest rate indices or indices of U.S. or foreign
government, equity or fixed income securities ("futures contracts"), options on
futures contracts, forward contracts and swaps and swap-related products such as
interest rate swaps, currency swaps, caps, collars and floors.
 

The use of futures, options, forward contracts and swaps exposes a Fund to
additional investment risks and transaction costs. If the Adviser incorrectly
analyzes market conditions or does not employ the appropriate strategy with
respect to these instruments, a Fund could be left in a less favorable position.
Additional risks inherent in the use of futures, options, forward contracts and
swaps include: imperfect correlation between the price of futures, options and
forward contracts and movements in the prices of the securities or currencies
being hedged; the possible absence of a liquid secondary market for any
particular instrument at any time; and the possible need to defer closing out
certain hedged positions to avoid adverse tax consequences. A Fund may not
purchase put and call options which are traded on a national stock exchange in
an amount exceeding 5% of its net assets. Further information on the use of
futures, options and other derivative instruments, and the associated risks, is
contained in the SAI.

OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANIES: Each Fund may invest in securities issued by other
investment companies to the extent that such investments are consistent with the
Fund's investment objective and policies and permissible under the 1940 Act. As
a shareholder of another investment company, a Fund would bear, along with other
shareholders, its pro rata portion of the other investment 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.

PARTICIPATIONS AND TRUST RECEIPTS: Each Fund may purchase from domestic
financial institutions and trusts created by such institutions participation
interests and trust receipts in high quality debt securities. A participation
interest or receipt gives a Fund an undivided interest in the security in the
proportion that a Fund's participation interest or receipt bears to the total
principal amount of the security. Each Fund intends only to purchase
participations and trust receipts from an entity or syndicate, and does not
intend to serve as a co-lender in any such activity.

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS: A repurchase agreement involves the purchase of a
security by a Fund and a simultaneous agreement (generally with a bank or
broker/dealer) to repurchase that security from the Fund at a specified price
and date or upon demand. This technique offers a method of earning income on
idle cash. A risk associated with repurchase agreements is the failure of the
seller to repurchase the securities as agreed, which may cause a Fund to suffer
a loss if the market value of such securities declines before they can be
liquidated on the open market. Repurchase agreements with a duration of more
than seven days are considered illiquid securities and are subject to the limit
stated above. A Fund may enter into joint repurchase agreements jointly with
other investment portfolios of Nations Fund.
 
SECURITIES LENDING: To increase return on portfolio securities, the Funds may
lend their portfolio securities to broker/dealers and other institutional
investors pursuant to agreements requiring that the loans be continuously
secured by collateral equal at all times in value to at least
 
32
 
<PAGE>
the market value of the securities loaned. There is a risk of delay in receiving
collateral or in recovering the securities loaned or even a loss of rights in
the collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially. However,
loans are made only to borrowers deemed by the Adviser to be credit worthy and
when, in its judgment, the income to be earned from the loan justifies the
attendant risks. The aggregate of all outstanding loans of a Fund may not exceed
30% of the value of its total assets.

SMALL CAPITALIZATION COMPANIES: Nations International Growth Fund may invest in
smaller, lesser-known companies which Kleinwort Benson believes offer greater
growth potential than larger, more mature, better-known firms. Investing in the
securities of such companies, however, may also involve greater risk and the
possibility of greater portfolio price volatility. Among the reasons for the
greater price volatility of these small company and unseasoned stocks are the
less certain growth prospects of smaller firms, the lower degree of liquidity in
the markets for such stocks, and the greater sensitivity of small companies to
changing economic conditions. For example, these companies are associated with
higher investment risk than that normally associated with larger firms due to
the greater business risks of small size and limited product lines, markets,
distribution channels and financial and managerial resources.

STRIPPED SECURITIES: Each Fund may invest in instruments known as "stripped"
securities. These instruments include U.S. Treasury bonds and notes and federal
agency obligations on which the unmatured interest coupons have been separated
from the underlying obligation. These obligations are usually issued at a
discount to their "face value", and because of the manner in which principal and
interest are returned may exhibit greater price volatility than more
conventional debt securities. Each Fund may invest in "interest only" stripped
securities that have been issued by a federal instrumentality known as the
Resolution Funding Corporation and other stripped securities issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Government, where the principal and interest components
are traded independently under the Separate Trading of Registered Interest and
Principal Securities program ("STRIPS"). Each Fund may also invest in
instruments that have been stripped by their holder, typically a custodian bank
or investment brokerage firm, and then resold in a custodian receipt program
under such names as TIGRS (Treasury Income Growth Receipts) and CATS
(Certificates of Accrual on Treasuries).

In addition, each Fund may purchase stripped mortgage-backed securities ("SMBS")
issued by the U.S. Government (or a U.S. Government agency or instrumentality)
or by private issuers such as banks and other institutions. SMBS, in particular,
may exhibit greater price volatility than ordinary debt securities because of
the manner in which their principal and interest are returned to investors.

U.S. GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS: U.S. Government Obligations consist of marketable
securities and instruments issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or any of
its agencies, authorities or instrumentalities. Direct obligations are issued by
the U.S. Treasury and include all U.S. Treasury instruments. U.S. Treasury
obligations differ only in their interest rates, maturities and time of
issuance. Obligations of U.S. Government agencies, authorities and
instrumentalities are issued by government-sponsored agencies and enterprises
acting under authority of Congress. Although obligations of federal agencies,
authorities and instrumentalities are not debts of the U.S. Treasury, some are
backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury, such as direct
pass-through certificates of the Government National Mortgage Association; some
are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Government,
such as obligations of Federal Home Loan Banks, and some are backed only by the
credit of the issuer itself, such as obligations of the Federal National
Mortgage Association. No assurance can be given that the U.S. Government would
provide financial support to government-sponsored instrumentalities if it is not
obligated to do so by law. The market value of U.S. Government Obligations may
fluctuate due to fluctuations in market interest rates. As a general matter, the
value of debt instruments, including U.S. Government Obligations, declines when
market interest rates increase and rises when market interest rates decrease.
Certain types of U.S. Government

 
                                                                              33
 
<PAGE>
Obligations are subject to fluctuations in yield or value due to their structure
or contract terms.

VARIABLE- AND FLOATING-RATE INSTRUMENTS: Certain instruments issued, guaranteed
or sponsored by the U.S. Government or its agencies, state and local government
issuers, and certain debt instruments issued by domestic and foreign banks and
corporations may carry variable or floating rates of interest. Such instruments
bear interest rates which are not fixed, but which vary with changes in
specified market rates or indices, such as a Federal Reserve composite index. A
variable-rate demand instrument is an obligation with a variable or floating
interest rate and an unconditional right of demand on the part of the holder to
receive payment of unpaid principal and accrued interest. An instrument with a
demand period exceeding seven days may be considered illiquid if there is no
secondary market for such security.

WHEN-ISSUED, DELAYED DELIVERY AND FORWARD COMMITMENT SECURITIES: The purchase of
new issues of securities on a "when-issued," "delayed delivery" or "forward
commitment" basis occurs when the payment for and delivery of securities takes
place at a future date. Because actual payment for and delivery of such
securities generally take place 15 to 45 days after the purchase date,
purchasers of such securities bear the risk that interest rates on debt
securities at the time of delivery may be higher or lower than those contracted
for on the security purchased.

ZERO COUPON SECURITIES: Each Fund may invest in zero coupon securities. Zero
coupon securities are debt obligations which do not entitle the holder to any
periodic payments of interest prior to maturity or a specified date when the
securities begin paying current interest (the "cash payment date") and therefore
are issued and traded at a discount from their face amounts or par value. Such
bonds carry an additional risk in that, unlike bonds which pay interest
throughout the period to maturity, a Fund will realize no cash until the cash
payment date and, if the issuer defaults, the Fund may obtain no return at all
on its investment.

A Fund will be required to include in income daily portions of original issue
discount accrued which will cause the Fund to be required to make distributions
of such amounts to shareholders annually, even if no payment is received before
the distribution date. These distributions must be made from the Fund's cash
assets or, if necessary, from the proceeds of sales of portfolio securities. The
Fund will not be able to purchase additional income producing securities with
cash used to make such distributions and its current income ultimately may be
reduced as a result.

 
   Appendix B -- Description Of Ratings
 
The following summarizes the highest six ratings used by S&P for corporate and
municipal bonds. The first four ratings denote investment grade securities.
 
     AAA -- This is the highest rating assigned by S&P to a debt obligation and
     indicates an extremely strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal.
 
     AA -- Debt rated AA is considered to have a very strong capacity to pay
     interest and repay principal and differs from AAA issues only in a small
     degree.
 
     A -- Debt rated A has a 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 -- Debt rated BBB is 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 for those in
     higher-rated categories.
 
     BB, B -- Bonds rated BB and B are regarded, on balance, as predominantly
     speculative with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay principal in
     accordance
 
34
 
<PAGE>
     with the terms of the obligation. BB represents the lowest degree of
     speculation and B a higher degree of speculation. While such bonds will
     likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these are
     outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse
     conditions.
 
To provide more detailed indications of credit quality, the AA, A and BBB
ratings may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative
standing within these major rating categories.
 
The following summarizes the highest six ratings used by Moody's for corporate
and municipal bonds. The first four ratings denote investment grade securities.
 
     Aaa -- Bonds that are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality. They
     carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to
     as "gilt edge." Interest payments are protected by a large or by an
     exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure. While the various
     protective elements are likely to change, such changes as can be visualized
     are most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of such
     issues.
 
     Aa -- Bonds that are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all
     standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally
     known as high grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because
     margins of protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or
     fluctuation of protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there may
     be other elements present which make the long-term risks appear somewhat
     larger than in Aaa securities.
 
     A -- Bonds that are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes
     and are to be considered upper medium grade obligations. Factors giving
     security to principal and interest are considered adequate, but elements
     may be present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the
     future.
 
     Baa -- Bonds that are rated Baa are considered 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. Such bonds lack outstanding investment
     characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics as well.
 
     Ba -- Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements;
     their future cannot be considered as well assured. Often the protection of
     interest and principal payments may be very moderate and thereby not well
     safeguarded during both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of
     position characterizes bonds in this class.
 
     B -- Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the
     desirable investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of
     maintenance of other terms of the contract over any long period of time may
     be small.
 
Moody's applies numerical modifiers (1, 2 and 3) with respect to corporate bonds
rated Aa through B. The modifier 1 indicates that the bond being rated ranks in
the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a
mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates that the bond ranks in the lower
end of its generic rating category. With regard to municipal bonds, those bonds
in the Aa, A and Baa groups which Moody's believes possess the strongest
investment attributes are designated by the symbols Aa1, A1 or Baa1,
respectively.
 
The following summarizes the highest four ratings used by D&P for bonds, each of
which denotes that the securities are investment grade:
 
     AAA -- Bonds that are rated AAA are of the highest credit quality. The risk
     factors are considered to be negligible, being only slightly more than for
     risk-free U.S. Treasury debt.
 
     AA -- Bonds that are rated AA are of high credit quality. Protection
     factors are strong. Risk is modest, but may vary slightly from time to time
     because of economic conditions.
 
     A -- Bonds that are rated A have protection factors which are average but
     adequate.
 
                                                                              35
 
<PAGE>
     However, risk factors are more variable and greater in periods of economic
     stress.
 
     BBB -- Bonds that are rated BBB have below average protection factors but
     still are considered sufficient for prudent investment. Considerable
     variability in risk exists during economic cycles.
 
To provide more detailed indications of credit quality, the AA, A and BBB
ratings may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative
standing within these major categories.
 
The following summarizes the highest four ratings used by Fitch for bonds, each
of which denotes that the securities are investment grade:
 
     AAA -- Bonds considered to be investment grade and of the highest credit
     quality. The obligor has an exceptionally strong ability to pay interest
     and repay principal, which is unlikely to be affected by reasonably
     foreseeable events.
 
     AA -- Bonds considered to be investment grade and of very high credit
     quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is very
     strong, although not quite as strong as bonds rated AAA. Because bonds
     rated in the AAA and AA categories are not significantly vulnerable to
     foreseeable future developments, short-term debt of these issuers is
     generally rated F-1+.
 
     A -- Bonds considered to be investment grade and of high credit quality.
     The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is considered to
     be strong, but may be more vulnerable to adverse changes in economic
     conditions and circumstances than bonds with higher ratings.
 
     BBB -- Bonds considered to be investment grade and of satisfactory credit
     quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is
     considered to be adequate. Adverse changes in economic conditions and
     circumstances, however, are more likely to have adverse impact on these
     bonds, and therefore impair timely payment. The likelihood that the ratings
     of these bonds will fall below investment grade is higher than for bonds
     with higher ratings.
 
To provide more detailed indications of credit quality, the AA, A and BBB
ratings may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative
standing within these major rating categories.
 
The following summarizes the two highest ratings used by Moody's for short-term
municipal notes and variable rate demand obligations:
 
     MIG-1/VMIG-1 -- Obligations bearing these designations are of the best
     quality, enjoying strong protection from established cash flows, superior
     liquidity support or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for
     refinancing.
 
     MIG-2/VMIG-2 -- Obligations bearing these designations are of high quality,
     with ample margins of protection although not so large as in the preceding
     group.
 
The following summarizes the two highest ratings used by S&P for short-term
municipal notes:
 
     SP-1 -- Very strong or strong capacity to pay principal and interest. Those
     issues determined to possess overwhelming safety characteristics are given
     a "plus" (+) designation.
 
     SP-2 -- Satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest.
 
The three highest rating categories of D&P for short-term debt, each of which
denotes that the securities are investment grade, are D-1, D-2 and D-3. D&P
employs three designations, D-1+, D-1 and D-1-, within the highest rating
category. D-1+ indicates highest certainty of timely payment. Short-term
liquidity, including internal operating factors and/or access to alternative
sources of funds, is judged to be "outstanding, and safety is just below
risk-free U.S. Treasury short-term obligations." D-1 indicates very high
certainty of timely payment. Liquidity factors are excellent and supported by
good fundamental protection factors. Risk factors are considered to be minor.
D-1- indicates high certainty of timely payment. Liquidity factors are strong
and supported by good fundamental protection factors. Risk factors are very
small. D-2 indicates good certainty of timely payment. Liquidity factors and
company fundamentals are sound.
 
36
 
<PAGE>
Although ongoing funding needs may enlarge total financing requirements, access
to capital markets is good. Risk factors are small. D-3 indicates satisfactory
liquidity and other protection factors which qualify the issue as investment
grade. Risk factors are larger and subject to more variation. Nevertheless,
timely payment is expected.
 
The following summarizes the two highest rating categories used by Fitch for
short-term obligations, each of which denotes securities that are investment
grade:
 
     F-1+ securities possess exceptionally strong credit quality. Issues
     assigned this rating are regarded as having the strongest degree of
     assurance for timely payment.
 
     F-1 securities possess very strong credit quality. Issues assigned this
     rating reflect an assurance of timely payment only slightly less in degree
     than issues rated F-1+.
 
     F-2 securities possess good credit quality. Issues carrying this rating
     have a satisfactory degree of assurance for timely payment, but the margin
     of safety is not as great as for issues assigned the F-1+ and F-1 ratings.
 
Commercial paper rated A-1 by S&P indicates that the degree of safety regarding
timely payment is strong. Those issues determined to possess extremely strong
safety characteristics are denoted A-1+. Capacity for timely payment on
commercial paper rated A-2 is satisfactory, but the relative degree of safety is
not as high as for issues designated A-1.
 
The rating Prime-1 is the highest commercial paper rating assigned by Moody's.
Issuers rated Prime-1 (or related supporting institutions) are considered to
have a superior capacity for repayment of senior short-term promissory
obligations. Issuers rated Prime-2 (or related supporting institutions) are
considered to have a strong capacity for repayment of senior short-term
promissory obligations. This will normally be evidenced by many of the
characteristics of issuers rated Prime-1, but to a lesser degree. Earnings
trends and coverage ratios, while sound, will be more subject to variation.
Capitalization characteristics, while still appropriate, may be more affected by
external conditions. Ample alternate liquidity is maintained.
 
For commercial paper, D&P uses the short-term debt ratings described above.
 
For commercial paper, Fitch uses the short-term debt ratings described above.
 
BankWatch ratings are based upon a qualitative and quantitative analysis of all
segments of the organization including, where applicable, holding company and
operating subsidiaries. BankWatch ratings do not constitute a recommendation to
buy or sell securities of any of these companies. Further, BankWatch does not
suggest specific investment criteria for individual clients.
 
BankWatch long-term ratings apply to specific issues of long-term debt and
preferred stock. The long-term ratings specifically assess the likelihood of
untimely payment of principal or interest over the term to maturity of the rated
instrument. The following are the four investment grade ratings used by
BankWatch for long-term debt:
 
     AAA -- The highest category; indicates ability to repay principal and
     interest on a timely basis is extremely high.
 
     AA -- The second highest category; indicates a very strong ability to repay
     principal and interest on a timely basis with limited incremental risk
     versus issues rated in the highest category.
 
     A -- The third highest category; indicates the ability to repay principal
     and interest is strong. Issues rated "A" could be more vulnerable to
     adverse developments (both internal and external) than obligations with
     higher ratings.
 
     BBB -- The lowest investment grade category; indicates an acceptable
     capacity to repay principal and interest. Issues rated "BBB" are, however,
     more vulnerable to adverse developments (both internal and external) than
     obligations with higher ratings.
 
The BankWatch short-term ratings apply to commercial paper, other senior
short-term obligations and deposit obligations of the entities to
 
                                                                              37
 
<PAGE>
which the rating has been assigned. The BankWatch short-term ratings
specifically assess the likelihood of an untimely payment of principal or
interest.
 
     TBW-1 -- The highest category; indicates a very high likelihood that
     principal and interest will be paid on a timely basis.
 
     TBW-2 -- The second highest category; while the degree of safety regarding
     timely repayment of principal and interest is strong, the relative degree
     of safety is not as high as for issues rated "TBW-1".
 
     TBW-3 -- The lowest investment grade category; indicates that while more
     susceptible to adverse developments (both internal and external) than
     obligations with higher ratings, capacity to service principal and interest
     in a timely fashion is considered adequate.
 
     TBW-4 -- The lowest rating category; this rating is regarded as
     non-investment grade and therefore speculative.
 
The following summarizes the four highest long-term ratings used by IBCA:
 
     AAA -- Obligations for which there is the lowest expectation of investment
     risk. Capacity for timely repayment of principal and interest is
     substantial such that adverse changes in business, economic or financial
     conditions are unlikely to increase investment risk significantly.
 
     AA -- Obligations for which there is a very low expectation of investment
     risk. Capacity for timely repayment of principal and interest is
     substantial. Adverse changes in business, economic or financial conditions
     may increase investment risk albeit not very significantly.
 
     A -- Obligations for which there is a low expectation of investment risk.
     Capacity for timely repayment of principal and interest is strong, although
     adverse changes in business, economic or financial conditions may lead to
     increased investment risk.
 
     BB -- Obligations for which there is currently a low expectation of
     investment risk. Capacity for timely repayment of principal and interest is
     adequate, although adverse changes in business, economic or financial
     conditions are more likely to lead to increased investment risk than for
     obligations in other categories.
 
     A plus or minus sign may be appended to a rating below AAA to denote
     relative status within major rating categories.
 
The following summarizes the two highest short-term debt ratings used by IBCA:
 
     A1+ -- Where issues possess a particularly strong credit feature.
 
     A1 -- Obligations supported by the highest capacity for timely repayment.
 
     A2 -- Obligations supported by a good capacity for timely repayment.
 
38
 

                                  
<PAGE>
Prospectus
 
                                  INVESTOR C SHARES
                                     MAY     , 1997
 
This Prospectus describes NATIONS INTERNATIONAL
GROWTH FUND,
NATIONS SMALL COMPANY GROWTH FUND AND NATIONS U.S. 
GOVERNMENT BOND FUND (the "Funds") of Nations Fund, Inc.,
an open-end management investment company in the
Nations Funds Family ("Nations
Funds" or "Nations Funds Family"). This Prospectus
describes one class of shares of the
Funds -- Investor C Shares.

This Prospectus sets forth concisely the
information about the Funds that prospective
purchasers of Investor C Shares should consider
before investing. Investors should read this
Prospectus and retain it for future reference. 
Additional information about Nations Fund, Inc. is
contained in a separate Statement of Additional
Information (the "SAI"), that has been filed with 
the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC")
and is available upon request without charge by
writing or calling Nations Funds at its address or
telephone number shown below. The SAI for Nations
Fund, Inc.,dated May   , 1997, is incorporated by
reference in its entirety into this Prospectus.
NationsBanc Advisors, Inc. ("NBAI") is investment
adviser to the Funds. Kleinwort Benson Investment
Management Americas Inc. ("Kleinwort Benson") is
investment sub-adviser to Nations International
Growth Fund, and Boatmen's Trust Company
("Boatmen's") is investment sub-adviser to Nations
Small Company Growth Fund and Nations U.S.
Government Bond Fund. As used herein the "Adviser"
shall mean NBAI, Kleinwort Benson and/or Boatmen's
as the context may require.
 
SHARES OF NATIONS FUNDS ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OTHER
OBLIGATIONS OF, OR ISSUED, ENDORSED OR GUARANTEED
BY, NATIONSBANK, N.A. ("NATIONSBANK") OR ANY OF ITS
AFFILIATES. SUCH SHARES ARE NOT INSURED BY THE U.S.
GOVERNMENT, THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE
CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD OR ANY OTHER
GOVERNMENT AGENCY. AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUNDS
INVOLVES CERTAIN RISKS, INCLUDING POSSIBLE LOSS OF
PRINCIPAL.

NATIONSBANK AND CERTAIN OF ITS AFFILIATES PROVIDE
CERTAIN OTHER SERVICES TO NATIONS FUNDS, FOR WHICH
THEY ARE COMPENSATED. STEPHENS INC., WHICH IS NOT
AFFILIATED WITH NATIONSBANK, IS THE SPONSOR AND
ADMINISTRATOR AND SERVES AS THE DISTRIBUTOR FOR
NATIONS FUNDS.
 
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR
DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR
HAS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY
STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY
REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL
OFFENSE.
 

                                                     Nations International
                                                       Growth Fund
                                                     Nations Small
                                                       Company Growth 
                                                       Fund
                                                     Nations U.S. 
                                                       Government Bond
                                                       Fund

                                                     For Fund information call:
                                                     1-800-321-7854
                                                     Nations Funds
                                                     c/o Stephens Inc.
                                                     One NationsBank Plaza
                                                     33rd Floor
                                                     Charlotte, NC 28255
                                                     (Nations Funds logo
                                                      appears here)
 
<PAGE>
                             Table  Of  Contents
 
About The
Funds
                             Prospectus Summary                                3

                             Expenses Summary                                  5
  
                             Objectives                                        7
 
                             How Objectives Are Pursued                        7
 
                             How Performance Is Shown                         11
 
                             How The Funds Are Managed                        12
 
                             Organization And History                         15
 
About Your
Investment

                             How To Buy Shares                                16

                             How To Redeem Shares                             18
 
                             How To Exchange Shares                           19
 
                             Shareholder Servicing And Distribution Plans     20
 
                             How The Funds Value Their Shares                 22
 
                             How Dividends And Distributions Are Made;
                              Tax Information                                 22
 
                             Appendix A -- Portfolio Securities               24
 
                             Appendix B -- Description Of Ratings             31
 
                             NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
                             INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS NOT
                             CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS, OR IN THE FUNDS' SAI
                             INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE, IN CONNECTION
                             WITH THE OFFERING MADE BY THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF
                             GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS
                             MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED
                             BY NATIONS FUNDS OR ITS DISTRIBUTOR. THIS
                             PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFERING BY
                             NATIONS FUNDS OR BY THE DISTRIBUTOR IN ANY
                             JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH OFFERING MAY NOT
                             LAWFULLY BE MADE.
 
2
 
<PAGE>
About The Funds
 
   Prospectus Summary
 
(Bullet) TYPE OF COMPANY: Open-end management investment company.
 
(Bullet) INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES:
 
         (Bullet) Nations International Growth Fund's investment objective is to
                  seek long-term capital growth by investing primarily in equity
                  securities of companies domiciled in countries outside the
                  United States and listed on major stock exchanges primarily in
                  Europe and the Pacific Basin.
 
         (Bullet) Nations Small Company Growth Fund's investment
                  objective is to seek long-term capital growth by
                  investing primarily in equity securities.
 
          (Bullet) Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund's
                   investment objective is to seek total return
                   and preservation of capital by investing in
                   U.S. Government securities and repurchase
                   agreements.
 
(Bullet) INVESTMENT ADVISER: NBAI serves as the investment adviser to the Funds.
         NBAI provides investment advice to more than 50 investment company
         portfolios in the Nations Funds Family. Kleinwort Benson provides
         sub-advisory services to Nations International Growth Fund, and
         Boatmen's provides sub-advisory services to Nations Small Company
         Growth Fund and Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund. See "How The Funds
         Are Managed."
 
(Bullet) DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS: Nations International Growth Fund and
         Nations Small Company Growth Fund declare and pay dividends from net
         investment income quarterly and Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund
         declares dividends daily and pays them monthly. Each Fund's net
         realized capital gains, including net short-term capital gains are
         distributed at least annually.
 
(Bullet) PRINCIPAL RISK FACTORS: Although the Adviser seeks to achieve the
         investment objective of each Fund, there is no assurance that it will
         be able to do so. Investments in a Fund are not insured against loss of
         principal. Investments by a Fund in common stocks and other equity
         securities are subject to stock market risk, which is the risk that the
         value of the stocks the Fund holds may decline over short or even
         extended periods. Investments by a Fund in debt securities are subject
         to interest rate risk, which is the risk that increases in market
         interest rates will adversely affect a Fund's investments in debt
         securities. The value of a Fund's investments in debt securities,
         including U.S. Government Obligations (as defined below), will tend to
         decrease when interest rates rise and increase when interest rates
         fall. In general, longer-term debt instruments tend to fluctuate in
         value more than shorter-term debt instruments in response to interest
         rate movements. In addition, debt securities which are not backed by
         the United States Government are subject to credit risk, which is the
         risk that the issuer may not be able to pay principal and/or interest
         when due. Certain of the Funds' investments constitute derivative
         securities. Certain types of derivative securities can, under certain
         circumstances, significantly increase an investor's exposure to market
         or other risks. For a discussion of these and other factors, see "How
         Objectives Are Pursued -- Risk Considerations" and "Appendix
         A -- Portfolio Securities."
 
                                                                               3
 
<PAGE>
(Bullet) MINIMUM PURCHASE: $1,000 minimum initial investment per record holder
         except that the minimum initial investment is: $500 for Individual
         Retirement Account ("IRA") investors; $250 for non-working spousal
         IRAs; and $100 for investors participating on a monthly basis in the
         Systematic Investment Plan. There is no minimum investment amount for
         investments by certain 401(k) and employee pension plans or salary
         reduction-Individual Retirement Accounts. Minimum subsequent investment
         is $100, except for investments pursuant to the Systematic Investment
         Plan. See "How To Buy Shares."
 
4
 
<PAGE>
   Expenses Summary
 
Expenses are one of several factors to consider when investing in the Funds. The
following tables summarize shareholder transaction and operating expenses for
Investor C Shares of the Funds. The Examples show the cumulative expenses
attributable to a hypothetical $1,000 investment in the Funds over specified
periods.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                               Nations
                                                                            Nations             Small             Nations
                                                                         International         Company        U.S. Government
INVESTOR C SHARES                                                         Growth Fund        Growth Fund         Bond Fund
 
<S>                                                                    <C>                <C>                <C>
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
 
Sales Load Imposed on Purchases                                                 None               None               None
Deferred Sales Charge (as a percentage of the lower of the original
  purchase price or redemption proceeds)1                                       .50%               .50%               .50%
 
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
  (as a percentage of average net assets)
 
Management Fees (After Fee Waivers)                                             .90%               .75%               .40%
Rule 12b-1 Fees (After Fee Waivers)                                             .25%               .25%               .25%
Shareholder Servicing Fees                                                      .25%               .25%               .25%
Other Expenses                                                                  .22%               .20%               .20%
Total Operating Expenses (After Fee Waivers)                                   1.62%              1.45%              1.10%
</TABLE>
 
1A Deferred Sales Charge, if any, is imposed only with respect to Investor C
 Shares redeemed within one year of purchase.
 
                                                                               5
 
<PAGE>
EXAMPLES:
 
You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment in Investor C Shares
of the Funds assuming (1) a 5% annual return and (2) redemption at the end of
each time period.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             Nations              Nations              Nations
                                                                          International            Small           U.S. Government
                                                                           Growth Fund      Company Growth Fund       Bond Fund
<S>                                                                    <C>                  <C>                  <C>
 
1 Year                                                                      $      21            $      20            $      16
3 Years                                                                     $      51            $      46            $      35
</TABLE>
 
You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment in Investor C Shares
of the Funds, assuming a 5% annual return but no redemption.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                  Nations
                                                                             Nations               Small               Nations
                                                                          International           Company          U.S. Government
                                                                           Growth Fund          Growth Fund           Bond Fund
 
<S>                                                                    <C>                  <C>                  <C>
1 Year                                                                      $      16            $      15            $      11
3 Years                                                                     $      51            $      46            $      35
</TABLE>
 
The purpose of the foregoing tables is to assist an investor in understanding
the various shareholder transaction and operating expenses that an investor in
Investor C Shares of the Funds will bear either directly or indirectly. The
figures in the above tables are based on amounts incurred during each Fund's
most recent fiscal year and have been adjusted as necessary to reflect current
service provider fees. Absent fee waivers "Management Fees", "Rule 12b-1 Fees"
and "Total Operating Expenses" would have been as follows: Nations International
Equity Fund -- .90%, .75% and 2.12%, respectively; Nations Small Company Growth
Fund -- 1.00%, .75% and 2.20%, respectively; and Nations U.S. Government Bond
Fund -- .60%, .75% and 1.80%, respectively. There is no assurance that any fee
waivers will continue beyond the current fiscal year. If fee waivers and/or
reimbursements are discontinued, the amounts contained in the "Examples" above
may increase. Long-term shareholders of the Funds could pay more in sales
charges than the economic equivalent of the maximum front-end sales charges
applicable to mutual funds sold by members of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD"). For more complete descriptions of the Funds'
operating expenses, see "How The Funds Are Managed." For a more complete
description of the Rule 12b-1 and shareholder servicing fees payable by the
Funds, see "Shareholder Servicing And Distribution Plans."
 
THE FOREGOING SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED TO BE AN ACTUAL REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR
FUTURE EXPENSES OR PERFORMANCE. ACTUAL EXPENSES AND RATES OF RETURN MAY BE
GREATER OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN.
 
6
 
<PAGE>
   Objectives
 
NATIONS INTERNATIONAL GROWTH FUND: Nations International Growth Fund's
investment objective is to seek long-term capital growth by investing primarily
in equity securities of companies domiciled in countries outside the United
States and listed on major stock exchanges primarily in Europe and the Pacific
Basin.
 
NATIONS SMALL COMPANY GROWTH FUND: Nations Small Company Growth Fund's
investment objective is to seek long-term capital growth by investing primarily
in equity securities.
 
NATIONS U.S. GOVERNMENT BOND FUND: Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund's
investment objective is to seek total return and preservation of capital by
investing in U.S. Government securities and repurchase agreements.
 
   How Objectives Are Pursued
 
NATIONS INTERNATIONAL GROWTH FUND: In pursuing its investment objective, the
Fund will invest at least 65% of its total assets in foreign equity securities,
including securities convertible into equity securities and securities which are
listed on major stock exchanges, under normal circumstances. The Fund may
purchase the stock of small, mid- and large capitalization companies.
 
The Fund may invest up to 35% of its total assets in securities of issuers
domiciled in developing countries. These countries are generally located in
Eastern Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, Latin and South America, Africa and,
subject to approval by the Board of Directors, the former Soviet Union and the
Middle East. Debt securities, if any, purchased by the Fund will be rated in the
top two categories by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization
("NRSRO") or, if unrated, determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality.
For temporary defensive purposes, the Fund may invest up to 100% of its assets
in debt and equity securities of U.S. issuers. Debt securities in which the Fund
may invest include short-term and intermediate-term obligations of corporations,
foreign governments and international organizations (such as the International
Bank for Reconstruction and Development (the "World Bank")), including money
market instruments.
 
The Fund may invest in common stocks (including securities convertible into
common stocks) of foreign issuers and rights to purchase common stock, options
and futures contracts on securities, securities indexes and foreign currencies,
securities lending, forward foreign exchange contracts and repurchase
agreements. For more information concerning these and other permissible Fund
investments, see "Appendix A".
 
NATIONS SMALL COMPANY GROWTH FUND: In pursuing its investment objective, the
Fund will invest at least 65% of its total assets in equity securities,
including securities convertible into equity securities, under normal
circumstances. In addition, the Fund will invest at least 65% of its total
assets in companies with a market capitalization of $1 billion or less.
 
In making investment decisions for the Fund, the Adviser, on a quarterly basis,
classifies approximately 6,000 companies by market value and eliminates the
largest 20%. The remaining companies constitute the Fund's small-capitalization
universe and generally represent only one-tenth of the aggregate U.S. equity
market capitalization. Due to the large number of small stocks to choose from,
the Adviser's selection process uses advanced quantitative techniques to
identify, buy and sell candidates in a timely and objective manner. The strategy
is to own those investments offering both attractive fun-
 
                                                                               7
 
<PAGE>
damental valuation and relatively good prospects for earnings improvement.
Typically, two types of companies are candidates for purchase: (i) mature
companies which may have fallen from a larger market value due to business
difficulties, but which now exhibit improving prospects; and (ii) smaller or
younger companies which are experiencing strong trends in earnings growth, but
remain reasonably valued and therefore offer premium growth at a discount in
comparison to other companies.
 
The Adviser's internally designed investment approach uses a sophisticated
valuation process which measures changes in current earnings estimates and
longer-term growth trends, compares recent earnings results with market
expectations, and evaluates a company's earnings power relative to its stock
price. Companies become purchase candidates based upon a composite ranking of
these factors, and the top 20% are further evaluated on additional criteria.
Candidates for investment must also possess a sound financial structure and
demonstrate consistent factor rankings before being added to the Fund's
portfolio.
 
The Fund's weighted median capitalization generally is not expected to exceed
125% of the weighted median capitalization of the Russell 2000 Small Stock Index
(the "Russell 2000") as measured on a quarterly basis, although this may vary
from time to time. Furthermore, a stock may be sold if the composite rank falls
into the bottom 20% of the universe, financial quality weakens significantly, or
if individual factors demonstrate patterns of deterioration.
 
The Fund may invest up to 35% of its total assets in securities of issuers with
a market capitalization greater than $1 billion and in debt securities. However,
the Fund will not invest more than 10% of its total assets in debt securities,
unless the Fund assumes a temporary defensive position as discussed below. Debt
securities, if any, purchased by the Fund will be rated AA or above by Standard
& Poor's Corporation ("S&P") or Aa or above by Moody's Investor Services, Inc.
("Moody's") or, if unrated, determined by the Adviser to be of comparable
quality. For temporary defensive purposes, the Fund may invest up to 100% of its
assets in debt securities. Debt securities in which the Fund may invest include
short-term and intermediate-term obligations of corporations, the U.S. and
foreign governments and international organizations (such as the World Bank),
including money market instruments.
 
The Fund may invest in common stocks (including securities convertible into
common stocks) of foreign issuers and rights to purchase common stock, options
and futures contracts on securities, securities indexes and foreign currencies,
securities lending and repurchase agreements. The Fund currently intends to
limit any investment in foreign securities to 5% of total assets. For more
information concerning these and other permissible Fund investments, see
"Appendix A".
 
NATIONS U.S. GOVERNMENT BOND FUND: The Fund invests at least 65% of its total
assets in U.S. Government securities and repurchase agreements collateralized by
such securities. While the maturity of individual securities will not be
restricted, except during temporary defensive periods or unusual market
conditions, the average weighted maturity of the Fund will be between five and
thirty years. The Fund may invest in a variety of U.S. Government securities,
including U.S. Treasury bonds, notes and bills, and other obligations issued or
guaranteed as to payment of principal and interest by a number of U.S.
Government agencies and instrumentalities ("U.S. Government Obligations"). The
Fund may also invest in interests in the foregoing securities, including
collateralized mortgage obligations issued or guaranteed by a U.S. Government
agency or instrumentality. U.S. Government Obligations have historically had a
very low risk of loss of principal if held to maturity. The Fund, however, can
give no assurance that the U.S. Government would provide financial support to
its agencies or instrumentalities if it were not legally required to do so.
 
The Fund may also invest up to 35% of its total assets in debt securities of
U.S. and foreign corporate and foreign government issuers, American Depository
Receipts ("ADRs") and European Depository Receipts ("EDRs"), zero coupon bonds
and cash equivalents. The Fund will purchase only those non-government
investments
 
8
 
<PAGE>
which are rated investment grade or better by at least one NRSRO or, if unrated,
are determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality. If a portfolio
security held by the Fund ceases to be rated investment grade by at least one
NRSRO or if the Adviser determines that an unrated portfolio security held by
the Fund is no longer of comparable quality to an investment grade security, the
security will be sold in an orderly manner as quickly as possible. Additionally,
the Fund may also invest in futures contracts, interest rate swaps and options.
From time to time, the Fund may also hold uninvested cash reserves which do not
earn income.
 
The value of the Fund's portfolio (and consequently its shares) is expected to
fluctuate inversely in relation to changes in the direction of interest rates.
For more information concerning these and other investments in which the Fund
may invest, see "Appendix A".
 
GENERAL: Each Fund may invest in certain specified derivative securities,
including: exchange-traded options; over-the-counter options executed with
primary dealers, including long calls and puts and covered calls to enhance
return; and U.S. and foreign exchange-traded financial futures approved by the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission ( the "CFTC") and options thereon for
market exposure risk management. Each Fund may lend its portfolio securities to
qualified institutional investors. Each Fund also may invest in restricted,
private placement and other illiquid securities and securities issued by other
investment companies, consistent with the Fund's investment objective and
policies. Each Fund may invest in real estate investment trust securities.
Additionally, Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund may engage in reverse repurchase
agreements and dollar roll transactions.
 
For more information concerning these and other instruments in which the Funds
may invest and their investment practices, see "Appendix A."
 
Although changes in the value of securities subsequent to their acquisition are
reflected in the net asset value of the Funds' shares, such changes will not
affect the income received by the Funds from such securities. However, since
available yields vary over time, no specific level of income can ever be
assured. The dividends paid by the Funds will increase or decrease in relation
to the income received by the Funds from their investments, which will in any
case be reduced by the Funds' expenses before being distributed to the Funds'
shareholders.
 
SPECIAL RISK CONSIDERATIONS RELEVANT TO AN INVESTMENT IN NATIONS INTERNATIONAL
GROWTH FUND: Investors should understand and consider carefully the special
risks involved in foreign investing.
 
Investors in Nations International Growth Fund should be aware that the Fund
may, from time to time, invest in securities of companies located in Eastern
Europe. Economic and political reforms in this region are still in their
infancy. As a result, investment in such countries would be highly speculative
and could result in losses to the Fund and, thus, to its shareholders.
 
Investors should also understand and consider carefully the special risks
involved in investing in the Pacific Basin and Far East. Countries in the
Pacific Basin and Far East are in various stages of economic development,
ranging from emerging markets to mature economies, but each has unique risks.
Most countries in this region are heavily dependent on international trade, and
some are especially vulnerable to recessions in other countries. Some of these
countries are also sensitive to world commodity prices. Some countries that have
experienced rapid growth may still have obsolete financial systems, economic
problems or archaic legal systems. In addition, many of these nations are
experiencing political and social uncertainties.
 
The same is true, but even more so, for the emerging market countries in which
the Fund will invest. Although the Fund believes that its investments present
the possibility for significant growth over the long term, they also entail
significant risks. Many investments in emerging markets can be considered
speculative, and their prices can be much more volatile than in the more
developed nations of the world. This difference reflects the greater
uncertainties of investing in less established markets and economies.
 
                                                                               9
 
<PAGE>
The financial markets of emerging markets countries are generally less well
capitalized and thus securities of issuers based in such countries may be less
liquid.
 
The Fund's yield and share price will change based on changes in domestic or
foreign interest rates and in an issuer's creditworthiness. In general, bond
prices rise when interest rates fall, and vice versa.
 
Investing in securities denominated in foreign currencies and utilization of
forward foreign currency exchange contracts and other currency hedging
techniques involve certain considerations comprising both opportunities and
risks not typically associated with investing in U.S. dollar-denominated
securities. Additionally, changes in the value of foreign currencies can
significantly affect a Fund's share price. General economic and political
factors in the various world markets can also impact a Fund's share price.
 
The expenses to individual investors of investing directly in foreign securities
are very high relative to similar costs for investing in U.S. securities. While
the Fund offers a more efficient way for individual investors to participate in
foreign markets, their expenses, including custodial fees, are also higher than
the typical domestic equity mutual fund.
 
Risks unique to international investing include: (1) restrictions on foreign
investment and repatriation of capital; (2) fluctuations in currency exchange
rates; (3) costs of converting foreign currency into U.S. dollars and U.S.
dollars into foreign currencies; (4) greater price volatility and less
liquidity; (5) settlement practices, including delays, which may differ from
those customary in United States markets; (6) exposure to political and economic
risks, including the risk of nationalization, expropriation of assets and war;
(7) possible imposition of foreign taxes and exchange control and currency
restrictions; (8) lack of uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting
standards; (9) less governmental supervision of securities markets, brokers and
issuers of securities; (10) less financial information available to investors;
and (11) difficulty in enforcing legal rights outside the United States. These
risks often are heightened for investments in emerging or developing countries.
See "Appendix A" for additional discussion of the risks associated with an
investment in the Nations International Growth Fund.
 
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER: Generally, the Funds will purchase portfolio securities for
capital appreciation or investment income, or both, and not for short-term
trading profits. While it is not possible to predict exactly annual portfolio
turnover rates, it is expected that under normal market conditions, the annual
portfolio turnover rate will be 50% for Nations International Growth Fund, 125%
for Nations Small Company Growth Fund, and 100% for Nations U.S. Government Bond
Fund.
 
RISK CONSIDERATIONS: Although the Adviser will seek to achieve the investment
objective of each Fund, there is no assurance that it will be able to do so. No
single Fund should be considered, by itself, to provide a complete investment
program for any investor. The net asset value of the shares of the Funds will
fluctuate based on market conditions. Therefore, investors should not rely upon
the Funds for short-term financial needs, nor are the Funds meant to provide a
vehicle for participating in short-term swings in the stock market. Investments
in a Fund are not insured against loss of principal.
 
Investments by a Fund in common stocks and other equity securities are subject
to stock market risks. The value of the stocks that the Fund holds, like the
broader stock market, may decline over short or even extended periods. The value
of a Fund's investments in debt securities, including U.S. Government
Obligations, will tend to decrease when interest rates rise and increase when
interest rates fall. In general, longer-term debt instruments tend to fluctuate
in value more than shorter-term debt instruments in response to interest rate
movements. In addition, debt securities that are not backed by the United States
Government are subject to credit risk, which is the risk that the issuer may not
be able to pay principal and/or interest when due.
 
Certain of the Funds' investments constitute derivative securities, which are
securities whose
 
10
 
<PAGE>
value is derived, at least in part, from an underlying index or reference rate.
There are certain types of derivative securities that can, under certain
circumstances, significantly increase a purchaser's exposure to market or other
risks. The Adviser, however, only purchases derivative securities in
circumstances where it believes such purchases are consistent with a Fund's
investment objective and do not unduly increase the Fund's exposure to market or
other risks. For additional risk information regarding the Funds' investments in
particular instruments, see "Appendix A -- Portfolio Securities."
 
INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS: Each Fund is subject to a number of investment
limitations. The following investment limitations are matters of fundamental
policy and may not be changed without the affirmative vote of the holders of a
majority of the Fund's outstanding shares. Other investment limitations that
cannot be changed without such a vote of shareholders are described in the SAI.
 
Each Fund may not:
 
1. Purchase any securities which would cause 25% or more of the value of the
Fund's total assets at the time of such purchase to be invested in the
securities of one or more issuers conducting their principal activities in the
same industry. (For purposes of this limitation, U.S. Government Obligations are
not considered members of any industry.)
 
2. Make loans, except that a Fund may purchase and hold debt instruments
(whether such instruments are part of a public offering or privately placed),
may enter into repurchase agreements and may lend portfolio securities in
accordance with its investment policies.
 
3. Purchase securities of any one issuer (other than U.S. Government
Obligations) if, immediately after such purchase, more than 5% of the value of
such Fund's total assets would be invested in the securities of such issuer,
except that up to 25% of the value of the Fund's total assets may be invested
without regard to these limitations and with respect to 75% of such Fund's
assets, such Fund will not hold more than 10% of the voting securities of any
issuer.
 
The investment objective and policies of each Fund, unless otherwise specified,
are non-fundamental and may be changed without a vote of the Fund's
shareholders. Shareholders however, must receive at least 30 days' prior written
notice in the event an investment objective is changed. If the investment
objective or policies of a Fund change, shareholders should consider whether the
Fund remains an appropriate investment in light of their then current positions
and needs.
 
In order to register a Fund's shares for sale in certain states, a Fund may make
commitments more restrictive than the investment policies and limitations
described in this Prospectus and the SAI. Should a Fund determine that any such
commitment is no longer in the best interest of the Fund, it may consider
terminating sales of its shares in the states involved.
 
   How Performance Is Shown
 
From time to time the Funds may advertise the total return and yield on a class
of shares. Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund also may advertise the tax
equivalent yield of a class of shares. BOTH TOTAL RETURN AND YIELD FIGURES ARE
BASED ON HISTORICAL DATA AND ARE NOT INTENDED TO INDICATE FUTURE PERFORMANCE.
The "total return" of a class of shares of the Funds may be calculated on an
average annual total return basis or an aggregate total return basis. Average
annual total return refers to the average annual compounded rates of return on a
class of shares over one-, five-, and ten-year periods or the life of a Fund (as
stated in the advertisement) that would equate an initial amount invested at the
beginning of a stated period to the ending redeemable value of the investment
(reflecting the deduction of any applicable contingent deferred sales charge
("CDSC")), assuming the reinvestment of all dividend and capital gain
dis-
 
                                                                              11
 
<PAGE>
tributions. Aggregate total return reflects the total percentage change in the
value of the investment over the measuring period, again assuming the
reinvestment of all dividends and capital gain distributions. Total return may
also be presented for other periods or may not reflect a deduction of any
applicable CDSC.
 
"Yield" is calculated by dividing the annualized net investment income per share
during a recent 30-day (or one month) period of a class of shares of a Fund by
the maximum public offering price per share on the last day of that period. The
yield on a class of shares does not reflect deduction of any applicable CDSC.
 
Investment performance, which will vary, is based on many factors, including
market conditions, the composition of the Funds' portfolios and the Funds'
operating expenses. Investment performance also often reflects the risks
associated with a Fund's investment objective and policies. These factors should
be considered when comparing the Funds' investment results to those of other
mutual funds and other investment vehicles. Since yields fluctuate, yield data
cannot necessarily be used to compare an investment in the Funds with bank
deposits, savings accounts, and similar investment alternatives which often
provide an agreed-upon or guaranteed fixed yield for a stated period of time.
 
In addition to Investor C Shares, the Funds offer Primary A, Primary B, Investor
A and Investor N Shares. Each class of shares may bear different sales charges,
shareholder servicing fees, loads and other expenses, which may cause the
performance of a class to differ from the performance of the other classes.
Total return and yield quotations will be computed separately for each class of
the Funds' shares. Any quotation of total return or yield not reflecting CDSCs
would be reduced if such sales charges were reflected.
 
Any fees charged by a selling agent and/or servicing agent directly to its
customers' accounts in connection with investments in the Funds will not be
included in calculations of total return or yield. Each Fund's annual report
contains additional performance information and is available upon request
without charge from the Funds' distributor or an investor's Agent (as defined
below).
 
   How The Funds Are Managed
 
The business and affairs of Nations Fund, Inc. are managed under the direction
of its Board of Directors. Nations Fund, Inc.'s SAI contains the names of and
general background information concerning each Director of Nations Fund, Inc.
 
Nations Funds and the Adviser have adopted codes of ethics which contain
policies on personal securities transactions by "access persons," including
portfolio managers and investment analysts. These policies substantially comply
in all material respects with the recommendations set forth in the May 9, 1994
Report of the Advisory Group on Personal Investing of the Investment Company
Institute.
 
INVESTMENT ADVISER: NBAI serves as investment adviser to the Funds. NBAI is a
wholly owned subsidiary of NationsBank, which in turn is a wholly owned banking
subsidiary of NationsBank Corporation, a bank holding company organized as a
North Carolina corporation. NBAI has its principal offices at One NationsBank
Plaza, Charlotte, North Carolina 28255.
 
Kleinwort Benson, with principal offices at 200 Park Avenue, New York, New York
10166, serves as investment sub-adviser to Nations International Growth Fund.
Kleinwort Benson is the SEC registered investment management subsidiary of the
London-based Kleinwort Benson Group plc, a holding company for a merchant
banking group whose origins date back to 1792. Kleinwort Benson has offices in
London, Hong Kong and Tokyo and may utilize the general expertise of Kleinwort
Benson Group plc and its affiliates in respect of, for example, economic
analyses and predictions and market developments and trends.
 
12
 
<PAGE>
Boatmen's serves as investment sub-adviser to Nations Small Company Growth Fund
and Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund. Its principal offices are located at 100
North Broadway, St. Louis, Missouri 63178-4737. Boatmen's is an indirect
subsidiary of NationsBank Corporation, a registered bank holding company.
 
Subject to the general supervision of Nations Fund, Inc.'s Board of Directors,
and in accordance with each Fund's investment policies, the Adviser formulates
guidelines and lists of approved investments for each Fund, makes decisions with
respect to and places orders for each Fund's purchases and sales of portfolio
securities and maintains records relating to such purchases and sales. The
Adviser is authorized to allocate purchase and sale orders for portfolio
securities to certain financial institutions, including, in the case of agency
transactions, financial institutions which are affiliated with the Adviser or
which have sold shares in the Funds, if the Adviser believes that the quality of
the transaction and the commission are comparable to what they would be with
other qualified brokerage firms. From time to time, to the extent consistent
with its investment objective, policies and restrictions, each Fund may invest
in securities of companies with which NationsBank has a lending relationship.
 
For the services provided and expenses assumed pursuant to an Investment
Advisory Agreement, NBAI is entitled to receive advisory fees, computed daily
and paid monthly, at the rate of: .90% of the average daily net assets of
Nations International Growth Fund; 1.00% of the average daily net assets of
Nations Small Company Growth Fund; and .60% of the average daily net assets of
Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund.
 
For the services provided and the expenses assumed pursuant to various
Sub-Advisory Agreements, NBAI will pay Kleinwort Benson sub-advisory fees at the
rate of .40% of Nations International Growth Fund's average net assets up to and
including $325,000,000 in assets and .25% on assets in excess of $325,000,000.
NBAI will pay Boatmen's sub-advisory fees at the rate of .25% of the average net
assets of Nations Small Company Growth Fund, and at the rate of .15% of the
average daily net assets of Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund.
 
From time to time, NBAI (and/or Kleinwort Benson and/or Boatmen's) may waive or
reimburse (either voluntarily or pursuant to applicable state limitations)
advisory fees or expenses payable by a Fund.
 
Boatmen's has designated the following portfolio manager as being primarily
responsible for the management of Nations International Growth Fund. Michael E.
Kenneally, Chartered Financial Analyst ("CFA"), is a Senior Vice President and
Director of Research. In addition to his responsibilities in connection with the
management of the Fund, Mr. Kenneally is responsible for all fundamental and
quantitative research as well as the management of all small capitalization and
growth-style portfolios.
 
Mr. Kenneally is also part of the team responsible for the day to day management
of the Nations Small Company Growth Fund's investment activities. His additional
responsibilities include investment product development, international equity
investment, and equity derivative strategies. Mr. Kenneally holds both a
bachelor's degree in economics and an MBA in finance from the University of
Missouri. He joined Boatmen's in 1983 as an equity analyst, later became a
quantitative analyst, and subsequently worked as both a fixed-income portfolio
manager and an equity portfolio manager. Mr. Kenneally is also a member of the
Association for Investment Management and Research (AIMR), the St. Louis Society
of Financial Analysts, the Chicago Quantitative Alliance, and the Society of
Quantitative Analysts.
 
Mr. Daniel N. Ginsparg, Senior Portfolio Manager and Manager of Quantitative
Research is part of the team responsible for the day to day management of the
Nations Small Company Growth Fund's investment activities. Mr. Ginsparg is
responsible for quantitative research applications and is involved in the
management of the Fund. Mr. Ginsparg received both his bachelor's degree and MBA
from the University of Missouri. He joined Boatmen's in 1989 and is a member of
the Chicago Quantitative Alliance, the Society of Quantitative Analysts, and the
St. Louis Society of Financial Analysts.
 
                                                                              13
 
<PAGE>
C. Thomas Clapp, CFA, is Director of the Equity Management Group for TradeStreet
and Portfolio Manager of Nations Emerging Growth Fund. Mr. Clapp has been
Portfolio Manager for Nations Emerging Growth Fund since September, 1996. He is
also part of the Adviser's team responsible for the day to day management of
Nations Small Company Growth Fund, and has been an officer of Boatmen's since
January, 1997. Prior to assuming his position with TradeStreet in 1995, he was
Senior Vice President and Director of Research for the Investment Management
Group at NationsBank. Prior to joining NationsBank in 1992, Mr. Clapp was a
Senior Portfolio Manager with Royal Insurance Group. Mr. Clapp has worked in the
investment community since 1984. He received his B.A. in Economics from the
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an M.B.A. from the University of
South Carolina. He also holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation and is
a member of the Association for Investment Management and Research and the North
Carolina Society of Financial Analysts, Inc.
 
The Fixed Income Committee of Boatmen's is responsible for the day-to-day
management of the investment portfolio of Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund.
 
Morrison & Foerster LLP, counsel to Nations Funds and special counsel to
NationsBank, has advised Nations Funds and NationsBank that NationsBank and its
affiliates may perform the services contemplated by the various Investment
Advisory Agreements and this Prospectus without violation of the Glass-Steagall
Act. Such counsel has pointed out, however, that there are no controlling
judicial or administrative interpretations or decisions and that future judicial
or administrative interpretations of, or decisions relating to, present federal
or state statutes, including the Glass-Steagall Act, and regulations relating to
the permissible activities of banks and their subsidiaries or affiliates, as
well as future changes in federal or state statutes, including the
Glass-Steagall Act, and regulations and judicial or administrative decisions or
interpretations thereof, could prevent such entities from continuing to perform,
in whole or in part, such services. If any such entity were prohibited from
performing any of such services, it is expected that new agreements would be
proposed or entered into with another entity or entities qualified to perform
such services.
 
OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS: Stephens Inc. ("Stephens"), with principal offices at
111 Center Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72201, serves as the administrator of
Nations Funds pursuant to an Administration Agreement. Pursuant to the terms of
the Administration Agreement, Stephens provides various administrative and
corporate secretarial services to the Funds, including providing general
oversight of other service providers, office space, utilities and various legal
and administrative services in connection with the satisfaction of various
regulatory requirements applicable to the Funds.
 
First Data Investor Services Group, Inc. ("First Data"), a wholly owned
subsidiary of First Data Corporation, with principal offices at One Exchange
Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, serves as the co-administrator of Nations
Funds pursuant to a Co-Administration Agreement. Under the Co-Administration
Agreement, First Data provides various administrative and accounting services to
the Funds including performing the calculations necessary to determine the net
asset value per share and dividends of each class of the Funds, preparing tax
returns and financial statements and maintaining the portfolio records and
certain of the general accounting records for the Funds.
 
For the services rendered pursuant to the Administration and Co-Administration
Agreements, Stephens and First Data are entitled to receive a combined fee at
the annual rate of up to 0.10% of each Fund's average daily net assets.
 
NationsBank serves as sub-administrator for Nations Funds pursuant to a
Sub-Administration Agreement. Pursuant to the terms of the Sub-Administration
Agreement, NationsBank assists Stephens in supervising, coordinating and
monitoring various aspects of the Funds' administrative operations. For
providing such services, NationsBank shall be entitled to receive a monthly fee
from Stephens based on an annual rate of 0.01% of the Funds' average daily net
assets.
 
Shares of the Funds are sold on a continuous basis by Stephens, as the Funds'
sponsor and distribu-
 
14
 
<PAGE>
tor. Stephens is a registered broker/dealer with principal offices at 111 Center
Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72201. Nations Funds has entered into a
distribution agreement with Stephens which provides that Stephens has the
exclusive right to distribute shares of the Funds. Stephens may pay service fees
or commissions to selling agents that assist customers in purchasing Investor C
Shares of the Funds. See "Shareholder Servicing And Distribution Plans."
 
NationsBank of Texas, N.A. ("NationsBank of Texas" and, collectively with Bank
of New York ("BONY"), called "Custodians") serves as custodian for the assets of
each Fund. NationsBank of Texas is located at 1401 Elm Street, Dallas, Texas
75202, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of NationsBank Corporation. In return
for providing custodial services, NationsBank of Texas is entitled to receive,
in addition to out-of-pocket expenses, fees at the rate of (i) $300,000 per
annum, to be paid monthly in payments of $25,000 for custodian services for up
to and including 50 Funds; and (ii) $6,000 per annum, to be paid in equal
monthly payments, for custodian services for each additional Fund above 50
Funds.
 
BONY serves as sub-custodian for the assets of Nations International Growth
Fund, Nations Small Company Growth Fund and Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund.
BONY is located at 90 Washington Street, New York, New York 10286. In return for
providing sub-custodial services, BONY shall receive, in addition to out of
pocket expenses, fees at the rate of (i) 3/4 of one basis point per annum on the
aggregate net assets of the Funds up to $10 billion; and (ii) 1/2 of one basis
point on the excess.
 
First Data serves as transfer agent (the "Transfer Agent") for the Funds'
Investor C Shares. The Transfer Agent is located at One Exchange Place, Boston,
Massachusetts 02109.
 
Price Waterhouse LLP serves as independent accountant to Nations Funds. Its
address is 160 Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110.
 
EXPENSES: The accrued expenses of the Funds, as well as certain expenses
attributable to Investor C Shares, are deducted from accrued income before
dividends are declared. The Funds' expenses include, but are not limited to:
fees paid to the Adviser, NationsBank, Stephens and First Data; taxes, interest;
trustees' and directors' and officers' fees; federal and state securities
registration and qualification fees; brokerage fees and commissions; cost of
preparing and printing prospectuses for regulatory purposes and for distribution
to existing shareholders; charges of the Custodian and Transfer Agent; certain
insurance premiums; outside auditing and legal expenses; costs of shareholder
reports and shareholder meetings, other expenses which are not expressly assumed
by the Adviser, NationsBank, Stephens or First Data under their respective
agreements with Nations Funds; and any extraordinary expenses. Investor C Shares
may bear certain class specific retail transfer agency expenses and also bear
certain additional shareholder service and/or sales support costs. Any general
expenses of Nations Fund, Inc. that are not readily identifiable as belonging to
a particular investment portfolio are allocated among all portfolios in the
proportion that the assets of a portfolio bears to the assets of Nations Fund,
Inc. or in such other manner as the Board of Directors deems appropriate.
 
   Organization And History
 
The Funds are members of the Nations Funds Family, which consists of Nations
Fund Trust, Nations Fund, Inc., Nations Fund Portfolios, Inc. and Nations
Institutional Reserves. The Nations Funds Family currently has more than 50
distinct investment portfolios and total assets in excess of $20 billion.
 
Nations Fund, Inc. was incorporated in Maryland on December 13, 1983, but had no
operations prior to December 15, 1986. Nations Fund, Inc.'s fiscal year end is
March 31; prior to 1996, Nations Fund, Inc.'s fiscal year end was May 31. As of
the date of this Prospectus, the authorized capital stock of Nations Fund, Inc.
consists of 420,000,000,000 shares of common stock, par
 
                                                                              15
 
<PAGE>
value of $.001 per share, which are divided into series or funds each of which
consists of separate classes of shares. This Prospectus relates only to the
Investor C Shares of Nations International Growth Fund, Nations Small Company
Growth Fund and Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund of Nations Fund, Inc. To
obtain additional information regarding the Fund's other classes of shares which
may be available to you, contact your Agent (as defined below) or Nations Funds
at 1-800-321-7854.
 
Shares of each fund and class have equal rights with respect to voting, except
that the holders of shares of a particular fund or class will have the exclusive
right to vote on matters affecting only the rights of the holders of such fund
or class. In the event of dissolution or liquidation, holders of each class will
receive pro rata, subject to the rights of creditors, (a) the proceeds of the
sale of that portion of the assets allocated to that class held in the
respective fund of Nations Fund, Inc., less (b) the liabilities of Nations Fund,
Inc. attributable to the respective fund or class or allocated among the funds
or classes based on the respective liquidation value of each fund or class.
 
Shareholders of Nations Fund, Inc. do not have cumulative voting rights, and
therefore the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of all funds
voting together for election of directors may elect all of the members of the
Board of Directors of Nations Fund, Inc. Meetings of shareholders may be called
upon the request of 10% or more of the outstanding shares of Nations Fund, Inc.
There are no preemptive rights applicable to any of Nations Fund, Inc.'s shares.
Nations Fund, Inc.'s shares, when issued, will be fully paid and non-assessable.
 
As of May   , 1997, NationsBank and its affiliates possessed or shared power to
dispose of or vote with respect to more than 25% of the outstanding shares of
Nations Fund, Inc. and therefore could be considered to be a controlling person
of Nations Fund, Inc. for purposes of the 1940 Act. For more detailed
information concerning the percentage of each class or series over which
NationsBank and its affiliates possessed or shared power to dispose or vote as
of a certain date, see Nations Fund, Inc.'s SAI. It is anticipated that Nations
Fund, Inc. will not hold annual shareholder meetings on a regular basis unless
required by the 1940 Act or Maryland law.
 
About Your Investment
 
   How To Buy Shares
 
The Funds have established various procedures for purchasing Investor C Shares
in order to accommodate different investors. Purchase orders for Investor C
Shares may be placed through banks, broker/dealers or other financial
institutions (including certain affiliates of NationsBank) that have entered
into a shareholder servicing agreement ("Servicing Agreement") with Nations
Funds ("Servicing Agents") and/or a sales support agreement ("Sales Support
Agreement") with Stephens ("Selling Agents").
 
There is a minimum initial investment of $1,000, except that the minimum initial
investment is:
 
(Bullet) $500 for "IRA" investors;
 
(Bullet) $250 for non-working spousal IRAs; and
 
(Bullet) $100 for investors participating on a monthly basis in the Systematic
         Investment Plan described below.
 
There is no minimum investment amount for investments by 401(k) plans,
simplified employee pension plans ("SEPs"), salary reduc-
 
16
 
<PAGE>
tion-simplified employee pension plans ("SAR-SEPs") or salary
reduction-Individual Retirement Account ("SAR-IRAs"). However, the assets of
such plans must reach an asset value of $1,000 ($500 for SEPs, SAR-SEPs and SAR-
IRAs) within one year of the account open date. If the assets of such plans do
not reach the minimum asset size within one year, Nations Funds reserves the
right to redeem the shares held by such plans on 60 days' written notice. The
minimum subsequent investment is $100, except for investments pursuant to the
Systematic Investment Plan described below.
 
Investor C Shares are purchased at net asset value per share. Purchases may be
effected on days on which the New York Stock Exchange (the "Exchange") is open
for business (a "Business Day").
 
The Servicing Agents will provide various shareholder services for, and the
Selling Agents will provide sales support assistance to, their respective
customers ("Customers") who own Investor C Shares. Servicing Agents and Selling
Agents are sometimes referred to hereafter as "Agents." From time to time the
Agents, Stephens and Nations Funds may agree to voluntarily reduce the maximum
fees payable for sales support or shareholder services.
 
Nations Funds and Stephens reserve the right to reject any purchase order. The
issuance of Investor C Shares is recorded on the books of the Funds, and share
certificates are not issued unless expressly requested in writing. Certificates
are not issued for fractional shares.
 
EFFECTIVE TIME OF PURCHASES: Purchase orders for Investor C Shares of the Funds
which are received by Stephens or by the Transfer Agent before the close of
regular trading hours on the Exchange (currently 4:00 p.m., Eastern time) on any
Business Day are priced according to the net asset value determined on that day
but are not executed until 4:00 p.m., Eastern time, on the Business Day on which
immediately available funds in payment of the purchase price are received by the
Funds' Custodian. Such payment must be received no later than 4:00 p.m., Eastern
time, by the third Business Day following receipt of the order. If funds are not
received by such date, the order will not be accepted and notice thereof will be
given to the Agent placing the order. Payment for orders which are not received
or accepted will be returned after prompt inquiry to the sending Agent.
 
The Agents are responsible for transmitting orders for purchases of Investor C
Shares by their Customers, and delivering required funds, on a timely basis.
Stephens is responsible for transmitting orders it receives to Nations Funds.
 
SYSTEMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN: Under the Funds' Systematic Investment Plan ("SIP")
a shareholder may automatically purchase Investor C Shares. On a bi-monthly,
monthly or quarterly basis, a shareholder may direct cash to be transferred
automatically from his/her checking or savings account at any bank to his/her
Fund account. Transfers will occur on or about the 15th and/or 30th day of the
applicable month. The systematic investment amount may be in any amount from $25
to $100,000. For more information concerning the SIP, contact your Agent.
 
TELEPHONE TRANSACTIONS: Investors may effect purchases, redemptions (up to
$50,000) and exchanges by telephone. See "How To Redeem Shares" and "How To
Exchange Shares" below. If a shareholder desires to elect the telephone
transaction feature after opening an account, a signature guarantee will be
required. Shareholders should be aware that by using the telephone transaction
feature, such shareholders may be giving up a measure of security that they may
have if they were to authorize written requests only. A shareholder may bear the
risk of any resulting losses from a telephone transaction. Nations Funds will
employ reasonable procedures to confirm that instructions communicated by
telephone are genuine, and if Nations Funds and its service providers fail to
employ such measures, they may be liable for any losses due to unauthorized or
fraudulent instructions. Nations Funds requires a form of personal
identification prior to acting upon instructions received by telephone and
provides written confirmation to shareholders of each telephone share
transaction. In addition, Nations Funds reserves the right to record all
telephone conversations.
 
                                                                              17
 
<PAGE>
   How To Redeem Shares
 
Redemption orders should be transmitted by telephone or in writing through the
same Agent that transmitted the original purchase order. Redemption orders are
effected at the net asset value per share next determined after receipt of the
order by Stephens or by the Transfer Agent, less any applicable CDSC. The Agents
are responsible for transmitting redemption orders to Stephens or to the
Transfer Agent and for crediting their Customers' accounts with the redemption
proceeds on a timely basis. No charge for wiring redemption payments is imposed
by Nations Funds. Except for any CDSC which may be applicable upon redemption of
Investor C Shares, as described below, there is no redemption charge.
 
Redemption proceeds are normally wired to the redeeming Agent within three
Business Days after receipt of the order by Stephens or by the Transfer Agent.
However, redemption proceeds for shares purchased by check may not be remitted
until at least 15 days after the date of purchase to ensure that the check has
cleared; a certified check, however, is deemed to be cleared immediately.
 
Nations Funds may redeem a shareholder's Investor C Shares upon 60 days' written
notice if the balance in the shareholder's account drops below $500 as a result
of redemptions. Share balances also may be redeemed at the direction of an Agent
pursuant to arrangements between the Agent and its Customers. Nations Funds also
may redeem shares of the Funds involuntarily or make payment for redemption in
readily marketable securities or other property under certain circumstances in
accordance with the 1940 Act.
 
Prior to effecting a redemption of Investor C Shares represented by
certificates, the Transfer Agent must have received such certificates at its
principal office. All such certificates must be endorsed by the redeeming
shareholder or accompanied by a signed stock power, in each instance with the
signature guaranteed by a commercial bank or a member of a major stock exchange,
unless other arrangements satisfactory to Nations Funds have previously been
made. Nations Funds may require any additional information reasonably necessary
to evidence that a redemption has been duly authorized.
 
CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE: Subject to certain waivers, Investor C Shares
of the Funds that are redeemed within one year of the date of purchase may be
subject to a CDSC equal to 0.50% of the lesser of the net asset value or the
purchase price of the shares being redeemed. Investor C Shares purchased prior
to January 1, 1996 remain subject to the 1.00% CDSC. No CDSC is imposed on
increases in net asset value above the initial purchase price, including shares
acquired by reinvestment of distributions.
 
Solely for purposes of determining the period of time that has elapsed from the
purchase of any Investor C Shares, all purchases are deemed to have been made on
the trade date of the transaction. In determining whether a CDSC is applicable
to a redemption, the calculation will be made in the manner that results in the
lowest possible charge being assessed. In this regard, it will be assumed that
the redemption is first of shares held for the longest period of time or shares
acquired pursuant to reinvestment of dividends or distributions. The charge will
not be applied to dollar amounts representing an increase in the net asset value
since the time of purchase.
 
The CDSC will be waived on redemptions of Investor C Shares (i) following the
death or disability (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the "Code")) of a shareholder (including a registered joint owner), (ii) in
connection with the following retirement plan distributions: (a) by qualified
plans, (except in cases of plan level terminations); (b) distributions from an
IRA following attainment of age 59 1/2; (c) a tax-free return of an excess
contribution to an IRA, and (d) distributions from a qualified retirement plan
that are not subject to the 10% additional Federal withdrawal tax pursuant to
Section 72(t)(2) of the Code, (iii) effected pursuant to Nations Fund's right to
liquidate a shareholder's account, including instances
 
18
 
<PAGE>
where the aggregate net asset value of the Investor C shares held in the account
is less than the minimum account size, (iv) in connection with the combination
of Nations Funds with any other registered investment company by merger,
acquisition of assets or by any other transaction, and (v) effected pursuant to
the Automatic Withdrawal Plan discussed below, provided that such redemptions do
not exceed, on an annual basis, 12% of the net asset value of the Investor C
Shares in the account. Shareholders are responsible for providing evidence
sufficient to establish that they are eligible for any waiver of the CDSC.
Nations Funds may terminate any waiver of the CDSC by providing notice in the
Funds' Prospectus, but any such termination would affect only shares purchased
after such termination.
 
Within 120 days after a redemption of Investor C Shares of a Fund, a shareholder
may reinvest any portion of the proceeds of such redemption in Investor C Shares
of the same Fund. The amount which may be so reinvested is limited to an amount
up to, but not exceeding, the redemption proceeds (or to the nearest full share
if fractional shares are not purchased). A shareholder exercising this privilege
would receive a pro rata credit for any CDSC paid in connection with the prior
redemption. A shareholder may not exercise this privilege with the proceeds of a
redemption of shares previously purchased through the reinvestment privilege. In
order to exercise this privilege, a written order for the purchase of Investor C
Shares must be received by the Transfer Agent or by Stephens within 120 days
after the redemption.
 
AUTOMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN: An Automatic Withdrawal Plan ("AWP") may be
established by a new or existing shareholder of the Funds if the value of the
Investor C Shares in his/her accounts within the Nations Funds Family (valued at
the net asset value at the time of the establishment of the AWP) equals $10,000
or more. Investor C Shares redeemed under the AWP will not be subject to a CDSC,
provided that the shares so redeemed do not exceed, on an annual basis, 12% of
the net asset value of the Investor C Shares in the account. Otherwise, any
applicable CDSC will be imposed on shares redeemed under the AWP. Shareholders
who elect to establish an AWP may receive a monthly, quarterly or annual check
or automatic transfer to a checking or savings account in a stated amount of not
less than $25 on or about the 10th or 25th day of the applicable month of
withdrawal. Investor C Shares will be redeemed (net of any applicable CDSC) as
necessary to meet withdrawal payments. Withdrawals will reduce principal and may
eventually deplete the shareholder's account. If a shareholder desires to
establish an AWP after opening an account, a signature guarantee will be
required. An AWP may be terminated by a shareholder on 30 days' written notice
to his/her Agent or by Nations Funds at any time.
 
   How To Exchange Shares
 
The exchange feature enables a shareholder of Investor C Shares of a Nations
Funds non-money market fund to acquire shares of the same class that are offered
by another non-money market fund of Nations Funds or Investor D Shares of any
Nations Funds money market fund when he or she believes that a shift between
funds is an appropriate investment decision. A qualifying exchange is based on
the next calculated net asset value per share of each fund after the exchange
order is received.
 
No CDSC will be imposed in connection with an exchange of Investor C Shares that
meets the requirements discussed in this section.
 
If a shareholder acquired Investor C Shares of a Nations Funds non-money market
fund or Investor D Shares of a Nations Funds money market fund through an
exchange, the CDSC applicable to the original shares purchased will be applied
to any redemption of the acquired shares. Additionally, when an investor
exchanges Investor C Shares of a Nations Funds
 
                                                                              19
 
<PAGE>
non-money market fund for shares of the same class of another non-money market
fund or Investor D Shares of any money market fund of Nations Funds, the
remaining period of time (if any) that the CDSC is in effect will be computed
from the time of the initial purchase of the previously held Investor C Shares.
 
AUTOMATIC EXCHANGE FEATURE: Under the Funds' Automatic Exchange Feature ("AEF")
a shareholder may automatically exchange at least $25 on a monthly or quarterly
basis. A shareholder may direct proceeds to be exchanged from one Nations Funds
to another as allowed by the applicable exchange rules within the prospectus.
Exchanges will occur on or about the 15th or 30th day of the applicable month.
The shareholder must have an existing position in both Funds in order to
establish the AEF. This feature may be established by directing a request to the
Transfer Agent by telephone or in writing. For additional information, an
investor should contact his/her Selling Agent.
 
GENERAL: The Funds and each of the other funds of Nations Funds may limit the
number of times this exchange feature may be exercised by a shareholder within a
specified period of time. Also, the exchange feature may be terminated or
revised at any time by Nations Funds upon such notice as may be required by
applicable regulatory agencies (presently 60 days for termination or material
revision), absent unusual circumstances.
 
The current prospectus for each fund of Nations Funds describes its investment
objective and policies, and shareholders should obtain a copy and examine it
carefully before investing. Exchanges are subject to the minimum investment
requirement and any other conditions imposed by each fund. In the case of any
shareholder holding a share certificate or certificates, no exchanges may be
made until all applicable share certificates have been received by the Transfer
Agent and deposited in the shareholder's account. An exchange will be treated
for Federal income tax purposes the same as a redemption of shares, on which the
shareholder may realize a capital gain or loss. However, the ability to deduct
capital losses on an exchange may be limited in situations where there is an
exchange of shares within 90 days after the shares are purchased.
 
The Investor C Shares exchanged must have a current value of at least $1,000
(except for exchange through the AEF). Nations Funds reserves the right to
reject any exchange request. Only shares that may legally be sold in the state
of the investor's residence may be acquired in an exchange. Only shares of a
class that is accepting investments generally may be acquired in an exchange. An
investor may telephone an exchange request by calling his/her Agent which is
responsible for transmitting such request to Stephens or to the Transfer Agent.
 
During periods of significant economic or market change, telephone exchanges may
be difficult to complete. In such event, shares may be exchanged by mailing the
request directly to the Agent through which the original shares were purchased.
An investor should consult his/her Agent or Stephens for further information
regarding exchanges.
 
   Shareholder Servicing And Distribution
   Plans
 
Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, the Directors have approved a
Distribution Plan with respect to Investor C Shares of the Funds. Pursuant to
the Distribution Plan, the Funds may compensate or reimburse Stephens for any
activities or expenses primarily intended to result in the sale of the Funds'
Investor C Shares. Payments under the Investor C Distribution Plan will be
calculated daily and paid monthly at a rate or rates set from time to time by
the Directors, provided that the annual rate may not exceed 0.75% of the average
daily net asset value of the Funds' Investor C Shares.
 
20
 
<PAGE>
The fees payable under the Distribution Plan are used (i) to compensate Selling
Agents for providing sales support assistance relating to Investor C Shares,
(ii) to pay for promotional activities intended to result in the sale of
Investor C Shares such as the preparation, printing and distribution of
prospectuses to other than current shareholders, and (iii) to compensate Selling
Agents for providing sales support services with respect to their Customers who
are, from time to time, beneficial and record holders of Investor C Shares.
Currently, substantially all fees paid pursuant to the Distribution Plan are
paid to compensate Selling Agents for providing the services described in (i)
and (iii) above, with any remaining amounts being used by Stephens to partially
defray other expenses incurred by Stephens in distributing Investor C Shares.
Fees received by Stephens pursuant to the Distribution Plan will not be used to
pay any interest expenses, carrying charges or other financing costs (except to
the extent permitted by the SEC) and will not be used to pay any general and
administrative expenses of Stephens.
 
Nations Funds and Stephens may suspend or reduce payments under the Distribution
Plan at any time, and payments are subject to the continuation of the
Distribution Plan described above and the terms of the Sales Support Agreement
between Selling Agents and Stephens. See the SAI for more details on the
Distribution Plan.
 
The Directors also have approved a shareholder servicing plan ("Servicing Plan")
for the Funds which permits the Funds to compensate Servicing Agents for
services provided to their Customers that own Investor C Shares. Payments under
the Servicing Plan are calculated daily and paid monthly at a rate or rates set
from time to time by the Funds, provided that the annual rate may not exceed
0.25% of the average daily net asset value of the Funds' Investor C Shares.
 
The fees payable under the Servicing Plan are used primarily to compensate or
reimburse Servicing Agents for shareholder services provided, and related
expenses incurred, by such Servicing Agents. The shareholder services provided
by Servicing Agents may include: (i) aggregating and processing purchase and
redemption requests for Investor C Shares from Customers and transmitting net
purchase and redemption orders to Stephens or the Transfer Agent; (ii) providing
Customers with a service that invests the assets of their accounts in Investor C
Shares pursuant to specific or preauthorized instructions; (iii) processing
dividend and distribution payments from the Funds on behalf of Customers; (iv)
providing information periodically to Customers showing their positions in
Investor C Shares; (v) arranging for bank wires; and (vi) providing general
shareholder liaison services.
 
Nations Funds may suspend or reduce payments under the Servicing Plan at any
time, and payments are subject to the continuation of the Servicing Plan
described above and the terms of the Servicing Agreements. See the SAI for more
details on the Servicing Plan.
 
Nations Funds understands that Agents may charge fees to their Customers who are
the owners of Investor C Shares for various services provided in connection with
a Customer's account. These fees would be in addition to any amounts received by
a Selling Agent under its Sales Support Agreement with Stephens or by a
Servicing Agent under its Servicing Agreement with Nations Funds. The Sales
Support Agreements and Servicing Agreements require Agents to disclose to their
Customers any compensation payable to the Agent by Stephens or Nations Funds and
any other compensation payable by the Customers for various services provided in
connection with their accounts. Customers should read this Prospectus in light
of the terms governing their accounts with their Agents.
 
Stephens may, from time to time, at its expense or as an expense for which it
may be reimbursed under the Distribution Plan, pay a bonus or other
consideration or incentive to Agents who sell a minimum dollar amount of shares
of the Funds during a specified period of time. Stephens also may, from time to
time, pay additional consideration to Agents not to exceed 0.75% of the offering
price per share on all sales of Investor C Shares as an expense of Stephens or
for which Stephens may be reimbursed under the Distribution Plan or upon receipt
of a CDSC. Any such additional consideration or incentive
 
                                                                              21
 
<PAGE>
program may be terminated at any time by Stephens.
 
In addition, Stephens has established a non-cash compensation program, pursuant
to which broker/dealers or financial institutions that sell shares of the Funds
may earn additional compensation in the form of trips to sales seminars or
vacation destinations, tickets to sporting events, theater or other
entertainment, opportunities to participate in golf or other outings and gift
certificates for meals or merchandise. This non-cash compensation program may be
amended or terminated at any time by Stephens.
 
   How The Funds Value Their Shares
 
The Funds calculate the net asset value of a share of each class by dividing the
total value of its assets, less liabilities, by the number of shares in the
class outstanding. Shares are valued as of the close of regular trading on the
Exchange (currently 4:00 p.m., Eastern time) on each Business Day. Currently,
the days on which the Exchange is closed (other than weekends) are: New Year's
Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day (observed), Independence Day,
Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
 
Portfolio securities for which market quotations are readily available are
valued at market value. Short-term investments that will mature in 60 days or
less are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value. All other
securities and assets are valued at their fair value following procedures
approved by the Directors.
 
   How Dividends And Distributions Are
   Made; Tax Information
 
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS: Even though the Funds seek to manage taxable
distributions, the Funds may be expected to earn and distribute taxable income
and may also be expected to realize and distribute capital gains from time to
time. Nations International Growth Fund and Nations Small Company Growth Fund
declare and pay dividends from net investment income each calendar quarter, and
Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund declares dividends daily and pays them
monthly. Each Fund's net realized capital gains (including net short-term
capital gains) are distributed at least annually.
 
Investor C Shares of Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund are eligible to begin
earning dividends that are declared on the day the purchase order is executed
and continue to be eligible for dividends through and including the day before
the redemption order is executed. Investor C Shares of Nations International
Growth Fund and Nations Small Company Growth Fund are eligible to receive
dividends when declared, provided, however, that the purchase order for such
shares is received at least one day prior to the dividend declaration and such
shares continue to be eligible for dividends through and including the day
before the redemption order is executed. Distributions paid by the Funds with
respect to one class of shares may be greater or less than those paid with
respect to another class of shares due to the different expenses of the
different classes.
 
The net asset value of Investor C Shares will be reduced by the amount of any
dividend or distribution. Certain Agents may provide for the reinvestment of
dividends in the form of additional Investor C Shares of the same class in the
same Fund. Dividends and distributions are paid in cash within five Business
Days of the end of the quarter to which the dividend relates. Dividends and
distributions payable to a shareholder are paid in cash within five Business
Days after a
 
22
 
<PAGE>
shareholder's complete redemption of his/her Investor C Shares.
 
TAX INFORMATION: Each Fund intends to qualify as a "regulated investment
company" under the Code. Such qualification relieves the Fund of liability for
Federal income tax on amounts distributed in accordance with the Code.
 
Each Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its investment company
taxable income and net tax-exempt income each taxable year. Distributions by a
Fund of its net investment income (including net foreign currency gains) and the
excess, if any, of its net short-term capital gain over its net long-term
capital loss are taxable as ordinary income to shareholders who are not
currently exempt from Federal income tax, whether such income is received in
cash or reinvested in additional shares. (Federal income tax for distributions
to an IRA are generally deferred under the Code.)
 
Corporate investors in Nations International Growth Fund and Nations Small
Company Growth Fund may be entitled to the dividends-received deduction on all
or a portion of such Funds' dividends to the extent that a Fund's income is
derived from dividends (which, if received directly, would qualify for such
deduction) received from domestic corporations. In order to qualify for the
dividends-received deduction, a corporate shareholder must hold the fund shares
paying the dividends upon which the deduction is based for at least 46 days.
 
Substantially all of the Funds' net realized long-term capital gains will be
distributed at least annually. The Funds will generally have no tax liability
with respect to such gains, and the distributions will be taxable to
shareholders who are not exempt from Federal income tax as long-term capital
gains, regardless of how long the shareholders have held the Funds' shares and
whether such gains are received in cash or reinvested in additional shares.
 
Each year, shareholders will be notified as to the amount and Federal tax status
of all dividends and capital gains paid during the prior year. Such dividends
and capital gains may be subject to state and local taxes.
 
Dividends declared in October, November, or December of any year payable to
shareholders of record on a specified date in such months will be deemed to have
been received by shareholders and paid by the Funds on December 31 of such year
in the event such dividends are actually paid during January of the following
year.
 
Federal law requires Nations Funds to withhold 31% from any dividends (other
than exempt-interest dividends) paid by Nations Funds and/or redemptions
(including exchange redemptions) that occur in certain shareholder accounts if
the shareholder has not properly furnished a certified correct Taxpayer
Identification Number and has not certified that withholding does not apply, or
if the Internal Revenue Service has notified Nations Funds that the Taxpayer
Identification Number listed on a shareholder account is incorrect according to
its records, or that the shareholder is subject to backup withholding. Amounts
withheld are applied to the shareholder's Federal tax liability, and a refund
may be obtained from the Internal Revenue Service if withholding results in
overpayment of taxes. Federal law also requires the Funds to withhold 30% or the
applicable tax treaty rate from dividends paid to certain nonresident alien,
non-U.S. partnership and non-U.S. corporation shareholder accounts.
 
The foregoing discussion is based on tax laws and regulations which were in
effect as of the date of this Prospectus and summarizes only some of the
important Federal tax considerations generally affecting the Funds and their
shareholders. It is not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning;
investors should consult their tax advisors with respect to their specific tax
situations as well as with respect to state and local taxes. Further tax
information is contained in the SAI.
 
                                                                              23
 
<PAGE>
   Appendix A -- Portfolio Securities
 
The following are summary descriptions of certain types of instruments in which
a Fund may invest. The "How Objectives Are Pursued" section of the Prospectus
identifies each Fund's permissible investments, and the SAI contain more
information concerning such investments.
 
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES: Asset-backed securities arise through the grouping by
governmental, government-related, and private organizations of loans,
receivables, or other assets originated by various lenders. Asset-backed
securities consist of both mortgage- and non-mortgage-backed securities.
Interests in pools of these assets may differ from other forms of debt
securities, which normally provide for periodic payment of interest in fixed
amounts with principal paid at maturity or specified call dates. Conversely,
asset-backed securities provide periodic payments which may consist of both
interest and principal payments.
 
The life of an asset-backed security varies depending upon rate of the
prepayment of the underlying debt instruments. The rate of such prepayments will
be a function of current market interest rates and other economic and
demographic factors. For example, falling interest rates generally result in an
increase in the rate of prepayments of mortgage loans while rising interest
rates generally decrease the rate of prepayments. An acceleration in prepayments
in response to sharply falling interest rates will shorten the security's
average maturity and limit the potential appreciation in the security's value
relative to a conventional debt security. Consequently, asset-backed securities
may not be as effective in locking in high, long-term yields. Conversely, in
periods of sharply rising rates, prepayments are generally slow, increasing the
security's average life and its potential for price depreciation.
 
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES: Mortgage-backed securities represent an ownership
interest in a pool of mortgage loans.
 
Mortgage pass-through securities may represent participation interests in pools
of residential mortgage loans originated by U.S. governmental or private lenders
and guaranteed, to the extent provided in such securities, by the U.S.
Government or one of its agencies, authorities or instrumentalities. Such
securities, which are ownership interests in the underlying mortgage loans,
differ from conventional debt securities, which provide for periodic payment of
interest in fixed amounts (usually semi-annually) and principal payments at
maturity or on specified call dates. Mortgage pass-through securities provide
for monthly payments that are a "pass-through" of the monthly interest and
principal payments (including any prepayments) made by the individual borrowers
on the pooled mortgage loans, net of any fees paid to the guarantor of such
securities and the servicer of the underlying mortgage loans.
 
The guaranteed mortgage pass-through securities in which a Fund may invest may
include those issued or guaranteed by GNMA, by FNMA and FHLMC. Such Certificates
are mortgage-backed securities which represent a partial ownership interest in a
pool of mortgage loans issued by lenders such as mortgage bankers, commercial
banks and savings and loan associations. Such mortgage loans may have fixed or
adjustable rates of interest.
 
The average life of a mortgage-backed security is likely to be substantially
less than the original maturity of the mortgage pools underlying the securities.
Prepayments of principal by mortgagors and mortgage foreclosures will usually
result in the return of the greater part of principal invested far in advance of
the maturity of the mortgages in the pool.
 
The yield which will be earned on mortgage-backed securities may vary from their
coupon rates for the following reasons: (i) Certificates may be issued at a
premium or discount, rather than at par; (ii) Certificates may trade in the
secondary market at a premium or discount after issuance; (iii) interest is
earned and compounded
 
24
 
<PAGE>
monthly which has the effect of raising the effective yield earned on the
Certificates; and (iv) the actual yield of each Certificate is affected by the
prepayment of mortgages included in the mortgage pool underlying the
Certificates and the rate at which principal so prepaid is reinvested. In
addition, prepayment of mortgages included in the mortgage pool underlying a
GNMA Certificate purchased at a premium may result in a loss to the Fund.
 
Mortgage-backed securities issued by private issuers, whether or not such
obligations are subject to guarantees by the private issuer, may entail greater
risk than obligations directly or indirectly guaranteed by the U.S. Government.
 
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations or "CMOs" are debt obligations
collateralized by mortgage loans or mortgage pass-through securities (collateral
collectively hereinafter referred to as "Mortgage Assets"). Multi-class
pass-through securities are interests in a trust composed of Mortgage Assets and
all references herein to CMOs will include multi-class pass-through securities.
Payments of principal of and interest on the Mortgage Assets, and any
reinvestment income thereon, provide the funds to pay debt service on the CMOs
or make scheduled distribution on the multi-class pass-through securities.
 
Moreover, principal prepayments on the Mortgage Assets may cause the CMOs to be
retired substantially earlier than their stated maturities or final distribution
dates, resulting in a loss of all or part of the premium if any has been paid.
Interest is paid or accrues on all classes of the CMOs on a monthly, quarterly
or semiannual basis.
 
The principal and interest payments on the Mortgage Assets may be allocated
among the various classes of CMOs in several ways. Typically, payments of
principal, including any prepayments, on the underlying mortgages are applied to
the classes in the order of their respective stated maturities or final
distribution dates, so that no payment of principal is made on CMOs of a class
until all CMOs of other classes having earlier stated maturities or final
distribution dates have been paid in full.
 
Stripped mortgage-backed securities ("SMBS") are derivative multi-class mortgage
securities. A Fund will only invest in SMBS that are obligations backed by the
full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. SMBS are usually structured with
two classes that receive different proportions of the interest and principal
distributions from a pool of mortgage assets. A Fund will only invest in SMBS
whose mortgage assets are U.S. Government Obligations.
 
A common type of SMBS will be structured so that one class receives some of the
interest and most of the principal from the Mortgage Assets, while the other
class receives most of the interest and the remainder of the principal. If the
underlying Mortgage Assets experience greater than anticipated prepayments of
principal, a Fund may fail to fully recoup its initial investment in these
securities. The market value of any class which consists primarily or entirely
of principal payments generally is unusually volatile in response to changes in
interest rates.
 
The average life of mortgage-backed securities varies with the maturities of the
underlying mortgage instruments. The average life is likely to be substantially
less than the original maturity of the mortgage pools underlying the securities
as the result of mortgage prepayments, mortgage refinancings, or foreclosures.
The rate of mortgage prepayments, and hence the average life of the
certificates, will be a function of the level of interest rates, general
economic conditions, the location and age of the mortgage and other social and
demographic conditions. Such prepayments are passed through to the registered
holder with the regular monthly payments of principal and interest and have the
effect of reducing future payments. Estimated average life will be determined by
the Adviser and used for the purpose of determining the average weighted
maturity and duration of the Funds. For additional information concerning
mortgage backed securities, see the SAI.
 
BANK INSTRUMENTS: Bank instruments consist mainly of certificates of deposit,
time deposits and bankers' acceptances. The Funds will limit their investments
in bank obligations so they do not exceed 25% of each Fund's total assets at the
time of purchase.
 
                                                                              25
 
<PAGE>
U.S. dollar-denominated obligations issued by foreign branches of domestic banks
("Eurodollar" obligations) and domestic branches of foreign banks ("Yankee
dollar" obligations), and other foreign obligations involve special investment
risks, including the possibility that liquidity could be impaired because of
future political and economic developments, the obligations may be less
marketable than comparable domestic obligations of domestic issuers, a foreign
jurisdiction might impose withholding taxes on interest income payable on such
obligations, deposits may be seized or nationalized, foreign governmental
restrictions such as exchange controls may be adopted which might adversely
affect the payment of principal of and interest on such obligations, the
selection of foreign obligations may be more difficult because there may be less
publicly available information concerning foreign issuers, there may be
difficulties in enforcing a judgment against a foreign issuer or the accounting,
auditing and financial reporting standards, practices and requirements
applicable to foreign issuers may differ from those applicable to domestic
issuers. In addition, foreign banks are not subject to examination by U.S.
Government agencies or instrumentalities.
 
BORROWINGS: When a Fund borrows money, the net asset value of a share may be
subject to greater fluctuation until the borrowing is paid off. The Funds may
borrow money from banks for temporary purposes in amounts of up to one-third of
their respective total assets, provided that borrowings in excess of 5% of the
value of the Funds' total assets must be repaid prior to the purchase of
portfolio securities. Pursuant to line of credit arrangements, certain of the
Funds may borrow primarily for temporary or emergency purposes, including the
meeting of redemption requests that otherwise might require the untimely
disposition of securities.
 
Reverse repurchase agreements and dollar roll transactions may be considered to
be borrowings. When a Fund invests in a reverse repurchase agreement, it sells a
portfolio security to another party, such as a bank or broker/dealer, in return
for cash, and agrees to buy the security back at a future date and price.
Reverse repurchase agreements may be used to provide cash to satisfy unusually
heavy redemption requests without having to sell portfolio securities, or for
other temporary or emergency purposes. Generally, the effect of such a
transaction is that the Funds can recover all or most of the cash invested in
the portfolio securities involved during the term of the reverse repurchase
agreement, while they will be able to keep the interest income associated with
those portfolio securities. Such transactions are only advantageous if the
interest cost to the Funds of the reverse repurchase transaction is less than
the cost of obtaining the cash otherwise.
 
At the time a Fund enters into a reverse repurchase agreement, it may establish
a segregated account with its custodian bank in which it will maintain cash,
U.S. Government securities or other liquid high grade debt obligations equal in
value to its obligations in respect of reverse repurchase agreements. Reverse
repurchase agreements involve the risk that the market value of the securities
the Funds are obligated to repurchase under the agreement may decline below the
repurchase price. In the event the buyer of securities under a reverse
repurchase agreement files for bankruptcy or becomes insolvent, the Funds' use
of proceeds of the agreement may be restricted pending a determination by the
other party, or its trustee or receiver, whether to enforce the Funds'
obligation to repurchase the securities. In addition, there is a risk of delay
in receiving collateral or securities or in repurchasing the securities covered
by the reverse repurchase agreement or even of a loss of rights in the
collateral or securities in the event the buyer of the securities under the
reverse repurchase agreement files for bankruptcy or becomes insolvent. The
Funds only enter into reverse repurchase agreements (and repurchase agreements)
with counterparties that are deemed by the Adviser to be credit worthy. Reverse
repurchase agreements are speculative techniques involving leverage, and are
subject to asset coverage described above. Under the requirements of the 1940
Act, the Funds are required to maintain an asset coverage (including the
proceeds of the borrowings) of at least 300% of all borrowings. Depending on
market conditions, the Funds' asset coverage and other factors at the time of a
reverse repurchase, the
 
26
 
<PAGE>
Funds may not establish a segregated account when the Adviser believes it is not
in the best interests of the Funds to do so. In this case, such reverse
repurchase agreements will be considered borrowings subject to the asset
coverage described above.
 
Dollar roll transactions consist of the sale by a Fund of mortgage-backed or
other asset-backed securities, together with a commitment to purchase similar,
but not identical, securities at a future date, at the same price. In addition,
a Fund is paid a fee as consideration for entering into the commitment to
purchase. If the broker/dealer to whom a Fund sells the security becomes
insolvent, the Fund's right to purchase or repurchase the security may be
restricted; the value of the security may change adversely over the term of the
dollar roll; the security that the Fund is required to repurchase may be worth
less than the security that the Fund originally held, and the return earned by
the Fund with the proceeds of a dollar roll may not exceed transaction costs.
 
COMMON AND PREFERRED STOCKS: Common stocks are generally more volatile than
other securities. Preferred stocks share some of the characteristics of both
debt and equity and are generally preferred over common stocks with respect to
dividends and in liquidation.
 
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES, PREFERRED STOCK, AND WARRANTS: Certain of the Funds may
invest in debt securities convertible into or exchangeable for equity
securities, preferred stocks or warrants. Preferred stocks are securities that
represent an ownership interest in a corporation providing the owner with claims
on a company's earnings and assets before common stock owners, but after bond or
other debt security owners. Warrants are options to buy a stated number of
shares of common stock at a specified price any time during the life of the
warrants.
 
CURRENCY SWAPS: Nations International Growth Fund may enter into currency swaps
for hedging purposes and to seek to increase total return. Currency swaps
involve the exchange of rights to make or receive payments in specified
currencies. Since currency swaps are individually negotiated, the Fund expects
to achieve an acceptable degree of correlation between its portfolio investments
and its currency swap positions. Currency swaps usually involve the delivery of
the entire principal value of one designated currency in exchange for the other
designated currency. Therefore, the entire principal value of a currency swap is
subject to the risk that the other party to the swap will default on its
contractual delivery obligations.
 
The use of currency swaps is a highly specialized activity which involves
investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary
portfolio securities transactions. If Kleinwort Benson is incorrect in its
forecasts of market values and currency exchange rates, the investment
performance of the Fund would be less favorable than it would be if this
investment technique were not used.
 
EMERGING MARKETS: Nations International Growth Fund may invest up to 35% of its
total assets in one or more countries with emerging economies. These countries
are located in the Asia-Pacific region, Eastern Europe, Latin and South America,
Africa and, subject to approval by the Board of Directors, the former Soviet
Union and the Middle East. Political and economic structures in many of such
countries may be undergoing significant evolution and rapid development, and
such countries may lack the social, political and economic stability
characteristic of more developed countries. Certain of such countries may have
in the past failed to recognize private property rights and have at times
nationalized or expropriated the assets of private companies. As a result, the
risks described above, including the risks of nationalization or expropriation
of assets, may be heightened. In addition, unanticipated political or social
developments may affect the values of the Fund's investments in those countries
and the availability to the Fund of additional investments in those countries.
The small size and inexperience of the securities markets in certain of such
countries and the limited volume of trading in securities in those countries may
make the Fund's investments in such countries illiquid and more volatile than
investments in most other non-major U.S. markets, and the Fund may be required
to establish special custodial or other
 
                                                                              27
 
<PAGE>
arrangements before making certain investments in those countries. There may be
little financial or accounting information available with respect to issuers
located in certain of such countries, and it may be difficult as a result to
assess the value of prospects of an investment in such issuers.
 
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS: To the extent provided under "How Objectives Are
Pursued," the Funds may enter into foreign currency exchange transactions to
convert foreign currencies to and from the U.S. Dollar. A Fund either enters
into these transactions on a spot (I.E., cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing
in the foreign currency exchange market, or uses forward contracts to purchase
or sell foreign currencies. A forward foreign currency exchange contract is an
obligation by a Fund 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.
 
Foreign currency hedging transactions are an attempt to protect a Fund against
changes in foreign currency exchange rates between the trade and settlement
dates of specific securities transactions or changes in foreign currency
exchange rates that would adversely affect a portfolio position or an
anticipated portfolio position. Although these transactions tend to minimize the
risk of loss due to a decline in the value of the hedged currency, at the same
time they tend to limit any potential gain that might be realized should the
value of the hedged currency increase. Neither spot transactions nor forward
foreign currency exchange contracts eliminate fluctuations in the prices of a
Fund's portfolio securities or in foreign exchange rates, or prevent loss if the
prices of these securities should decline.
 
A Fund will generally enter into forward currency exchange contracts only under
two circumstances: (i) when the Fund enters into a contract for the purchase or
sale of a security denominated in a foreign currency, to "lock" in the U.S.
dollar price of the security; and (ii) when the Adviser believes that the
currency of a particular foreign country may experience a substantial movement
against another currency. Under certain circumstances, the Fund may commit a
substantial portion of its portfolio to the execution of these contracts. The
Adviser will consider the effects such a commitment would have on the investment
program of the Fund and the flexibility of the Fund to purchase additional
securities. Although forward contracts will be used primarily to protect the
Fund from adverse currency movements, they also involve the risk that
anticipated currency movements will not be accurately predicted.
 
FOREIGN SECURITIES: Foreign securities include debt and equity obligations
(dollar- and non-dollar-denominated) of foreign corporations and banks as well
as obligations of foreign governments and their political subdivisions (which
will be limited to direct government obligations and government-guaranteed
securities). Such investments may subject a Fund to special investment risks,
including future political and economic developments, the possible imposition of
withholding taxes on interest income, possible seizure or nationalization of
foreign deposits, the possible establishment of exchange controls, or the
adoption of other foreign governmental restrictions which might adversely affect
the payment of principal and interest on such obligations. In addition, foreign
issuers in general may be subject to different accounting, auditing, reporting,
and record keeping standards than those applicable to domestic companies, and
securities of foreign issuers may be less liquid and their prices more volatile
than those of comparable domestic issuers.
 
Investments in foreign securities may present additional risks, whether made
directly or indirectly, including the political or economic instability of the
issuer or the country of issue and the difficulty of predicting international
trade patterns. In addition, there may be less publicly available information
about a foreign company than about a U.S. company. Further, foreign securities
markets are generally not as developed or efficient as those in the U.S., and in
most foreign markets volume and liquidity are less than in the United States.
Fixed commissions on foreign securities exchanges are generally higher than the
negotiated commissions on U.S. exchanges, and there is generally less government
supervision and regulation of foreign
 
28
 
<PAGE>
securities exchanges, brokers, and companies than in the United States. With
respect to certain foreign countries, there is a possibility of expropriation or
confiscatory taxation, limitations on the removal of funds or other assets, or
diplomatic developments that could affect investments within those countries.
Because of these and other factors, securities of foreign companies acquired by
a Fund may be subject to greater fluctuation in price than securities of
domestic companies.
 
FUTURES, OPTIONS AND OTHER DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS: To the extent provided under
"How Objectives Are Pursued" the Funds may attempt to reduce the overall level
of investment risk of particular securities and attempt to protect a Fund
against adverse market movements by investing in futures, options and other
derivative instruments. These include the purchase and writing of options on
securities (including index options) and options on foreign currencies, and
investing in futures contracts for the purchase or sale of instruments based on
financial indices, including interest rate indices or indices of U.S. or foreign
government, equity or fixed income securities ("futures contracts"), options on
futures contracts, forward contracts and swaps and swap-related products such as
interest rate swaps, currency swaps, caps, collars and floors.
 
The use of futures, options, forward contracts and swaps exposes a Fund to
additional investment risks and transaction costs. If the Adviser incorrectly
analyzes market conditions or does not employ the appropriate strategy with
respect to these instruments, a Fund could be left in a less favorable position.
Additional risks inherent in the use of futures, options, forward contracts and
swaps include: imperfect correlation between the price of futures, options and
forward contracts and movements in the prices of the securities or currencies
being hedged; the possible absence of a liquid secondary market for any
particular instrument at any time; and the possible need to defer closing out
certain hedged positions to avoid adverse tax consequences. A Fund may not
purchase put and call options which are traded on a national stock exchange in
an amount exceeding 5% of its net assets. Further information on the use of
futures, options and other derivative instruments, and the associated risks, is
contained in the SAI.
 
OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANIES: Each Fund may invest in securities issued by other
investment companies to the extent that such investments are consistent with the
Fund's investment objective and policies and permissible under the 1940 Act. As
a shareholder of another investment company, a Fund would bear, along with other
shareholders, its pro rata portion of the other investment 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.
 
PARTICIPATIONS AND TRUST RECEIPTS: Each Fund may purchase from domestic
financial institutions and trusts created by such institutions participation
interests and trust receipts in high quality debt securities. A participation
interest or receipt gives a Fund an undivided interest in the security in the
proportion that a Fund's participation interest or receipt bears to the total
principal amount of the security. Each Fund intends only to purchase
participations and trust receipts from an entity or syndicate, and does not
intend to serve as a co-lender in any such activity.
 
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS: A repurchase agreement involves the purchase of a
security by a Fund and a simultaneous agreement (generally with a bank or
broker/dealer) to repurchase that security from the Fund at a specified price
and date or upon demand. This technique offers a method of earning income on
idle cash. A risk associated with repurchase agreements is the failure of the
seller to repurchase the securities as agreed, which may cause a Fund to suffer
a loss if the market value of such securities declines before they can be
liquidated on the open market. Repurchase agreements with a duration of more
than seven days are considered illiquid securities and are subject to the limit
stated above. A Fund may enter into joint repurchase agreements jointly with
other investment portfolios of Nations Funds.
 
                                                                              29
 
<PAGE>
SECURITIES LENDING: To increase return on portfolio securities, the Funds may
lend their portfolio securities to broker/dealers and other institutional
investors pursuant to agreements requiring that the loans be continuously
secured by collateral equal at all times in value to at least the market value
of the securities loaned. There is a risk of delay in receiving collateral or in
recovering the securities loaned or even a loss of rights in the collateral
should the borrower of the securities fail financially. However, loans are made
only to borrowers deemed by the Adviser to be credit worthy and when, in its
judgment, the income to be earned from the loan justifies the attendant risks.
The aggregate of all outstanding loans of a Fund may not exceed 30% of the value
of its total assets.
 
SMALL CAPITALIZATION COMPANIES: Nations International Growth Fund may invest in
smaller, lesser-known companies which Kleinwort Benson believes offer greater
growth potential than larger, more mature, better-known firms. Investing in the
securities of such companies, however, may also involve greater risk and the
possibility of greater portfolio price volatility. Among the reasons for the
greater price volatility of these small company and unseasoned stocks are the
less certain growth prospects of smaller firms, the lower degree of liquidity in
the markets for such stocks, and the greater sensitivity of small companies to
changing economic conditions. For example, these companies are associated with
higher investment risk than that normally associated with larger firms due to
the greater business risks of small size and limited product lines, markets,
distribution channels and financial and managerial resources.
 
STRIPPED SECURITIES: Each Fund may invest in instruments known as "stripped"
securities. These instruments include U.S. Treasury bonds and notes and federal
agency obligations on which the unmatured interest coupons have been separated
from the underlying obligation. These obligations are usually issued at a
discount to their "face value", and because of the manner in which principal and
interest are returned may exhibit greater price volatility than more
conventional debt securities. Each Fund may invest in "interest only" stripped
securities that have been issued by a federal instrumentality known as the
Resolution Funding Corporation and other stripped securities issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Government, where the principal and interest components
are traded independently under the Separate Trading of Registered Interest and
Principal Securities program ("STRIPS"). Each Fund may also invest in
instruments that have been stripped by their holder, typically a custodian bank
or investment brokerage firm, and then resold in a custodian receipt program
under such names as TIGRS (Treasury Income Growth Receipts) and CATS
(Certificates of Accrual on Treasuries).
 
In addition, each Fund may purchase stripped mortgage-backed securities ("SMBS")
issued by the U.S. Government (or a U.S. Government agency or instrumentality)
or by private issuers such as banks and other institutions. SMBS, in particular,
may exhibit greater price volatility than ordinary debt securities because of
the manner in which their principal and interest are returned to investors.
 
U.S. GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS: U.S. Government Obligations consist of marketable
securities and instruments issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or any of
its agencies, authorities or instrumentalities. Direct obligations are issued by
the U.S. Treasury and include all U.S. Treasury instruments. U.S. Treasury
Obligations differ only in their interest rates, maturities and time of
issuance. Obligations of U.S. Government agencies, authorities and
instrumentalities are issued by government-sponsored agencies and enterprises
acting under authority of Congress. Although obligations of federal agencies,
authorities and instrumentalities are not debts of the U.S. Treasury, some are
backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury, such as direct
pass-through certificates of the Government National Mortgage Association; some
are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Government,
such as obligations of Federal Home Loan Banks, and some are backed only by the
credit of the issuer itself, such as obligations of the Federal National
Mortgage Association. No assurance can be given that the U.S. Government would
provide financial
 
30
 
<PAGE>
support to government-sponsored instrumentalities if it is not obligated to do
so by law. The market value of U.S. Government Obligations may fluctuate due to
fluctuations in market interest rates. As a general matter, the value of debt
instruments, including U.S. Government Obligations, declines when market
interest rates increase and rises when market interest rates decrease. Certain
types of U.S. Government Obligations are subject to fluctuations in yield or
value due to their structure or contract terms.
 
VARIABLE- AND FLOATING-RATE INSTRUMENTS: Certain instruments issued, guaranteed
or sponsored by the U.S. Government or its agencies, state and local government
issuers, and certain debt instruments issued by domestic and foreign banks and
corporations may carry variable or floating rates of interest. Such instruments
bear interest rates which are not fixed, but which vary with changes in
specified market rates or indices, such as a Federal Reserve composite index. A
variable-rate demand instrument is an obligation with a variable or floating
interest rate and an unconditional right of demand on the part of the holder to
receive payment of unpaid principal and accrued interest. An instrument with a
demand period exceeding seven days may be considered illiquid if there is no
secondary market for such security.
 
WHEN-ISSUED, DELAYED DELIVERY AND FORWARD COMMITMENT SECURITIES: The purchase of
new issues of securities on a "when-issued," "delayed delivery" or "forward
commitment" basis occurs when the payment for and delivery of securities takes
place at a future date. Because actual payment for and delivery of such
securities generally take place 15 to 45 days after the purchase date,
purchasers of such securities bear the risk that interest rates on debt
securities at the time of delivery may be higher or lower than those contracted
for on the security purchased.
 
ZERO COUPON SECURITIES: Each Fund may invest in zero coupon securities. Zero
coupon securities are debt obligations which do not entitle the holder to any
periodic payments of interest prior to maturity or a specified date when the
securities begin paying current interest (the "cash payment date") and therefore
are issued and traded at a discount from their face amounts or par value. Such
bonds carry an additional risk in that, unlike bonds which pay interest
throughout the period to maturity, a Fund will realize no cash until the cash
payment date and, if the issuer defaults, the Fund may obtain no return at all
on its investment.
 
A Fund will be required to include in income daily portions of original issue
discount accrued which will cause the Fund to be required to make distributions
of such amounts to shareholders annually, even if no payment is received before
the distribution date. These distributions must be made from the Fund's cash
assets or, if necessary, from the proceeds of sales of portfolio securities. The
Fund will not be able to purchase additional income producing securities with
cash used to make such distributions and its current income ultimately may be
reduced as a result.
 
   Appendix B -- Description Of Ratings
 
The following summarizes the highest six ratings used by S&P for corporate and
municipal bonds. The first four ratings denote investment grade securities.
 
     AAA -- This is the highest rating assigned by S&P to a debt obligation and
     indicates an extremely strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal.
 
     AA -- Debt rated AA is considered to have a very strong capacity to pay
     interest and repay principal and differs from AAA issues only in a small
     degree.
 
     A -- Debt rated A has a 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.
 
                                                                              31
 
<PAGE>
     BBB -- Debt rated BBB is 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 for those in
     higher-rated categories.
 
     BB, B -- Bonds rated BB and B are regarded, on balance, as predominantly
     speculative with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay principal in
     accordance with the terms of the obligation. BB represents the lowest
     degree of speculation and B a higher degree of speculation. While such
     bonds will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these
     are outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse
     conditions.
 
To provide more detailed indications of credit quality, the AA, A and BBB
ratings may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative
standing within these major rating categories.
 
The following summarizes the highest six ratings used by Moody's for corporate
and municipal bonds. The first four ratings denote investment grade securities.
 
     Aaa -- Bonds that are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality. They
     carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to
     as "gilt edge." Interest payments are protected by a large or by an
     exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure. While the various
     protective elements are likely to change, such changes as can be visualized
     are most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of such
     issues.
 
     Aa -- Bonds that are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all
     standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally
     known as high grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because
     margins of protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or
     fluctuation of protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there may
     be other elements present which make the long-term risks appear somewhat
     larger than in Aaa securities.
 
     A -- Bonds that are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes
     and are to be considered upper medium grade obligations. Factors giving
     security to principal and interest are considered adequate, but elements
     may be present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the
     future.
 
     Baa -- Bonds that are rated Baa are considered 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. Such bonds lack outstanding investment
     characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics as well.
 
     Ba -- Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements;
     their future cannot be considered as well assured. Often the protection of
     interest and principal payments may be very moderate and thereby not well
     safeguarded during both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of
     position characterizes bonds in this class.
 
     B -- Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the
     desirable investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of
     maintenance of other terms of the contract over any long period of time may
     be small.
 
Moody's applies numerical modifiers (1, 2 and 3) with respect to corporate bonds
rated Aa through B. The modifier 1 indicates that the bond being rated ranks in
the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a
mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates that the bond ranks in the lower
end of its generic rating category. With regard to municipal bonds, those bonds
in the Aa, A and Baa groups which Moody's believes possess the strongest
investment attributes are designated by the symbols Aa1, A1 or Baa1,
respectively.
 
32
 
<PAGE>
The following summarizes the highest four ratings used by D&P for bonds, each of
which denotes that the securities are investment grade:
 
     AAA -- Bonds that are rated AAA are of the highest credit quality. The risk
     factors are considered to be negligible, being only slightly more than for
     risk-free U.S. Treasury debt.
 
     AA -- Bonds that are rated AA are of high credit quality. Protection
     factors are strong. Risk is modest, but may vary slightly from time to time
     because of economic conditions.
 
     A -- Bonds that are rated A have protection factors which are average but
     adequate. However, risk factors are more variable and greater in periods of
     economic stress.
 
     BBB -- Bonds that are rated BBB have below average protection factors but
     still are considered sufficient for prudent investment. Considerable
     variability in risk exists during economic cycles.
 
To provide more detailed indications of credit quality, the AA, A and BBB
ratings may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative
standing within these major categories.
 
The following summarizes the highest four ratings used by Fitch for bonds, each
of which denotes that the securities are investment grade:
 
     AAA -- Bonds considered to be investment grade and of the highest credit
     quality. The obligor has an exceptionally strong ability to pay interest
     and repay principal, which is unlikely to be affected by reasonably
     foreseeable events.
 
     AA -- Bonds considered to be investment grade and of very high credit
     quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is very
     strong, although not quite as strong as bonds rated AAA. Because bonds
     rated in the AAA and AA categories are not significantly vulnerable to
     foreseeable future developments, short-term debt of these issuers is
     generally rated F-1+.
 
     A -- Bonds considered to be investment grade and of high credit quality.
     The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is considered to
     be strong, but may be more vulnerable to adverse changes in economic
     conditions and circumstances than bonds with higher ratings.
 
     BBB -- Bonds considered to be investment grade and of satisfactory credit
     quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is
     considered to be adequate. Adverse changes in economic conditions and
     circumstances, however, are more likely to have adverse impact on these
     bonds, and therefore impair timely payment. The likelihood that the ratings
     of these bonds will fall below investment grade is higher than for bonds
     with higher ratings.
 
To provide more detailed indications of credit quality, the AA, A and BBB
ratings may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative
standing within these major rating categories.
 
The following summarizes the two highest ratings used by Moody's for short-term
municipal notes and variable rate demand obligations:
 
     MIG-1/VMIG-1 -- Obligations bearing these designations are of the best
     quality, enjoying strong protection from established cash flows, superior
     liquidity support or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for
     refinancing.
 
     MIG-2/VMIG-2 -- Obligations bearing these designations are of high quality,
     with ample margins of protection although not so large as in the preceding
     group.
 
The following summarizes the two highest ratings used by S&P for short-term
municipal notes:
 
     SP-1 -- Very strong or strong capacity to pay principal and interest. Those
     issues determined to possess overwhelming safety characteristics are given
     a "plus" (+) designation.
 
     SP-2 -- Satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest.
 
                                                                              33
 
<PAGE>
The three highest rating categories of D&P for short-term debt, each of which
denotes that the securities are investment grade, are D-1, D-2 and D-3. D&P
employs three designations, D-1+, D-1 and D-1-, within the highest rating
category. D-1+ indicates highest certainty of timely payment. Short-term
liquidity, including internal operating factors and/or access to alternative
sources of funds, is judged to be "outstanding, and safety is just below
risk-free U.S. Treasury short-term obligations." D-1 indicates very high
certainty of timely payment. Liquidity factors are excellent and supported by
good fundamental protection factors. Risk factors are considered to be minor.
D-1- indicates high certainty of timely payment. Liquidity factors are strong
and supported by good fundamental protection factors. Risk factors are very
small. D-2 indicates good certainty of timely payment. Liquidity factors and
company fundamentals are sound. Although ongoing funding needs may enlarge total
financing requirements, access to capital markets is good. Risk factors are
small. D-3 indicates satisfactory liquidity and other protection factors which
qualify the issue as investment grade. Risk factors are larger and subject to
more variation. Nevertheless, timely payment is expected.
 
The following summarizes the two highest rating categories used by Fitch for
short-term obligations, each of which denotes securities that are investment
grade:
 
     F-1+ securities possess exceptionally strong credit quality. Issues
     assigned this rating are regarded as having the strongest degree of
     assurance for timely payment.
 
     F-1 securities possess very strong credit quality. Issues assigned this
     rating reflect an assurance of timely payment only slightly less in degree
     than issues rated F-1+.
 
     F-2 securities possess good credit quality. Issues carrying this rating
     have a satisfactory degree of assurance for timely payment, but the margin
     of safety is not as great as for issues assigned the F-1+ and F-1 ratings.
 
Commercial paper rated A-1 by S&P indicates that the degree of safety regarding
timely payment is strong. Those issues determined to possess extremely strong
safety characteristics are denoted A-1+. Capacity for timely payment on
commercial paper rated A-2 is satisfactory, but the relative degree of safety is
not as high as for issues designated A-1.
 
The rating Prime-1 is the highest commercial paper rating assigned by Moody's.
Issuers rated Prime-1 (or related supporting institutions) are considered to
have a superior capacity for repayment of senior short-term promissory
obligations. Issuers rated Prime-2 (or related supporting institutions) are
considered to have a strong capacity for repayment of senior short-term
promissory obligations. This will normally be evidenced by many of the
characteristics of issuers rated Prime-1, but to a lesser degree. Earnings
trends and coverage ratios, while sound, will be more subject to variation.
Capitalization characteristics, while still appropriate, may be more affected by
external conditions. Ample alternate liquidity is maintained.
 
For commercial paper, D&P uses the short-term debt ratings described above.
 
For commercial paper, Fitch uses the short-term debt ratings described above.
 
BankWatch ratings are based upon a qualitative and quantitative analysis of all
segments of the organization including, where applicable, holding company and
operating subsidiaries. BankWatch ratings do not constitute a recommendation to
buy or sell securities of any of these companies. Further, BankWatch does not
suggest specific investment criteria for individual clients.
 
BankWatch long-term ratings apply to specific issues of long-term debt and
preferred stock. The long-term ratings specifically assess the likelihood of
untimely payment of principal or interest over the term to maturity of the rated
instrument. The following are the four investment grade ratings used by
BankWatch for long-term debt:
 
     AAA -- The highest category; indicates ability to repay principal and
     interest on a timely basis is very high.
 
34
 
<PAGE>
     AA -- The second highest category; indicates a superior ability to repay
     principal and interest on a timely basis with limited incremental risk
     versus issues rated in the highest category.
 
     A -- The third highest category; indicates the ability to repay principal
     and interest is strong. Issues rated "A" could be more vulnerable to
     adverse developments (both internal and external) than obligations with
     higher ratings.
 
     BBB -- The lowest investment grade category; indicates an acceptable
     capacity to repay principal and interest. Issues rated "BBB" are, however,
     more vulnerable to adverse developments (both internal and external) than
     obligations with higher ratings.
 
The BankWatch short-term ratings apply to commercial paper, other senior
short-term obligations and deposit obligations of the entities to which the
rating has been assigned. The BankWatch short-term ratings specifically assess
the likelihood of an untimely payment of principal or interest.
 
     TBW-1 -- The highest category; indicates a very high degree of likelihood
     that principal and interest will be paid on a timely basis.
 
     TBW-2 -- The second highest category; while the degree of safety regarding
     timely repayment of principal and interest is strong, the relative degree
     of safety is not as high as for issues rated "TBW-1".
 
     TBW-3 -- The lowest investment grade category; indicates that while more
     susceptible to adverse developments (both internal and external) than
     obligations with higher ratings, capacity to service principal and interest
     in a timely fashion is considered adequate.
 
     TBW-4 -- The lowest rating category; this rating is regarded as
     non-investment grade and therefore speculative.
 
The following summarizes the four highest long-term ratings used by IBCA:
 
     AAA -- Obligations for which there is the lowest expectation of investment
     risk. Capacity for timely repayment of principal and interest is
     substantial such that adverse changes in business, economic or financial
     conditions are unlikely to increase investment risk significantly.
 
     AA -- Obligations for which there is a very low expectation of investment
     risk. Capacity for timely repayment of principal and interest is
     substantial. Adverse changes in business, economic or financial conditions
     may increase investment risk albeit not very significantly.
 
     A -- Obligations for which there is a low expectation of investment risk.
     Capacity for timely repayment of principal and interest is strong, although
     adverse changes in business, economic or financial conditions may lead to
     increased investment risk.
 
     BBB -- Obligations for which there is currently a low expectation of
     investment risk. Capacity for timely repayment of principal and interest is
     adequate, although adverse changes in business, economic or financial
     conditions are more likely to lead to increased investment risk than for
     obligations in other categories.
 
A plus of minus sign may be appended to a rating below AAA to denote relative
status within major rating categories.
 
The following summarizes the two highest short-term debt ratings used by IBCA:
 
     A1+ -- Where issues possess a particularly strong credit feature.
 
     A1 -- Obligations supported by the highest capacity for timely repayment.
 
     A2 -- Obligations supported by a good capacity for timely repayment.
 
                                                                              35
 


                                      


<PAGE>
Prospectus
 
                                  INVESTOR N SHARES
                                     MAY     , 1997
 
This Prospectus describes NATIONS INTERNATIONAL
GROWTH FUND, NATIONS SMALL COMPANY GROWTH FUND and
NATIONS U.S. GOVERNMENT BOND FUND (the "Funds") of
Nations Fund, Inc., an open-end management
investment company in the Nations Funds Family
("Nations Funds" or "Nations Funds Family"). This
Prospectus describes one class of shares of the
Funds -- Investor N Shares.
 
This Prospectus sets forth concisely the
information about the Funds that a prospective
purchaser of Investor N Shares should consider
before investing. Investors should read this
Prospectus and retain it for future reference.
Additional information about Nations Fund, Inc. is
contained in a separate Statement of Additional
Information (the "SAI"), that has been filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC")
and is available upon request without charge by
writing or calling Nations Funds at its address or
telephone number shown below. The SAI for Nations
Fund, Inc., dated May    , 1997, is incorporated by
reference in its entirety into this Prospectus.
NationsBanc Advisors, Inc. ("NBAI") is investment
adviser to the Funds. Kleinwort Benson Investment
Management Americas Inc. ("Kleinwort Benson") is
investment sub-adviser to Nations International
Growth Fund, and Boatmen's Trust Company
("Boatmen's") is investment sub-adviser to Nations
Small Company Growth Fund and Nations U.S.
Government Bond Fund. As used herein the "Adviser"
shall mean NBAI, Kleinwort Benson and/or Boatmen's
as the context may require.
 
SHARES OF NATIONS FUNDS ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OTHER
OBLIGATIONS OF, OR ISSUED, ENDORSED OR GUARANTEED
BY, NATIONSBANK, N.A. ("NATIONSBANK") OR ANY OF ITS
AFFILIATES. SUCH SHARES ARE NOT INSURED BY THE U.S.
GOVERNMENT, THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE
CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD OR ANY OTHER
GOVERNMENT AGENCY. AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUNDS
INVOLVES CERTAIN RISKS, INCLUDING POSSIBLE LOSS OF
PRINCIPAL.

NATIONSBANK AND CERTAIN OF ITS AFFILIATES PROVIDE
CERTAIN OTHER SERVICES TO NATIONS FUNDS, FOR WHICH
THEY ARE COMPENSATED. STEPHENS INC., WHICH IS NOT
AFFILIATED WITH NATIONSBANK, IS THE SPONSOR AND
ADMINISTRATOR AND SERVES AS THE DISTRIBUTOR FOR
NATIONS FUNDS.

THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR
DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR
HAS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY
STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY
REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL
OFFENSE.
                                                     Nations International
                                                      Growth Fund

                                                     Nations Small
                                                      Company Growth
                                                      Fund

                                                     Nations U.S.
                                                      Government Bond
                                                      Fund

                                                     For Fund information call:
                                                     1-800-321-7854
                                                     Nations Funds
                                                     c/o Stephens Inc.
                                                     One NationsBank Plaza
                                                     33rd Floor
                                                     Charlotte, NC 28255
                                                     (Nations Funds Logo
                                                          appears here)


<PAGE>
                             Table  Of  Contents

About The Funds

                             Prospectus Summary                                3

                             Expenses Summary                                  4

                             Financial Highlights                              6

                             Objectives                                        9

                             How Objectives Are Pursued                        9

                             How Performance Is Shown                         13

                             How The Funds Are Managed                        14

                             Organization And History                         17

About Your Investment

                             How To Buy Shares                                18

                             Shareholder Servicing And Distribution Plans     20

                             How To Redeem Shares                             21

                             How To Exchange Shares                           23

                             How The Funds Value Their Shares                 24

                             How Dividends And Distributions Are Made; 
                             Tax Information                                  25

                             Appendix A -- Portfolio Securities               26

                             Appendix B -- Description Of Ratings             34


                             NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
                             INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS NOT
                             CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS, OR IN THE
                             FUNDS' SAI INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE, IN
                             CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING MADE BY THIS
                             PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION
                             OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS
                             HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY NATIONS FUNDS OR ITS
                             DISTRIBUTOR. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN
                             OFFERING BY NATIONS FUNDS OR BY THE DISTRIBUTOR IN
                             ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH OFFERING MAY NOT
                             LAWFULLY BE MADE.

2

<PAGE>

About The Funds

   Prospectus Summary

(Bullet) TYPE OF COMPANY: Open-end management investment company.

(Bullet) INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES:

         (Bullet) Nations International Growth Fund's investment objective is to
                  seek long-term capital growth by investing primarily in equity
                  securities of companies domiciled in countries outside the
                  United States and listed on major stock exchanges primarily in
                  Europe and the Pacific Basin.

         (Bullet) Nations Small Company Growth Fund's investment objective is to
                  seek long-term capital growth by investing primarily in equity
                  securities.

         (Bullet) Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund's investment objective is to
                  seek total return and preservation of capital by investing in
                  U.S. Government securities and repurchase agreements.

(Bullet) INVESTMENT ADVISER: NBAI serves as the investment adviser to the Funds.
         NBAI provides investment advice to more than 50 investment company
         portfolios in the Nations Funds Family. Kleinwort Benson provides
         sub-advisory services to Nations International Growth Fund and
         Boatmen's provides sub-advisory services to Nations Small Company
         Growth Fund and Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund. See "How The Funds
         Are Managed."
 
(Bullet) DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS: Nations International Growth Fund and
         Nations Small Company Growth Fund declare and pay dividends from net
         investment income quarterly and Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund
         declares dividends daily and pays them monthly. Each Fund's net
         realized capital gains, including net short-term capital gains are
         distributed at least annually.
 
(Bullet) PRINCIPAL RISK FACTORS: Although the Adviser seeks to achieve the
         investment objective of each Fund, there is no assurance that it will
         be able to do so. Investments in a Fund are not insured against loss of
         principal. Investments by a Fund in common stocks and other equity
         securities are subject to stock market risk, which is the risk that the
         value of the stocks the Fund holds may decline over short or even
         extended periods. Investments by a Fund in debt securities are subject
         to interest rate risk, which is the risk that increases in market
         interest rates will adversely affect a Fund's investments in debt
         securities. The value of a Fund's investments in debt securities,
         including U.S. Government Obligations (as defined below), will tend to
         decrease when interest rates rise and increase when interest rates
         fall. In general, longer-term debt instruments tend to fluctuate in
         value more than shorter-term debt instruments in response to interest
         rate movements. In addition, debt securities which are not backed by
         the United States Government are subject to credit risk, which is the
         risk that the issuer may not be able to pay principal and/or interest
         when due. Certain of the Funds' investments constitute derivative
         securities. Certain types of derivative securities can, under certain
         circumstances, significantly increase an investor's exposure to market
         or other risks. For a discussion of these and other factors, see "How
         Objectives Are Pursued -- Risk Considerations" and "Appendix
         A -- Portfolio Securities."
 
(Bullet) MINIMUM PURCHASE: $1,000 minimum initial investment per record holder
         except that the minimum initial investment is: $500 for Individual
         Retirement Account ("IRA") investors; $250 for non-working spousal
         IRAs; and $100 for investors participating on a monthly basis in the
         Systematic Investment Plan. There is no minimum investment amount for
         investments by certain 401(k) and
 
                                                                               3

<PAGE>
         employee pension plans or salary reduction -- Individual Retirement
         Accounts. Minimum subsequent investment is $100, except for investments
         pursuant to the systematic investment plan. See "How To Buy Shares."
 
   Expenses Summary
 
Expenses are one of several factors to consider when investing in the Funds. The
following table summarizes shareholder transaction and operating expenses for
Investor N Shares of the Funds. The Examples show the cumulative expenses
attributable to a hypothetical $1,000 investment in the Funds over specified
periods.
 
INVESTOR N SHARES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 Nations            Nations            Nations
                                                                              International      Small Company     U.S. Government
                                                                                 Growth             Growth              Bond
                                                                                  Fund               Fund               Fund
<S>                                                                         <C>                <C>                <C>
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES

Sales Load Imposed on Purchases                                                     None               None               None
Deferred Sales Charge                                                               None               None               None

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
  (as a percentage of average net assets)

Management Fees (After Fee waivers)                                                  .90%               .75%               .40%
Rule 12b-1 Fees (After Fee waivers)                                                  .75%               .50%               .40%
Shareholder Servicing Fees                                                           .25%               .25%               .25%
Other Expenses                                                                       .22%               .20%               .20%
Total Operating Expenses (After Fee waivers)                                        2.12%              1.70%              1.25%
</TABLE>

EXAMPLES:

An investment of $1,000 would incur the following expenses, assuming (1) a 5%
annual return and (2) redemption at the end of each time period.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     Nations            Nations
                                                                                  International      Small Company
                                                                                     Growth             Growth
                                                                                      Fund               Fund
<S>                                                                             <C>                <C>
1 Year                                                                              $      22          $      17
3 Years                                                                             $      66          $      54
5 Years                                                                             $     114          $      92
10 Years                                                                            $     245          $     201

<CAPTION>
                                                                                     Nations
                                                                                 U.S. Government
                                                                                      Bond
                                                                                      Fund
1 Year                                                                              $      13
3 Years                                                                             $      40
5 Years                                                                             $      69
10 Years                                                                            $     151
</TABLE>
 
4
 
<PAGE>
The purpose of the foregoing table is to assist an investor in understanding the
various shareholder transaction and operating expenses that an investor in the
Funds will bear either directly or indirectly. The figures in the above tables
are based on amounts incurred during each Fund's most recent fiscal year and
have been adjusted as necessary to reflect current service provider fees. There
is no assurance that any fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements will continue
beyond the current fiscal year. If fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements are
discontinued, the amounts contained in the "Examples" above may increase.
Long-term shareholders of the Funds could pay more in sales charges than the
economic equivalent of the maximum front-end sales charges applicable to mutual
funds sold by members of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
("NASD"). For more complete descriptions of the Funds' operating expenses, see
"How The Funds Are Managed." Absent fee waivers, "Management Fees", "Rule 12b-1
Fees" and "Total Operating Expenses" would have been as follows: Nations Small
Company Growth Fund -- 1.00%, .75% and 2.20%, respectively; and Nations U.S.
Government Bond Fund -- .60%, .75% and 1.80%, respectively.

THE FOREGOING SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED TO BE AN ACTUAL REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR
FUTURE EXPENSES OR PERFORMANCE. ACTUAL EXPENSES AND RATES OF RETURN MAY BE
GREATER OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN.
 
                                                                               5

<PAGE>
   Financial Highlights
 
The following information for Investor N Shares of Nations International Growth
Fund, Nations Small Company Growth Fund and Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund
has been derived from the Financial Highlights in the January 2, 1997
Prospectuses for the Class B Shares of The Pilot Funds' Pilot International
Equity Fund, Pilot Small Capitalization Equity Fund and Pilot U.S. Government
Securities Fund, the predecessor Funds to the current Nations Funds listed
above. This information has been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP. This
information is provided to help you understand the historical performance of the
Funds and their predecessors. This information should be read in conjunction
with the predecessor Funds' annual financial statements and the respective notes
thereto, which are incorporated by reference into the SAI.
 
NATIONS INTERNATIONAL GROWTH FUND
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                           YEAR
                                                                                                          ENDED
<S>                                                                                                  <C>
INVESTOR N SHARES (FORMERLY CLASS B SHARES)                                                            08/31/96(b)
Operating performance:
Net asset value at the beginning of the period                                                        $   17.54
Net realized and unrealized capital gain/(loss) on investments                                        $   (0.65)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on foreign currency related transactions                      $    0.15
Total income (loss) from investments                                                                  $   (0.50)
Dividends from net investment income                                                                         --
Dividends from net realized gain on investments and foreign currency related transactions                    --
Net asset value at the end of the period                                                              $   17.04
Total return (a)                                                                                          (2.85)%
Portfolio turnover rate (d)                                                                               22.31%
Ratio of expenses to average net assets                                                                    2.06%(c)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets                                               (0.32)%(c)
Net assets at end of period (in 000's)                                                                $     184
Average Commission Rate (e)                                                                           $  0.0160
</TABLE>
 
(a) Assumes investment at net asset value at the beginning of the period,
    reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, a complete redemption of
    the investment at the net asset value at the end of the period and no sales
    charges.

(b) Class B Shares were initially issued on July 1, 1996.
 
(c) Annualized.
 
(d) Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis of the portfolio as a whole
    without distinguishing between the classes of shares issued and is not
    annualized.
 
(e) The average commission rate represents the total dollar amount of
    commissions paid on portfolio transactions, for the time period of May 4,
    1996 to August 31, 1996, divided by the total number of portfolio shares
    purchased and sold for which commissions were charged. Disclosure is not
    required for prior periods.
 
6

<PAGE>
NATIONS SMALL COMPANY GROWTH FUND
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                          PERIOD
                                                                                                          ENDED
<S>                                                                                                  <C>
INVESTOR N SHARES (FORMERLY CLASS B SHARES)                                                            08/31/96(a)
Operating performance:
Net asset value at the beginning of the period                                                          $   10.00
Net investment income                                                                                   $    0.01
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments and futures                                             $    0.65
Total income from investment operations                                                                 $    0.66
Dividends from net investment income                                                                    $   (0.01)
Net asset value at the end of the period                                                                $   10.65
Total return (b)                                                                                             6.65%
Ratio of expenses to average net assets                                                                      2.01% (c)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets                                                        (0.07)% (c)
Portfolio turnover rate (e)                                                                                    31%
Net assets at end of period (in 000's)                                                                  $   1,878
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (assuming no waiver or expense reimbursements)                       2.44% (c)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (assuming no waiver or expense reimbursements)         (0.50)% (c)
Average Commission Rate (d)                                                                             $   .0340
</TABLE>
 
(a) Share activity commenced December 12, 1995.

(b) Assumes investment at net asset value at the beginning of the period,
    reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, a complete redemption of
    the investment at the net asset value at the end of the period and no sales
    charges. Total return would be reduced if sales charges were taken for Class
    B Shares. Total return is not annualized.
 
(c) Annualized.
 
(d) The average commission rate represents the total dollar amount of
    commissions paid on portfolio transactions, for the time period of May 4,
    1996 to August 31, 1996, divided by the total number of portfolio shares
    purchased and sold for which commissions were charged. Disclosure is not
    required for prior periods.
 
(e) Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis of the portfolio as a whole
    without distinguishing between the classes of shares issued.
 
                                                                               7
 
<PAGE>
NATIONS U.S. GOVERNMENT BOND FUND

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            YEAR              YEAR
                                                                                           ENDED             ENDED
<S>                                                                                   <C>               <C>
INVESTOR N SHARES (FORMERLY CLASS B SHARES)                                               08/31/96        08/31/95(a)
Operating performance:
Net asset value at the beginning of the period                                          $   11.19         $   10.05
Net investment income                                                                   $    0.51         $    0.46
Net realized and unrealized gain on investment transactions                             $   (0.22)        $    1.14
Total income from investment operations                                                 $    0.29         $    1.60
Dividends from net investment income                                                    $   (0.51)        $   (0.46)
Dividends from net realized gains                                                       $   (0.45)               --
Net asset value at the end of the period                                                $   10.52         $   11.19
Total return (b)                                                                             2.43%            16.19%
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (c)                                                  1.65%             1.62%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (c)                                     4.60%             5.19%
Portfolio turnover rate (d)                                                                    87%              132%
Net assets at end of period (in 000's)                                                  $   1,237         $     146
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (assuming no waiver or expense
  reimbursements)                                                                            1.82%             1.87%(c)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (assuming no waiver or expense
  reimbursements)                                                                            4.43%             4.94%(c)
</TABLE>
 
(a) Class B Share activity commenced November 10, 1994.
 
(b) Assumes investment at net asset value at the beginning of the period,
    reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, a complete redemption of
    the investment at the net asset value at the end of the period and no sales
    charges. Total return would be reduced if sales charges were taken for Class
    B Shares. Total return is not annualized.
 
(c) Annualized.
 
(d) Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis of the portfolio as a whole
    without distinguishing between the classes of shares issued.
 
8
 
<PAGE>
   Objectives
 
NATIONS INTERNATIONAL GROWTH FUND: Nations International Growth Fund's
investment objective is to seek long-term capital growth by investing primarily
in equity securities of companies domiciled in countries outside the United
States and listed on major stock exchanges primarily in Europe and the Pacific
Basin.
 
NATIONS SMALL COMPANY GROWTH FUND: Nations Small Company Growth Fund's
investment objective is to seek long-term capital growth by investing primarily
in equity securities.
 
NATIONS U.S. GOVERNMENT BOND FUND: Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund's
investment objective is to seek total return and preservation of capital by
investing in U.S. Government securities and repurchase agreements.
 
   How Objectives Are Pursued
 
NATIONS INTERNATIONAL GROWTH FUND: In pursuing its investment objective, the
Fund will invest at least 65% of its total assets in foreign equity securities,
including securities convertible into equity securities and securities which are
listed on major stock exchanges, under normal circumstances. The Fund may
purchase the stock of small, mid- and large capitalization companies.
 
The Fund may invest up to 35% of its total assets in securities of issuers
domiciled in developing countries. These countries are generally located in
Eastern Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, Latin and South America, Africa and,
subject to approval by the Board of Directors, the former Soviet Union and the
Middle East. Debt securities, if any, purchased by the Fund will be rated in the
top two categories by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization
("NRSRO") or, if unrated, determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality.
For temporary defensive purposes, the Fund may invest up to 100% of its assets
in debt and equity securities of U.S. issuers. Debt securities in which the Fund
may invest include short-term and intermediate-term obligations of corporations,
foreign governments and international organizations (such as the International
Bank for Reconstruction and Development (the "World Bank")), including money
market instruments.
 
The Fund may invest in common stocks (including securities convertible into
common stocks) of foreign issuers and rights to purchase common stock, options
and futures contracts on securities, securities indexes and foreign currencies,
securities lending, forward foreign exchange contracts and repurchase
agreements. For more information concerning these and other permissible Fund
investments, see "Appendix A".
 
NATIONS SMALL COMPANY GROWTH FUND: In pursuing its investment objective, the
Fund will invest at least 65% of its total assets in equity securities,
including securities convertible into equity securities, under normal
circumstances. In addition, the Fund will invest at least 65% of its total
assets in companies with a market capitalization of $1 billion or less.
 
In making investment decisions for the Fund, the Adviser, on a quarterly basis,
classifies approximately 6,000 companies by market value and eliminates the
largest 20%. The remaining companies constitute the Fund's small-capitalization
universe and generally represent only one-tenth of the aggregate U.S. equity
market capitalization. Due to the large number of small stocks to choose from,
the Adviser's selection process uses advanced quantitative techniques to
identify, buy and sell candidates in a timely and objective manner. The strategy
is to own those investments offering both attractive fun-
 
                                                                               9
 
<PAGE>
damental valuation and relatively good prospects for earnings improvement.
Typically, two types of companies are candidates for purchase: (i) mature
companies which may have fallen from a larger market value due to business
difficulties, but which now exhibit improving prospects; and (ii) smaller or
younger companies which are experiencing strong trends in earnings growth, but
remain reasonably valued and therefore offer premium growth at a discount in
comparison to other companies.
 
The Adviser's internally designed investment approach uses a sophisticated
valuation process which measures changes in current earnings estimates and
longer-term growth trends, compares recent earnings results with market
expectations, and evaluates a company's earnings power relative to its stock
price. Companies become purchase candidates based upon a composite ranking of
these factors, and the top 20% are further evaluated on additional criteria.
Candidates for investment must also possess a sound financial structure and
demonstrate consistent factor rankings before being added to the Fund's
portfolio.
 
The Fund's weighted median capitalization generally is not expected to exceed
125% of the weighted median capitalization of the Russell 2000 Small Stock Index
(the "Russell 2000") as measured on a quarterly basis, although this may vary
from time to time. Furthermore, a stock may be sold if the composite rank falls
into the bottom 20% of the universe, financial quality weakens significantly, or
if individual factors demonstrate patterns of deterioration.
 
The Fund may invest up to 35% of its total assets in securities of issuers with
a market capitalization greater than $1 billion and in debt securities. However,
the Fund will not invest more than 10% of its total assets in debt securities,
unless the Fund assumes a temporary defensive position as discussed below. Debt
securities, if any, purchased by the Fund will be rated AA or above by Standard
& Poor's Corporation ("S&P") or Aa or above by Moody's Investor Services, Inc.
("Moody's") or, if unrated, determined by the Adviser to be of comparable
quality. For temporary defensive purposes, the Fund may invest up to 100% of its
assets in debt securities. Debt securities in which the Fund may invest include
short-term and intermediate-term obligations of corporations, the U.S. and
foreign governments and international organizations (such as the World Bank),
including money market instruments.
 
The Fund may invest in common stocks (including securities convertible into
common stocks) of foreign issuers and rights to purchase common stock, options
and futures contracts on securities, securities indexes and foreign currencies,
securities lending and repurchase agreements. The Fund currently intends to
limit any investment in foreign securities to 5% of total assets. For more
information concerning these and other permissible Fund investments, see
"Appendix A".
 
NATIONS U.S. GOVERNMENT BOND FUND: The Fund invests at least 65% of its total
assets in U.S. Government securities and repurchase agreements collateralized by
such securities. While the maturity of individual securities will not be
restricted, except during temporary defensive periods or unusual market
conditions, the average weighted maturity of the Fund will be between five and
thirty years. The Fund may invest in a variety of U.S. Government securities,
including U.S. Treasury bonds, notes and bills, and other obligations issued or
guaranteed as to payment of principal and interest by a number of U.S.
Government agencies and instrumentalities ("U.S. Government Obligations"). The
Fund may also invest in interests in the foregoing securities, including
collateralized mortgage obligations issued or guaranteed by a U.S. Government
agency or instrumentality. U.S. Government Obligations have historically had a
very low risk of loss of principal if held to maturity. The Fund, however, can
give no assurance that the U.S. Government would provide financial support to
its agencies or instrumentalities if it were not legally required to do so.
 
The Fund may also invest up to 35% of its total assets in debt securities of
U.S. and foreign corporate and foreign government issuers, American Depository
Receipts ("ADRs") and European Depository Receipts ("EDRs"), zero coupon bonds
and cash equivalents. The Fund will purchase only those non-government
investments
 
10
 
<PAGE>
which are rated investment grade or better by at least one NRSRO or, if unrated,
are determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality. If a portfolio
security held by the Fund ceases to be rated investment grade by at least one
NRSRO or if the Adviser determines that an unrated portfolio security held by
the Fund is no longer of comparable quality to an investment grade security, the
security will be sold in an orderly manner as quickly as possible. Additionally,
the Fund may also invest in futures contracts, interest rate swaps and options.
From time to time, the Fund may also hold uninvested cash reserves which do not
earn income.
 
The value of the Fund's portfolio (and consequently its shares) is expected to
fluctuate inversely in relation to changes in the direction of interest rates.
For more information concerning these and other investments in which the Fund
may invest, see "Appendix A".
 
GENERAL: Each Fund may invest in certain specified derivative securities,
including: exchange-traded options; over-the-counter options executed with
primary dealers, including long calls and puts and covered calls to enhance
return; and U.S. and foreign exchange-traded financial futures approved by the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC") and options thereon for market
exposure risk management. Each Fund may lend its portfolio securities to
qualified institutional investors and may invest in restricted, private
placement and other illiquid securities and securities issued by other
investment companies, consistent with the Fund's investment objective and
policies. Each Fund may invest in real estate investment trust securities.
Additionally, Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund may engage in reverse repurchase
agreements and dollar roll transactions.
 
For more information concerning these and other instruments in which the Funds
may invest and their investment practices, see "Appendix A."
 
Although changes in the value of securities subsequent to their acquisition are
reflected in the net asset value of the Funds' shares, such changes will not
affect the income received by the Funds from such securities. However, since
available yields vary over time, no specific level of income can ever be
assured. The dividends paid by the Funds will increase or decrease in relation
to the income received by the Funds from their investments, which will in any
case be reduced by the Funds' expenses before being distributed to the Funds'
shareholders.
 
SPECIAL RISK CONSIDERATIONS RELEVANT TO AN INVESTMENT IN NATIONS INTERNATIONAL
GROWTH FUND: Investors should understand and consider carefully the special
risks involved in foreign investing.
 
Investors should be aware that the Fund may, from time to time, invest in
securities of companies located in Eastern Europe. Economic and political
reforms in this region are still in their infancy. As a result, investment in
such countries would be highly speculative and could result in losses to the
Fund and, thus, to its shareholders.
 
Investors should also understand and consider carefully the special risks
involved in investing in the Pacific Basin and Far East. Countries in the
Pacific Basin and Far East are in various stages of economic development,
ranging from emerging markets to mature economies, but each has unique risks.
Most countries in this region are heavily dependent on international trade, and
some are especially vulnerable to recessions in other countries. Some of these
countries are also sensitive to world commodity prices. Some countries that have
experienced rapid growth may still have obsolete financial systems, economic
problems or archaic legal systems. In addition, many of these nations are
experiencing political and social uncertainties.
 
The same is true, but even more so, for the emerging market countries in which
the Fund will invest. Although the Fund believes that its investments present
the possibility for significant growth over the long term, they also entail
significant risks. Many investments in emerging markets can be considered
speculative, and their prices can be much more volatile than in the more
developed nations of the world. This difference reflects the greater
uncertainties of investing in less established markets and economies. The
financial markets of emerging markets
 
                                                                              11
 
<PAGE>
countries are generally less well capitalized and thus securities of issuers
based in such countries may be less liquid.
 
The Fund's yield and share price will change based on changes in domestic or
foreign interest rates and in an issuer's creditworthiness. In general, bond
prices rise when interest rates fall, and vice versa.
 
Investing in securities denominated in foreign currencies and utilization of
forward foreign currency exchange contracts and other currency hedging
techniques involve certain considerations comprising both opportunities and
risks not typically associated with investing in U.S. dollar-denominated
securities. Additionally, changes in the value of foreign currencies can
significantly affect a Fund's share price. General economic and political
factors in the various world markets can also impact a Fund's share price.
 
The expenses to individual investors of investing directly in foreign securities
are very high relative to similar costs for investing in U.S. securities. While
the Fund offers a more efficient way for individual investors to participate in
foreign markets, their expenses, including custodial fees, are also higher than
the typical domestic equity mutual fund.
 
Risks unique to international investing include: (1) restrictions on foreign
investment and repatriation of capital; (2) fluctuations in currency exchange
rates; (3) costs of converting foreign currency into U.S. dollars and U.S.
dollars into foreign currencies; (4) greater price volatility and less
liquidity; (5) settlement practices, including delays, which may differ from
those customary in United States markets; (6) exposure to political and economic
risks, including the risk of nationalization, expropriation of assets and war;
(7) possible imposition of foreign taxes and exchange control and currency
restrictions; (8) lack of uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting
standards; (9) less governmental supervision of securities markets, brokers and
issuers of securities; (10) less financial information available to investors;
and (11) difficulty in enforcing legal rights outside the United States. These
risks often are heightened for investments in emerging or developing countries.
See "Appendix A" for additional discussion of the risks associated with an
investment in the Nations International Growth Fund.
 
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER: Generally, the Funds will purchase portfolio securities for
capital appreciation or investment income, or both, and not for short-term
trading profits. While it is not possible to predict exactly annual portfolio
turnover rates, it is expected that under normal market conditions, the annual
portfolio turnover rate will be 50% for Nations International Growth Fund, 125%
for Nations Small Company Growth Fund, and 100% for Nations U.S. Government Bond
Fund.
 
RISK CONSIDERATIONS: Although the Adviser will seek to achieve the investment
objective of each Fund, there is no assurance that it will be able to do so. No
single Fund should be considered, by itself, to provide a complete investment
program for any investor. The net asset value of the shares of the Funds will
fluctuate based on market conditions. Therefore, investors should not rely upon
the Funds for short-term financial needs, nor are the Funds meant to provide a
vehicle for participating in short-term swings in the stock market. Investments
in a Fund are not insured against loss of principal.
 
Investments by a Fund in common stocks and other equity securities are subject
to stock market risks. The value of the stocks that the Fund holds, like the
broader stock market, may decline over short or even extended periods. The value
of a Fund's investments in debt securities, including U.S. Government
Obligations, will tend to decrease when interest rates rise and increase when
interest rates fall. In general, longer-term debt instruments tend to fluctuate
in value more than short-term debt instruments in response to interest rate
movements. In addition, debt securities that are not backed by the United States
Government are subject to credit risk, which is the risk that the issuer may not
be able to pay principal and/or interest when due.
 
Certain of the Funds' investments constitute derivative securities, which are
securities whose value is derived, at least in part, from an underlying index or
reference rate. There are certain
 
12
 
<PAGE>
types of derivative securities that can, under certain circumstances,
significantly increase a purchaser's exposure to market or other risks. The
Adviser, however, only purchases derivative securities in circumstances where it
believes such purchases are consistent with such Funds' investment objective and
do not unduly increase the Fund's exposure to market or other risks. For
additional risk information regarding the Funds' investments in particular
instruments, see "Appendix A -- Portfolio Securities."
 
INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS: Each Fund is subject to a number of investment
limitations. The following investment limitations are matters of fundamental
policy and may not be changed without the affirmative vote of the holders of a
majority of the Fund's outstanding shares. Other investment limitations that
cannot be changed without such a vote of shareholders are described in the SAI.
 
Each Fund may not:
 
1. Purchase any securities which would cause 25% or more of the value of the
Fund's total assets at the time of such purchase to be invested in the
securities of one or more issuers conducting their principal activities in the
same industry. (For purposes of this limitation, U.S. Government Obligations are
not considered members of any industry.)
 
2. Make loans, except that a Fund may purchase and hold debt instruments
(whether such instruments are part of a public offering or privately placed),
may enter into repurchase agreements and may lend portfolio securities in
accordance with its investment policies.
 
3. Purchase securities of any one issuer (other than U.S. Government
Obligations), if, immediately after such purchase, more than 5% of the value of
such Fund's total assets would be invested in the securities of such issuer,
except that up to 25% of the value of the Fund's total assets may be invested
without regard to these limitations and with respect to 75% of such Fund's
assets, such Fund will not hold more than 10% of the voting securities of any
issuer.
 
The investment objective and policies of each Fund, unless otherwise specified,
are non-fundamental and may be changed without a vote of the Fund's
shareholders. Shareholders however, must receive at least 30 days' prior written
notice in the event an investment objective is changed. If the investment
objective or policies of a Fund change, shareholders should consider whether the
Fund remains an appropriate investment in light of their then current positions
and needs.
 
In order to register a Fund's shares for sale in certain states, a Fund may make
commitments more restrictive than the investment policies and limitations
described in this Prospectus and the SAI. Should a Fund determine that any such
commitment is no longer in the best interest of the Fund, it may consider
terminating sales of its shares in the states involved.
 
   How Performance Is Shown
 
From time to time the Funds may advertise the total return and yield on a class
of shares. Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund also may advertise the tax
equivalent yield of a class of shares. BOTH TOTAL RETURN AND YIELD FIGURES ARE
BASED ON HISTORICAL DATA AND ARE NOT INTENDED TO INDICATE FUTURE PERFORMANCE.
The "total return" of a class of shares of the Funds may be calculated on an
average total return basis or an aggregate total return basis. Average annual
total return refers to the average annual compounded rates of return over one-,
five-, and ten-year periods or the life of a Fund (as stated in the
advertisement) that would equate an initial amount invested at the beginning of
a stated period to the ending redeemable value of the investment (reflecting the
deduction of any applicable contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC")), and
assuming the reinvestment of all dividend and capital gain distributions.
Aggregate total return reflects the total percentage change in the value of the
investment over the
 
                                                                              13
 
<PAGE>
measuring period again assuming the reinvestment of all dividends and capital
gain distributions. Total return may also be presented for other periods or may
not reflect a deduction of the CDSC.
 
"Yield" is calculated by dividing the annualized net investment income per share
during a recent 30-day (or one month) period of a class of shares of a Fund by
the maximum public offering price per share on the last day of that period. The
yield on a class of shares does not reflect deduction of any applicable CDSC.
 
Investment performance, which will vary, is based on many factors, including
market conditions, the composition of the Funds' portfolios and the Funds'
operating expenses. Investment performance also often reflects the risks
associated with the Funds' investment objective and policies. These factors
should be considered when comparing the Funds' investment results to those of
other mutual funds and other investment vehicles. Since yields fluctuate, yield
data cannot necessarily be used to compare an investment in the Funds with bank
deposits, savings accounts, and similar investment alternatives which often
provide an agreed-upon or guaranteed fixed yield for a stated period of time.
 
In addition to Investor N Shares, the Funds offer Primary A, Primary B, Investor
A and Investor C Shares. Each class of shares may bear different sales charges,
shareholder servicing fees, loads and other expenses, which may cause the
performance of a class to differ from the performance of the other classes.
Total return and yield quotations will be computed separately for each class of
the Funds' shares. Any quotation of total return or yield not reflecting CDSCs
would be reduced if such sales charges were reflected.
 
Any fees charged by a selling agent and/or servicing agent directly to its
customers' accounts in connection with investments in the Funds will not be
included in calculations of total return or yield. The Funds' annual report
contains additional performance information and is available upon request
without charge from the Funds' distributor or an investors' agent.
 
   How The Funds Are Managed
 
The business and affairs of Nations Fund, Inc. are managed under the direction
of its Board of Directors. Nations Fund, Inc.'s SAI contains the names of and
general background information concerning each Director of Nations Fund, Inc.
 
Nations Funds and the Adviser have adopted codes of ethics which contain
policies on personal securities transactions by "access persons," including
portfolio managers and investment analysts. These policies substantially comply
in all material respects with the recommendations set forth in the May 9, 1994
Report of the Advisory Group on Personal Investing of the Investment Company
Institute.
 
INVESTMENT ADVISER: NBAI, through its investment management division, serves as
investment adviser to the Funds. NBAI is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of
NationsBank, which in turn is a wholly owned banking subsidiary of NationsBank
Corporation, a bank holding company organized as a North Carolina corporation.
NBAI has its principal offices at One NationsBank Plaza, Charlotte, North
Carolina 28255.
 
Kleinwort Benson, with principal offices at 200 Park Avenue, New York, New York
10166, serves as investment sub-adviser to Nations International Growth Fund.
Kleinwort Benson is the SEC registered investment management subsidiary of the
London-based Kleinwort Benson Group plc, a holding company for a merchant
banking group whose origins date back to 1792. Kleinwort Benson has offices in
London, Hong Kong and Tokyo and may utilize the general expertise of Kleinwort
Benson Group plc and its affiliates in respect of, for example, economic
analyses and predictions and market developments and trends.
 
Boatmen's serves as investment sub-adviser to Nations Small Company Growth Fund
and
 
14
 
<PAGE>
Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund. Its principal offices are located at 100
North Broadway, St. Louis, Missouri 63178-4737. Boatmen's is an indirect
subsidiary of NationsBank Corporation, a registered bank holding company.
 
Subject to the general supervision of Nations Fund, Inc.'s Board of Directors,
and in accordance with each Fund's investment policies, the Adviser formulates
guidelines and lists of approved investments for each Fund, makes decisions with
respect to and places orders for each Fund's purchases and sales of portfolio
securities and maintains records relating to such purchases and sales. The
Adviser is authorized to allocate purchase and sale orders for portfolio
securities to certain financial institutions, including, in the case of agency
transactions, financial institutions which are affiliated with the Adviser or
which have sold shares in such Funds, if the Adviser believes that the quality
of the transaction and the commission are comparable to what they would be with
other qualified brokerage firms. From time to time, to the extent consistent
with its investment objective, policies and restrictions, each Fund may invest
in securities of companies with which NationsBank has a lending relationship.
 
For the services provided and expenses assumed pursuant to an Investment
Advisory Agreement, NBAI is entitled to receive advisory fees, computed daily
and paid monthly, at the rate of: .90% of the average daily net assets of
Nations International Growth Fund; 1.00% of the average daily net assets of
Nations Small Company Growth Fund; and .60% of the average daily net assets of
Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund.
 
For the services provided and the expenses assumed pursuant to various
Sub-Advisory Agreements, NBAI will pay Kleinwort Benson sub-advisory fees at the
rate of .40% of Nations International Growth Fund's average net assets, up to
and including $325,000,000 in assets and .25% on assets in excess of
$325,000,000. NBAI will pay Boatmen's sub-advisory fees at the rate of .25% of
the average net assets of Nations Small Company Growth Fund and at the rate of
 .15% of the average daily net assets of Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund.
 
From time to time, NBAI (and/or Kleinwort Benson and/or Boatmen's) may waive or
reimburse (either voluntarily or pursuant to applicable state limitations)
advisory fees or expenses payable by a Fund.
 
Boatmen's has designated the following portfolio manager as being primarily
responsible for the management of Nations International Growth Fund. Michael E.
Kenneally, Chartered Financial Analyst ("CFA"), is a Senior Vice President and
Director of Research. In addition to his responsibilities in connection with the
management of the Fund, Mr. Kenneally is responsible for all fundamental and
quantitative research as well as the management of all small capitalization and
growth-style portfolios.
 
Mr. Kenneally is also part of the team responsible for the day to day management
of the Nations Small Company Growth Fund's investment activities. His additional
responsibilities include investment product development, international equity
investment, and equity derivative strategies. Mr. Kenneally holds both a
bachelor's degree in economics and an MBA in finance from the University of
Missouri. He joined Boatmen's in 1983 as an equity analyst, later became a
quantitative analyst, and subsequently worked as both a fixed-income portfolio
manager and an equity portfolio manager. Mr. Kenneally is also a member of the
Association for Investment Management and Research (AIMR), the St. Louis Society
of Financial Analysts, the Chicago Quantitative Alliance, and the Society of
Quantitative Analysts.
 
Mr. Daniel N. Ginsparg, Senior Portfolio Manager and Manager of Quantitative
Research is part of the team responsible for the day to day management of the
Nations Small Company Growth Fund's investment activities. Mr. Ginsparg is
responsible for quantitative research applications and is involved in the
management of the Fund. Mr. Ginsparg received both his bachelor's degree and MBA
from the University of Missouri. He joined Boatmen's in 1989 and is a member of
the Chicago Quantitative Alliance, the Society of Quantitative Analysts, and the
St. Louis Society of Financial Analysts.
 
                                                                              15
 
<PAGE>
C. Thomas Clapp, CFA, is Director of the Equity Management Group for TradeStreet
and Portfolio Manager of Nations Emerging Growth Fund. Mr. Clapp has been
Portfolio Manager for Nations Emerging Growth Fund since September, 1996. He is
also part of the Adviser's team responsible for the day to day management of
Nations Small Company Growth Fund, and has been an officer of Boatmen's since
January, 1997. Prior to assuming his position with TradeStreet in 1995, he was
Senior Vice President and Director of Research for the Investment Management
Group at NationsBank. Prior to joining NationsBank in 1992, Mr. Clapp was a
Senior Portfolio Manager with Royal Insurance Group. Mr. Clapp has worked in the
investment community since 1984. He received his B.A. in Economics from the
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an M.B.A. from the University of
South Carolina. He also holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation and is
a member of the Association for Investment Management and Research and the North
Carolina Society of Financial Analysts, Inc.
 
The Fixed Income Committee of Boatmen's is responsible for the day-to-day
management of the investment portfolio of Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund.
 
Morrison & Foerster LLP, counsel to Nations Funds and special counsel to
NationsBank has advised Nations Funds and NationsBank that NationsBank and its
affiliates may perform the services contemplated by the various Investment
Advisory Agreements, and this Prospectus without violation of the Glass-Steagall
Act. Such counsel has pointed out, however, that there are no controlling
judicial or administrative interpretations or decisions and that future judicial
or administrative interpretations of, or decisions relating to, present federal
or state statutes, including the Glass-Steagall Act, and regulations relating to
the permissible activities of banks and their subsidiaries or affiliates, as
well as future changes in federal or state statutes, including the
Glass-Steagall Act, and regulations and judicial or administrative decisions or
interpretations thereof, could prevent such entities from continuing to perform,
in whole or in part, such services. If any such entity were prohibited from
performing any of such services, it is expected that new agreements would be
proposed or entered into with another entity or entities qualified to perform
such services.
 
OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS: Stephens Inc. ("Stephens"), with principal offices at
111 Center Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72201, serves as the administrator of
Nations Funds pursuant to an Administration Agreement. Pursuant to the terms of
the Administration Agreement, Stephens provides various administrative and
corporate secretarial services to the Funds, including providing general
oversight of other service providers, office space, utilities and various legal
and administrative services in connection with the satisfaction of various
regulatory requirements applicable to the Funds.
 
First Data Investor Services Group, Inc. ("First Data"), a wholly owned
subsidiary of First Data Corporation, with principal offices at One Exchange
Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, serves as the co-administrator of Nations
Funds pursuant to a Co-Administration Agreement. Under the Co-Administration
Agreement, First Data provides various administrative and accounting services to
the Funds including performing the calculations necessary to determine the net
asset value per share and dividends of each class of shares of the Funds,
preparing tax returns and financial statements and maintaining the portfolio
records and certain of the general accounting records for the Funds.
 
For the services rendered pursuant to the Administration and Co-Administration
Agreements, Stephens and First Data are entitled to receive a combined fee at
the annual rate of up to 0.10% of each Fund's average daily net assets.
 
NationsBank serves as sub-administrator for Nations Funds pursuant to a
Sub-Administration Agreement. Pursuant to the terms of the Sub-Administration
Agreement, NationsBank assists Stephens in supervising, coordinating and
monitoring various aspects of the Funds' administrative operations. For
providing such services, NationsBank shall be entitled to receive a monthly fee
from Stephens based on an annual rate of 0.01% of the Funds' average daily net
assets.
 
16
 
<PAGE>
Shares of the Funds are sold on a continuous basis by Stephens, as the Funds'
sponsor and distributor. Stephens is a registered broker/dealer with principal
offices at 111 Center Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72201. Nations Funds has
entered into a distribution agreement with Stephens which provides that Stephens
has the exclusive right to distribute shares of the Funds. Stephens may pay, out
of its own resources, service fees or commissions to selling agents which assist
customers in purchasing Investor N Shares of the Funds. See "Shareholder
Servicing and Distribution Plans."
 
NationsBank of Texas, N.A. ("NationsBank of Texas" and, collectively with Bank
of New York ("BONY"), called "Custodians") serves as custodian for the assets of
each Fund. NationsBank of Texas is located at 1401 Elm Street, Dallas, Texas
75202, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of NationsBank Corporation. In return
for providing custodial services, NationsBank of Texas is entitled to receive,
in addition to out-of-pocket expenses, fees at the rate of (i) $300,000 per
annum, to be paid monthly in payments of $25,000 for custodian services for up
to and including 50 Funds; and (ii) $6,000 per annum, to be paid in equal
monthly payments, for custodian services for each additional Fund above 50
Funds.
 
BONY serves as sub-custodian for the assets of Nations International Growth
Fund, Nations Small Company Growth Fund and Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund.
BONY is located at 90 Washington Street, New York, New York 10286. In return for
providing sub-custodial services, BONY shall receive, in addition to out of
pocket expenses, fees at the rate of (i) 3/4 of one basis point per annum on the
aggregate net assets of the Funds up to $10 billion; and (ii) 1/2 of one basis
point on the excess.
 
First Data serves as transfer agent (the "Transfer Agent") for the Funds'
Investor N Shares. The Transfer Agent is located at One Exchange Place, Boston,
Massachusetts 02109.
 
Price Waterhouse LLP serves as independent accountants to Nations Funds. Its
address is 160 Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110.

EXPENSES: The accrued expenses of the Funds, as well as certain expenses
attributable to Investor N Shares, are deducted from accrued income before
dividends are declared. These Fund expenses include, but are not limited to:
fees paid to the Adviser, NationsBank, Stephens and First Data; taxes; interest;
trustees' and directors' and officers' fees; federal and state securities
registration and qualification fees; brokerage fees and commissions; costs of
preparing and printing prospectuses for regulatory purposes and for distribution
to existing shareholders; charges of the Custodian and Transfer Agent; certain
insurance premiums; outside auditing and legal expenses; costs of shareholder
reports and shareholder meetings; other expenses which are not expressly assumed
by the Adviser, NationsBank, Stephens or First Data under their respective
agreements with Nations Funds; and any extraordinary expenses. Investor N Shares
may bear certain class specific retail transfer agency expenses and also bear
certain additional shareholder service and sales support costs. Any general
expenses of Nations Fund, Inc. that are not readily identifiable as belonging to
a particular investment portfolio are allocated among all portfolios in the
proportion that the assets of a portfolio bears to the assets of Nations Fund,
Inc. or in such other manner as the Board of Directors deems appropriate.
 
   Organization And History
 
The Funds are members of the Nations Funds Family, which consists of Nations
Fund Trust, Nations Fund, Inc., Nations Fund Portfolios, Inc. and Nations
Institutional Reserves. The Nations Funds Family currently has more than 50
distinct investment portfolios and total assets in excess of $20 billion.
 
                                                                              17
 
<PAGE>
Nations Fund, Inc. was incorporated in Maryland on December 13, 1983, but had no
operations prior to December 15, 1986. Nations Fund, Inc.'s fiscal year end is
March 31; prior to 1996, Nations Fund, Inc.'s fiscal year end was May 31. As of
the date of this Prospectus, the authorized capital stock of Nations Fund, Inc.
consists of 420,000,000,000 shares of common stock, par value of $.001 per
share, which are divided into series or funds each of which consists of separate
classes of shares. This Prospectus relates only to the Investor N Shares of
Nations International Growth Fund, Nations Small Company Growth Fund and Nations
U.S. Government Bond Fund of Nations Fund, Inc. To obtain additional information
regarding the Fund's other classes of shares which may be available to you,
contact your Agent (as defined below) or Nations Funds at 1-800-321-7854.
 
Shares of each fund and class have equal rights with respect to voting, except
that the holders of shares of a particular fund or class will have the exclusive
right to vote on matters affecting only the rights of the holders of such fund
or class. In the event of dissolution or liquidation, holders of each class will
receive pro rata, subject to the rights of creditors, (a) the proceeds of the
sale of that portion of the assets allocated to that class held in the
respective fund of Nations Fund, Inc., less (b) the liabilities of Nations Fund,
Inc. attributable to the respective fund or class or allocated among the funds
or classes based on the respective liquidation value of each fund or class.
 
Shareholders of Nations Fund, Inc. do not have cumulative voting rights, and
therefore the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of all funds
voting together for election of directors may elect all of the members of the
Board of Directors of Nations Fund, Inc. Meetings of shareholders may be called
upon the request of 10% or more of the outstanding shares of Nations Fund, Inc.
There are no preemptive rights applicable to any of Nations Fund, Inc.'s shares.
Nations Fund, Inc.'s shares, when issued, will be fully paid and non-assessable.
 
As of May   , 1997, NationsBank and its affiliates possessed or shared power to
dispose of or vote with respect to more than 25% of the outstanding shares of
Nations Fund, Inc. and therefore could be considered to be a controlling person
of Nations Fund, Inc. for purposes of the 1940 Act. For more detailed
information concerning the percentage of each class or series over which
NationsBank and its affiliates possessed or shared power to dispose or vote as
of a certain date, see the SAI of Nations Fund, Inc. It is anticipated that
Nations Fund, Inc. will not hold annual shareholder meetings on a regular basis
unless required by the 1940 Act or Maryland law.
 
About Your Investment
 
   How To Buy Shares
 
The Funds have established various procedures for purchasing Investor N Shares
in order to accommodate different investors. Purchase orders may be placed
through banks, broker/dealers or other financial institutions (including certain
affiliates of NationsBank) that have entered into a shareholder servicing
agreement ("Servicing Agreement") with NationsBank ("Servicing Agents") sales
support agreement ("Sales Support Agreement") with Stephens ("Selling Agents").
 
There is a minimum initial investment of $1,000, except that the minimum initial
investment is:
 
(Bullet)  $500 for IRA investors;
 
(Bullet)  $250 for non-working spousal IRAs; and
 
18
 
<PAGE>
(Bullet)  $100 for investors participating on a monthly basis in the Systematic
          Investment Plan described below.
 
There is no minimum investment amount for investments by 401(k) plans,
simplified employee pension plans ("SEPs"), salary reduction-simplified employee
pension plans ("SAR-SEPs") or salary reduction-Individual Retirement Accounts
("SAR-IRAs"). However, the assets of such plans must reach an asset value of
$1,000 ($500 for SEPs, SAR-SEPs and SAR-IRAs) within one year of the account
open date. If the assets of such plans do not reach the minimum asset size
within one year, Nations Funds reserves the right to redeem the shares held by
such plans on 60 days' written notice. The minimum subsequent investment is
$100, except for investments pursuant to the Systematic Investment Plan
described below.
 
Investor N Shares are purchased at net asset value per share without the
imposition of a sales charge. Purchases may be effected on days on which the New
York Stock Exchange (the "Exchange") is open for business (a "Business Day").
 
The Servicing Agents will provide various shareholder services for, and the
Selling Agents will provide sales support assistance to, their respective
customers ("Customers") who own Investor N Shares. Servicing Agents and Selling
Agents are sometimes referred to hereafter as "Agents." From time to time the
Agents, Stephens and Nations Funds may agree to voluntarily reduce the maximum
fees payable for sales support or shareholder services.
 
Nations Funds and Stephens reserve the right to reject any purchase order. The
issuance of Investor N Shares is recorded on the books of the Funds, and share
certificates are not issued unless expressly requested in writing. Certificates
are not issued for fractional shares.
 
EFFECTIVE TIME OF PURCHASES: Purchase orders for Investor N Shares of the Funds
which are received by Stephens or by the Transfer Agent before the close of
regular trading hours on the Exchange (currently 4:00 p.m., Eastern time) on any
Business Day are priced according to the net asset value determined on that day
but are not executed until 4:00 p.m., Eastern time, on the Business Day on which
immediately available funds in payment of the purchase price are received by the
Funds' Custodian. Such payment must be received no later than 4:00 p.m., Eastern
time, by the third Business Day following receipt of the order. If funds are not
received by such date, the order will not be accepted and notice thereof will be
given to the Agent placing the order. Payment for orders which are not received
or accepted will be returned after prompt inquiry to the sending Agent.
 
The Agents are responsible for transmitting orders for purchases of Investor N
Shares by their Customers, and delivering required funds, on a timely basis.
Stephens is responsible for transmitting orders it receives to Nations Funds.
 
SYSTEMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN: Under the Funds' Systematic Investment Plan ("SIP")
a shareholder may automatically purchase Investor N Shares. On a bi-monthly,
monthly or quarterly basis, shareholders may direct cash to be transferred
automatically from their checking or savings account at any bank to their Fund
account. Transfers will occur on or about the 15th and/or 30th day of the
applicable month. The systematic investment amount may be in any amount from $25
to $100,000. For more information concerning the SIP, contact your Agent.
 
REINSTATEMENT PRIVILEGE: Within 120 days after a redemption of Investor N Shares
of a Fund, a shareholder may reinstate any portion of the proceeds of such
redemption in Investor N Shares of the same Fund at the net asset value next
determined after a reinstatement request is received by the Transfer Agent,
together with the proceeds. A shareholder exercising this privilege would
receive a pro-rata credit for any CDSC paid in connection with the redemption. A
shareholder may not exercise this privilege with the proceeds of a redemption of
shares purchased through the reinstatement privilege.
 
TELEPHONE TRANSACTIONS: Investors may effect purchases, redemptions (up to
$50,000) and exchanges by telephone. See "How To Redeem Shares" and "How To
Exchange Shares" below. If a shareholder desires the telephone transac-
 
                                                                              19
 
<PAGE>
tion feature after opening an account, a signature guarantee will be required.
Shareholders should be aware that by using the telephone transaction feature,
such shareholders may be giving up a measure of security that they may have if
they were to request such transactions in writing. A shareholder may bear the
risk of any resulting losses from a telephone transaction. Nations Funds will
employ reasonable procedures to confirm that instructions communicated by
telephone are genuine, and if Nations Funds and its service providers fail to
employ such measures, they may be liable for any losses due to unauthorized or
fraudulent instructions. Nations Funds requires a form of personal
identification prior to acting upon instructions received by telephone and
provides written confirmation to shareholders of each telephone share
transaction. In addition, Nations Funds reserves the right to record all
telephone conversations.
 
CONVERSION FEATURE: Investor N Shares which have been outstanding for eight
years after the end of the month in which the shares were initially purchased
will automatically convert to Investor A Shares and, consequently, will no
longer be subject to the higher shareholder servicing and sales support fees
applicable to Investor N Shares. Such conversion will be on the basis of the
relative net asset values of the two classes, without the imposition of any
sales charge or other charge except that the shareholder servicing and sales
support fees applicable to Investor A Shares shall thereafter be applied to such
converted shares. The conversion feature enables holders of Investor N Shares to
convert such shares to Investor A Shares without the payment of additional sales
charges. Because the per share net asset value of the Investor A Shares may be
higher than that of the Investor N Shares at the time of conversion, a
shareholder may receive fewer Investor A Shares than the number of Investor N
Shares converted, although the dollar value will be the same. Reinvestments of
dividends and distributions in Investor N Shares will be considered a new
purchase for purposes of the conversion feature.
 
   Shareholder Servicing And
   Distribution Plans
 
SHAREHOLDER SERVICING PLAN: The Funds' shareholder servicing plan ("Servicing
Plan") permits the Funds to compensate Servicing Agents for services provided to
their Customers that own Investor N Shares. Payments under the Servicing Plan
are calculated daily and paid monthly at a rate or rates set from time to time
by the Funds, provided that the annual rate may not exceed 0.25% of the average
daily net asset value of the Investor N Shares.
 
The fees payable under the Servicing Plan are used primarily to compensate or
reimburse Servicing Agents for shareholder services provided, and related
expenses incurred, by such Servicing Agents. The shareholder services provided
by Servicing Agents may include: (i) aggregating and processing purchase and
redemption requests for Investor N Shares from Customers and transmitting net
purchase and redemption orders to Stephens or the Transfer Agent; (ii) providing
Customers with a service that invests the assets of their accounts in Investor N
Shares pursuant to specific or preauthorized instructions; (iii) processing
dividend and distribution payments from the Funds on behalf of Customers; (iv)
providing information periodically to Customers showing their positions in
Investor N Shares; (v) arranging for bank wires; and (vi) providing general
shareholder liaison services.
 
Nations Funds may suspend or reduce payments under the Servicing Plan at any
time, and payments are subject to the continuation of the Servicing Plan
described above and the terms of the Servicing Agreements. See the SAI for more
details on the Servicing Plan.
 
20
 
<PAGE>
DISTRIBUTION PLAN: Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, the Directors have
approved a Distribution Plan with respect to Investor N Shares of the Funds.
Pursuant to the Distribution Plan, the Funds may compensate or reimburse
Stephens for any activities or expenses primarily intended to result in the sale
of the Funds' Investor N Shares. Payments under the Distribution Plan will be
calculated daily and paid monthly at a rate or rates set from time to time by
the Directors provided that the annual rate may not exceed 0.75% of the average
daily net asset value of the Funds' Investor N Shares.
 
The fees payable under the Distribution Plan are used primarily to compensate or
reimburse Stephens for distribution services provided by it, and related
expenses incurred, including payments by Stephens to compensate or reimburse
Selling Agents for sales support services provided, and related expenses
incurred, by such Selling Agents. Payments under the Distribution Plan may be
made with respect to the following expenses: the cost of preparing, printing and
distributing prospectuses, sales literature and advertising materials,
commissions, incentive compensation or other compensation to, and expenses of,
account executives or other employees of Stephens or the Selling Agents;
overhead and other office expenses; opportunity costs relating to the foregoing;
and any other costs and expenses relating to distribution or sales support
activities. The overhead and other office expenses referenced above may include,
without limitation, (i) the expenses of operating Stephens' or the Selling
Agents' offices in connection with the sale of Fund shares, including rent, the
salaries and employee benefit costs of administrative, operations and support
personnel, utility costs, communications costs and the costs of stationery and
supplies, (ii) the costs of client sales seminars and travel related to
distribution and sales support activities, and (iii) other expenses relating to
distribution and sales support activities.
 
Nations Funds and Stephens may suspend or reduce payments under the Distribution
Plan at any time, and payments are subject to the continuation of the
Distribution Plan described above and the terms of the Sales Support Agreements
between Selling Agents and Stephens. See the SAI for more details on the
Distribution Plan.
 
Nations Funds understands that Agents may charge fees to their Customers who are
the owners of Investor N Shares for various services provided in connection with
a Customer's account. These fees would be in addition to any amounts received by
a Selling Agent under its Sales Support Agreement with Stephens or by a
Servicing Agent under its Servicing Agreement with Nations Funds. The Sales
Support Agreements and Servicing Agreements require Agents to disclose to their
Customers any compensation payable to the Agent by Stephens or Nations Funds and
any other compensation payable by the Customers for various services provided in
connection with their accounts. Customers should read this Prospectus in light
of the terms governing their accounts with their Agents.
 
   How To Redeem Shares
 
Redemption orders should be transmitted by telephone or in writing through the
same Agent that transmitted the original purchase order. Redemption orders are
effected at the net asset value per share next determined after receipt of the
order by Stephens or by the Transfer Agent, less any applicable CDSC. The Agents
are responsible for transmitting redemption orders to Stephens or to the
Transfer Agent and for crediting their Customers' accounts with the redemption
proceeds on a timely basis. No charge for wiring redemption payments is imposed
by Nations Funds. Except for any CDSC which may be applicable upon redemption of
Investor N Shares, as described below, there is no redemption charge.
 
Redemption proceeds are normally wired to the redeeming Agent within three
Business Days after receipt of the order by Stephens or by the
 
                                                                              21
 
<PAGE>
Transfer Agent. However, redemption proceeds for shares purchased by check may
not be remitted until at least 15 days after the date of purchase to ensure that
the check has cleared; a certified check, however, is deemed to be cleared
immediately.
 
Nations Funds may redeem a shareholder's Investor N Shares upon 60 days' written
notice if the balance in the shareholder's account drops below $500 as a result
of redemptions. Share balances also may be redeemed at the direction of an Agent
pursuant to arrangements between the Agent and its Customers. Nations Funds also
may redeem shares of the Funds involuntarily or make payment for redemption in
readily marketable securities or other property under certain circumstances in
accordance with the 1940 Act.
 
Prior to effecting a redemption of Investor N Shares represented by
certificates, the Transfer Agent must have received such certificates at its
principal office. All such certificates must be endorsed by the redeeming
shareholder or accompanied by a signed stock power, in each instance with the
signature guaranteed by a commercial bank or a member of a major stock exchange,
unless other arrangements satisfactory to Nations Funds have previously been
made. Nations Funds may require any additional information reasonably necessary
to evidence that a redemption has been duly authorized.
 
CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE: Subject to certain waivers specified below,
Investor N Shares purchased prior to January 1, 1996, may be subject to a CDSC
if such shares are redeemed within six years of the date of purchase. No CDSC is
imposed on increases in net asset value above the initial purchase price,
including shares acquired by reinvestment of distributions. Subject to the
exclusions described below, the amount of the CDSC is determined as a percentage
of the lesser of the net asset value or the purchase price of the shares being
redeemed. The amount of the CDSC will depend on the number of years since you
invested, according to the following table:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                Contingent Deferred
                                 Sales Charge as a
                               Percentage of Dollar
Year Since Purchase Made     Amount Subject to Charge
<S>                       <C>
First                                     5.0%
Second                                    4.0%
Third                                     3.0%
Fourth                                    2.0%
Fifth                                     2.0%
Sixth                                     1.0%
Seventh and thereafter                    None
</TABLE>
 
In determining whether a CDSC is payable on any redemption, the Funds will first
redeem shares not subject to any charge, and then shares held longest during the
six year period. This will result in you paying the lowest possible CDSC. Solely
for purposes of determining the number of years from the date of purchase of
shares, all purchases are deemed to have been made on the trade date of the
transaction.
 
The CDSC will be waived on redemptions of Investor N Shares (i) following the
death or disability (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the "Code")) of a shareholder (including a registered joint owner), (ii) in
connection with the following retirement plan distributions: (a) lump-sum or
other distributions from a qualified corporate or self-employed retirement plan
following retirement (or in the case of a "key employee" of a "top heavy" plan,
following attainment of age 59 1/2); (b) distributions from an IRA or Custodial
Account under Section 403(b)(7) of the Code following attainment of age 59 1/2;
(c) a tax-free return of an excess contribution to an IRA; and (d) distributions
from a qualified retirement plan that are not subject to the 10% additional
Federal withdrawal tax pursuant to Section 72(t)(2) of the Code, (iii) effected
pursuant to Nations Fund's right to liquidate a shareholder's account, including
instances where the aggregate net asset value of the Investor N shares held in
the account is less than the minimum account size, (iv) in connection with the
combination of Nations Funds with any other registered investment company by a
merger, acquisition of assets
 
22
 
<PAGE>
or by any other transaction, and (v) effected pursuant to the Automatic
Withdrawal Plan discussed below, provided that such redemptions do not exceed,
on an annual basis, 12% of the net asset value of the Investor N Shares in the
account. In addition, the CDSC will be waived on Investor N Shares purchased
before September 30, 1994 by current or retired employees of NationsBank and its
affiliates or by current or former Directors of Nations Funds or other
management companies managed by NationsBank. Shareholders are responsible for
providing evidence sufficient to establish that they are eligible for any waiver
of the CDSC.
 
Stephens may, from time to time, at its expense or as an expense for which it
may be reimbursed under the plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940
Act, pay a bonus or other consideration or incentive to Selling Agents who sell
a minimum dollar amount of shares of the Funds during a specified period of
time. Stephens also may, from time to time, pay additional consideration to
Selling Agents not to exceed 0.75% of the offering price per share on all sales
of Investor N Shares as an expense of Stephens or for which Stephens may be
reimbursed under the plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 or upon receipt of a
CDSC. Any such additional consideration or incentive program may be terminated
at any time by Stephens.
 
In addition, Stephens has established a non-cash compensation program, pursuant
to which broker/dealers or financial institutions that sell shares of the Funds
may earn additional compensation in the form of trips to sales seminars or
vacation destinations, tickets to sporting events, theater or other
entertainment, opportunities to participate in golf or other outings and gift
certificates for meals or merchandise. This non-cash compensation program may be
amended or terminated at any time by Stephens.
 
AUTOMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN: An Automatic Withdrawal Plan ("AWP") may be
established by a new or existing shareholder of the Funds if the value of the
Investor N Shares in his/her accounts within the Nations Funds Family (valued at
the net asset value at the time of the establishment of the AWP) equals $10,000
or more. Investor N Shares redeemed under the AWP will not be subject to a CDSC,
provided that the shares so redeemed do not exceed, on an annual basis, 12% of
the net asset value of the Investor N Shares in the account. Otherwise, any
applicable CDSC will be imposed on shares redeemed under the AWP. Shareholders
who elect to establish an AWP may receive a monthly, quarterly or annual check
or automatic transfer to a checking or savings account in a stated amount of not
less than $25 on or about the 10th or 25th day of the applicable month of
withdrawal. Investor N Shares will be redeemed (net of any applicable CDSC) as
necessary to meet withdrawal payments. Withdrawals will reduce principal and may
eventually deplete the shareholder's account. If a shareholder desires to
establish an AWP after opening an account, a signature guarantee will be
required. An AWP may be terminated by a shareholder on 30 days' written notice
to his/her Selling Agent or by Nations Funds at any time.
 
   How To Exchange Shares
 
The exchange feature enables a shareholder to exchange funds as specified below
when the shareholder believes that a shift between funds is an appropriate
investment decision. The exchange feature enables a shareholder of Investor N
Shares of a fund offered by Nations Funds to acquire shares of the same class
that are offered by any other fund of Nations Funds (except Nations Short-Term
Income Fund and Nations Short-Term Municipal Income Fund), Investor A Shares of
the Nations Short-Term Income Fund or Nations Short-Term Municipal Income Fund,
or Investor C Shares of a Nations Funds money market fund. A qualifying exchange
is based on the next calculated net asset value per share of each fund after the
exchange order is received.
 
No CDSC will be imposed in connection with an exchange of Investor N Shares that
meets the
 
                                                                              23
 
<PAGE>
requirements discussed in this section. If a shareholder acquires Investor N
Shares of another fund through an exchange, any CDSC schedule applicable (CDSCs
may apply to shares purchased prior to January 1, 1996) to the original shares
purchased will be applied to any redemption of the acquired shares. If a
shareholder exchanges Investor N Shares of a fund for Investor C Shares of a
money market fund or Investor A Shares of Nations Short-Term Income Fund or
Nations Short-Term Municipal Income Fund, the acquired shares will remain
subject to the CDSC schedule applicable to the Investor N Shares exchanged. The
holding period (for purposes of determining the applicable rate of the CDSC)
does not accrue while the shares owned are Investor C Shares of a Nations Funds
money market fund or Investor A Shares of Nations Short-Term Income Fund or
Nations Short-Term Municipal Income Fund. As a result, the CDSC that is
ultimately charged upon a redemption is based upon the total holding period of
Investor N Shares of a fund that charges a CDSC.
 
The current prospectus for each fund of Nations Funds describes its investment
objective and policies, and shareholders should obtain a copy and examine it
carefully before investing. Exchanges are subject to the minimum investment
requirement and any other conditions imposed by each fund. In the case of any
shareholder holding a share certificate or certificates, no exchanges may be
made until all applicable share certificates have been received by the Transfer
Agent and deposited in the shareholder's account. An exchange will be treated
for Federal income tax purposes the same as a redemption of shares, on which the
shareholder may realize a capital gain or loss. However, the ability to deduct
capital losses on an exchange may be limited in situations where there is an
exchange of shares within 90 days after the shares are purchased.
 
The Investor N Shares exchanged must have a current value of at least $1,000.
Nations Funds reserves the right to reject any exchange request. Only shares
that may legally be sold in the state of the investor's residence may be
acquired in an exchange. Only shares of a class that is accepting investments
generally may be acquired in an exchange. An investor may telephone an exchange
request by calling the investor's Selling Agent which is responsible for
transmitting such request to Stephens or to the Transfer Agent.
 
During periods of significant economic or market change, telephone exchanges may
be difficult to complete. In such event, shares may be exchanged by mailing the
request directly to the Selling Agent through which the original shares were
purchased. An investor should consult his/her Selling Agent or Stephens for
further information regarding exchanges.
 
   How The Funds Value Their Shares
 
The Funds calculate the net asset value of a share of each class by dividing the
total value of its assets, less liabilities, by the number of shares in the
class outstanding. Shares are valued as of the close of regular trading on the
Exchange (currently 4:00 p.m., Eastern time) on each Business Day. Currently,
the days on which the Exchange is closed (other than weekends) are: New Year's
Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day (observed), Independence Day,
Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Portfolio securities for which
market quotations are readily available are valued at market value. Short-term
investments that will mature in 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost,
which approximates market value. All other securities and assets are valued at
their fair value following procedures approved by the Directors.
 
24
 
<PAGE>
   How Dividends And Distributions Are
   Made; Tax Information
 
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS: Even though the Funds seek to manage taxable
distributions, the Funds may be expected to earn and distribute taxable income
and may also be expected to realize and distribute capital gains from time to
time. Nations International Growth Fund and Nations Small Company Growth Fund
declare and pay dividends from net investment income each calendar quarter, and
Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund declares dividends daily and pays them
monthly. Each Fund's net realized capital gains (including net short-term
capital gains) are distributed at least annually.

Investor N Shares of Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund are eligible to begin
earning dividends that are declared on the day the purchase order is executed
and continue to be eligible for dividends through and including the day before
the redemption order is executed. Investor N Shares of Nations International
Growth Fund and Nations Small Company Growth Fund are eligible to receive
dividends when declared, provided, however, that the purchase order for such
shares is received at least one day prior to the dividend declaration and such
shares continue to be eligible for dividends through and including the day
before the redemption order is executed. Distributions paid by the Funds with
respect to one class of shares may be greater or less than those paid with
respect to another class of shares due to the different expenses of the
different classes.
 
The net asset value of Investor N Shares will be reduced by the amount of any
dividend or distribution. Certain Selling Agents may provide for the
reinvestment of dividends in the form of additional Investor N Shares of the
same Fund. Dividends and distributions are paid in cash within five Business
Days of the end of the quarter to which the dividend relates. Dividends and
distributions payable to a shareholder are paid in cash within five Business
Days after a shareholder's complete redemption of his/her Investor N Shares.
 
TAX INFORMATION: Each Fund intends to qualify as a "regulated investment
company" under the Code. Such qualification relieves the Funds of liability for
Federal income taxes on amounts distributed in accordance with the Code.
 
Each Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its investment company
taxable income and net tax-exempt income each taxable year. Distributions by a
Fund of its net investment income (including net foreign currency gains) and the
excess, if any, of its net short-term capital gain over its net long-term
capital loss are taxable as ordinary income to shareholders who are not
currently exempt from Federal income taxes, whether such income is received in
cash or reinvested in additional shares. (Federal income taxes for distributions
to an IRA are generally deferred under the Code.)
 
Corporate investors in Nations International Growth Fund and Nations Small
Company Growth Fund may be entitled to the dividends received deduction on all
or a portion of such Funds' dividends paid by these Funds to the extent that a
Fund's income is derived from dividends (which, if received directly, would
qualify for such deduction) received from domestic corporations. In order to
qualify for the dividends-received deduction, a corporate shareholder must hold
the fund shares paying the dividends upon which the deduction is based for at
least 46 days.
 
Substantially all of the Funds' net realized long-term capital gains will be
distributed at least annually. The Funds will generally have no tax liability
with respect to such gains, and the distributions will be taxable to
shareholders who are not exempt from Federal income taxes as long-term capital
gains, regardless of how long the shareholders have held the Funds' shares
 
                                                                              25
 
<PAGE>
and whether such gains are received in cash or reinvested in additional shares.
 
Each year, shareholders will be notified as to the amount and Federal tax status
of all dividends and capital gains paid during the prior year. Such dividends
and capital gains may be subject to state and local taxes.
 
Dividends declared in October, November, or December of any year payable to
shareholders of record on a specified date in such months will be deemed to have
been received by shareholders and paid by the Funds on December 31 of such year
in the event such dividends are actually paid during January of the following
year.
 
Federal law requires Nations Funds to withhold 31% from any dividends (other
than exempt-interest dividends) paid by Nations Funds and/or redemptions
(including exchange redemptions) that occur in certain shareholder accounts if
the shareholder has not properly furnished a certified correct Taxpayer
Identification Number and has not certified that withholding does not apply, or
if the Internal Revenue Service has notified Nations Funds that the Taxpayer
Identification Number listed on a shareholder account is incorrect according to
its records, or that the shareholder is subject to backup withholding. Amounts
withheld are applied to the shareholder's Federal tax liability, and a refund
may be obtained from the Internal Revenue Service if withholding results in
overpayment of taxes. Federal law also requires the Funds to withhold 30% or the
applicable tax treaty rate from dividends paid to certain nonresident alien,
non-U.S. partnership and non-U.S. corporation shareholder accounts.
 
The foregoing discussion is based on tax laws and regulations which were in
effect as of the date of this Prospectus and summarizes only some of the
important Federal tax considerations generally affecting the Funds and their
shareholders. It is not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning;
investors should consult their tax advisors with respect to their specific tax
situations as well as with respect to state and local taxes. Further tax
information is contained in the SAI.
 
   Appendix A -- Portfolio Securities

The following are summary descriptions of certain types of instruments in which
a Fund may invest. The "How Objectives Are Pursued" section of the Prospectus
identifies each Fund's permissible investments, and the SAI contain more
information concerning such investments.
 
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES: Asset-backed securities arise through the grouping by
governmental, government-related, and private organizations of loans,
receivables, or other assets originated by various lenders. Asset-backed
securities consist of both mortgage- and non-mortgage-backed securities.
Interests in pools of these assets may differ from other forms of debt
securities, which normally provide for periodic payment of interest in fixed
amounts with principal paid at maturity or specified call dates. Conversely,
asset-backed securities provide periodic payments which may consist of both
interest and principal payments. 


The life of an asset-backed security varies depending upon rate of the 
prepayment of the underlying debt instruments. The rate of such prepayments 
will be a function of current market interest rates and other economic and 
demographic factors. For example, falling interest rates generally result 
in an increase in the rate of prepayments of mortgage loans while rising 
interest rates generally decrease the rate of prepayments. An acceleration in 
prepayments in response to sharply falling interest rates will shorten the 
security's average maturity and limit the potential appreciation in
the security's value relative to a conventional debt security. Consequently,
asset-backed securities may not be as effective in locking in high, long-term
yields. Conversely, in periods of sharply rising rates, prepayments are
generally slow, increasing the security's average life and its potential for
price depreciation.
 
26
 
<PAGE>
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES: Mortgage-backed securities represent an ownership
interest in a pool of mortgage loans.
 
Mortgage pass-through securities may represent participation interests in pools
of residential mortgage loans originated by U.S. governmental or private lenders
and guaranteed, to the extent provided in such securities, by the U.S.
Government or one of its agencies, authorities or instrumentalities. Such
securities, which are ownership interests in the underlying mortgage loans,
differ from conventional debt securities, which provide for periodic payment of
interest in fixed amounts (usually semi-annually) and principal payments at
maturity or on specified call dates. Mortgage pass-through securities provide
for monthly payments that are a "pass-through" of the monthly interest and
principal payments (including any prepayments) made by the individual borrowers
on the pooled mortgage loans, net of any fees paid to the guarantor of such
securities and the servicer of the underlying mortgage loans.
 
The guaranteed mortgage pass-through securities in which a Fund may invest may
include those issued or guaranteed by GNMA, by FNMA and FHLMC. Such Certificates
are mortgage-backed securities which represent a partial ownership interest in a
pool of mortgage loans issued by lenders such as mortgage bankers, commercial
banks and savings and loan associations. Such mortgage loans may have fixed or
adjustable rates of interest.
 
The average life of a mortgage-backed security is likely to be substantially
less than the original maturity of the mortgage pools underlying the securities.
Prepayments of principal by mortgagors and mortgage foreclosures will usually
result in the return of the greater part of principal invested far in advance of
the maturity of the mortgages in the pool.
 
The yield which will be earned on mortgage-backed securities may vary from their
coupon rates for the following reasons: (i) Certificates may be issued at a
premium or discount, rather than at par; (ii) Certificates may trade in the
secondary market at a premium or discount after issuance; (iii) interest is
earned and compounded monthly which has the effect of raising the effective
yield earned on the Certificates; and (iv) the actual yield of each Certificate
is affected by the prepayment of mortgages included in the mortgage pool
underlying the Certificates and the rate at which principal so prepaid is
reinvested. In addition, prepayment of mortgages included in the mortgage pool
underlying a GNMA Certificate purchased at a premium may result in a loss to the
Fund.
 
Mortgage-backed securities issued by private issuers, whether or not such
obligations are subject to guarantees by the private issuer, may entail greater
risk than obligations directly or indirectly guaranteed by the U.S. Government.
 
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations or "CMOs" are debt obligations
collateralized by mortgage loans or mortgage pass-through securities (collateral
collectively hereinafter referred to as "Mortgage Assets"). Multi-class
pass-through securities are interests in a trust composed of Mortgage Assets and
all references herein to CMOs will include multi-class pass-through securities.
Payments of principal and interest on the Mortgage Assets, and any reinvestment
income thereon, provide the funds to pay debt service on the CMOs or make
scheduled distribution on the multi-class pass-through securities.
 
Moreover, principal prepayments on the Mortgage Assets may cause the CMOs to be
retired substantially earlier than their stated maturities or final distribution
dates, resulting in a loss of all or part of the premium if any has been paid.
Interest is paid or accrues on all classes of the CMOs on a monthly, quarterly
or semiannual basis.
 
The principal and interest payments on the Mortgage Assets may be allocated
among the various classes of CMOs in several ways. Typically, payments of
principal, including any prepayments, on the underlying mortgages are applied to
the classes in the order of their respective stated maturities or final
distribution dates, so that no payment of principal is made on CMOs of a class
until all CMOs of other classes having earlier stated maturities or final
distribution dates have been paid in full.
 
                                                                              27
 
<PAGE>
Stripped mortgage-backed securities ("SMBS") are derivative multi-class mortgage
securities. A Fund will only invest in SMBS that are obligations backed by the
full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. SMBS are usually structured with
two classes that receive different proportions of the interest and principal
distributions from a pool of mortgage assets. A Fund will only invest in SMBS
whose mortgage assets are U.S. Government Obligations.
 
A common type of SMBS will be structured so that one class receives some of the
interest and most of the principal from the Mortgage Assets, while the other
class receives most of the interest and the remainder of the principal. If the
underlying Mortgage Assets experience greater than anticipated prepayments of
principal, a Fund may fail to fully recoup its initial investment in these
securities. The market value of any class which consists primarily or entirely
of principal payments generally is unusually volatile in response to changes in
interest rates.
 
The average life of mortgage-backed securities varies with the maturities of the
underlying mortgage instruments. The average life is likely to be substantially
less than the original maturity of the mortgage pools underlying the securities
as the result of mortgage prepayments, mortgage refinancings, or foreclosures.
The rate of mortgage prepayments, and hence the average life of the
certificates, will be a function of the level of interest rates, general
economic conditions, the location and age of the mortgage and other social and
demographic conditions. Such prepayments are passed through to the registered
holder with the regular monthly payments of principal and interest and have the
effect of reducing future payments. Estimated average life will be determined by
the Adviser and used for the purpose of determining the average weighted
maturity and duration of the Funds. For additional information concerning
mortgage backed securities, see the SAI.
 
BANK INSTRUMENTS: Bank instruments consist mainly of certificates of deposit,
time deposits and bankers' acceptances. The Funds will limit their investments
in bank obligations so they do not exceed 25% of each Fund's total assets at the
time of purchase.
 
U.S. dollar-denominated obligations issued by foreign branches of domestic banks
("Eurodollar" obligations) and domestic branches of foreign banks ("Yankee
dollar" obligations) and other foreign obligations involve special investment
risks, including the possibility that liquidity could be impaired because of
future political and economic developments, the obligations may be less
marketable than comparable domestic obligations of domestic issuers, a foreign
jurisdiction might impose withholding taxes on interest income payable on such
obligations, deposits may be seized or nationalized, foreign governmental
restrictions such as exchange controls may be adopted which might adversely
affect the payment of principal of and interest on such obligations, the
selection of foreign obligations may be more difficult because there may be less
publicly available information concerning foreign issuers, there may be
difficulties in enforcing a judgment against a foreign issuer or the accounting,
auditing and financial reporting standards, practices and requirements
applicable to foreign issuers may differ from those applicable to domestic
issuers. In addition, foreign banks are not subject to examination by U.S.
Government agencies or instrumentalities.

BORROWINGS: When a Fund borrows money, the net asset value of a share may be
subject to greater fluctuation until the borrowing is paid off. The Funds may
borrow money from banks for temporary purposes in amounts of up to one-third of
their respective total assets, provided that borrowings in excess of 5% of the
value of the Funds' total assets must be repaid prior to the purchase of
portfolio securities. Pursuant to line of credit arrangements, certain of the
Funds may borrow primarily for temporary or emergency purposes, including the
meeting of redemption requests that otherwise might require the untimely
disposition of securities.
 
Reverse repurchase agreements and dollar roll transactions may be considered to
be borrowings. When a Fund invests in a reverse repurchase agreement, it sells a
portfolio security to another party, such as a bank or broker/dealer, in return
for cash, and agrees to buy the security back at a future date and price.
Reverse repurchase agreements may be used to provide cash to
 
28
 
<PAGE>
satisfy unusually heavy redemption requests without having to sell portfolio
securities, or for other temporary or emergency purposes. Generally, the effect
of such a transaction is that the Funds can recover all or most of the cash
invested in the portfolio securities involved during the term of the reverse
repurchase agreement, while they will be able to keep the interest income
associated with those portfolio securities. Such transactions are only
advantageous if the interest cost to the Funds of the reverse repurchase
transaction is less than the cost of obtaining the cash otherwise.
 
At the time a Fund enters into a reverse repurchase agreement, it may establish
a segregated account with its custodian bank in which it will maintain cash,
U.S. Government securities or other liquid high grade debt obligations equal in
value to its obligations in respect of reverse repurchase agreements. Reverse
repurchase agreements involve the risk that the market value of the securities
the Funds are obligated to repurchase under the agreement may decline below the
repurchase price. In the event the buyer of securities under a reverse
repurchase agreement files for bankruptcy or becomes insolvent, the Funds' use
of proceeds of the agreement may be restricted pending a determination by the
other party, or its trustee or receiver, whether to enforce the Funds'
obligation to repurchase the securities. In addition, there is a risk of delay
in receiving collateral or securities or in repurchasing the securities covered
by the reverse repurchase agreement or even of a loss of rights in the
collateral or securities in the event the buyer of the securities under the
reverse repurchase agreement files for bankruptcy or becomes insolvent. The Fund
only enters into reverse repurchase agreements (and repurchase agreements) with
counterparties that are deemed by the Adviser to be credit worthy. Reverse
repurchase agreements are speculative techniques involving leverage, and are
subject to asset coverage requirements if the Funds do not establish and
maintain a segregated account as described above. Under the requirements of the
1940 Act, the Funds are required to maintain an asset coverage (including the
proceeds of the borrowings) of at least 300% of all borrowings. Depending on
market conditions, the Funds' asset coverage and other factors at the time of a
reverse repurchase, the Funds may not establish a segregated account when the
Adviser believes it is not in the best interests of the Funds to do so. In this
case, such reverse repurchase agreements will be considered borrowings subject
to the asset coverage described above.
 
Dollar roll transactions consist of the sale by a Fund of mortgage-backed or
other asset-backed securities, together with a commitment to purchase similar,
but not identical, securities at a future date, at the same price. In addition,
a Fund is paid a fee as consideration for entering into the commitment to
purchase. If the broker/dealer to whom a Fund sells the security becomes
insolvent, the Fund's right to purchase or repurchase the security may be
restricted; the value of the security may change adversely over the term of the
dollar roll; the security that the Fund is required to repurchase may be worth
less than the security that the Fund originally held, and the return earned by
the Fund with the proceeds of a dollar roll may not exceed transaction costs.
 
COMMON AND PREFERRED STOCKS: Common stocks are generally more volatile than
other securities. Preferred stocks share some of the characteristics of both
debt and equity and are generally preferred over common stocks with respect to
dividends and in liquidation.
 
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES, PREFERRED STOCK, AND WARRANTS: Certain of the Funds may
invest in debt securities convertible into or exchangeable for equity
securities, preferred stocks or warrants. Preferred stocks are securities that
represent an ownership interest in a corporation providing the owner with claims
on a company's earnings and assets before common stock owners, but after bond or
other debt security owners. Warrants are options to buy a stated number of
shares of common stock at a specified price any time during the life of the
warrants.
 
CURRENCY SWAPS: Nations International Growth Fund may enter into currency swaps
for hedging purposes and to seek to increase total return. Currency swaps
involve the exchange of rights to make or receive payments in specified
currencies. Since currency swaps are individu-
 
                                                                              29
 
<PAGE>
ally negotiated, the Fund expects to achieve an acceptable degree of correlation
between its portfolio investments and its currency swap positions. Currency
swaps usually involve the delivery of the entire principal value of one
designated currency in exchange for the other designated currency. Therefore,
the entire principal value of a currency swap is subject to the risk that the
other party to the swap will default on its contractual delivery obligations.
 
The use of currency swaps is a highly specialized activity which involves
investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary
portfolio securities transactions. If Kleinwort Benson is incorrect in its
forecasts of market values and currency exchange rates, the investment
performance of the Fund would be less favorable than it would be if this
investment technique were not used.
 
EMERGING MARKETS: Nations International Growth Fund may invest up to 35% of its
total assets in one or more countries with emerging economies. These countries
are located in the Asia-Pacific region, Eastern Europe, Latin and South America,
Africa and, subject to approval by the Board of Directors, the former Soviet
Union and the Middle East. Political and economic structures in many of such
countries may be undergoing significant evolution and rapid development, and
such countries may lack the social, political and economic stability
characteristic of more developed countries. Certain of such countries may have
in the past failed to recognize private property rights and have at times
nationalized or expropriated the assets of private companies. As a result, the
risks described above, including the risks of nationalization or expropriation
of assets, may be heightened. In addition, unanticipated political or social
developments may affect the values of the Fund's investments in those countries
and the availability to the Fund of additional investments in those countries.
The small size and inexperience of the securities markets in certain of such
countries and the limited volume of trading in securities in those countries may
make the Fund's investments in such countries illiquid and more volatile than
investments in most other non-major U.S. markets, and the Fund may be required
to establish special custodial or other arrangements before making certain
investments in those countries. There may be little financial or accounting
information available with respect to issuers located in certain of such
countries, and it may be difficult as a result to assess the value of prospects
of an investment in such issuers.
 
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS: Certain of the Funds may enter into foreign
currency exchange transactions to convert foreign currencies to and from the
U.S. Dollar. A Fund either enters into these transactions on a spot (I.E., cash)
basis at the spot rate prevailing in the foreign currency exchange market, or
uses forward contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies. A forward foreign
currency exchange contract is an obligation by a Fund 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.
 
Foreign currency hedging transactions are an attempt to protect a Fund against
changes in foreign currency exchange rates between the trade and settlement
dates of specific securities transactions or changes in foreign currency
exchange rates that would adversely affect a portfolio position or an
anticipated portfolio position. Although these transactions tend to minimize the
risk of loss due to a decline in the value of the hedged currency, at the same
time they tend to limit any potential gain that might be realized should the
value of the hedged currency increase. Neither spot transactions nor forward
foreign currency exchange contracts eliminate fluctuations in the prices of a
Fund's portfolio securities or in foreign exchange rates, or prevent loss if the
prices of these securities should decline.
 
A Fund will generally enter into forward currency exchange contracts only under
two circumstances: (i) when such Fund enters into a contract for the purchase or
sale of a security denominated in a foreign currency, to "lock" in the U.S.
dollar price of the security; and (ii) when the Adviser believes that the
currency of a particular foreign country may experience a substantial movement
against another currency. Under certain circumstances, a Fund may com-
 
30
 
<PAGE>
mit a substantial portion of its portfolio to the executive of these contracts.
The Adviser will consider the effects such a commitment would have on the
investment program of such Fund and the flexibility of such Fund to purchase
additional securities. Although forward contracts will be used primarily to
protect a Fund from adverse currency movements, they also involve the risk that
anticipated currency movements will not be accurately predicted.
 
FOREIGN SECURITIES: Foreign securities include debt and equity obligations
(dollar- and non-dollar-denominated) of foreign corporations and banks as well
as obligations of foreign governments and their political subdivisions (which
will be limited to direct government obligations and government-guaranteed
securities). Such investments may subject a Fund to special investment risks,
including future political and economic developments, the possible imposition of
withholding taxes on interest income, possible seizure or nationalization of
foreign deposits, the possible establishment of exchange controls, or the
adoption of other foreign governmental restrictions which might adversely affect
the payment of principal and interest on such obligations. In addition, foreign
issuers in general may be subject to different accounting, auditing, reporting,
and record keeping standards than those applicable to domestic companies, and
securities of foreign issuers may be less liquid and their prices more volatile
than those of comparable domestic issuers.
 
Investments in foreign securities may present additional risks, whether made
directly or indirectly, including the political or economic instability of the
issuer or the country of issue and the difficulty of predicting international
trade patterns. In addition, there may be less publicly available information
about a foreign company than about a U.S. company. Further, foreign securities
markets are generally not as developed or efficient as those in the U.S., and in
most foreign markets volume and liquidity are less than in the United States.
Fixed commissions on foreign securities exchanges are generally higher than the
negotiated commissions on U.S. exchanges, and there is generally less government
supervision and regulation of foreign securities exchanges, brokers, and
companies than in the United States. With respect to certain foreign countries,
there is a possibility of expropriation or confiscatory taxation, limitations on
the removal of funds or other assets, or diplomatic developments that could
affect investments within those countries. Because of these and other factors,
securities of foreign companies acquired by a Fund may be subject to greater
fluctuation in price than securities of domestic companies.
 
FUTURES, OPTIONS AND OTHER DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS: Certain of the Funds may
attempt to reduce the overall level of investment risk of particular securities
and attempt to protect a Fund against adverse market movements by investing in
futures, options and other derivative instruments. These include the purchase
and writing of options on securities (including index options) and options on
foreign currencies, and investing in futures contracts for the purchase or sale
of instruments based on financial indices, including interest rate indices or
indices of U.S. or foreign government, equity or fixed income securities
("futures contracts"), options on futures contracts, forward contracts and swaps
and swap-related products such as interest rate swaps, currency swaps, caps,
collars and floors.
 
The use of futures, options, forward contracts and swaps exposes a Fund to
additional investment risks and transaction costs. If the Adviser incorrectly
analyzes market conditions or does not employ the appropriate strategy with
respect to these instruments, a Fund could be left in a less favorable position.
Additional risks inherent in the use of futures, options, forward contracts and
swaps include: imperfect correlation between the price of futures, options and
forward contracts and movements in the prices of the securities or currencies
being hedged; the possible absence of a liquid secondary market for any
particular instrument at any time; and the possible need to defer closing out
certain hedged positions to avoid adverse tax consequences. A Fund may not
purchase put and call options which are traded on a national stock exchange in
an amount exceeding 5% of its net assets. Further information on the use of
futures, options
 
                                                                              31
 
<PAGE>
and other derivative instruments, and the associated risks, is contained in the
SAI.
 
OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANIES: Each Fund may invest in securities issued by other
investment companies to the extent that such investments are consistent with the
Fund's investment objective and policies and permissible under the 1940 Act. As
a shareholder of another investment company, a Fund would bear, along with other
shareholders, its pro rata portion of the other investment 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.
 
PARTICIPATIONS AND TRUST RECEIPTS: Each Fund may purchase from domestic
financial institutions and trusts created by such institutions participation
interests and trust receipts in high quality debt securities. A participation
interest or receipt gives a Fund an undivided interest in the security in the
proportion that a Fund's participation interest or receipt bears to the total
principal amount of the security. Each Fund intends only to purchase
participations and trust receipts from an entity or syndicate, and does not
intend to serve as a co-lender in any such activity.
 
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS: A repurchase agreement involves the purchase of a
security by a Fund and a simultaneous agreement (generally with a bank or
broker/dealer) to repurchase that security from the Fund at a specified price
and date or upon demand. This technique offers a method of earning income on
idle cash. A risk associated with repurchase agreements is the failure of the
seller to repurchase the securities as agreed, which may cause a Fund to suffer
a loss if the market value of such securities declines before they can be
liquidated on the open market. Repurchase agreements with a duration of more
than seven days are considered illiquid securities and are subject to the limit
stated above. A Fund may enter into joint repurchase agreements jointly with
other investment portfolios of Nations Funds.
 
SECURITIES LENDING: To increase return on portfolio securities, the Funds may
lend their portfolio securities to broker/dealers and other institutional
investors pursuant to agreements requiring that the loans be continuously
secured by collateral equal at all times in value to at least the market value
of the securities loaned. There is a risk of delay in receiving collateral or in
recovering the securities loaned or even a loss of rights in the collateral
should the borrower of the securities fail financially. However, loans are made
only to borrowers deemed by the Adviser to be credit worthy and when, in its
judgment, the income to be earned from the loan justifies the attendant risks.
The aggregate of all outstanding loans of a Fund may not exceed 30% of the value
of its total assets.
 
SMALL CAPITALIZATION COMPANIES: Nations International Growth Fund may invest in
smaller, lesser-known companies which Kleinwort Benson believes offer greater
growth potential than larger, more mature, better-known firms. Investing in the
securities of such companies, however, may also involve greater risk and the
possibility of greater portfolio price volatility. Among the reasons for the
greater price volatility of these small company and unseasoned stocks are the
less certain growth prospects of smaller firms, the lower degree of liquidity in
the markets for such stocks, and the greater sensitivity of small companies to
changing economic conditions. For example, these companies are associated with
higher investment risk than that normally associated with larger firms due to
the greater business risks of small size and limited product lines, markets,
distribution channels and financial and managerial resources.
 
STRIPPED SECURITIES: Each Fund may invest in instruments known as "stripped"
securities. These instruments include U.S. Treasury bonds and notes and federal
agency obligations on which the unmatured interest coupons have been separated
from the underlying obligation. These obligations are usually issued at a
discount to their "face value", and because of the manner in which principal and
interest are returned may exhibit greater price volatility than more
conventional debt securities. Each Fund may invest in "interest only" stripped
securities that have been issued by a federal
 
32
 
<PAGE>
instrumentality known as the Resolution Funding Corporation and other stripped
securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, where the principal and
interest components are traded independently under the Separate Trading of
Registered Interest and Principal Securities program ("STRIPS"). Each Fund may
also invest in instruments that have been stripped by their holder, typically a
custodian bank or investment brokerage firm, and then resold in a custodian
receipt program under such names as TIGRS (Treasury Income Growth Receipts) and
CATS (Certificates of Accrual on Treasuries).
 
In addition, each Fund may purchase stripped mortgage-backed securities ("SMBS")
issued by the U.S. Government (or a U.S. Government agency or instrumentality)
or by private issuers such as banks and other institutions. SMBS, in particular,
may exhibit greater price volatility than ordinary debt securities because of
the manner in which their principal and interest are returned to investors.
 
U.S. GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS: U.S. Government Obligations consist of marketable
securities and instruments issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or any of
its agencies, authorities or instrumentalities. Direct obligations are issued by
the U.S. Treasury and include all U.S. Treasury instruments. U.S. Treasury
obligations differ only in their interest rates, maturities and time of
issuance. Obligations of U.S. Government agencies, authorities and
instrumentalities are issued by government-sponsored agencies and enterprises
acting under authority of Congress. Although obligations of federal agencies,
authorities and instrumentalities are not debts of the U.S. Treasury, some are
backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury, such as direct
pass-through certificates of the Government National Mortgage Association; some
are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Government,
such as obligations of Federal Home Loan Banks, and some are backed only by the
credit of the issuer itself, such as obligations of the Federal National
Mortgage Association. No assurance can be given that the U.S. Government would
provide financial support to government-sponsored instrumentalities if it is not
obligated to do so by law. The market value of U.S. Government Obligations may
fluctuate due to fluctuations in market interest rates. As a general matter, the
value of debt instruments, including U.S. Government Obligations, declines when
market interest rates increase and rises when market interest rates decrease.
Certain types of U.S. Government Obligations are subject to fluctuations in
yield or value due to their structure or contract terms.
 
VARIABLE- AND FLOATING-RATE INSTRUMENTS: Certain instruments issued, guaranteed
or sponsored by the U.S. Government or its agencies, state and local government
issuers, and certain debt instruments issued by domestic and foreign banks and
corporations may carry variable or floating rates of interest. Such instruments
bear interest rates which are not fixed, but which vary with changes in
specified market rates or indices, such as a Federal Reserve composite index. A
variable-rate demand instrument is an obligation with a variable or floating
interest rate and an unconditional right of demand on the part of the holder to
receive payment of unpaid principal and accrued interest. An instrument with a
demand period exceeding seven days may be considered illiquid if there is no
secondary market for such security.
 
WHEN-ISSUED, DELAYED DELIVERY AND FORWARD COMMITMENT SECURITIES: The purchase of
new issues of securities on a "when-issued," "delayed delivery" or "forward
commitment" basis occurs when the payment for and delivery of securities take
place at a future date. Because actual payment for and delivery of such
securities generally take place 15 to 45 days after the purchase date,
purchasers of such securities bear the risk that interest rates on debt
securities at the time of delivery may be higher or lower than those contracted
for on the security purchased.
 
ZERO COUPON SECURITIES: Each Fund may invest in zero coupon securities. Zero
coupon securities are debt obligations which do not entitle the holder to any
periodic payments of interest prior to maturity or a specified date when the
securities begin paying current interest (the "cash payment date") and therefore
are issued and traded at a discount from their face amounts or par value. Such
bonds carry an additional risk in that, unlike bonds which pay interest
 
                                                                              33
 
<PAGE>
throughout the period to maturity, a Fund will realize no cash until the cash
payment date and, if the issuer defaults, the Fund may obtain no return at all
on its investment.
 
A Fund will be required to include in income daily portions of original issue
discount accrued which will cause the Fund to be required to make distributions
of such amounts to shareholders annually, even if no payment is received before
the distribution date. These distributions must be made from the Fund's cash
assets or, if necessary, from the proceeds of sales of portfolio securities. The
Fund will not be able to purchase additional income producing securities with
cash used to make such distributions and its current income ultimately may be
reduced as a result.
 
   Appendix B -- Description of Ratings
 
The following summarizes the highest six ratings used by S&P for corporate and
municipal bonds. The first four ratings denote investment grade securities.
 
     AAA -- This is the highest rating assigned by S&P to a debt obligation and
     indicates an extremely strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal.
 
     AA -- Debt rated AA is considered to have a very strong capacity to pay
     interest and repay principal and differs from AAA issues only in a small
     degree.
 
     A -- Debt rated A has a 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 -- Debt rated BBB is 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 for those in
     higher-rated categories.
 
     BB, B -- Bonds rated BB and B are regarded, on balance, as predominantly
     speculative with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay principal in
     accordance with the terms of the obligation. BB represents the lowest
     degree of speculation and B a higher degree of speculation. While such
     bonds will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these
     are outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse
     conditions.
 
To provide more detailed indications of credit quality, the AA, A and BBB
ratings may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative
standing within these major rating categories.
 
The following summarizes the highest six ratings used by Moody's for corporate
and municipal bonds. The first four ratings denote investment grade securities.

     Aaa -- Bonds that are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality. They
     carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to
     as "gilt edge." Interest payments are protected by a large or by an
     exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure. While the various
     protective elements are likely to change, such changes as can be visualized
     are most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of such
     issues.
 
     Aa -- Bonds that are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all
     standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally
     known as high grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because
     margins of protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or
     fluctuation of protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there may
     be other elements present which make the long-term risks appear somewhat
     larger than in Aaa securities.
 
34
 
<PAGE>
     A -- Bonds that are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes
     and are to be considered upper medium grade obligations. Factors giving
     security to principal and interest are considered adequate, but elements
     may be present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the
     future.
 
     Baa -- Bonds that are rated Baa are considered 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. Such bonds lack outstanding investment
     characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics as well.
 
     Ba -- Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements;
     their future cannot be considered as well assured. Often the protection of
     interest and principal payments may be very moderate and thereby not well
     safeguarded during both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of
     position characterizes bonds in this class.
 
     B -- Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the
     desirable investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of
     maintenance of other terms of the contract over any long period of time may
     be small.
 
Moody's applies numerical modifiers (1, 2 and 3) with respect to corporate bonds
rated Aa through B. The modifier 1 indicates that the bond being rated ranks in
the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a
mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates that the bond ranks in the lower
end of its generic rating category. With regard to municipal bonds, those bonds
in the Aa, A and Baa groups which Moody's believes possess the strongest
investment attributes are designated by the symbols Aa1, A1 or Baa1,
respectively.
 
The following summarizes the highest four ratings used by D&P for bonds, each of
which denotes that the securities are investment grade:
 
     AAA -- Bonds that are rated AAA are of the highest credit quality. The risk
     factors are considered to be negligible, being only slightly more than for
     risk-free U.S. Treasury debt.
 
     AA -- Bonds that are rated AA are of high credit quality. Protection
     factors are strong. Risk is modest, but may vary slightly from time to time
     because of economic conditions.
 
     A -- Bonds that are rated A have protection factors which are average but
     adequate. However, risk factors are more variable and greater in periods of
     economic stress.
 
     BBB -- Bonds that are rated BBB have below average protection factors but
     still are considered sufficient for prudent investment. Considerable
     variability in risk exists during economic cycles.
 
To provide more detailed indications of credit quality, the AA, A and BBB
ratings may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative
standing within these major categories.
 
The following summarizes the highest four ratings used by Fitch for bonds, each
of which denotes that the securities are investment grade:
 
     AAA -- Bonds considered to be investment grade and of the highest credit
     quality. The obligor has an exceptionally strong ability to pay interest
     and repay principal, which is unlikely to be affected by reasonably
     foreseeable events.
 
     AA -- Bonds considered to be investment grade and of very high credit
     quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is very
     strong, although not quite as strong as bonds rated AAA. Because bonds
     rated in the AAA and AA categories are not significantly vulnerable to
     foreseeable future developments, short-term debt of these issuers is
     generally rated F-1+.
 
     A -- Bonds considered to be investment grade and of high credit quality.
     The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is considered to
     be strong, but may be more vulnerable to adverse changes in eco-
 
                                                                              35
 
<PAGE>
     nomic conditions and circumstances than bonds with higher ratings.
 
     BBB -- Bonds considered to be investment grade and of satisfactory credit
     quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is
     considered to be adequate. Adverse changes in economic conditions and
     circumstances, however, are more likely to have adverse impact on these
     bonds, and therefore impair timely payment. The likelihood that the ratings
     of these bonds will fall below investment grade is higher than for bonds
     with higher ratings.
 
To provide more detailed indications of credit quality, the AA, A and BBB
ratings may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative
standing within these major rating categories.
 
The following summarizes the two highest ratings used by Moody's for short-term
municipal notes and variable rate demand obligations:
 
     MIG-1/VMIG-1 -- Obligations bearing these designations are of the best
     quality, enjoying strong protection from established cash flows, superior
     liquidity support or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for
     refinancing.
 
     MIG-2/VMIG-2 -- Obligations bearing these designations are of high quality,
     with ample margins of protection although not so large as in the preceding
     group.
 
The following summarizes the two highest ratings used by S&P for short-term
municipal notes:
 
     SP-1 -- Very strong or strong capacity to pay principal and interest. Those
     issues determined to possess overwhelming safety characteristics are given
     a "plus" (+) designation.
 
     SP-2 -- Satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest.
 
The three highest rating categories of D&P for short-term debt, each of which
denotes that the securities are investment grade, are D-1, D-2 and D-3. D&P
employs three designations, D-1+, D-1 and D-1-, within the highest rating
category. D-1+ indicates highest certainty of timely payment. Short-term
liquidity, including internal operating factors and/or access to alternative
sources of funds, is judged to be "outstanding, and safety is just below
risk-free U.S. Treasury short-term obligations." D-1 indicates very high
certainty of timely payment. Liquidity factors are excellent and supported by
good fundamental protection factors. Risk factors are considered to be minor.
D-1- indicates high certainty of timely payment. Liquidity factors are strong
and supported by good fundamental protection factors. Risk factors are very
small. D-2 indicates good certainty of timely payment. Liquidity factors and
company fundamentals are sound. Although ongoing funding needs may enlarge total
financing requirements, access to capital markets is good. Risk factors are
small. D-3 indicates satisfactory liquidity and other protection factors which
qualify the issue as investment grade. Risk factors are larger and subject to
more variation. Nevertheless, timely payment is expected.
 
The following summarizes the two highest rating categories used by Fitch for
short-term obligations, each of which denotes securities that are investment
grade:
 
     F-1+ securities possess exceptionally strong credit quality. Issues
     assigned this rating are regarded as having the strongest degree of
     assurance for timely payment.
 
     F-1 securities possess very strong credit quality. Issues assigned this
     rating reflect an assurance of timely payment only slightly less in degree
     than issues rated F-1+.
 
     F-2 securities possess good credit quality. Issues carrying this rating
     have a satisfactory degree of assurance for timely payment, but the margin
     of safety is not as great as for issues assigned the F-1+ and F-1 ratings.
 
Commercial paper rated A-1 by S&P indicates that the degree of safety regarding
timely payment is strong. Those issues determined to possess extremely strong
safety characteristics are denoted A-1+. Capacity for timely payment on
commercial paper rated A-2 is satisfactory, but
 
36
 
<PAGE>
the relative degree of safety is not as high as for issues designated A-1.
 
The rating Prime-1 is the highest commercial paper rating assigned by Moody's.
Issuers rated Prime-1 (or related supporting institutions) are considered to
have a superior capacity for repayment of senior short-term promissory
obligations. Issuers rated Prime-2 (or related supporting institutions) are
considered to have a strong capacity for repayment of senior short-term
promissory obligations. This will normally be evidenced by many of the
characteristics of issuers rated Prime-1, but to a lesser degree. Earnings
trends and coverage ratios, while sound, will be more subject to variation.
Capitalization characteristics, while still appropriate, may be more affected by
external conditions. Ample alternate liquidity is maintained.
 
For commercial paper, D&P uses the short-term debt ratings described above.
 
For commercial paper, Fitch uses the short-term debt ratings described above.
 
BankWatch ratings are based upon a qualitative and quantitative analysis of all
segments of the organization including, where applicable, holding company and
operating subsidiaries. BankWatch ratings do not constitute a recommendation to
buy or sell securities of any of these companies. Further, BankWatch does not
suggest specific investment criteria for individual clients.

BankWatch long-term ratings apply to specific issues of long-term debt and
preferred stock. The long-term ratings specifically assess the likelihood of
untimely payment of principal or interest over the term to maturity of the rated
instrument. The following are the four investment grade ratings used by
BankWatch for long-term debt:
 
     AAA -- The highest category; indicates ability to repay principal and
     interest on a timely basis is extremely high.
 
     AA -- The second highest category; indicates a very strong ability to repay
     principal and interest on a timely basis with limited incremental risk
     versus issues rated in the highest category.
 
     A -- The third highest category; indicates the ability to repay principal
     and interest is strong. Issues rated "A" could be more vulnerable to
     adverse developments (both internal and external) than obligations with
     higher ratings.
 
     BBB -- The lowest investment grade category; indicates an acceptable
     capacity to repay principal and interest. Issues rated "BBB" are, however,
     more vulnerable to adverse developments (both internal and external) than
     obligations with higher ratings.
 
The BankWatch short-term ratings apply to commercial paper, other senior
short-term obligations and deposit obligations of the entities to which the
rating has been assigned. The BankWatch short-term ratings specifically assess
the likelihood of an untimely payment of principal or interest.
 
     TBW-1 -- The highest category; indicates a very high likelihood that
     principal and interest will be paid on a timely basis.
 
     TBW-2 -- The second highest category; while the degree of safety regarding
     timely repayment of principal and interest is strong, the relative degree
     of safety is not as high as for issues rated "TBW-1".
 
     TBW-3 -- The lowest investment grade category; indicates that while more
     susceptible to adverse developments (both internal and external) than
     obligations with higher ratings, capacity to service principal and interest
     in a timely fashion is considered adequate.
 
     TBW-4 -- The lowest rating category; this rating is regarded as
     non-investment grade and therefore speculative.
 
The following summarizes the three highest long-term ratings used by IBCA:
 
     AAA -- Obligations for which there is the lowest expectation of investment
     risk. Capacity for timely repayment of principal
 
                                                                              37
 
<PAGE>
     and interest is substantial such that adverse changes in business, economic
     or financial conditions are unlikely to increase investment risk
     significantly.
 
     AA -- Obligations for which there is a very low expectation of investment
     risk. Capacity for timely repayment of principal and interest is
     substantial. Adverse changes in business, economic or financial conditions
     may increase investment risk albeit not very significantly.
 
     A -- Obligations for which there is a low expectation of investment risk.
     Capacity for timely repayment of principal and interest is strong, although
     adverse changes in business, economic or financial conditions may lead to
     increased investment risk.
 
     BBB -- Obligations for which there is currently a low expectation of
     investment risk. Capacity for timely repayment of principal and interest is
     adequate, although adverse changes in business, economic or financial
     conditions are more likely to lead to increased investment risk than for
     obligations in other categories.
 
A plus or minus sign may be appended to a rating below AAA to denote relative
status within major rating categories.
 
The following summarizes the two highest short-term debt ratings used by IBCA:
 
     A1+ -- Where issues possess a particularly strong credit feature.

     A1 -- Obligations supported by the highest capacity for timely repayment.

     A2 -- Obligations supported by a good capacity for timely repayment.

 38




                                      
<PAGE>



                               NATIONS FUND, INC.


                       STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION



                        NATIONS SMALL COMPANY GROWTH FUND
                        NATIONS U.S. GOVERNMENT BOND FUND
                        NATIONS INTERNATIONAL GROWTH FUND


 INVESTOR A, INVESTOR C AND INVESTOR N SHARES AND PRIMARY A AND PRIMARY B SHARES


                                  May ___, 1997

        This Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") provides supplementary
information pertaining to the classes of shares representing interests in the
above listed three investment portfolios of Nations Fund, Inc. This SAI is not a
prospectus, and should be read only in conjunction with the current Prospectuses
for the aforementioned Funds related to the class or series of shares in which
one is interested, dated May ___, 1997 (each a "Prospectus"). All terms used in
this SAI that are defined in the Prospectuses will have the same meanings as
assigned in the Prospectuses. Copies of these Prospectuses may be obtained by
writing Nations Funds c/o Stephens Inc., One NationsBank Plaza, 33rd Floor,
Charlotte, North Carolina 28255, or by calling Nations Funds at (800) 321-7854.




<PAGE>






                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                 Page

<S>                                                                                             <C>
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................       1

FUND TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE..............................................................       1
        General Brokerage Policy.............................................................       1
        Section 28(e) Standards..............................................................       2

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON FUND INVESTMENTS ..................................................       3
        General..............................................................................       3
        When-Issued Securities, Forward Commitments and Delayed Settlements..................       4
        Foreign Securities ..................................................................       4
        Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts..........................................       5
        Futures, Options and Other Derivative Instruments ...................................       6
        Warrants  ...........................................................................       7
        Options on Securities and Indices....................................................       8
        Futures Contracts....................................................................       9
        Options on Futures Contracts.........................................................       9
        Limitations on Use of Futures Transactions and Risk Considerations...................      10
        Options on Currencies................................................................      10
        Futures Contracts on Foreign Currencies..............................................      11
        Currency Swaps.......................................................................      11
        Convertible Securities...............................................................      11
        Variable and Floating Rate Instruments...............................................      12
        Stripped Securities..................................................................      13
        Participation Interests and Company Receipts.........................................      13
        Asset-Backed and Mortgage-Backed Securities..........................................      13
        Repurchase Agreements................................................................      14
        Reverse Repurchase Agreements .......................................................      15
        Lending of Portfolio Securities......................................................      15
        Other Investment Companies...........................................................      16
        Restricted and Other Illiquid Securities.............................................      16
        Combined Transactions................................................................      16
        Use of Segregated and Other Special Accounts.........................................      17
        U.S. Government Obligations..........................................................      17
        Custodial Receipts...................................................................      18
        Corporate Debt Securities............................................................      18
        U.S. and Foreign Bank Obligations....................................................      18
        Real Estate Investment Companies.....................................................      19
        Additional Investment Limitations ...................................................      19

NET ASSET VALUE..............................................................................      23
        Purchases and Redemptions............................................................      23
        Investment Strategy..................................................................      23
        Net Asset Value Determination........................................................      23
        Exchanges............................................................................      24

DESCRIPTION OF SHARES........................................................................      24
        Dividends and Distributions..........................................................      25

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING TAXES......................................................      25
        Qualification as a Regulated Investment Company......................................      25


<PAGE>


        Excise Tax on Regulated Investment Companies.........................................      27
        Distributions and Other Matters......................................................      27
        Sale or Redemption of Shares ........................................................      28
        Tax Rates............................................................................      28
        Foreign Shareholders ................................................................      28
        Effect of Future Legislation; Local Tax Considerations...............................      29

DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.......................................................................      29
        Nations Funds Retirement Plan........................................................      33
        Nations Funds Deferred Compensation Plan ............................................      33
        Compensation Table...................................................................      35

INVESTMENT ADVISERY, ADMINISTRATION, CUSTODY,
TRANSFER AGENCY, SHAREHOLDER SERVICING AND
DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENTS .....................................................................      36
        The Company and Its Common Stock.....................................................      36
        Investment Adviser...................................................................      36
        Investment Styles....................................................................      38
        Administrator and Co-Administrator...................................................      39
        Distribution Plans and Shareholder Servicing
        Arrangements for Investor Shares.....................................................      40
        Shareholder Administration Plan - Non-Money Market Funds
        (Primary B Shares)...................................................................      45
        Expenses.............................................................................      45
        Transfer Agents and Custodians.......................................................      46

DISTRIBUTOR .................................................................................      47

INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANT AND REPORTS...........................................................      47

COUNSEL......................................................................................      47

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON PERFORMANCE .......................................................      47
        Yield Calculations...................................................................      48
        Total Return Calculations............................................................      48

MISCELLANEOUS ...............................................................................      50
        Certain Record Holders...............................................................      50

SCHEDULE A - Description of Ratings..........................................................     A-1

SCHEDULE B - Additional Information Concerning Options &
Futures......................................................................................     B-1

SCHEDULE C - Additional Information Concerning Mortgage
Backed Securities............................................................................     C-1

</TABLE>


                                       ii

<PAGE>


                                  INTRODUCTION

      Nations Fund, Inc. (the "Company") is a mutual fund. The rules and
regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC")
require all mutual funds to furnish prospective investors certain information
concerning the activities of the mutual fund being considered for investment.
This information about the Company is included in various Prospectuses. The
Prospectuses relate to the Primary A, Primary B, Investor A, Investor C and
Investor N Shares of Nations Small Company Growth Fund (the "Small Company
Growth Fund"), Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund (the "Government Bond Fund")
and Nations International Growth Fund (the "International Growth Fund")
(hereinafter the Small Company Growth, Government Bond and International Growth
Funds, collectively referred to indivudually as a "Fund" and collectively as the
"Funds"). The Primary A and Primary B Shares are collectively referred to herein
as "Primary Shares" and the Investor A, Investor C and Investor N Shares are
referred to as "Investor Shares." Prospectuses relating to these Funds may be
obtained without charge by written request to Nations Funds, c/o Stephens, Inc.,
One NationsBank Plaza, 33rd Floor, Charlotte, NC 28255. Investors also may call
toll-free at (800) 321-7854.

     NationsBanc Advisors, Inc. ("NBAI") is the investment adviser to the Funds.
Boatmen's Trust Company ("Boatmen's") is the investment sub-adviser to the Small
Company Growth Fund and the Government Bond Fund. Kleinwort Benson Investment
Management Americas, Inc., ("Kleinwort Benson") serves as investment sub-adviser
to International Growth Fund. As used herein, "Adviser" shall mean NBAI,
Boatmen's and/or Kleinwort Benson as the context may require.

      This SAI is intended to furnish prospective investors with additional
information concerning the Company and the Funds. Some of the information
required to be in this SAI is also included in the Funds' current Prospectuses,
and, in order to avoid repetition, reference will be made to sections of the
Prospectuses. Additionally, the Prospectuses and this SAI omit certain
information contained in the registration statement filed with the SEC. Copies
of the registration statement, including items omitted from the Prospectuses and
this SAI, may be obtained from the SEC by paying the charges prescribed under
its rules and regulations.

                         FUND TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE

GENERAL BROKERAGE POLICY

      Subject to policies established by the Board of Directors of the Company,
the Adviser is responsible for decisions to buy and sell securities for each
Fund, for the selection of broker/dealers, for the execution of such Fund's
securities transactions and for the allocation of brokerage fees in connection
with such transactions. The Adviser's primary consideration in effecting a
security transaction is to obtain the best net price and the most favorable
execution of the order. While the Adviser generally seeks reasonably competitive
commission rates, a Fund does not necessarily pay the lowest commission or
spread available.

         The Adviser is responsible for decisions to buy and sell securities for
each Fund, the selection of brokers and dealers to effect the transactions and
the negotiation of brokerage commissions, if any. Purchases and sales of
securities on a securities exchange are effected through brokers who charge a
negotiated commission for their services. Orders may be directed to any broker
to the extent and in the manner permitted by applicable law.

         In the over-the-counter market, securities are generally traded on a
"net" basis with dealers acting as principal for their own accounts without
stated commissions, although the price of a security usually includes a profit
to the dealer. In underwritten offerings, securities are purchased at a fixed
price that includes an amount of compensation to the underwriter, generally
referred to as the underwriter's concession or discount. On occasion, certain
money market instruments may be purchased directly from an issuer, in which case
no commissions or discounts are paid.

         In placing orders for portfolio securities of a Fund, the Adviser is
required to give primary consideration to obtaining the most favorable price and
efficient execution. This means that the Adviser will seek to execute each
transaction at a price and commission, if any, which provide the most favorable
total cost or proceeds 



                                       1


<PAGE>


reasonably attainable in the circumstances. In seeking such execution, the
Adviser will use its best judgment in evaluating the terms of a transaction, and
will give consideration to various relevant factors, including, without
limitation, the size and type of the transaction, the nature and character of
the market for the security, the confidentiality, speed and certainty of
effective execution required for the transaction, the general execution and
operational capabilities of the broker-dealer, the reputation, reliability,
experience and financial condition of the firm, the value and quality of the
services rendered by the firm in this and other transactions and the
reasonableness of the spread or commission, if any.

         While the Adviser generally seeks reasonably competitive spreads or
commissions, a Fund will not necessarily be paying the lowest spread or
commission available. Within the framework of this policy, the Adviser will
consider research and investment services provided by brokers or dealers who
effect or are parties to portfolio transactions of a Fund, the Adviser or its
other clients. Such research and investment services are those which brokerage
houses customarily provide to institutional investors and include statistical
and economic data and research reports on particular companies and industries.
Such services are used by the Adviser in connection with all of its investment
activities, and some of such services obtained in connection with the execution
of transactions for a Fund may be used in managing other investment accounts.
Conversely, brokers furnishing such services may be selected for the execution
of transactions of such other accounts, whose aggregate assets are far larger
than those of a Fund. Services furnished by such brokers may be used by the
Adviser in providing investment advisery and investment management services for
the Company.

         Commission rates are established pursuant to negotiations with the
broker based on the quality and quantity of execution services provided by the
broker in the light of generally prevailing rates. The allocation of orders
among brokers and the commission rates paid are reviewed periodically by the
Directors of the Company.

         In certain instances there may be securities which are suitable for
more than one Fund as well as for one or more of the other clients of the
Adviser. Investment decisions for each Fund and for the Adviser's other clients
are made with the goal of achieving their respective investment objectives. It
may happen that a particular security is bought or sold for only one client even
though it may be held by, or bought or sold for, other clients. Likewise, a
particular security may be bought for one or more clients when one or more other
clients are selling that same security. Some simultaneous transactions are
inevitable when several clients receive investment advice from the same
investment adviser, particularly when the same security is suitable for the
investment objectives of more than one client. When two or more clients are
simultaneously engaged in the purchase or sale of the same security, the
securities are allocated among clients in a manner believed to be equitable to
each. It is recognized that in some cases this system could have a detrimental
effect on the price or volume of the security in a particular transaction as far
as a Fund is concerned. The Company believes that over time its ability to
participate in volume transactions will produce superior executions for the
Funds.

         The portfolio turnover rate for each Fund is calculated by dividing the
lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities for the reporting period by
the monthly average value of the portfolio securities owned during the reporting
period. The calculation excludes all securities, including options, whose
maturities or expiration dates at the time of acquisition are one year or less.
Portfolio turnover may vary greatly from year to year as well as within a
particular year, and may be affected by cash requirements for redemption of
shares and by requirements which enable the Funds to receive favorable tax
treatment. Portfolio turnover will not be a limiting factor in making portfolio
decisions.

SECTION 28(E) STANDARDS

      Under Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Adviser
shall not be "deemed to have acted unlawfully or to have breached its fiduciary
duty" solely because under certain circumstances it has caused the account to
pay a higher commission than the lowest available. To obtain the benefit of
Section 28(e), an adviser must make a good faith determination that the
commissions paid are "reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and
research services provided ...viewed in terms of either that particular
transaction or its overall responsibilities with respect to the accounts as to
which it exercises investment discretion and that the services provided by a
broker provide an adviser with lawful and appropriate assistance in the
performance of its 



                                       2


<PAGE>


investment decision making responsibilities." Accordingly, the price to a Fund
in any transaction may be less favorable than that available from another
broker/dealer if the difference is reasonably justified by other aspects of the
portfolio execution services offered.

      Broker/dealers utilized by the Adviser may furnish statistical, research
and other information or services which are deemed by the Adviser to be
beneficial to the Funds' investment programs. Research services received from
brokers supplement the Adviser's own research and may include the following
types of information: statistical and background information on industry groups
and individual companies; forecasts and interpretations with respect to U.S and
foreign economies, securities, markets, specific industry groups and individual
companies; information on political developments; fund management strategies;
performance information on securities and information concerning prices of
securities; and information supplied by specialized services to the Adviser and
to the Company's directors with respect to the performance, investment
activities and fees and expenses of other mutual funds. Such information may be
communicated electronically, orally or in written form. Research services may
also include the providing of equipment used to communicate research
information, the arranging of meetings with management of companies and the
providing of access to consultants who supply research information.

      The outside research assistance is useful to the Adviser since the brokers
utilized by the Adviser as a group tend to follow a broader universe of
securities and other matters than the Adviser's staff can follow. In addition,
this research provides the Adviser with a diverse perspective on financial
markets. Research services which are provided to the Adviser by brokers are
available for the benefit of all accounts managed or advised by the Adviser. In
some cases, the research services are available only from the broker providing
such services. In other cases, the research services may be obtainable from
alternative sources in return for cash payments. The Adviser is of the opinion
that because the broker research supplements rather than replaces its research,
the receipt of such research does not tend to decrease its expenses, but tends
to improve the quality of its investment advice. However, to the extent that the
Adviser would have purchased any such research services had such services not
been provided by brokers, the expenses of such services to the Adviser could be
considered to have been reduced accordingly. Certain research services furnished
by broker/dealers may be useful to the Adviser with clients other than the
Funds. Similarly, any research services received by the Adviser through the
placement of fund transactions of other clients may be of value to the Adviser
in fulfilling its obligations to the Funds. The Adviser is of the opinion that
this material is beneficial in supplementing its research and analysis; and,
therefore, it may benefit the Company by improving the quality of the Adviser's
investment advice. The advisory fees paid by the Company are not reduced because
the Adviser receives such services.

      Some broker/dealers may indicate that the provision of research services
is dependent upon the generation of certain specified levels of commissions and
underwriting concessions by the Adviser's clients, including the Funds.


                   ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON FUND INVESTMENTS

GENERAL

      Information concerning each Fund's investment objective is set forth in
each of the Prospectuses under the headings "Objectives" and "How Objectives Are
Pursued" and "Appendix A - Portfolio Securities." There can be no assurance that
the Funds will achieve their objectives. The principal features of the Funds'
investment programs and the primary risks associated with those investment
programs are discussed in the Prospectuses under the heading "How Objectives Are
Pursued" and "Appendix A - Portfolio Securities." The values of the securities
in which the Funds invest fluctuate based upon interest rates, foreign currency
rates, the financial stability of the issuer and market factors.

      Pursuant to one of the Company's fundamental investment restrictions (see
"How Objectives Are Pursued -Investment Limitations" in the Company's
Prospectuses), the Company does not have authority to purchase any securities
which would cause more than 25% of the value of any Fund's total assets at the
time of such purchase to be invested in the securities of one or more issuers
conducting their principal business activities in the same 


                                       3


<PAGE>


industry, provided that, there is no limitation with respect to investments in
obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or
instrumentalities.

WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES, FORWARD COMMITMENTS AND DELAYED SETTLEMENTS

         Each Fund may purchase securities on a when-issued basis or purchase or
sell securities on a forward commitment basis. The Small Company Growth Fund and
the Government Bond Fund also may purchase or sell securities on a delayed
settlement basis. These transactions involve a commitment by the Fund to
purchase or sell securities at a future date. The price of the underlying
securities (usually expressed in terms of yield) and the date on which the
securities will be delivered and paid for (the settlement date) are fixed at the
time the transaction is negotiated. When-issued purchases, forward commitment
and delayed settlement transactions are negotiated directly with the other
party, and such commitments are not traded on exchanges.

         Each Fund will purchase securities on a when-issued basis or purchase
or sell securities on a forward commitment basis (and with respect to the Small
Company Growth Fund and Government Bond Fund, on a delayed settlement basis)
only with the intention of completing the transaction and actually purchasing or
selling the securities. If deemed necessary by a maker of investment strategy,
however, the Funds may dispose of or renegotiate a commitment after entering
into it. The Funds also may sell securities it has committed to purchase before
those securities are delivered to the Fund on the settlement date. The Funds may
realize a capital gain or loss in connection with these transactions.

         When a Fund purchases securities on a when-issued commitment or delayed
settlement basis, the Fund's custodian will maintain in a segregated account
cash, U.S. Government securities or other high grade liquid debt obligations
having a value (determined daily) at least equal to the amount of the Fund's
purchase commitments. In the case of a forward commitment or delayed settlement
transaction to sell portfolio securities subject to such commitment, the
custodian will hold the portfolio securities themselves in a segregated account
while the commitment is outstanding. These procedures are designed to ensure
that the Fund will maintain sufficient assets at all times to cover its
obligations under when-issued purchases, forward commitments and delayed
settlements.

FOREIGN SECURITIES

         Each Fund may invest in foreign securities. The Small Company Growth
and Government Bond Funds may invest either directly or indirectly through
American Depository Receipts ("ADRs"), which are receipts issued by an American
bank or trust company evidencing ownership of underlying securities issued by a
foreign issuer, or through European Depository Receipts ("EDRs"), which are
receipts issued by European financial institutions evidencing ownership of
underlying securities issued by a foreign issuer. ADRs may be listed on a
national securities exchange or may trade in the over-the-counter market. ADR
prices are denominated in United States dollars while EDR prices are generally
denominated in foreign currencies. The securities underlying an ADR or EDR will
normally be denominated in a foreign currency. The underlying securities may be
subject to foreign government taxes which could reduce the yield on such
securities.

         Investors should recognize that investing in foreign securities
involves certain special considerations which are not typically associated with
investing in United States securities and which may favorably or unfavorably
affect the Fund's performance. Because foreign companies generally are not
subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards in
addition to practices and requirements comparable to those applicable to
domestic companies, there may be less publicly available information about a
foreign company than about a domestic company. Many foreign stock markets, while
growing in volume of trading activity, have substantially less volume than the
New York Stock Exchange (the "Exchange"), and securities of some foreign
companies are less liquid and more volatile than securities of domestic
companies. Similarly, volume and liquidity in most foreign bond markets is less
than in United States markets and at times, volatility of price can be greater
than in United States markets. Further, foreign markets have different clearance
and settlement procedures and in certain markets there have been times when
settlements have not kept pace with the volume of securities transactions making
it difficult to conduct such transactions. Delays in settlement could result in
temporary periods when assets of the Fund are uninvested and no return is earned
thereon. Also, delivery of securities before 



                                       4

<PAGE>


payment may be required in some countries. The inability of the Fund to make
intended security purchases due to settlement problems could cause the Fund to
miss attractive investment opportunities. Inability to dispose of portfolio
securities due to settlement problems could result in either losses to the Fund
due to subsequent declines in the value of the portfolio security or, if the
Fund has entered into a contract to sell the security, possible liability of the
purchaser. Fixed commissions on some foreign stock exchanges are generally
higher than negotiated commissions on U.S. exchanges, although the Fund will
endeavor to achieve the most favorable net results on its portfolio
transactions. Further, each Fund may encounter difficulties or be unable to
pursue legal remedies and obtain judgments in foreign courts. There is generally
less government supervision and regulation of business and industry practices,
stock exchanges, brokers and listed companies in foreign countries than in the
United States. Communications between the United States and foreign countries
may be less reliable than within the United States, thus increasing the risk of
delayed settlements of portfolio transactions or loss of certificates for
portfolio securities. In addition, with respect to certain foreign countries,
there is the possibility of expropriation or confiscatory taxation, political or
social instability or diplomatic developments, which could affect United States
investments in those countries. Moreover, individual foreign economies may
differ favorably or unfavorably from the United States economy in such respects
as growth of gross national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment,
resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments position. Each Fund seeks to
mitigate the risks associated with the foregoing considerations through
diversification and continuous professional management.

FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS

         Each Fund may invest in forward foreign currency exchange contracts
("forward contracts") for hedging purposes and to seek to increase total return.
A 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. These contracts are individually negotiated and privately traded in
the interbank market by 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.

         The maturity date of a forward contract may be any fixed number of days
from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, rather than a
predetermined date in a given month, and forward contracts may be in any amounts
agreed upon by the parties rather than predetermined amounts. Closing purchase
transactions with respect to forward contracts are usually effected by a
currency trader who is a party to the original forward contract. The Funds may
be required to segregate assets consisting of cash, U.S. government securities
or other high grade liquid debt securities to cover forward contracts that
require it to purchase foreign currency.

         SMALL COMPANY GROWTH AND GOVERNMENT BOND FUNDS: When the Adviser
believes that the currency of a specific country may deteriorate against another
currency, it may enter into a forward contract to sell the less attractive
currency and buy the more attractive one. This practice is referred to as
"cross-hedging". The amount in question could be less than or equal to the value
of the Fund's securities denominated in the less attractive currency.

         Each Fund may also enter into a forward contract to sell a currency
that is linked to a currency that the Adviser believes to be less attractive and
buy a currency that the Adviser believes to be more attractive (or a currency
that is linked to currency that the Adviser believes to be more attractive). The
amount in question would not exceed the value of the Fund's securities
denominated in the less attractive currency. For example, if the Austrian
Schilling is linked to the German Deutsche Mark (the "D-mark"), the Fund holds
securities denominated in Austrian Schillings and the Adviser believes that the
value of Schillings will decline against the British Pound, the Fund may enter
into a contract to sell D-marks and buy Pounds. This practice is referred to as
"proxy hedging". Proxy hedging involves the risk that the amount of currencies
involved may not equal the value of the Fund's securities denominated in the
currency expected to deteriorate and improperly anticipated currency movements
could result in losses to the Fund. Further, there is the risk that the linkage
between various currencies may change or be eliminated.

         The Fund's activities involving forward contracts may be limited by the
requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code for qualification as a
regulated investment company.


                                       5


<PAGE>


         INTERNATIONAL GROWTH FUND: The reasons forward contracts would be used
to achieve the investment objectives of the International Growth Fund are
discussed below under "Futures Contracts on Foreign Currencies".

FUTURES, OPTIONS AND OTHER DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

      FUTURES CONTRACTS IN GENERAL. A futures contract is an agreement between
two parties for the future delivery of fixed income securities or for the
payment or acceptance of a cash settlement in the case of futures contracts on
an index of fixed income or equity securities. A "sale" of a futures contract
means the contractual obligation to deliver the securities at a specified price
on a specified date, or to make the cash settlement called for by the contract.
Futures contracts have been designed by exchanges which have been designated
"contract markets" by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC") and must
be executed through a brokerage firm, known as a futures commission merchant,
which is a member of the relevant contract market. Futures contracts trade on
these markets, and the exchanges, through their clearing organizations,
guarantee that the contracts will be performed as between the clearing members
of the exchange. Presently, futures contracts are based on such debt securities
as long-term U.S. Treasury Bonds, Treasury Notes, Government National Mortgage
Association modified pass-through mortgage-backed securities, three-month U.S.
Treasury Bills, bank certificates of deposit, and on indices of municipal,
corporate and government bonds.

      While futures contracts based on securities do provide for the delivery
and acceptance of securities, such deliveries and acceptances are very seldom
made. Generally, a futures contract is terminated by entering into an offsetting
transaction. A Fund will incur brokerage fees when it purchases and sells
futures contracts. At the time such a purchase or sale is made, a Fund must
provide cash or money market securities as a deposit known as "margin." The
initial deposit required will vary, but may be as low as 2% or less of a
contract's face value. Daily thereafter, the futures contract is valued through
a process known as "marking to market," and a Fund that engages in futures
transactions may receive or be required to pay "variation margin" as the futures
contract becomes more or less valuable. At the time of delivery of securities
pursuant to a futures contract based on securities, adjustments are made to
recognize differences in value arising from the delivery of securities with a
different interest rate than the specific security that provides the standard
for the contract. In some (but not many) cases, securities called for by a
futures contract may not have been issued when the contract was written.

      Futures contracts on indices of securities are settled through the making
and acceptance of cash settlements based on changes in value of the underlying
rate or index between the time the contract is entered into and the time it is
liquidated.

      FUTURES CONTRACTS ON FIXED INCOME SECURITIES AND RELATED INDICES. As noted
in their respective Prospectuses, certain Funds may enter into transactions in
futures contracts for the purpose of hedging a relevant portion of their
portfolios. A Fund may enter into transactions in futures contracts that are
based on U.S. Government obligations, including any index of government
obligations that may be available for trading. Such transactions will be entered
into where movements in the value of the securities or index underlying a
futures contract can be expected to correlate closely with movements in the
value of securities held in a Fund. For example, a Fund may sell futures
contracts in anticipation of a general rise in the level of interest rates,
which would result in a decline in the value of its fixed income securities. If
the expected rise in interest rates occurs, the Fund may realize gains on its
futures position, which should offset all or part of the decline in value of
fixed income fund securities. A Fund could protect against such decline by
selling fixed income securities, but such a strategy would involve higher
transaction costs than the sale of futures contracts and, if interest rates
again declined, the Fund would be unable to take advantage of the resulting
market advance without purchases of additional securities.

      The purpose of the purchase or sale of a futures contract on government
securities and indices of government securities, in the case of the
above-referenced Funds, which hold or intend to acquire long-term debt
securities, is to protect a Fund from fluctuations in interest rates without
actually buying or selling long-term debt securities. For example, if long-term
bonds are held by a Fund, and interest rates were expected to increase, the Fund
might enter into futures contracts for the sale of debt securities. Such a sale
would have much the same effect as selling 


                                       6


<PAGE>


an equivalent value of the long-term bonds held by the Fund. If interest rates
did increase, the value of the debt securities in the Fund would decline, but
the value of the futures contracts to the Fund would increase at approximately
the same rate thereby keeping the net asset value of the Fund from declining as
much as it otherwise would have. When a Fund is not fully invested and a decline
in interest rates is anticipated, which would increase the cost of fixed income
securities that the Fund intends to acquire, it may purchase futures contracts.
In the event that the projected decline in interest rates occurs, the increased
cost of the securities acquired by the Fund should be offset, in whole or part,
by gains on the futures contracts by entering into offsetting transactions on
the contract market on which the initial purchase was effected. In a substantial
majority of transactions involving futures contracts on fixed income securities,
a Fund will purchase the securities upon termination of the long futures
positions, but under unusual market conditions, a long futures position may be
terminated without a corresponding purchase of securities.

      Similarly, when it is expected that interest rates may decline, futures
contracts on fixed income securities and indices of government securities may be
purchased for the purpose of hedging against anticipated purchases of long-term
bonds at higher prices. Since the fluctuations in the value of such futures
contracts should be similar to that of long-term bonds, a Fund could take
advantage of the anticipated rise in the value of long-term bonds without
actually buying them until the market had stabilized. At that time, the futures
contracts could be liquidated and the Fund's cash reserves could then be used to
buy long-term bonds in the cash market. Similar results could be accomplished by
selling bonds with long maturities and investing in bonds with short maturities
when interest rates are expected to increase. However, since the futures market
is more liquid than the cash market, the use of these futures contracts as an
investment technique allows a Fund to act in anticipation of such an interest
rate decline without having to sell its portfolio securities. To the extent a
Fund enters into futures contracts for this purpose, the segregated assets
maintained by a Fund will consist of cash, cash equivalents or high quality debt
securities of the Fund in an amount equal to the difference between the
fluctuating market value of such futures contract and the aggregate value of the
initial deposit and variation margin payments made by the Fund with respect to
such futures contracts.

      STOCK INDEX FUTURES CONTRACTS. As described in the Prospectuses, certain
Funds may sell stock index futures contracts in order to offset a decrease in
market value of its securities that might otherwise result from a market
decline. A Fund may do so either to hedge the value of its portfolio as a whole,
or to protect against declines, occurring prior to sales of securities, in the
value of securities to be sold. Conversely, a Fund may purchase stock index
futures contracts in order to protect against anticipated increases in the cost
of securities to be acquired.

      In addition, a Fund may utilize stock index futures contracts in
anticipation of changes in the composition of its portfolio. For example, in the
event that a Fund expects to narrow the range of industry groups represented in
its portfolio, it may, prior to making purchases of the actual securities,
establish a long futures position based on a more restricted index, such as an
index comprised of securities of a particular industry group. As such securities
are acquired, a Fund's futures positions would be closed out. A Fund may also
sell futures contracts in connection with this strategy, in order to protect
against the possibility that the value of the securities to be sold as part of
the restructuring of its portfolio will decline prior to the time of sale.

      OPTIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS. An option on a futures contract gives the
purchaser (the "holder") the right, but not the obligation, to enter into a
"long" position in the underlying futures contract (i.e., a purchase of such
futures contract) in the case of an option to purchase (a "call" option), or a
"short" position in the underlying futures contract (i.e., a sale of such
futures contract) in the case of an option to sell (a "put" option), at a fixed
price (the "strike price") up to a stated expiration date. The holder pays a
non-refundable purchase price for the option, known as the "premium." The
maximum amount of risk the purchase of the option assumes is equal to the
premium plus related transaction costs, although this entire amount may be lost.
Upon exercise of the option by the holder, the exchange clearing corporation
establishes a corresponding long position in the case of a put option. In the
event that an option is exercised, the parties will be subject to all the risks
associated with the trading of futures contracts, such as payment of variation
margin deposits. In addition, the writer of an option on a futures contract,
unlike the holder, is subject to initial and variation margin requirements on
the option position.

WARRANTS


                                       7

<PAGE>



         Both the Small Company Growth and the Government Bond Funds are
permitted to invest in warrants. Warrants are privileges issued by corporations
enabling the owner to subscribe to and purchase a specified number of shares of
the corporation at a specified price during a specified period of time. The
prices of warrants do not necessarily correlate with the prices of the
underlying securities. The purchase of warrants involves the risk that the
purchaser could lose the purchase value of the warrant if the right to subscribe
to additional shares is not exercised prior to the warrant's expiration. Also,
the purchase of warrants involves the risk that the effective price paid for the
warrant added to the subscription price of the related security may exceed the
value of the subscribed security's market price such as when there is no
movement in the level of the underlying security.

OPTIONS ON SECURITIES AND INDICES

         Each Fund may purchase and sell (write) both call and put options
listed on a national securities exchanges and issued by the Options Clearing
Corporation. Such options may relate to particular securities or to various
indices.

         An option on a security (or index) is a contract that gives the holder
of the option, in return for a premium paid, the right to buy from (in the case
of a call) or sell to (in the case of a put) the seller ("writer") of the option
the security underlying the option (or the cash value of the index) at a
specified exercise price at any time during the term of the option. The writer
of an option on a security has the obligation upon exercise of the option to
deliver the underlying security upon payment of the exercise price or to pay the
exercise price upon delivery of the underlying security. Upon exercise, the
writer of an option on an index is obligated to pay the difference between the
closing price of the index and the exercise price of the option, expressed in
dollars, times a specified multiple (the "multiplier"). (An index is designed to
reflect specified facets of a particular financial or securities market, a
specified group of financial instruments or securities, or certain economic
indicators.)

         If an option written by a Fund expires, the Fund realizes a capital
gain equal to the premium received at the time the option was written. If an
option purchased by a Fund expires unexercised, the Fund realizes a capital loss
equal to the premium paid.

         Prior to the earlier of exercise or expiration, an option may be closed
out by an off-setting purchase or sale of an option of the same series (type,
exchange, underlying security or index, exercise price and expiration). There
can be no assurance, however, that a closing purchase or sale transaction can be
effected when a Fund desires.

         A Fund will realize a capital gain from a closing purchase transaction,
if the cost of the closing option is less than the premium received from writing
the option and will realize a capital loss if it is more. If the premium
received from a closing sale transaction is more than the premium paid to
purchase the option, the Fund will realize a capital gain, or if it is less, the
Fund will realize a capital loss. The principal factors affecting the market
value of a put or a call option include supply and demand, interest rates, the
current market price of the underlying security or index in relation to the
exercise price of the option, the volatility of the underlying security or
index, and the time remaining until the expiration date.

         There are several risks associated with transactions in options on
securities and on indices. For example, there are significant differences
between the securities and options markets that could result in an imperfect
correlation between these markets, causing a given transaction not to achieve
its objectives.

         There can be no assurance that a liquid market will exist when a Fund
seeks to close out an option position. If the Fund were unable to close out an
option it had purchased on a security, it would have to exercise the option to
realize any profit or the option may expire worthless. If a Fund were unable to
close out a covered call option it had written on a security, it would not be
able to sell the underlying security unless the option expired without exercise.
As a writer of a covered call option, the Fund foregoes, during the option's
life, the opportunity to profit from increases in the market value of the
security covering the call option above the sum of the premium and the exercise
price of the call.


                                       8


<PAGE>


         If trading were suspended in an option purchased by a Fund, the Fund
would not be able to close out the option. If restrictions on exercise were
imposed, the Fund might be unable to exercise an option it had purchased. Except
to the extent that a call option on an index written by a Fund is covered by an
option on the same index purchased by the Fund, movements in the index may
result in a loss to the Fund; however, such losses may be mitigated by changes
in the value of the Fund's securities during the period the option was
outstanding.

FUTURES CONTRACTS

         Each Fund may enter into futures contracts on securities and futures
contracts based on securities indices, which are traded on exchanges that are
licensed and regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC").
Each Fund will do so to hedge against anticipated changes in securities values
that would otherwise have an adverse effect upon the value of portfolio
securities or upon securities to be acquired. Futures contracts and related
options entered into by the Funds will be entered into consistent with CFTC
regulations.

         Each Fund may take a "short" position in the futures markets by selling
contracts for the future delivery of securities in order to hedge against an
anticipated decline in stock prices. Such futures contracts may include
contracts for the future delivery of securities held by a Fund or securities
with price-fluctuation characteristics similar to those of its portfolio
securities. If, in the opinion of the Adviser, there is a sufficient degree of
correlation between price trends for a Fund's securities and futures contracts
based on indices, a Fund may also enter into such futures contracts as part of
its hedging strategy. When hedging of this character is successful, any
depreciation in the value of a Fund's securities will substantially be offset by
appreciation in the value of the futures position. On other occasions a Fund may
take a "long" position by purchasing futures contracts. This would be done, for
example, when a Fund anticipates the purchase of particular securities in the
future, but expects the price then available in the securities market to be less
favorable than prices that are currently available in the futures markets. Each
Fund expects that, in the normal course, it will terminate the long futures
position when it makes the anticipated purchase; under unusual market
conditions, however, a long futures position may be terminated without the
corresponding purchase of securities.

         Futures contracts involve brokerage costs, which may be less than 1% of
the contract price, and require parties to the contract to make "margin"
deposits to secure performance of the contract. Each Fund will be required to
deposit as margin into a segregated custodial account (held subject to the
claims of the Fund's futures broker) an amount of cash or liquid securities
equal to approximately 2% to 5% of the value of each futures contract. This
initial margin is in the nature of a performance bond or good faith deposit on
the contract. Each Fund's position in the futures market will be
marked-to-market on a daily basis; the Funds may subsequently be required to
make "variation" margin payments depending upon whether its futures position
declines or rises in value.

         Positions taken in the futures markets are not usually held until the
expiration of the contract but, instead, are normally liquidated through
off-setting transactions, which may result in a profit or a loss. Nevertheless,
a Fund may instead make or take delivery of the underlying securities whenever
it appears economically advantageous for it to do so. A clearing corporation
associated with the exchange on which futures contracts are traded assumes
responsibility for closing out contracts and guarantees that, if the contract is
still open, the sale or purchase of securities will be performed on the
settlement date.

         Futures contracts on securities indices do not require the physical
delivery of securities, but merely provide for profits and losses resulting from
changes in the market value of a contract to be credited or debited at the close
of each trading day to the respective accounts of the parties to the contract.
On the contract's expiration date a final cash settlement occurs and the futures
positions are simply closed out. Changes in the market value of a particular
futures contract reflect changes in the value of the securities comprising the
index on which the futures contract is based. Futures contracts based on
securities indices currently are actively traded on the Chicago Board of Trade,
the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, the New York Futures Exchange and the Kansas
City Board of Trade.

OPTIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS


                                       9

<PAGE>


         Each Fund may also purchase and sell (write) call and put options on
futures contracts, which options are traded on exchanges that are licensed and
regulated by the CFTC. A "call" option on a futures contract gives the purchaser
the right, in return for the premium paid, to buy a futures contract (assume a
long position) at a specified exercise price, by exercising the option at any
time before the option expires. A "put" option gives the purchaser the right, in
return for the premium paid, to sell a futures contract (assume a "short"
position), for a specified exercise price, by exercising the option at any time
before the option expires.

         Upon the exercise of a call, the writer of the option is obligated to
sell the futures contract (to deliver a "long" position to the option holder) at
the option exercise price, which will presumably be lower than the then current
market price of the contract in the futures market. Upon exercise of a put, the
writer of the option is obligated to purchase the futures contract (deliver a
"short" position to the option holder) at the option exercise price, which will
presumably be higher than the then current market price of the contract in the
futures market. When a Fund exercises an option and assumes a long futures
position, in the case of a call, or a short futures position, in the case of a
put, its gain will be credited to its futures margin account, while the loss
suffered by the writer of the option will be debited to its account. However, as
with the trading of futures contracts, most participants in the options markets
do not seek to realize their gains or losses by exercising their option rights.
Instead, the holder of an option will usually realize a gain or loss by buying
or selling an off-setting option at a market price that will reflect an increase
or a decrease from the premium originally paid.

         Options on futures contracts can be used by the Fund to hedge the same
risks as might be addressed by the direct purchase or sale of the underlying
futures contracts. If the Fund purchases an option on a futures contract, it may
obtain benefits similar to those that would result if it held the futures
position itself. But, in contrast to a futures transaction in which only
transaction costs are involved, benefits received in an option transaction in
the event of a favorable market movement will be reduced by the amount of the
premium paid as well as by transaction costs. In the event of an adverse market
movement, however, in contrast to the full market risk of a futures position,
the Fund will not be subject to a risk of loss on the option transaction beyond
the amount of the premium it paid plus its transaction costs. Consequently, the
Fund may benefit from an increase in the value of its portfolio that would have
been more completely offset if the hedge had been effected through the use of a
futures contract.

         If the Fund writes options on futures contracts, it will receive a
premium but will assume a risk of adverse movement in the price of the
underlying futures contract comparable to that involved in holding a futures
position. If the option is not exercised, the Fund will gain the amount of the
premium, which may partially offset unfavorable changes in the value of its
portfolio securities held in, or to be acquired for, the Fund. If the option is
exercised, the Fund will incur a loss in the option transaction, which will be
reduced by the amount of the premium it has received. Such loss may partially
offset favorable changes in the value of its portfolio securities.

LIMITATIONS ON USE OF FUTURES TRANSACTIONS AND RISK CONSIDERATIONS

         Each Fund will incur brokerage fees in connection with its futures
transactions, and each will be required to deposit and maintain funds with its
broker as margin to guarantee performance of its futures obligations. In
addition, while futures contracts will be traded to reduce certain risks,
futures trading itself entails certain other risks. Thus, while a Fund may
benefit from the use of such contracts, unanticipated changes in securities may
result in a poorer overall performance of the Fund than if it had not entered
into any futures contracts. Some futures contracts may not have a broad and
liquid market, in which case the contracts may not be able to be closed at a
fair price and a Fund may lose in excess of the initial margin deposit.
Moreover, in the event of an imperfect correlation between the futures contract
and the portfolio position that is intended to be protected, the desired
protection may not be obtained and a Fund may be exposed to risk of loss.

Tax-related requirements may limit the extent to which a Fund may engage in
futures and related options transactions. (See "Tax Information.")

OPTIONS ON CURRENCIES


                                       10


<PAGE>


      The International Growth Fund may purchase and sell options on currencies
to hedge the value of securities the Fund holds or intends to buy. Options on
foreign currencies may be traded on U.S. and foreign exchanges or
over-the-counter.

FUTURES CONTRACTS ON FOREIGN CURRENCIES

         A foreign currency futures contract is a standardized contract for the
future delivery of a specified amount of a foreign currency at a future date at
a price established when the position is taken. Foreign currency futures
contracts traded in the United States are designed by and traded on exchanges
regulated by the CFTC, such as the Chicago Mercantile Exchange.

         The International Growth Fund may enter into foreign currency futures
contracts in several circumstances. First, when the Fund enters into a contract
for the purchase or sale of a foreign security denominated in a foreign
currency, or when the Fund anticipates the receipt in a foreign currency of
interest payments on such a security which it holds, the Fund may desire to
"lock in" the U.S. dollar price of the security or the U.S. dollar equivalent of
such interest payments, as the case may be. By entering into a futures contract
for the purchase or sale of the amount of foreign currency involved in the
underlying transactions at a fixed amount of U.S. dollars, the Fund will attempt
to protect itself against a possible loss resulting from an adverse change in
the relationship between the U.S. dollar and the applicable foreign currency,
during the period between the date on which the obligation is purchased or sold,
or on which the interest payment is declared, and the date on which such
payments are made or received.

         Second, when the Adviser believes that the currency of a particular
foreign country may suffer a substantial decline against the U.S. dollar (or
sometimes against another currency), the Fund may enter into a futures contract
to sell, for a fixed dollar or other currency amount, foreign currency
approximating the value of some or all of the securities held by the Fund which
are denominated in that currency. The precise matching of the futures contract
amounts and the value of the securities involved will not generally be possible
because the future value of such securities in foreign currencies will change as
a consequence of market movements in the value of those securities between the
date on which the contract is entered into and the date it expires.

         Under normal circumstances, consideration of the prospect for changes
in currency exchange rates will be incorporated into the Fund's long-term
investment strategies. However, the Adviser believes that it is important for
the Fund to have the flexibility to enter into foreign currency futures
contracts when it determines that the best interest of the Fund will be served.

CURRENCY SWAPS

         The International Growth Fund also may enter into currency swaps for
hedging purposes and to seek to increase total return. In as much as swaps are
entered into for good faith hedging purposes or are offset by a segregated
account as described below, the Fund and the Adviser believe that swaps do not
constitute senior securities as defined in the 1940 Act and, accordingly, will
not treat them as being subject to the Fund's borrowing restrictions. The net
amount of the excess, if any, of the Fund's obligations over its entitlement
with respect to each currency swap will be accrued on a daily basis and an
amount of cash or liquid high grade debt securities (i.e., securities rated in
one of the top three ratings categories by an NRSRO, or, if unrated, deemed by
the Adviser to be of comparable credit quality) having an aggregate net asset
value at least equal to such accrued excess will be maintained in a segregated
account by the Fund's custodian. The Fund will not enter into any currency swap
unless the credit quality of the unsecured senior debt or the claims-paying
ability of the other party thereto is considered to be investment grade by the
Adviser.

CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES

         The Small Company Growth and International Growth Funds may invest in
convertible securities, such as bonds, notes, debentures, preferred stocks and
other securities that may be converted into common stock. All convertible
securities purchased by the Fund will be rated in the top two categories by an
NRSRO or, if unrated, 


                                       11


<PAGE>


determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality. Investments in
convertible securities can provide income through interest and dividend
payments, as well as, an opportunity for capital appreciation by virtue of their
conversion or exchange features.

         The convertible securities in which the Funds may invest include
fixed-income and zero coupon debt securities, and preferred stock that may be
converted or exchanged at a stated or determinable exchange ratio into
underlying shares of common stock. The exchange ratio for any particular
convertible security may be adjusted from time to time due to stock splits,
dividends, spin-offs, other corporate distributions or scheduled changes in the
exchange ratio. Convertible debt securities and convertible preferred stocks,
until converted, have general characteristics similar to both debt and equity
securities. Although to a lesser extent than with debt securities, generally,
the market value of convertible securities tends to decline as interest rates
increase and, conversely, tends to increase as interest rates decline. In
addition, because of the conversion exchange feature, the market value of
convertible securities typically changes as the market value of the underlying
common stock changes, and, therefore, also tends to follow movements in the
general market for equity securities. A unique feature of convertible securities
is that as the market price of the underlying common stock declines, convertible
securities tend to trade increasingly on a yield basis, and so may not
experience market value declines to the same extent as the underlying common
stock. When the market price of the underlying common stock increases, the price
of a convertible security tends to rise as a reflection of the value of the
underlying common stock, although typically not as much as the price of the
underlying common stock. While no securities investments are without risk,
investments in convertible securities generally entail less risk than
investments in common stock of the same issuer.

         As debt securities, convertible securities are investments which
provide for a stream of income or, in the case of zero coupon securities,
accretion of income with generally higher yields than common stocks. Of course,
like all debt securities, there can be no assurance of income or principal
payments because the issuers of the convertible securities may default on their
obligations. Convertible securities generally offer lower yields than
non-convertible securities of similar quality because of their conversion
exchange features. Convertible securities generally are subordinated to other
similar debt securities but not to non-convertible securities of the same
issuer. Convertible bonds, as corporate debt obligations, are senior in right of
payment to all equity securities, and convertible preferred stock is senior to
common stock, of the same issuer. However, convertible bonds and convertible
preferred stock typically have lower coupon rates than similar non-convertible
securities. Convertible securities may be issued as fixed income obligations
that pay current income or as zero coupon notes and bonds, including Liquid
Yield Option Notes ("LYONs"). Zero coupon securities pay no cash income and are
sold at substantial discounts from their value at maturity. When held to
maturity, their entire income, which consists of accretion of discount, comes
from the difference between the issue price and their value at maturity. Zero
coupon convertible securities offer the opportunity for capital appreciation
because increases (or decreases) in the market value of such securities closely
follow the movements in the market value of the underlying common stock. Zero
coupon convertible securities generally are expected to be less volatile than
the underlying common stocks because they usually are issued with short
maturities (15 years or less) and are issued with options and/or redemption
features exercisable by the holder of the obligation entitling the holder to
redeem the obligation and receive a defined cash payment.

VARIABLE AND FLOATING RATE INSTRUMENTS

         With respect to the variable and floating rate instruments that may be
acquired by the Government Bond Fund as described in its Prospectus, the Adviser
will consider the earning power, cash flows and other liquidity ratios of the
issuers and guarantors of such instruments and, if the instrument is subject to
a demand feature, will monitor their financial status to meet payment on demand.

         In determining a Fund's average weighted portfolio maturity, an
instrument will usually be deemed to have a maturity equal to the longer of the
period remaining until the next regularly scheduled interest rate adjustment or
the time the Fund involved can recover payment of principal as specified in the
instrument. Such instruments which are U.S. Government obligations and certain
variable rate instruments having a nominal 



                                       12


<PAGE>


maturity of 397 days or less when purchased by the Fund involved, however, will
be deemed to have maturities equal to the period remaining until the next
interest rate adjustment.

STRIPPED SECURITIES

         The Government Bond Fund may purchase stripped securities issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Government, where the principal and interest components
are traded independently under the Separate Trading of Registered Interest and
Principal of Securities program ("STRIPS"). Under STRIPS, the principal and
interest components are individually numbered and separately issued by the U.S.
Treasury at the request of depository financial institutions, which then trade
the component parts independently.

         In addition, the Fund may purchase stripped mortgage-backed securities
("SMBS") issued by the U.S. Government (or a U.S. Government agency or
instrumentality) or by private issuers such as banks and other institutions. If
the underlying obligations experience greater than anticipated prepayments of
principal, the Fund may fail to fully recover its initial investment. The market
value of the class consisting entirely of principal payments can be extremely
volatile in response to changes in interest rates. The yields on a class of SMBS
that receives all or most of the interest are generally higher than prevailing
market yields on other mortgage-backed obligations because their cash flow
patterns are also volatile and there is a greater risk that the initial
investment will not be full recovered. SMBS issued by the U.S. Government (or a
U.S. Government agency or instrumentality) may be considered liquid under
guidelines established by the Company's Board of Directors if they can be
disposed of promptly in the ordinary course of business at a value reasonably
close to that used in the calculation of the Fund's per share net asset value.

         Although stripped securities may not pay interest to holders prior to
maturity, Federal income tax regulations require a Fund to recognize as interest
income a portion of the bond's discount each year. This income must then be
distributed to shareholders along with other income earned by the Fund. To the
extent that any shareholders in the Fund elect to receive their dividends in
cash rather than reinvest such dividends in additional Fund shares, cash to make
these distributions will have to be provided from the assets of the Fund or
other sources such as proceeds of sales of Fund shares and/or sales of portfolio
securities. In such cases, the Fund will not be able to purchase additional
income producing securities with cash used to make such distributions and its
current income may ultimately be reduced as a result.

PARTICIPATION INTERESTS AND COMPANY RECEIPTS

         The Government Bond Fund also may purchase from domestic financier
institutions and trusts created by such institutions participation interests and
trust receipts in high quality debt securities. A participation interest or
receipt gives the Fund an undivided interest in the security in the proportion
that the Fund's participation interest or receipt bears to the total principal
amount of the security. As to certain instruments for which the Fund will be
able to demand payment, the Fund intends to exercise its right to do so only
upon a default under the terms of the security, as needed to provide liquidity
or to maintain or improve the quality of its investment portfolio. It is
possible that a participation interest or trust receipt may be deemed to be an
extension of credit by the Fund to the issuing financial institution rather than
to the obligor of the underlying security and may not be directly entitled to
the protection of any collateral security provided by the obligor. In such
event, the ability of the Fund to obtain repayment could depend on the issuing
financial institution.

         Participation interests and trust receipts may have fixed, floating or
variable rates of interest, and will have remaining maturities of thirteen
months or less (as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission). If a
participation interest or trust receipt is unrated, the Adviser will have
determined that the interest or receipt is of comparable quality to those
instruments in which the Fund may invest pursuant to guidelines approved by the
Board of Directors. For certain participation interests or trust receipts the
Fund will have the right to demand payment, on not more than 30 days' notice,
for all or any part of the Fund's participation interest or trust receipt in the
securities involved, plus accrued interest.

                                       13
<PAGE>

ASSET-BACKED AND MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES

         The Government Bond Fund may invest in securities backed by installment
contracts, credit card receivables and other assets. These asset-backed
securities represent interests in pools of assets in which payment of both
interest and principal on the securities is made monthly, thus in effect,
passing through (net of fees paid to the issuer or guarantor of the securities)
the monthly payments made by the individual borrowers on the assets that
underlie the asset-backed securities. The Fund may also make significant
investments in U.S. Government securities that are backed by adjustable or
fixed-rate mortgage loans.

         The average life of an asset-backed or mortgage-backed instrument
varies with the maturities of the underlying instruments. In the case of
mortgages, maturities may be a maximum of forty years. The average life of an
asset-backed or mortgage-backed instrument is likely to be substantially less
than the original maturity of the asset or mortgage pools underlying the
security as the result of scheduled principal payments and prepayments. This may
be particularly true for mortgage-backed securities.

         Non-mortgage asset-backed securities involve certain risks that are not
presented by mortgage-backed securities. Primarily, these securities do not have
the benefit of the same security interest in the underlying collateral. 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
have given debtors the right to set off certain amounts owed on the credit
cards, thereby reducing the balance due. Most issuers of automobile receivables
permit the 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
related automobile receivables. 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 an
effective security interest in all of the obligations backing such receivables.
Therefore, there is a possibility that recoveries on repossessed collateral may
not, in some cases, be able to support payments on these securities.

         Presently, there are several types of mortgage-backed securities issued
or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies, including guaranteed mortgage
pass-through certificates, which provide the holder with a pro rata interest in
the underlying mortgage, and collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs"), which
provide the holder with a specified interest in the cash flow of a pool of
underlying mortgages or other mortgage-backed securities. Issuers of CMOs
frequently elect to be taxed as a pass-through entity known as real estate
mortgage investment conduits, or REMICs. CMOs are issued in multiple classes,
each with a specified fixed or floating interest rate and a final distribution
date. Although the relative payment rights of these classes can be structured in
a number of different ways, most often payments of principal are applied to the
CMO classes in the order of their respective stated maturities.

         CMO classes may include accrual certificates (also known as "Z-Bonds"),
which only accrue interest at a specified rate until other specified classes
have been retired and are converted thereafter to interest-paying securities.
They may also include planned amortization classes ("PAC") which generally
require, within certain limits, that specified amounts of principal be applied
on each payment date, and generally exhibit less yield and market volatility
than other classes. The Fund will not purchase "residual" CMO interests, which
normally exhibit the greatest price volatility.

         CMOs can expose a Fund to more volatility and interest rate risk than
other types of mortgage-backed obligations.

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS

         Each Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with selected
brokers-dealers, banks or other financial institutions. A repurchase agreement
is an arrangement under which the purchaser (I.E., a Fund) purchases a U.S.
Government or other high quality short-term debt obligation (the "Obligation")
and the seller agrees at the time of sale to repurchase the Obligation at a
specified time and price.

                                       14
<PAGE>

         Custody of the Obligation will be maintained by the Fund's custodian.
The repurchase price may be higher than the purchase price, the difference being
income to the Fund, or the purchase and repurchase prices may be the same, with
interest at a stated rate due to the Fund together with the repurchase price on
repurchase. In either case, the income to the Fund is unrelated to the interest
rate on the Obligation subject to the repurchase agreement.

         Repurchase agreements pose certain risks for all entities, including
the Funds, that utilize them. Such risks are not unique to the Funds but are
inherent in repurchase agreements. The Funds seek to minimize such risks by,
among others, the means indicated below, but because of the inherent legal
uncertainties involved in repurchase agreements, such risks cannot be
eliminated.

         For purposes of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"), a
repurchase agreement is deemed to be a loan from the Fund to the seller of the
Obligation. It is not clear whether, for other purposes, a court would consider
the Obligation purchased by the Fund, subject to a repurchase agreement as being
owned by the Fund or as being collateral for a loan by the Fund to the seller.

         If in the event of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings against the
seller of the Obligation, a court holds that the Fund does not have a perfected
security interest in the Obligation, the Fund may be required to return the
Obligation to the seller's estate and be treated as an unsecured creditor of the
seller. As an unsecured creditor, a Fund would be at risk of losing some or all
of the principal and income involved in the transaction. To minimize this risk,
the Funds utilize custodians that the Adviser believes follow customary
securities industry practice with respect to repurchase agreements, and the
Adviser analyzes the creditworthiness of the obligor, in this case the seller of
the Obligation. But because of the legal uncertainties, this risk, like others
associated with repurchase agreements, cannot be eliminated.

         Also, in the event of commencement of bankruptcy or insolvency
proceedings with respect to the seller of the Obligation before repurchase of
the Obligation under a repurchase agreement, the Fund may encounter delay and
incur costs before being able to sell the security. Such a delay may involve
loss of interest or a decline in price of the Obligation.
         Apart from risks associated with bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings,
there is also the risk that the seller may fail to repurchase the security.
However, if the market value of the Obligation subject to the repurchase
agreement becomes less than the repurchase price (including accrued interest),
the Fund will direct the seller of the Obligation to deliver additional
securities so that the market value of all securities subject to the repurchase
agreement equals or exceeds the repurchase price.

         Certain repurchase agreements which provide for settlement in more than
seven days can be liquidated before the nominal fixed term on seven days or less
notice. Such repurchase agreements will be regarded as illiquid instruments.

         Each Fund may also enter into repurchase agreements with any party
deemed creditworthy by the Adviser including foreign banks and broker-dealers,
if the transaction is entered into for investment purposes and the
counterparty's creditworthiness is at least equal to that of issuers of
securities from which a Fund may purchase.

REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS

         The Government Bond Fund may enter into Reverse Repurchase Agreements.
At the time the Fund enters into a reverse repurchase agreement (an agreement
under which a Fund sells portfolio securities and agrees to repurchase them at
an agreed-upon date and price), it will place in a segregated custodial account
of liquid assets such as U.S. Government securities or other liquid high-grade
debt securities having a value equal to or greater than the repurchase price
(including accrued interest), and will subsequently monitor the account to
ensure that such value is maintained. Reverse repurchase agreements involve the
risk that the market value of the securities sold by a Fund may decline below
the price of the securities it is obligated to repurchase. Reverse repurchase
agreements also are considered to be borrowings under the 1940 Act.

                                       15
<PAGE>

LENDING OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES

         When a Fund lends its securities, it continues to receive interest and
dividends (with respect to the Small Company Growth Fund) on the securities
loaned and may simultaneously earn interest on the investment of the cash loan
collateral which will be invested in readily marketable, high-quality,
short-term obligations. Although voting rights, or rights to consent, attendant
to securities on loan pass to the borrower, such loans will be called so that
the securities may be voted by a Fund if a material event affecting the
investment is to occur. Portfolio loans will be continuously secured by
collateral equal at all times in value to at least the market value of the
securities loaned plus accrued interest. Collateral for such loans may include
cash, U.S. Government securities, securities of U.S. Government agencies and
instrumentalities or an irrevocable letter of credit issued by a bank which
meets the investment standards of a Fund for short-term instruments. There may
be risks of delay in receiving additional collateral or in recovering the
securities loaned or even a loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower
of the securities fail financially.

OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANIES

         In seeking to attain their investment objectives, the Funds may invest
in securities issued by other investment companies within the limits prescribed
by the 1940 Act. Each Fund currently intends to limit its investments so that,
as determined immediately after a securities purchase is made: (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 or by the Company as a whole. As a
shareholder of another investment company, a Fund would bear, along with other
shareholders, its pro rata portion of the other investment company's expenses,
including Advisery fees. These expenses would be in addition to the Advisery and
other expenses that a Fund bears in connection with its own operations. The
Adviser has agreed to remit to the respective investing Fund fees payable to it
under its respective Investment Advisery Agreement with an affiliated money
market Fund to the extent such fees are based upon the investing Fund's assets
invested in shares of the affiliated money market fund.

RESTRICTED AND OTHER ILLIQUID SECURITIES

         Each Fund may purchase securities that are not registered under the
Securities Act of 1933, or have some other legal or contractual restrictions on
resale in the principal market where the security is traded ("restricted
securities"), but can be offered and sold to "qualified institutional buyers"
under Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933. However, as stated in the
Prospectuses, a Fund will not invest more than 15% of the value of its net
assets in illiquid securities, including restricted securities, unless the
Company's Board of Directors determines, based upon a continuing review of the
trading markets for the specific Rule 144A security, that such restricted
security is liquid. The Directors may adopt guidelines and delegate to the
Adviser's the daily function of determining and monitoring liquidity of
securities. The Directors may also delegate to its Valuation Committee valuation
decisions. The Directors, however, will retain sufficient oversight and be
ultimately responsible for the determinations. Because it is not possible to
predict with assurance exactly how this market for restricted securities sold
and offered under Rule 144A will develop, the Directors will carefully monitor
each Fund's investments in these securities, focusing on such important factors,
among others, as valuation, liquidity and availability of information. This
investment practice could have the effect of increasing the level of illiquidity
in a Fund to the extent that qualified institutional buyers become for a time
uninterested in purchasing these restricted securities.

COMBINED TRANSACTIONS

         Each Fund may enter into multiple transactions, including multiple
options transactions, multiple futures transactions, multiple forward foreign
currency exchange contracts and any combination of futures, options and forward
foreign currency exchange contracts ("component" transactions), instead of a
single transaction, as part of a single hedging strategy when, in the opinion of
the Adviser, it is in the best interest of a Fund to do so and where underlying
hedging strategies are permitted by a Fund's investment policies. A combined
transaction, while part


                                       16
<PAGE>

of a single hedging strategy, may contain elements of risk that are present in
each of its component transactions. (See above for the risk characteristics of
certain transactions.)

USE OF SEGREGATED AND OTHER SPECIAL ACCOUNTS

         Options, futures and forward foreign currency contracts that obligate a
Fund to provide cash, securities or currencies to complete such transactions
will entail that Fund to either segregate assets in an account with, or on the
books of, the Company's custodian, or otherwise "covering" the transaction as
described below. For example, a call option written by a Fund will require the
Fund to hold the securities subject to the call (or securities convertible into
the needed securities without additional consideration) or liquid assets
sufficient to meet the obligation by purchasing and delivering the securities if
the call is exercised. A call option written on an index will require that Fund
to have portfolio securities that correlate with the index. A put option written
by a Fund also will require that Fund to have available assets sufficient to
purchase the securities the Fund would be obligated to buy if the put is
exercised.

         A forward foreign currency contract that obligates a Fund to provide
currencies will require the Fund to hold currencies or liquid securities
denominated in a foreign currency which will equal the Fund's obligations.
Such a contract requiring the purchase of currencies also requires segregation.

         Unless a segregated account consists of the securities, cash or
currencies that are the subject of the obligation, a Fund will hold cash, U.S.
Government securities and other high grade liquid debt obligations in a
segregated account. These assets cannot be transferred while the obligation is
outstanding unless replaced with other suitable assets. In the case of an
index-based transaction, a Fund could own securities substantially replicating
the movement of the particular index.

         In the case of a futures contract, a Fund must deposit initial margin
and variation margin, as often as daily, if the position moves adversely,
sufficient to meet its obligation to purchase or provide securities or
currencies, or to pay the amount owed at the expiration of an index-based
futures contract. Similarly, options on futures contracts require a Fund to
deposit margin to the extent necessary to meet the Fund's commitments.

         In lieu of such assets, such transactions may be covered by other means
consistent with applicable regulatory policies. A Fund may enter into
off-setting transactions so that its combined position, coupled with any
segregated assets, equals its net outstanding obligation in related options and
hedging transactions. For example, a Fund could purchase a put option if the
strike price of that option is the same or higher than the strike price of a put
option sold by that Fund. Moreover, instead of segregating assets if a Fund held
a futures or forward contract, it could purchase a put option on the same
futures or forward contract with a strike price as high or higher than the price
of the contract held. Of course, the off-setting transaction must terminate at
the time of or after the primary transaction.

U.S. GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS

         Each Fund may invest in U.S. Government obligations. Examples of the
types of U.S. Government obligations that may be held by the Funds include, in
addition to U.S. Treasury bonds, notes and bills, the obligations of the Federal
Home Loan Banks, Federal Farm Credit Banks, Federal Land Banks, Federal Housing
Administration, Farmers Home Administration, Export-Import Bank of the United
States, Small Business Administration, Government National Mortgage Association,
Federal National Mortgage Association, General Services Administration, Student
Loan Marketing Association, Central Bank for Cooperatives, Federal Home Loan
Mortgage Corporation, Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, Tennessee Valley
Authority, Resolution Funding Corporation and Maritime Administration.
Obligations guaranteed as to principal or interest by the U.S. Government, its
agencies, authorities or instrumentalities are deemed to include: (a) securities
for which the payment of principal and interest is backed by an irrevocable
letter of credit issued by the U.S. Government, its agencies, authorities or
instrumentalities and (b) participations in loans made to foreign governments or
their agencies that are so guaranteed. The secondary market for certain of these
participations is limited. If such participations are illiquid they will not be
purchased.

                                       17
<PAGE>

         U.S. Government obligations include principal and interest components
of securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury if the components are
traded independently under the Separate Trading of Registered Interest and
Principal of Securities program. Obligations issued or guaranteed as to
principal or interest by the U.S. Government, its agencies, authorities or
instrumentalities may also be acquired in the form of custodial receipts. These
receipts evidence ownership of future interest payments, principal payments or
both on certain notes or bonds issued by the U.S. Government, its agencies,
authorities or instrumentalities.

CUSTODIAL RECEIPTS

         The Government Bond Fund may also acquire custodial receipts that
evidence ownership of future interest payments, principal payments or both on
certain U.S. Government notes or bonds. Such notes and bonds are held in custody
by a bank on behalf of the owners. These custodial receipts are known by various
names, including "Treasury Receipts," "Treasury Investors Growth Receipts" and
"Certificates of Accrual on Treasury Securities." Although custodial receipts
are not considered U.S. Government securities, they are indirectly issued or
guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. Government, its agencies,
authorities or instrumentalities.
Custodial receipts will be treated as illiquid securities.

CORPORATE DEBT SECURITIES

         Each Fund may invest in corporate debt securities of domestic issuers
of all types and maturities, such as bonds, debentures, notes and commercial
paper. Corporate debt securities may involve equity features, such as conversion
or exchange rights or warrants for the acquisition of stock of the same or a
different issuer, participation based on revenue, sales or profit, or the
purchase of common stock or warrants in a unit transaction (where corporate debt
obligations and common stock are offered as a unit). Each Fund may also invest
in corporate debt securities of foreign issuers.

         The corporate debt securities in which the Funds will invest will be
rated investment grade by at least one Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating
Organization ("NRSRO") (e.g., BBB or above by Standard & Poor's Corporation
("S&P") or Baa or above by Moody's Investors Services, Inc. ("Moody's")).
Commercial paper purchased by the Funds will be rated in the top two categories
by a NRSRO. Corporate debt securities that are not rated may be purchased by
such Funds if they are determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality
under the direction of the Board of Directors of the Company. If the rating of
any corporate debt security held by a Fund falls below such ratings or if the
Adviser determines that an unrated corporate debt security is no longer of
comparable quality, then such security shall be disposed of in an orderly manner
as quickly as possible. A description of these ratings is attached as an
Appendix to this Statement of Additional Information.

U.S. AND FOREIGN BANK OBLIGATIONS

         These obligations include negotiable certificates of deposit, banker's
acceptances and fixed time deposits. Each Fund limits its investments in
domestic bank obligations to banks having total assets in excess of $1 billion
and subject to regulation by the U.S. Government. Each Fund may also invest in
certificates of deposit issued by members of the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation ("FDIC") having total assets of less than $1 billion, provided that
the Fund will at no time own more than $100,000 principal amount of certificates
of deposit (or any higher principal amount which in the future may be fully
covered by FDIC insurance) of any one of those issuers. Fixed time deposits are
obligations which are payable at a stated maturity date and bear a fixed rate of
interest. Generally, fixed time deposits may be withdrawn on demand by a Fund,
but they may be subject to early withdrawal penalties which vary depending upon
market conditions and the remaining maturity of the obligation. Although fixed
time deposits do not have a market, there are no contractual restrictions on a
Fund's right to transfer a beneficial interest in the deposit to a third party.

         Each Fund limits its investments in foreign bank obligations (i.e.,
obligations of foreign branches and subsidiaries of domestic banks, and domestic
and foreign branches and agencies of foreign banks) to obligations of banks
which at the time of investment are branches or subsidiaries of domestic banks
which meet the criteria in the preceding paragraphs or are branches or agencies
of foreign banks which (i) have more than $10 billion, or the


                                       18
<PAGE>

equivalent in other currencies, in total assets; (ii) in terms of assets are
among the 75 largest foreign banks in the world; (iii) have branches or agencies
in the United States; and (iv) in the opinion of the Adviser, pursuant to the
established by the Board of Directors of the Company, are of an investment
quality comparable to obligations of domestic banks which may be purchased by a
Fund. These obligations may be general obligations of the parent bank in
addition to the issuing branch or subsidiary, but the parent bank's obligations
may be limited by the terms of the specific obligation or by governmental
regulation. Each Fund also limits its investments in foreign bank obligations to
banks, branches and subsidiaries located in Western Europe (United Kingdom,
France, Germany, Belgium, The Netherlands, Italy and Switzerland), Scandinavia
(Denmark and Sweden), Australia, Japan, the Cayman Islands, the Bahamas and
Canada. Each Fund will limit its investment in securities of foreign banks to
not more than 20% of total assets at the time of investment.

         Each Fund may also make interest-bearing savings deposits in commercial
and savings banks in amounts not in excess of 5% of the total assets of the
Fund.

REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT COMPANIES

      The International Growth Fund may invest in real estate investment trusts.
A real estate investment trust ("REIT") is a managed portfolio of real estate
investments which may include office buildings, apartment complexes, hotels and
shopping malls. Securities issued by REITs bears certain unique risks. These
include the same market risks as those affecting the real estate industry, such
as fluctuations in interest rates and changes in tax laws. REIT's underlying
assets are illiquid and often not diversified, and are highly dependent upon
management skill. An Equity REIT holds equity positions in real estate, and it
seeks to provide its shareholders with income from the leasing of its
properties, and with capital gains from any sales of properties. A Mortgage REIT
specializes in lending money to developers of properties, and passes any
interest income it may earn to its shareholders.

      REITs may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying property
owned or financed by the REIT, while Mortgage REITs also may be affected by the
quality of credit extended. Both Equity and Mortgage REITs are dependent upon
management skill and may not be diversified. REITs also may be subject to heavy
cash flow dependency, defaults by borrowers, self-liquidation and the
possibility of failing to qualify for tax-free pass-through of income under the
Internal Revenue Code or 1986, as amended.

ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS

         As used in this Statement of Additional Information, with respect to
matters required by the provisions of the 1940 Act to be submitted to
shareholders, the term "majority of the outstanding shares" of either the
Company or the Fund means the vote of the lesser of: (i) 67% or more of the
shares of the Company or Fund present at a meeting, if the holders of more than
50% of the outstanding shares of the Company or Fund are present or represented
by proxy, or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Company or
Fund.

      The most significant investment restrictions applicable to the Funds'
investment programs are set forth in the Prospectuses under the heading "How
Objectives Are Pursued - Investment Limitations." Additionally, as a matter of
fundamental policy which may not be changed without a vote of the majority of
the outstanding shares, each Fund will not:

1.   Borrow money or issue senior securities as defined in the 1940 Act except
     that (a) a Fund may borrow money from banks for temporary purposes in
     amounts up to one-third of the value of such Fund's total assets at the
     time of borrowing, provided that borrowings in excess of 5% of the value of
     such Fund's total assets will be repaid prior to the purchase of additional
     portfolio securities by such Fund, (b) a Fund may enter into commitments to
     purchase securities in accordance with the Fund's investment program,
     including delayed delivery and when-issued securities, which commitments
     may be considered the issuance of senior securities, (c) a Fund may enter
     into reverse repurchase agreements or dollar roll transactions, and (d) a
     Fund may issue multiple classes of shares in accordance with SEC
     regulations or exemptions under the 1940 Act. The purchase or sale of
     futures contracts and related options shall not be considered to involve
     the borrowing of money or issuance of senior securities. Each Fund will
     maintain asset coverage of 300% or maintain a


                                       19
<PAGE>

     segregated account with its custodian bank in which it will maintain cash,
     U.S. Government Securities or other liquid high grade debt obligations
     equal in value to its borrowing.

2.   Purchase any securities on margin (except for such short-term credits as
     are necessary for the clearance of purchases and sales of portfolio
     securities) or sell any securities short (except against the box.) For
     purposes of this restriction, the deposit or payment by the Fund of initial
     or maintenance margin connection with futures contracts and related options
     and options on securities is not considered to be the purchase of a
     security on margin.

3.   Underwrite securities issued by any other person, except to the extent that
     the purchase of securities and the later disposition of such securities in
     accordance with the Fund's investment program may be deemed an
     underwriting. This restriction shall not limit a Fund's ability to invest
     in securities issued by other registered investment companies.

4.   Invest in real estate or real estate limited partnership interests. (The
     Fund may, however, purchase and sell securities secured by real estate or
     interests therein or issued by issuers which invest in real estate or
     interests therein.) This restriction does not apply to real estate limited
     partnerships listed on a national stock exchange (e.g., the New York Stock
     Exchange).

5.   Purchase or sell commodity contracts except that each Fund may, to the
     extent appropriate under its investment policies, purchase publicly traded
     securities of companies engaging in whole or in part in such activities,
     may enter into futures contracts and related options, may engage in
     transactions on a when-issued or forward commitment basis, and may enter
     into forward currency contracts in accordance with its investment policies.

      In addition, certain non-fundamental investment restrictions are also
applicable to various investment portfolios, including the following:

1.   The Company will not purchase or retain the securities of any issuer if the
     officers, or directors of the Company, its advisers, or managers owning
     beneficially more than one half of one percent of the securities of each
     issuer together own beneficially more than five percent of such securities.

2.   No Fund of the Company will purchase securities of unseasoned issuers,
     including their predecessors, that have been in operation for less than
     three years, if by reason thereof the value of such Fund's investment in
     such classes of securities would exceed 5% of such Fund's total assets. For
     purposes of this limitation, issuers include predecessors, sponsors,
     controlling persons, general partners, guarantors and originators of
     underlying assets which have less than three years of continuous operation
     or relevant business experience.

3.   No Fund will purchase puts, calls, straddles, spreads and any combination
     thereof if by reason thereof the value of its aggregate investment in such
     classes of securities will exceed 5% of its total assets except that: (a)
     this restriction shall not apply to standby commitments, (b) this
     restriction shall not apply to a Fund's transactions in futures contracts
     and related options, and (c) a Fund may obtain short-term credit as may be
     necessary for the clearance of purchases and sales of portfolio securities.

4.   No Fund will invest in warrants, valued at the lower of cost or market, in
     excess of 5% of the value of such Fund's assets, and no more than 2% of the
     value of the Fund's net assets may be invested in warrants that are not
     listed on the New York or American Stock Exchange (for purposes of this
     undertaking, warrants acquired by a Fund in units or attached to securities
     will be deemed to have no value).

5.   No Fund of the Company will purchase securities of companies for the
     purpose of exercising control.

6.   No Fund of the Company will invest more than 15% of the value of its net
     assets in illiquid securities, including repurchase agreements, time
     deposits and GICs with maturities in excess of seven days, illiquid
     restricted securities, and other securities which are not readily
     marketable. For purposes of this restriction,


                                       20
<PAGE>

     illiquid securities shall not include securities which may be resold under
     Rule 144A and Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933 that the Board of
     Directors, or its delegate, determines to be liquid, based upon the trading
     markets for the specific security.

7.   No Fund of the Company will mortgage, pledge or hypothecate any assets
     except to secure permitted borrowings and then only in an amount up to
     one-third of the value of the Fund's total assets at the time of borrowing.
     For purposes of this limitation, collateral arrangements with respect to
     the writing of options, futures contracts, options on futures contracts,
     and collateral arrangements with respect to initial and variation margin
     are not considered to be a mortgage, pledge or hypothecation of assets.

8.   No Fund of the Company will invest in securities of other investment
     companies, except as they may be acquired as part of a merger,
     consolidation or acquisition of assets and except to the extent otherwise
     permitted by the 1940 Act.

9.   No Fund of the Company will purchase oil, gas or mineral leases or other
     interests (a Fund may, however, purchase and sell the securities of
     companies engaged in the exploration, development, production, refining,
     transporting and marketing of oil, gas or minerals).

         In addition, as a matter of fundamental policy, the Small Company
Growth Fund and the Government Bond Fund may not:

1.   Purchase securities of any one issuer (other than securities issued or
     guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalists or
     certificates of deposit for any such securities) if, immediately after such
     purchase, more than 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets would be
     invested in the securities of such issuer, or more than 10% of the issuer's
     outstanding voting securities would be owned by the Fund or the Company;
     except that up to 25% of the value of a Fund's total assets may be invested
     without regard to the foregoing limitations. For purposes of this
     limitation, (a) a security is considered to be issued by the entity (or
     entities) whose assets and revenues back the security and (b) a guarantee
     of a security shall not be deemed to be a security issued by the guarantor
     when the value of securities issued and guaranteed by the guarantor, and
     owned by the Fund, does not exceed 10% of the value of the Fund's total
     assets.

2.   Purchase any securities which would cause 25% or more of the value of the
     Fund's total assets at the time of purchase to be invested in the
     securities of one or more issuers conducting their principal business
     activities in the same industry, provided that: (a) there is no limitation
     with respect to (i) instruments issued or guaranteed by the United States,
     any state, territory or possession of the United States, the District of
     Columbia or any of their authorities, agencies, instrumentalities or
     political subdivisions and (ii) repurchase agreements secured by the
     instruments described in clause (i); (b) wholly-owned finance companies
     will be considered to be in the industries of their parents if their
     activities are primarily related to financing the activities of the
     parents; and (c) utilities will be divided according to their services, for
     example, gas, gas transmission, electric and gas, electric and telephone
     will each be considered a separate industry or (iii) with respect to the
     Small Company Growth Fund, instruments issued by domestic branches of U.S.
     Banks.

         In addition, as a fundamental policy, the International Growth Fund may
not:

1.   Purchase securities of any issuer if immediately after such purchase the
     value of the Fund's investments in issuers conducting their principal
     business activity in any one industry would exceed 25% of the value of the
     Fund's total assets, provided that: (a) the gas, electric, water and
     telephone businesses will be considered separate industries; (b) the
     personal credit and business credit businesses will be considered separate
     industries; (c) wholly-owned finance companies will be considered to be in
     the industry of their parents if their activities are primarily related to
     financing the activity of their parents; (d) foreign governments will be
     considered separate industries; and (e) there is no limitation with respect
     to or arising out of investments in obligations issued or guaranteed by the
     U.S. Government, its agencies and instrumentalities or tax-exempt
     obligations of state and municipal governments and their agencies and
     authorities.

                                       21
<PAGE>

2.   Make loans, except to the extent that the lending of portfolio securities
     and purchases of debt obligations in accordance with the Fund's investment
     objective(s) and policies and the entry into repurchase agreements with
     banks, brokers, dealers and other financial institutions may be deemed to
     be loans.

3.   Purchase or sell real estate (except securities secured by real estate or
     interests therein, securities issued by real estate investment trusts and
     securities of companies that deal in real estate or mortgages), commodities
     or commodity contracts relating to physical commodities or oil and gas
     interests (although the Fund may invest in companies that own or invest in
     such interests) except that the Fund may invest up to 10% of its net assets
     in gold bullion, or invest in companies for the purpose of exercising
     control or management. The Funds reserve freedom of action to hold and to
     sell real estate acquired as a result of the Funds' ownership of
     securities.

4.   Act as an underwriter of securities (except as the Funds may be deemed to
     be an underwriter under the Securities Act of 1933) in connection with the
     purchase and sale of instruments or make short sales of securities unless
     the Fund contemporaneously owns or has the right to obtain at no added cost
     securities identical to those sold short.

5.   Purchase the securities of any issuer other than the U.S. Government, its
     agencies or instrumentalities, if immediately after such purchase, more
     than 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets would be invested in any
     one issuer except that: (a) up to 25% of the value of its total assets may
     be invested without regard to such 5% limitation and (b) such 5% limitation
     shall not apply to repurchase agreements collateralized by obligations of
     the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities. For purposes of
     this restriction, a guaranty of an instrument will be considered a separate
     security (subject to certain exclusions allowed under the 1940 Act).

6.   Issue senior securities, except: (a) as appropriate to evidence
     indebtedness that it is permitted to incur and (b) for Shares of the
     separate classes or series of the Funds, provided that collateral
     arrangements with respect to currency-related contracts, futures contracts,
     options or other permitted investments, including deposits of initial and
     variation margin, are not considered to be the issuance of senior
     securities for the purpose of this restriction.

         As a matter of non-fundamental policy, the Small Company Growth Fund
and Government Bond Fund may not:

1.   Lend its securities if collateral values are not continuously maintained at
     no less than 100% by market to market daily.

         In addition, as a matter of non-fundamental policy, the Government Bond
Fund may not:

24.  Purchase equity securities of issuers that are not readily marketable if
     the value of a Fund's aggregate investment in such securities will exceed
     5% of its total assets.

         As a non-fundamental policy, U.S. Government Bond Fund may not:

1.   Purchase securities of issuers restricted as to disposition if the value of
     its aggregate investment in such classes of securities will exceed 10% of
     its total assets.

         For purposes of the foregoing limitations, any limitation that involves
a maximum percentage shall not be considered violated unless an excess over the
percentage occurs immediately after, and is caused by, an acquisition or
encumbrance of securities or assets of, or borrowings on behalf of, a Fund.

         As a matter of non-fundamental policy, which may be changed by the
Directors without Shareholder approval, the International Growth Fund may not:

                                       22
<PAGE>

1.   Purchase securities of any one issuer if as a result more than 10% of the
     voting securities of such issuer would be held by the Fund;

2.   Purchase securities issued by any other open-end investment company, except
     in the open market where no commission or, profit to a sponsor or dealer
     results from the purchase other than customary brokerage commissions,
     except when such purchase is part of a merger or consolidation, or except
     shares of no-load "money market" investment companies advised by one of the
     Funds' investment advisers or an affiliate thereof;

3.   Write put and call options, unless each option is "covered," the underlying
     securities are ones that the Fund is permitted to purchase, each option is
     traded in a liquid market and the aggregate value of the securities
     underlying the calls or obligations underlying the puts determined as of
     the date an option is sold shall not exceed 25% of the Fund's net assets;

4.   Purchase futures contracts or options on futures contracts for non-hedging
     purposes if immediately after the purchase the value of the aggregate
     initial margin with respect to all futures contracts (both for receipt and
     delivery) entered into on behalf of the Fund (including foreign currency
     futures contracts) and premiums paid for options on futures contracts,
     exceed 5% of the fair market value of its total assets;

5.   Borrow for investment leverage purposes, except in connection with
     permitted reverse repurchase agreements, but solely for extraordinary or
     emergency purposes and to facilitate management of the Fund's portfolio by
     enabling the Funds to meet redemption requests when the liquidation of
     portfolio instruments is deemed to be disadvantageous or not possible.

                                 NET ASSET VALUE

PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS

      See "How To Buy Shares" and "How To Redeem Shares" in the Prospectuses for
a complete description of the manner in which shares of the various classes of
the Funds may be purchased and redeemed.

      The Funds also are available for a variety of retirement plans, including
IRAs, that allow investors to shelter some of their income from taxes. Investors
should contact their Selling Agents for details concerning retirement plans.

      The right of redemption may be suspended or the date of payment postponed
when (a) trading on the New York Stock Exchange is restricted, as determined by
applicable rules and regulations of the SEC, (b) the New York Stock Exchange is
closed for other than customary weekend and holiday closings, (c) the SEC has by
order permitted such suspension or (d) an emergency as determined by the SEC
exists making disposal of portfolio securities or the valuation of the net
assets of a Fund of the Company not reasonably practicable.

INVESTMENT STRATEGY

         Investing the same dollar amount at regular intervals is an investment
strategy known as Dollar Cost Averaging. Using this strategy, investors purchase
a greater number of shares when the fund's price is low and fewer shares when
the price is high. As a result, the average purchase price for shares will be
less than their average cost. Dollar Cost Averaging does not provide assurance
of making a profit or any guarantee against loss in continually declining
markets. Investors should evaluate whether they are able to make regular
investments through periods of declining price levels before deciding to use
this investment technique.

NET ASSET VALUE DETERMINATION

      Shares of the common stock of each class of shares of each Fund that are
offered by the Prospectuses are sold at their respective net asset value next
determined after the receipt of the purchase order, plus any applicable sales

                                       23
<PAGE>

charge. Shareholders may at any time redeem all or a portion of their shares at
net asset value next determined following receipt of a redemption order, less
any contingent deferred sales charge applicable to Investor Shares.

      The net asset value per share of each of the Funds is determined at the
times and in the manner described in the Prospectuses.

      With respect to the Small Company Growth and International Growth Funds, a
security listed or traded on an exchange is valued at its last sales price on
the exchange where the security is principally traded or, lacking any sales on a
particular day, the security is valued at the mean between the closing bid and
asked prices on that day. Each security traded in the over-the-counter market
(but not including securities reported on the NASDAQ National Market System) is
valued at the mean between the last bid and asked prices based upon quotes
furnished by market makers for such securities. Each security reported on the
NASDAQ National Market System is valued at the last sales price on the valuation
date. With respect to the Government Bond Fund, securities may be valued on the
basis of prices provided by an independent pricing service. Prices provided by
the pricing service may be determined without exclusive reliance on quoted
prices, and may reflect appropriate factors such as yield, type of issue, coupon
rate maturity and seasoning differential. Securities for which prices are not
provided by the pricing service are valued at the mean between the last bid and
asked prices based upon quotes furnished by market makers for such securities.

      With respect to the Small Company Growth, Government Bond and
International Growth Funds, securities for which market quotations are not
readily available are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by or
under the supervision of the Company's officers in a manner specifically
authorized by the Board of Directors of the Company. Short-term obligations
having 60 days or less to maturity are valued at amortized cost, which
approximates market value.

      Generally, trading in foreign securities, as well as U.S. Government
securities, money market instruments and repurchase agreements, is substantially
completed each day at various times prior to the close of the New York Stock
Exchange. The values of such securities used in computing the net asset value of
the shares of the Fund are determined as of such times. Foreign currency
exchange rates are also generally determined prior to the close of the New York
Stock Exchange. Occasionally, events affecting the value of such securities and
such exchange rates may occur between the times at which they are determined and
the close of the New York Stock Exchange, which will not be reflected in the
computation of net asset value. If during such periods events occur which
materially affect the value of such securities, the securities will be valued at
their fair market value as determined in good faith by the Directors.

      For purposes of determining the net asset value per Share of the
International Growth Fund, all assets and liabilities of the International
Growth Fund initially expressed in foreign currencies will be converted into
U.S. dollars at the mean between the bid and offer prices of such currencies
against U.S. dollars quoted by a major bank that is a regular participant in the
foreign exchange market or on the basis of a pricing service that takes into
account the quotes provided by a number of such major banks.

EXCHANGES

      By use of the exchange privilege, the holder of Investor Shares and/or
Primary Shares authorizes the transfer agent or the shareholder's financial
institution to rely on telephonic instructions from any person representing
himself to be the investor and reasonably believed to be genuine. The transfer
agent's or a financial institution's records of such instructions are binding.
Exchanges are taxable transactions for Federal income tax purposes; therefore, a
shareholder will realize a capital gain or loss depending on whether the
Investor Shares and/or Primary Shares being exchanged have a value which is more
or less than their adjusted cost basis.

      The Company may limit the number of times the exchange privilege may be
exercised by a shareholder within a specified period of time. Also, the exchange
privilege may be terminated or revised at any time by Nations Fund, Inc. upon
such notice as may be required by applicable regulatory agencies (presently
sixty days for


                                       24
<PAGE>

termination or material revision), provided that the exchange privilege may be
terminated or materially revised without notice under certain unusual
circumstances.

      The Prospectuses for the Investor Shares and Primary Shares of each Fund
describe the exchange privileges available to holders of such Investor Shares
and Primary Shares, respectively.

                              DESCRIPTION OF SHARES

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

      SMALL COMPANY GROWTH FUND AND INTERNATIONAL GROWTH FUND. Dividends and
distributions from net investment income, if any, are declared and paid
quarterly, and capital gains distributions are declared and paid annually. The
Investor A, Investor C and Investor N Shares of the Funds shall accrue an
additional expense not borne by the Primary A Shares or Primary B Shares as a
result of the applicable Rule 12b-1 Plan and/or Shareholder Servicing Plan or
Shareholder Administration Plan and/or Shareholder Administration Agreements.
Consequently, a separate calculation shall be made to arrive at the net asset
value per share and dividends of each class of shares of the Funds.

      GOVERNMENT BOND FUND. Dividends and distributions from net investment
income are declared daily and paid monthly, and capital gains distributions are
declared and paid annually. The Investor A, Investor C Shares and Investor N
Shares of the Fund shall accrue an additional expense not borne by the Primary A
Shares or Primary B Shares as a result of the 12b-1 Plans and the Shareholder
Servicing Plan or Shareholder Administration Plan and/or Shareholder
Administration Agreements. Consequently, a separate calculation shall be made to
arrive at the net asset value per share and dividends of each class of shares of
the Fund.

                     ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING TAXES

      The following is only a summary of certain additional tax considerations
generally affecting the Funds and their shareholders that are not described in
the Prospectuses. No attempt is made to present a detailed explanation of the
tax treatment of each Fund or its shareholders, and the discussion here and in
the Prospectuses is not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning.

      The Company has received a private letter ruling from the Internal Revenue
Service to the effect that: (i) the differing fees imposed on Primary A, Primary
B, Investor A, Investor C and Investor N Shares with respect to servicing,
distribution and administrative support services, transfer agency arrangements
and the differing sales charges on purchases and redemptions of such shares does
not result in the Company's dividends or distributions constituting
"preferential dividends" under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the "Code").

QUALIFICATION AS A REGULATED INVESTMENT COMPANY

      Each Fund expects to qualify as a regulated investment company under
Subchapter M of the Code. As a regulated investment company, each Fund is not
subject to federal income tax on the portion of its net investment income (i.e.,
taxable interest, dividends and other taxable ordinary income, net of expenses)
and capital gain net income (i.e., the excess of capital gains over capital
losses) that it distributes to shareholders, provided that it distributes at
least 90% of its investment company taxable income (i.e., net investment income
and the excess of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss)
and at least 90% of its tax-exempt income (net of expenses allocable thereto)
for the taxable year (the "Distribution Requirement") and satisfies certain
other requirements of the Code some of which are described below. Distributions
by a Fund made during the taxable year or, under specified circumstances, within
twelve months after the close of the taxable year, will be considered
distributions of income and gains of the taxable year and can therefore satisfy
the Distribution Requirement.

      In addition to satisfying the Distribution Requirement, a regulated
investment company must (i) derive at least 90% of its gross income from
dividends, interest, certain payments with respect to securities loans, gains
from the sale or other disposition of stock or securities or foreign currencies
(to the extent such currency gains are


                                       25
<PAGE>

directly related to the regulated investment company's principal business of
investing in stock or securities) and other income (including but not limited to
gains from options, futures or forward contracts) derived with respect to its
business of investing in such stock, securities or currencies (the "Income
Requirement"); and (ii) derive less than 30% of its gross income (exclusive of
certain gains on designated hedging transactions that are offset by realized or
unrealized losses on off-setting positions) from the sale or other disposition
of stock, securities or foreign currencies (or options, futures or forward
contracts thereon) held for less than three months ("Short-Short Gains").
However, foreign currency gains, including those derived from options, futures
and forwards, will not be characterized as Short-Short Gain if they are directly
related to the regulated investment company's principal business of investing in
stock or securities (or options or futures thereon). Because of the limitations
on Short-Short Gains, a Fund may have to limit the sale of appreciated
securities that it has held for less than three months. However, the Short-Short
Gains limitations will not prevent a Fund from disposing of specific investments
at a loss, since the recognition of a loss before the expiration of the
three-month holding period is disregarded for purposes of Short-Short Gains.
Interest (including original issue discount) received by a Fund at maturity or
upon the disposition of a security held for less than three months will not be
treated as gross income derived from the sale or other disposition of such
security for purposes of Short-Short Gains. However, income that is attributable
to realized market appreciation will be treated as gross income from the sale or
other disposition of securities for this purpose.

      In general, gain or loss recognized by a Fund on the disposition of an
asset will be a capital gain or loss. However, gain recognized on the
disposition of a debt obligation (including tax-exempt obligations purchased
after April 30, 1993) purchased by a Fund at a market discount (generally, at a
price less than its principal amount) will be treated as ordinary income to the
extent of the portion of the market discount which accrued during the period of
time the Fund held the debt obligation. In addition, under the rules of Section
988 of the Code, gain or loss recognized on the disposition of a debt obligation
denominated in a foreign currency or an option with respect thereto (but only to
the extent attributable to changes in foreign currency exchange rates), and gain
or loss recognized on the disposition of a foreign currency forward contract,
futures contract, option or similar financial instrument, or of foreign currency
itself, will generally be treated as ordinary income or loss.

      In general, for purposes of determining whether capital gain or loss
recognized by a Fund on the disposition of an asset is long-term or short-term,
the holding period of the asset may be affected if (i) the asset is used to
close a "short sale" (which includes for certain purposes the acquisition of a
put option) or is substantially identical to another asset so used, (ii) the
asset is otherwise held by the Fund as part of a "straddle" (which term
generally excludes a situation where the asset is stock and the Fund grants a
qualified covered call option [which, among other things, must not be
deep-in-the-money] with respect thereto) or (iii) the asset is stock and the
Fund grants an in-the-money qualified covered call option with respect thereto.
However, for purposes of Short-Short Gains, the holding period of the asset
disposed of may be reduced only in the case of clause (i) above. In addition, a
Fund may be required to defer the recognition of loss on the disposition of an
asset held as part of a straddle may be deemed to the extent of any unrecognized
gain on the off-setting position.

      Any gain recognized by a Fund on the lapse of, or any gain or loss
recognized by a Fund from a closing transaction with respect to, an option
written by the Fund, will be treated as a short-term capital gain or loss. For
purposes of the Short-Short Gains, the holding period of an option written by a
Fund will commence on the date it is written and end on the date it lapses or
the date a closing transaction is entered into. Accordingly, a Fund may be
limited in its ability to write options which expire within three months and to
enter into closing transactions at a gain within three months of the writing of
options.

      Transactions that may be engaged in by certain of the Funds (such as
futures contracts and options on stock indices and futures contracts) will be
subject to special tax treatment as "Section 1256 contracts." Section 1256
contracts are treated as if they are sold for their fair market value on the
last business day of the taxable year, regardless of whether a taxpayer's
obligations (or rights) under such contracts have terminated (by delivery,
exercise, entering into a closing transaction or otherwise) as of such date. Any
gain or loss arising from the actual or deemed disposition of a Section 1256
contract is treated as 60% long-term capital gain or loss and 40% short-term
capital gain or loss. The Internal Revenue Service has held in several private
rulings that gains arising from Section 1256 contracts will not be treated as
Short-Short Gains if the gains arise from a deemed disposition. A


                                       26
<PAGE>

Fund may elect not to have this special tax treatment apply to Section 1256
contracts that are part of "mixed straddles" with other investments of the Fund
that are not Section 1256 contracts.

      A regulated investment company, in determining its net capital gain (i.e.,
the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss) for
any taxable year, must generally treat all or part of any net capital loss, or
net long-term capital loss incurred after October 31 as if they had been
incurred in the succeeding year. Treasury regulations similarly provide that a
regulated investment company can elect to defer until the next taxable year
recognition of its net capital loss and net currency loss, to the extent such
losses arise after October 31 of the current taxable year, in determining its
investment company taxable income.

      In addition to satisfying the requirements described above, each Fund must
satisfy an asset diversification test in order to qualify as a regulated
investment company. Under this test, at the close of each quarter of each Fund's
taxable year, at least 50% of the value of the Fund's assets must consist of
cash and cash items, U.S. Government securities, securities of other regulated
investment companies, and securities of other issuers (as to which the Fund has
not invested more than 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets in securities
of such issuer and as to which the Fund does not hold more than 10% of the
outstanding voting securities of such issuer), and no more than 25% of the value
of its total assets may be invested in the securities of any one issuer (other
than U.S. Government securities and securities of other regulated investment
companies), or in two or more issuers which the Fund controls and which are
engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses or related trades or
businesses.

      If for any taxable year a Fund does not qualify as a regulated investment
company, all of its taxable income (including its net capital gain) will be
subject to tax at regular corporate rates without any deduction for
distributions to shareholders, and such distributions will be taxable as
ordinary dividends to the extent of such Fund's current and accumulated earnings
and profits.

EXCISE TAX ON REGULATED INVESTMENT COMPANIES

      A non-deductible 4% excise tax will be imposed on each Fund (other than to
the extent of the Fund's tax-exempt income) to the extent it does not meet
certain minimum distribution requirements by the end of each calendar year. Each
Fund will either actually or be deemed to distribute substantially all of its
net investment income and net capital gains by the end of the calendar year and,
thus, expects not to be subject to the excise tax.

DISTRIBUTIONS AND OTHER MATTERS

      For purposes of the corporate alternative minimum tax (the "AMT") and the
"environmental tax," the corporate dividends received deduction is not itself an
item of tax preference that must be added back to taxable income or is otherwise
disallowed in determining a corporation's alternative minimum taxable income
("AMTI"). However, corporate shareholders will generally be required to take the
full amount of any dividend received from the Small Company Growth Fund into
account (without a dividends-received deduction) in determining its adjusted
current earnings.

      The International Growth Fund may purchase the securities of certain
foreign investment funds or trusts called passive foreign investment companies
("PFICs"). If this Fund invests in a PFIC, it may be subject to U.S. federal
income tax and certain interest charges on a portion of any "excess
distribution" investment and any gain arising from the disposition thereof,
irrespective of whether the Fund distributes all of its investment company
taxable income and net capital gain to its shareholders. Gains on the sale of
PFIC holdings will be deemed to be ordinary income regardless of how long such
PFICs are held. However, the International Growth Fund may elect to treat any
PFIC in which it invests as a "qualified electing fund." If the Fund makes this
election, it would, in lieu of the foregoing, include in its income its share of
the PFIC's ordinary income and net capital gain, even if such included amounts
are not distributed to the Fund. Accordingly, such amounts would be subject to
the 90% and excise tax distribution requirements described above. The
International Growth intends to make a qualified electing fund election for
every PFIC in which it invests.

                                       27
<PAGE>

      Distributions by a Fund that do not constitute ordinary income dividends,
exempt-interest dividends or capital gain dividends will be treated as a return
of capital to the extent of (and in reduction of) the shareholder's tax basis in
his/her shares; any excess will be treated as gain from the sale of his/her
shares, as discussed below.

      Prior to purchasing shares in one of the Funds, the impact of dividends or
distributions which are expected to be or have been declared, but not paid,
should be carefully considered. Any dividend or distribution declared shortly
after a purchase of such shares prior to the record date will have the effect of
reducing the per share net asset value by the per share amount of the dividend
or distribution. All or a portion of such dividend or distribution, although in
effect a return of capital, may be subject to tax.

      Distributions by a Fund will be treated in the manner described above
regardless of whether such distributions are paid in cash or reinvested in
additional shares of the Fund (or of another Fund). Shareholders receiving a
distribution in the form of additional shares will be treated as receiving a
distribution in an amount equal to the fair market value of the shares received,
determined as of the reinvestment date. In addition, if the net asset value at
the time a shareholder purchases shares of a Fund reflects undistributed net
investment income or recognized capital gain net income, or unrealized
appreciation in the value of the assets of the Fund, distributions of such
amounts will be taxable to the shareholder in the manner described above, even
though such distributions economically constitute a return of capital to the
shareholder.

SALE OR REDEMPTION OF SHARES

      A shareholder will recognize gain or loss on the sale or redemption of
shares of a Fund in an amount equal to the difference between the proceeds of
the sale or redemption and the shareholder's adjusted tax basis in the shares.
All or a portion of any loss so recognized may be disallowed if the shareholder
purchases other shares of the Fund (or substantially identical shares) within 30
days before or after the sale or redemption. In general, any gain or loss
arising from (or treated as arising from) the sale or redemption of shares of a
Fund will be considered capital in nature and will be long-term capital gain or
loss if the shares were held for longer than one year. However, any capital loss
arising from the sale or redemption of shares held for six months or less will
be disallowed to the extent of the amount of exempt-interest dividends received
on such shares and (to the extent not disallowed) will be treated as a long-term
capital loss to the extent of the amount of capital gain dividends received on
such shares. Capital losses in any year are deductible only to the extent
capital gains plus, in the case of a taxpayer filing an individual tax return,
$3,000 of ordinary income.

      If a shareholder (i) incurs a sales load in acquiring shares of a Fund,
(ii) disposes of such shares less than 91 days after they are acquired and (iii)
subsequently acquires shares of the Fund or another fund at a reduced sales load
pursuant to a right to reinvest at such reduced sales load acquired in
connection with the acquisition of the shares disposed of, then the sales load
on the shares disposed of (to the extent of the reduction in the sales load on
the shares subsequently acquired) shall not be taken into account in determining
gain or loss on the shares disposed of, but shall be treated as incurred on the
acquisition of the shares subsequently acquired.

      Nations Fund, Inc. may make payment for redemptions in readily marketable
securities or other property if it is appropriate to do so in light of Nations
Fund, Inc.'s responsibilities under the 1940 Act. Such payments in-kind shall
also result in recognized gain or loss, and most likely be capital in nature, to
a redeeming shareholder on the difference between the fair market value of the
securities received and the shareholder's adjusted tax basis in the Fund shares
sold or redeemed.

TAX RATES

      As of the printing of this SAI, the maximum individual tax rate applicable
to ordinary income is 39.6% (marginal rates may be higher for some individuals
due to phase out of exemptions and elimination of deductions); the maximum
individual tax rate applicable to net capital gains is 28%; and the maximum
corporate tax rate applicable to ordinary income and net capital gains is 35%
(however, to eliminate the benefit of lower marginal corporate income tax rates,
corporations which have taxable income in excess of $100,000 for a taxable year
will be required to pay an additional amount of income tax of up to $11,750 and
corporations which have taxable


                                       28
<PAGE>

income in excess of $15,000,000 for a taxable year will be required to pay an
additional amount of tax of up to $100,000).

FOREIGN SHAREHOLDERS

      Taxation of a shareholder who, as to the United States, is a non-resident
alien individual, foreign trust or estate, foreign corporation or foreign
partnership ("foreign shareholder"), depends on whether the income from a Fund
is "effectively connected" with a U.S. trade or business carried on by such
shareholder.

      If the income from a Fund is not effectively connected with a U.S. trade
or business carried on by a foreign shareholder, ordinary income dividends will
be subject to U.S. withholding tax at the rate of 30% (or lower applicable
treaty rate) upon the gross amount of the dividend. Furthermore, such a foreign
shareholder may be subject to U.S. withholding tax at the rate of 30% (or lower
applicable treaty rate) on the gross income resulting from the Fund's election
to treat any foreign taxes paid by its shareholders, but may not be allowed a
deduction against this gross income or a credit against this U.S. withholding
tax for the foreign shareholder's pro rata share of such foreign taxes which it
is treated as having paid. Such a foreign shareholder would generally be exempt
from U.S. federal income tax on gains realized on the sale of shares of a Fund,
capital gain dividends and exempt-interest dividends and amounts retained by a
Fund that are designated as undistributed capital gains.

      If the income from a Fund is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or
business carried on by a foreign shareholder, then ordinary income dividends,
capital gain dividends and any gains realized upon the sale of shares of the
Fund will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the rates applicable to U.S.
citizens, U.S.
residents or domestic corporations.

      In the case of foreign non-corporate shareholders, a Fund may be required
to withhold U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 31% on distributions that are
otherwise exempt from withholding tax (or taxable at a reduced treaty rate)
unless such shareholders furnish the Fund with proper notification of their
foreign status.

      The tax consequences to a foreign shareholder entitled to claim the
benefits of an applicable tax treaty may be different from those described
herein. Foreign shareholders are urged to consult their own tax Advisers with
respect to the particular tax consequences to them of an investment in a Fund,
including the applicability of foreign taxes.

EFFECT OF FUTURE LEGISLATION;  LOCAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS

      The foregoing general discussion of U.S. federal income tax consequences
is based on the Code and the regulations issued thereunder as in effect on the
date of this SAI. Future legislative or administrative changes or court
decisions may significantly change the conclusions expressed herein, and any
such changes or decisions may have a retroactive effect with respect to the
transactions contemplated herein.

      Rules of state and local taxation for ordinary income dividends,
exempt-interest dividends and capital gain dividends from regulated investment
companies often differ from the rules for U.S. federal income taxation described
above. Distributions of net investment income may be taxable to shareholders as
dividend income under state or local law even though a substantial portion of
such distributions may be derived from interest on U.S. Government obligations,
which, if realized directly, would be exempt from such taxes. Shareholders are
urged to consult their tax Advisers as to the consequences of these and other
state and local tax rules affecting investment in the Funds.

                                       29
<PAGE>

                             DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

      The Directors and Executive Officers of the Company and their principal
occupations during the last five years are set forth below. The address of each,
unless otherwise indicated, is 111 Center Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72201.
Those Directors who are "interested persons" of the Company (as defined in the
1940 Act) are indicated by an asterisk(*).

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS
                                                                                  DURING PAST 5 YEARS
                                                        POSITION WITH             AND CURRENT
NAME ADDRESS AND AGE                                     THE COMPANY              DIRECTORSHIPS

<S>                                                      <C>                      <C>
Edmund L. Benson, III, 59                                 Director                Director, President and
Saunders & Benson, Inc.                                                           Treasurer, Saunders & Benson,
728 East Main Street                                                              Inc. (Insurance); Trustee,
Suite 400                                                                         Nations Institutional Reserves
Richmond, VA 23219                                                                and Nations Fund Trust; Director,
                                                                                  Nations Fund, Inc., Nations Fund
                                                                                  Portfolios, Inc. and Nations
                                                                                  LifeGoal Funds, Inc.

James Ermer, 54                                           Director                Senior Vice President- Finance,
13705 Hickory Nut Point                                                           CSX Corporation (transportation
Midlothian, VA  23112                                                             and natural resources); Director,
                                                                                  National Mine Service; Director,
                                                                                  Lawyers Title Corporation;
                                                                                  Trustee, Nations Institutional
                                                                                  Reserves and Nations Fund Trust;
                                                                                  Director, Nations Fund, Inc.,
                                                                                  Nations Fund Portfolios, Inc. and
                                                                                  Nations LifeGoal Funds, Inc.

William H. Grigg, 64                                      Director                Since April 1994, Chairman and
Duke Power Co.                                                                    Chief Executive Officer; November
422 South Church Street                                                           1991 to April 1994, Vice
PB04G                                                                             Chairman, Duke Power Co.; from
Charlotte, NC 28242-0001                                                          April 1988 to November 1991,
                                                                                  Executive Vice President Customer
                                                                                  Group, Duke Power Co.; Director,
                                                                                  Hatteras Income Securities, Inc.,
                                                                                  Nations Government Income Term Trust
                                                                                  2003, Inc., Nations Government
                                                                                  Income Term Trust 2004, Inc.,
                                                                                  Nations Balanced Target Maturity
                                                                                  Fund, Inc., Nations Fund, Inc.,
                                                                                  Nations Fund Portfolios, Inc. and
                                                                                  Nations LifeGoal Funds, Inc.,
                                                                                  Trustee, Nations Institutional
                                                                                  Reserves and Nations Fund Trust.


Thomas F. Keller, 65                                      Director                R.J. Reynolds Industries
                                                                                  Professor
                                                          30
<PAGE>

Fuqua School of Business                                                          of Business
P.O. Box 90120                                                                    Administration and Dean, Fuqua
Duke University                                                                   School of Business, Duke
Durham, NC 27708                                                                  University; Director, LADD
                                                                                  Furniture, Inc.; Director, Wendy's
                                                                                  International Mentor Growth Fund,
                                                                                  and Cambridge Company; Director,
                                                                                  Hatteras Income Securities, Inc.,
                                                                                  Nations Government Income Term Trust
                                                                                  2003, Inc., Nations Government
                                                                                  Income Term Trust 2004, Inc.,
                                                                                  Nations Balanced Target Maturity
                                                                                  Fund, Inc., Nations Fund, Inc.,
                                                                                  Nations Fund Portfolios, Inc.; and
                                                                                  Nations LifeGoal Funds, Inc.;
                                                                                  Trustee, Nations Institutional
                                                                                  Reserves and Nations Fund Trust.

Carl E. Mundy, Jr., 61                                    Director                Commandant, United States Marine
9308 Ludgate Drive                                                                Corps, from July 1991 to July
Alexandria, VA  22309                                                             1995; Commanding General, Marine
                                                                                  Forces Atlantic, from June 1990
                                                                                  to June 1991; Director, Nations
                                                                                  Fund, Inc., Nations Fund
                                                                                  Portfolios, Inc. and Nations
                                                                                  LifeGoal Funds, Inc.; Trustee,
                                                                                  Nations Institutional Reserves
                                                                                  and Nations Fund Trust.

A. Max Walker*, 74                           President, Director and              Financial consultant; Formerly,
4580 Windsor Gate Court                      Chairman of the Board                President, A. Max Walker, Inc.;
Atlanta, GA 30342                                                                 Director and Chairman of the
                                                                                  Board, Hatteras Income Securities,
                                                                                  Inc., Nations Government Income Term
                                                                                  Trust 2003, Inc., Nations Government
                                                                                  Income Term Trust 2004, Inc.,
                                                                                  Nations Balanced Target Maturity
                                                                                  Fund, Inc., Nations Fund, Inc. and
                                                                                  Nations Fund Portfolios. Inc.;
                                                                                  President and Chairman of the Board
                                                                                  of Directors, Nations Institutional
                                                                                  Reserves and Nations Fund Trust.

Charles B. Walker, 57                                     Director                Since 1989, Director, Executive
Ethyl Corporation                                                                 Vice President, Chief Financial
330 South Fourth Street                                                           Officer and Treasurer, Ethyl
Richmond, VA 23219                                                                Corporation (chemicals, plastics,
                                                                                  and aluminum manufacturing);
                                                                                  since 1994, Vice Chairman, Ethyl
                                                                                  Corporation; Vice Chairman, Chief
                                                                                  Financial Officer and

                                                          31
<PAGE>

                                                                                  Treasurer, Albemarle Corporation;
                                                                                  Director, Nations Fund, Inc. and
                                                                                  Nations Fund Portfolios, Inc. and
                                                                                  Nations LifeGoal Funds, Inc.;
                                                                                  Trustee, Nations Institutional
                                                                                  Reserves and Nations Fund Trust.

Thomas S. Word, Jr.*, 58                                  Director                Partner, McGuire Woods Battle &
McGuire, Woods, Battle & Boothe                                                   Boothe (law); Director, Vaughan
One James Center                                                                  Bassett Furniture Company;
Richmond, VA  23219                                                               Director VB Williams Furniture
                                                                                  Company, Inc.; Director, Nations
                                                                                  Fund, Inc. and Nations Fund
                                                                                  Portfolios, Inc. and Nations
                                                                                  LifeGoal Funds, Inc.; Trustee,
                                                                                  Nations Institutional Reserves
                                                                                  and Nations Fund Trust.

Richard H. Blank, Jr., 40                                 Secretary               Since 1994, Vice President of
Stephens Inc.                                                                     Mutual Fund Services, Stephens
                                                                                  Inc.; 1990 to 1994, Manager Mutual
                                                                                  Fund Services, Stephens Inc.; 1983
                                                                                  to 1990, Associate in Corporate
                                                                                  Finance Department, Stephens Inc.;
                                                                                  Secretary, Nations Institutional
                                                                                  Reserves, Nations Fund Trust,
                                                                                  Nations Fund, Inc., Nations Fund
                                                                                  Portfolios, Inc. and Nations
                                                                                  LifeGoal Funds, Inc.

Michael W. Nolte, 35                                 Assistant Secretary          Associate, Financial Services
Stephens Inc.                                                                     Group of Stephens Inc.

Louise P. Newcomb, 44                                Assistant Secretary          Corporate Syndicate Associate,
Stephens Inc.                                                                     Stephens Inc.

James E. Banks, 40                                   Assistant Secretary          Since 1993, Attorney, Stephens
Stephens Inc.                                                                     Inc.; Associate Corporate
                                                                                  Counsel, Federated Investors; from
                                                                                  1991 to 1993, Staff Attorney,
                                                                                  Securities and Exchange Commission
                                                                                  from 1988 to 1991.

Richard H. Rose, 41                                       Treasurer               Since 1994, Vice President,
First Data Investor Services Group, Inc.                                          Division Manager, First Data
(formerly, The Shareholder Services Group,                                        Investor Services Group, Inc.;
Inc.)                                                                             since 1988, Senior Vice
One Exchange Place                                                                President, The Boston Company
Boston, MA 02109                                                                  Advisers. Inc.; Treasurer,
                                                                                  Nations Institutional Reserves,
                                                                                  Nations Fund Trust, Nations Fund,
                                                                                  Inc., Nations Fund Portfolios,
                                                                                  Inc. and 


                                                          32
<PAGE>

                                                                                  Nations LifeGoal Funds, Inc.

Joseph C. Viselli, 32                                Assistant Treasurer          Since 1994, Director, First Data
First Data Investor Services Group, Inc.                                          Investor Services Group, Inc.,;
One Exchange Place                                                                since 1992, Assistant Vice
Boston, MA 02109                                                                  President, The Boston Company
                                                                                  Advisers, Inc., since 1989,
                                                                                  Senior Accountant, Price
                                                                                  Waterhouse LLP.

Susan Manter, 43                                     Assistant Treasurer          Since 1996, Vice President, First
First Data Investor Services                                                      Data Investor Services Group,
   Group Inc.                                                                     Inc.,; since 1994, Vice
One Exchange Place                                                                President, Scudder Stevens and
Boston, MA  02109                                                                 Clark, Inc., previously Senior
                                                                                  Manager, Coopers & Lybrand LLP.
</TABLE>


      Mr. Rose serves as Treasurer to certain other investment companies for
which First Data Investors Services Group, Inc. (the "Co-Administrator") or its
affiliates serve as sponsor, distributor, administrator and/or investment
adviser.

      Each Director of the Company is also a Trustee of Nations Fund Trust and
Nations Institutional Reserves and a Director of Nations Fund Portfolios, Inc.
and Nations LifeGoal Funds, Inc., each a registered investment company that is
part of the Nations Funds Family. Richard H. Blank, Jr., Richard H. Rose, Joseph
C. Viselli, Susan Manter, Michael W. Nolte, Louise P. Newcomb and James E.
Banks, Jr. also are officers of Nations Fund Trust, Nations Institutional
Reserves, Nations LifeGoal Funds, Inc. and Nations Fund Portfolios, Inc.

      Each Director receives (i) an annual retainer of $1,000 ($3,000 for the
Chairman of the Board) plus $500 for each Fund of the Company, plus (ii) a fee
of $1,000 for attendance at each "in-person" meeting of the Board of Directors
(or committee thereof). All Directors receive reimbursements for expenses
related to their attendance at meetings of the Board of Directors. Officers
receive no direct remuneration in such capacity from the Company. No person who
is an officer, director or employee of NationsBank or its affiliates serves as
an officer, Director or employee of the company. As of the date of this SAI, the
directors and officers of the Company as a group owned less than 1% of the
outstanding shares of each of the Funds.

      The Company has adopted a Code of Ethics which, among other things,
prohibits each access person of the Company from purchasing or selling
securities when such person knows or should have known that, at the time of the
transaction, the security (i) was being considered for purchase or sale by a
Fund or (ii) was being purchased or sold by a Fund. For purposes of the Code of
Ethics, an access person means (i) a director or officer of the Company; (ii)
any employee of the Company (or any company in a control relationship with the
Company) who, in the course of his/her regular duties, obtains information
about, or makes recommendations with respect to, the purchase or sale of
securities by the Company; and (iii) any natural person in a control
relationship with the Company who obtains information concerning recommendations
made to the Company regarding the purchase or sale of securities. Portfolio
managers and other persons who assist in the investment process are subject to
additional restrictions, including a requirement that they disgorge to the
Company any profits realized on short-term trading (i.e., the purchase/sale or
sale/purchase of securities within any 60-day period). The above restrictions do
not apply to purchases or sales of certain types of securities, including mutual
fund shares, money market instruments and certain U.S. Government securities. To
facilitate enforcement, the Code of Ethics generally requires that the Company's
access persons, other than its "disinterested" directors, submit reports to the
Company's designated compliance person regarding transactions involving
securities which are eligible for purchase by a Fund.

NATIONS FUNDS RETIREMENT PLAN

                                       33
<PAGE>

      Under the terms of the Nations Funds Retirement Plan for Eligible
Directors (the "Retirement Plan"), each director may be entitled to certain
benefits upon retirement from the Board of Directors. Pursuant to the Retirement
Plan, the normal retirement date is the date on which the eligible director has
attained age 65 and has completed at least five years of continuous service with
one or more of the open-end investment companies ("Funds") advised by the
Adviser. If a director retires before reaching age 65, no benefits are payable.
Each eligible director is entitled to receive an annual benefit from the Funds
commencing on the first day of the calendar quarter coincident with or next
following his date of retirement equal to 5% of the aggregate director's fees
payable by the Funds during the calendar year in which the director's retirement
occurs multiplied by the number of years of service (not in excess of ten years
of service) completed with respect to any of the Funds. Such benefit is payable
to each eligible director in quarterly installments for a period of no more than
five years. If an eligible director dies after attaining age 65, the director's
surviving spouse (if any) will be entitled to receive 50% of the benefits that
would have been paid (or would have continued to have been paid) to the director
if he had not died. The Retirement Plan is unfunded. The benefits owed to each
director are unsecured and subject to the general creditors of the Funds.

NATIONS FUNDS DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN

      Under the terms of the Nations Funds Deferred Compensation Plan for
Eligible Directors (the "Deferred Compensation Plan"), each director may elect,
on an annual basis, to defer all or any portion of the annual board fees
(including the annual retainer and all attendance fees) payable to the director
for that calendar year. An application was submitted to and approved by the SEC
to permit deferring directors to elect to tie the rate of return on fees
deferred pursuant to the Deferred Compensation Plan to one or more of certain
investment portfolios of certain Funds. Distributions from the deferring
directors' deferral accounts will be paid in cash, in generally equal quarterly
installments over a period of five years beginning on the date the deferring
director's retirement benefits commence under the Retirement Plan. The Board of
Directors, in its sole discretion, may accelerate or extend such payments after
a director's termination of service. If a deferring director dies prior to the
commencement of the distribution of amounts in his deferral account, the balance
of the deferral account will be distributed to his designated beneficiary in a
lump sum as soon as practicable after the director's death. If a deferring
director dies after the commencement of such distribution, but prior to the
complete distribution of his deferral account, the balance of the amounts
credited to his deferral account will be distributed to his designated
beneficiary over the remaining period during which such amounts were
distributable to the director. Amounts payable under the Deferred Compensation
Plan are not funded or secured in any way and deferring directors have the
status of unsecured creditors of the Funds from which they are deferring
compensation.



                                       34
<PAGE>


                               COMPENSATION TABLE


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                  AGGREGATE                                      ESTIMATED ANNUAL
                                COMPENSATION         PENSION OR RETIREMENT        BENEFITS UPON      TOTAL COMPENSATION FROM
      NAME OF PERSON               FROM               BENEFITS ACCRUED AS           RETIREMENT        REGISTRANT AND FUND
       POSITION (1)            REGISTRANT (2)        PART OF FUND EXPENSES                                COMPLEX(3)(4)
       ------------         -- --------------        ---------------------        --------------     ------------------------

<S>                                 <C>                     <C>                      <C>                     <C>    
Edmund L. Benson, III,              $10,570                 $19,488                  $21,000                 $49,119
Director
James Ermer                           9,000                  19,488                   21,000                 44,250
Director
William H. Grigg                     10,599                  19,488                   21,000                 66,397
Director
Thomas F. Keller                     11,689                  19,488                   21,000                 68,597
Director
A. Max Walker                        11,500                  19,488                   25,000                 75,250
Chairman of the Board
Charles B. Walker                     8,500                  19,488                   21,000                 43,750
Director
Thomas S. Word                       11,681                  19,488                   21,000                 51,579
Director
Carl E. Mundy, Jr.                    5,750                       0                   21,000                 25,875
Director

</TABLE>

(1)  All Directors receive reimbursements for expenses related to their
     attendance at meetings of the Board of Directors. Officers of the Company
     receive no direct remuneration in such capacity from the Company.

(2)  For the current fiscal year. Each Director receives (i) an annual retainer
     of $1,000 ($3,000 for the Chairman of the Board) plus $500 for each Fund of
     the Company, plus (ii) a fee of $1,000 for attendance at each "in-person"
     meeting of the Board of Directors (or committee thereof) and $500 for
     attendance at each other meeting of the Board of Directors (or Committee
     thereof).

(3)  Messrs. Grigg, Keller and A. M. Walker receive compensation from nine
     investment companies, including the Company, that are deemed to be part of
     the Nations Funds "fund complex," as that term is defined under Rule
     14a-101 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Messrs. Benson,
     Ermer, C. Walker, Mundy and Word receive compensation from five investment
     companies, including the Company, deemed to be part of the Nations Funds
     complex.

(4)  Total compensation amounts include deferred compensation (including
     interest) payable to or accrued for the following Directors: Edmund L.
     Benson, III ($25,744); William H. Grigg ($47,897); Thomas F. Keller
     ($51,596); and Thomas S. Word ($54,579).



                                       35
<PAGE>


                  INVESTMENT ADVISERY, ADMINISTRATION, CUSTODY,
       TRANSFER AGENCY, SHAREHOLDER SERVICING AND DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENTS

THE COMPANY AND ITS COMMON STOCK

      The Company is an open-end diversified management investment company
organized as a corporation under the laws of the State of Maryland on December
13, 1983. The Company had no operations prior to December 15, 1986. Effective
October 2, 1989, the Company changed its name from Silver Star Fund, Inc. to
Hatteras Funds, Inc., effective May 1, 1992 the Company began doing business
under the name Nations Fund Portfolios and effective September 24, 1992, the
Company changed its name to Nations Fund, Inc. The Company's fiscal year end is
March 31; prior to 1996, the Company's fiscal year end was May 31. The Company
offers shares of common stock which represent interests in one of eight separate
Funds. This SAI relates to the following Funds of the Company: the Small Company
Growth Fund, the Government Bond Fund and the International Growth Fund. Each
Fund offers the following separate classes of shares (Primary A Shares, Primary
B Shares, Investor A Shares, Investor C Shares and Investor N Shares). Shares of
each Fund of the Company are redeemable at the net asset value, less any
applicable contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") thereof, at the option of
the holders thereof, or in certain circumstances at the option of the Company.
For information concerning the methods of redemption and the rights of share
ownership, consult the Prospectuses under the captions "How To Buy Shares," "How
To Redeem Shares" and "Organization And History."

      As used in this SAI and in the Prospectuses, the term "majority of the
outstanding shares" of the Company, a particular Fund or a particular class of
shares of a Fund means, respectively, the vote of the lesser of (i) 67% or more
of the shares of the Company, Fund or class (as appropriate) present at a
meeting of shareholders, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding
shares entitled to vote, are present or represented by proxy or (ii) more than
50% of the outstanding shares of the Company, Fund or class.

      The Board of Directors may classify or reclassify any unissued shares of
the Company into shares of any class, classes or Fund in addition to those
already authorized by setting or changing in any one or more respects, from time
to time, prior to the issuance of such shares, the preferences, conversion or
other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends,
qualifications, or terms or conditions of redemption, of such shares and,
pursuant to such classification or reclassification to increase or decrease the
number of authorized shares of any Fund or class. Any such classification or
reclassification will comply with the provisions of the 1940 Act. Fractional
shares shall have the same rights as full shares to the extent of their
proportionate interest.

      Because certain of the Prospectuses combine disclosure on two separate
open-end management investment companies, there is a possibility that one
investment company might become liable for a misstatement, inaccuracy or
incomplete disclosure in such Prospectuses concerning the other investment
company. Nations Fund Trust and Nations Fund, Inc. have entered into an
indemnification agreement that creates a right of indemnification from the
investment company responsible for any such misstatement, inaccuracy or
incomplete disclosure that may appear in such Prospectuses.

INVESTMENT ADVISER

     NBAI serves as investment adviser to the Funds, pursuant to an Investment
Advisery Agreement dated _____, 1997. NBAI is a wholly owned subsidiary of
NationsBank, N.A. ("NationsBank"), which in turn is a wholly owned banking
subsidiary of NationsBank Corporation, a bank holding company organized as a
North Carolina company. The respective principal offices of NBAI and NationsBank
are located at One NationsBank Plaza, Charlotte, N.C. 28255.

     NBAI also serves as investment adviser to Nations Fund Trust, Nations
Institutional Reserves, Nations Fund Portfolios, Inc. and Nations LifeGoal
Funds, Inc., each a registered investment company that is part of the Nations
Funds family. In addition, NBAI serves as investment adviser to Hatteras Income
Securities, Inc., Nations Government Income Term Trust 2003, Inc., Nations
Government Income Term Trust 2004, Inc., and Nations


                                       36
<PAGE>

Balanced Target Maturity Fund, Inc., each a closed-end diversified management
investment company traded on the New York Stock Exchange.

     Boatmen's serves as investment sub-adviser to the Small Company Growth Fund
and Government Bond Fund, pursuant to a Sub-Advisery Agreement dated _____,
1997. Kleinwort Benson serves as investment sub-adviser to the International
Growth Fund pursuant to a Sub-Advisery Agreement dated _____, 1997.

      Boatmen's is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of NationsBank
Corporation, a bank holding company organized as a North Carolina corporation.
Kleinwort Benson is a registered investment adviser in the United States. The
principal office of Boatmen's is located at 100 North Broadway, St. Louis,
Missouri 63178 and the principal office of Kleinwort Benson is located at 200
Park Avenue, New York, New York 10616.

      Since 1874, NationsBank and its predecessors have been managing money for
foundations, universities, corporations, institutions and individuals. It is a
company dedicated to a goal of providing responsible investment management and
superior service. NationsBank is recognized for its sound investment approaches,
which place it among the nation's foremost financial institutions. NationsBank
and its affiliated organizations make available a wide range of financial
services to its over 6 million customers through over 1700 banking and
investment centers. Approximately twelve of NationsBank personnel are involved
in stock and bond research.

      Pursuant to the terms of the Investment Advisery Agreement and
Sub-Advisery Agreements (at times, the "Advisery Agreements") with NBAI,
Boatmen's and Kleinwort Benson, respectively, and subject at all times to the
control of the Company's Board of Directors and in conformance with the stated
policies of the Company, NBAI, Boatmen's and Kleinwort Benson each selects and
manages the investments of the Funds. Each such Advisery entity obtains and
evaluates economic, statistical and financial information to formulate and
implement investment policies for the Funds.

      The Advisery Agreements each provides that in the absence of willful
misfeasance, bad faith, negligence or reckless disregard of obligations or
duties thereunder on the part of the Adviser, or any of their respective
officers, directors, employees or agents, the Adviser shall not be subject to
liability to the Company or to any shareholder of the Company for any act or
omission in the course of, or connected with, rendering services thereunder or
for any losses that may be sustained in the purchase, holding or sale of any
security.

      The Advisery Agreements shall become effective with respect to such Fund
if and when approved by the Directors of the Company, and if so approved, shall
thereafter continue from year to year, provided that such continuation of the
Agreement is specifically approved at least annually by (a) (i) the Company's
Board of Directors or (ii) the vote of "a majority of the outstanding voting
securities" of a Fund (as defined in Section 2(a)(42) of the 1940 Act), and (b)
the affirmative vote of a majority of the Company's Directors who are not
parties to such Agreement or "interested persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act)
of a party to such Agreement (other than as Directors of the Company), by votes
cast in person at a meeting specifically called for such purpose. Each Advisery
Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment, and is
terminable with respect to a Fund at any time without penalty by the Company (by
vote of the Board of Directors or by vote of a majority of the outstanding
voting securities of the Fund) or by the Adviser on 60 days' written notice.

      The Advisery Agreements provides that the Adviser shall not be liable to
the Company or to its shareholders for any act or omission by such Advisor or
for any loss sustained by the Company or by its shareholders except in the case
of such Adviser's willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless
disregard of duty on the part of such Adviser, as the case may be.

      The Adviser may waive a portion of their fees; however, any such waiver
may be discontinued at any time. As discussed under the caption "Expenses," each
Adviser will be required to reduce their fees from the Funds, in direct
proportion to the fees payable by the Funds to such Adviser and the
Administrator, if the expenses of the Funds exceed the applicable expense
limitation of any state in which the Funds' shares are registered or qualified
for sale.

                                       37
<PAGE>

INVESTMENT STYLES

      When you invest in any Fund in the Nations Funds Family, you can be
assured your money is managed according to a disciplined investment style; one
that remains constant regardless of particular styles coming in an out of favor.
The Adviser believes this structured approach to managing portfolio securities
may provide you with consistent performance over time. These investment styles
consist of (i) the Small Company Growth Style, and (ii) the International Equity
Style. The Investment Styles described below relate to the Small Company Growth
Fund and International Growth Fund.

      SMALL COMPANY GROWTH STYLE. The Small Company Growth Fund is managed by
the Adviser using the Small Company Growth Style. The Small Company Growth Style
investment philosophy is premised on the belief that a diversified portfolio of
stocks with an above average yield can provide long-term returns, higher than
that of the S&P 500 Index (the "S&P 500") and with less volatility.

      This style utilizes a "low volatility" approach to stock selection,
focusing on tested factors of fundamental stock valuation. Volatility is reduced
through selecting stocks with Beta Coefficient ("Beta") of less than 1.0 (Beta
is a measurement of volatility relative to the stock market as a whole, which
has a Beta of 1.0). Small Company Growth Style seeks to maintain a yield on the
portfolio of at least 50% higher than the dividend yield for the S&P 500. The
Adviser reduces risk by investing in both common stocks and convertible
securities.

      The Small Company Growth Style stock selection process begins with a team
of in-house research specialists aided by a computerized screening process.
Starting with a 2000 company universe, stocks must first pass a rigorous
screening process that selects companies with a yield one-third less than the
S&P 500 and market capitalization greater than $500 million. Often stocks with
below average yields grow faster than those with average yields. Therefore, over
time, a portfolio may earn more income by purchasing stocks with below average
yields. Stocks are then ranked relative to other stocks within their industry.

      A more sophisticated screening process is then applied to the universe.
Each company is ranked based on the following factor weightings: (i) market
style analyzes correlations between crucial stock characteristics (price/book
ratios, dividends yields, and return on assets) and price performance; (ii)
Insider Trading looks at filings with the SEC and evaluates them by title, date,
transaction size and historical performance; (iii) Earnings Expectations
evaluates changes in annual earnings estimates and quarterly earnings surprises,
and (iv) Price Momentum monitors relative price strength with short term under
performance. The final portfolio of approximately 70 issues is constructed by
the Small Company Growth Style Group senior portfolio managers working closely
with in-house industry specialists, as well as expert Wall Street sources.

      INTERNATIONAL GROWTH STYLE. The International Growth Fund is managed by
the Adviser using the International Equity Style. The International Growth Style
investment philosophy is premised on the belief that a diversified portfolio of
equity securities of established, non-United States issuers can provide
long-term growth of capital and income.

      This style focuses on the country selection process by utilizing
macroeconomic forecasts to identify areas of the world which will exhibit
relatively strong growth within the context of a modest inflation and low
interest rate environment. The political factors and market liquidity
constraints which can affect stock market valuations are also taken into
consideration by the Adviser prior to making stock selections.

      The stock selection process begins with the elimination of equity
securities with a market capitalization of less than $250 million. The next step
in the process is the ranking of each country and industry sector by relative
price/earnings ratio using an historical range of not less than ten years from
an universe of approximately 1000 stocks. In addition to the relative historical
price/earnings ratio the portfolio managers also employ a fundamental analysis
of growth opportunities, management and future direction of these stocks.

      The International Growth Fund is a dollar-denominated mutual fund and
therefore, consideration is given to hedging part or all of the portfolio back
to U.S. dollars from international currencies. All decisions to hedge are


                                       38
<PAGE>

based upon an analysis of the relative value of the U.S. dollar on an
international purchasing power parity basis (purchasing power parity is a method
for determining the relative purchasing power of different currencies by
comparing the amount of each currency required to purchase a typical bundle of
goods and services to domestic markets) and an estimation of short-term interest
rate differentials (which affect both the direction of currency movements and
also the cost of hedging).

ADMINISTRATOR AND CO-ADMINISTRATOR

      Stephens Inc. (the "Administrator") serves as administrator of the Company
and First Data Investors Services Group, Inc. (the "Co-Administrator") serves as
the co-administrator of the Company.

      The Administrator and Co-Administrator serve under an administration
agreement ("Administration Agreement") and co-administration agreement
("Co-Administration Agreement"), respectively, each of which was approved by the
Board of Directors Feb. 6, 1997. The Administrator receives, as compensation for
its services rendered under the Administration Agreement and as agent for the
Co-Administrator for the services it provides under the Co-Administration
Agreement, an administrative fee, computed daily and paid monthly, at the annual
rate of 0.10% of the average daily net assets of each Fund.

      Pursuant to the Administration Agreement, the Administrator has agreed to,
among other things, (i) maintain office facilities for the Funds, (ii) furnish
statistical and research data, data processing, clerical and internal executive
and administrative services to the Company, (iii) furnish corporate secretarial
services to the Company, including coordinating the preparation and distribution
of materials for Board of Directors meetings, (iv) coordinate the provision of
legal advice to the Company with respect to regulatory matters, (v) coordinate
the preparation of reports to the Company's shareholders and the SEC, including
annual and semi-annual reports, (vi) coordinating the provision of services to
the Company by the Co-Administrator, the Transfer Agents and the Custodians and
(vii) generally assist in all aspects of the Company's operations. Additionally,
the Administrator is authorized to receive, as agent for the Co-Administrator,
the fees payable to the Co-Administrator by the Company for its services
rendered under the Co-Administration Agreement. The Administrator bears all
expenses incurred in connection with the performance of its services.

      Pursuant to the Co-Administration Agreement, the Co-Administrator has
agreed to, among other things, (i) provide accounting and bookkeeping services
for the Funds, (ii) compute each Fund's net asset value and net income, (iii)
accumulate information required for the Company's reports to shareholders and
the SEC, (iv) prepare and file the Company's federal and state tax returns, (v)
perform monthly compliance testing for the Company and (vi) prepare and furnish
the Company monthly broker security transaction summaries and transaction
listings and performance information. The Co-Administrator bears all expenses
incurred in connection with the performance of its services.

      The Administration Agreement and the Co-Administration Agreement may be
terminated by a vote of a majority of the Board of Directors, or by the
Administrator or Co-Administrator, respectively, on 60 days' written notice
without penalty. The Administration Agreement and Co-Administration Agreement
are not assignable without the written consent of the other party. Furthermore,
the Administration Agreement and the Co-Administration Agreement provide that
the Administrator and Co-Administrator, respectively, shall not be liable to the
Funds or to their shareholders except in the case of the Administrator's or
Co-Administrator's, respectively, willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross
negligence or reckless disregard of duty.

As discussed under the caption "Expenses," the Administrator and
Co-Administrator will be required to reduce their fee from the Company, in
direct proportion to the fees payable to the Administrator and Co-Administrator
by the Company, if the expenses of the Company exceed the applicable expense
limitation of any state in which the Funds' shares are registered or qualified
for sale.

                                       39
<PAGE>

DISTRIBUTION PLANS AND SHAREHOLDER SERVICING ARRANGEMENTS FOR INVESTOR SHARES


      INVESTOR A SHARES. The Company has adopted an Amended and Restated
Shareholder Servicing and Distribution Plan (the "Investor A Plan") pursuant to
Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act with respect to each Fund's Investor A Shares. The
Investor A Plan provides that each Fund may pay the Distributor or banks,
broker/dealers or other financial institutions that offer shares of the Fund and
that have entered into a Sales Support Agreement with the Distributor ("Selling
Agents") or a Shareholder Servicing Agreement with the Company, ("Servicing
Agents"), up to 0.10% (on an annualized basis) of the average daily net asset
value of Investor A Shares of the Money Market Funds and up to 0.25% (on an
annualized basis) of the average daily net asset value of the Non-Money Market
Funds.

      With respect to the Money Market Funds, such payments may be made to (i)
the Distributor for reimbursements of distribution-related expenses actually
incurred by the Distributor, including, but not limited to, expenses of
organizing and conducting sales seminars, printing of prospectuses and
statements of additional information (and supplements thereto) and reports for
other than existing shareholders, preparation and distribution of advertising
material and sales literature and costs of administering the Investor A Plan, or
(ii) Selling Agents that have entered into a Sales Support Agreement with the
Distributor for providing sales support assistance in connection with the sale
of Investor A Shares of the Money Market Funds. The sales support assistance
provided by a Selling Agent under a Sales Support Agreement may include
forwarding sales literature and advertising provided by Nations Fund Trust or
the Distributor to their customers and providing such other sales support
assistance as may be requested by the Distributor from time to time. Currently,
substantially all fees paid by the Money Market Funds pursuant to the Investor A
Plan are paid to compensate Selling Agents for providing sales support services,
with any remaining amounts being used by the Distributor to partially defray
other expenses incurred by the Distributor in distributing Investor A Shares.
Fees received by the Distributor pursuant to the Investor A Plan will not be
used to pay any interest expenses, carrying charges or other financing costs
(except to the extent permitted by the SEC) and will not be used to pay any
general and administrative expenses of the Distributor.

      With respect to the Non-Money Market Funds, payments under the Investor A
Plan may be made to the Distributor for providing the distribution-related
services described in (i) above or to Servicing Agents that have entered into a
Shareholder Servicing Agreement with the Company for providing shareholder
support services to their Customers which hold of record or beneficially
Investor A Shares of a Non-Money Market Fund. Such shareholder support services
provided by Servicing Agents to holders of Investor A Shares of the Non-Money
Market Funds may include (i) aggregating and processing purchase and redemption
requests for Investor A Shares from their Customers and transmitting promptly
net purchase and redemption orders to our distributor or transfer agent; (ii)
providing their Customers with a service that invests the assets of their
accounts in Investor A Shares pursuant to specific or pre-authorized
instructions; (iii) processing dividend and distribution payments from the
Company on behalf of their Customers; (iv) providing information periodically to
their Customers showing their positions in Investor A Shares; (v) arranging for
bank wires; (vi) responding to their Customers' inquiries concerning their
investment in Investor A Shares; (vii) providing sub-accounting with respect to
Investor A Shares beneficially owned by their Customers or the information
necessary to us for sub-accounting; (viii) if required by law, forwarding
shareholder communications from the Company (such as proxies, shareholder
reports, annual and semi-annual financial statements and dividend, distribution
and tax notices) to their Customers (ix) forwarding to their Customers proxy
statements and proxies containing any proposals regarding the Shareholder
Servicing Agreement; (x) providing general shareholder liaison services; and
(xi) providing such other similar services as the Company may reasonably request
to the extent the Selling Agent is permitted to do so under applicable statutes,
rules or regulations.

      Expenses incurred by the Distributor pursuant to the Investor A Plan in
any given year may exceed the sum of the fees received under the Investor A
Plan. Any such excess may be recovered by the Distributor in future years so
long as the Investor A Plan is in effect. If the Investor A Plan were terminated
or not continued, a Fund would not be contractually obligated to pay the
Distributor for any expenses not previously reimbursed by the Fund.

                                       40
<PAGE>

      In addition, the Company has adopted an Amended and Restated Shareholder
Servicing Plan for the Investor A Shares of the Money Market Funds (the "Money
Market Investor A Servicing Plan"). Pursuant to the Money Market Investor A
Servicing Plan, which became effective on March 28, 1993, each Money Market Fund
may pay banks, broker/dealers or other financial institutions that have entered
into a Shareholder Servicing Agreement with the Company ("Servicing Agents") up
to 0.25% (on an annualized basis) of the average daily net asset value of the
Investor A Shares of each Money Market Fund for providing shareholder support
services. Such shareholder support services provided by Servicing Agents may
include those shareholder support services discussed above with respect to the
Investor A Shares of the Non-Money Market Funds. Fees paid pursuant to the Money
Market Investor A Servicing Plan are calculated daily and paid monthly.

      INVESTOR B SHARES OF THE MONEY MARKET FUNDS AND INVESTOR C SHARES OF THE
NON-MONEY MARKET FUNDS. The Directors of the Company have approved an Amended
and Restated Distribution Plan in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act
for the Investor B Shares of Money Market Funds and Investor C Shares of the
Non-Money Market Funds (the "Investor B/C Plan"). Pursuant to the Investor B/C
Plan, each Fund may pay the Distributor for certain expenses that are incurred
in connection with the distribution of shares. Payments under the Investor B/C
Plan will be calculated daily and paid monthly at a rate set from time to time
by the Board of Directors provided that the annual rate may not exceed 0.75% of
the average daily net asset value of Investor C Shares of a Non-Money Market
Fund and 0.10% of the average daily net asset value of Investor B Shares of a
Money Market Fund. Payments to the Distributor pursuant to the Investor B/C Plan
will be used (i) to compensate banks, other financial institutions or a
securities broker/dealer that have entered into a Sales Support Agreement with
the Distributor ("Selling Agents") for providing sales support assistance
relating to Investor B or Investor C Shares, for promotional activities intended
to result in the sale of Investor B or Investor C Shares such as to pay for the
preparation, printing and distribution of prospectuses to other than current
shareholders, and (iii) to compensate Selling Agents for providing sales support
services with respect to their Customers who are, from time to time, beneficial
and record holders of Investor B or Investor C Shares. Currently, substantially
all fees paid pursuant to the Investor B/C Plan are paid to compensate Selling
Agents for providing the services described in (i) and (iii) above, with any
remaining amounts being used by the Distributor to partially defray other
expenses incurred by the Distributor in distributing Investor B or Investor C
Shares. Fees received by the Distributor pursuant to the Investor B/C Plan will
not be used to pay any interest expenses, carrying charges or other financing
costs (except to the extent permitted by the SEC) and will not be used to pay
any general and administrative expenses of the Distributor.

      Pursuant to the Investor B/C Plan, the Distributor may enter into Sales
Support Agreements with Selling Agents for providing sales support services to
their Customers who are the record or beneficial owners of Investor B Shares of
the Money Market Funds and Investor C Shares of the non-Money Market Funds. Such
Selling Agents will be compensated at the annual rate of up to 0.75% of the
average daily net asset value of the Investor C Shares of the Non-Money Market
Funds, and up to 0.10% of the average daily net asset value of the Investor B
Shares of the Money Market Funds held of record or beneficially by such
Customers. The sales support services provided by Setting Agents may include
providing distribution assistance and promotional activities intended to result
in the sales of shares such as paying for the preparation, printing and
distribution of prospectuses to other than current shareholders.

      Fees paid pursuant to the Investor B/C Plan are accrued daily and paid
monthly, and are charged as expenses of the relevant shares of a Fund as
accrued. Expenses incurred by the Distributor pursuant to the Investor B/C Plan
in any given year may exceed the sum of the fees received under the Investor B/C
Plan and payments received pursuant to contingent deferred sales charges. Any
such excess may be recovered by the Distributor in future years so long as the
Investor B/C Plan is in effect. If the Investor B/C Plan were terminated or not
continued, a Fund would not be contractually obligated to pay the Distributor
for any expenses not previously reimbursed by the Fund or recovered through
contingent deferred sales charges.

      In addition, the Directors have approved an Amended and Restated
Shareholder Servicing Plan ("Servicing Plan") with respect to the Investor B
Shares of the Money Market Funds and Investor C Shares of the Non-Money Market
Funds (the "Investor B/C Servicing Plan"). Pursuant to the Investor B/C
Servicing Plan, each Fund may pay banks, broker/dealers or other financial
institutions that have entered into a Shareholder Servicing Agreement


                                       41
<PAGE>

with Nations Fund ("Servicing Agents") for certain expenses that are incurred by
the Servicing Agents in connection with shareholder support services that are
provided by the Servicing Agents. Payments under the Investor B/C Servicing Plan
will be calculated daily and paid monthly at a rate set from time to time by the
Board of Directors, provided that the annual rate may not exceed 0.25% of the
average daily net asset value of the Money Market Funds' Investor B Shares and
the Non-Money Market Funds' Investor C Shares. The shareholder services provided
by the Servicing Agents may include (i) aggregating and processing purchase and
redemption requests for such Investor B or Investor C Shares from Customers and
transmitting promptly net purchase and redemption orders to our distributor or
transfer agent; (ii) providing Customers with a service that invests the assets
of their accounts in such Investor B or Investor C Shares pursuant to specific
or pre-authorized instructions; (iii) dividend and distribution payments from
the Company on behalf of Customers; (iv) providing information periodically to
Customers showing their positions in such Investor B or Investor C Shares; (v)
arranging for bank wires; (vi) responding to Customers' inquiries concerning
their investment in such Investor B or Investor C Shares; (vii) providing
sub-accounting with respect to such Investor B or Investor C Shares beneficially
owned by Customers or providing the information to us necessary for
sub-accounting; (viii) if required by law, forwarding shareholder communications
from the Company (such as proxies, shareholder reports, annual and semi-annual
financial statements and dividend, distribution and tax notices) to Customers;
(ix) forwarding to Customers proxy statements and proxies containing any
proposals regarding the Shareholder Servicing Agreement; (x) providing general
shareholder liaison services; and (xi) providing such other similar services as
the Company may reasonably request to the extent the Servicing Agent is
permitted to do so under applicable statutes, rules or regulations.

      INVESTOR C SHARES OF THE MONEY MARKET FUNDS AND INVESTOR N SHARES OF THE
NON-MONEY MARKET FUNDS. The Directors have approved a Distribution Plan (the
"Investor N Distribution Plan") with respect to Investor N Shares of the
Non-Money Market Funds. Pursuant to the Investor N Distribution Plan, a
Non-Money Market Fund may compensate or reimburse the Distributor for any
activities or expenses primarily intended to result in the sale of the Fund's
Investor N Shares, including for sales related services provided by banks,
broker/dealers or other financial institutions that have entered into a Sales
Support Agreement relating to the Investor N Shares with the Distributor
("Selling Agents"). Payments under a Fund's Investor N Distribution Plan will be
calculated daily and paid monthly at a rate or rates set from time to time by
the Board of Directors provided that the annual rate may not exceed 0.75% of the
average daily net asset value of each Non-Money Market Fund's Investor N Shares.

      The fees payable under the Investor N Distribution Plan are used primarily
to compensate or reimburse the Distributor for distribution services provided by
it, and related expenses incurred, including payments by the Distributor to
compensate or reimburse Selling Agents, for sales support services provided, and
related expenses incurred, by such Selling Agents. Payments under the Investor N
Distribution Plan may be made with respect to preparation, printing and
distribution of prospectuses, sales literature and advertising materials by the
Distributor or, as applicable, Selling Agents, attributable to distribution or
sales support activities, respectively, commissions, incentive compensation or
other compensation to, and expenses of, account executives or other employees of
the Distributor or Selling Agents, attributable to distribution or sales support
activities, respectively; overhead and other office expenses of the Distributor
relating to the foregoing (which may be calculated as a carrying charge in the
Distributor's or Selling Agents' unreimbursed expenses), incurred in connection
with distribution or sales support activities. The overhead and other office
expenses referenced above may include, without limitation, (i) the expenses of
operating the Distributor's or Selling Agents' offices in connection with the
sale of Fund shares, including lease costs, the salaries and employee benefit
costs of administrative, operations and support personnel, utility costs,
communication costs and the costs of stationery and supplies, (i) the costs of
client sales seminars and travel related to distribution and sales support
activities, and (ii) other expenses relating to distribution and sales support
activities.

      In addition, the Directors have approved a Shareholder Servicing Plan with
respect to Investor C Shares of the Money Market Funds and Investor N Shares of
the Non-Money Market Funds ( "Investor C/N Servicing Plan"). Pursuant to the
Investor C/N Servicing Plan, a Fund may compensate or reimburse banks,
broker/dealers or other financial institutions that have entered into a
Shareholder Servicing Agreement with the Company ("Servicing Agents") for
certain activities or expenses of the Servicing Agents in connection with
shareholder services that are provided by the Servicing Agents. Payments under
the Investor C/N Servicing Plan will be calculated daily and paid monthly at a
rate or rates set from time to time by the Board of Directors, provided that


                                       42
<PAGE>

the annual rate may not exceed 0.25% of the average daily net asset value of the
Investor C Shares of the Money Market Funds and Investor N Shares of the
Non-Money Market Funds.

      The fees payable under the Investor C/N Servicing Plan are used primarily
to compensate or reimburse Servicing Agents for shareholder services provided,
and related expenses incurred, by such Servicing Agents. The shareholder
services provided by Servicing Agents may include: (i) aggregating and
processing purchase and redemption requests for such Investor C or Investor N
Shares from Customers and transmitting promptly net purchase and redemption
orders to the Distributor or Transfer Agent; (ii) providing Customers with a
service that invests the assets of their accounts in such Investor C or Investor
N Shares pursuant to specific or pre-authorized instructions; (iii) processing
dividend and distribution payments from the Company on behalf of Customers; (iv)
providing information periodically to Customers showing their positions in such
Investor C or Investor N Shares; (v) arranging for bank wires; (vi) responding
to Customers' inquiries concerning their investment in such Investor C or
Investor N Shares; (vii) providing sub-accounting with respect to such Investor
C or Investor N Shares beneficially owned by Customers or providing the
information to us necessary for sub-accounting; (viii) if required by law,
forwarding shareholder communications from the Company (such as proxies,
shareholder reports, annual and semi-annual financial statements and dividend,
distribution and tax notices) to Customers; (ix) forwarding to Customers proxy
statements and proxies containing any proposals regarding the Investor C
Servicing Plan or related agreements; (x) providing general shareholder liaison
Services; and (xi) providing such other similar services as the Company may
reasonably request to the extent such Servicing Agent is permitted to do so
under applicable statutes, rules or regulations.

      The fees payable under the Investor N Distribution Plan and Investor C/N
Servicing Plan (together, the "Investor C/N Plans") are treated by the Funds as
an expense in the year they are accrued. At any given time, a Selling Agent
and/or Servicing Agent may incur expenses in connection with services provided
pursuant to its agreements with the Distributor under the Investor C/N Plans
which exceed the total of (i) the payments made to the Selling Agents and
Servicing Agents by the Distributor or the Company and reimbursed by the Fund
pursuant to the Investor C/N Plans, and (ii) the proceeds of contingent deferred
sales charges paid to the Distributor and reallowed to the Selling Agent, upon
the redemption of their Customers' Investor C Shares. Any such excess expenses
may be recovered in future years, so long as the Investor C/N Plans are in
effect. Because there is no requirement under the Investor C/N Plans that the
Distributor be paid or the Selling Agents and Servicing Agents be compensated or
reimbursed for all their expenses or any requirement that the Investor C/N Plans
be continued from year to year, such excess amount, if any, does not constitute
a liability to a Fund or the Distributor. Although there is no legal obligation
for the Fund to pay expenses incurred by the Distributor, a Selling Agent or a
Servicing Agent in excess of payments previously made to the Distributor under
the Investor C/N Plans or in connection with contingent deferred sales charges,
if for any reason the Investor C/N Plans are terminated, the Directors will
consider at that time the manner in which to treat such expenses.

      INFORMATION APPLICABLE TO INVESTOR A, INVESTOR B, INVESTOR C AND DAILY
SHARES AND INVESTOR N SHARES. The Investor A Plan, the Money Market Investor A
Servicing Plan, the Investor B/C Plan, the Investor B/C Servicing Plan, the
Investor C Plan, the Daily Distribution Plan, the Daily Servicing Plan and the
Investor C/N Servicing Plan (each a "Plan" and collectively the "Plans") may
only be used for the purposes specified above and as stated in each such Plan.
Compensation payable to Selling Agents or Servicing Agents for shareholder
support services under the Investor A Plan, the Money Market Investor A
Servicing Plan, the Investor B/C Servicing Plan, Daily Servicing Plan and the
Investor C/N Servicing Plan is subject to, among other things, the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD") Rules of Fair Practice
governing receipt by NASD members of shareholder servicing plan fees from
registered investment companies (the "NASD Servicing Plan Rule"), which became
effective on July 7, 1993. Such compensation shall only be paid for services
determined to be permissible under the NASD Servicing Plan Rule.

      Each Plan requires the officers of the Company or the Distributor to
provide the Board of Directors at least quarterly with a written report of the
amounts expended pursuant to the Plan and the purposes for which such
expenditures were made. The Board of Directors reviews these reports in
connection with their decisions with respect to the Plans.

                                       43
<PAGE>

      As required by Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, each Plan was approved by
the Board of Directors, including a majority of the directors who are not
"interested persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Company and who have no
direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plan or in any
agreements related to the Plan ("Qualified Directors") on September 27, 1989,
with respect to the Investor C Shares of the Money Market Funds, on March 22,
1991, with respect to the Investor A Shares of the Equity Income and Government
Securities Funds, on June 24, 1992 with respect to the Investor A Shares of the
International Equity Fund, and on March 19, 1992, with respect to the Investor C
Shares of the Non-Money Market Funds. Additionally, each Plan with respect to
the Investor B Shares of the Money Market Funds and with respect to the Investor
N Shares of all the Non-Money Market Funds was approved by the Board of
Directors, including a majority of the Qualified Directors, on February 3, 1993.
The Plan with respect to the Investor C Shares of the Money Market Funds was
initially approved on August 4, 1993. The Plan with respect to the Daily Shares
of the Money Market Funds was initially approved on August 4, 1993. The Plans
continue in effect as long as such continuance is specifically approved at least
annually by the Board of Directors, including a majority of the Qualified
Directors. On November 6, 1994, the Board of Directors (including a majority of
the Qualified Directors) voted to continue each Plan for an additional one year
period.

      In approving the Plans in accordance with the requirements of Rule 12b-1,
the directors considered various factors and determined that there is a
reasonable likelihood that each Plan will benefit the respective Investor A,
Investor B, Investor C Shares or Investor N Shares and the holders of such
shares. The Investor A Plan was approved by the Shareholders of the Investor A
Shares of each of the Funds except the International Equity Fund on September 6,
1991, and the Investor B/C Plan applicable to Investor C Shares of the
International Equity and Equity Income Funds and the Investor A Plan applicable
to Investor A Shares of the International Equity Fund were approved on September
22, 1992 by the Investor C Shareholders of the respective International Equity
and Equity Income Funds with respect to the Investor B/C Plan and by the
Investor A Shareholders of the International Equity Fund with respect to the
Investor A Plan. The Plans applicable to the Investor B Shares of the Money
Market Funds and Investor N Shares of the Non-Money Market Funds were approved
by such Funds' initial shareholder of Investor B and Investor N Shares.

      The Investor A Shares' Plans with respect to the Money Market Funds
originally became effective on December 4, 1989, and were amended February
12,1990, March 19, 1992 and February 3, 1993. The Investor A Shares' Plan with
respect to the Equity Income and Government Securities Funds became effective on
March 22, 1991, and was amended March 19, 1992. The Investor A Shares' Plan with
respect to the International Equity Fund became effective September 6, 1991 and
was amended March 19, 1992 and February 3, 1993.

      The Investor A Plan, Investor B/C Plan and Investor C/N Plan may be
terminated with respect to their respective shares by vote of a majority of the
Qualified Directors, or by vote of a majority of the holders of the outstanding
voting securities of the Investor A, Investor B, Investor C or Investor N
Shares, as appropriate. Any change in such a Plan that would increase materially
the distribution expenses paid by the Investor A, Investor B, Investor C or
Investor N Shares requires shareholder approval; otherwise, each Plan may be
amended by the directors, including a majority of the Qualified Directors, by
vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting upon such
amendment. The Money Market Investor A Servicing Plan, the Investor B/C
Servicing Plan and the Investor C/N Servicing Plan may be terminated by a vote
of a majority of the Qualified Directors. As long as a Plan is in effect, the
selection or nomination of the Qualified Directors is committed to the
discretion of the Qualified Directors.

      Conflict of interest restrictions may apply to the receipt by Selling
and/or Servicing Agents of compensation from the Company in connection with the
investment of fiduciary assets in Investor Shares. Selling and/or Servicing
Agents, including banks regulated by the Comptroller of the Currency, the
Federal Reserve Board, or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and
investment advisers and other money managers subject to the jurisdiction of the
SEC, the Department of Labor, or state securities commissions, are urged to
consult their legal advisers before investing such assets in Investor Shares.

                                       44
<PAGE>

SHAREHOLDER ADMINISTRATION PLAN (PRIMARY B SHARES) - NON-MONEY MARKET FUNDS

      As stated in the Prospectus for the Non-Money Market Funds' Primary B
Shares, the Company has a separate Shareholder Administration Plan (the
"Administration Plan") with respect to such shares. Pursuant to the
Administration Plan, the Company may enter into agreements ("Administration
Agreements") with broker/dealers, banks and other financial institutions that
are dealers of record or holders of record or which have a servicing
relationship with the beneficial owners of Non-Money Market Fund Primary B
Shares ("Servicing Agents"). The Administration Plan provides that pursuant to
the Administration Agreements, Servicing Agents shall provide the shareholder
support services as set forth therein to their customers who may from time to
time own of record or beneficially Primary B Shares ("Customers") in
consideration for the payment of up to 0.60% (on an annualized basis) of the net
asset value of such shares. Such services may include: (i) aggregating and
processing purchase, exchange and redemption requests for Primary B Shares from
Customers and transmitting promptly net purchase and redemption orders with the
Distributor or the transfer agents; (ii) providing Customers with a service that
invests the assets of their accounts in Primary B Shares pursuant to specific or
pre-authorized instructions; (iii) processing dividend and distribution payments
from the Company on behalf of Customers; (iv) providing information periodically
to Customers showing their positions in Primary B Shares; (v) arranging for bank
wires; (vi) responding to Customer inquiries concerning their investment in
Primary B Shares; (vii) providing sub-accounting with respect to Primary B
Shares beneficially owned by Customers or the information necessary for
sub-accounting; (viii) if required by law, forwarding shareholder communications
(such as proxies, shareholder reports annual and semi-annual financial
statements and dividend, distribution and tax notices) to Customers; (ix)
forwarding to Customers proxy statements and proxies containing any proposals
regarding an Administration Agreement; (x) employee benefit plan recordkeeping,
administration, custody and trustee services; (xi) general shareholder liaison
services and (xii) providing such other similar services as may reasonably be
requested to the extent permitted under applicable statutes, rules, or
regulations.

      The Administration Plan also provides that in no event may the portion of
the shareholder administration fee that constitutes a "service fee," as the term
is defined in NASD Servicing Plan Rule, exceed 0.25% of the average daily net
asset value of the Primary B Shares of a Non-Money Market Fund. In addition, to
the extent any portion of the fees payable under the Plan is deemed to be for
services primarily intended to result in the sale of Fund Shares, such fees are
deemed approved and may be paid under the Administration Plan. Accordingly, the
Administration Plan has been approved and will be operated pursuant to Rule
12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Such plan shall continue in effect as long as the
Board of Directors, including a majority of the Qualified Directors,
specifically approves the plan at least annually.

EXPENSES

      The Administrator furnishes, without additional cost to the Company, the
services of the Treasurer and Secretary of the Company and such other personnel
(other than the personnel of the Adviser) as are required for the proper conduct
of the Company's affairs. The Distributor bears the incremental expenses of
printing and distributing prospectuses used by the Distributor or furnished by
the Distributor to investors in connection with the public offering of the
Company's shares and the costs of any other promotional or sales literature,
except that to the extent permitted under the Plans relating to the Investor A,
Investor C and Investor N Shares of each Fund, sales-related expenses incurred
by the Distributor may be reimbursed by the Company.

      The Company pays or causes to be paid all other expenses of the Company,
including, without limitation: the fees of the Adviser, the Administrator and
Co-Administrator; the charges and expenses of any registrar, any custodian or
depository appointed by the Company for the safekeeping of its cash, fund
securities and other property, and any stock transfer, dividend or accounting
agent or agents appointed by the Company; brokerage commissions chargeable to
the Company in connection with fund securities transactions to which the Company
is a party; all taxes, including securities issuance and transfer taxes;
corporate fees payable by the Company to federal, state or other governmental
agencies; all costs and expenses in connection with the registration and
maintenance of registration of the Company and its shares with the SEC and
various states and other jurisdictions (including filing fees, legal fees and
disbursements of counsel); the costs and expenses of typesetting prospectuses
and statements of additional information of the Company (including supplements
thereto) and periodic reports and of printing and


                                       45
<PAGE>

distributing such prospectuses and statements of additional information
(including supplements thereto) to the Company's shareholders; all expenses of
shareholders' and directors' meetings and of preparing, printing and mailing
proxy statements and reports to shareholders; fees and travel expenses of
directors or director members of any Advisery board or committee; all expenses
incident to the payment of any dividend or distribution, whether in shares or
cash; charges and expenses of any outside service used for pricing of the
Company's shares; fees and expenses of legal counsel and of independent auditors
in connection with any matter relating to the Company; membership dues of
industry associations; interest payable on Company borrowings; postage and
long-distance telephone charges; insurance premiums on property or personnel
(including officers and directors) of the Company which inure to its benefit;
extraordinary expenses (including, but not limited to, legal claims and
liabilities and litigation costs and any indemnification related thereto); and
all other charges and costs of the Company's operation unless otherwise
explicitly assumed by the Adviser, the Administrator or Co-Administrator.

      Expenses of the Company which are not directly attributable to the
operations of any class of shares or Fund are pro-rated among all classes of
shares or Fund of the Company based upon the relative net assets of each class
or Fund. Expenses of the Company which are not directly attributable to a
specific class of shares but are directly attributable to a specific Fund are
pro-rated among all the classes of shares of such Fund based upon the relative
net assets of each such class of shares. Expenses of the Company which are
directly attributable to a class of shares are charged against the income
available for distribution as dividends to such class of shares.

      The Advisory Agreements and the Administration Agreement require NBAI,
Boatmen's, Kleinwort Benson and the Administrator to reduce their fees to the
extent required to satisfy any expense limitations which may be imposed by the
securities laws or regulations thereunder of any state in which a Fund's shares
are registered or qualified for sale, as such limitations may be raised or
lowered from time to time, and the aggregate of all such investment Advisery,
sub-Advisery and administration fees shall be reduced by the amount of such
excess. The amount of any such reduction to be borne by NBAI, Boatmen's,
Kleinwort Benson or the Administrator shall be deducted from the monthly
investment Advisery and administration fees otherwise payable to NBAI,
Boatmen's, Kleinwort Benson and the Administrator during such fiscal year. If
required pursuant to such state securities regulations, NBAI, Boatmen's,
Kleinwort Benson and the Administrator will reimburse the Company no later than
the last day of the first month of the next succeeding fiscal year, for any such
annual operating expenses (after reduction of all investment Advisery and
administration fees in excess of such limitation).

TRANSFER AGENTS AND CUSTODIANS

      First Data Investors Services Group, Inc. is located at One Exchange
Place, 53 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, and acts as transfer agent
for the Company's Primary Shares and Investor Shares. Under the transfer agency
agreements, the transfer agent maintains shareholder account records for the
Company, handles certain communications between shareholders and the Company,
and distributes dividends and distributions payable by the Company to
shareholders, and produces statements with respect to account activity for the
Company and its shareholders for these services. The transfer agent receives a
monthly fee computed on the basis of the number of shareholder accounts that it
maintains for the Company during the month and is reimbursed for out-of-pocket
expenses.

      NationsBank of Texas, N.A., 901 Main Street, Dallas, Texas 75201, serves
as sub-transfer agent for each Fund's Primary A Shares and Primary B Shares.
NationsBank of Texas, N.A., also serves as custodian for the portfolio
securities and cash of the Funds. As such custodian, NationsBank of Texas, N.A.,
maintains custody of such Funds' securities cash and other property, delivers
securities against payment upon sale and pays for securities against delivery
upon purchase, makes payments on behalf of such Funds for payments of dividends,
distributions and redemptions, endorses and collects on behalf of such Funds all
checks, and receives all dividends and other distributions made on securities
owned by such Funds.

      The Bank of New York, 90 Washington Street, New York, New York 10286,
serves as sub-custodian for the portfolio securities and cash of the Funds.

                                       46
<PAGE>

                                   DISTRIBUTOR

      Stephens Inc. (the "Distributor") serves as the principal underwriter and
distributor of the shares of the Funds.

      Pursuant to a distribution agreement (the "Distribution Agreement"), the
Distributor, as agent, sells shares of the Funds on a continuous basis and
transmits purchase and redemption orders that its receives to the Company or the
Transfer Agent. Additionally, the Distributor has agreed to use appropriate
efforts to solicit orders for the sale of shares and to undertake such
advertising and promotion as it believes appropriate in connection with such
solicitation. Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, the Distributor, at its
own expense, finances those activities which are primarily intended to result in
the sale of shares of the Funds, including, but not limited to, advertising,
compensation of underwriters, dealers and sales personnel, the printing and
distribution of prospectuses to other than existing shareholders, and the
printing and mailing of sales literature. The Distributor, however, may be
reimbursed for all or a portion of such expenses to the extent permitted by a
distribution plan adopted by the Company pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940
Act.

      The Distribution Agreement will continue year to year as long as such
continuance is approved at least annually by (i) the Board of Directors or a
vote of the majority (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the outstanding voting
securities of the Fund and (ii) a majority of the Directors who are not parties
to the Distribution Agreement or "interested persons" of any such party by a
vote cast in person at a meeting called for such purpose. The Distribution
Agreement is not assignable and is terminable with respect to a Fund, without
penalty, on 60 days' notice by the Board of Directors, the vote of a majority
(as defined in the 1940 Act) of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund or
by the Distributor.

                       INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANT AND REPORTS

      The Board of Directors has selected Price Waterhouse, LLP, 160 Federal
Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02110 as the Company's independent accountant.

      The audited financial statements and independent auditors' report for the
fiscal year ended August 31, 1996 for the predecessor portfolios are hereby
incorporated by reference to The Pilot Funds (SEC File No. 811-3517) Annual
Report, as filed with the SEC on October 13, 1996. The Small Company Growth
Fund, Government Bond Fund and International Growth Fund have not yet commenced
operations as of the date of this SAI. As such, financial statements for the
Funds are not yet available. The Annual Reports for each Fund, when available,
will be sent free of charge with this SAI to any shareholder who requests this
SAI.

                                     COUNSEL

      Morrison & Foerster LLP serves as legal counsel to the Company. Their
address is 2000 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006.

                      ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON PERFORMANCE

      Yield information and other performance information for the Company's
Funds may be obtained by calling the Company at (800) 321-7854.

      From time to time, the yield and total return of a Fund's Investor Shares
and Primary Shares may be quoted in advertisements, shareholder reports and
other communications to shareholders. Each Fund of the Company also may quote
information obtained from the Investment Company Institute in its advertising
materials and sales literature. In addition, certain potential benefits of
investing in world securities markets may be discussed in promotional materials.
Such benefits include, but are not limited to: (a) the expanded opportunities
for investment in securities markets outside the U.S.; (b) the growth of
securities markets outside the U.S. vis-a-vis U.S. markets; (c) the relative
return associated with foreign securities markets vis-a-vis U.S. market; and (d)
a reduced risk of portfolio volatility resulting from a diversified securities
portfolio consisting of both U.S. and foreign securities.


                                       47
<PAGE>

Performance information is available by calling 1-800-321-7854 with respect to
Investor Shares and 1-800-621-2192 with respect to Primary Shares.

YIELD CALCULATIONS

      The yield of the Primary Shares and Investor Shares of the Non-Money
Market Funds is a measure of the net investment income per share (as defined)
earned over a 30-day period expressed as a percentage of the maximum offering
price of a share of such classes at the end of the period. Based upon the 30-day
period ended _____, 1997, the yields of the various shares of the Government
Bond Fund(1) were as follows:

      Such yield figures are determined by dividing the net investment income
per share earned during a specified 30-day period by the maximum offering price
per share on the last day of the period, according to the following formula:

                                    Yield = 2[(a-b + 1)6-1]
                                                     cd

Where:            a =    dividends and interest earned during the period

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

                  c =    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 purposes of yield quotation, income is calculated in accordance with
standardized methods applicable to all stock and bond mutual funds. In general,
interest income is reduced with respect to bonds trading at a premium over their
par value by subtracting a portion of the premium from income on a daily basis,
and is increased with respect to bonds trading at a discount by adding a portion
of the discount to daily income. Capital gains and losses are excluded from the 
calculation.

      Income calculated for the purposes of calculating a Fund's yield differs
from income as determined for other accounting purposes. Because of the
different accounting methods used, and because of the compounding assumed in
yield calculations, the yield quoted for a Fund may differ from the rate of
distributions a Fund paid over the same period or the rate of income reported in
the Funds' financial statements.



TOTAL RETURN CALCULATIONS

      Total return measures both the net investment income generated by, and the
effect of any realized or unrealized appreciation or depreciation of the
underlying investments in the Funds. The Fund's average annual and cumulative
total return figures are computed in accordance with the standardized methods
prescribed by the SEC.

      Average annual total return figures are computed by determining the
average annual compounded rates of return over the periods indicated in the
advertisement, sales literature or shareholders' report that would equate the
initial amount invested to the ending redeemable value, according to the
following formula:

                                                  P(1 + T)n = ERV

Where:            P =      a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000

                  T =      average annual total return


- -----------------
(1)The Small Company Growth Fund does not disclose a 30-day yield because 
it is an equity fund.

                                       48
<PAGE>

                  n =      number of years

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

This calculation (i) assumes all dividends and distributions are reinvested at
net asset value on the appropriate reinvestment dates as described in the
Prospectuses and (ii) deducts (a) the maximum sales charge from the hypothetical
initial $1,000 investment and (b) all recurring fees, such as Advisery and
administrative fees, charged as expenses to all shareholder accounts.

      Cumulative total return is computed by finding the cumulative compounded
rate of return over the period indicated in the advertisement that would equate
the initial amount invested to the ending redeemable value, according to the
following formula:

                  CTR = (ERV-P) 100
                        -------
                            P

Where:            CTR = Cumulative total return

                  ERV      = ending redeemable value at the end of the period of
                           a hypothetical $1,000 payment made at the beginning
                           of such period

                  P = initial payment of $1,000.

This calculation (i) assumes all dividends and distributions are reinvested at
net asset value on the appropriate reinvestment dates as described in the
Prospectuses and (ii) deducts (a) the maximum sales charge from the hypothetical
initial $1,000 investment and (b) all recurring fees, such as Advisery and
administrative fees, charged as expenses to all shareholder accounts.

The Primary Shares and Investor Shares of the Small Company Growth Fund,
Government Bond Fund and International Growth Fund may also quote their
distribution rates, which express the historical amount of income dividends paid
to their shareholders during a one-month (in the case of the Government Bond
Fund) or a three-month (in the case of the Small Company Growth Fund and
International Growth Fund) period as a percentage of the maximum offering price
per share on the last day of such period. The performance figures of the Funds
as described above will vary from time to time depending upon market and
economic conditions, the composition of their portfolios and operating expenses.
These factors should be considered when comparing the performance figures of the
Funds with those of other investment companies and investment vehicles.

      The "yield" and "effective yield" of each class of shares of a Money
Market Fund may be compared to the respective averages compiled by DONOGHUE'S
MONEY FUND REPORT, a widely recognized independent publication that monitors the
performance of money market funds, or to the average yields reported by the BANK
RATE MONITOR for money market deposit accounts offered by the 50 leading banks
and thrift institutions in the top five metropolitan statistical areas. Each
Fund may quote information obtained from the Investment Company Institute,
national financial publications, trade journals and other industry sources in
its advertising and sales literature. In addition, the Funds also may compare
the performance and yield of a class or series of shares to those of other
mutual funds with similar investment objectives and to other relevant indices or
to rankings prepared by independent services or other financial or industry
publications that monitor the performance of mutual funds. For example, the
performance and yield of a class of shares in a Fund may be compared to data
prepared by Lipper Analytical Services, Inc. Performance and yield data as
reported in national financial publications such as MONEY MAGAZINE, FORBES,
BARRON'S, THE WALL STREET JOURNAL and THE NEW YORK TIMES, OR in publications of
a local or regional nature, may also be used in comparing the performance of a
class of shares in a Fund.

      In addition, the performance and yield of a class of shares in Nations
Small Company Growth Fund and Nations International Growth Fund may be compared
to the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index, an unmanaged


                                       49
<PAGE>

index of a group of common stocks, the Consumer Price Index or the Dow Jones
Industrial Average, a recognized unmanaged index of common stocks of 30
industrial companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The performance and
yield of a class of shares in the Nations International Growth Fund may be
compared to the Europe, Far East and Australia Index, a recognized unmanaged
index of international stocks. Any given performance comparison should not be
considered representative of a Fund's performance for any future period.

                                  MISCELLANEOUS

CERTAIN RECORD HOLDERS

      The following indicates those persons who owned 5% or more of the
indicated class of shares as of May, 1997. Unless otherwise indicated, the
address for each record-holder of Primary Shares is 1401 Elm Street, 11th Floor,
Dallas, Texas 75202.
               
                    `                             Percentage of Shares
Name and Address                                  Held of Record Only

SMALL COMPANY GROWTH FUND


GOVERNMENT BOND FUND

INTERNATIONAL GROWTH FUND

         As of May __, 1997, NationsBank and its affiliates owned of record more
than 25% of the outstanding shares of the Company acting as agent, fiduciary, or
custodian for its customers and may be deemed a controlling person of the
Company under the 1940 Act.

                                       50
<PAGE>


                                   SCHEDULE A

                             DESCRIPTION OF RATINGS

      The following summarizes the highest six ratings used by Standard & Poor's
Corporation ("S&P") for corporate and municipal bonds. The first four ratings
denote investment-grade securities.

             AAA - This is the highest rating assigned by S&P to a debt
      obligation and indicates an extremely strong capacity to pay interest and
      repay principal.

             AA - Debt rated AA is considered to have a very strong capacity to
      pay interest and repay principal and differs from AAA issues only in a
      small degree.

             A - Debt rated A has a 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 - Debt rated BBB is 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 for those in
      higher-rated categories.

             BB, B - Bonds rated BB and B are regarded, on balance as
      predominantly speculative with respect to capacity to pay interest and
      repay principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation. Debt rated
      BB has less near-term vulnerability to default than other speculative
      issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to
      adverse business, financial or economic conditions which could lead to
      inadequate capacity to meet timely interest and principal payments. Debt
      rated B has a greater vulnerability to default but currently has the
      capacity to meet interest payments and principal repayments. Adverse
      business, financial or economic conditions will likely impair capacity or
      willingness to pay interest and repay principal.

      To provide more detailed indications of credit quality, the AA, A and BBB,
BB and B ratings may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show
relative standing within these major rating categories.

      The following summarizes the highest six ratings used by Moody's Investors
Service, Inc. ("Moody's") for corporate and municipal bonds. The first four
denote investment grade securities.

             Aaa - Bonds that are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best
      quality. They carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are
      generally referred to as "gilt edge." Interest payments are protected by a
      large or by an exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure. While
      the various protective elements are likely to change, such changes as can
      be visualized are most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong
      position of such issues.

             Aa - Bonds that are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by
      all standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are
      generally known as high grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best
      bonds because margins of protection may not be as large as in Aaa
      securities or fluctuation of protective elements may be of greater
      amplitude or there may be other elements present which make the long-term
      risks appear somewhat larger than in Aaa securities.

             A - Bonds that are rated A possess many favorable investment
      attributes and are to be considered upper medium grade obligations.
      Factors giving security to principal and interest are considered adequate,
      but elements may be present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment
      sometime in the future.


                                      A-1
<PAGE>

             Baa - Bonds that are rated Baa are considered 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. Such bonds
      lack outstanding investment characteristics and in fact have speculative
      characteristics as well.

             Ba - Bonds that are rated Ba are judged to have speculative
      elements; their future cannot be considered as well assured. Often the
      protection of interest and principal payments may be very moderate and
      thereby not as well safeguarded during both good times and bad times over
      the future. Uncertainty of position characterizes bonds in this class.

             B - Bond that are rated B generally lack characteristics of the
      desirable investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of
      maintenance of other terms of the contract over any long period of time
      may be small.

      Moody's applies numerical modifiers (1, 2 and 3) with respect to corporate
bonds rated Aa through B. The modifier 1 indicates that the bond being rated
ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates
a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates that the bond ranks in the
lower end of its generic rating category. With regard to municipal bonds, those
bonds in the Aa, A and Baa groups which Moody's believes possess the strongest
investment attributes are designated by the symbols Aa1, A1 or Baa1,
respectively.

      The following summarizes the highest four ratings used by Duff & Phelps
Credit Rating Co. ("D&P") for bonds, each of which denotes that the securities
are investment grade.

             AAA - Bonds that are rated AAA are of the highest credit quality.
      The risk factors are considered to be negligible, being only slightly more
      than for risk-free U.S. Treasury debt.

             AA - Bonds that are rated AA are of high credit quality. Protection
      factors are strong. Risk is modest but may vary slightly from time to time
      because of economic conditions.

             A - Bonds that are rated A have protection factors which are
      average but adequate. However risk factors are more variable and greater
      in periods of economic stress.

             BBB - Bonds that are rated BBB have below average protection
      factors but still are considered sufficient for prudent investment.
      Considerable variability in risk exists during economic cycles.

      To provide more detailed indications of credit quality, the AA, A and BBB
ratings may modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative
standing within these major categories.

      The following summarizes the highest four ratings used by Fitch Investors
Service, Inc. ("Fitch") for bonds, each of which denotes that the securities are
investment grade.

             AAA - Bonds considered to be investment grade and of the highest
      credit quality. The obligor has an exceptionally strong ability to pay
      interest and repay principal, which is unlikely to be affected by
      reasonably foreseeable events.

             AA - Bonds considered to be investment grade and of very high
      credit quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal
      is very strong, although not quite as strong as bonds rated AAA. Because
      bonds rated in the AAA and AA categories are not significantly vulnerable
      to foreseeable future developments, short-term debt of these issuers is
      generally rated F-1+.

             A - Bonds considered to be investment grade and of high credit
      quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is
      considered to be strong, but may be more vulnerable to adverse changes in
      economic conditions and circumstances than bonds with higher ratings.

                                      A-2
<PAGE>

             BBB - Bonds considered to be investment grade and of satisfactory
      credit quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal
      is considered to be adequate. Adverse changes in economic conditions and
      circumstances, however, are more likely to have adverse impact on these
      bonds, and therefore impair timely payment. The likelihood that the
      ratings of these bonds will fall below investment grade is greater than
      for bonds with higher ratings.

      To provide more detailed indications of credit quality, the AA, A and BBB
ratings may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative
standing within these major rating categories.

      The following summarizes the two highest ratings used by Moody's for
short-term municipal notes and variable-rate demand obligations.

      MIG-1/VMIG-1 -- Obligations bearing these designations are of the best
quality, enjoying strong protection from established cash flows, superior
liquidity support or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for
refinancing.

      MIG-2/VMIG-2 -- Obligations bearing these designations are of high
quality, with ample margins of protection although not so large as in the
preceding group.

      The following summarizes the two highest ratings used by S&P for
short-term municipal notes.

      SP-1 - Indicates very strong or strong capacity to pay principal and
interest. Those issues determined to possess overwhelming safety characteristics
are given a "plus" (+) designation.

      SP-2 - Indicates satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest.

      The three highest rating categories of D&P for short-term debt, each of
which denotes that the securities are investment grade, are D-1, D-2, and D-3.
D&P employs three designations, D-1+, D-1 and D-1-, within the highest rating
category. D-1+ indicates highest certainty of timely payment. Short-term
liquidity, including internal operating factors and/or access to alternative
sources of funds, is judged to be "outstanding, and safety is just below
risk-free U.S. Treasury short-term obligations." D-1 indicates very high
certainty of timely payment. Liquidity factors are excellent and supported by
good fundamental protection factors. Risk factors are considered to be minor.
D-2 indicates good certainty of timely payment. Liquidity factors and company
fundamentals are sound. Although ongoing funding needs may enlarge total
financing requirements, access to capital markets is good. Risk factors are
small. D-3 indicates satisfactory liquidity and other protection factors which
qualify the issue as investment grade. Risk factors are larger and subject to
more variation. Nevertheless, timely payment is expected.

      The following summarizes the two highest rating categories used by Fitch
for short-term obligations each of which denotes that the securities are
investment grade.

      F-1+ securities possess exceptionally strong credit quality. Issues
assigned this rating are regarded as having the strongest degree of assurance
for timely payment.

      F-1 securities possess very strong credit quality. Issues assigned this
rating reflect an assurance of timely payment only slightly less in degree than
issues rated F-1+.

      F-2 securities possess good credit quality. Issues carrying this rating
have a satisfactory degree of assurance for timely payment, but the margin of
safety is not as great as for issues assigned the F-1+ and F-1 ratings.

      Commercial paper rated A-1 by S&P indicates that the degree of safety
regarding timely payment is strong. Those issues determined to possess extremely
strong safety characteristics are denoted A-1+. Capacity for timely payment on
commercial paper rated A-2 is satisfactory, but the relative degree of safety is
not as high as for issues designated A-1.

                                      A-3
<PAGE>

      The rating Prime-1 is the highest commercial paper rating assigned by
Moody's. Issuers rated Prime-1 (or related supporting institutions) are
considered to have a superior capacity for repayment of senior short-term
promissory obligations. Issuers rated Prime-2 (or related supporting
institutions) are considered to have a strong capacity for repayment of senior
short-term promissory obligations. This will normally be evidenced by many of
the characteristics of issuers rated Prime-1, but to a lesser degree. Earnings
trends and coverage ratios, while sound, will be more subject to variation.
Capitalization characteristics, while still appropriate, may be more affected by
external conditions. Ample alternate liquidity is maintained.

      For commercial paper, D&P uses the short-term debt ratings described
above.

      For commercial paper, Fitch uses the short-term debt ratings described
above.

      Thomson BankWatch, Inc. ("BankWatch") ratings are based upon a qualitative
and quantitative analysis of all segments of the organization including, where
applicable, holding company and operating subsidiaries. BankWatch ratings do not
constitute a recommendation to buy or sell securities of any of these companies.
Further, BankWatch does not suggest specific investment criteria for individual
clients.

      BankWatch long-term ratings apply to specific issues of long-term debt and
preferred stock. The long-term ratings specifically assess the likelihood of
untimely payment of principal or interest over the term to maturity of the rated
instrument. The following are the four investment grade ratings used by
BankWatch for long-term debt:

             AAA - The highest category; indicates ability to repay principal
      and interest on a timely basis is extremely high.

             AA - The second highest category; indicates a very strong ability
      to repay principal and interest on a timely basis with limited incremental
      risk versus issues rated in the highest category.

             A - The third highest category; indicates the ability to repay
      principal and interest is strong. Issues rated "A" could be more
      vulnerable to adverse developments (both internal and external) than
      obligations with higher ratings.

             BBB - The lowest investment grade category; indicates an acceptable
      capacity to repay principal and interest. Issues rated "BBB" are, however,
      more vulnerable to adverse developments (both internal and external) than
      obligations with higher ratings.

             Long-term debt ratings may include a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to
      indicate where within a category the issue is placed.

      The BankWatch short-term ratings apply to commercial paper, other senior
short-term obligations and deposit obligations of the entities to which the
rating has been assigned. The BankWatch short-term ratings specifically assess
the likelihood of an untimely payment of principal or interest.

             TBW-1         The highest category; indicates a very high
                           likelihood that principal and interest will be paid
                           on a timely basis.

             TBW-2         The second highest category; while the degree of
                           safety regarding timely repayment of principal and
                           interest is strong, the relative degree of safety is
                           not as high as for issues rated "TBW-1".

             TBW-3         The lowest investment grade category; indicates that
                           while more susceptible to adverse developments (both
                           internal and external) than obligations with higher
                           ratings, capacity to service principal and interest
                           in a timely fashion is considered adequate.



                                      A-4
<PAGE>

             TBW-4         The lowest rating category; this rating is regarded
                           as non-investment grade and therefore speculative.

      The following summarizes the four highest long-term debt ratings used by
IBCA Limited and its affiliate, IBCA Inc. (collectively "IBCA").

             AAA - Obligations for which there is the lowest expectation of
      investment risk. Capacity for timely repayment of principal and interest
      is substantial such that adverse changes in business, economic or
      financial conditions are unlikely to increase investment risk
      significantly.

             AA - Obligations for which there is a very low expectation of
      investment risk. Capacity for timely repayment of principal and interest
      is substantial. Adverse changes in business, economic or financial
      conditions may increase investment risk albeit not very significantly.

             A - Obligations for which there is a low expectation of investment
      risk. Capacity for timely repayment of principal and interest is strong,
      although adverse changes in business, economic or financial conditions may
      lead to increased investment risk.

             BBB - Obligations for which there is currently a low expectation of
      investment risk. Capacity for timely repayment of principal and interest
      is adequate, although adverse changes in business, economic or financial
      conditions are more likely to lead to increased investment risk than for
      obligations in other categories.

      A plus or minus sign may be appended to a rating below AAA to denote
relative status within major rating categories.

      The following summarizes the two highest short-term debt ratings used by
IBCA:

             A1+ When issues possess a particularly strong credit feature, a
rating of A1+ is assigned.

             A1 - Obligations supported by the highest capacity for timely
repayment.

             A2 - Obligations supported by a good capacity for timely repayment.


                                      A-5
<PAGE>

                                   SCHEDULE B

                        ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING
                                OPTIONS & FUTURES


      As stated in the Prospectus, each Fund, may enter into futures contracts
and options for hedging purposes. Such transactions are described in this
Schedule. During the current fiscal year, each of these Funds intends to limit
its transactions in futures contracts and options so that not more than 5% of
the Fund's net assets are at risk. Furthermore, in no event would any Fund
purchase or sell futures contracts, or related options thereon, for hedging
purposes if, immediately thereafter, the aggregate initial margin that is
required to be posted by the Fund under the rules of the exchange on which the
futures contract (or futures option) is traded, plus any premiums paid by the
Fund on its open futures options positions, exceeds 5% of the Fund's total
assets, after taking into account any unrealized profits and unrealized losses
on the Fund's open contracts and excluding the amount that a futures option is
"in-the-money" at the time of purchase. (An option to buy a futures contract is
"in-the-money" if the value of the contract that is subject to the option
exceeds the exercise price; an option to sell a futures contract is
"in-the-money" if the exercise price exceeds the value of the contract that is
subject of the option.)

1.        Interest Rate Futures Contracts.

      Use of Interest Rate Futures Contracts. Bond prices are established in
both the cash market and the futures market. In the cash market, bonds are
purchased and sold with payment for the full purchase price of the bond being
made in cash, generally within five business days after the trade. In the
futures market, only a contract is made to purchase or sell a bond in the future
for a set price on a certain date. Historically, the prices for bonds
established in the futures market have tended to move generally in the aggregate
in concert with the cash market prices and have maintained fairly predictable
relationships. Accordingly, a Fund may use interest rate futures as a defense,
(or hedge, against anticipated interest rate changes and not for speculation. As
described below, this would include the use of futures contract sales to protect
against expected increases in interest rates and futures contract purchases to
offset the impact of interest rate declines.

      A Fund presently could accomplish a similar result to that which it hopes
to achieve through the use of futures contracts by selling bonds with long
maturities and investing in bonds with short maturities when interest rates are
expected to increase, or conversely, selling short-term bonds and investing in
long-term bonds when interest rates are expected to decline. However, because of
the liquidity that is often available in the futures market the protection is
more likely to be achieved, perhaps at a lower cost and without changing the
rate of interest being earned by the Fund, through using futures contracts.

      Description of Interest Rates Futures Contracts. An interest rate futures
contract sale would create an obligation by a Fund, as seller, to deliver the
specific type of financial instrument called for in the contract at a specific
future time for a specified price. A futures contract purchase would create an
obligation by the Fund, as purchaser, to take delivery of the specific type of
financial instrument at a specific future time at a specific price. The specific
securities delivered or taken, respectively, at settlement date, would not be
determined until at or near that date. The determination would be in accordance
with the rules of the exchange on which the futures contract sale or purchase
was made.

      Although interest rate futures contracts by their terms call for actual
delivery or acceptance of securities, in most cases the contracts are closed out
before the settlement date without the making or taking of delivery of
securities. Closing out a futures contract sale is effected by the Fund's
entering into a futures contract purchase for the same aggregate amount of the
specific type of financial instrument and the same delivery date. If the price
in the sale exceeds the price in the off-setting purchase, the Fund is paid the
difference and thus realizes a gain. If the off-setting purchase price exceeds
the sale price, the Fund pays the difference and realizes a loss. Similarly, the
closing out of a futures contract purchase is effected by the Fund's entering
into a futures contract sale. If the off-setting sale price exceeds the purchase
price, the Fund realizes a gain, and if the purchase price exceeds the
off-setting sale price, the Fund realizes a loss.

                                      B-1
<PAGE>

      Interest rate futures contracts are traded in an auction environment on
the floors of several exchanges, principally, the Chicago Board of Trade, the
Chicago Mercantile Exchange and the New York Futures Exchange. A Fund would deal
only in standardized contracts on recognized changes. Each exchange guarantees
performance under contract provisions through a clearing corporation, a
nonprofit organization managed by the exchange membership.

      A public market now exists in futures contracts covering various financial
instruments including long-term United States Treasury Bonds and Notes;
Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA") modified pass-through
mortgage-backed securities; three-month United States Treasury Bills, and
ninety-day commercial paper. The Funds may trade in any futures contract for
which there exists a public market, including, without limitation, the foregoing
instruments.

      Examples of Futures Contract Sale. A Fund would engage in an interest rate
futures contract sale to maintain the income advantage from continued holding of
a long-term bond while endeavoring to avoid part or all of the loss in market
value that would otherwise accompany a decline in long-term securities prices.
Assume that the market value of a certain security in a Fund tends to move in
concert with the futures market prices of long-term United States Treasury bonds
("Treasury Bonds"). The Adviser wishes to fix the current market value of this
portfolio security until some point in the future. Assume the portfolio security
has a market value of 100, and the Adviser believes that, because of an
anticipated rise in interest rates, the value will decline to 95. The Fund might
enter into futures contract sales of Treasury bonds for an equivalent of 98. If
the market value of the portfolio securities does indeed decline from 100 to 95,
the equivalent futures market price for the Treasury bonds might also decline
from 98 to 93.

      In that case, the five-point loss in the market value of the portfolio
security would be offset by the five-point gain realized by closing out the
futures contract sale. Of course, the futures market price of Treasury bonds
might well decline to more than 93 or to less than 93 because of the imperfect
correlation between cash and futures prices mentioned below.

      The Adviser could be wrong in its forecast of interest rates and the
equivalent futures market price could rise above 98. In this case, the market
value of the portfolio securities, including the portfolio security being
protected, would increase. The benefit of this increase would be reduced by the
loss realized on closing out the futures contract sale.

      If interest rate levels did not change, the Fund in the above example
might incur a loss of 2 points (which might be reduced by an off-setting
transaction prior to the settlement date). In each transaction, transaction
expenses would also be incurred.

      Examples of Future Contract Purchase. A Fund would engage in an interest
rate futures contract purchase when it is not fully invested in long-term bonds
but wishes to defer for a time the purchase of long-term bonds in light of the
availability of advantageous interim investments, (e.g., shorter-term securities
whose yields are greater than those available on long-term bonds). The Fund's
basic motivation would be to maintain for a time the income advantage from
investing in the short-term securities; the Fund would be endeavoring at the
same time to eliminate the effect of all or part of an expected increase in
market price of the long-term bonds that the Fund may purchase.

      For example, assume that the market price of a long-term bond that the
Fund may purchase, currently yielding 10%, tends to move in concert with futures
market prices of Treasury bonds. The Adviser wishes to fix the current market
price (and thus 10% yield) of the long-term bond until the time (four months
away in this example) when it may purchase the bond. Assume the long-term bond
has a market price of 100, and the Adviser believes that, because of an
anticipated fall in interest rates, the price will have risen to 105 (and the
yield will have dropped to about 9-1/2%) in four months. The Fund might enter
into futures contracts purchases of Treasury bonds for an equivalent price of
98. At the same time, the Fund would assign a pool of investments in short-term
securities that are either maturing in four months or earmarked for sale in four
months, for purchase of the long-term bond at an assumed market price of 100.
Assume these short-term securities are yielding 15%. If the market price of the
long-term bond does indeed rise from 100 to 105, the equivalent futures market
price for Treasury


                                      B-2
<PAGE>

bonds might also rise from 98 to 103. In that case, the 5-point increase in the
price that the Fund pays for the long-term bond would be offset by the 5-point
gain realized by closing out the futures contract Purchase.

      The Adviser could be wrong in its forecast of interest rates; long-term
interest rates might rise to above 10%; and the equivalent futures market price
could fall below 98. If short-term rates at the same time fall to 10% or below,
it is possible that the Fund would continue with its purchase program for
long-term bonds. The market price of available long-term bonds would have
decreased. The benefit of this price decrease, and thus yield increase, will be
reduced by the loss realized on closing out the futures contract purchase.

      If, however, short-term rates remained above available long-term rates, it
is possible that the Fund would discontinue its purchase program for long-term
bonds. The yield on short-term securities in the portfolio, including those
originally in the pool assigned to the particular long-term bond, would remain
higher than yields on long-term bonds. The benefit of this continued incremental
income will be reduced by the loss realized on closing out the futures contract
purchase.

      In each transaction, expenses also would be incurred.

2.        Index Futures Contracts.

      A stock or bond index assigns relative values to the stocks or bonds
included in the index, and the index fluctuates with changes in the market
values of the stocks or bonds included. Some stock index futures contracts are
based on broad market indices, such as the Standard & Poor's 500 or the New York
Stock Exchange Composite Index. In contract, certain exchanges offer futures
contracts on narrower market indices, such as the Standard & Poor's 100, the
Bond Buyer Municipal Bond Index, an index composed of 40 term revenue and
general obligation bonds, or indices based on an industry or market segment,
such as oil and gas stocks. Futures contracts are traded on organized exchanges
regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Transactions on such
exchanges are cleared through a clearing corporation, which guarantees the
performance of the parties to each contract.

      A Fund will sell index futures contracts in order to offset a decrease in
market value of its portfolio securities that might otherwise result from a
market decline. The Fund may do so either to hedge the value of its portfolio as
a whole, or to protect against declines, occurring prior to sales of securities,
in the value of the securities to be sold. Conversely, a Fund will purchase
index futures contracts in anticipation of purchases of securities. In a
substantial majority of these transactions, the Fund will purchase such
securities upon termination of the long futures position, but a long futures
position may be terminated without a corresponding purchase of securities.

      In addition, a Fund may utilize index futures contracts in anticipation of
changes in the composition of its portfolio holdings. For example, in the event
that a Fund expects to narrow the range of industry groups represented in its
holdings it may, prior to making purchases of the actual securities, establish a
long futures position based on a more restricted index, such as an index
comprised of securities of a particular industry group. A Fund also may sell
futures contracts in connection with this strategy, in order to protect against
the possibility that the value of the securities to be sold as part of the
restructuring of the portfolio will decline prior to the time of sale.

      The following are examples of transactions in stock index futures (net of
commissions and premiums, if any).


                                      B-3
<PAGE>



                   ANTICIPATORY PURCHASE HEDGE: Buy the Future
                Hedge Objection Protect Against Increasing Price

              Portfolio                           Futures

                                         -Day Hedge is Placed

Anticipate Buying $62,500                         Buying 1 Index Futures at 125
     Equity Portfolio                             Value of Futures = $62,500/
                                                  Contract

                                         -Day Hedge is Lifted-

Buy Equity Portfolio with                         Sell 1 Index Futures at 130
     Actual Cost = $65,000                        Value of Futures = $65,000/
     Increase in Purchase                                  Contract
Price = $2,500                                    Gain on Futures = $2,500


                HEDGING A STOCK PORTFOLIO: Sell the Future Hedge
          Objective Protect Against Declining (Value of the Portfolio)

Factors

Value of Stock Portfolio = $1,000,000
Value of Futures Contract = 125 x $500 = $62,500
Portfolio Beta Relative to the Index - 1 0

              Portfolio                           Futures

                                         -Day Hedge is Placed

Anticipate Selling $1,000,000                     Sell 16 Index Futures at 125
     Equity Portfolio                             Value of Futures = $1,000,000

                                         -Day Hedge is Lifted-

Equity Portfolio-Own                              Buy 16 Index Futures at 120
     Stock with Value = $960,000                  Value of Futures = $960,000
     Loss in Portfolio                            Gain on Futures = $40,000
       Value = $40 000

      IF, HOWEVER, THE MARKET MOVED IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION, THAT IS, MARKET
VALUE DECREASED AND THE FUND HAD ENTERED INTO AN ANTICIPATORY PURCHASE HEDGE, OR
MARKET VALUE INCREASED AND THE FUND HAD HEDGED ITS STOCK PORTFOLIO, THE RESULTS
OF THE FUND'S TRANSACTIONS IN STOCK INDEX FUTURES WOULD BE AS SET FORTH BELOW.



                                      B-4
<PAGE>


                   ANTICIPATORY PURCHASE HEDGE: Buy the Future
                Hedge Objection: Protect Against Increasing Price

              Portfolio                     Futures

                                   -Day Hedge is Placed

Anticipate Buying $62,500                   Buying 1 Index Futures at 125
     Equity Portfolio                       Value of Futures = $62,500/
                                            Contract

                                   -Day Hedge is Lifted-

Buy Equity Portfolio with                   Sell 1 Index Futures at 120
     Actual Cost = $60,000                  Value of Futures = $60,000/Contract
     Decrease in Purchase                   Loss on Futures = $2,500
        Price = $2,500                          Contract


                   HEDGING A STOCK PORTFOLIO: Sell the Future
                   Hedge Objective: Protect Against Declining
                             Value of the Portfolio

Factors

Value of Stock Portfolio = $1,000,000 
Value of Futures Contract = 125 x $500 = $62,500 
Portfolio Beta Relative to the Index - 1 0

              Portfolio                            Futures

                                          -Day Hedge is Placed

Anticipate Selling $1,000,000                      Sell 16 Index Futures at 125
     Equity Portfolio                              Value of Futures = $1,000,000

                                          -Day Hedge is Lifted-

Equity Portfolio-Own                              Buy 16 Index Futures at 130
     Stock with Value = $1,040,000                Value of Futures = $1,040,000
     Gain in Portfolio = $40,000                  Loss of Futures = $40,000
       Value = $40 000

3.        Margin Payments.

      Unlike when a Fund purchases or sells a security, no price is paid or
received by the Fund upon the purchase or sale of a futures contract. Initially,
the Fund will be required to deposit with the broker or in a segregated account
with the Fund's Custodian an amount of cash or cash equivalents, the value, of
which may vary but is generally equal to 10% or less of the value of the
contract. This amount is known as initial margin. The nature of initial margin
in futures transactions is different from that of margin in security
transactions in that futures contract margin does not involve the borrowing of
funds by the customer to finance the transactions. Rather, the initial margin is
in the nature of a performance bond or good faith deposit on the contract which
is returned to the


                                      B-5
<PAGE>

Fund upon termination of the futures contract assuming all contractual
obligations have been satisfied. Subsequent payments, called variation margin,
to and from the broker, will be made on a daily basis as the price of the
underlying security or index fluctuates making the long and short positions in
the futures contract more or less valuable, a process known as
"marking-to-market." For example, when a Fund has purchased a futures contract
and the price of the contract has risen in response to a rise in the underlying
instruments, that position will have increased in value and the Fund will be
entitled to receive from the broker a variation margin payment equal to that
increase in value. Conversely, where a Fund has purchased a futures contract and
the price of the futures contract has declined in response to a decrease in the
underlying instruments, the position would be less valuable, and thus the Fund
would be required to make a variation margin payment to the broker. At any time
prior to expiration of the futures contract, the Adviser may elect to close the
position by taking an opposite position, subject to the availability of a
secondary market, which will operate to terminate the Fund's position in the
futures contract. A final determination of variation margin is then made,
additional cash is required to be paid by or released to the Fund, and the Fund
realizes a loss or gain.

4.        Risks of Transactions in Futures Contracts.

      There are several risks in connection with the use of futures by a Fund as
a hedging device. One risk arises because of the imperfect correlation between
movements in the price of the future and movements in the price of the
securities which are the subject of the hedge. The price of the future may move
more than or less than the price of the securities being hedged. If the price of
the future moves less than the price of the securities which are the subject of
the hedge, the hedge will not be fully effective, but if the price of securities
being hedged has moved in an unfavorable direction, the Fund would be in a
better position than if it had not hedged at all. If the price of the securities
being hedged has moved in a favorable direction, this advance will be partially
offset by the loss on the future. If the price of the future moves more than the
price of the hedged securities, the Fund involved will experience either a loss
or gain on the future which will not be completely offset by movements in the
price of the securities which are the subject of the hedge.

      To compensate for the imperfect correlation of movements in the price of
securities being hedged and movements in the price of futures contracts, a Fund
may buy or sell futures contracts in a greater dollar amount than the dollar
amount of securities being hedged if the volatility over a particular time
period of the prices of such securities has been greater than the volatility
over such time period of the future, or if otherwise deemed to be appropriate by
the Adviser. Conversely, a Fund may buy or sell fewer futures contracts if the
volatility over a particular time period of the prices of the securities being
hedged is less than the volatility over such time period of the futures contract
being used, or if otherwise deemed to be appropriate by the Adviser. It also is
possible that, where a Fund has sold futures to hedge its portfolio against a
decline in the market, the market may advance, and the value of securities held
by the Fund may decline. If this occurred, the Fund would lose money on the
future and also experience a decline in value in its portfolio securities.

      Where futures are purchased to hedge against a possible increase in the
price of securities before a Fund is able to invest its cash (or cash
equivalents) in securities (or options) in an orderly fashion, it is possible
that the market may decline instead; if the Fund then concludes not to invest in
securities or options at that time because of concern as to possible further
market decline or for other reasons, the Fund will realize a loss on the futures
contract that is not offset by a reduction in the price of securities purchased.

      In instances involving the purchase of futures contracts by a Fund, an
amount of cash and cash equivalents, equal to the market value of the futures
contracts, will be 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 insure that the use of such futures is unleveraged.

      In addition to the possibility that there may be an imperfect correlation,
or no correlation at all, between movements in the futures and the securities
being hedged, the price of futures may not correlate perfectly with movement in
the cash market due to certain market distortions. Rather than meeting
additional margin deposit requirements, investors may close futures contracts
through off-setting transactions which could distort the normal relationship
between the cash and futures markets. Second, with respect to financial futures
contracts, the liquidity


                                      B-6
<PAGE>

of the futures market depends on participants entering into off-setting
transactions rather than making or taking delivery. To the extent participants
decide to make or take delivery, liquidity in the futures market could be
reduced thus producing distortions. Third, from the point of view of
speculators, the deposit requirements in the futures market are less onerous
than margin requirements in the securities market. Therefore, increased
participation by speculators in the futures market may also cause temporary
price 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 still may not result in
a successful hedging transaction over a short time frame.

      Positions in futures may be closed out only on an exchange or board of
trade which provides a secondary market for such futures. Although the Funds
intend to purchase or sell futures only on exchanges or boards of trade where
there appear to be active secondary markets, there is no assurance that a liquid
secondary market on any exchange or board of trade will exist for any particular
contract or at any particular time. In such event, it may not be possible to
close a futures investment position, and in the event of adverse price
movements, a Fund would continue to be required to make daily cash payments of
variation margin. However, in the event futures contracts have been used to
hedge portfolio securities, such securities will not be sold until the futures
contract can be terminated. In such circumstances, an increase in the price of
the securities, if any, may partially or completely offset losses on the futures
contract. However, as described above, there is no guarantee that the price of
the securities will in fact correlate with the price movements in the futures
contract and thus provide an offset on a futures contract.

      Further, it should be noted that the liquidity of a secondary market in a
futures contract may be adversely affected by "daily price fluctuation limits"
established by commodity exchanges which limit the amount of fluctuation in a
futures contract price during a single trading day. Once the daily limit has
been reached in the contract, no trades may be entered into at a price beyond
the limit, thus preventing the liquidation of open futures positions.

      Successful use of futures by a Fund also is subject to the Adviser's
ability to predict correctly movements in the direction of the market. For
example, if a Fund has hedged against the possibility of a decline in the market
adversely affecting securities held in its portfolio and securities prices
increase instead, the Fund will lose part or all of the benefit to the increased
value of its securities which it has hedged because it will have off-setting
losses in its futures positions. In addition, in such situations, if the Fund
has insufficient cash, it may have to sell securities to meet daily variation
margin requirements. Such sales of securities may be, but will not necessarily
be, at increased prices which reflect the rising market. A Fund may have to sell
securities at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so.

5.        Options on Futures Contracts.

      The Funds may purchase options on the futures contracts described above. A
futures option gives the holder, in return for the premium paid, the right to
buy (call) from or sell (put) to the writer of the option a futures contract at
a specified price at any time during the period of the option. Upon exercise,
the writer of the option is obligated to pay the difference between the cash
value of the futures contract and the exercise price. Like the buyer or seller
of a futures contract, the holder, or writer, of an option has the right to
terminate its position prior to the scheduled expiration of the option by
selling, or purchasing, an option of the same series, at which time the person
entering into the closing transaction will realize a gain or loss.

      Investments in futures options involve some of the same considerations
that are involved in connection with investments in futures contracts (for
example, the existence of a liquid secondary market). In addition, the purchase
of an option also entails the risk that changes in the value of the underlying
futures contract will not be fully reflected in the value of the option
purchased. Depending on the pricing of the option compared to either the futures
contract upon which it is based, or upon the price of the securities being
hedged, an option or may not be less risky than ownership of the futures
contract or such securities. In general, the market prices of options can be
expected to be more volatile than the market prices on the underlying futures
contract. Compared to the purchase or sale of futures contracts, however, the
purchase of call or put options on futures contracts may


                                      B-7
<PAGE>

frequently involve less potential risk to a Fund because the maximum amount at
risk is the premium paid for the options (plus transaction costs). Although
permitted by their fundamental investment policies, the Funds do not currently
intend to write future options, and will not do so in the future absent any
necessary regulatory approvals.

6.        Accounting and Tax Treatment.

      Accounting for futures contracts and options will be in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles.

      Generally, futures contracts and options on futures contracts held by a
Fund at the close of the Fund's taxable year will be treated for Federal income
tax purposes as sold for their fair market value on the last business day of
such year, a process known as "marking-to-market." Forty percent (40%) of any
gains or loss resulting from such constructive sale will be treated as
short-term capital gain or loss and sixty percent (60%) of such gain or loss
will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss without regard to the length
of time the Fund holds the futures contract or option (the "40%-60% rule"). The
amount of any capital gain or loss actually realized by a Fund in a subsequent
sale or other disposition of those futures contracts will be adjusted to reflect
any capital gain or loss taken into account by the Fund in a prior year as a
result of the constructive sale of the contracts and options. With respect to
futures contracts to sell or options which will be regarded as parts of a "mixed
straddle" because their values fluctuate inversely to the values of specific
securities held by the Fund, losses as to such contracts to sell or options will
be subject to certain loss deferral rules which limit the amount of loss
currently deductible on either part of the straddle to the amount thereof which
exceeds the unrecognized gain (if any) with respect to the other part of the
straddle, and to certain wash sales regulations. Under short sales rules, which
also will be applicable, the holding period of the securities forming part of
the straddle will (if they have not been held for the long-term holding period)
be deemed not to begin prior to termination of the straddle. With respect to
certain futures contracts and options, deductions for interest and carrying
charges will not be allowed. Notwithstanding the rules described above, with
respect to futures contracts to sell which are properly identified as such and
certain options, a Fund may make an election which will except (in whole or in
part) those identified futures contracts or options from being treated for
Federal income tax purposes as sold on the last business day of the Fund's
taxable year, but gains and losses will be subject to such short sales, wash
sales, loss deferral rules and the requirement to capitalize interest and
carrying charges. Under temporary regulations, a Fund would be allowed (in lieu
of the foregoing) to elect to either (1) offset gains or losses from portions
which are part of a mixed straddle by separately identifying each mixed straddle
to which such treatment applies or (2) establish a mixed straddle account for
which gains and losses would be recognized and offset on a periodic basis during
the taxable year. Under either election, the 40%-60% rule will apply to the net
gain or loss attributable to the futures contracts, but in the case of a mixed
straddle account election, not more than 50% of any net gain may be treated as
long-term and not more than 40% of any net loss may be treated as short-term.

      Certain foreign currency contracts entered into by a Fund may be subject
to the "marking-to-market" process and the 40%-60% rule in a manner similar to
that described in the preceding paragraph for futures contracts and options on
futures contracts. To receive such Federal income tax treatment, a foreign
currency contract must meet the following conditions: (1) the contract must
require delivery of a foreign currency of a type in which regulated futures
contracts are traded or upon which the settlement value of the contract depends;
(2) the contract must be entered into at arm's length at a price determined by
reference to the price in the interbank market, and (3) the contract must be
traded in the interbank market. The Treasury Department has broad authority to
issue regulations under the provisions respecting foreign currency contracts.
Other foreign currency contracts entered into by a Fund may result in the
creation of one or more straddles for Federal income tax purposes, in which case
certain loss deferral, short sales, and wash sales rules and the requirement to
capitalize interest and carrying charges may apply.

      As described more fully in the section of the SAI entitled "Additional
Information Concerning Taxes," in order to qualify as a regulated investment
company under the Code a Fund must derive less than 30% of its gross income from
investments held for less than three months. With respect to futures contracts
and other financial instruments subject to the marking-to-market rules, the
Internal Revenue Service has ruled in private letter rulings that a gain
realized from such a futures contract or financial instrument will be treated as
being derived from a


                                      B-8
<PAGE>

security held for three months or more (regardless of the actual period for
which the contract or instrument is held) if the gain arises as a result of a
constructive sale under the marking-to-market rules, and will be treated as
being derived from a security held for less than three months only if the
contract or instrument is terminated (or transferred) during taxable year (other
than by reason of marking-to-market) and less than three months have elapsed
between the date the contract or instrument is acquired and the termination
date. In determining whether the 30% test is met for a taxable year, increases
and decreases in the value of each Fund's futures contracts and other
investments that qualify as part of a "designated hedge," as defined in the
Code, may be netted.





                                      B-9
<PAGE>

                                   SCHEDULE C

                        ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING
                           MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES


MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES

      Mortgage-backed securities represent an ownership interest in a pool of
residential mortgage loans. These securities are designed to provide monthly
payments of interest and principal to the investor. The mortgagor's monthly
payments to his/her lending institution are "passed-through" to an investor.
Most issuers or poolers provide guarantees of payments, regardless of whether or
not the mortgagor actually makes the payment. The guarantees made by issuers or
poolers are supported by various forms of credit collateral, guarantees or
insurance, including individual loan, title, pool and hazard insurance purchased
by the issuer. There can be no assurance that the private issuers or poolers can
meet their obligations under the policies. Mortgage-backed securities issued by
private issuers or poolers, whether or not such securities are subject to
guarantees, may entail greater risk than securities directly or indirectly
guaranteed by the U.S. Government.

      Interests in pools of mortgage-backed securities differ from other forms
of debt securities, which normally provide for periodic payment of interest in
fixed amounts with principal payments at maturity or specified call dates.
Instead, these securities provide a monthly payment which consists of both
interest and principal payments. In effect, these payments are a "pass-through"
of the monthly payments made by the individual borrowers on their residential
mortgage loans, net of any fees paid. Additional payments are caused by
repayments resulting from the sale of the underlying residential property,
refinancing or foreclosure net of fees or costs which may be incurred. Some
mortgage-backed securities are described as "modified pass-through." These
securities entitle the holders to receive all interest and principal payments
owed on the mortgages in the pool, net of certain fees, regardless of whether or
not the mortgagors actually make the payments.

      Residential mortgage loans are pooled by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage
Corporation (FHLMC). FHLMC is a corporate instrumentality of the U.S. Government
and was created by Congress in 1970 for the purpose of increasing the
availability of mortgage credit for residential housing. Its stock is owned by
the twelve Federal Home Loan Banks. FHLMC issues Participation Certificates
("PC's"), which represent interests in mortgages from FHLMC's national
portfolio. FHLMC guarantees the timely payment of interest and ultimate
collection of principal.

      The Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) is a Government sponsored
corporation owned entirely by private stockholders. It is subject to general
regulation by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. FNMA purchases
residential mortgages from a list of approved sellers/servicers which include
state and federally-chartered savings and loan associations, mutual savings
banks, commercial banks and credit unions and mortgage bankers. Pass-through
securities issued by FNMA are guaranteed as to timely payment of principal and
interest by FNMA.

      The principal Government guarantor of mortgage-backed securities is the
Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA). GNMA is a wholly-owned U.S.
Government corporation within the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
GNMA is authorized to guarantee, with the full faith and credit of the U.S.
Government, the timely payment of principal and interest on securities issued by
approved institutions and backed by pools of FHA-insured or VA-guaranteed
mortgages.

      Commercial banks, savings and loan institutions, private mortgage
insurance companies, mortgage bankers and other secondary market issuers also
create pass-through pools of conventional residential mortgage loans. Pools
created by such non-governmental issuers generally offer a higher rate of
interest than Government and Government-related pools because there are no
direct or indirect Government guarantees of payments in the former


                                      C-1
<PAGE>

pools. However, timely payment of interest and principal of these pools is
supported by various forms of insurance or guarantees, including individual
loan, title, pool and hazard insurance purchased by the issuer. The insurance
and guarantees are issued by Governmental entities, private insurers and the
mortgage poolers. There can be no assurance that the private insurers or
mortgage poolers can meet their obligations under the policies.

      The Fund expects that Governmental or private entities may create mortgage
loan pools offering pass-through investments in addition to those described
above. The mortgages underlying these securities may be alternative mortgage
instruments, that is, mortgage instruments whose principal or interest payment
may vary or whose terms to maturity may be shorter than previously customary. As
new types of mortgage-backed securities are developed and offered to investors,
certain Funds will, consistent with their investment objective and policies,
consider making investments in such new types of securities.

UNDERLYING MORTGAGES

      Pools consist of whole mortgage loans or participations in loans. The
majority of these loans are made to purchasers of 1-4 family homes. The terms
and characteristics of the mortgage instruments are generally uniform within a
pool but may vary among pools. For example, in addition to fixed-rate,
fixed-term mortgages, a Fund may purchase pools of variable-rate mortgages
(VRM), growing equity mortgages (GEM), graduated payment mortgages (GPM) and
other types where the principal and interest payment procedures vary. VRM's are
mortgages which reset the mortgage's interest rate periodically with changes in
open market interest rates. To the extent that the Fund is actually invested in
VRM's, the Fund's interest income will vary with changes in the applicable
interest rate on pools of VRM's. GPM and GEM pools maintain constant interest
rates, with varying levels of principal repayment over the life of the mortgage.
These different interest and principal payment procedures should not impact the
Fund's net asset value since the prices at which these securities are valued
will reflect the payment procedures.

      All poolers apply standards for qualification to local lending
institutions which originate mortgages for the pools. Poolers also establish
credit standards and underwriting criteria for individual mortgages included in
the pools. In addition, some mortgages included in pools are insured through
private mortgage insurance companies.

AVERAGE LIFE

      The average life of pass-through pools varies with the maturities of the
underlying mortgage instruments. In addition, a pool's term may be shortened by
unscheduled or early payments of principal and interest on the underlying
mortgages. The occurrence of mortgage prepayments is affected by factors
including the level of interest rates, general economic conditions, the location
and age of the mortgage and other social and demographic conditions.

      As prepayment rates of individual pools vary widely, it is not possible to
accurately predict the average life of a particular pool. For pools of
fixed-rated 30-year mortgages, common industry practice is to assume that
prepayments will result in a 12-year average life. Pools of mortgages with other
maturities or different characteristics will have varying assumptions for
average life.

RETURNS ON MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES

      Yields on mortgage-backed pass-through securities are typically quoted
based on the maturity of the underlying instruments and the associated average
life assumption. Actual prepayment experience may cause the yield 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 yields of the Fund. The compounding
effect from reinvestments of monthly payments received by the Fund will increase
its yield to shareholders, compared to bonds that pay interest semi-annually.



                                      C-2
                                   
<PAGE>


                               NATIONS FUND, INC.
                           FILE NOS. 33-4038; 811-4614

                                     PART C

                                OTHER INFORMATION



Item 24.      Financial Statements and Exhibits

(a)   Financial Statements:

      Included in Part A:

              Per Share Income and Capital Changes

      Included in Part B:

              The audited financial statements and independent auditors' report
              for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1996 for the predecessor
              portfolios are hereby incorporated by reference to The Pilot Funds
              (SEC File No. 811-3517) Annual Report, as filed with the SEC on
              October 13, 1996.

      Included in Part C:

                  Consent of Independent Accountants

(b)   Exhibits

      Exhibit
      Number

       (1)(a)     Articles of Incorporation dated December 9, 1983 and filed
                  December 13, 1983, are incorporated by reference to
                  Post-Effective Amendment No. 29 filed on March 19, 1996.

       (1)(b)     Articles of Amendment dated March 10, 1986 and filed March 11,
                  1986 are incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment
                  No. 29 filed on March 19, 1996.

       (1)(c)     Articles of Amendment dated July 31, 1986 are incorporated by
                  reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 29 filed on March
                  19, 1996.


                                       1

<PAGE>


       (1)(d)     Articles Supplementary dated July 31, 1986 are incorporated by
                  reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 29 filed on March
                  19, 1996.

       (1)(e)     Articles of Amendment dated October 4, 1989 are incorporated
                  by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 29 filed on March
                  19, 1996.

       (1)(f)     Articles Supplementary dated November 30, 1989 are
                  incorporated by reference to Post-Effective
                  Amendment No. 29 filed on March 19, 1996.

       (1)(g)     Articles Supplementary dated March 26, 1991 are incorporated
                  by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 29 filed on March
                  19, 1996.

       (1)(h)     Articles Supplementary dated April 15, 1992 and filed April
                  24, 1992, are incorporated by reference to Post-Effective
                  Amendment No. 29 filed on March 19, 1996.

       (1)(i)     Articles Supplementary filed September 22, 1992 are
                  incorporated by reference to Post-Effective
                  Amendment No. 29 filed on March 19, 1996.

       (1)(j)     Articles Supplementary dated February 18, 1993 are
                  incorporated by reference to Post-Effective
                  Amendment No. 29 filed on March 19, 1996.

       (1)(k)     Articles Supplementary dated July 9, 1993 and filed July 12,
                  1993 are incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment
                  No. 29 filed on March 19, 1996.

       (1)(l)     Articles Supplementary dated March 21, 1994 are incorporated
                  by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 29 filed on March
                  19, 1996.

       (1)(m)     Articles Supplementary filed December 21, 1994 are
                  incorporated by reference to Post-Effective
                  Amendment No. 29 filed on March 19, 1996.

       (1)(n)     Articles Supplementary dated March 18, 1996 are incorporated
                  by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 29 filed on March
                  19, 1996.

       (2)(a)     Amended and Restated By-Laws shall be filed by amendment.

       (3)        None.

       (4)(a)     Specimen copy of share certificates, shall be filed by
                  amendment.


                  

       (5)(a)     Investment Advisory Agreement between NationsBanc Advisors,
                  Inc ("NBAI") and Registrant is incorporated by reference to
                  Post-Effective Amendment No. 28, filed January 29, 1996.

                                       2

<PAGE>       (5)(b)     Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement between TradeStreet
                  Investment Associates, Inc. ("TradeStreet") and Registrant is
                  incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 28,
                  filed January 29, 1996.

       (5)(c)     Sub-Advisory Agreement between Gartmore Global Partners
                  ("Gartmore") and Registrant is incorporated by reference to
                  Post-Effective Amended No. 31, filed July 25, 1996.

       (5)(d)     Form of Sub-Advisory Agreement between Boatmen's Trust Company
                  ("Boatmen's") and Registrant shall be filed by amendment.

       (5)(e)     Form of Sub-Advisory Agreement between Kleinwort Benson
                  Investment Management Americas Inc. ("Kleinwort") and
                  Registrant shall be filed by amendment.

       (6)(a)     Distribution Agreement between Registrant and Stephens Inc.
                  dated March 31, 1993, is incorporated by reference to
                  Post-Effective Amendment No. 18, filed March 26, 1993.

       (7)        None.

       (8)(a)     Mutual Fund Custody and Sub-Custody Agreement between
                  Registrant, NationsBank of Texas, N.A. and The Bank of New
                  York dated, October 18, 1996 shall be filed by amendment.

       (8)(b)     Global Custody Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of
                  Nations International Equity Fund, and Morgan Guaranty Trust
                  Company of New York is incorporated by reference to
                  post-Effective Amendment No. 2, filed September 28, 1995.

       (9)(a)     Transfer Agency Agreement between Registrant and NCNB Texas
                  National Bank, dated October 1, 1991, relating to
                  Institutional Classes (currently known as Primary Shares), is
                  incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 14,
                  filed July 30, 1992.

       (9)(b)     Transfer Agency and Registrar Agreement, dated June 1, 1992,
                  between Registrant and The Shareholder Servicing Group, Inc.,
                  relating to Investor Shares, is incorporated by reference to
                  Post-Effective Amendment No. 14, filed July 30, 1992.

       (9)(c)     Amendment No. 1 dated February 3, 1993, to the Transfer Agency
                  and Registrar Agreement between Registrant and The Shareholder
                  Services Group, Inc. dated April 25, 1992, relating to the
                  Money Market Funds' Investor B Shares and the Non-Money Market
                  Funds' Investor C Shares of the Company, is incorporated by
                  reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 20, filed March 26,
                  1993.

                                       3

<PAGE>

       (9)(d)     Amendment No. 2 to the Transfer Agency and Registrar Agreement
                  between Registrant and The Shareholder Services Group, Inc.
                  dated April 25, 1992, relating to the addition of the Investor
                  C Shares to the Money Market Funds of the Company, is
                  incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 20,
                  filed March 26, 1993.

       (9)(e)     Shareholder Services Plan relating to the Primary B Shares, is
                  incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 13,
                  filed April 30, 1992.

       (9)(f)     Form of Shareholder Servicing Agreement, relating to the
                  Primary B Shares, is incorporated by reference to
                  Post-Effective Amendment No. 19 to its Registration Statement,
                  filed May 27, 1993.

       (9)(g)     Shareholder Servicing Plan for Investor A Shares incorporated
                  by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 21, filed March
                  29, 1994.

       (9)(h)     Forms of Shareholder Servicing Agreement for Investor A Shares
                  are incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No.
                  21, filed March 29, 1994.

       (9)(i)     Amended and Restated Shareholder Servicing Plan for Investor B
                  Shares of the Money Market Funds and Investor C Shares
                  (formerly Investor B Shares) of the Non-Money Market Funds is
                  incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 21,
                  filed March 29, 1994.

       (9)(j)     Forms of Shareholder Servicing Agreement for Investor B Shares
                  of the Money Market Funds and Investor C Shares (formerly
                  Investor B Shares) of the Non-Money Market Funds are
                  incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 21,
                  filed March 29, 1994.

       (9)(k)     Shareholder Servicing Plan for Investor C Shares of the Money
                  Market Funds and Investor N Shares (formerly Investor C
                  Shares) of the Non-Money Market Funds is incorporated by
                  reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 21, filed March 29,
                  1994.

       (9)(l)     Forms of Shareholder Servicing Agreement for Investor C Shares
                  of the Money Market Funds and Investor N Shares (formerly
                  Investor C Shares) of the Non-Money Market Funds are
                  incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 21,
                  filed March 29, 1994.

       (9)(m)     Shareholder Administration Agreement for Primary B Shares is
                  incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 28,
                  filed January 29, 1996.

                                      4
<PAGE>

       (9)(n)     Cross-Indemnification dated June 27, 1995 between the Company,
                  Nations Fund Trust and Nations Fund Portfolios, Inc. is
                  incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 26,
                  filed June 30, 1995.

       (10)       Opinion and Consent of Counsel is filed herewith.

       (11)(a)    Consent of Independent Accountants -- Price Waterhouse LLP is
                  filed herewith.

       (11)(b)    Consent of Independent Accounts -- Arthur Andersen LLP is
                  filed herewith.

       (12)       None.

       (13)       None.

       (14)(a)    Prototype Individual Retirement Account Plan, is incorporated
                  by reference to Amendment No. 20, filed March 26, 1993.

       (15)(a)    Amended and Restated Shareholder Servicing and Distribution
                  Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1, relating to Investor A Shares, is
                  incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 21,
                  filed March 29, 1994.

       (15)(b)    Form of Sales Support Agreement, relating to Investor A Shares
                  is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No.
                  21, filed March 29, 1994.

       (15)(c)    Amended and Restated Distribution Plan, relating to Investor B
                  Shares of the Money Market Funds and Investor C Shares
                  (formerly Investor B Shares) of the Non-Money Market Funds is
                  incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 21,
                  filed March 29, 1994.

       (15)(d)    Form of Sales Support Agreement relating to Investor B Shares
                  of the Money Market Funds and Investor C Shares (formerly
                  Investor B Shares) of the Non-Money Market Funds is
                  incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 21,
                  filed March 29, 1994.

       (15)(e)    Distribution Plan relating to the non-money market funds'
                  Investor N Shares (formerly Investor C Shares) is incorporated
                  by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 21, filed March
                  29, 1994.

       (15)(f)    Form of Sales Support Agreement, relating to non-money market
                  funds' Investor N Shares (formerly Investor C Shares) is
                  incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 21,
                  filed March 29, 1994.

       (15)(g)    Shareholder Administration Plan for Primary B Shares is
                  incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 28,
                  filed January 29, 1996.

                                       5

<PAGE>

       (16)(a)    Schedules for Computation of Primary A Shares is incorporated
                  by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 21, filed March
                  29, 1994.

       (16)(b)    Schedules for Computation of Primary B Shares, shall be filed
                  by amendment.

       (16)(c)    Schedules for Computation of Investor A Shares is incorporated
                  by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 21, filed March
                  29, 1994.

       (16)(d)    Schedules for Computation of Investor C Shares (formerly
                  Investor B Shares) is incorporated by reference to
                  Post-Effective Amendment No. 21, filed March 29, 1994.

       (16)(e)    Schedules for Computation of Investor N Shares (formerly
                  Investor C Shares) is incorporated by reference to
                  Post-Effective Amendment No. 21, filed March 29, 1994.

       (17)       N/A

       (18)       Revised Form of Plan entered into by Registrant pursuant to
                  Rule 18f-3 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940
                  Act") is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amended
                  No. 31, filed July 25, 1996.

Item 25.      Persons Controlled By or Under Common Control With Registrant

              Registrant is controlled by its Board of Directors.

Item 26.      Number of Holders of Securities

              The following information is as of January 24, 1997.

                                       6
<PAGE>





                                                               Number of
Title of Class                                                 Record Holders

Nations Prime Fund
                                         - Primary A Shares            46
                                         - Primary B Shares             3
                                         - Investor A Shares      107,070
                                         - Investor B Shares        1,100
                                         - Investor C Shares        1,656
                                         - Investor D Shares           34

Nations Treasury Fund
                                         - Primary A Shares            69
                                         - Primary B Shares             1
                                         - Investor A Shares          229
                                         - Investor B Shares           42
                                         - Investor C Shares           78
                                         - Investor D Shares            6

Nations Equity Income Fund
                                         - Primary A Shares            19
                                         - Primary B Shares             2
                                         - Investor A Shares        2,234
                                         - Investor C Shares          263
                                         - Investor N Shares        6,903

Nations Government Securities Fund
                                         - Primary A Shares             1
                                         - Primary B Shares             2
                                         - Investor A Shares          326
                                         - Investor C Shares          119
                                         - Investor N Shares        2,114

Nations International Equity Fund
                                         - Primary A Shares            46
                                         - Primary B Shares             4
                                         - Investor A Shares          979
                                         - Investor C Shares           91
                                         - Investor N Shares        5,183

                                       7

<PAGE>



Nations International Growth Fund

                                         - Primary A Shares             0
                                         - Primary B Shares             0
                                         - Investor A Shares            0
                                         - Investor C Shares            0
                                         - Investor N Shares            0

Nations Small Company Growth Fund
                                         - Primary A Shares             0
                                         - Primary B Shares             0
                                         - Investor A Shares            0
                                         - Investor C Shares            0
                                         - Investor N Shares            0

Nations U.S. Government Bond Fund
                                         - Primary A Shares             0
                                         - Primary B Shares             0
                                         - Investor A Shares            0
                                         - Investor C Shares            0
                                         - Investor N Shares            0


                                       8

<PAGE>



 Item 27.     Indemnification


         Under the terms of the Maryland Corporation Law and the Registrant's
        Charter and By-Laws, incorporated by reference as Exhibits (1) and 2(a)
        hereto, provides for the indemnification of Registrant's directors and
        employees. Indemnification of Registrant's principal underwriter,
        custodian, and transfer agent is provided for, respectively, in the
        Registrant's:

        1.    Administration Agreement with Stephens Inc.;

        2.    Co-Administration Agreement with First Data Investors Services
              Group, Inc.;

        3.    Distribution Agreement with Stephens;

        4.    Mutual Fund Custody and Sub-Custody Agreement with NationsBank
              Texas and The Bank of New York;

        5.    Custody Agreement with Bank of New York;

        6.    Transfer Agency Agreement with NationsBank Texas; and

        7.    Transfer Agency and Registrar Agreement with First Data Investors
              Services Group, Inc.

        The Registrant has entered into a Cross Indemnification Agreement with
        Nations Fund Trust (the "Trust") and Nations Portfolios, Inc.
        ("Portfolios") dated June 27, 1995. The Trust and/or the Portfolios will
        indemnify and hold harmless the Company against any losses, claims,
        damages or liabilities, to which the Company may become subject, under
        the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Act") and the 1940 Act or otherwise,
        insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in
        respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon an untrue statement or
        alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any
        Prospectuses, any Preliminary Prospectuses, the Registration Statements,
        any other Prospectuses relating to the securities, or any amendments or
        supplements to the foregoing (hereinafter referred to collectively as
        the "Offering Documents"), or arise out of or are based upon the
        omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein
        or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, in each case
        to the extent, but only to the extent, that such untrue statement or
        alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission was made in the
        Offering Documents in reliance upon and in conformity with written
        information furnished to the Company by the Trust and/or Portfolios
        expressly for use therein; and will reimburse the Company for any legal
        or other expenses reasonably incurred by the Company in connection with
        investigating or defending any such action or claim; provided, however,
        that the Trust and/or Portfolios shall not be liable in any such case to
        the extent that any such loss, claim, damage, or liability arises out of
        or is based upon an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or
        omission or alleged omission made in the Offering Documents in reliance
        upon and in conformity with written information


                                       9

<PAGE>


        furnished to the Trust and/or Portfolios by the Company expressly for
        use in the Offering Documents.

        Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party above of notice of the
        commencement of any action, such indemnified party shall, if a claim in
        respect thereof is to be made against the indemnifying party under such
        subsection, notify the indemnifying party in writing of the commencement
        thereof; but the omission to so notify the indemnifying party shall not
        relieve it from any liability which it may have to any indemnified party
        otherwise than under such subsection. In case any such action shall be
        brought against any indemnified party and it shall notify the
        indemnifying party of the commencement thereof, the indemnifying party
        shall be entitled to participate therein and, to the extent that it
        shall wish, to assume the defense thereof, with counsel satisfactory to
        such indemnified party, and, after notice from the indemnifying party to
        such indemnified party of its election so to assume the defense thereof,
        the indemnifying party shall not be liable to such indemnified party
        under such subsection for any legal expenses of other counsel or any
        other expenses, in each case subsequently incurred by such indemnified
        party, in connection with the defense thereof other than reasonable
        costs of investigation.

        Registrant has obtained from a major insurance carrier a directors' and
        officers' liability policy covering certain types of errors and
        omissions. In no event will Registrant indemnify any of its directors,
        officers, employees, or agents against any liability to which such
        person would otherwise be subject by reason of his/her willful
        misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence in the performance of his/her
        duties, or by reason of his/her reckless disregard of the duties
        involved in the conduct of his/her office or arising under his agreement
        with Registrant. Registrant will comply with Rule 484 under the Act and
        Release No. 11330 under the 1940 Act, in connection with any
        indemnification.

        Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Act may be
        permitted to directors, officers, and controlling persons of Registrant
        pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, 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
        Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer, or
        controlling person of Registrant in the successful defense of any
        action, suit, or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer, or
        controlling person in connection with the securities being registered,
        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 expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final
        adjudication of such issue.

Item 28.      Business and Other Connections of Investment Advisers

        To the knowledge of the Registrant, none of the directors or officers of
        NBAI, TradeStreet or Gartmore except those set forth below, is or has
        been, at any time during the past two calendar years, engaged in any
        other business, profession, vocation or employment of a

                                       10

                                      
<PAGE>

         substantial nature, except that certain directors and officers also
         hold various positions with, and engage in business for, the company
         that owns all the outstanding stock (other than directors' qualifying
         shares) of NBAI, TradeStreet or Gartmore or other subsidiaries of
         NationsBank Corporation. Set forth below are the names and principal
         businesses of the directors and certain of the senior executive
         officers of Gartmore who are engaged in any other business, profession,
         vocation or employment of a substantial nature.

        (a) Gartmore performs investment sub-advisory services for Registrant
        and certain other customers. Listed below are the names and principal
        occupation of the directors and principal executive officers of
        Gartmore. The address for the individuals listed below is Gartmore,
        Gartmore House, 16-18 Monument Street, London EC3R 8AJ, England and
        NationsBank, N.A., One NationsBank Plaza, Charlotte, North Carolina
        28255.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                     Position with
Name                 Gartmore Capital             Principal Occupation
<S>                 <C>                        <C>

Charles G. Smith IV  Chief Executive Officer    Chief Executive Officer, Gartmore

Simon H. Davies      Chief Investment Officer   Chief Investment Officer, Gartmore;
                                                Director of International Investments,
                                                Gartmore Investment Limited

James B. Sommers     Committee Member           NationsBank Corporation
                                                President, NationsBank Trust

John W. Munce        Committee Member           Executive Vice President, NationsBank,
                                                N.A.

Mark H. Williamson   Committee Member           Senior Vice President, NationsBank, N.A.

Paul Myners          Committee Member           Executive Chairman, Gartmore plc

Andrew J. Brown      Committee Member           Finance Director and Chairman, Gartmore
                                                Fund Managers International Limited,
                                                Gartmore Money Management Limited,
                                                Gartmore Administration Services Limited

David W. Watts       Committee Member           Chief Investment Officer, Gartmore plc
</TABLE>

                                       11


<PAGE>

      No officer or director of Nations Fund, Inc. is an officer, employee,
director, general partner or shareholder of Gartmore or any affiliate thereof.

         (b) NBAI performs investment advisory services for the Registrant and
certain other customers. NBAI is a wholly owned subsidiary of NationsBank, N.A.,
which in turn is a wholly owned banking subsidiary of NationsBank Corporation.
Information with respect to each director and officer of the investment adviser
is incorporated by reference to Form ADV filed by NBAI with the Securities and
Exchange Commission pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (file no.
801-49874).

         (c) TradeStreet performs investment sub-advisory services for the
Registrant and certain other customers. TradeStreet is a wholly owned subsidiary
of NationsBank, N.A., which in turn is a wholly owned banking subsidiary of
NationsBank Corporation. Information with respect to each director and officer
of the sub-investment adviser is incorporated by reference to Forms filed by
TradeStreet with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the
Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (file no. 801-50372).

         (d) Kleinwort performs investment sub-advisory services for the
Registrant and certain other customers. The business and other connections of
the directors and officers of Kleinwort, formerly Kleinwort Benson International
Investment Limited ("KBI"), are listed in the Form ADV of Kleinwort as currently
on file with the Commission (File No. 801-15027), the text of which is hereby
incorporated by reference.

         (e) Boatmen's performs investment sub-advisory services for the
Registrant (and certain other customers). The business and other connections of
the directors and certain senior executive officers of Boatmen's are:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                               POSITION WITH
                                          BOATMEN'S TRUST COMPANY                    POSITION AND NAME
                NAME                                                                 OF OTHER BUSINESS
<S>                                      <C>                           <C>

Howard F. Baer                                    Director              Retired
                                                                        32 North Kings Highway, Suite 504
                                                                        St. Louis, MO  63108

Clarence C. Barksdale                             Director              Vice Chairman
                                                                        Washington University
                                                                        7425 Forsyth Boulevard
                                                                        Campus Box 1227
                                                                        St. Louis, MO  63105

Gerald D. Blatherwick                             Director              Retired
                                                                        26 Fordyce Lane
                                                                        St. Louis, MO  63124


                                       12



<PAGE>


                                               POSITION WITH
                                          BOATMEN'S TRUST COMPANY                    POSITION AND NAME
                NAME                                                                 OF OTHER BUSINESS


Stephen F. Brauer                                 Director              President
                                                                        Hunter Engineering Company
                                                                        11250 Hunter Drive
                                                                        Bridgeton, MO  63004

Mary L. Burke, Ph.D.                              Director              Head of School
                                                                        Whitfield School
                                                                        175 South Mason Road
                                                                        St. Louis, MO  63141

Andrew B. Craig, III                              Director              Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
                                                                        Boatmen's Bancshares, Inc.
                                                                        One Boatmen's Plaza
                                                                        St. Louis, MO  63101

Donald Danforth, Jr.                              Director              President
                                                                        Danforth Agri-Resources Inc.
                                                                        700 Corporate Park Drive, Suite 330
                                                                        St. Louis, MO  63105-4209

The Honorable John C. Danforth                    Director              Bryan Cave LLP
                                                                        One Metropolitan Square
                                                                        211 N. Broadway, Suite 3600
                                                                        St. Louis, MO  63102-2750

Martin E. Galt, III                               Director              Chairman of the Board, President and Chief
                                                    and                 Executive Officer
                                                 President              Boatmen's Trust Company
                                                                        100 North Broadway
                                                                        St. Louis, MO  63102

A. William Hager                                  Director              Chairman of the Board
                                                                        Hager Hinge Company
                                                                        139 Victor Street
                                                                        St. Louis, MO  63104

Samuel B. Hayes, III                              Director              President
                                                                        Boatmen's Bancshares, Inc.
                                                                        The Boatmen's National Bank of St. Louis
                                                                        One Boatmen's Plaza
                                                                        St. Louis, MO  63101


                                       13
<PAGE>


                                               POSITION WITH
                                          BOATMEN'S TRUST COMPANY                    POSITION AND NAME
                NAME                                                                 OF OTHER BUSINESS



Robert B. Hoffman                                 Director              Senior Vice President and Chief Financial
                                                                        Officer
                                                                        Monsanto Company-DIF
                                                                        800 N. Lindbergh Blvd.
                                                                        St. Louis, MO  63167

Robert E. Kresko                                  Director              Pierre Laclede Center
                                                                        7701 Forsyth, Suite 680
                                                                        St. Louis, MO  63105

John Peters MacCarthy                             Director              Retired
                                                                        6 Robin Hill Lane
                                                                        St. Louis, MO  63124

James S. McDonnell, III                           Director              Retired
                                                                        40 Glens Eagles Drive
                                                                        St. Louis, MO  63124

John B. McKinney                                  Director              President, Chief Executive Officer
                                                                        Laclede Steel Company
                                                                        One Metropolitan Square, 15th Floor
                                                                        St. Louis, MO  63102

Reuben M. Morris, III                             Director              Retired
                                                                        10048 Litzsinger Road
                                                                        St. Louis, MO  63124

William C. Nelson                                 Director              Chairman, President and Chief Executive
                                                                        Officer
                                                                        Boatmen's First National Bank of Kansas City
                                                                        10th & Baltimore, P.O. Box 419038
                                                                        Kansas City, MO  64183

Kimberly A. Olson                                 Director              Executive Vice President
                                                                        Group One Capital
                                                                        1611 Des Peres Road, Suite 3200
                                                                        St. Louis, MO  63131

William A. Peck, M.D.                             Director              Executive Vice Chancellor and Dean
                                                                        Washington University School of Medicine
                                                                        660 South Euclid Avenue, Box 8106
                                                                        St. Louis, MO  63110


                                       14
<PAGE>


                                               POSITION WITH
                                          BOATMEN'S TRUST COMPANY                    POSITION AND NAME
                NAME                                                                 OF OTHER BUSINESS



W. R. Persons                                     Director              200 South Bemiston Avenue, Suite 308
                                                                        St. Louis, MO  63105

Jerry E. Ritter                                   Director              Chairman of the Board of Clark Enterprises,
                                                                        Inc., and Consultant to Anheuser-Busch
                                                                        Companies, Inc.
                                                                        1401 Clark Avenue
                                                                        St. Louis, MO  63103

Hugh Scott, III                                   Director              Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
                                                                        Western Diesel Services, Inc.
                                                                        101 South Hauley, Suite 1910
                                                                        St. Louis, MO  63105

Richard W. Shomaker                               Director              Retired
                                                                        14181 Woods Mill Cove
                                                                        Chesterfield, MO  63017

Brice R. Smith, Jr.                               Director              Chairman Emeritus
                                                                        Sverdrup Corporation
                                                                        SPIRE Company LLC
                                                                        13801 Riverport Drive, Suite 301
                                                                        Maryland Heights, MO  63043

William D. Stamper                                Director              President
                                                                        William D. Stamper Company
                                                                        7777 Bonhomme, Suite 1006
                                                                        St. Louis, MO  63105

Janet M. Weekly                                   Director              President
                                                                        Janet McAfee Inc. Real Estate
                                                                        9889 Clayton Road
                                                                        St. Louis, MO  63124

Gordon B. Wells                                   Director              Retired
                                                                        3121 West 67th Terrace
                                                                        Shawnee Mission, KS  66208



                                       15
<PAGE>


                                               POSITION WITH
                                          BOATMEN'S TRUST COMPANY                    POSITION AND NAME
                NAME                                                                 OF OTHER BUSINESS


Gordon E. Wells                                   Director              Retired
                                                                        3121 West 67th Terrace
                                                                        Shawnee Mission, KS  66208

Eugene F. Williams, Jr.                           Director              Retired
                                                                        515 Olive Street, Suite 1505
                                                                        St. Louis, MO  63101

</TABLE>

Item 29. Principal Underwriters

(a)      Stephens Inc., distributor for the Registrant, does not presently act
         as investment adviser for any other registered investment companies,
         but does act as principal underwriter for the Overland Express Funds,
         Inc., Stagecoach Inc., Stagecoach Funds, Inc. and Stagecoach Trust and
         is the exclusive placement agent for Master Investment Trust, Managed
         Series Investment Trust, Life & Annuity Trust and Master Investment
         Portfolio, all of which are registered open-end management investment
         companies, and has acted as principal underwriter for the Liberty Term
         Trust, Inc., Nations Government Income Term Trust 2003, Inc., Nations
         Government Income Term Trust 2004, Inc. and Managed Balanced Target
         Maturity Fund, Inc., closed-end management investment companies.

(b)      Information with respect to each director and officer of the principal
         underwriter is incorporated by reference to Form ADV filed by Stephens
         Inc. with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the
         Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (file #501-15510).

(c)      Not applicable.


Item 30. Location of Accounts and Records

(1)     NationsBank Texas, 901 Main Street Dallas, Texas 75202 (records relating
        to its function as custodian for Nations Prime, Nations Treasury,
        Nations Government Securities and Nations Equity Income Funds, and
        records relating to its function as transfer agent for the Primary A and
        B Shares).


(2)      NBAI, One NationsBank Plaza, Charlotte, North Carolina 28255 (records
         relating to its function as investment adviser).

(3)      TradeStreet, One NationsBank Plaza, Charlotte, North Carolina 28255
         (records relating to its function as sub-adviser).


                                       16
<PAGE>

(4)      Gartmore, Gartmore House, 16-18 Monument Street, London EC3R 8AJ,
         England (records relating to its functions as sub-adviser for Nations
         International Equity Fund).

(5)      Stephens Inc., 111 Center Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 (records
         relating to its functions as distributor).

(6)      Stephens Inc., 111 Center Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 (records
         relating to its functions as Administrator).

(7)      First Data Investors Services Group, Inc., One Exchange Place, Boston,
         Massachusetts 02109 (records relating to its functions as
         Co-Administrator and Transfer Agent.

(8)      NationsBank of Texas, 1401 Elm Street, Dallas, Texas 75202 (records
         relating to its function as Sub-Transfer Agent for the Primary A and B
         Shares and custodian).

(9)      The Bank of New York, Avenue des Arts, 35 1040 Brussels, Belgium
         (records relating to its function as custodian of Nations International
         Equity Fund).

(10)     The Bank of New York, 90 Washington Street, New York, New York 10286
         (records relating to its function as sub-custodian)

Item 31. Management Services

        Inapplicable.

Item 32. Undertakings

(a)      Registrant undertakes to call a meeting for the purpose of voting upon
         the question or removal of a director or directors when requested in
         writing to do so by the holders of at least 10% of a Fund's outstanding
         shares of beneficial interest and in connection with such meeting to
         comply with the provisions of Section 16(c) of the 1940 Act, relating
         to shareholder communications.

(b)      Registrant undertakes to furnish each person to whom a prospectus is
         delivered with a copy of the Registrant's most recent annual report to
         shareholders upon request and without charge.



<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 Amendment to
its Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Little Rock, State of Arkansas on the
6th day of February, 1997.

                                    NATIONS FUND, INC.


                                    By:                  *
                                               A. Max Walker
                                               President and Chairman
                                               of the Board of Directors

                                    By:  /s/  Richard H. Blank, Jr.
                                               Richard H. Blank, Jr.
                                                 *Attorney-in-Fact

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

          SIGNATURES                                    TITLE                                 DATE
<S>                                            <C>                                   <C>   

                *                              President and Chairman                  February 6, 1997
- ----------------------------------------       of the Board of Directors
(A. Max Walker)                               (Principal Executive Officer)

                *                                     Treasurer                        February 6, 1997
- ----------------------------------------             Vice President
(Richard H. Rose)                             (Principal Financial and
                                                  Accounting Officer)

                *                                     Director                         February 6, 1997
- ----------------------------------------
(Edmund L. Benson, III)

                *                                     Director                         February 6, 1997
- ----------------------------------------
(James Ermer)

                *                                     Director                         February 6, 1997
- ----------------------------------------
(William H. Grigg)

                *                                     Director                         February 6, 1997
- ----------------------------------------
(Thomas F. Keller)

                *                                     Director                         February 6, 1997
- ----------------------------------------
(Carl E. Mundy, Jr.)

                *                                     Director                         February 6, 1997
- ----------------------------------------
(Charles B. Walker)

                *                                     Director                         February 6, 1997
- ----------------------------------------
(Thomas S. Word)
</TABLE>

 /s/  Richard H. Blank, Jr.
Richard H. Blank, Jr.
*Attorney-in-Fact


<PAGE>



                                  EXHIBIT INDEX

EXHIBIT
NUMBER                 DESCRIPTION

EX-99.B10             COUNS OPIN
EX-99.B11a            OTH CONSNT
EX-99.B11b            OTH CONSNT








                                                                     EX-99.B10 






                      [MORRISON & FOERSTER LLP LETTERHEAD]

                                February 7, 1997




Nations Fund, Inc.
111 Center Street
Little Rock, AR  72201

         Re:   Shares of Common Stock in the Funds of Nations Fund, Inc.

Gentlemen:

         We refer to Post-Effective Amendment No. 32 and Amendment No. 33 to the
Registration Statement on Form N-1A (SEC File Nos. 33-4038; 811-4614) (the
"Registration Statement") of Nations Fund, Inc. (the "Company") relating to the
registration of an indefinite number of Shares of Common Stock in the Company
(collectively, the "Shares").

         We have been requested by the Company to furnish this opinion as
Exhibit 10 to the Registration Statement.

         We have examined such records, documents, instruments, and certificates
of public officials and of the Company, made such inquiries of the Company, and
examined such questions of law as we have deemed necessary for the purpose of
rendering the opinion set forth herein. We have also verified with the Company's
transfer agent the maximum number of shares issued by the Company during the
fiscal period ended March 31, 1996. We have assumed the genuineness of all
signatures and the authenticity of all items submitted to us as originals and
the conformity with originals of all items submitted to us as copies.

         Based upon and subject to the foregoing, we are of the opinion that:

         The issuance and sale of the Shares by the Company have been duly and
validly authorized by all appropriate action, and assuming delivery by sale or
in accord with the Funds' dividend reinvestment plan in accordance with the
description set forth in the Registration Statement, as amended, the Shares will
be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.


<PAGE>



Nations Fund, Inc.
February 7, 1997
Page Two

         We consent to the inclusion of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement.

         In addition, we hereby consent to the use of our name and to the
reference to our firm under the caption "Counsel" in the Statement of Additional
Information, and the description of advice rendered by our firm under the
heading "How The Funds Are Managed" in the Prospectuses, which are included as
part of the Registration Statement.

                                                     Very truly yours,

                                                     /S/ MORRISON & FOERSTER LLP

                                                     MORRISON & FOERSTER LLP





                                                                   EX-99.B11a
                        [PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP LETTERHEAD]

                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


We hereby consent to the references to us under the heading "Other Service
Providers" in the Prospectuses and under the heading "Independent Accountant and
Reports" in the Statement of Additional Information constituting parts of this
Post-Effective Amendment No. 32 under the Securities Act of 1933 to the
Registration Statement on Form N-1A.



PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
February 7, 1997



                                                                   EX-99.B11b
                        [ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP LETTERHEAD]

                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


         As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the
incorporation by reference of our report for the Pilot International Equity
Fund, Pilot Small Capitalization Equity Fund and Pilot U.S. Government
Securities Fund dated October 21, 1996 (and to all references to our firm)
included or incorporated by reference in Post-Effective Amendment No. 32 and
Amendment No. 33 to Registration Statement File Nos. 33-4038 and 811-4614,
respectively.


                                                     Arthur Andersen LLP

Boston, Massachusetts
February 7, 1997







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