HIGHMARK FUNDS /MA/
485BPOS, 1997-11-28
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<PAGE>   1
              As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
   
                              on November 26, 1997
    

   
                                         Registration Nos. 33-12608 and 811-5059
    

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                                   FORM N-1A

   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                     <C>
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933                 [X]

         Pre-Effective Amendment No.                                       
         Post-Effective Amendment No. 23                                [X]

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT                             [X]
  COMPANY ACT OF 1940
         Amendment No. 26                                               [X]
</TABLE>
    
                                HIGHMARK FUNDS
               (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

                           Oaks, Pennsylvania  19456
                           --------------------------
                    (Address of principal executive offices)
                                 (800) 433-6884
                                 --------------
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

                               Name and address of agent for service:
                               --------------------------------------
                               Martin E. Lybecker, Esq.
                               Ropes & Gray
                               One Franklin Square
                               1301 K Street, N.W., Suite 800 East
                               Washington, D.C. 20005

   
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box)
[x]      immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b), or
[ ]      on [date] pursuant to paragraph (b)
[ ]      60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(i)
[ ]      on [date] pursuant to paragraph (a)(i)
[ ]      75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(ii)
[ ]      on [date] pursuant to paragraph (a)(ii) of Rule 485
If appropriate, check the following box:
[ ]      this post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for
         post-effective amendment No. __  filed on [date].
    

   
         Pursuant to Rule 24f-2(a) under the Investment Company Act of 1940,
the Registrant has registered an indefinite number or amount of its shares of
beneficial interest under the Securities Act of 1933.  The Registrant filed a
Rule 24f-2 Notice with respect to the Registrant's fiscal year ended July 31,
1997 on September 29, 1997.
    





<PAGE>   2
   

                              CROSS REFERENCE SHEET

                          HIGHMARK MONEY MARKET FUNDS


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FORM N-1A PART A ITEM                      PROSPECTUS CAPTION

<S>                                        <C>                                                  
1. Cover Page                              Cover Page

2. Synopsis                                Fee Table

3. Condensed Financial Information         Financial Highlights; Performance
                                           Information

4. General Description of Registrant       Fund Description; Investment Objectives;
                                           Investment Policies; General
                                           Information--Description of HighMark &
                                           Its Shares

5. Management of the Fund                  Service Arrangements

5A. Management's Discussion of Fund
      Performance                          Inapplicable

6. Capital Stock and Other Securities      How to Purchase Shares; Exchange
                                           Privileges; Redemption of Shares;
                                           Dividends; Federal Taxation; Service
                                           Arrangements--Administrator; Distributor;
                                           The Distribution Plan; General
                                           Information--Description of HighMark &
                                           Its Shares; General Information--
                                           Miscellaneous

7. Purchase of Securities Being Offered    How to Purchase Shares; Exchange
                                           Privileges; Service Arrangements--
                                           Administrator; Distributor; The
                                           Distribution Plan

8. Redemption or Repurchase                Redemption of Shares

9. Pending Legal Proceedings               Inapplicable
</TABLE>
    
<PAGE>   3








                              Money Market Funds

                                  PROSPECTUS







                                        Retail Shares
                                    November 30, 1997
<PAGE>   4
 
                                 HIGHMARK FUNDS
 
                               MONEY MARKET FUNDS
 
  HighMark Funds ("HighMark") is an open-end, diversified, registered investment
company that offers a convenient means of investing in one or more
professionally managed portfolios of securities. This Prospectus relates to the
Class A and Class B Shares of HighMark's:
 
                        - Diversified Money Market Fund
                        - U.S. Government Money Market Fund
                        - 100% U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund
                        - California Tax-Free Money Market Fund
 
                                 RETAIL SHARES
 
  HighMark's Retail Shares are offered to investors who are not fiduciary
clients of Union Bank of California, N.A., and who are not otherwise eligible
for HighMark's Fiduciary Shares.
 
  This Prospectus sets forth concisely the information about HighMark and the
Funds that a prospective investor should know before investing. Investors are
advised to read this Prospectus and retain it for future reference. A Statement
of Additional Information dated the same date as this Prospectus has been filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is available without charge by
writing the Distributor, SEI Investments Distribution Co., Oaks, Pennsylvania
19456, or by calling 1-800-433-6884. The Statement of Additional Information is
incorporated into this Prospectus by reference. This Prospectus relates only to
the Retail Shares of the Money Market Funds. Interested persons who wish to
obtain a prospectus for the other Funds of HighMark may contact the Distributor
at the above address and telephone number.
 
  Because the California Tax-Free Money Market Fund may invest a significant
percentage of its assets in a single issuer, investment in the Fund may be
riskier than investment in other money market funds.
 
    AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUNDS IS NEITHER INSURED NOR GUARANTEED BY THE U.S.
GOVERNMENT. THERE CAN BE NO ASSURANCE THAT THE FUNDS WILL BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN A
                   STABLE NET ASSET VALUE OF $1.00 PER SHARE.
 
  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.
 
HIGHMARK'S SHARES ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED OR ENDORSED
BY, ANY BANK, INCLUDING UNION BANK OF CALIFORNIA, N.A., BANK OF
TOKYO-MITSUBISHI, LIMITED OR ANY OF THEIR AFFILIATES OR CORRESPONDENTS.
HIGHMARK'S SHARES ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE
CORPORATION OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY. INVESTMENT IN HIGHMARK INVOLVES
RISKS, INCLUDING POSSIBLE LOSS OF THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT INVESTED.
 
  November 30, 1997
 
  Retail Shares
<PAGE>   5
 
                                    SUMMARY
 
  HIGHMARK FUNDS ("HighMark") is an open-end, diversified, registered investment
company providing a convenient way to invest in professionally managed
portfolios of securities. The following provides basic information about the
Class A Shares of the Diversified Money Market, U.S. Government Money Market,
100% U.S. Treasury Money Market, and California Tax-Free Money Market Funds and
the Class B Shares of the U.S. Government Money Market Fund (each a "Fund" and
sometimes referred to in this prospectus as the "Funds"). Class A and Class B
Shares are collectively "Retail Shares." This summary is qualified in its
entirety by reference to the more detailed information provided elsewhere in the
Prospectus and in the Statement of Additional Information.
 
  WHAT ARE THE FUNDS' INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES? The Diversified Money Market Fund,
the U.S. Government Money Market Fund, and the 100% U.S. Treasury Money Market
Fund seek current income with liquidity and stability of principal. The
California Tax-Free Money Market Fund seeks as high a level of current interest
income free from federal income tax and California personal income tax as is
consistent with the preservation of capital and relative stability of principal.
(See "INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES")
 
  WHAT ARE THE FUNDS' PERMITTED INVESTMENTS? THE DIVERSIFIED MONEY MARKET FUND
invests in obligations with maturities deemed under SEC rules to be 397 days or
less ("short-term investments") issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its
agencies or instrumentalities, in high-quality short-term obligations issued by
banks and corporations, and other high-quality rated and unrated short-term
instruments; some of the obligations and short-term instruments in which the
Fund invests may be subject to repurchase agreements. THE U.S. GOVERNMENT MONEY
MARKET FUND invests in short-term obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
Treasury, and additionally invests in obligations issued or guaranteed by
agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government; some of the obligations in
which the Fund invests may be subject to repurchase agreements. THE 100% U.S.
TREASURY MONEY MARKET FUND invests exclusively in direct U.S. Treasury
short-term obligations. THE CALIFORNIA TAX-FREE MONEY MARKET FUND invests
primarily in bonds and notes issued by or on behalf of the State of California
and other states, territories, possessions of the United States, and the
District of Columbia and their respective authorities, agencies,
instrumentalities and political sub-divisions, the interest on which is excluded
from gross income for federal income and California personal income tax purposes
and is not treated as a preference item for individuals for purposes of the
federal alternative minimum tax. (See "INVESTMENT POLICIES")
 
  WHAT ARE THE RISKS INVOLVED WITH AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUNDS? Each Fund seeks
to maintain a net asset value of $1.00 per share. There can be no assurance that
a Fund will be able to maintain a net asset value of $1.00 per share on a
continuous basis. The California Tax-Free Money Market Fund concentrates its
investments in California municipal securities, and an investment in the Fund
therefore may be riskier than an investment in other types of money market
funds. (See "Risk Factors")
 
  ARE MY INVESTMENTS INSURED? HighMark's Shares are not federally insured by the
FDIC or any other government agency. Any guarantee by the U.S. Government, its
agencies or any instrumentalities of the securities in which any Fund invests
guarantees only the payment of principal and interest on the guaranteed
security, and does not guarantee the yield or value of the security or yield or
value of Shares of that Fund.
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   6
 
   
  WHO IS THE ADVISOR? The Pacific Alliance division of Union Bank of California,
N.A. serves as the Advisor to HighMark. (See "The Advisor")
    
 
  WHO IS THE ADMINISTRATOR? SEI Investments Fund Resources serves as the
Administrator of HighMark. (See "The Administrator")
 
  WHO IS THE CUSTODIAN? Union Bank of California, N.A. (the "Bank") serves as
the Custodian of HighMark's assets. (See "The Custodian")
 
  WHO IS THE DISTRIBUTOR? SEI Investments Distribution Co. acts as distributor
of HighMark's Shares. (See "The Distributor")
 
  HOW DO I PURCHASE AND REDEEM SHARES? Purchases and redemptions of Class A
Shares may be made through the Distributor on days on which both the New York
Stock Exchange and the Federal Reserve wire system are open for business
("Business Days"). The minimum initial investment is generally $1,000. In order
to be effective on the Business Day received, orders to purchase and redeem
Class A Shares must be placed prior to 8:00 a.m., Pacific time (11:00 a.m.,
Eastern time) for the California Tax-Free Money Market Fund, prior to 9:00 a.m.,
Pacific time (12:00 noon, Eastern time) for the 100% U.S. Treasury Money Market
Fund and prior to 10:00 a.m., Pacific time (1:00 p.m., Eastern time) for the
Diversified Money Market and U.S. Government Money Market Funds on any Business
Day. Otherwise, the order will be effective the next Business Day. In addition,
effectiveness of a purchase is contingent on the Custodian's receipt of Federal
funds before 11:00 a.m., Pacific time (2:00 p.m., Eastern time). Class B Shares
are only available pursuant to an exchange for Class B Shares of another
HighMark Fund. (See "HOW TO PURCHASE SHARES and REDEMPTION OF SHARES")
 
  HOW ARE DIVIDENDS PAID? The net investment income (exclusive of short-term
capital gains) of the Funds is determined and declared on each Business Day as a
dividend for Shareholders of record as of the close of business on that day.
Dividends are paid monthly in additional shares unless the Shareholder elects to
take the payment in cash. (See "DIVIDENDS")
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   7
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        PAGE
                                                                                        ----
<S>                                                                                     <C>
Summary...............................................................................    2
Money Market Funds Fee Table..........................................................    5
Financial Highlights..................................................................    7
Fund Description......................................................................   14
Investment Objectives.................................................................   14
Investment Policies...................................................................   14
  Diversified Money Market Fund.......................................................   15
  U.S. Government Money Market Fund...................................................   16
  The 100% U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund............................................   17
  California Tax-Free Money Market Fund...............................................   17
  Municipal Securities................................................................   19
General...............................................................................   20
  Illiquid and Restricted Securities..................................................   21
  Lending of Portfolio Securities.....................................................   21
  Other Investments...................................................................   21
  Risk Factors........................................................................   22
Valuation of Shares...................................................................   23
How to Purchase Shares................................................................   24
  How to Purchase By Mail.............................................................   25
  How to Purchase By Wire.............................................................   25
  How to Purchase through an Automatic Investment Plan ("AIP")........................   26
  How to Purchase Through Financial Institutions......................................   26
  Alternative Purchase Options........................................................   26
Exchange Privileges...................................................................   28
Redemption of Shares..................................................................   30
  By Mail.............................................................................   30
  Telephone Transactions..............................................................   30
  Systematic Withdrawal Plan ("SWP")..................................................   31
  Other Information Regarding Redemptions.............................................   32
Dividends.............................................................................   33
Federal Taxation......................................................................   33
Service Arrangements..................................................................   36
  The Advisor.........................................................................   36
  Administrator.......................................................................   37
  The Transfer Agent..................................................................   37
  Shareholder Service Plan............................................................   38
  Distributor.........................................................................   38
  The Distribution Plans..............................................................   38
  Banking Laws........................................................................   39
  Custodian...........................................................................   40
General Information...................................................................   40
  Description of HighMark & Its Shares................................................   40
  Performance Information.............................................................   41
  Miscellaneous.......................................................................   42
Description of Permitted Investments..................................................   43
</TABLE>
    
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   8
 
                          MONEY MARKET FUNDS FEE TABLE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      100% U.S.            CALIFORNIA
                                      DIVERSIFIED          U.S. GOVERNMENT            TREASURY              TAX-FREE
                                   MONEY MARKET FUND      MONEY MARKET FUND       MONEY MARKET FUND     MONEY MARKET FUND
                                   -----------------     --------------------     -----------------     -----------------
                                        CLASS A          CLASS A      CLASS B          CLASS A               CLASS A
                                        SHARES           SHARES       SHARES           SHARES                SHARES
                                   -----------------     -------      -------     -----------------     -----------------
<S>                                <C>                   <C>          <C>         <C>                   <C>
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION
  EXPENSES(a)
Maximum Sales Load Imposed on
  Purchases (as a percentage of
  offering price)................            0%               0%           0%               0%                    0%
Maximum Sales Load Imposed on
  Reinvested Dividends (as a
  percentage of offering
  price).........................            0%               0%           0%               0%                    0%
Deferred Sales Load (as a
  percentage of original purchase
  price or redemption proceeds,
  as applicable)(b)..............            0%               0%        5.00%               0%                    0%
Redemption Fees (as a percentage
  of amount redeemed, if
  applicable)(c).................            0%               0%           0%               0%                    0%
Exchange Fee(a)..................        $   0            $   0        $   0            $   0                 $   0
ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES
  (as a percentage of net assets)
  Management Fees (after
    voluntary reduction)(d)......         0.30%            0.30%        0.30%            0.25%                 0.10%
  12b-1 Fees.....................         0.25%            0.25%        0.75%            0.25%                 0.25%
  Other Expenses (after voluntary
    reduction)(e)................         0.20%            0.20%        0.45%            0.20%                 0.20%
                                          ----             ----         ----             ----                  ----
  Total Fund Operating
    Expenses(f)..................         0.75%            0.75%        1.50%            0.70%                 0.55%
                                          ====             ====         ====             ====                  ====
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
Example: You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment, assuming
         (1) 5% annual return and (2) redemption at the end of each time period.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          1 YEAR     3 YEARS     5 YEARS     10 YEARS*
                                                          ------     -------     -------     ---------
<S>                                                       <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>
Diversified Money Market Fund Class A Shares............   $  8        $24        $  42        $  93
U.S. Government Money Market Fund
  Class A Shares........................................   $  8        $24        $  42        $  93
  Class B Shares (assuming a complete redemption at end
     of period).........................................   $ 65        $77        $ 102        $ 149
  Class B Shares (assuming no redemptions)..............   $ 15        $47        $  82        $ 149
100% U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund Class A Shares.....   $  7        $22        $  39        $  87
California Tax-Free Money Market Fund Class A Shares....   $  6        $18        $  31        $  69
</TABLE>
 
* Class B Shares automatically convert to Class A Shares after eight years.
 
  The purpose of the tables above is to assist an investor in the Funds in
understanding the various costs and expenses that a Shareholder will bear
directly or indirectly. For a more complete discussion of each Fund's
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   9
 
annual operating expenses, see SERVICE ARRANGEMENTS below. THE FOREGOING EXAMPLE
SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE EXPENSES. ACTUAL
EXPENSES MAY BE GREATER OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN.
 
(a) Certain entities (including Union Bank of California, N.A. and its
    affiliates) making investments in the Funds on behalf of their customers may
    charge customers fees for services provided in connection with the
    investment in, redemption of, and exchange of Shares. (See HOW TO PURCHASE
    SHARES, EXCHANGE PRIVILEGES, REDEMPTION OF SHARES, and SERVICE ARRANGEMENTS
    below.)
 
(b) Class B Shares of the U.S. Government Money Market Fund are only available
    pursuant to an exchange for Class B Shares of another HighMark Fund. The
    deferred sales charge applied to Class B Shares of the U.S. Government Money
    Market Fund at the time of redemption will be equal to the deferred sales
    charge that would have been applied to the shares of such other HighMark
    Fund. Currently, the maximum deferred sales charge on such shares is 5.00%.
 
(c) A wire redemption charge is deducted from the amount of a wire redemption
    payment made at the request of a Shareholder. (See REDEMPTION OF SHARES
    below.)
 
(d) Absent voluntary fee waivers, MANAGEMENT FEES would be 0.30% for the 100%
    U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund and the California Tax-Free Money Market
    Fund.
 
   
(e) Absent voluntary fee waivers, OTHER EXPENSES would be 0.47% for the Class A
    Shares of each of the Diversified Money Market Fund, the U.S. Government
    Money Market Fund, the 100% U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund and the
    California Tax-Free Money Market Fund and 0.48% for the Class B Shares of
    the U.S. Government Money Market Fund.
    
 
   
(f) Absent voluntary fee waivers, TOTAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES would be 1.02%
    for the Class A Shares of each of the Diversified Money Market Fund,  the
    U.S. Government Money Market Fund, the 100% U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund,
    and the California Tax-Free Money Market Fund and 1.53% for the Class B
    Shares of the U.S. Government Money Market Fund.
    
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   10
 
                              FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 
   
  The tables below set forth certain financial information with respect to the
Class A Shares (formerly Retail Shares) of the U.S. Government Money Market Fund
and the 100% U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund. Financial highlights for the Funds
for the period ended July 31, 1997 have been derived from financial statements
audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors for HighMark, whose
report thereon is included in the 1997 Annual Report for the HighMark Funds,
which is incorporated by reference into the Statement of Additional Information.
Financial highlights for the Funds prior to the fiscal year ended July 31, 1996
have been derived from financial statements examined by other auditors whose
report thereon is on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
    
 
   
  The tables below also set forth certain financial information with respect to
the Class A Shares (formerly Retail Shares) of the Diversified Money Market Fund
and the California Tax-Free Money Market Fund. Upon reorganizing as funds of
HighMark Funds on April 28, 1997, Stepstone Money Market Fund became HighMark
Diversified Money Market Fund and Stepstone California Tax-Free Money Market
Fund became HighMark California Tax-Free Money Market Fund. Financial highlights
through January 31, 1997 represent the Investment Class Shares (now Class A
Shares) of Stepstone Money Market and Stepstone California Tax-Free Money Market
Funds, and have been derived from financial statements audited by Arthur
Andersen LLP, independent auditors for the Stepstone Funds.
    
 
   
  As of the date of this Prospectus, the U.S. Government Money Market Fund has
not offered Class B Shares.
    
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   11
 
   
                     CALIFORNIA TAX-FREE MONEY MARKET FUND
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             FOR THE SIX
                             MONTH PERIOD
                                ENDED                     FOR THE YEARS ENDED JANUARY 31,
                               JULY 31,       --------------------------------------------------------
                                 1997           1997        1996        1995        1994        1993
                             ------------     --------     -------     -------     -------     -------
<S>                          <C>              <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
RETAIL SHARES
Net Asset Value, Beginning
  of Period................    $   1.00       $   1.00     $  1.00     $  1.00     $  1.00     $  1.00
                             ------------     --------     -------     -------     -------     -------
Investment Activities
  Net investment income....       0.015          0.027       0.031       0.023       0.018       0.022
  Net realized and
     unrealized gain (loss)
     on investments........          --             --          --          --          --          --
                             ------------     --------     -------     -------     -------     -------
Distributions
  Net investment income....      (0.015)        (0.027)     (0.031)     (0.023)     (0.018)     (0.022)
  Capital gains............          --             --          --          --          --          --
Net Asset Value, End of
  Period...................    $   1.00       $   1.00     $  1.00     $  1.00     $  1.00     $  1.00
                             ==========       ========     =======     =======     =======     =======
Total Return...............        2.99%*         2.78%       3.14%       2.33%       1.80%       2.27%
  Net Assets, end of period
     (000).................    $217,229       $150,688     $81,177     $49,494     $52,220     $ 8,542
  Ratio of expenses to
     average net assets....        0.55%*         0.60%       0.61%       0.62%       0.63%       0.63%
  Ratio of expenses to
     average net assets
     excluding fee
     waivers...............        0.97%*         0.88%       0.88%       0.90%       0.94%       0.94%
  Ratio of net investment
     income to average net
     assets................        3.02%*         2.75%       3.09%       2.33%       1.76%       2.21%
  Ratio of net investment
     income to average net
     assets excluding fee
     waivers...............        2.59%*         2.47%       2.82%       2.05%       1.45%       1.90%
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
   
Amounts designated as "--" are either $0 or have been rounded to $0.
    
   
* Annualized.
    
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   12
 
   
                          INTERMEDIATE-TERM BOND FUND
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              FOR THE SIX
                              MONTH PERIOD
                               ENDED JULY                   FOR THE YEARS ENDED JULY 31,
                                  31,          -------------------------------------------------------
                                  1997          1997        1996        1995        1994       1993(1)
                              ------------     -------     -------     -------     -------     -------
<S>                           <C>              <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
RETAIL SHARES
Net Asset Value, Beginning
  of Period.................    $  10.16       $ 10.61     $  9.67     $ 10.72     $ 10.57     $ 10.49
                              ------------     -------     -------     -------     -------     -------
Investment Activities
  Net investment income.....       0.309         0.602       0.609       0.589       0.615       0.609
  Net realized and
     unrealized gain (loss)
     on investments.........       0.128        (0.462)      0.940      (1.034)      0.335       0.450
                              ------------     -------     -------     -------     -------     -------
Distributions
  Net investment income.....      (0.310)       (0.595)     (0.609)     (0.590)     (0.595)     (0.636)
  Capital gains.............          --            --          --      (0.015)     (0.205)     (0.343)
Net Asset Value, End of
  Period....................    $  10.29       $ 10.16     $ 10.61     $  9.67     $ 10.72     $ 10.57
                              ==========       =======     =======     =======     =======     =======
Total** Return..............        4.44%         1.54%      16.48%      (4.11)%      9.23%      10.59%*
  Net Assets, end of period
     (000)..................    $  5,124       $ 5,213     $ 6,417     $ 6,645     $ 9,308     $ 2,897
  Ratio of expenses to
     average net assets.....        0.69%*        0.67%       0.68%       0.71%       0.69%       0.65%*
  Ratio of expenses to
     average net assets
     excluding fee
     waivers................        1.14%*        1.08%       1.09%       1.11%       1.09%       1.05%*
  Ratio of net investment
     income to average net
     assets.................        6.17%*        5.91%       5.99%       5.87%       5.51%       6.01%*
  Ratio of net investment
     income to average net
     assets excluding fee
     waivers................        5.71%*        5.50%       5.58%       5.47%       5.11%       5.61%*
Portfolio turnover rate.....          58%          106%        147%         95%         72%         88%
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
   
Amounts designated as "--" are either $0 or have been rounded to $0.
    
   
  * Annualized.
    
   
 ** Total return does not reflect the sales charge.
    
   
(1) Commenced operations on February 3, 1992.
    
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   13
 
   
                   CALIFORNIA INTERMEDIATE TAX-FREE BOND FUND
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        FOR THE SIX
                                        MONTH PERIOD
                                         ENDED JULY             FOR THE YEARS ENDED JULY 31,
                                            31,          -------------------------------------------
                                            1997          1997        1996        1995       1994(2)
                                        ------------     -------     -------     -------     -------
<S>                                     <C>              <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
RETAIL SHARES
Net Asset Value, Beginning of
  Period..............................    $   9.74       $  9.84     $  8.94     $ 10.03     $ 10.00
                                        ------------     -------     -------     -------     -------
Investment Activities
  Net investment income...............       0.222         0.458       0.470       0.439       0.115
  Net realized and unrealized gain
     (loss) on investments............       0.240        (0.112)      0.918      (1.077)      0.020
                                        ------------     -------     -------     -------     -------
Distributions
  Net investment income...............      (0.215)       (0.442)     (0.487)     (0.452)     (0.105)
  Capital gains.......................          --            --          --          --          --
Net Asset Value, End of Period........    $   9.99       $  9.74     $  9.84     $  8.94     $ 10.03
                                        ==========       =======     =======     =======     =======
Total** Return........................        4.85%         3.62%      15.84%      (6.33)%      4.67%*
  Net Assets, end of period (000).....    $ 11,214       $ 5,791     $ 4,266     $ 4,882     $ 2,830
  Ratio of expenses to average net
     assets...........................        0.21%*        0.20%       0.23%       0.50%       0.50%*
  Ratio of expenses to average net
     assets excluding fee waivers.....        1.22%*        1.25%       1.12%       1.12%       1.13%*
  Ratio of net investment income to
     average net assets...............        4.55%*        4.69%       4.93%       4.92%       4.26%*
  Ratio of net investment income to
     average net assets excluding fee
     waivers..........................        3.54%*        3.64%       4.04%       4.30%       3.63%*
Portfolio turnover rate...............           5%            6%         30%         22%         19%
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
   
Amounts designated as "--" are either $0 or have been rounded to $0.
    
   
  * Annualized.
    
   
 ** Total return does not reflect the sales charge.
    
   
(2) Commenced operations on October 15, 1993.
    
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   14
 
   
                      100% U.S. TREASURY MONEY MARKET FUND
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       FOR THE YEARS ENDED JULY 31,
                                         ---------------------------------------------------------
                                           1997         1996        1995        1994        1993
                                         --------     --------     -------     -------     -------
<S>                                      <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>
RETAIL SHARES
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period...  $   1.00     $   1.00     $  1.00     $  1.00     $  1.00
                                         --------     --------     -------     -------     -------
Investment Activities
  Net investment income................     0.045        0.046       0.046       0.026       0.026
  Net realized and unrealized gain
     (loss) on investments.............        --           --          --          --          --
                                         --------     --------     -------     -------     -------
Distributions
  Net investment income................    (0.045)      (0.046)     (0.046)     (0.026)     (0.026)
  Capital gains........................        --           --          --          --          --
                                         --------     --------     -------     -------     -------
Contribution of capital................        --           --          --          --          --
Net Asset Value, End of Period.........  $   1.00     $   1.00     $  1.00     $  1.00     $  1.00
                                         ========     ========     =======     =======     =======
Total Return...........................      4.58%        4.74%       4.69%       2.68%       2.64%
Net Assets, end of period (000)........  $558,972     $100,623     $88,660     $39,157     $32,629
Ratio of expenses to average net
  assets...............................      0.72%        0.74%       0.73%       0.74%       0.67%
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
  excluding fee waivers................      1.10%        1.23%       1.22%       1.15%       0.75%
Ratio of net investment income to
  average net assets...................      4.55%        4.64%       4.68%       2.68%       2.60%
Ratio of net investment income to
  average net assets excluding fee
  waivers..............................      4.17%        4.15%       4.19%       2.27%       2.52%
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
   
Amounts designated as "--" are either $0 or have been rounded to $0.
    
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   15
 
   
                     CALIFORNIA TAX-FREE MONEY MARKET FUND
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             FOR THE SIX
                             MONTH PERIOD
                                ENDED                     FOR THE YEARS ENDED JANUARY 31,
                               JULY 31,       --------------------------------------------------------
                                 1997           1997        1996        1995        1994        1993
                             ------------     --------     -------     -------     -------     -------
<S>                          <C>              <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
RETAIL SHARES
Net Asset Value, Beginning
  of Period................    $   1.00       $   1.00     $  1.00     $  1.00     $  1.00     $  1.00
                             ------------     --------     -------     -------     -------     -------
Investment Activities
  Net investment income....       0.015          0.027       0.031       0.023       0.018       0.022
  Net realized and
     unrealized gain (loss)
     on investments........          --             --          --          --          --          --
                             ------------     --------     -------     -------     -------     -------
Distributions
  Net investment income....      (0.015)        (0.027)     (0.031)     (0.023)     (0.018)     (0.022)
  Capital gains............          --             --          --          --          --          --
Net Asset Value, End of
  Period...................    $   1.00       $   1.00     $  1.00     $  1.00     $  1.00     $  1.00
                             ==========       ========     =======     =======     =======     =======
Total Return...............        2.99%*         2.78%       3.14%       2.33%       1.80%       2.27%
  Net Assets, end of period
     (000).................    $217,229       $150,688     $81,177     $49,494     $52,220     $ 8,542
  Ratio of expenses to
     average net assets....        0.53%*         0.60%       0.61%       0.62%       0.63%       0.63%
  Ratio of expenses to
     average net assets
     excluding fee
     waivers...............        0.97%*         0.88%       0.88%       0.90%       0.94%       0.94%
  Ratio of net investment
     income to average net
     assets................        3.02%*         2.75%       3.09%       2.33%       1.76%       2.21%
  Ratio of net investment
     income to average net
     assets excluding fee
     waivers...............        2.59%*         2.47%       2.82%       1.05%       1.45%       1.90%
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
   
Amounts designated as "--" are either $0 or have been rounded to $0.
    
   
* Annualized.
    
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   16
 
   
                         DIVERSIFIED MONEY MARKET FUND
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              FOR THE
                             SIX MONTH
                              PERIOD
                               ENDED                    FOR THE YEARS ENDED JANUARY 31,
                             JULY 31,      ----------------------------------------------------------
                               1997          1997         1996         1995        1994        1993
                             ---------     --------     --------     --------     -------     -------
<S>                          <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>
RETAIL SHARES
Net Asset Value,
  Beginning of Period......  $   1.00      $   1.00     $   1.00     $   1.00     $  1.00     $  1.00
                             ---------     --------     --------     --------     -------     -------
Investment Activities
  Net investment income....     0.024         0.047        0.052        0.037       0.027       0.033
  Net realized and
     unrealized gain (loss)
     on investments........        --            --           --           --          --          --
                             ---------     --------     --------     --------     -------     -------
Distributions
  Net investment income....    (0.024)       (0.047)      (0.052)      (0.037)     (0.027)     (0.033)
  Capital gains............        --            --           --           --          --          --
                             ---------     --------     --------     --------     -------     -------
Contribution of capital....        --            --           --           --          --          --
Net Asset Value,
  End of Period............  $   1.00      $   1.00     $   1.00     $   1.00     $  1.00     $  1.00
                             ========      ========     ========     ========     =======     =======
Total Return...............      4.86% *       4.78%        5.31%        3.78%       2.77%       3.36%
Net Assets,
  end of period (000)......  $799,657      $576,566     $259,608     $111,267     $86,291     $79,253
Ratio of expenses to
  average net assets.......      0.72% *       0.73%        0.75%        0.70%       0.70%       0.69%
Ratio of expenses to
  average net assets
  excluding fee waivers....      0.95% *       0.88%        0.90%        0.90%       0.89%       0.86%
Ratio of net investment
  income to average
  net assets...............      4.82% *       4.69%        5.16%        3.79%       2.71%       3.41%
Ratio of net investment
  income to average net
  assets excluding fee
  waivers..................      4.59% *       4.54%        5.01%        3.59%       2.52%       3.24%
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
   
Amounts designated as "--" are either $0 or have been rounded to $0.
    
 
   
* Annualized.
    
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   17
 
   
FUND
DESCRIPTION             HighMark is an open-end, diversified, registered
                      investment company that currently offers units of
                      beneficial interest ("Shares") in sixteen separate
                      investment portfolios ("Funds"). All of the Funds are
                      advised by the Pacific Alliance division of Union Bank of
                      California, N.A. (the "Advisor"). Shareholders may
                      purchase Shares of selected Funds through three separate
                      classes (Class A and Class B (collectively, the "Retail
                      Shares") and "Fiduciary" classes). These classes may have
                      different sales charges and other expenses, which may
                      affect performance. Information regarding HighMark's other
                      Funds and other classes is contained in separate
                      prospectuses that may be obtained from HighMark's
                      Distributor, SEI Investments Distribution Co., Oaks,
                      Pennsylvania, 19456, or by calling 1-800-433-6884.
    
 
                        For information concerning those investors who qualify
                      to purchase Retail Shares and the operation of HighMark's
                      Distribution Plan, see HOW TO PURCHASE SHARES and SERVICE
                      ARRANGEMENTS below. (Retail Shares may be hereinafter
                      referred to as "Shares.")
 
INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVES              The investment objectives of the Funds are as follows:
 
                        The Diversified Money Market Fund, the U.S. Government
                      Money Market Fund and the 100% U.S. Treasury Money Market
                      Fund each seek current income with liquidity and stability
                      of principal.
 
                        The California Tax-Free Money Market Fund seeks as high
                      a level of current interest income free from federal
                      income tax and California personal income tax as is
                      consistent with the preservation of capital and relative
                      stability of principal.
 
                        The investment objectives and certain of the investment
                      limitations of the Diversified Money Market Fund, the U.S.
                      Government Money Market Fund, the 100% U.S. Treasury Money
                      Market Fund, and the California Tax-Free Money Market Fund
                      may not be changed without a vote of the holders of a
                      majority of the outstanding Shares of the respective Fund
                      (as defined under GENERAL INFORMATION--Miscellaneous
                      below). There can be no assurance that a Fund will achieve
                      its investment objective.
 
INVESTMENT
POLICIES                While the Diversified Money Market Fund, the U.S.
                      Government Money Market Fund and the 100% U.S. Treasury
                      Money Market Fund have the same investment objective, they
                      differ as follows with respect to the types of instruments
                      that may be purchased. Each Fund may invest only in U.S.
                      dollar-denominated obligations determined by the Advisor
                      to present minimal credit risks under guidelines adopted
                      by HighMark's Board of Trustees.
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   18
 
                      Diversified Money Market Fund
 
                        The Diversified Money Market Fund may invest in the
                      following obligations:
 
                            (i) obligations issued by the U.S. Government, and
                                backed by its full faith and credit, and
                                obligations issued or guaranteed as to principal
                                and interest by the agencies or
                                instrumentalities of the U.S. Government (e.g.,
                                obligations issued by Farmers Home
                                Administration, Government National Mortgage
                                Association, Federal Farm Credit Bank and
                                Federal Housing Administration);
 
                           (ii) obligations such as bankers' acceptances, bank
                                notes, certificates of deposit and time deposits
                                of thrift institutions, savings and loans, U.S.
                                commercial banks (including foreign branches of
                                such banks), and U.S. and foreign branches of
                                foreign banks, provided that such institutions
                                (or, in the case of a branch, the parent
                                institution) have total assets of $1 billion or
                                more as shown on their last published financial
                                statements at the time of investment;
 
   
                           (iii) short-term promissory notes issued by
                                 corporations, including Canadian Commercial
                                 Paper ("CCP"), which is U.S. dollar-denominated
                                 commercial paper issued by a Canadian
                                 corporation or a Canadian counterpart of a U.S.
                                 corporation, and Europaper, which is U.S.
                                 dollar-denominated commercial paper of a
                                 foreign issuer;
    
 
   
                           (iv) U.S. dollar-denominated securities issued or
                                guaranteed by foreign governments, their
                                political subdivisions, agencies or
                                instrumentalities, and obligations of
                                supranational entities such as the World Bank
                                and the Asian Development Bank (provided that
                                the Fund invests no more than 5% of its assets
                                in any such instrument and invests no more than
                                25% of its assets in such instruments in the
                                aggregate);
    
 
   
                            (v) up to 5% of its total assets in loan
                                participations issued by a bank in the United
                                States with assets exceeding $1 billion where
                                the underlying loan is made to a borrower in
                                whose obligations the Fund may invest and the
                                underlying loan has a remaining maturity of 397
                                days or less;
    
 
                           (vi) readily-marketable, short-term debt securities
                                including, but not limited to, those backed by
                                company receivables, truck and auto loans,
                                leases, and credit card loans;
 
                           (vii) Treasury receipts, including TRs, TIGRs and
                          CATs; and
 
                          (viii) repurchase agreements involving such
                          obligations.
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   19
 
                        Certain of the obligations in which the Funds may invest
                      may be variable or floating rate instruments, may involve
                      a conditional or unconditional demand feature, and may
                      include variable amount master demand notes.
 
                        Subject to the provisions of Rule 2a-7 under the
                      Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"),
                      investments of the Diversified Money Market Fund will
                      consist of those obligations that, at the time of
                      purchase, possess the highest short-term rating from at
                      least one nationally recognized statistical rating
                      organization ("NRSRO") (for example, commercial paper
                      rated "A-1" by Standard & Poor's Corporation ("S&P") or
                      "P-1" by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's")).
                      Although the Diversified Money Market Fund does not
                      presently expect to do so, it may also invest up to 5% of
                      its net assets in obligations that, at the time of
                      purchase, possess one of the two highest short-term
                      ratings from at least one NRSRO, and in obligations that
                      do not possess an equivalent short-term rating (i.e., are
                      unrated) but are determined by the Advisor to be of
                      comparable quality to the rated instruments eligible for
                      purchase by the Fund under guidelines adopted by the Board
                      of Trustees.
 
                        The Diversified Money Market Fund will not invest more
                      than 5% of its total assets in the securities of any one
                      first tier issuer, except that the Fund may invest up to
                      25% of its total assets in the securities of a single
                      first tier issuer for a period of up to three business
                      days. There is no limit on the percentage of the Fund's
                      assets that may be invested in obligations issued or
                      guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies, or
                      instrumentalities and repurchase agreements fully
                      collateralized by such obligations.
 
   
                        The Fund may concentrate its investments in certain
                      instruments issued by U.S. banks, U.S. branches of foreign
                      banks, and foreign branches of U.S. banks, but only so
                      long as the investment risk associated with investing in
                      foreign branches of U.S. banks is the same as that
                      associated with investing in instruments issued by the
                      U.S. parent. Domestic certificates of deposit and bankers'
                      acceptances include those issued by domestic branches of a
                      foreign bank to the extent permitted by the rules of the
                      Securities and Exchange Commission. The rules currently
                      permit U.S. branches of foreign banks to be treated as a
                      domestic bank if it can be demonstrated that they are
                      subject to the same regulations as domestic banks.
    
 
                      U.S. Government Money Market Fund
 
                        As a fundamental policy, the U.S. Government Money
                      Market Fund may not purchase securities other than U.S.
                      Treasury bills, notes, and other obligations issued or
                      guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies, or
                      instrumentalities (such as obligations issued by the
                      Government National Mortgage Association
 
                                       16
<PAGE>   20
 
                      and the Export-Import Bank of the United States) some of
                      which may be subject to repurchase agreements.
 
                      The 100% U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund
 
                        The 100% U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund invests
                      exclusively in direct U.S. Treasury obligations and
                      separately traded component parts of such obligations
                      transferable through the Federal Reserve book-entry system
                      ("STRIPs").
 
                      California Tax-Free Money Market Fund
 
                        The California Tax-Free Money Market Fund invests in
                      obligations issued by the State of California and its
                      political subdivisions or municipal authorities and
                      obligations issued by territories or possessions of the
                      United States ("Municipal Securities").
 
                        Under normal market conditions and, as a matter of
                      fundamental policy, at least 80% of the value of the total
                      assets of the California Tax-Free Money Market Fund will
                      be invested in Municipal Securities, the interest on
                      which, in the opinion of bond counsel, is excluded from
                      gross income both for federal income tax purposes and for
                      California personal income tax purposes, and does not
                      constitute a preference item for individuals for purposes
                      of the federal alternative minimum tax.
 
                        Certain of the obligations in which the Fund may invest
                      may be variable or floating rate instruments and may
                      involve a conditional or unconditional demand feature.
 
                        Under normal market conditions, up to 20% of the
                      California Tax-Free Money Market Fund's total assets may
                      be invested in short-term obligations, the interest on
                      which is treated as a preference item for individuals for
                      purposes of the federal alternative minimum tax or subject
                      to federal or California personal income tax ("Taxable
                      Obligations"). These short-term obligations may include
                      bonds from other states and cash equivalents as described
                      below.
 
   
                        In general, dividends paid by the California Tax-Free
                      Money Market Fund that are derived from obligations, the
                      interest on which is exempt from California taxation when
                      received by an individual ("California Exempt-Interest
                      Securities"), are excluded from gross income for
                      California personal income tax purposes. Dividends derived
                      from interest on obligations other than California
                      Exempt-Interest Securities may be excluded from gross
                      income for federal income tax purposes but will be subject
                      to California personal income tax.
    
 
                        In order for the California Tax-Free Money Market Fund
                      to pay exempt-interest dividends, at least 50% of its
                      total assets must be invested in California
 
                                       17
<PAGE>   21
 
                      Exempt-Interest Securities at the close of each quarter of
                      its taxable year. Dividends, regardless of their source,
                      may be subject to local taxes.
 
                        In seeking to achieve its investment objective, the
                      California Tax-Free Money Market Fund may invest all or
                      any part of its assets in Municipal Securities that are
                      private activity bonds, including those known as
                      industrial development bonds under prior federal law. (Any
                      reference herein to private activity bonds includes
                      industrial development bonds.) Interest on private
                      activity bonds is excluded from gross income for federal
                      income tax purposes only if the bonds fall within certain
                      defined categories of qualified private activity bonds and
                      meet the requirements specified for those respective
                      categories. However, even if the California Tax-Free Money
                      Market Fund invests in private activity bonds that fall
                      within these categories, Shareholders may become subject
                      to the federal alternative minimum tax on that part of
                      such Fund's distributions derived from interest on such
                      bonds. For further information, see FEDERAL TAXATION
                      below.
 
   
                        The California Tax-Free Money Market Fund may invest up
                      to 10% of its total assets in shares of other investment
                      companies with like investment objectives. As a
                      shareholder of an investment company, a Fund may
                      indirectly bear investment management fees of that
                      investment company, which are in addition to the
                      management fees the Fund pays its own Advisor.
    
 
                        Investments of the California Tax-Free Money Market Fund
                      will consist of those obligations that, at the time of
                      purchase, possess one of the two highest short-term
                      ratings by a NRSRO, and in obligations that do not possess
                      a rating (i.e., are unrated) but are determined by the
                      Advisor to be of comparable quality to the rated
                      instruments eligible for purchase by the Fund under the
                      guidelines adopted by the Board of Trustees.
 
                        The California Tax-Free Money Market Fund may hold
                      uninvested cash reserves pending investment during
                      temporary "defensive" periods or if, in the opinion of the
                      Advisor, desirable tax-exempt obligations are unavailable.
                      In accordance with the Fund's investment objective and
                      subject to its fundamental policies, investments may be
                      made in Taxable Obligations if, for example, suitable
                      tax-exempt obligations are unavailable or if acquisition
                      of U.S. Government or other taxable securities is deemed
                      appropriate for temporary "defensive" purposes.
 
                        As discussed in greater detail in the Statement of
                      Additional Information, Taxable Obligations may include
                      obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government,
                      its agencies, or instrumentalities (some of which may be
                      subject to repurchase agreements), certificates of
                      deposit, bankers' acceptances, and commercial paper. As
                      noted above, Taxable Obligations may also include private
                      activity bonds depending on their tax treatment.
 
                                       18
<PAGE>   22
 
                        The California Tax-Free Money Market Fund is not
                      intended to constitute a balanced investment program and
                      is not designed for investors seeking capital appreciation
                      nor maximum tax-exempt income irrespective of fluctuations
                      in principal. Investment in the California Tax-Free Money
                      Market Fund would not be appropriate for tax-deferred
                      plans, such as IRA and Keogh plans, and investors should
                      consult a tax or other financial advisor to determine
                      whether investment in the California Tax-Free Fund would
                      be appropriate for them.
 
                      Municipal Securities
 
                        The two principal classifications of Municipal
                      Securities that may be held by the California Tax-Free
                      Money Market Fund are "general obligation" securities and
                      "revenue" securities.
 
                        General obligation securities are secured by the
                      issuer's pledge of its full faith and credit and general
                      taxing power for the payment of principal and interest.
 
                        Revenue securities are payable only from the revenues
                      derived from a particular facility or class of facilities
                      or, in some cases, from the proceeds of a special excise
                      tax or other specific revenue source such as the user of
                      the facility being financed. Private activity bonds held
                      by the California Tax-Free Money Market Fund are in most
                      cases revenue securities and are not payable from the
                      unrestricted revenues of the issuer. Consequently, the
                      credit quality of private activity bonds is usually
                      directly related to the credit standing of the corporate
                      user of the facility involved.
 
                        In addition, Municipal Securities may include "moral
                      obligation" bonds, which are normally issued by special
                      purpose public authorities. If the issuer of moral
                      obligation bonds is unable to meet its debt service
                      obligations from current revenues, it may draw on a
                      reserve fund, the restoration of which is a moral
                      commitment but not a legal obligation of the state or
                      municipality which created the issuer.
 
                        Opinions relating to the validity of Municipal
                      Securities and to the exemption of interest thereon from
                      federal income tax or California personal income tax are
                      rendered at the time of issuance by counsel experienced in
                      matters relating to the validity of and tax exemption of
                      interest on bonds issued by states and their political
                      sub-divisions. Neither the California Tax-Free Money
                      Market Fund nor the Advisor will review the proceedings
                      relating to the issuance of Municipal Securities or the
                      basis for such opinions.
 
                        Municipal Securities purchased by the California
                      Tax-Free Money Market Fund may include adjustable rate
                      tax-exempt notes which may have a stated maturity in
                      excess of 397 days, but which will be subject to a demand
                      feature that will permit the Fund to demand payment of the
                      principal of the note either (i) at
 
                                       19
<PAGE>   23
 
                      any time upon not more than thirty days' notice or (ii) at
                      specified intervals not exceeding 397 days and upon no
                      more than thirty days' notice. There may be no active
                      secondary market with respect to a particular adjustable
                      rate note. Nevertheless, as described in greater detail in
                      the Statement of Additional Information, the adjustable
                      interest rate feature included in this type of note is
                      intended generally to assure that the value of the note to
                      the Fund will approximate its par value.
 
                        Municipal Securities may include, but are not limited
                      to, short-term anticipation notes, bond anticipation
                      notes, revenue anticipation notes, and other forms of
                      short-term tax-exempt securities. These instruments are
                      issued in anticipation of the receipt of tax funds, the
                      proceeds of bond placements, or other revenues. In
                      addition, the California Tax-Free Money Market Fund may
                      purchase tax-exempt commercial paper. Under certain
                      circumstances, and subject to the limitations described in
                      the Statement of Additional Information, the California
                      Tax-Free Money Market Fund may invest indirectly in
                      Municipal Securities by purchasing shares of other
                      tax-exempt money market mutual funds.
 
                        The California Tax-Free Money Market Fund may also
                      acquire Municipal Securities that have "put" features.
                      Under a put feature, the Fund has the right to sell the
                      Municipal Security within a specified period of time at a
                      specified price. The put feature cannot be sold,
                      transferred, or assigned separately from the Municipal
                      Security. Each Fund may buy Municipal Securities with put
                      features to facilitate portfolio liquidity, shorten the
                      maturity of the underlying Municipal Securities, or permit
                      investment at a more favorable rate of return. The
                      aggregate price of a security subject to a put may be
                      higher than the price that otherwise would be paid for the
                      security without such a feature, thereby increasing the
                      security's cost and reducing its yield.
 
GENERAL                 The Funds intend to comply with Rule 2a-7 under the 1940
                      Act. Shares of each Fund are priced pursuant to the
                      amortized cost method whereby HighMark seeks to maintain
                      each Fund's net asset value per Share at $1.00. There can
                      be, however, no assurance that a stable net asset value of
                      $1.00 per Share will be maintained.
 
                        Securities or instruments in which each Fund invests
                      have remaining maturities of 397 days or less, although
                      instruments subject to repurchase agreements and certain
                      adjustable rate instruments may bear longer maturities.
                      The dollar-weighted average portfolio maturity of each
                      Fund will not exceed 90 days.
 
                        Although the Diversified Money Market Fund, the U.S.
                      Government Money Market Fund and the 100% U.S. Treasury
                      Money Market Fund have the same investment advisor and the
                      same investment objective, particular securities held
 
                                       20
<PAGE>   24
 
                      and respective yields of these Funds may differ due to
                      differences in the types of permitted investments, cash
                      flow, and the availability of particular investments.
 
                        Additional information concerning each Fund's
                      investments, including certain investment restrictions
                      that may not be changed with respect to a particular Fund
                      without a vote of the holders of a majority of the
                      outstanding Shares of that Fund, is set forth below and in
                      the Statement of Additional Information. For further
                      information concerning the rating and other requirements
                      governing the investments (including the treatment of
                      securities subject to a tender or demand feature or deemed
                      to possess a rating based on comparable rated securities
                      of the same issuer) of a Fund, see the Statement of
                      Additional Information. The Statement of Additional
                      Information also identifies the NRSROs that may be
                      utilized by the Advisor with respect to portfolio
                      investments for the Funds and provides a description of
                      the relevant ratings assigned by each such NRSRO.
 
                        In the event that a security owned by a Fund is
                      downgraded below the stated rating categories, the Advisor
                      will take appropriate action with regard to that security.
 
                      Illiquid and Restricted Securities
 
                        The Funds shall limit investments in illiquid securities
                      to 10% or less of their net assets. Generally, an
                      "illiquid security" is any security that cannot be
                      disposed of promptly and in the ordinary course of
                      business at approximately the amount at which the Fund has
                      valued the instrument. The absence of a trading market can
                      make it difficult to ascertain the market value of
                      illiquid securities. Each Fund may purchase restricted
                      securities which have not been registered under the
                      Securities Act of 1933 (e.g., Rule 144A Securities and
                      Section 4(2) commercial paper) subject to policies
                      approved by the Board of Trustees. See INVESTMENT
                      RESTRICTIONS in the Statement of Additional Information.
 
                        Time deposits, including ETDs and CTDs but not including
                      certificates of deposit and repurchase agreements, which
                      have maturities in excess of seven days are considered to
                      be illiquid.
 
                      Lending of Portfolio Securities
 
                        In order to generate additional income, each Fund
                      (except the California Tax-Free Money Market Fund) may
                      lend its portfolio securities to broker-dealers, banks or
                      other institutions. A Fund may lend portfolio securities
                      in an amount representing up to 33 1/3% of the value of
                      the Fund's total assets.
 
                      Other Investments
 
                        The Diversified Money Market Fund, the U.S. Government
                      Money Market Fund, and the California Tax-Free Money
                      Market Fund may enter into repur-
 
                                       21
<PAGE>   25
 
                      chase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements. Each
                      Fund intends to limit its respective activity in reverse
                      repurchase agreements to no more than 10% of the Fund's
                      total assets.
 
                        The Funds may enter into forward commitments or purchase
                      securities on a "when-issued" basis. Each Fund expects
                      that commitments by a Fund to enter into forward
                      commitments or purchase when-issued securities will not
                      exceed 25% of the value of the Fund's total assets under
                      normal market conditions. The Funds do not intend to
                      purchase when-issued securities or enter into forward
                      commitments for speculative or leveraging purposes but
                      only for the purpose of acquiring portfolio securities.
 
                        For further information, see "DESCRIPTION OF PERMITTED
                      INVESTMENTS."
 
                      Risk Factors
 
                        Investments by the Funds in obligations of certain
                      agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S. Government may
                      not be guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the U.S.
                      Treasury, and there can be no assurance that the U.S.
                      Government would provide financial support to U.S.
                      Government-sponsored agencies or instrumentalities if it
                      is not obligated to do so by law.
 
                        As in the case of mortgage-related securities, loan
                      participations and certain asset-backed securities are
                      subject to prepayments and there can be no assurance that
                      the Diversified Money Market Fund will be able to reinvest
                      the proceeds of any prepayment at the same interest rate
                      or on the same terms as the original investment.
 
                        With regard to loan participations, although a Fund's
                      ability to receive payments of principal and interest in
                      connection with a particular loan is primarily dependent
                      on the financial condition of the underlying borrower, the
                      lending institution or bank may provide assistance in
                      collecting interest and principal from the borrower and in
                      enforcing its rights against the borrower in the event of
                      a default. In selecting loan participations on behalf of a
                      Fund, the Advisor will evaluate the creditworthiness of
                      both the borrower and the loan originator and will treat
                      both as an "issuer" of the loan participation for purposes
                      of the Fund's investment policies and restrictions (see
                      INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS in the Statement of Additional
                      Information).
 
                        Foreign securities which the Diversified Money Market
                      Fund may purchase may subject the Fund to investment risks
                      that differ in some respects from those related to
                      investments in obligations of U.S. issuers. These risks
                      include adverse political and economic developments,
                      possible imposition of withholding taxes on interest
                      income, possible seizure, nationalization, or
                      expropriation of foreign investments, possible
                      establishment of exchange controls, or adoption of other
 
                                       22
<PAGE>   26
 
                      foreign governmental restrictions which might adversely
                      affect the payment of principal and interest on such
                      obligations. In addition, foreign branches of U.S. banks
                      and foreign banks may be subject to less stringent reserve
                      requirements and different accounting, auditing,
                      reporting, and recordkeeping standards than those
                      applicable to domestic branches of U.S. banks.
 
                        Certain risks are inherent in the California Tax-Free
                      Money Market Fund's concentrated investment in California
                      Municipal Securities, which may make an investment in the
                      Fund riskier than an investment in other types of money
                      market funds. Because of the California Tax-Free Money
                      Market Fund's investment objective, many of the securities
                      in its portfolio are likely to be obligations of
                      California governmental issuers that rely in whole or in
                      part, directly or indirectly, on real property taxes as a
                      source of revenue. The ability of the State of California
                      and its political sub-divisions to generate revenue
                      through real property and other taxes and to increase
                      spending has been significantly restricted by various
                      constitutional and statutory amendments and voter-passed
                      initiatives. Such limitations could affect the ability of
                      California state and municipal issuers to pay interest or
                      repay principal on their obligations. In addition, during
                      the first half of the decade, California faced severe
                      economic and fiscal conditions and experienced recurring
                      budget deficits that caused it to deplete its available
                      cash resources and to become increasingly dependent upon
                      external borrowings to meet its cash needs.
 
                        The financial difficulties experienced by the State of
                      California and other issuers of California Municipal
                      Securities during the recession have resulted in the
                      credit ratings of certain of their obligations being
                      downgraded significantly by the major rating agencies.
 
   
                        A more detailed description of special factors affecting
                      investments in obligations of California governmental
                      issuers of which investors should be aware is set forth in
                      the Statement of Additional Information.
    
 
   
VALUATION OF
SHARES                  Each Fund's net asset value per share is determined by
                      the Administrator as of 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time on days on
                      which both the New York Stock Exchange and the Federal
                      Reserve wire system are open for business. Net asset value
                      per share for purposes of pricing sales and redemptions
                      for each of the Funds is calculated by adding the value of
                      all securities and other assets belonging to a Fund,
                      subtracting its liabilities, and dividing the result by
                      the total number of the Fund's outstanding shares,
                      irrespective of class.
    
 
                        The assets in each Fund are valued based upon the
                      amortized cost method whereby HighMark seeks to maintain a
                      Fund's net asset value per Share at $1.00, although there
                      can be no assurance that a stable net asset value of $1.00
                      per
 
                                       23
<PAGE>   27
 
                      Share will be maintained. For further information
                      concerning the use of the amortized cost method of
                      valuation, see the Statement of Additional Information.
 
HOW TO
PURCHASE SHARES         As noted above, the Diversified Money Market, 100% U.S.
                      Treasury Money Market and California Tax-Free Money Market
                      Funds are divided into two classes of Shares, Class A and
                      Fiduciary. The U.S. Government Money Market Fund is
                      divided into three classes of Shares, Class A, Class B and
                      Fiduciary. For a description of investors who qualify to
                      purchase Fiduciary Shares, see the Fiduciary Shares
                      prospectus of the Money Market Funds. HighMark's Retail
                      Shares are offered to investors who are not fiduciary
                      clients of Union Bank of California, N.A., and who are not
                      otherwise eligible for HighMark's Fiduciary class. Class B
                      Shares are only available pursuant to an exchange for
                      Class B Shares of another HighMark Fund.
 
                        Class A Shares are sold on a continuous basis by
                      HighMark's Distributor, SEI Investments Distribution Co.
                      The principal office of the Distributor is Oaks,
                      Pennsylvania 19456. If you wish to purchase Shares, you
                      may contact your investment professional or telephone
                      HighMark at 1-800-433-6884. Investors may be charged a fee
                      if they effect transactions in fund shares through a
                      broker or agent.
 
   
                        The minimum initial investment is generally $1,000 for
                      each Fund and the minimum subsequent investment is
                      generally only $100. For present and retired directors,
                      officers, and employees (and their spouses and children
                      under the age of 21) of Union Bank of California, N.A.,
                      SEI Financial Services Company and their affiliates, the
                      minimum initial investment is $250 per Fund and the
                      minimum subsequent investment is $50. A Fund's initial and
                      subsequent minimum purchase amounts may be waived if
                      purchases are made in connection with Individual
                      Retirement Accounts, Keoghs, payroll deduction plans,
                      401(k) or similar programs or accounts. Purchases and
                      redemption of Shares of the Funds may be made on any
                      Business Day.
    
 
                        Purchase orders will be effective on the Business Day
                      made if the Distributor receives an order before 8:00
                      a.m., Pacific time (11:00 a.m., Eastern time) for the
                      California Tax-Free Money Market Fund, 9:00 a.m., Pacific
                      time (12:00 noon, Eastern time) for the 100% U.S. Treasury
                      Money Market Fund and 10:00 a.m., Pacific time (1:00 p.m.,
                      Eastern time) for the Diversified Money Market and U.S.
                      Government Money Market Funds, on any Business Day.
                      Otherwise, the purchase order will be effective the next
                      Business Day. Effectiveness of a purchase order on any
                      Business Day is contingent on the Custodian's receipt of
                      Federal funds before 11:00 a.m., Pacific time (2:00 p.m.,
                      Eastern time), on such day. The purchase price of Class A
                      Shares is the net asset value per Share, which is expected
                      to remain constant at $1.00. Class B Shares are only
                      available
 
                                       24
<PAGE>   28
 
                      pursuant to an exchange for Class B Shares of another
                      HighMark Fund. The net asset value per Share is calculated
                      as of 10:00 a.m., Pacific time (1:00 p.m., Eastern time)
                      each Business Day based on the amortized cost method. The
                      net asset value per Share of a Fund is determined by
                      dividing the total value of its investments and other
                      assets, less any liabilities, by the total number of its
                      outstanding Shares. Although the methodology and procedure
                      for determining net asset value are identical for Class A
                      and Class B Shares, the net asset value per share of such
                      classes may differ because of the higher distribution
                      expenses charged to B Class Shares. HighMark reserves the
                      right to reject a purchase order when the Distributor or
                      the Advisor determines that it is not in the best interest
                      of HighMark and/or Shareholder(s).
 
   
                        Shares of the Funds are offered only to residents of
                      states in which the shares are eligible for purchase.
    
 
                      How to Purchase By Mail
 
                        You may purchase Class A Shares of the Diversified Money
                      Market, U.S. Government Money Market, 100% U.S. Treasury
                      Money Market, and California Tax-Free Money Market Funds
                      by completing and signing an Account Application form and
                      mailing it, along with a check (or other negotiable bank
                      instrument or money order) payable to "HighMark Funds
                      (Fund Name)," to the transfer agent at P.O. Box 8416,
                      Boston, Massachusetts 02266-8416. All purchases made by
                      check should be in U.S. dollars and made payable to
                      "HighMark Funds (Fund Name)." Third party checks, credit
                      card checks or cash will not be accepted. You may purchase
                      more Class A Shares at any time by mailing payment also to
                      the transfer agent at the above address. Orders placed by
                      mail will be executed on receipt of your payment. If your
                      check does not clear, your purchase will be canceled and
                      you could be liable for any losses or fees incurred.
 
                        You may obtain Account Application Forms for the
                      Diversified Money Market, U.S. Government Money Market,
                      100% U.S. Treasury Money Market, and California Tax-Free
                      Money Market Funds by calling the Distributor at
                      1-800-433-6884.
 
                      How to Purchase By Wire
 
                        You may purchase Class A Shares of the Diversified Money
                      Market, U.S. Government Money Market, 100% U.S. Treasury
                      Money Market, and California Tax-Free Money Market Funds
                      by wiring Federal funds, provided that your Account
                      Application has been previously received. You must wire
                      funds to the transfer agent and the wire instructions must
                      include your account number. You must call the transfer
                      agent at 1-800-433-6884 before wiring any funds. An order
                      to purchase Class A Shares by Federal funds wire will be
                      deemed to have been received by a Fund on the Business Day
                      of the wire; provided that the
 
                                       25
<PAGE>   29
 
                      Shareholder wires funds to the transfer agent prior to
                      11:00 a.m., Pacific time (2:00 p.m., Eastern time). If the
                      transfer agent does not receive the wire by 11:00 a.m.,
                      Pacific time (2:00 p.m. Eastern time), the order will be
                      executed on the next Business Day.
 
                      How to Purchase through an Automatic Investment Plan
                      ("AIP")
 
   
                        You may arrange for periodic additional investments in
                      Class A Shares of the Diversified Money Market, U.S.
                      Government Money Market, 100% U.S. Treasury Money Market,
                      and California Tax-Free Money Market Funds through
                      automatic deductions by Automated Clearing House ("ACH")
                      from a checking account by completing this section in the
                      Account Application form. The minimum pre-authorized
                      investment amount is $100 per month. For present and
                      retired directors, officers, and employees (and their
                      spouses and children under the age of 21) of Union Bank of
                      California, SEI Investments Distribution Co., and their
                      affiliates the minimum pre-authorized investment amount is
                      $50 per month. The AIP is available only for additional
                      investments to an existing account.
    
 
                      How to Purchase Through Financial Institutions
 
                        Class A Shares of the Funds may be purchased through
                      financial institutions, including the Advisor, that
                      provide distribution assistance or Shareholder services.
                      Class A Shares purchased by persons ("Customers") through
                      financial institutions may be held of record by the
                      financial institution. Financial institutions may impose
                      an earlier cut-off time for receipt of purchase orders
                      directed through them to allow for processing and
                      transmittal of these orders to the transfer agent for
                      effectiveness the same day. Customers should contact their
                      financial institution for information as to that
                      institution's procedures for transmitting purchase,
                      exchange or redemption orders to HighMark.
 
                        Customers who desire to transfer the registration of
                      Class A Shares beneficially owned by them but held of
                      record by a financial institution should contact the
                      institution to accomplish such change.
 
                        Depending upon the terms of a particular Customer
                      account, a financial institution may charge a Customer
                      account fees. Information concerning these services and
                      any charges will be provided to the Customer by the
                      financial institution.
 
                      Alternative Purchase Options
 
                        Class A Shares and Class B Shares represent a Fund's
                      interest in the portfolio of investments. The classes have
                      the same rights and are identical in all respects except
                      that (i) Class B shares bear the expenses of the deferred
                      sales arrangement and distribution and service fees
                      resulting from such sales arrangement,
 
                                       26
<PAGE>   30
 
                      (ii) each class has exclusive voting rights with respect
                      to approvals of any Rule 12b-1 distribution plan related
                      to that specific class (although Class B shareholders may
                      vote on any distribution fees imposed on Class A shares so
                      long as Class B shares convert into Class A shares), (iii)
                      only Class B shares carry a conversion feature and (iv)
                      each class has different exchange privileges. See
                      "Exchange Privileges." Sales personnel of broker-dealers
                      distributing the Funds' shares, and other persons entitled
                      to receive compensation for selling such shares, may
                      receive differing compensation for selling Class A or
                      Class B shares.
 
   
                        The Trustees of HighMark have determined that currently
                      no conflict of interest exists between the Class A and
                      Class B shares. On an ongoing basis, the Trustees of
                      HighMark, pursuant to their fiduciary duties under the
                      Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940
                      Act"), and state laws, will seek to ensure that no such
                      conflict arises.
    
 
                        CLASS A SHARES.  The Funds' Class A Shares are offered
                      on a continuous basis, at their next determined offering
                      price, which is net asset value. There is no initial or
                      contingent deferred sales charge on purchases of Class A
                      Shares.
 
                        CLASS B SHARES.  Class B Shares are sold at net asset
                      value without any initial sales charge. Class B Shares are
                      only available for purchase pursuant to an exchange for
                      Class B Shares of another HighMark Fund (the "Exchange
                      Class Shares"). Currently, only the Class B Shares of the
                      HighMark Funds assess a contingent deferred sales charge.
                      If an investor redeems Class B Shares of the U.S.
                      Government Money Market Fund within six years of purchase
                      of the Exchange Class Shares and is not eligible for a
                      waiver, he or she will pay a contingent deferred sales
                      charge in an amount equal to the contingent deferred sales
                      charge he or she would have paid on the Exchange Class
                      Shares, assuming no exchange had occurred. Consequently,
                      if a shareholder exchanges Exchange Class Shares for Class
                      B Shares of the U.S. Government Money Market Fund, the
                      transaction will not be subject to a contingent deferred
                      sales charge; however, when Class B Shares acquired
                      through the exchange are redeemed, the shareholder will be
                      treated as if no exchange took place for the purpose of
                      determining the contingent deferred sales charge and will
                      be charged a contingent deferred sales charge at the rates
                      set forth below. This charge is assessed on an amount
                      equal to the lesser of the then-current market value or
                      the cost of the shares being redeemed. Accordingly, no
                      sales charge is imposed on increases in net asset value
                      above the initial purchase price. In addition, no charge
                      is assessed on shares derived from reinvestment of
                      dividends or capital gain distributions.
 
                                       27
<PAGE>   31
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGES
                                                           AS A PERCENTAGE OF DOLLAR AMOUNT
                                  YEARS SINCE PURCHASE             SUBJECT TO CHANGE
                                -------------------------  ---------------------------------
                                <S>                        <C>
                                First....................         5.00%
                                Second...................         4.00%
                                Third....................         3.00%
                                Fourth...................         3.00%
                                Fifth....................         2.00%
                                Sixth....................         1.00%
                                Seventh..................         None
                                Eighth...................         None
</TABLE>
 
   
                        In determining whether a particular redemption is
                      subject to a contingent deferred sales charge, it is
                      assumed that the redemption is first of any Class A Shares
                      in the shareholder's Fund account, second of Class B
                      Shares held for over six years or Class B Shares acquired
                      pursuant to reinvestment of dividends or other
                      distributions and third of Class B Shares held longest
                      during the six year period. This method should result in
                      the lowest possible sales charge.
    
 
                        The contingent deferred sales charge is waived on
                      redemption of shares (i) following the death or disability
                      (as defined in the Code) of a shareholder, or (ii) to the
                      extent that the redemption represents a minimum required
                      distribution from an individual retirement account or
                      other retirement plan to a shareholder who has attained
                      the age of 70 1/2. A Shareholder, or his or her
                      representative, must notify the Transfer Agent prior to
                      the time of redemption if such circumstances exist and the
                      shareholder is eligible for a waiver.
 
   
                        CONVERSION FEATURE.  At the end of the period ending
                      eight years after the beginning of the month in which the
                      shares were issued, Class B shares will automatically
                      convert to Class A Shares and will no longer be subject to
                      the Class B distribution and service fees. Such conversion
                      will be on the basis of the relative net asset value of
                      the two classes.
    
 
EXCHANGE
PRIVILEGES              As indicated under GENERAL INFORMATION--Description of
                      HighMark & Its Shares, certain of HighMark's Funds issue
                      three classes of Shares (Class A and Class B Shares
                      (collectively, "Retail Shares") and Fiduciary Shares); as
                      of the date of this Prospectus, the Distribution Plan and
                      distribution fee payable thereunder are applicable only to
                      such Fund's Retail Shares. A Shareholder's eligibility to
                      exchange into a particular class of Shares will be
                      determined at the time of the exchange. The Shareholder
                      must supply, at the time of the exchange, the necessary
                      information to permit confirmation of qualification.
 
                                       28
<PAGE>   32
 
                        Each Fund's Class A or Class B Shares may be exchanged
                      for Class A or Class B Shares, respectively, of the class
                      of the various other Funds of HighMark which the
                      Shareholder qualifies to purchase directly so long as the
                      Shareholder maintains the applicable minimum account
                      balance in each Fund in which he or she owns Class A or
                      Class B Shares and satisfies the minimum initial and
                      subsequent purchase amounts of the Fund into which the
                      Shares are exchanged. Shareholders may exchange their
                      Class A Shares for Class A Shares of a Fund with the same
                      or lower sales charge on the basis of the relative net
                      asset value of the Class A Shares exchanged. Shareholders
                      may exchange their Class A Shares for Class A Shares of a
                      Fund with a higher sales charge by paying the difference
                      between the two sales charges.
 
                        Shareholders may also exchange Class A Shares of a money
                      market fund for which no sales load was paid for Class A
                      Shares of another HighMark Fund. Under such circumstances,
                      the cost of the acquired Class A Shares will be the net
                      asset value per share plus the appropriate sales load. If
                      Class A Shares of the money market fund were acquired in a
                      previous exchange involving Class A Shares of a non-money
                      market HighMark Fund, then such Class A Shares of the
                      money market fund may be exchanged for Class A Shares of
                      the non-money market HighMark Fund without payment of any
                      additional sales load within a twelve month period. In
                      order to receive a reduced sales charge when exchanging
                      into a Fund, the Shareholder must notify HighMark that a
                      sales charge was originally paid and provide sufficient
                      information to permit confirmation of qualification.
 
                        For purposes of calculating the Class B Shares' eight
                      year conversion period or contingent deferred sales charge
                      payable upon redemption, the holding period of Class B
                      Shares of the "old" Fund and the holding period for Class
                      B Shares of the "new" Fund are aggregated.
 
                        Exchanges will be made on the basis of the relative net
                      asset values of the Shares exchanged plus any applicable
                      sales charge. Exchanges are subject to the terms and
                      conditions stated herein and the terms and conditions
                      stated in the respective prospectuses of the Funds.
 
   
                        Certain entities (including Participating Organizations
                      and Union Bank of California, N.A. and its affiliates),
                      however, may charge customers a fee with respect to
                      exchanges made on the customer's behalf. Information about
                      these charges, if any, can be obtained by the entity
                      effecting the exchange and this Prospectus should be read
                      in conjunction with that information.
    
 
                        A Shareholder wishing to exchange Shares in a Fund may
                      do so by contacting the transfer agent at 1-800-433-6884.
                      Exchanges will be effected on any Business
 
                                       29
<PAGE>   33
 
                      Day at the net asset value of the Funds involved in the
                      exchange next determined after the exchange request is
                      received by the transfer agent.
 
                        An exchange is considered to be a sale of Shares for
                      federal income tax purposes on which a Shareholder may
                      realize a capital gain or loss. Exchange privileges may be
                      exercised only in those states where Shares of such other
                      Funds of HighMark may legally be sold. HighMark may
                      materially amend or terminate the exchange privileges
                      described herein upon sixty days' notice.
 
REDEMPTION
OF SHARES               You may redeem your Shares of the Diversified Money
                      Market, U.S. Government Money Market, 100% U.S. Treasury
                      Money Market, and California Tax-Free Money Market Funds
                      without charge on any Business Day. There is presently a
                      $15 charge for wiring redemption proceeds to a
                      Shareholder's designated account. Shares may be redeemed
                      by mail, by telephone or through a pre-arranged systematic
                      withdrawal plan. Investors who own Shares held by a
                      financial institution should contact that institution for
                      information on how to redeem Shares.
 
                      By Mail
 
                        A written request for redemption of Shares of the
                      Diversified Money Market, U.S. Government Money Market,
                      100% U.S. Treasury Money Market, and California Tax-Free
                      Money Market Funds must be received by the transfer agent,
                      P.O. Box 8416, Boston, Massachusetts 02266-8416 in order
                      to constitute a valid redemption request.
 
                        If the redemption request exceeds $5,000, or if the
                      request directs the proceeds to be sent or wired to an
                      address different from that of record, the transfer agent
                      may require that the signature on the written redemption
                      request be guaranteed. You should be able to obtain a
                      signature guarantee from a bank, broker dealer, credit
                      union, securities exchange or association, clearing agency
                      or savings association. Notaries public cannot guarantee
                      signatures. The signature guarantee requirement will be
                      waived if all of the following conditions apply: (1) the
                      redemption is for not more than $5,000 worth of Shares,
                      (2) the redemption check is payable to the shareholder(s)
                      of record, and (3) the redemption check is mailed to the
                      shareholder(s) at his or her address of record.
 
                      Telephone Transactions
 
                        You may redeem your Shares of the Diversified Money
                      Market, U.S. Government Money Market, 100% U.S. Treasury
                      Money Market, and California Tax-Free Money Market Funds
                      by calling the transfer agent at 1-800-433-6884. Under
                      most circumstances, payments will be transmitted on the
                      next Business Day following receipt of a valid request for
                      redemption. You may have the proceeds mailed to your
                      address or wired to a commercial bank account
 
                                       30
<PAGE>   34
 
                      previously designated on your Account Application. There
                      is no charge for having redemption proceeds mailed to you,
                      but there is a $15 charge for wiring redemption proceeds.
 
                        You may request a wire redemption for redemptions of
                      Shares of the Diversified Money Market, U.S. Government
                      Money Market, 100% U.S. Treasury Money Market, and
                      California Tax-Free Money Market Funds in excess of $500
                      by calling the transfer agent at 1-800-433-6884 who will
                      deduct a wire charge of $15 from the amount of the wire
                      redemption. Shares cannot be redeemed by Federal Reserve
                      wire on Federal holidays restricting wire transfers.
 
                        Neither the transfer agent nor HighMark will be
                      responsible for any loss, liability, cost or expense for
                      acting upon wire or telephone instructions that it
                      reasonably believes to be genuine. HighMark and the
                      transfer agent will each employ reasonable procedures to
                      confirm that instructions, communicated by telephone are
                      genuine. Such procedures may include taping of telephone
                      conversations.
 
   
                        If market conditions are extraordinarily active or other
                      extraordinary circumstances exist, and you experience
                      difficulties placing redemption orders by telephone, you
                      may wish to consider placing your order by mail.
    
 
                      Systematic Withdrawal Plan ("SWP")
 
                        The Diversified Money Market, U.S. Government Money
                      Market, 100% U.S. Treasury Money Market, and California
                      Tax-Free Money Market Funds offer a Systematic Withdrawal
                      Plan ("SWP"), which you may use to receive regular
                      distributions from your account. Upon commencement of the
                      SWP, your account must have a current net asset value of
                      $5,000 or more. You may elect to receive automatic
                      payments via check or ACH of $100 or more on a monthly,
                      quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis. You may arrange to
                      receive regular distributions from your account via check
                      or ACH by completing this section in the Account
                      Application form.
 
                        To participate in the SWP, you must have your dividends
                      automatically reinvested. You should realize that if your
                      automatic withdrawals exceed income dividends, your
                      invested principal in the account will be depleted. Thus,
                      depending on the frequency and amounts of the withdrawal
                      payments and/or any fluctuations in the net asset value
                      per Share, your original investment could be exhausted
                      entirely. You may change or cancel the SWP at any time on
                      written notice to the transfer agent. The transfer agent
                      may require that the signature on the written notice be
                      guaranteed.
 
                        The aggregate withdrawals of Class B Shares in any year
                      pursuant to the SWP will not be subject to the contingent
                      deferred sales charge in an amount up to 10%
 
                                       31
<PAGE>   35
 
                      of the value of the account at the time of the
                      establishment of the SWP. Because automatic withdrawals of
                      Class B Shares in amounts greater than 10% of the initial
                      value of the account will be subject to the contingent
                      deferred sales charge, it may not be in the best interests
                      of Class B Shareholders to participate in the SWP for such
                      amounts.
 
                      Other Information Regarding Redemptions
 
                        HighMark is required to redeem for cash all full and
                      fractional shares of HighMark. The redemption price is the
                      net asset value per share of a Fund (normally $1.00 per
                      share), reduced by any applicable contingent deferred
                      sales charge for Class B Shares.
 
   
                        Redemption orders may be made any time before 8:00 a.m.,
                      Pacific time (11:00 a.m., Eastern time) for the California
                      Tax-Free Money Market Fund, 9:00 a.m., Pacific time (12:00
                      noon, Eastern time) for the 100% U.S. Treasury Money
                      Market Fund and 10:00 a.m., Pacific time (1:00 p.m.,
                      Eastern time) for the Diversified Money Market and U.S.
                      Government Money Market Funds in order to receive that
                      day's redemption price (i.e., the next determined net
                      asset value per share). For redemption orders received
                      before such times, payment will be made the same day by
                      transfer of federal funds. Otherwise, payment will be made
                      on the next Business Day. Redeemed Shares are not entitled
                      to dividends declared the day the redemption order is
                      effective. The Funds reserve the right to make payment on
                      redemptions in securities rather than cash.
    
 
                        Payment to the Shareholders for Shares redeemed will be
                      made within seven days after the Transfer Agent receives
                      the valid redemption request. At various times, however, a
                      Fund may be requested to redeem Shares for which it has
                      not yet received good payment; collection of payment may
                      take ten or more days. In such circumstances, the
                      redemption request will be rejected by the Fund. Once a
                      Fund has received good payment for the Shares a
                      Shareholder may submit another request for redemption.
 
                        Due to the relatively high costs of handling small
                      investments, each Fund reserves the right to redeem your
                      Shares at net asset value, less any applicable contingent
                      deferred sales charge, if your account in any Fund has a
                      value of less than the minimum initial purchase amount.
                      Accordingly, if you purchase Shares of any Fund in only
                      the minimum investment amount, you may be subject to
                      involuntary redemption if you redeem any Shares. Before
                      any Fund exercises its right to redeem such Shares you
                      will be given notice that the value of the Shares in your
                      account is less than the minimum amount and will be
                      allowed 60 days to make an additional investment in such
                      Fund in an amount which will increase the value of the
                      account to at least the minimum amount.
 
                                       32
<PAGE>   36
 
DIVIDENDS               The net income of each Fund is declared daily as a
                      dividend to Shareholders of record at the close of
                      business on the day of declaration. The net income
                      attributable to a Fund's Retail Shares and the dividends
                      payable on Retail Shares will be reduced by the
                      distribution fee assessed against such Shares under the
                      Distribution Plan (see SERVICE ARRANGEMENTS--The
                      Distribution Plan below). The amount of dividends payable
                      on Class A Shares will be more than the dividends payable
                      on the Class B Shares because of the higher distribution
                      fee paid by Class B Shares.
 
                        Dividends with respect to each Fund are paid monthly in
                      additional full and fractional Shares of the Fund at net
                      asset value as of the date of payment, unless the
                      Shareholder elects to receive such dividends in cash as
                      described below. Shareholders will automatically receive
                      all income dividends and capital gains distributions (if
                      any) paid in respect of a Fund's Shares in additional full
                      and fractional Shares of the same class. Shareholders
                      wishing to receive their dividends in cash (or wishing to
                      revoke a previously made election) must notify the
                      transfer agent at P.O. Box 8416, Boston, MA 02266-8416,
                      and such election (or revocation thereof) will become
                      effective with respect to dividends having record dates
                      after notice has been received. Dividends paid in
                      additional Shares receive the same tax treatment as
                      dividends paid in cash. Dividends are paid in cash not
                      later than seven Business Days after a Shareholder's
                      complete redemption of his or her Shares. Net realized
                      capital gains, if any, are distributed at least annually
                      to Shareholders of record.
 
FEDERAL
TAXATION                Each Fund intends to qualify for treatment as a
                      "regulated investment company" under the Internal Revenue
                      Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and to distribute
                      substantially all of its net investment income so that it
                      is not required to pay federal taxes on these amounts.
                      Because all of the net investment income of the
                      Diversified Money Market Fund, the U.S. Government Money
                      Market Fund, the 100% U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund and
                      the California Tax-Free Money Market Fund is expected to
                      be derived from interest, it is anticipated that no part
                      of any distribution will be eligible for the federal
                      dividends received deduction for corporations. The Funds
                      are not managed to generate any long-term capital gains
                      and, therefore, the Funds do not foresee paying any
                      significant "capital gains dividends" as described in the
                      Code.
 
                        Shareholders will be subject to federal income tax with
                      respect to dividends paid by the Diversified Money Market
                      Fund, the U.S. Government Money Market Fund and the 100%
                      U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund (including any capital
                      gains dividends). Dividends that are attributable to
                      interest on U.S. Government obligations earned by the
                      Funds may be exempt from state and local tax, and
                      Shareholders should consult their own tax advisors to
                      determine whether these dividends are eligible for the
                      state and local tax exemption. Dividends
 
                                       33
<PAGE>   37
 
                      (except to the extent attributable to gains or securities
                      lending income) paid by the 100% U.S. Treasury Money
                      Market Fund will be exempt from California and Oregon
                      personal income taxes. HighMark intends to advise
                      Shareholders annually of the proportion of a Fund's
                      dividends that consists of interest on U.S. Government
                      obligations.
 
   
                        Exempt-interest dividends from the California Tax-Free
                      Money Market Fund are excludable from gross income for
                      federal income tax purposes. Such dividends may be taxable
                      to Shareholders under state or local law as ordinary
                      income even though all or a portion of the amounts may be
                      derived from interest on tax-exempt obligations which, if
                      realized directly, would be exempt from such taxes.
                      Shareholders are advised to consult a tax advisor with
                      respect to whether exempt-interest dividends retain the
                      exclusion if such Shareholder would be treated as a
                      "substantial user" of a facility Financed through certain
                      private activity bonds or a "related person" to such a
                      user under the Code.
    
 
                        Under the Code, interest on indebtedness incurred or
                      continued by a Shareholder to purchase or carry Shares of
                      the California Tax-Free Money Market Fund is not
                      deductible for federal income tax purposes to the extent
                      the Fund distributes exempt-interest dividends during the
                      Shareholder's taxable year.
 
                        Under the Code, if a Shareholder sells a Share of the
                      California Tax-Free Money Market Fund after holding it for
                      six months or less, any loss on the sale or exchange of
                      such Share will be disallowed to the extent of the amount
                      of any exempt-interest dividends that the Shareholder has
                      received with respect to the Share that is sold.
 
                        In addition, any loss (not already disallowed as
                      provided in the preceding sentence) realized upon a
                      taxable disposition of shares held for six months or less
                      will be treated as long-term, rather than short-term, to
                      the extent of any long-term capital gain distributions
                      received by the shareholder with respect to the shares.
 
                        The California Tax-Free Money Market Fund may at times
                      purchase Municipal Securities at a discount from the price
                      at which they were originally issued. For federal income
                      tax purposes, some or all of this market discount will be
                      included in the California Tax-Free Money Market Fund's
                      ordinary income and will be taxable to Shareholders as
                      such when it is distributed to them.
 
                        To the extent dividends paid to Shareholders are derived
                      from taxable income (for example, from interest on
                      certificates of deposit or repurchase agreements), or from
                      long-term or short-term capital gains, such dividends will
                      be subject to federal income tax, whether such dividends
                      are paid in the form of cash or additional Shares. A
                      Shareholder should consult his or her tax advisor for
                      special advice.
 
                                       34
<PAGE>   38
 
                        Under the Code, dividends attributable to interest on
                      certain private activity bonds issued after August 7, 1986
                      must be included in alternative minimum taxable income for
                      the purpose of determining liability (if any) for the
                      federal alternative minimum tax. In addition,
                      exempt-interest dividends will be included in a
                      corporation's "adjusted current earnings" for purposes of
                      the alternative minimum tax (except to the extent derived
                      from interest on certain private activity bonds issued
                      after August 7, 1986, which interest would already be
                      included in alternative minimum taxable income as a
                      specific item of tax preference). Shareholders of the
                      California Tax-Free Money Market Fund receiving social
                      security or railroad retirement benefits may be taxed on a
                      portion of those benefits as a result of receiving
                      tax-exempt income (including exempt-interest dividends
                      distributed by the California Tax-Free Money Market Fund).
 
   
                        If, at the close of each quarter of its taxable year,
                      the California Tax-Free Money Market Fund continues to
                      qualify for the special federal income tax treatment
                      afforded regulated investment companies and at least 50%
                      of the value of the Fund's total assets consists of
                      California Exempt-Interest Securities, then
                      "California-exempt interest dividends" attributable to
                      these securities will be exempt from California personal
                      income tax. A "California-exempt interest dividend" is any
                      dividend distributed by the Fund to the extent that it is
                      derived from the interest received by the Fund on
                      California Exempt-Interest Securities (less related
                      expenses) and designated as such by written notice to
                      Shareholders. For further details, see the Statement of
                      Additional Information. Dividends received by Shareholders
                      subject to California state corporate franchise tax will
                      be taxed as ordinary dividends notwithstanding that all or
                      a portion of such dividends are exempt from California
                      personal income tax. Distributions other than
                      "California-exempt interest dividends" by the Fund to
                      California residents will be subject to California
                      personal income tax, whether or not such dividends are
                      reinvested.
    
 
                        Additional information regarding federal and California
                      taxes is contained in the Statement of Additional
                      Information. However, the foregoing and the material in
                      the Statement of Additional Information are only brief
                      summaries of some of the important tax considerations
                      generally affecting a money market fund and its
                      Shareholders. In addition, the foregoing discussion and
                      the federal and California tax information in the
                      Statement of Additional Information are based on tax laws
                      and regulations which are in effect as of the date of this
                      Prospectus; these laws and regulations may subsequently
                      change, and such changes could be retroactive.
                      Shareholders will be advised at least annually as to the
                      federal income tax status, and, in the case of
                      Shareholders of the California Tax-Free Money Market Fund,
                      as to the California income tax status, of distributions
                      made during the year.
 
                                       35
<PAGE>   39
 
SERVICE
ARRANGEMENTS          The Advisor
 
   
                        The Pacific Alliance division of Union Bank of
                      California, N.A., serves as the Funds' investment advisor.
                      Subject to the general supervision of HighMark's Board of
                      Trustees, the Advisor manages each Fund in accordance with
                      its investment objective and policies, makes decisions
                      with respect to and places orders for all purchases and
                      sales of the Fund's investment securities, and maintains
                      the Fund's records relating to such purchases and sales.
    
 
   
                        For the expenses assumed and services provided by the
                      Advisor as each Fund's investment advisor, Union Bank of
                      California, N.A. receives a fee from the Diversified Money
                      Market Fund, the U.S. Government Money Market Fund, the
                      100% U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund and the California
                      Tax-Free Money Market Fund, computed daily and paid
                      monthly, at the annual rate of thirty one-hundredths of
                      one percent (.30%) of each Fund's average daily net
                      assets. Union Bank of California, N.A. may from time to
                      time agree to voluntarily reduce its advisory fee. While
                      there can be no assurance that Union Bank of California,
                      N.A. will choose to make such an agreement, any voluntary
                      reductions in Union Bank of California, N.A.'s advisory
                      fee will lower the Fund's expenses, and thus increase the
                      Fund's yield and total return, during the period such
                      voluntary reductions are in effect. Prior to April 28,
                      1997, the Diversified Money Market Fund and the California
                      Tax-Free Money Market Fund did not yet operate as HighMark
                      Funds. Fee and other information presented regarding these
                      Funds after that time only represents their operation as
                      HighMark Funds. Prior to operating as HighMark Funds,
                      these Funds had a fiscal year end of January 31.
    
 
   
                        During HighMark's fiscal year ended July 31, 1997, Union
                      Bank of California received investment advisory fees from
                      the Diversified Money Market Fund (February 1, 1997
                      through July 31, 1997) aggregating 0.25% of the Fund's
                      average daily net assets, from the U.S. Government Money
                      Market Fund aggregating 0.30% of the Fund's average daily
                      net assets, from the 100% U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund
                      aggregating 0.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets,
                      and from the California Tax-Free Money Market Fund
                      (February 1, 1997 through July 31, 1997) aggregating 0.10%
                      of the Fund's average daily net assets. For the period
                      February 1, 1996 through January 31, 1997, Union Bank of
                      California received investment advisory fees from the
                      Diversified Money Market Fund aggregating 0.30% of the
                      Fund's average daily net assets and from the California
                      Tax-Free Money Market Fund aggregating 0.10% of the Fund's
                      average daily net assets.
    
 
                        On April 1, 1996, The Bank of California, N.A.,
                      HighMark's then investment advisor, combined with Union
                      Bank and the resulting bank changed its name to Union Bank
                      of California, N.A. At the same time, the banks'
                      investment
 
                                       36
<PAGE>   40
 
   
                      management divisions were combined. Each of Union Bank and
                      The Bank of California, N.A. (or their predecessor banks)
                      has been in banking since the early 1900's and,
                      historically, each has had significant investment
                      functions within its trust and investment division.
                      UnionBanCal Corporation, the parent of Union Bank of
                      California, N.A., is a publicly held corporation, but is
                      principally held by the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi, Limited.
                      As of September 30, 1997, UnionBanCal Corporation and its
                      subsidiaries had approximately $31 billion in consolidated
                      assets. The Pacific Alliance division of Union Bank of
                      California, N.A.'s Trust and Investment Management Group,
                      as of [June 30, 1996], had approximately $[13.4] billion
                      of assets under management. The Advisor, with a team of
                      approximately [64] stock and bond research analysts,
                      portfolio managers and traders, has been providing
                      investment management services to individuals,
                      institutions and large corporations since 1917.
    
 
                      Administrator
 
   
                        SEI Investments Fund Resources (the "Administrator") and
                      HighMark are parties to an administration agreement (the
                      "Administration Agreement"). Under the terms of the
                      Administration Agreement, the Administrator provides
                      HighMark with certain management services, including all
                      necessary office space, equipment, personnel, and
                      facilities.
    
 
   
                        The Administrator is entitled to a fee, which is
                      calculated daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate of
                      .20% of the average daily net assets of the Funds. The
                      Administrator may waive its fee or reimburse various
                      expenses to the extent necessary to limit the total
                      operating expenses of a Fund's Retail Shares. Any such
                      waiver is voluntary and may be terminated at any time in
                      the Administrator's sole discretion. Currently, the
                      Administrator has agreed to waive its fee to the rate of
                      0.18% of the average daily net assets of the Funds.
    
 
   
                        Pursuant to a separate agreement with the Administrator,
                      Union Bank of California, N.A. performs sub-administration
                      services on behalf of each Fund, for which it receives a
                      fee paid by the Administrator at the annual rate of up to
                      0.05% of the average daily net assets of the Funds. A
                      description of the services performed by Union Bank of
                      California, N.A. pursuant to this Agreement is contained
                      in the Statement of Additional Information.
    
 
                      The Transfer Agent
 
                        State Street Bank and Trust Company serves as the
                      transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent, and as a
                      shareholder servicing agent for the Retail Shares of
                      HighMark, for which services it receives a fee.
 
                                       37
<PAGE>   41
 
                      Shareholder Service Plan
 
   
                        To support the provision of Shareholder services to all
                      classes of Shares, HighMark has adopted a Shareholder
                      Service Plan for Fiduciary Class and Class A Shares and a
                      Shareholder Service Plan for Class B Shares. A description
                      of the services performed by service providers pursuant to
                      each Shareholder Service Plan is contained in the
                      Statement of Additional Information. Under these plans, in
                      consideration of services provided by any service
                      provider, which may include Union Bank of California,
                      N.A., Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi, Ltd., or their respective
                      affiliates, each Fund may pay a fee at the rate of up to
                      0.25% of its average daily net assets to such service
                      provider. The service provider may waive such fees at any
                      time. Any such waiver is voluntary and may be terminated
                      at any time. Currently, such fees are being waived to the
                      rate of 0.00% of average daily net assets for Class A
                      Shares.
    
 
                      Distributor
 
                        SEI Investments Distribution Co. (the "Distributor") and
                      HighMark are parties to two distribution agreements, one
                      for Fiduciary Class and Class A Shares and one for Class B
                      Shares (collectively, the "Distribution Agreements"). Each
                      Distribution Agreement is renewable annually and may be
                      terminated by the Distributor, by a majority vote of the
                      Disinterested Trustees or by a majority vote of the
                      outstanding securities of HighMark upon not more than 60
                      days written notice by either party, or upon assignment by
                      the Distributor.
 
                      The Distribution Plans
 
                        Pursuant to HighMark's Distribution Plans, each Fund
                      pays the Distributor as compensation for its services in
                      connection with the Distribution Plans a distribution fee,
                      computed daily and paid monthly, equal to twenty-five
                      one-hundredths of one percent (0.25%) of the average daily
                      net assets attributable to that Fund's Class A Shares,
                      pursuant to the Class A Distribution Plan, and
                      seventy-five-one-hundredths of one percent (0.75%) of the
                      average daily net assets attributable to the Fund's Class
                      B Shares, pursuant to the Class B Distribution Plan.
 
                        The Distributor may use the distribution fee applicable
                      to a Fund's Class A and Class B Shares to provide
                      distribution assistance with respect to the sale of the
                      Fund's Class A and Class B Shares or to provide
                      Shareholder services to the holders of the Fund's Class A
                      and Class B Shares. The Distributor may also use the
                      distribution fee (i) to pay financial institutions and
                      intermediaries (such as insurance companies and investment
                      counselors but not including banks and savings and loan
                      associations), broker-dealers, and the Distributor's
                      affiliates and subsidiaries compensation for services or
                      reimbursement of expenses incurred in connection with the
                      distribution of a Fund's Class A and Class B Shares to
                      their customers or (ii) to pay banks, savings and loan
                      associations, other financial
 
                                       38
<PAGE>   42
 
   
                      institutions and intermediaries, broker-dealers, and the
                      Distributor's affiliates and subsidiaries compensation for
                      services or reimbursement of expenses incurred in
                      connection with the provision of Shareholder services to
                      their customers owning a Fund's Class A and Class B
                      Shares. All payments by the Distributor for distribution
                      assistance or Shareholder services under the Distribution
                      Plans will be made pursuant to an agreement between the
                      Distributor and such bank, savings and loan association,
                      other financial institution or intermediary, broker-
                      dealer, or affiliate or subsidiary of the Distributor (a
                      "Servicing Agreement"; banks, savings and loan
                      associations, other financial institutions and
                      intermediaries, broker-dealers, and the Distributor's
                      affiliates and subsidiaries that may enter into a
                      Servicing Agreement are hereinafter referred to
                      individually as a "Participating Organization"). A
                      Participating Organization may include Union Bank of
                      California, N.A., its subsidiaries and its affiliates.
    
 
                        Participating Organizations may charge customers fees in
                      connection with investments in a Fund on their customers'
                      behalf. Such fees would be in addition to any amounts the
                      Participating Organization may receive pursuant to its
                      Servicing Agreement. Under the terms of the Servicing
                      Agreements, Participating Organizations are required to
                      provide their customers with a schedule of fees charged
                      directly to such customers in connection with investments
                      in a Fund. Customers of Participating Organizations should
                      read this Prospectus in light of the terms governing their
                      accounts with the Participating Organization.
 
                        The distribution fees under the Distribution Plans will
                      be payable without regard to whether the amount of the fee
                      is more or less than the actual expenses incurred in a
                      particular year by the Distributor in connection with
                      distribution assistance or Shareholder services rendered
                      by the Distributor itself or incurred by the Distributor
                      pursuant to the Servicing Agreements entered into under
                      the Distribution Plans. The Distributor may from time to
                      time voluntarily reduce its distribution fees with respect
                      to a Fund in significant amounts for substantial periods
                      of time pursuant to an agreement with HighMark. While
                      there can be no assurance that the Distributor will choose
                      to make such an agreement, any voluntary reduction in the
                      Distributor's distribution fees will lower such Fund's
                      expenses, and thus increase such Fund's yield and total
                      returns, during the period such voluntary reductions are
                      in effect.
 
                      Banking Laws
 
   
                        Union Bank of California, N.A. believes that it may
                      perform the services for the Funds contemplated by its
                      investment advisory agreement with HighMark without a
                      violation of applicable banking laws and regulations.
                      Union Bank of California, N.A. also believes that it may
                      perform sub-administration and sub-accounting services on
                      behalf of each Fund without a violation of applicable
                      banking laws and regulations. Future changes in federal or
                      state statutes and
    
 
                                       39
<PAGE>   43
 
   
                      regulations relating to permissible activities of banks or
                      bank holding companies and their subsidiaries and
                      affiliates, as well as further judicial or administrative
                      decisions or interpretations of present and future
                      statutes and regulations, could change the manner in which
                      Union Bank of California, N.A. or the Advisor could
                      continue to perform such services for the Funds. For a
                      further discussion of applicable banking laws and
                      regulations, see the Statement of Additional Information.
    
 
                      Custodian
 
   
                        Union Bank of California, N.A. also serves as the
                      custodian and as a shareholder servicing agent for the
                      Funds. The Custodian holds cash, securities and other
                      assets of HighMark as required by the 1940 Act.
    
 
   
                        Services performed by Union Bank of California, N.A., as
                      the Funds' shareholder servicing agent and custodian, as
                      well as the basis of remuneration for such services, are
                      described in the Statement of Additional Information.
    
 
GENERAL
INFORMATION           Description of HighMark & Its Shares
 
                        HighMark was organized as a Massachusetts business trust
                      on March 10, 1987, and consists of sixteen series of
                      Shares open for investment representing units of
                      beneficial interest in HighMark's Growth Fund, Income
                      Equity Fund, Balanced Fund, Value Momentum Fund, Blue Chip
                      Growth Fund, Emerging Growth Fund, International Equity
                      Fund, Bond Fund, Intermediate-Term Bond Fund, Government
                      Securities Fund, Convertible Securities Fund, California
                      Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund, Diversified Money Market
                      Fund, U.S. Government Money Market Fund, 100% U.S.
                      Treasury Money Market Fund and California Tax-Free Money
                      Market Fund. Shares of each Fund are freely transferable,
                      are entitled to distributions from the assets of the Fund
                      as declared by the Board of Trustees, and, if HighMark
                      were liquidated, would receive the a pro rata share of net
                      assets attributable to that Fund. Shares are without par
                      value.
 
                        As noted above, pursuant to a Multiple Class Plan on
                      file with the Securities and Exchange Commission
                      permitting the issuance and sale of three classes of
                      Shares in selected Funds, Shares of such Funds have been
                      divided into three classes, designated Class A and Class B
                      Shares (collectively "Retail Shares") and Fiduciary
                      Shares. For information regarding the Fiduciary Shares of
                      the Funds, interested persons may contact the Distributor
                      for a prospectus at 1-800-433-6884.
 
   
                        HighMark believes that as of November 1, 1997, there was
                      no person who owned of record or beneficially more than
                      25% of the Class A Shares of the Diversified Money Market
                      Fund, the U.S. Government Money Market Fund, the 100% U.S.
                      Treasury Money Market Fund, or the California Tax-Free
                      Money
    
 
                                       40
<PAGE>   44
 
                      Market Fund or of the Class B Shares of the U.S.
                      Government Money Market Fund.
 
                      Performance Information
 
                        From time to time, HighMark may advertise the "yield"
                      and "effective yield" with respect to the Retail Shares of
                      each Fund and a "tax-equivalent yield" and "tax-equivalent
                      effective yield" for federal, California and Oregon income
                      tax purposes with regard to the Retail Shares of each of
                      the 100% U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund and the
                      California Tax-Free Money Market Fund. Performance
                      information is computed separately for a Fund's Retail and
                      Fiduciary Shares in accordance with the formulas described
                      below. Each yield figure is based on historical earnings
                      and is not intended to indicate future performance.
 
                        The "yield" of a Fund's Retail Shares refers to the
                      income generated by an investment in the class over a
                      seven-day period (which period will be stated in the
                      advertisement). This income is then "annualized." That is,
                      the amount of income generated by the investment during
                      that week is assumed to be generated each week over a
                      52-week period and is shown as a percentage of the
                      investment. The "effective yield" is calculated similarly
                      but, when annualized, the income earned by an investment
                      in the class is assumed to be reinvested. The "effective
                      yield" will be slightly higher than the "yield" because of
                      the compounding effect of this assumed reinvestment.
 
                        The 100% U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund's
                      tax-equivalent yield and tax-equivalent effective yield
                      will reflect the amount of income subject to California or
                      Oregon personal income taxation at the rate specified in
                      the advertisement that a taxpayer would have to earn in
                      order to obtain the same after tax income as that derived
                      from the yield and effective yield of the Retail class.
                      The California Tax-Free Money Market Fund's tax-equivalent
                      yield and tax-equivalent effective yield reflect the
                      amount of income subject to federal income taxation and
                      California personal income taxation at the rate specified
                      in the advertisement that a taxpayer would have to earn in
                      order to obtain the same after tax income as that derived
                      from the yield and effective yield of the Retail class.
 
                        Tax-equivalent yields and tax-equivalent effective
                      yields with respect to a class will be significantly
                      higher than the yield and effective yield of that class.
 
                        From time to time, HighMark may advertise the aggregate
                      total return and average annual total return of the Funds.
                      The aggregate total return and average annual total return
                      of each Fund may be quoted for the life of each Fund and
                      for five-year and one-year periods, in each case, through
                      the most recent calendar quarter. Aggregate total return
                      is determined by calculating the change in the value of a
                      hypothetical $1,000 investment in a Fund over the
                      applicable period that would equate the initial amount
                      invested to the ending redeemable value of
 
                                       41
<PAGE>   45
 
                      the investment. The ending redeemable value includes
                      dividends and capital gain distributions reinvested at net
                      asset value. Average annual total return is calculated by
                      annualizing a Fund's aggregate total return over the
                      relevant number of years. The resulting percentage
                      indicates the positive or negative investment results that
                      an investor in a Fund would have experienced from changes
                      in Share price and reinvestment of dividends and capital
                      gain distributions. Average annual total return will
                      reflect deduction of all charges and expenses, including,
                      as applicable, the contingent deferred sales charge
                      imposed on Class B Shares redeemed at the end of the
                      specified period covered by the total return figure.
 
                        Each Fund may periodically compare its performance to
                      the performance of: other mutual funds tracked by
                      mutual-fund rating services (such as Lipper Analytical),
                      financial and business publications and periodicals; broad
                      groups of comparable mutual funds; unmanaged indices which
                      may assume investment of dividends but generally do not
                      reflect deductions for administrative and management
                      costs; or other investment alternatives. Certain Funds may
                      advertise performance that includes results from periods
                      in which the Fund's assets were managed in a
                      non-registered predecessor vehicle.
 
                        Because the Class A and Class B Shares of the Funds have
                      different sales charge structures and differing
                      distribution and shareholder servicing fees, the
                      performance of each class will differ.
 
                      Miscellaneous
 
                        Shareholders will be sent unaudited semi-annual reports
                      and annual reports audited by independent public
                      accountants.
 
                        Shareholders are entitled to one vote for each Share
                      held in a Fund as determined on the record date for any
                      action requiring a vote by the Shareholders, and a
                      proportionate fractional vote for each fractional Share
                      held. Shareholders of HighMark will vote in the aggregate
                      and not by series or class except (i) as otherwise
                      expressly required by law or when HighMark's Board of
                      Trustees determines that the matter to be voted upon
                      affects only the interests of the Shareholders of a
                      particular series or particular class, and (ii) only
                      Retail Shares will be entitled to vote on matters
                      submitted to a Shareholder vote relating to the
                      Distribution Plan. HighMark is not required to hold
                      regular annual meetings of Shareholders, but may hold
                      special meetings from time to time.
 
                        HighMark's Trustees are elected by Shareholders, except
                      that vacancies may be filled by vote of the Board of
                      Trustees. Trustees may be removed by the Board of
                      Trustees, or by Shareholders at a meeting called for such
                      purpose. For information about how Shareholders may call
                      such a meeting and communicate with other Shareholders for
                      that purpose, see ADDITIONAL INFORMATION--Miscellaneous in
                      the Statement of Additional Information.
 
                                       42
<PAGE>   46
 
                        Inquiries may be directed in writing to SEI Investments
                      Distribution Co., Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456, or by calling
                      toll free 1-800-433-6884.
 
DESCRIPTION OF
PERMITTED
INVESTMENTS             The following is a description of permitted investments
                      for the HighMark Money Market Funds.
 
                        ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES (NON-MORTGAGE)--Debt Instruments
                      secured by company receivables, truck and auto loans,
                      leases, and credit card receivables. Such securities are
                      generally issued as pass-through certificates, which
                      represent undivided fractional ownership interests in the
                      underlying pools of assets. Such securities also may be
                      debt instruments, which are also known as collateralized
                      obligations and are generally issued as the debt of a
                      special purpose entity, such as a trust, organized solely
                      for the purpose of owning such assets and issuing such
                      debt. The purchase of non-mortgage asset-backed securities
                      raises risk considerations peculiar to the financing of
                      the instruments underlying such securities. Asset-backed
                      securities entail prepayment risk, which may vary
                      depending on the type of asset, but is generally less than
                      the prepayment risk associated with mortgage-backed
                      securities.
 
                        Like mortgages underlying mortgage-backed securities,
                      underlying automobile sales contracts or credit card
                      receivables are subject to substantial prepayment risk,
                      which may reduce the overall return to certificate
                      holders. Nevertheless, principal prepayment rates tend not
                      to vary as much in response to changes in interest rates
                      and the short-term nature of the underlying car loans or
                      other receivables tend to dampen the impact of any change
                      in the prepayment level. Certificate holders may also
                      experience delays in payment on the certificates if the
                      full amounts due on underlying sales contracts or
                      receivables are not realized by the trust because of
                      unanticipated legal or administrative costs of enforcing
                      the contracts or because of depreciation or damage to the
                      collateral (usually automobiles) securing certain
                      contracts, or other factors. If consistent with their
                      investment objectives and policies, the Money Market Funds
                      may invest in other asset-backed securities that may be
                      developed in the future.
 
                        BANKERS' ACCEPTANCES--Bills of exchange or time drafts
                      drawn on and accepted by commercial banks. They are used
                      by corporations to finance the shipment and storage of
                      goods and to furnish dollar exchange. Maturities are
                      generally six months or less.
 
                        CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT--Negotiable interest-bearing
                      instruments with a specific maturity. Certificates of
                      deposit are issued by banks and savings and loan
                      institutions in exchange for the deposit of funds and
                      normally can be traded in the secondary market prior to
                      maturity.
 
                                       43
<PAGE>   47
 
                        COMMERCIAL PAPER--Unsecured short-term promissory notes
                      issued by corporations and other entities. Maturities on
                      these issues vary from a few days to nine months. Purchase
                      of such instruments involves a risk of default by the
                      issuer.
 
                        DERIVATIVES--Instruments whose value is derived from an
                      underlying contract, index or security, or any combination
                      thereof, including futures, options (e.g., puts and
                      calls), options on futures, swap agreements, and some
                      mortgage-backed securities (CMOs, REMICs, IOs and POs).
                      See elsewhere in this "DESCRIPTION OF PERMITTED
                      INVESTMENTS" for discussions of these various instruments,
                      and see "INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES" and "INVESTMENT POLICIES"
                      for more information about any policies and limitations
                      applicable to their use.
 
                        INVESTMENT GRADE BONDS--Interest-bearing or discounted
                      government or corporate securities that obligate the
                      issuer to pay the bondholder a specified sum of money,
                      usually at specific intervals, and to repay the principal
                      amount of the loan at maturity. Investment grade bonds are
                      those rated BBB or better by S&P or Baa or better by
                      Moody's or similarly rated by other NRSROs, or, if not
                      rated, determined to be of comparable quality by the
                      Advisor.
 
                        LOAN PARTICIPATIONS--Loan participations are interests
                      in loans to U.S. corporations (i.e., borrowers) which are
                      administered by the lending bank or agent for a syndicate
                      of lending banks, and sold by the lending bank or
                      syndicate member ("intermediary bank"). In a loan
                      participation, the borrower of the underlying loan will be
                      deemed to be the issuer of the participation interest
                      (except to the extent a purchasing Fund derives its rights
                      from the intermediary bank). Because the intermediary bank
                      does not guarantee a loan participation in any way, a loan
                      participation is subject to the credit risks associated
                      with the underlying corporate borrower. In addition, in
                      the event the underlying corporate borrower fails to pay
                      principal and interest when due, a Fund may encounter
                      delays, expenses and risks that are greater than those
                      that would have been involved if the Fund had purchased a
                      direct obligation (such as commercial paper) of such
                      borrower because it may be necessary under the terms of
                      the loan participation, for the Fund to assert its rights
                      against the borrower through the intermediary bank.
                      Moreover, under the terms of a loan participation, the
                      purchasing Fund may be regarded as a creditor of the
                      intermediary bank (rather than of the underlying corporate
                      borrower), so that a Fund may also be subject to the risk
                      that the issuing bank may become insolvent. Further, in
                      the event of the bankruptcy or insolvency of the corporate
                      borrower, a loan participation may be subject to certain
                      defenses that can be asserted by such borrower as a result
                      of improper conduct by the issuing bank. The secondary
                      market, if any, for these loan participations is limited,
                      and any such participation purchased by a Fund may be
                      regarded as illiquid.
 
                                       44
<PAGE>   48
 
                        MUNICIPAL FORWARDS--Municipal Forwards are forward
                      commitments for the purchase of tax-exempt bonds with a
                      specified coupon to be delivered by an issuer at a future
                      date, typically exceeding 45 days but normally less than
                      one year after the commitment date. Municipal forwards are
                      normally used as a refunding mechanism for bonds that may
                      only be redeemed on a designated future date. As with
                      forward commitments and when-issued securities, municipal
                      forwards are subject to market fluctuations due to
                      changes, real or anticipated, in market interest rates
                      between the commitment date and the settlement date and
                      will have the effect of leveraging the Fund's assets.
                      Municipal forwards may be considered to be illiquid
                      investments. The Fund will maintain liquid, high-grade
                      securities in a segregated account in an amount at least
                      equal to the purchase price of the municipal forward.
 
                        MUNICIPAL SECURITIES--Municipal securities consist of
                      (i) debt obligations issued by or on behalf of public
                      authorities to obtain funds to be used for various public
                      facilities, for refunding outstanding obligations, for
                      general operating expenses and for lending such funds to
                      other public institutions and facilities, and (ii) certain
                      private activity and industrial development bonds issued
                      by or on behalf of public authorities to obtain funds to
                      provide for the construction, equipment, repair or
                      improvement of privately operated facilities. Municipal
                      notes include general obligation notes, tax anticipation
                      notes, revenue anticipation notes, bond anticipation
                      notes, certificates of indebtedness, demand notes and
                      construction loan notes. Municipal bonds include general
                      obligation bonds, revenue or special obligation bonds,
                      private activity and industrial development bonds. General
                      obligation bonds are backed by the taxing power of the
                      issuing municipality. Revenue bonds are backed by the
                      revenues of a project or facility, tolls from a toll
                      bridge, for example. The payment of principal and interest
                      on private activity and industrial development bonds
                      generally is dependent solely on the ability of the
                      facility's user to meet its financial obligations and the
                      pledge, if any, of real and personal property so financed
                      as security for such payment.
 
                        PARTICIPATION INTERESTS--Participation interests are
                      interests in municipal securities from financial
                      institutions such as commercial and investment banks,
                      savings and loan associations and insurance companies.
                      These interests may take the form of participations,
                      beneficial interests in a trust, partnership interests or
                      any other form of indirect ownership that allows the Fund
                      to treat the income from the investment as exempt from
                      federal income tax. The Fund invests in these
                      participation interests in order to obtain credit
                      enhancement or demand features that would not be available
                      through direct ownership of the underlying municipal
                      securities.
 
                        RECEIPTS--Interests in separately traded interest and
                      principal component parts of U.S. Treasury obligations
                      that are issued by banks and brokerage firms
 
                                       45
<PAGE>   49
 
                      and are created by depositing Treasury notes and Treasury
                      bonds into a special account at a custodian bank. The
                      custodian holds the interest and principal payments for
                      the benefit of the registered owners of the certificates
                      of such receipts. The custodian arranges for the issuance
                      of the certificates or receipts evidencing ownership and
                      maintains the register. Receipts include "Treasury
                      Receipts" ("TR's"), "Treasury Investment Growth Receipts"
                      ("TIGR's"), and "Certificates of Accrual on Treasury
                      Securities" ("CATS"). TR's, TIGR's and CATS are sold as
                      zero coupon securities, which means that they are sold at
                      a substantial discount and redeemed at face value at their
                      maturity date without interim cash payments of interest or
                      principal. This discount is accreted over the life of the
                      security, and such accretion will constitute the income
                      earned on the security for both accounting and tax
                      purposes. Because of these features, such securities may
                      be subject to greater interest rate volatility than
                      interest-paying securities. See also "FEDERAL TAXATION."
 
                        REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS--Agreements whereby a Fund will
                      acquire securities from approved financial institutions or
                      registered broker-dealers that agree to repurchase the
                      securities at a mutually agreed-upon date and price. The
                      repurchase agreements entered into by the Funds will
                      provide that the underlying security at all times shall
                      have a value equal to 102% of the resale price stated in
                      the agreement. Repurchase agreements involving government
                      securities are not subject to a Fund's fundamental
                      investment limitation on purchasing securities of any one
                      issuer. If the seller defaults on its repurchase
                      obligation or becomes insolvent, the Fund holding such
                      obligations would suffer a loss to the extent that either
                      the proceeds from a sale of the underlying portfolio
                      securities were less than the repurchase price or the
                      Fund's disposition of the securities was delayed pending
                      court action. Securities subject to repurchase agreements
                      will be held by a qualified custodian or in the Federal
                      Reserve/Treasury book-entry system. Repurchase agreements
                      are considered to be loans by a Fund under the Investment
                      Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act").
 
                        REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS--A Fund may borrow funds
                      for temporary purposes by entering into reverse repurchase
                      agreements, provided such action is consistent with the
                      Fund's investment objective and fundamental investment
                      restrictions; as a matter of non-fundamental policy, each
                      Fund intends to limit such investments to no more than 10%
                      of the value of its total assets. Pursuant to a reverse
                      repurchase agreement, a Fund will sell portfolio
                      securities to financial institutions such as banks or to
                      broker-dealers, and agree to repurchase the securities at
                      a mutually agreed-upon date and price. A Fund intends to
                      enter into reverse repurchase agreements only to avoid
                      otherwise selling securities during unfavorable market
                      conditions to meet redemptions. At the time a Fund enters
                      into a reverse repurchase agreement, it will place in a
                      segregated custodial account assets such as U.S.
                      Government securities or other liquid, high-quality
 
                                       46
<PAGE>   50
 
                      debt securities consistent with the Fund's investment
                      objective having a value equal to 102% of the repurchase
                      price (including accrued interest), and will subsequently
                      monitor the account to ensure that an equivalent 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 at which a Fund is obligated to
                      repurchase the securities. Reverse repurchase agreements
                      are considered to be borrowings by a Fund under the 1940
                      Act.
 
                        RULE 144A SECURITIES--Rule 144A Securities are
                      securities that have not been registered under the
                      Securities Act of 1933, but which may be traded between
                      certain qualified institutional investors, including
                      investment companies. The absence of a secondary market
                      may affect the value of the Rule 144A Securities. The
                      Board of Trustees of the Group has established guidelines
                      and procedures to be utilized to determine the liquidity
                      of such securities.
 
                        SECURITIES ISSUED ON A FORWARD COMMITMENT BASIS OR
                      WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES--Securities purchased for delivery
                      beyond the normal settlement date at a stated price and
                      yield and which thereby involve a risk that the yield
                      obtained in the transaction will be less than that
                      available in the market when delivery takes place. When a
                      Fund agrees to purchase when-issued securities or enter
                      into forward commitments, the Group's custodian will be
                      instructed to set aside cash or liquid portfolio
                      securities equal to the amount of the commitment in a
                      segregated account. A Fund will generally not pay for such
                      securities and no income will accrue on the securities
                      until they are received. These securities are recorded as
                      an asset and are subject to changes in value based upon
                      changes in the general level of interest rates. Therefore,
                      the purchase of securities on a "when-issued" basis or
                      forward commitments may increase the risk of fluctuations
                      in a Fund's net asset value.
 
                        SECURITIES LENDING--During the time portfolio securities
                      are on loan from a Fund, the borrower will pay the Fund
                      any dividends or interest paid on the securities. In
                      addition, loans will be subject to termination by the Fund
                      or the borrower at any time and, while a Fund will
                      generally not have the right to vote securities on loan,
                      it will terminate the loan and regain the right to vote if
                      that is considered important with respect to the
                      investment. While the lending of securities may subject a
                      Fund to certain risks, such as delays or an inability to
                      regain the securities in the event the borrower were to
                      default on its lending agreement or enter into bankruptcy,
                      a Fund will receive 100% collateral in the form of cash or
                      U.S. Government securities. This collateral will be valued
                      daily by the lending agent, with oversight by the Advisor,
                      and, should the market value of the loaned securities
                      increase, the borrower will be required to furnish
                      additional collateral to the Fund.
 
                                       47
<PAGE>   51
 
                        SECURITIES SUBJECT TO A PUT FEATURE--A "put" feature
                      permits a Fund to sell a fixed income security at a fixed
                      price prior to maturity. The underlying fixed income
                      securities subject to a put may be sold at any time at the
                      market rates. However, unless the put was an integral part
                      of the fixed income security as originally issued, it may
                      not be marketable or assignable. Generally, a premium is
                      paid for a put feature or a put feature is purchased
                      separately which results in a lower yield than would
                      otherwise be available for the same fixed income
                      securities.
 
                        TAX-EXEMPT COMMERCIAL PAPER--Commercial paper, which is
                      commercial paper issued by governments and political
                      sub-divisions.
 
                        TIME DEPOSITS--Non-negotiable receipts issued by U.S. or
                      foreign banks in exchange for the deposit of funds. Like
                      certificates of deposit, they earn a specified rate of
                      interest over a definite period of time; however, they
                      cannot be traded in the secondary market. Time deposits
                      with a withdrawal penalty are considered to be illiquid
                      securities.
 
                        U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY SECURITIES--Certain Federal
                      agencies have been established as instrumentalities of the
                      U.S. Government to supervise and finance certain types of
                      activities. Issues of these agencies, while not direct
                      obligations of the U.S. Government, are either backed by
                      the full faith and credit of the United States (e.g., GNMA
                      securities) or supported by the issuing agencies' right to
                      borrow from the U.S. Treasury. The issues of other
                      agencies are supported only by the credit of the
                      instrumentality (e.g., FNMA securities).
 
                        U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS--Bills, notes, and bonds
                      issued by the U.S. Treasury, as well as separately traded
                      interest and principal component parts of such obligations
                      known as Separately Traded Registered Interest and
                      Principal Securities ("STRIPS") that are transferable
                      through the Federal book-entry system.
 
                        U.S. Government Securities generally do not involve the
                      credit risks associated with investments in other types of
                      fixed-income securities, although, as a result, the yields
                      available from U.S. Government Securities are generally
                      lower than the yields available from otherwise comparable
                      corporate fixed-income securities. Like other fixed-income
                      securities, however, the values of U.S. Government
                      Securities change as interest rates fluctuate.
                      Fluctuations in the value of portfolio securities will in
                      many cases not affect interest income on existing
                      portfolio securities, but will be reflected in the Fund's
                      net asset value. Because the magnitude of these
                      fluctuations will generally be greater at times when a
                      Fund's average maturity is longer, under certain market
                      conditions the Fund may invest in short-term investments
                      yielding lower current income rather than investing in
                      higher yielding longer-term securities.
 
                                       48
<PAGE>   52
 
                        VARIABLE AMOUNT MASTER DEMAND NOTES--Unsecured demand
                      notes that permit the indebtedness thereunder to vary and
                      provide for periodic adjustments in the interest rate
                      according to the terms of the instrument. Because master
                      demand notes are direct lending arrangements between
                      HighMark and the issuer, they are not normally traded.
                      Although there is no secondary market in these notes, the
                      Fund may demand payment of principal and accrued interest
                      at specified intervals. For purposes of the Fund's
                      investment policies, a variable amount master demand note
                      will be deemed to have a maturity equal to the longer of
                      the period of time remaining until the next readjustment
                      of its interest rate or the period of time remaining until
                      the principal amount can be recovered from the issuer
                      through demand.
 
                        VARIABLE AND FLOATING RATE INSTRUMENTS--Obligations that
                      may carry variable or floating rates of interest, may
                      involve conditional or unconditional demand features and
                      may include variable amount master demand notes. The
                      interest rates on these securities may be reset daily,
                      weekly, quarterly or some other reset period, and may have
                      a floor or ceiling on interest rate changes. There is a
                      risk that the current interest rate on such obligations
                      may not accurately reflect existing market interest rates.
                      A demand instrument with a demand notice period exceeding
                      seven days may be considered illiquid if there is no
                      secondary market for such security.
 
                        YANKEE BONDS--Dollar-denominated securities issued by
                      foreign-domiciled issuers that obligate the issuer to pay
                      the bondholder a specified sum of money, usually
                      semiannually, and to repay the principal amount of the
                      loan at maturity. Sovereign bonds are bonds issued by the
                      governments of foreign countries. Supranational bonds are
                      those issued by supranational entities, such as the World
                      Bank and European Investment Bank. Canadian bonds are
                      bonds issued by Canadian provinces.
 
                        ZERO-COUPON OBLIGATIONS--Non-income producing securities
                      evidencing ownership of future interest and principal
                      payments on bonds. These obligations pay no current
                      interest and are typically sold at prices greatly
                      discounted from par value. The return on a zero-coupon
                      obligation, when held to maturity, equals the difference
                      between the par value and the original purchase price.
 
                        For federal income tax purposes, the difference between
                      the par value and the original issue price (original issue
                      discount) is included in the income of a holder of a
                      zero-coupon obligation over the term of the obligation
                      even though the interest is not paid until maturity. The
                      amount included in income is determined under a constant
                      interest rate method. In addition, if an obligation is
                      purchased subsequent to its original issue, a holder such
                      as the Income Funds may elect to include market discount
                      in income currently on a ratable accrual method or a
                      constant interest rate method. Market discount is the
                      difference between the
 
                                       49
<PAGE>   53
 
                      obligation's "adjusted issue price" (the original issue
                      price plus original issue discount accrued to date) and
                      the holder's purchase price. If no such election is made,
                      gain on the disposition of a market discount obligation is
                      treated as ordinary income (rather than capital gain) to
                      the extent it does not exceed the accrued market discount.
 
                        Zero-coupon obligations have greater price volatility
                      than other fixed-income obligations of similar maturity
                      and such obligations will be purchased when the yield
                      spread, in light of the obligation's duration, is
                      considered advantageous.
 
                                       50
<PAGE>   54
 
                          HighMark MONEY MARKET FUNDS
                            INVESTMENT PORTFOLIOS OF
                                 HighMark FUNDS
                   For further information (including current
                  yield, purchase and redemption information),
                             call 1-(800) 433-6884
 
INVESTMENT ADVISOR
   
The Pacific Alliance
    
   
division of Union Bank of California, N.A.
    
475 Sansome Street
Post Office Box 45000
San Francisco, CA 94104
 
CUSTODIAN
Union Bank of California, N.A.
475 Sansome Street
Post Office Box 45000
San Francisco, CA 94104
 
ADMINISTRATOR & DISTRIBUTOR
   
SEI Investments Fund Resources and
    
SEI Investments Distribution Co.
Oaks, PA 19456
 
LEGAL COUNSEL
Ropes & Gray
One Franklin Square
1301 K Street, N.W., Suite 800 East
Washington, D.C. 20005
 
AUDITORS
Deloitte & Touche LLP
1700 Courthouse Plaza Northeast
Dayton, OH 45402
 
  NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS 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 HIGHMARK OR
ITS DISTRIBUTOR. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFERING BY THE GROUP OR
BY THE DISTRIBUTOR IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH OFFERING MAY NOT LAWFULLY
BE MADE.
 
NOT FDIC INSURED
<PAGE>   55
                                   HighMark Funds Prospectus

                                   INVESTMENT ADVISOR
                                   Pacific Alliance Capital Management,
                                   a division of Union Bank of California, N.A.
                                   475 Sansome Street
                                   Post Office Box 45000
                                   San Francisco, CA 94104

                                   CUSTODIAN
                                   Union Bank of California, N.A.
                                   475 Sansome Street
                                   Post Office Box 45000
                                   San Francisco, CA 94104

                                   ADMINISTRATOR & DISTRIBUTOR
                                   SEI Fund Resources and
                                   SEI Investments Distribution Co.
                                   Once Freedom Valley Drive
                                   Oaks, PA 19456

                                   LEGAL COUNSEL
                                   Ropes & Gray
                                   One Franklin Square
                                   1301 K Street, N.W., Suite 800 East
                                   Washington, D.C. 20005

                                   AUDITORS
                                   Deloitte & Touche LLP
                                   50 Fremont Street
                                   San Francisco, CA 94105-2230
                                   
For further information call
1-800-433-6884
or visit our web site at
www.highmark-funds.com


[HIGHMARK FUNDS LOGO]
<PAGE>   56
   
                              CROSS REFERENCE SHEET

                          HIGHMARK MONEY MARKET FUNDS
    

   
<TABLE>
<S>                                             <C>                                                        
FORM N-1A PART A ITEM                           PROSPECTUS CAPTION

1. Cover Page                                    Cover Page

2. Synopsis                                      Fee Table

3. Condensed Financial Information               Financial Highlights; Performance
                                                 Information

4. General Description of Registrant             Fund Description; Investment Objectives;
                                                 Investment Policies; General
                                                 Information--Description of HighMark &
                                                 Its Shares

5. Management of the Fund                        Service Arrangements

5A. Management's Discussion of Fund
         Performance                             Inapplicable

6. Capital Stock and Other Securities            Purchase and Redemption of Shares;
                                                 Exchange Privileges; Dividends; Federal
                                                 Taxation; Service Arrangements--
                                                 Administrator; Distributor; General
                                                 Information-- Description of HighMark &
                                                 Its Shares; General Information--
                                                 Miscellaneous

7. Purchase of Securities Being Offered          Purchase and Redemption of Shares;
                                                 Exchange Privileges; Service
                                                 Arrangements-- Administrator; Distributor

8. Redemption or Repurchase                      Purchase and Redemption of Shares

9. Pending Legal Proceedings                     Inapplicable
</TABLE>
    


                                                      
<PAGE>   57







                              MONEY MARKET FUNDS

                                  







                                     FIDUCIARY SHARES  
                                    NOVEMBER 30, 1997
<PAGE>   58
 
                                 HIGHMARK FUNDS
 
                               MONEY MARKET FUNDS
 
  HighMark Funds ("HighMark") is an open-end, diversified, registered investment
company that offers a convenient means of investing in one or more
professionally managed portfolios of securities. This Prospectus relates to
HighMark's:
                           - Diversified Money Market Fund
                           - U.S. Government Money Market Fund
                           - 100% U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund
                           - California Tax-Free Money Market Fund
 
                                FIDUCIARY SHARES
 
  HighMark's Fiduciary Shares are offered to the following investors: (i)
fiduciary, advisory, agency, custodial and other similar accounts maintained
with Union Bank of California, N.A. or its affiliates; (ii) SelectIRA accounts
established with The Bank of California, N.A. and invested in any of HighMark's
Equity or Fixed Income Funds prior to June 20, 1994, which have remained
continuously open thereafter and which are not considered to be fiduciary
accounts; (iii) Shareholders who currently own Shares of HighMark's Equity or
Fixed Income Funds that were purchased prior to June 20, 1994 within an account
registered in their name with the Funds; and (iv) present and retired directors,
officers and employees (and their spouses and children under the age of 21) of
Union Bank of California, N.A., HighMark's current or former distributors or
their respective affiliated companies who currently own Shares of HighMark Funds
which were purchased before April 30, 1997.
 
   
  This Prospectus sets forth concisely the information about HighMark and the
Funds that a prospective investor should know before investing. Investors are
advised to read this Prospectus and retain it for future reference. A Statement
of Additional Information dated the same date as this Prospectus has been filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is available without charge by
writing the Distributor, SEI Investments Distribution Co., Oaks, Pennsylvania
19456, or by calling 1-800-433-6884. The Statement of Additional Information is
incorporated into this Prospectus by reference. This Prospectus relates only to
the Fiduciary Shares of the Money Market Funds. Interested persons who wish to
obtain a prospectus for the other Funds of HighMark may contact the Distributor
at the above address and telephone number.
    
 
    AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUNDS IS NEITHER INSURED NOR GUARANTEED BY THE U.S.
GOVERNMENT. THERE CAN BE NO ASSURANCE THAT THE FUNDS WILL BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN A
                   STABLE NET ASSET VALUE OF $1.00 PER SHARE.
 
  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.
 
HIGHMARK'S SHARES ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED OR ENDORSED
BY, ANY BANK, INCLUDING UNION BANK OF CALIFORNIA, N.A., BANK OF TOKYO-
MITSUBISHI, LIMITED OR ANY OF THEIR AFFILIATES OR CORRESPONDENTS. HIGHMARK'S
SHARES ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION OR
ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY. INVESTMENT IN HIGHMARK INVOLVES RISKS, INCLUDING
POSSIBLE LOSS OF THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT INVESTED.
 
   
  November 30, 1997
    
  Fiduciary Shares
<PAGE>   59
 
                                    SUMMARY
 
   
HIGHMARK FUNDS ("HighMark") is an open-end, diversified, registered investment
company providing a convenient way to invest in professionally managed
portfolios of securities. The following provides basic information about the
Fiduciary Shares of the Diversified Money Market, U.S. Government Money Market,
100% U.S. Treasury Money Market, and California Tax-Free Money Market Funds
(each a "Fund" and sometimes referred to in this prospectus as the "Funds").
This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the more detailed
information provided elsewhere in the Prospectus and in the Statement of
Additional Information.
    
 
WHAT ARE THE FUNDS' INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES? The Diversified Money Market Fund,
the U.S. Government Money Market Fund, and the 100% U.S. Treasury Money Market
Fund seek current income with liquidity and stability of principal. The
California Tax-Free Money Market Fund seeks as high a level of current interest
income free from federal income tax and California personal income tax as is
consistent with the preservation of capital and relative stability of principal.
(See "INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES")
 
   
WHAT ARE THE FUNDS' PERMITTED INVESTMENTS? THE DIVERSIFIED MONEY MARKET FUND
invests in obligations with maturities deemed under SEC rules to be 397 days or
less ("short-term investments") issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its
agencies or instrumentalities, in high-quality short-term obligations issued by
banks and corporations, and in other high-quality rated and unrated short-term
instruments; some of the obligations and short-term instruments in which the
Fund invests may be subject to repurchase agreements. THE U.S. GOVERNMENT MONEY
MARKET FUND invests in short-term obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
Treasury, and additionally invests in obligations issued or guaranteed by
agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government; some of the obligations in
which the Fund invests may be subject to repurchase agreements. THE 100% U.S.
TREASURY MONEY MARKET FUND invests exclusively in direct U.S. Treasury
short-term obligations. THE CALIFORNIA TAX-FREE MONEY MARKET FUND invests
primarily in bonds and notes issued by or on behalf of the State of California
and other states, territories, possessions of the United States, and the
District of Columbia and their respective authorities, agencies,
instrumentalities and political sub-divisions, the interest on which is excluded
from gross income for federal income and California personal income tax purposes
and is not treated as a preference item for individuals for purposes of the
federal alternative minimum tax. (See "INVESTMENT POLICIES")
    
 
WHAT ARE THE RISKS INVOLVED WITH AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUNDS? Each Fund seeks to
maintain a net asset value of $1.00 per share. There can be no assurance that a
Fund will be able to maintain a net asset value of $1.00 per share on a
continuous basis. The California Tax-Free Money Market Fund concentrates its
investments in California municipal securities, and an investment in the Fund
therefore may be riskier than an investment in other types of money market
funds. (See "Risk Factors")
 
ARE MY INVESTMENTS INSURED? HighMark's Shares are not federally insured by the
FDIC or any other government agency. Any guarantee by the U.S. Government, its
agencies or any instrumentalities of the securities in which any Fund invests
guarantees only the payment of principal and interest on the guaranteed
security, and does not guarantee the yield or value of the security or yield or
value of Shares of that Fund.
 
   
WHO IS THE ADVISOR? The Pacific Alliance division of Union Bank of California,
N.A. serves as the Advisor to HighMark. (See "The Advisor")
    
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   60
 
   
WHO IS THE ADMINISTRATOR? SEI Investments Fund Resources serves as the
Administrator of HighMark. (See "The Administrator")
    
 
WHO IS THE CUSTODIAN? Union Bank of California, N.A. (the "Bank") serves as the
custodian of HighMark's assets. (See "The Custodian")
 
   
WHO IS THE DISTRIBUTOR? SEI Investments Distribution Co. acts as distributor of
HighMark's Shares. (See "The Distributor")
    
 
HOW DO I PURCHASE AND REDEEM SHARES? Purchases and redemptions may be made
through the Distributor on days on which both the New York Stock Exchange and
the Federal Reserve wire system are open for business ("Business Days"). The
minimum initial investment is generally $1,000. In order to be effective on the
Business Day received, orders to purchase and redeem must be placed prior to
8:00 a.m., Pacific time (11:00 a.m., Eastern time) for the California Tax-Free
Money Market Fund, prior to 9:00 a.m., Pacific time (12:00 noon, Eastern time)
for the 100% U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund and prior to 10:00 a.m., Pacific
time (1:00 p.m. Eastern time) for the Diversified Money Market and U.S.
Government Money Market Funds on any Business Day. Otherwise, the order will be
effective the next Business Day. In addition, effectiveness of a purchase is
contingent on the Custodian's receipt of Federal funds before 11:00 a.m.,
Pacific time (2:00 p.m., Eastern time). (See "PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF
SHARES")
 
HOW ARE DIVIDENDS PAID? The net investment income (exclusive of short-term
capital gains) of the Funds is determined and declared on each Business Day as a
dividend for Shareholders of record as of the close of business on that day.
Dividends are paid monthly in additional shares unless the Shareholder elects to
take the payment in cash. (See "DIVIDENDS")
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        PAGE
                                                                                        ----
<S>                                                                                     <C>
Summary...............................................................................    2
Money Market Funds Fee Table..........................................................    5
Financial Highlights..................................................................    7
Fund Description......................................................................   14
Investment Objectives.................................................................   14
Investment Policies...................................................................   14
  Diversified Money Market Fund.......................................................   15
  U.S. Government Money Market Fund...................................................   16
  The 100% U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund............................................   17
  California Tax-Free Money Market Fund...............................................   17
Municipal Securities..................................................................   19
General...............................................................................   20
  Illiquid and Restricted Securities..................................................   21
  Lending of Portfolio Securities.....................................................   21
  Other Investments...................................................................   21
  Risk Factors........................................................................   22
</TABLE>
    
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   61
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        PAGE
                                                                                        ----
<S>                                                                                     <C>
Purchase and Redemption of Shares.....................................................   23
Exchange Privileges...................................................................   25
Dividends.............................................................................   26
Federal Taxation......................................................................   26
Service Arrangements..................................................................   29
  The Advisor.........................................................................   29
  Administrator.......................................................................   30
  The Transfer Agent..................................................................   31
  Shareholder Service Plan............................................................   31
  Distributor.........................................................................   31
  Banking Laws........................................................................   31
  Custodian...........................................................................   32
General Information...................................................................   32
  Description of HighMark & Its Shares................................................   32
  Performance Information.............................................................   33
  Miscellaneous.......................................................................   34
Description of Permitted Investments..................................................   34
</TABLE>
    
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   62
 
                          MONEY MARKET FUNDS FEE TABLE
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                100% U.S.      CALIFORNIA
                                                              DIVERSIFIED    U.S. GOVERNMENT     TREASURY       TAX-FREE
                                                              MONEY MARKET    MONEY MARKET     MONEY MARKET   MONEY MARKET
                                                                  FUND            FUND             FUND           FUND
                                                               FIDUCIARY        FIDUCIARY       FIDUCIARY      FIDUCIARY
                                                                 SHARES          SHARES           SHARES         SHARES
                                                              ------------   ---------------   ------------   ------------
<S>                                                           <C>            <C>               <C>            <C>
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES(A)
  Maximum Sales Load Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage
    of offering price)......................................         0%               0%              0%             0%
  Maximum Sales Load Imposed on Reinvested Dividends (as a
    percentage of offering price)...........................         0%               0%              0%             0%
  Deferred Sales Load (as a percentage of original purchase
    price or redemption proceeds, as applicable)............         0%               0%              0%             0%
  Redemption Fees (as a percentage of amount redeemed, if
    applicable)(b)..........................................         0%               0%              0%             0%
  Exchange Fee(a)...........................................      $  0            $   0            $  0           $  0
ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES (as a percentage of net assets)
  Management Fees (after voluntary reduction)(c)............      0.30%            0.30%           0.25%          0.10%
  12b-1 Fees................................................      0.00%            0.00%           0.00%          0.00%
  Other Expenses (after voluntary reduction)(d).............      0.20%            0.20%           0.20%          0.20%
                                                                  ----             ----            ----           ----
  Total Fund Operating Expenses(d)..........................      0.50%            0.50%           0.45%          0.30%
                                                                  ====             ====            ====           ====
</TABLE>
    
 
  EXAMPLE:  You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment,
assuming (1) 5% annual return and (2) redemption at the end of each time period.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 1 YEAR   3 YEARS   5 YEARS   10 YEARS
                                                                 ------   -------   -------   --------
<S>                                                              <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>
Diversified Money Market Fund Fiduciary Shares.................    $5       $16       $28       $ 63
U.S. Government Money Market Fund Fiduciary Shares.............    $5       $16       $28       $ 63
100% U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund Fiduciary Shares..........    $5       $14       $25       $ 57
California Tax-Free Money Market Fund Fiduciary Shares.........    $3       $10       $17       $ 38
</TABLE>
 
  The purpose of the tables above is to assist an investor in the Funds in
understanding the various costs and expenses that a Shareholder will bear
directly or indirectly. For a more complete discussion of each Fund's annual
operating expenses, see SERVICE ARRANGEMENTS below. THE FOREGOING EXAMPLE SHOULD
NOT BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE EXPENSES. ACTUAL EXPENSES
MAY BE GREATER OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN.
- ---------------
 
(a) Certain entities (including Union Bank of California, N.A. and its
    affiliates) making investments in the Funds on behalf of their customers may
    charge customers fees for services provided in connection with the
    investment in, redemption of, and exchange of Shares. (See PURCHASE AND
    REDEMPTION OF SHARES, EXCHANGE PRIVILEGES and SERVICE ARRANGEMENTS below.)
 
(b) A wire redemption charge is deducted from the amount of a wire redemption
    payment made at the request of a Shareholder. (See PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION
    OF SHARES below.)
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   63
 
   
(c) Absent voluntary fee waivers, MANAGEMENT FEES would be 0.30% for the
    Fiduciary Shares of the 100% U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund, and the
    California Tax-Free Money Market Fund.
    
 
   
(d) Absent voluntary fee waivers, OTHER EXPENSES would be 0.47% for the
    Fiduciary Shares of the Diversified Money Market Fund, the U.S. Government
    Money Market Fund, the 100% U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund and the
    California Tax-Free Money Market Fund.
    
 
   
(e) Absent voluntary fee waivers, TOTAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES would be: 0.77%
    for the Fiduciary Shares of the Diversified Money Market Fund, the U.S.
    Government Money Market Fund, the 100% U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund, and
    the California Tax-Free Money Market Fund.
    
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   64
 
   
                              FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
    
 
   
  The tables below set forth certain financial information with respect to the
Fiduciary Shares of the U.S. Government Money Market Fund and the 100% U.S.
Treasury Money Market Fund. Financial highlights for the Funds for the period
ended July 31, 1997 have been derived from financial statements audited by
Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors for HighMark, whose report thereon
is included in the 1997 Annual Report for the HighMark Funds, which is
incorporated by reference into the Statement of Additional Information.
Financial highlights for the Funds prior to the fiscal year ended July 31, 1996
have been derived from financial statements examined by other auditors whose
report thereon is on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
    
 
   
  The tables below also set forth certain financial information with respect to
the Fiduciary Shares of the Diversified Money Market Fund and the California
Tax-Free Money Market Fund. Upon reorganizing as funds of HighMark Funds on
April 28, 1997, Stepstone Money Market Fund became HighMark Diversified Money
Market Fund and Stepstone California Tax-Free Money Market Fund became HighMark
California Tax-Free Money Market Fund. Financial highlights through January 31,
1997 represent the Institutional Class Shares (now Fiduciary Shares) of
Stepstone Money Market and Stepstone California Tax-Free Money Market Funds, and
have been derived from financial statements audited by Arthur Andersen LLP,
independent auditors for the Stepstone Funds.
    
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   65
 
   
                     CALIFORNIA TAX-FREE MONEY MARKET FUND
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                FOR THE
                               SIX MONTH
                              PERIOD ENDED                 FOR THE YEARS ENDED JANUARY 31,
                                JULY 31,       -------------------------------------------------------
                                  1997          1997        1996        1995        1994        1993
                              ------------     -------     -------     -------     -------     -------
<S>                           <C>              <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
FIDUCIARY SHARES
Net Asset Value, Beginning
  of Period.................    $   1.00       $  1.00     $  1.00     $  1.00     $  1.00     $  1.00
                              ------------     -------     -------     -------     -------     -------
Investment Activities
  Net investment income.....       0.016         0.031       0.034       0.026       0.021       0.025
  Net realized and
     unrealized gain (loss)
     on investments.........          --            --          --          --          --          --
                              ------------     -------     -------     -------     -------     -------
Distributions
  Net investment income.....      (0.016)       (0.031)     (0.034)     (0.026)     (0.021)     (0.025)
  Capital gains.............          --            --          --          --          --          --
                              ------------     -------     -------     -------     -------     -------
Net Asset Value, End of
  Period....................    $   1.00       $  1.00     $  1.00     $  1.00     $  1.00     $  1.00
                              ==========       =======     =======     =======     =======     =======
Total Return................        3.28%*        3.12%       3.48%       2.67%       2.13%       2.61%
  Net assets, end of period
     (000)..................    $159,297       $36,207     $42,923     $52,050     $52,982     $45,521
  Ratio of expenses to
     average net assets.....        0.28%*        0.27%       0.28%       0.29%       0.30%       0.30%
  Ratio of expenses to
     average net assets
     excluding fee
     waivers................        0.69%*        0.49%       0.49%       0.50%       0.54%       0.54%
  Ratio of net investment
     income to average net
     assets.................        3.36%*        3.08%       3.43%       2.66%       2.09%       2.53%
  Ratio of net investment
     income to average net
     assets excluding fee
     waivers................        2.96%*        2.86%       3.22%       2.45%       1.85%       2.29%
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
   
Amounts designated as "--" are either $0 or have been rounded to $0.
    
   
* Annualized.
    
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   66
 
   
                   CALIFORNIA INTERMEDIATE TAX-FREE BOND FUND
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            FOR THE
                                           SIX MONTH
                                          PERIOD ENDED          FOR THE YEARS ENDED JANUARY 31,
                                            JULY 31,       -----------------------------------------
                                              1997          1997       1996       1995       1994(2)
                                          ------------     ------     ------     -------     -------
<S>                                       <C>              <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>
FIDUCIARY SHARES
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period....    $   9.76       $ 9.83     $ 8.95     $ 10.04     $ 10.00
                                          ------------     ------     ------     -------     -------
Investment Activities
  Net investment income.................       0.206        0.430      0.518       0.460       0.117
  Net realized and unrealized gain
     (loss) on investments..............       0.256       (0.078)     0.873      (1.098)      0.028
                                          ------------     ------     ------     -------     -------
Distributions
  Net investment income.................      (0.215)      (0.442)    (0.487)     (0.452)     (0.105)
  Capital Gains.........................          --           --         --          --          --
                                          ------------     ------     ------     -------     -------
Net Asset Value, End of Period..........    $  10.01       $ 9.76     $ 9.85     $  8.95     $ 10.04
                                          ==========       ======     ======     =======     =======
Total Return............................        4.84%        3.72%     15.83%      (6.33)%      5.01%*
  Net assets, end of period (000).......    $ 11,292       $7,435     $4,196     $12,793     $22,197
  Ratio of expenses to average net
     assets.............................        0.21%*       0.20%      0.24%       0.50%       0.50%*
  Ratio of expenses to average net
     assets excluding fee waivers.......        0.91%*       0.85%      0.71%       0.72%       0.73%*
  Ratio of net investment income to
     average net assets.................        4.56%*       4.69%      4.97%       4.84%       4.31%*
  Ratio of net investment income to
     average net assets excluding fee
     waivers............................        3.85%*       4.04%      4.50%       4.62%       4.08%
Portfolio turnover rate.................           5%           6%        30%         22%         19%
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
   
Amounts designated as "--" are either $0 or have been rounded to $0.
    
   
  * Annualized
    
   
(2) Commenced operations on October 15, 1993.
    
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   67
 
   
                           GOVERNMENT SECURITIES FUND
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     FOR THE
                                                    SIX MONTH
                                                   PERIOD ENDED     FOR THE YEARS ENDED JANUARY 31,
                                                     JULY 31,       -------------------------------
                                                       1997          1997        1996       1995(3)
                                                   ------------     -------     -------     -------
<S>                                                <C>              <C>         <C>         <C>
FIDUCIARY SHARES
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period.............    $   9.44       $  9.94     $  9.07     $ 10.00
                                                   ------------     -------     -------     -------
Investment Activities
  Net investment income..........................       0.268         0.524       0.556       0.491
  Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
     investments.................................       0.203        (0.505)      0.870      (0.950)
                                                   ------------     -------     -------     -------
Distributions
  Net investment income..........................      (0.269)       (0.520)     (0.556)     (0.475)
  Capital gains..................................          --            --          --          --
                                                   ------------     -------     -------     -------
Net Asset Value, End of Period...................    $   9.64       $  9.44     $  9.94     $  9.07
                                                   ==========       =======     =======     =======
Total Return.....................................        5.08%         0.34%      16.16%       4.49%
  Net assets, end of period (000)................    $ 57,256       $51,382     $46,725     $32,178
  Ratio of expenses to average net assets........        0.73%*        0.74%       0.75%       0.75%
  Ratio of expenses to average net assets
     excluding fee waivers.......................        0.88%*        0.74%       0.75%       0.75%
  Ratio of net investment income to average net
     assets......................................        5.79%*        5.59%       5.89%       5.46%
  Ratio of net investment income to average net
     assets excluding fee waivers................        5.64%*        5.59%       5.89%       5.46%
Portfolio turnover rate..........................          40%          186%        239%        184%
Average commission rate(A).......................         n/a           n/a         n/a         n/a
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
   
Amounts designated as "--" are either $0 or have been rounded to $0.
    
   
(A) Average commission rate paid per share for security purchases and sales
    during the period. Presentation of the rate is only required for fiscal
    years beginning after September 1, 1995.
    
   
  * Annualized
    
   
(3) Commenced operations on February 1, 1994.
    
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   68
 
   
                      100% U.S. TREASURY MONEY MARKET FUND
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        FOR THE YEARS ENDED JULY 31,
                                          --------------------------------------------------------
                                            1997        1996        1995        1994        1993
                                          --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
<S>                                       <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
FIDUCIARY SHARES
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period....  $   1.00    $   1.00    $   1.00    $   1.00    $   1.00
                                          --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
Investment Activities
  Net investment income.................     0.046       0.046       0.046       0.026       0.026
  Net realized and unrealized gain
     (loss) on investments..............        --          --          --          --          --
                                          --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
Distributions
  Net investment income.................    (0.046)     (0.046)     (0.046)     (0.026)     (0.026)
  Capital gains.........................        --          --          --          --          --
                                          --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
Contribution of capital.................        --          --          --          --          --
Net Asset Value, End of Period..........  $   1.00    $   1.00    $   1.00    $   1.00    $   1.00
                                          ========    ========    ========    ========    ========
Total Return............................      4.65%       4.74%       4.69%       2.68%       2.64%
Net Assets, end of period (000).........  $243,464    $173,340    $190,604    $160,721    $191,946
Ratio of expenses to average net
  assets................................      0.64%       0.74%       0.73%       0.74%       0.67%
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
  excluding fee waivers.................      0.92%       0.97%       0.97%       0.90%       0.72%
Ratio of net investment income to
  average net assets....................      4.61%       4.64%       4.60%       2.63%       2.60%
Ratio of net investment income to
  average net assets excluding fee
  waivers...............................      4.33%       4.41%       4.36%       2.48%       2.55%
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
   
Amounts designated as "--" are either $0 or have been rounded to $0.
    
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   69
 
   
                       U.S. GOVERNMENT MONEY MARKET FUND
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      FOR THE YEARS ENDED JULY 31,
                                    -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                        1997            1996         1995         1994         1993
                                    -------------     --------     --------     --------     --------
<S>                                 <C>               <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
FIDUCIARY SHARES
Net Asset Value, Beginning of
  Period..........................    $    1.00       $   1.00     $   1.00     $   1.00     $   1.00
                                    -------------     --------     --------     --------     --------
Investment Activities
  Net investment income...........        0.047          0.048        0.048        0.027        0.027
  Net realized and unrealized gain
     (loss) on investments........           --             --           --           --           --
                                    -------------     --------     --------     --------     --------
Distributions
  Net investment income...........       (0.047)        (0.048)      (0.048)      (0.027)      (0.027)
  Capital gains...................           --             --           --           --           --
                                    -------------     --------     --------     --------     --------
Net Asset Value, End of Period....    $    1.00       $   1.00     $   1.00     $   1.00     $   1.00
                                     ==========       ========     ========     ========     ========
Total Return......................         4.78%          4.88%        4.87%        2.74%        2.72%
  Net assets, end of period
     (000)........................    $ 252,995       $151,483     $159,747     $162,094     $166,182
  Ratio of expenses to average net
     assets.......................         0.70%          0.77%        0.78%        0.78%        0.71%
  Ratio of expenses to average net
     assets excluding fee
     waivers......................         0.95%          1.00%        1.02%        0.94%        0.74%
  Ratio of net investment income
     to average net assets........         4.69%          4.76%        4.76%        2.70%        2.67%
  Ratio of net investment income
     to average net assets
     excluding fee waivers........         4.44%          4.53%        4.52%        2.54%        2.65%
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
   
Amounts designated as "--" are either $0 or have been rounded to $0.
    
   
* Annualized.
    
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   70
 
   
                          DIVERSIFIED MONEY MARKET FUND
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 FOR THE
                                SIX MONTH
                                 PERIOD
                                  ENDED
                                JULY 31,                 FOR THE YEARS ENDED JANUARY 31,
                                ---------    --------------------------------------------------------
                                  1997         1997        1996        1995        1994        1993
                                ---------    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
<S>                             <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
FIDUCIARY SHARES
Net Asset Value, Beginning of
  Period......................  $   1.00     $   1.00    $   1.00    $   1.00    $   1.00    $   1.00
                                ---------    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
Investment Activities
  Net investment income.......     0.025        0.049       0.054       0.039       0.029       0.035
  Net realized and unrealized
     gain (loss) on
     investments..............        --           --          --      (0.001)         --          --
                                ---------    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
Distributions
  Net investment income.......    (0.025)      (0.049)     (0.054)     (0.039)     (0.029)     (0.035)
  Capital gains...............        --           --          --          --          --          --
                                ---------    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
Contribution of capital.......        --           --          --       0.001          --          --
Net Asset Value, End of
  Period......................  $   1.00     $   1.00    $   1.00    $   1.00    $   1.00    $   1.00
                                ========     ========    ========    ========    ========    ========
Total Return..................      5.11% *      5.03%       5.57%       3.99%       2.99%       3.61%
Net Assets, end of period
  (000).......................  $971,858     $523,571    $503,080    $536,754    $498,795    $521,664
Ratio of expenses to average
  net assets..................      0.48% *      0.49%       0.50%       0.50%       0.49%       0.46%
Ratio of expenses to average
  net assets excluding fee
  waivers.....................      0.64% *      0.49%       0.50%       0.50%       0.49%       0.46%
Ratio of net investment income
  to average net assets.......      5.07% *      4.93%       5.43%       3.93%       2.93%       3.47%
Ratio of net investment income
  to average net assets
  excluding fee waivers.......      4.90% *      4.93%       5.43%       3.93%       2.93%       3.47%
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
   
Amounts designated as "--" are either $0 or have been rounded to $0.
    
   
* Annualized.
    
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   71
 
   
FUND
DESCRIPTION             HighMark Funds ("HighMark") is an open-end, diversified,
                      registered investment company that currently offers units
                      of beneficial interest ("Shares") in sixteen separate
                      investment portfolios ("Funds"). All of the Funds are
                      advised by The Pacific Alliance division of Union Bank of
                      California, N.A. (the "Advisor"). Shareholders may
                      purchase Shares of selected Funds through two separate
                      classes (the "Retail" and "Fiduciary" classes). These
                      classes may have different sales charges and other
                      expenses, which may affect performance. Information
                      regarding HighMark's other Funds and other classes is
                      contained in separate prospectuses that may be obtained
                      from HighMark's Distributor, SEI Investments Distribution
                      Co., Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456, or by calling
                      1-800-433-6884.
    
 
                        For information concerning those investors who qualify
                      to purchase Fiduciary Shares, see PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION
                      OF SHARES below. (Fiduciary Shares may be hereinafter
                      referred to as "Shares.")
 
INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVES              The investment objectives of the Funds are as follows:
 
                        The Diversified Money Market Fund, the U.S. Government
                      Money Market Fund and the 100% U.S. Treasury Money Market
                      Fund each seek current income with liquidity and stability
                      of principal.
 
                        The California Tax-Free Money Market Fund seeks as high
                      a level of current interest income free from federal
                      income tax and California personal income tax as is
                      consistent with the preservation of capital and relative
                      stability of principal.
 
   
                        There can be no assurance that a Fund will achieve its
                      investment objective.
    
 
   
                        The investment objectives and certain of the investment
                      limitations of the Diversified Money Market Fund, the U.S.
                      Government Money Market Fund, the 100% U.S. Treasury Money
                      Market Fund, and the California Tax-Free Money Market Fund
                      may not be changed without a vote of the holders of a
                      majority of the outstanding Shares of the respective Fund
                      (as defined under GENERAL INFORMATION--Miscellaneous
                      below).
    
 
INVESTMENT
POLICIES                While the Diversified Money Market Fund, the U.S.
                      Government Money Market Fund and the 100% U.S. Treasury
                      Money Market Fund have the same investment objective, they
                      differ as follows with respect to the types of instruments
                      that may be purchased. Each Fund may invest only in U.S.
                      dollar-denominated obligations determined by the Advisor
                      to present minimal credit risks under guidelines adopted
                      by HighMark's Board of Trustees.
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   72
 
                      Diversified Money Market Fund
 
                      The Diversified Money Market Fund may invest in the
                      following obligations:
 
                        (i) obligations issued by the U.S. Government, and
                      backed by its full faith and credit, and obligations
                      issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the
                      agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government
                      (e.g., obligations issued by Farmers Home Administration,
                      Government National Mortgage Association, Federal Farm
                      Credit Bank and Federal Housing Administration);
 
                        (ii) obligations such as bankers' acceptances, bank
                      notes, certificates of deposit and time deposits of thrift
                      institutions, savings and loans, U.S. commercial banks
                      (including foreign branches of such banks), and U.S. and
                      foreign branches of foreign banks, provided that such
                      institutions (or, in the case of a branch, the parent
                      institution) have total assets of $1 billion or more as
                      shown on their last published financial statements at the
                      time of investment;
 
                        (iii) short-term promissory notes issued by
                      corporations, including Canadian Commercial Paper ("CCP"),
                      which is U.S. dollar-denominated commercial paper issued
                      by a Canadian corporation or a Canadian counterpart of a
                      U.S. corporation, and Europaper, which is U.S.
                      dollar-denominated commercial paper of a foreign issuer;
 
                        (iv) U.S. dollar-denominated securities issued or
                      guaranteed by foreign governments, their political
                      subdivisions, agencies or instrumentalities, and
                      obligations of supranational entities such as the World
                      Bank and the Asian Development Bank (provided that the
                      Fund invests no more than 5% of its assets in any such
                      instrument and invests no more than 25% of its assets in
                      such instruments in the aggregate);
 
                        (v) up to 5% of its total assets in loan participations
                      issued by a bank in the United States with assets
                      exceeding $1 billion where the underlying loan is made to
                      a borrower in whose obligations the Fund may invest and
                      the underlying loan has a remaining maturity of 397 days
                      or less;
 
                        (vi) readily-marketable, short-term debt securities
                      including, but not limited to, those backed by company
                      receivables, truck and auto loans, leases, and credit card
                      loans;
 
                        (vii) Treasury receipts, including TRs, TIGRs and CATs;
                      and
 
                        (viii) repurchase agreements involving such obligations.
 
                        Certain of the obligations in which the Fund may invest
                      may be variable or floating rate instruments, may involve
                      a conditional or unconditional demand feature, and may
                      include variable amount master demand notes.
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   73
 
                        Subject to the provisions of Rule 2a-7 under the
                      Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"),
                      investments of the Diversified Money Market Fund will
                      consist of those obligations that, at the time of
                      purchase, possess the highest short-term rating from at
                      least one nationally recognized statistical rating
                      organization ("NRSRO") (for example, commercial paper
                      rated "A-1" by Standard & Poor's Corporation ("S&P") or
                      "P-1" by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's")).
                      Although the Diversified Money Market Fund does not
                      presently expect to do so, it may also invest up to 5% of
                      its net assets in obligations that, at the time of
                      purchase, possess one of the two highest short-term
                      ratings from at least one NRSRO, and in obligations that
                      do not possess an equivalent short-term rating (i.e., are
                      unrated) but are determined by the Advisor to be of
                      comparable quality to the rated instruments eligible for
                      purchase by the Fund under guidelines adopted by the Board
                      of Trustees.
 
                        The Diversified Money Market Fund will not invest more
                      than 5% of its total assets in the securities of any one
                      first tier issuer, except that the Fund may invest up to
                      25% of its total assets in the securities of a single
                      first tier issuer for a period of up to three business
                      days. There is no limit on the percentage of the Fund's
                      assets that may be invested in obligations issued or
                      guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies, or
                      instrumentalities and repurchase agreements fully
                      collateralized by such obligations.
 
                        The Fund may concentrate its investments in certain
                      instruments issued by U.S. banks, U.S. branches of foreign
                      banks, and foreign branches of U.S. banks, but only so
                      long as the investment risk associated with investing in
                      foreign branches of U.S. banks is the same as that
                      associated with investing in instruments issued by the
                      U.S. parent. Domestic certificates of deposit and bankers'
                      acceptances include those issued by domestic branches of a
                      foreign bank to the extent permitted by the rules of the
                      Securities and Exchange Commission. The rules currently
                      permit U.S. branches of foreign banks to be treated as a
                      domestic bank if it can be demonstrated that they are
                      subject to the same regulations as domestic banks.
 
                      U.S. Government Money Market Fund
 
                        As a fundamental policy, the U.S. Government Money
                      Market Fund may not purchase securities other than U.S.
                      Treasury bills, notes, and other obligations issued or
                      guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies, or
                      instrumentalities (such as obligations issued by the
                      Government National Mortgage Association and the
                      Export-Import Bank of the United States) some of which may
                      be subject to repurchase agreements.
 
                                       16
<PAGE>   74
 
                      The 100% U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund
 
                        The 100% U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund invests
                      exclusively in direct U.S. Treasury obligations and
                      separately traded component parts of such obligations
                      transferable through the Federal Reserve book-entry system
                      ("STRIPs").
 
                      California Tax-Free Money Market Fund
 
                          The California Tax-Free Money Market Fund invests in
                      obligations issued by the State of California and its
                      political subdivisions or municipal authorities and
                      obligations issued by territories or possessions of the
                      United States ("Municipal Securities").
 
                        Under normal market conditions and, as a matter of
                      fundamental policy, at least 80% of the value of the total
                      assets of the California Tax-Free Money Market Fund will
                      be invested in Municipal Securities, the interest on
                      which, in the opinion of bond counsel, is both excluded
                      from gross income both for federal income tax purposes and
                      for California personal income tax purposes, and does not
                      constitute a preference item for individuals for purposes
                      of the federal alternative minimum tax.
 
                        Certain of the obligations in which the Fund may invest
                      may be variable or floating rate instruments and may
                      involve a conditional or unconditional demand feature.
 
                        Under normal market conditions, up to 20% of the
                      California Tax-Free Money Market Fund's total assets may
                      be invested in short-term obligations, the interest on
                      which is treated as a preference item for individuals for
                      purposes of the federal alternative minimum tax or subject
                      to federal or California personal income tax ("Taxable
                      Obligations"). These short-term obligations may include
                      bonds from other states and cash equivalents as described
                      below.
 
   
                        In general, dividends paid by the California Tax-Free
                      Money Market Fund that are derived from obligations, the
                      interest on which is exempt from California taxation when
                      received by an individual ("California Exempt-Interest
                      Securities"), are excluded from gross income for
                      California personal income tax purposes. Dividends derived
                      from interest on obligations other than California
                      Exempt-Interest Securities may be excluded from gross
                      income for federal income tax purposes but will be subject
                      to California personal income tax.
    
 
                        In order for the California Tax-Free Money Market Fund
                      to pay exempt-interest dividends, at least 50% of its
                      total assets must be invested in California
                      Exempt-Interest Securities at the close of each quarter of
                      its taxable year. Dividends, regardless of their source,
                      may be subject to local taxes.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>   75
 
                        In seeking to achieve its investment objective, the
                      California Tax-Free Money Market Fund may invest all or
                      any part of its assets in Municipal Securities that are
                      private activity bonds, including those known as
                      industrial development bonds under prior federal law. (Any
                      reference herein to private activity bonds includes
                      industrial development bonds.) Interest on private
                      activity bonds is excluded from gross income for federal
                      income tax purposes only if the bonds fall within certain
                      defined categories of qualified private activity bonds and
                      meet the requirements specified for those respective
                      categories. However, even if the California Tax-Free Money
                      Market Fund invests in private activity bonds that fall
                      within these categories, Shareholders may become subject
                      to the federal alternative minimum tax on that part of
                      such Fund's distributions derived from interest on such
                      bonds. For further information, see FEDERAL TAXATION
                      below.
 
   
                        The California Tax-Free Money Market Fund may invest up
                      to 10% of its total assets in shares of other investment
                      companies with like investment objectives. As a
                      shareholder of an investment company, a Fund may
                      indirectly bear investment management fees of that
                      investment company, which are in addition to the
                      management fees the Fund pays its own adviser.
    
 
                        Investments of the California Tax-Free Money Market Fund
                      will consist of those obligations that, at the time of
                      purchase, possess one of the two highest short-term
                      ratings by a NRSRO, and in obligations that do not possess
                      a rating (i.e., are unrated) but are determined by the
                      Advisor to be of comparable quality to the rated
                      instruments eligible for purchase by the Fund under the
                      guidelines adopted by the Board of Trustees.
 
                        The California Tax-Free Money Market Fund may hold
                      uninvested cash reserves pending investment during
                      temporary "defensive" periods or if, in the opinion of the
                      Advisor, desirable tax-exempt obligations are unavailable.
                      In accordance with the Fund's investment objective and
                      subject to its fundamental policies, investments may be
                      made in Taxable Obligations if, for example, suitable
                      tax-exempt obligations are unavailable or if acquisition
                      of U.S. Government or other taxable securities is deemed
                      appropriate for temporary "defensive" purposes.
 
                        As discussed in greater detail in the Statement of
                      Additional Information, Taxable Obligations may include
                      obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government,
                      its agencies, or instrumentalities (some of which may be
                      subject to repurchase agreements), certificates of
                      deposit, bankers' acceptances, and commercial paper. As
                      noted above, Taxable Obligations may also include private
                      activity bonds depending on their tax treatment.
 
                        The California Tax-Free Money Market Fund is not
                      intended to constitute a balanced investment program and
                      is not designed for investors seeking capital
 
                                       18
<PAGE>   76
 
                      appreciation nor maximum tax-exempt income irrespective of
                      fluctuations in principal. Investment in the California
                      Tax-Free Money Market Fund would not be appropriate for
                      tax-deferred plans, such as IRA and Keogh plans, and
                      investors should consult a tax or other financial advisor
                      to determine whether investment in the California Tax-Free
                      Fund would be appropriate for them.
 
MUNICIPAL
SECURITIES              The two principal classifications of Municipal
                      Securities that may be held by the California Tax-Free
                      Money Market Fund are "general obligation" securities and
                      "revenue" securities.
 
                        General obligation securities are secured by the
                      issuer's pledge of its full faith and credit and general
                      taxing power for the payment of principal and interest.
 
                        Revenue securities are payable only from the revenues
                      derived from a particular facility or class of facilities
                      or, in some cases, from the proceeds of a special excise
                      tax or other specific revenue source such as the user of
                      the facility being financed. Private activity bonds held
                      by the California Tax-Free Money Market Fund are in most
                      cases revenue securities and are not payable from the
                      unrestricted revenues of the issuer. Consequently, the
                      credit quality of private activity bonds is usually
                      directly related to the credit standing of the corporate
                      user of the facility involved.
 
                        In addition, Municipal Securities may include "moral
                      obligation" bonds, which are normally issued by special
                      purpose public authorities. If the issuer of moral
                      obligation bonds is unable to meet its debt service
                      obligations from current revenues, it may draw on a
                      reserve fund, the restoration of which is a moral
                      commitment but not a legal obligation of the state or
                      municipality which created the issuer.
 
                        Opinions relating to the validity of Municipal
                      Securities and to the exemption of interest thereon from
                      federal income tax or California personal income tax are
                      rendered at the time of issuance by counsel experienced in
                      matters relating to the validity of and tax exemption of
                      interest on bonds issued by states and their political
                      sub-divisions. Neither the California Tax-Free Money
                      Market Fund nor the Advisor will review the proceedings
                      relating to the issuance of Municipal Securities or the
                      basis for such opinions.
 
                        Municipal Securities purchased by the California
                      Tax-Free Money Market Fund may include adjustable rate
                      tax-exempt notes which may have a stated maturity in
                      excess of 397 days, but which will be subject to a demand
                      feature that will permit the Fund to demand payment of the
                      principal of the note either (i) at any time upon not more
                      than thirty days' notice or (ii) at specified intervals
                      not exceeding 397 days and upon no more than thirty days'
                      notice. There may be no active secondary market with
                      respect to a particular adjustable rate note.
 
                                       19
<PAGE>   77
 
                      Nevertheless, as described in greater detail in the
                      Statement of Additional Information, the adjustable
                      interest rate feature included in this type of note is
                      intended generally to assure that the value of the note to
                      the Fund will approximate its par value.
 
                        Municipal Securities may include, but are not limited
                      to, short-term anticipation notes, bond anticipation
                      notes, revenue anticipation notes, and other forms of
                      short-term tax-exempt securities. These instruments are
                      issued in anticipation of the receipt of tax funds, the
                      proceeds of bond placements, or other revenues. In
                      addition, the California Tax-Free Money Market Fund may
                      purchase tax-exempt commercial paper. Under certain
                      circumstances, and subject to the limitations described in
                      the Statement of Additional Information, the California
                      Tax-Free Money Market Fund may invest indirectly in
                      Municipal Securities by purchasing shares of other
                      tax-exempt money market mutual funds.
 
                        The California Tax-Free Money Market Fund may also
                      acquire Municipal Securities that have "put" features.
                      Under a put feature, the Fund has the right to sell the
                      Municipal Security within a specified period of time at a
                      specified price. The put feature cannot be sold,
                      transferred, or assigned separately from the Municipal
                      Security. Each Fund may buy Municipal Securities with put
                      features to facilitate portfolio liquidity, shorten the
                      maturity of the underlying Municipal Securities, or permit
                      investment at a more favorable rate of return. The
                      aggregate price of a security subject to a put may be
                      higher than the price that otherwise would be paid for the
                      security without such a feature, thereby increasing the
                      security's cost and reducing its yield.
 
GENERAL                 The Funds intend to comply with Rule 2a-7 under the 1940
                      Act. Shares of each Fund are priced pursuant to the
                      amortized cost method whereby HighMark seeks to maintain
                      each Fund's net asset value per Share at $1.00. There can
                      be, however, no assurance that a stable net asset value of
                      $1.00 per Share will be maintained.
 
                        Securities or instruments in which each Fund invests
                      have remaining maturities of 397 days or less, although
                      instruments subject to repurchase agreements and certain
                      adjustable rate instruments may bear longer maturities.
                      The dollar-weighted average portfolio maturity of each
                      Fund will not exceed 90 days.
 
                        Although the Diversified Money Market Fund, the U.S.
                      Government Money Market Fund and the 100% U.S. Treasury
                      Money Market Fund have the same investment advisor and the
                      same investment objective, particular securities held and
                      respective yields of these Funds may differ due to
                      differences in the types of permitted investments, cash
                      flow, and the availability of particular investments.
 
                                       20
<PAGE>   78
 
                        Additional information concerning each Fund's
                      investments, including certain investment restrictions
                      that may not be changed with respect to a particular Fund
                      without a vote of the holders of a majority of the
                      outstanding Shares of that Fund, is set forth below and in
                      the Statement of Additional Information. For further
                      information concerning the rating and other requirements
                      governing the investments (including the treatment of
                      securities subject to a tender or demand feature or deemed
                      to possess a rating based on comparable rated securities
                      of the same issuer) of a Fund, see the Statement of
                      Additional Information. The Statement of Additional
                      Information also identifies the NRSROs that may be
                      utilized by the Advisor with respect to portfolio
                      investments for the Funds and provides a description of
                      the relevant ratings assigned by each such NRSRO.
 
                        In the event that a security owned by a Fund is
                      downgraded below the stated rating categories, the Advisor
                      will take appropriate action with regard to that security.
 
                      Illiquid and Restricted Securities
 
                        The Funds shall limit investments in illiquid securities
                      to 10% or less of their net assets. Generally, an
                      "illiquid security" is any security that cannot be
                      disposed of promptly and in the ordinary course of
                      business at approximately the amount at which the Fund has
                      valued the instrument. The absence of a trading market can
                      make it difficult to ascertain the market value of
                      illiquid securities. Each Fund may purchase restricted
                      securities which have not been registered under the
                      Securities Act of 1933 (e.g., Rule 144A Securities and
                      Section 4(2) commercial paper) subject to policies
                      approved by the Board of Trustees. See INVESTMENT
                      RESTRICTIONS in the Statement of Additional Information.
 
   
                        Time deposits, including ETDs and CTDs (but not
                      including certificates of deposit) and repurchase
                      agreements, which have maturities in excess of seven days
                      are considered to be illiquid.
    
 
                      Lending of Portfolio Securities
 
                        In order to generate additional income, each Fund
                      (except the California Tax-Free Money Market Fund) may
                      lend its portfolio securities to broker-dealers, banks or
                      other institutions. A Fund may lend portfolio securities
                      in an amount representing up to 33 1/3% of the value of
                      the Fund's total assets.
 
                      Other Investments
 
                        The Diversified Money Market Fund, the U.S. Government
                      Money Market Fund, and the California Tax-Free Money
                      Market Fund may enter into repurchase agreements and
                      reverse repurchase agreements. Each Fund intends to limit
                      its respective activity in reverse repurchase agreements
                      to no more than 10% of the Fund's total assets.
 
                                       21
<PAGE>   79
 
                        The Funds may enter into forward commitments or purchase
                      securities on a "when-issued" basis. Each Fund expects
                      that commitments by a Fund to enter into forward
                      commitments or purchase when-issued securities will not
                      exceed 25% of the value of the Fund's total assets under
                      normal market conditions. The Funds do not intend to
                      purchase when-issued securities or enter into forward
                      commitments for speculative or leveraging purposes but
                      only for the purpose of acquiring portfolio securities.
 
                        For further information, see "DESCRIPTION OF PERMITTED
                      INVESTMENTS."
 
                      Risk Factors
 
                        Investments by the Funds in obligations of certain
                      agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S. Government may
                      not be guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the U.S.
                      Treasury, and there can be no assurance that the U.S.
                      Government would provide financial support to U.S.
                      Government-sponsored agencies or instrumentalities if it
                      is not obligated to do so by law.
 
                        As in the case of mortgage-related securities,
                      participations and certain asset-backed securities are
                      subject to prepayments and there can be no assurance that
                      the Diversified Money Market Fund will be able to reinvest
                      the proceeds of any prepayment at the same interest rate
                      or on the same terms as the original investment.
 
                        With regard to loan participations, although a Fund's
                      ability to receive payments of principal and interest in
                      connection with a particular loan is primarily dependent
                      on the financial condition of the underlying borrower, the
                      lending institution or bank may provide assistance in
                      collecting interest and principal from the borrower and in
                      enforcing its rights against the borrower in the event of
                      a default. In selecting loan participations on behalf of a
                      Fund, the Advisor will evaluate the creditworthiness of
                      both the borrower and the loan originator and will treat
                      both as an "issuer" of the loan participation for purposes
                      of the Fund's investment policies and restrictions (see
                      INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS in the Statement of Additional
                      Information).
 
                        Foreign securities which the Diversified Money Market
                      Fund may purchase may subject the Fund to investment risks
                      that differ in some respects from those related to
                      investments in obligations of U.S. issuers. These risks
                      include adverse political and economic developments,
                      possible imposition of withholding taxes on interest
                      income, possible seizure, nationalization, or
                      expropriation of foreign investments, possible
                      establishment of exchange controls, or adoption of other
                      foreign governmental restrictions which might adversely
                      affect the payment of principal and interest on such
                      obligations. In addition, foreign branches of U.S. banks
                      and foreign banks may be subject to less stringent reserve
                      requirements and
 
                                       22
<PAGE>   80
 
                      different accounting, auditing, reporting, and
                      recordkeeping standards than those applicable to domestic
                      branches of U.S. banks.
 
                        Certain risks are inherent in the California Tax-Free
                      Money Market Fund's concentrated investment in California
                      Municipal Securities, which may make an investment in the
                      Fund riskier than an investment in other types of money
                      market funds. Because of the California Tax-Free Money
                      Market Fund's investment objective, many of the securities
                      in its portfolio are likely to be obligations of
                      California governmental issuers that rely in whole or in
                      part, directly or indirectly, on real property taxes as a
                      source of revenue. The ability of the State of California
                      and its political sub-divisions to generate revenue
                      through real property and other taxes and to increase
                      spending has been significantly restricted by various
                      constitutional and statutory amendments and voter-passed
                      initiatives. Such limitations could affect the ability of
                      California state and municipal issuers to pay interest or
                      repay principal on their obligations.
 
                        In addition, during the first half of the decade,
                      California faced severe economic and fiscal conditions and
                      experienced recurring budget deficits that caused it to
                      deplete its available cash resources and to become
                      increasingly dependent upon external borrowings to meet
                      its cash needs.
 
                        The financial difficulties experienced by the State of
                      California and other issuers of California Municipal
                      Securities during the recession resulted in the credit
                      ratings of certain of their obligations being downgraded
                      significantly by the major rating agencies.
 
   
                        A more detailed description of special factors affecting
                      investments in obligations of California governmental
                      issuers of which investors should be aware is set forth in
                      the Statement of Additional Information.
    
 
PURCHASE AND
REDEMPTION
OF SHARES               As noted above, the Diversified Money Market, 100% U.S.
                      Treasury Money Market and California Tax-Free Money Market
                      Funds are divided into two classes of Shares, Class A and
                      Fiduciary. The U.S. Government Money Market Fund is
                      divided into three classes of Shares, Class A, Class B and
                      Fiduciary. Only the following investors qualify to
                      purchase the Funds' Fiduciary Shares: (i) fiduciary,
                      advisory, agency, custodial and other similar accounts
                      maintained with Union Bank of California, N.A. or its
                      affiliates; (ii) SelectIRA accounts established with The
                      Bank of California, N.A. and invested in any of HighMark's
                      Equity or Income Funds prior to June 20, 1994, which have
                      remained continuously open thereafter and which are not
                      considered to be fiduciary accounts; (iii) Shareholders
                      who currently own Shares of HighMark's Equity or Income
                      Funds that were purchased prior to June 20, 1994 within an
                      account registered in their name with the Funds; and (iv)
                      present and retired directors, officers and employees (and
                      their spouses and children under the age of 21) of Union
                      Bank of
 
                                       23
<PAGE>   81
 
                      California, N.A., HighMark's current or former
                      distributors or their respective affiliated companies who
                      currently own Shares of HighMark Funds which were
                      purchased before April 30, 1997. For a description of
                      investors who qualify to purchase Retail Shares, see the
                      Retail Shares prospectus of the Money Market Funds.
 
                        Purchases and redemptions of Shares of the Funds may be
                      made on days on which both the New York Stock Exchange and
                      Federal Reserve wire system are open for business
                      ("Business Days"). The minimum initial investment is
                      generally $1,000 and the minimum subsequent investment is
                      generally $100. For present and retired directors,
                      officers, and employees (and their spouses and children
                      under the age of 21) of Union Bank of California, N.A.,
                      SEI Financial Services Company and their affiliates, the
                      minimum initial investment is $250 and the minimum
                      subsequent investment is $50. The Fund's initial and
                      subsequent minimum purchase amounts may be waived, in the
                      Distributor's discretion if purchases are made in
                      connection with Individual Retirement Accounts, Keoghs,
                      payroll deduction plans, 401(k) or similar programs or
                      accounts. Shareholders may place orders by telephone.
 
                        Purchase orders will be effective on the Business Day
                      made if the Distributor receives an order before 8:00
                      a.m., Pacific time (11:00 a.m., Eastern time) for the
                      California Tax-Free Money Market Fund, 9:00 a.m., Pacific
                      time (12:00 noon, Eastern time) for the 100% U.S. Treasury
                      Money Market Fund and 10:00 a.m., Pacific time (1:00 p.m.,
                      Eastern time) for the Diversified Money Market and U.S.
                      Government Money Market Funds, on such Business Day.
                      Otherwise, the purchase order will be effective the next
                      Business Day. Effectiveness of a purchase order on any
                      Business Day is contingent on the Custodian's receipt of
                      Federal funds before 11:00 a.m., Pacific time (2:00 p.m.,
                      Eastern time), on such day. The purchase price is the net
                      asset value per Share, which is expected to remain
                      constant at $1.00. The net asset value per Share is
                      calculated as of 10:00 a.m., Pacific time (1:00 p.m.,
                      Eastern time), each Business Day based on the amortized
                      cost method. The net asset value per Share of a Fund is
                      determined by dividing the total value of its investments
                      and other assets, less any liabilities, by the total
                      number of its outstanding Shares. HighMark reserves the
                      right to reject a purchase order when the Distributor or
                      the Advisor determines that it is not in the best interest
                      of HighMark and/or Shareholder(s).
 
                        Shares of the Fund are offered only to residents of
                      states in which the shares are eligible for purchase.
 
                        Redemption orders may be made any time before 8:00 a.m.,
                      Pacific time (11:00 a.m., Eastern time) for the California
                      Tax-Free Money Market Fund, 9:00 a.m., Pacific time (12:00
                      noon, Eastern time) for the 100% U.S. Treasury Money
                      Market Fund, and 10:00 a.m., Pacific time (1:00 p.m.,
                      Eastern time) for
 
                                       24
<PAGE>   82
 
                      the Diversified Money Market and U.S. Government Money
                      Market Funds in order to receive that day's redemption
                      price (i.e. the next determined net asset value per
                      share). For redemption orders received before such times
                      for such Funds, payment will be made the same day by
                      transfer of Federal funds. Otherwise, payment will be made
                      on the next Business Day. Redeemed shares are not entitled
                      to dividends declared the day the redemption order is
                      effective. The Funds reserve the right to make payment on
                      redemptions in securities rather than cash.
 
                        Neither HighMark's transfer agent nor HighMark will be
                      responsible for any loss, liability, cost or expense for
                      acting upon wire instructions or upon telephone
                      instructions that it reasonably believes are genuine.
                      HighMark and its transfer agent will each employ
                      reasonable procedures to confirm that telephone
                      instructions are genuine. Such procedures may include
                      taping of telephone conversations. If market conditions
                      are extraordinarily active or extraordinary circumstances
                      exist, and you experience difficulties placing redemption
                      orders by telephone, you may wish to consider placing your
                      order by other means.
 
   
EXCHANGE
PRIVILEGES              As indicated under GENERAL INFORMATION--Description of
                      HighMark & Its Shares, certain of HighMark's Funds issue
                      three classes of Shares (Class A and Class B Shares
                      (collectively, "Retail Shares") and Fiduciary Shares); as
                      of the date of this Prospectus, the Distribution Plan and
                      distribution fee payable thereunder are applicable only to
                      such Fund's Retail Shares. A Shareholder's eligibility to
                      exchange into a particular class of Shares will be
                      determined at the time of the exchange. The Shareholder
                      must supply, at the time of the exchange, the necessary
                      information to permit confirmation of qualification.
    
 
                        Each Fund's Shares may be exchanged for Shares of the
                      class of the various other Funds of HighMark which the
                      Shareholder qualifies to purchase directly so long as the
                      Shareholder maintains the applicable minimum account
                      balance in each Fund in which he or she owns Shares and
                      satisfies the minimum initial and subsequent purchase
                      amounts of the Fund into which the Shares are exchanged.
                      Shareholders may exchange their Fiduciary Shares for
                      Fiduciary Shares of another Fund on the basis of the
                      relative net asset value of the Fiduciary Shares
                      exchanged. Shareholders may also exchange Fiduciary Shares
                      of a Fund for Retail Shares of another Fund. Under such
                      circumstances, the cost of the acquired Retail Shares will
                      be the net asset value per share plus the appropriate
                      sales load.
 
                        Exchanges will be made on the basis of the relative net
                      asset values of the Shares exchanged plus any applicable
                      sales charge. Exchanges are subject to the terms and
                      conditions stated herein and the terms and conditions
                      stated in the respective prospectuses of the Funds.
 
                                       25
<PAGE>   83
 
                        Certain entities (including Participating Organizations
                      and Union Bank of California, N.A. and its affiliates),
                      however, may charge customers a fee with respect to
                      exchanges made on the customer's behalf. Information about
                      these charges, if any, can be obtained by the entity
                      effecting the exchange and this Prospectus should be read
                      in conjunction with that information.
 
                        A Shareholder wishing to exchange Shares in a Fund may
                      do so by contacting the transfer agent at 1-800-433-6884.
                      Exchanges will be effected on any Business Day at the net
                      asset value of the Funds involved in the exchange next
                      determined after the exchange request is received by the
                      transfer agent.
 
                        An exchange is considered to be a sale of Shares for
                      federal income tax purposes on which a Shareholder may
                      realize a capital gain or loss. Exchange privileges may be
                      exercised only in those states where Shares of such other
                      Funds of HighMark may legally be sold. HighMark may
                      materially amend or terminate the exchange privileges
                      described herein upon sixty days' notice.
 
DIVIDENDS               The net income of each Fund is declared daily as a
                      dividend to Shareholders of record at the close of
                      business on the day of declaration.
 
                        Dividends with respect to each Fund are paid monthly in
                      additional full and fractional Shares of the Fund at net
                      asset value as of the date of payment, unless the
                      Shareholder elects to receive such dividends in cash as
                      described below. Shareholders will automatically receive
                      all income dividends and capital gains distributions (if
                      any) paid in respect of a Fund's Shares in additional full
                      and fractional Shares of the same class. Shareholders
                      wishing to receive their dividends in cash (or wishing to
                      revoke a previously made election) must notify the
                      transfer agent at P.O. Box 8416, Boston, MA 02266-8416,
                      and such election (or revocation thereof) will become
                      effective with respect to dividends having record dates
                      after notice has been received. Dividends paid in
                      additional Shares receive the same tax treatment as
                      dividends paid in cash. Dividends are paid in cash not
                      later than seven Business Days after a Shareholder's
                      complete redemption of his or her Shares. Net realized
                      capital gains, if any, are distributed at least annually
                      to Shareholders of record.
 
FEDERAL
TAXATION                Each Fund intends to qualify for treatment as a
                      "regulated investment company" under the Internal Revenue
                      Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and to distribute
                      substantially all of its net investment income so that it
                      is not required to pay federal taxes on these amounts.
                      Because all of the net investment income of the
                      Diversified Money Market Fund, the U.S. Government Money
                      Market Fund, the 100% U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund and
                      the California Tax-Free Money Market Fund is expected to
                      be derived from interest, it is anticipated that no part
                      of any distribution will be eligible for the federal
                      dividends received deduction for corporations. The Funds
                      are not managed to
 
                                       26
<PAGE>   84
 
                      generate any long-term capital gains and, therefore, the
                      Funds do not foresee paying any significant "capital gains
                      dividends" as described in the Code.
 
                        Shareholders will be subject to federal income tax with
                      respect to dividends paid by the Diversified Money Market
                      Fund, the U.S. Government Money Market Fund and the 100%
                      U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund (including any capital
                      gains dividends). Dividends that are attributable to
                      interest on U.S. Government obligations earned by the
                      Funds may be exempt from state and local tax, and
                      Shareholders should consult their own tax advisors to
                      determine whether these dividends are eligible for the
                      state and local tax exemption. Dividends (except to the
                      extent attributable to gains or securities lending income)
                      paid by the 100% U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund will be
                      exempt from California and Oregon personal income taxes.
                      HighMark intends to advise Shareholders annually of the
                      proportion of a Fund's dividends that consists of interest
                      on U.S. Government obligations.
 
   
                        Exempt-interest dividends from the California Tax-Free
                      Money Market Fund are excludable from gross income for
                      federal income tax purposes. Such dividends may be taxable
                      to Shareholders under state or local law as ordinary
                      income even though all or a portion of the amounts may be
                      derived from interest on tax-exempt obligations which, if
                      realized directly, would be exempt from such taxes.
                      Shareholders are advised to consult a tax advisor with
                      respect to whether exempt-interest dividends retain the
                      exclusion if such Shareholder would be treated as a
                      "substantial user" of a facility financed through certain
                      private activity bonds or a "related person" to such a
                      user under the Code.
    
 
                        Under the Code, interest on indebtedness incurred or
                      continued by a Shareholder to purchase or carry Shares of
                      the California Tax-Free Money Market Fund is not
                      deductible for federal income tax purposes to the extent
                      the Fund distributes exempt-interest dividends during the
                      Shareholder's taxable year.
 
                        Under the Code, if a Shareholder sells a Share of the
                      California Tax-Free Money Market Fund after holding it for
                      six months or less, any loss on the sale or exchange of
                      such Share will be disallowed to the extent of the amount
                      of any exempt-interest dividends that the Shareholder has
                      received with respect to the Share that is sold.
 
                        In addition, any loss (not already disallowed as
                      provided in the preceding sentence) realized upon a
                      taxable disposition of shares held for six months or less
                      will be treated as long-term, rather than short-term, to
                      the extent of any long-term capital gain distributions
                      received by the shareholder with respect to the shares.
 
                        The California Tax-Free Money Market Fund may at times
                      purchase Municipal Securities at a discount from the price
                      at which they were originally issued.
 
                                       27
<PAGE>   85
 
                      For federal income tax purposes, some or all of this
                      market discount will be included in the California
                      Tax-Free Money Market Fund's ordinary income and will be
                      taxable to Shareholders as such when it is distributed to
                      them.
 
                        To the extent dividends paid to Shareholders are derived
                      from taxable income (for example, from interest on
                      certificates of deposit or repurchase agreements), or from
                      long-term or short-term capital gains, such dividends will
                      be subject to federal income tax, whether such dividends
                      are paid in the form of cash or additional Shares. A
                      Shareholder should consult his or her tax advisor for
                      special advice.
 
                        Under the Code, dividends attributable to interest on
                      certain private activity bonds issued after August 7, 1986
                      must be included in alternative minimum taxable income for
                      the purpose of determining liability (if any) for the
                      federal alternative minimum tax. In addition,
                      exempt-interest dividends will be included in a
                      corporation's "adjusted current earnings" for purposes of
                      the alternative minimum tax (except to the extent derived
                      from interest on certain private activity bonds issued
                      after August 7, 1986, which interest would already be
                      included in alternative minimum taxable income as a
                      specific item of tax preference). Shareholders of the
                      California Tax-Free Money Market Fund receiving social
                      security or railroad retirement benefits may be taxed on a
                      portion of those benefits as a result of receiving
                      tax-exempt income (including exempt-interest dividends
                      distributed by the California Tax-Free Money Market Fund).
 
                        If, at the close of each quarter of its taxable year,
                      the California Tax-Free Money Market Fund continues to
                      qualify for the special federal income tax treatment
                      afforded regulated investment companies and at least 50%
                      of the value of the Fund's total assets consists of
                      California Exempt-Interest Securities, then "California
                      exempt interest dividends" attributable to these
                      securities will be exempt from California personal income
                      tax. A "California-exempt interest dividend" is any
                      dividend distributed by the Fund to the extent that it is
                      derived from the interest received by the Fund on
                      California Exempt-Interest Securities (less related
                      expenses) and designated as such by written notice to
                      Shareholders. For further details, see the Statement of
                      Additional Information. Dividends received by Shareholders
                      subject to California state corporate franchise tax will
                      be taxed as ordinary dividends notwithstanding that all or
                      a portion of such dividends are exempt from California
                      personal income tax. Distributions other than
                      "California-exempt interest dividends" by the Fund to
                      California residents will be subject to California
                      personal income tax, whether or not such dividends are
                      reinvested.
 
                        Additional information regarding federal and California
                      taxes is contained in the Statement of Additional
                      Information. However, the foregoing and the material in
                      the Statement of Additional Information are only brief
                      summaries of
 
                                       28
<PAGE>   86
 
                      some of the important tax considerations generally
                      affecting a money market fund and its Shareholders. In
                      addition, the foregoing discussion and the federal and
                      California tax information in the Statement of Additional
                      Information are based on tax laws and regulations which
                      are in effect as of the date of this Prospectus; these
                      laws and regulations may subsequently change, and such
                      changes could be retroactive. Shareholders will be advised
                      at least annually as to the federal income tax status,
                      and, in the case of Shareholders of the California
                      Tax-Free Money Market Fund, as to the California income
                      tax status, of distributions made during the year.
 
SERVICE
ARRANGEMENTS          The Advisor
 
   
                        The Pacific Alliance division of Union Bank of
                      California, N.A. serves as the Funds' investment advisor.
                      Subject to the general supervision of HighMark's Board of
                      Trustees, the Advisor manages each Fund in accordance with
                      its investment objective and policies, makes decisions
                      with respect to and places orders for all purchases and
                      sales of the Fund's investment securities, and maintains
                      the Fund's records relating to such purchases and sales.
    
 
   
                        For the expenses assumed and services provided by the
                      Advisor as each Fund's investment advisor, Union Bank of
                      California, N.A. receives a fee from the Diversified Money
                      Market Fund, the U.S. Government Money Market Fund, the
                      100% U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund, and the California
                      Tax-Free Money Market Fund computed daily and paid
                      monthly, at the annual rate of thirty one-hundredths of
                      one percent (.30%) of each Fund's average daily net
                      assets. Union Bank of California, N.A. may from time to
                      time agree to voluntarily reduce its advisory fee. While
                      there can be no assurance that Union Bank of California,
                      N.A. will choose to make such an agreement, any voluntary
                      reductions in Union Bank of California, N.A.'s advisory
                      fee will lower the Fund's expenses, and thus increase the
                      Fund's yield and total return, during the period such
                      voluntary reductions are in effect. Prior to April 28,
                      1997, the Diversified Money Market Fund and the California
                      Tax-Free Money Market Fund did not yet operate as HighMark
                      Funds. Fee and other information presented regarding these
                      Funds after that time only represents their operation as
                      HighMark Funds. Prior to operating as HighMark Funds,
                      these Funds had a fiscal year end of January 31.
    
 
   
                        During HighMark's fiscal year ended July 31, 1997, Union
                      Bank of California received investment advisory fees from
                      the Diversified Money Market Fund (February 1, 1997
                      through July 31, 1997) aggregating 0.30% of the Fund's
                      average daily net assets, from the U.S. Government Money
                      Market Fund aggregating 0.30% of the Fund's average daily
                      net assets, from the 100% U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund
                      aggregating 0.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets,
                      and from the California Tax-Free Money Market Fund
                      (February 1, 1997
    
 
                                       29
<PAGE>   87
 
   
                      through July 31, 1997) aggregating 0.10% of the Fund's
                      average daily net assets. For the period February 1, 1996
                      through January 31, 1997, Union Bank of California
                      received investment advisory fees from the Diversified
                      Money Market Fund aggregating 0.30% of the Fund's average
                      daily net assets and from the California Tax-Free Money
                      Market Fund aggregating 0.10% of the Fund's average daily
                      net assets.
    
 
   
                        On April 1, 1996, The Bank of California, N.A.,
                      HighMark's then investment advisor, combined with Union
                      Bank and the resulting bank changed its name to Union Bank
                      of California, N.A. At the same time, the banks'
                      investment management divisions were combined. Each of
                      Union Bank and The Bank of California, N.A. (or their
                      predecessor banks) has been in banking since the early
                      1900's and, historically, each has had significant
                      investment functions within its trust and investment
                      division. UnionBanCal Corporation, the parent of Union
                      Bank of California, N.A., is a publicly held corporation,
                      but is principally held by the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi,
                      Limited. As of September 30, 1997, UnionBanCal Corporation
                      and its subsidiaries had approximately $31 billion in
                      consolidated assets. The Pacific Alliance division of
                      Union Bank of California, N.A.'s Trust and Investment
                      Management Group, as of June 30, 1996, had approximately
                      $13.4 billion of assets under management. The Advisor,
                      with a team of approximately 45 stock and bond research
                      analysts, portfolio managers and traders, has been
                      providing investment management services to individuals,
                      institutions and large corporations since 1917.
    
 
                      Administrator
 
   
                        SEI Investments Fund Resources (the "Administrator") and
                      HighMark are parties to an administration agreement (the
                      "Administration Agreement"). Under the terms of the
                      Administration Agreement, the Administrator provides
                      HighMark with certain management services, including all
                      necessary office space, equipment, personnel, and
                      facilities.
    
 
                        The Administrator is entitled to a fee, which is
                      calculated daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate of
                      .20% of the average daily net assets of the Funds. The
                      Administrator may waive its fee or reimburse various
                      expenses to the extent necessary to limit the total
                      operating expenses of a Fund's Fiduciary Shares. Any such
                      waiver is voluntary and may be terminated at any time in
                      the Administrator's sole discretion. Currently, the
                      Administrator has agreed to waive its fee to the rate of
                      .18% of the average daily net assets of the Funds.
 
                        Pursuant to a separate agreement with the Administrator,
                      Union Bank of California, N.A. performs sub-administration
                      services on behalf of each Fund, for which it receives a
                      fee paid by the Administrator at the annual rate of up to
                      0.05% of the average daily net assets of the Funds. A
                      description of the services
 
                                       30
<PAGE>   88
 
                      performed by Union Bank of California, N.A. pursuant to
                      this Agreement is contained in the Statement of Additional
                      Information.
 
                      The Transfer Agent
 
                        State Street Bank and Trust Company serves as the
                      transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent, and as a
                      shareholder servicing agent for the Fiduciary Shares of
                      HighMark, for which services it receives a fee.
 
                      Shareholder Service Plan
 
                        To support the provision of Shareholder services to both
                      classes of Shares, HighMark has adopted a Shareholder
                      Service Plan. A description of the services performed by
                      service providers pursuant to the Shareholder Service Plan
                      is contained in the Statement of Additional Information.
                      In consideration of services provided by any service
                      provider, which may include Union Bank of California,
                      N.A., Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi, Ltd., or their respective
                      affiliates, each Fund may pay a fee at the rate of up to
                      0.25% of its average daily net assets to such service
                      provider. The service provider may waive such fees at any
                      time. Any such waiver is voluntary and may be terminated
                      at any time. Currently, such fees are being waived to the
                      rate of 0.00% of average daily net assets.
 
                      Distributor
 
   
                        SEI Investments Distribution Co. (the "Distributor") and
                      HighMark are parties to a distribution agreement
                      ("Distribution Agreement"). The Distribution Agreement is
                      renewable annually and may be terminated by the
                      Distributor, by a majority vote of the Disinterested
                      Trustees or by a majority vote of the outstanding
                      securities of HighMark upon not more than 60 days written
                      notice by either party, or upon assignment by the
                      Distributor. Fiduciary Shares are not subject to
                      HighMark's Distribution Plan or a distribution fee.
    
 
                      Banking Laws
 
   
                        Union Bank of California, N.A. believes that it may
                      perform the services for the Funds contemplated by its
                      investment advisory agreement with HighMark without a
                      violation of applicable banking laws and regulations.
                      Union Bank of California, N.A. also believes that it may
                      perform sub-administration and sub-accounting services on
                      behalf of each Fund, for which it receives compensation
                      from SEI Investments Fund Resources without a violation of
                      applicable banking laws and regulations. Future changes in
                      federal or state statutes and regulations relating to
                      permissible activities of banks or bank holding companies
                      and their subsidiaries and affiliates, as well as further
                      judicial or administrative decisions or interpretations of
                      present and future statutes and regulations, could change
                      the manner in which Union Bank of California, N.A. or the
                      Advisor could continue to
    
 
                                       31
<PAGE>   89
 
                      perform such services for the Funds. For a further
                      discussion of applicable banking laws and regulations, see
                      the Statement of Additional Information.
 
                      Custodian
 
                        Union Bank of California, N.A. also serves as the
                      custodian and as a shareholder servicing agent for the
                      Funds. The Custodian holds cash, securities and other
                      assets of HighMark as required by the 1940 Act.
 
                        Services performed by Union Bank of California, N.A., as
                      the Funds' shareholder servicing agent and custodian, as
                      well as the basis of remuneration for such services, are
                      described in the Statement of Additional Information.
 
GENERAL
INFORMATION           Description of HighMark & Its Shares
 
                        HighMark was organized as a Massachusetts business trust
                      on March 10, 1987, and consists of sixteen series of
                      Shares open for investment representing units of
                      beneficial interest in HighMark's Growth Fund, Income
                      Equity Fund, Balanced Fund, Value Momentum Fund, Blue Chip
                      Growth Fund, Emerging Growth Fund, International Equity
                      Fund, Bond Fund, Intermediate-Term Bond Fund, Government
                      Securities Fund, Convertible Securities Fund, California
                      Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund, Diversified Money Market
                      Fund, U.S. Government Money Market Fund, 100% U.S.
                      Treasury Money Market Fund and California Tax-Free Money
                      Market Fund. Shares of each Fund are freely transferable,
                      are entitled to distributions from the assets of the Fund
                      as declared by the Board of Trustees, and, if HighMark
                      were liquidated, would receive a pro rata share of the net
                      assets attributable to that Fund. Shares are without par
                      value.
 
                        As noted above, pursuant to a Multiple Class Plan on
                      file with the Securities and Exchange Commission
                      permitting the issuance and sale of three classes of
                      Shares in selected Funds, Shares of such Funds have been
                      divided into three classes, designated Class A and Class B
                      Shares (collectively "Retail Shares") and Fiduciary
                      Shares. For information regarding the Retail Shares of the
                      Funds, interested persons may contact the Distributor for
                      a prospectus at 1-800-433-6884.
 
                        HighMark believes that as of November 22, 1996 Union
                      Bank of California, N.A. (475 Sansome Street, Post Office
                      Box 45000, San Francisco, CA 94104) was the Shareholder of
                      record of 98.42% of the Fiduciary Shares of the
                      Diversified Money Market Fund, 93.46% of the Fiduciary
                      Shares of the U.S. Government Money Market Fund, 95.03% of
                      the Fiduciary Shares of the 100% U.S. Treasury Money
                      Market Fund, and substantially all of the Fiduciary Shares
                      of the California Tax-Free Money Market Fund.
 
                                       32
<PAGE>   90
 
                      Performance Information
 
                        From time to time, HighMark may advertise the "yield"
                      and "effective yield" with respect to the Fiduciary Shares
                      of each Fund and a "tax-equivalent yield" and
                      "tax-equivalent effective yield" for federal, California
                      and Oregon income tax purposes with regard to the
                      Fiduciary Shares of each of the 100% U.S. Treasury Money
                      Market Fund and the California Tax-Free Money Market Fund.
                      Performance information is computed separately for a
                      Fund's Retail and Fiduciary Shares in accordance with the
                      formulas described below. Each yield figure is based on
                      historical earnings and is not intended to indicate future
                      performance.
 
                        The "yield" of a Fund's Fiduciary Shares refers to the
                      income generated by an investment in the class over a
                      seven-day period (which period will be stated in the
                      advertisement). This income is then "annualized." That is,
                      the amount of income generated by the investment during
                      that week is assumed to be generated each week over a
                      52-week period and is shown as a percentage of the
                      investment. The "effective yield" is calculated similarly
                      but, when annualized, the income earned by an investment
                      in the class is assumed to be reinvested. The "effective
                      yield" will be slightly higher than the "yield" because of
                      the compounding effect of this assumed reinvestment.
 
                        The 100% U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund's
                      tax-equivalent yield and tax-equivalent effective yield
                      will reflect the amount of income subject to California or
                      Oregon personal income taxation at the rate specified in
                      the advertisement that a taxpayer would have to earn in
                      order to obtain the same after tax income as that derived
                      from the yield and effective yield of the Fiduciary class.
                      The California Tax-Free Money Market Fund's tax-equivalent
                      yield and tax-equivalent effective yield reflect the
                      amount of income subject to federal income taxation and
                      California personal income taxation at the rate specified
                      in the advertisement that a taxpayer would have to earn in
                      order to obtain the same after tax income as that derived
                      from the yield and effective yield of the Fiduciary class.
 
                        Tax-equivalent yields and tax-equivalent effective
                      yields with respect to a class will be significantly
                      higher than the yield and effective yield of that class.
 
                        From time to time, HighMark may advertise the aggregate
                      total return and average annual total return of the Funds.
                      The aggregate total return and average annual total return
                      of each Fund may be quoted for the life of each Fund and
                      for five-year and one-year periods, in each case, through
                      the most recent calendar quarter. Aggregate total return
                      is determined by calculating the change in the value of a
                      hypothetical $1,000 investment in a Fund over the
                      applicable period that would equate the initial amount
                      invested to the ending redeemable value of the investment.
                      The ending redeemable value includes dividends and capital
                      gain distributions reinvested at net asset value. Average
                      annual total return is calcu-
 
                                       33
<PAGE>   91
 
                      lated by annualizing a Fund's aggregate total return over
                      the relevant number of years. The resulting percentage
                      indicates the positive or negative investment results that
                      an investor in a Fund would have experienced from changes
                      in Share price and reinvestment of dividends and capital
                      gain distributions.
 
                        Each Fund may periodically compare its performance to
                      the performance of: other mutual funds tracked by
                      mutual-fund rating services (such as Lipper Analytical),
                      financial and business publications and periodicals; broad
                      groups of comparable mutual funds; unmanaged indices which
                      may assume investment of dividends but generally do not
                      reflect deductions for administrative and management
                      costs; or other investment alternatives. Certain Funds may
                      advertise performance that includes results from periods
                      in which the Fund's assets were managed in a
                      non-registered predecessor vehicle.
 
                      Miscellaneous
 
                        Shareholders will be sent unaudited semi-annual reports
                      and annual reports audited by independent public
                      accountants.
 
                        Shareholders are entitled to one vote for each Share
                      held in a Fund as determined on the record date for any
                      action requiring a vote by the Shareholders, and a
                      proportionate fractional vote for each fractional Share
                      held. Shareholders of HighMark will vote in the aggregate
                      and not by series or class except (i) as otherwise
                      expressly required by law or when HighMark's Board of
                      Trustees determines that the matter to be voted upon
                      affects only the interests of the Shareholders of a
                      particular series or particular class, and (ii) only
                      Retail Shares will be entitled to vote on matters
                      submitted to a Shareholder vote relating to the
                      Distribution Plan. HighMark is not required to hold
                      regular annual meetings of Shareholders, but may hold
                      special meetings from time to time.
 
                        HighMark's Trustees are elected by Shareholders, except
                      that vacancies may be filled by vote of the Board of
                      Trustees. Trustees may be removed by the Board of
                      Trustees, or by Shareholders at a meeting called for such
                      purpose. For information about how Shareholders may call
                      such a meeting and communicate with other Shareholders for
                      that purpose, see ADDITIONAL INFORMATION--Miscellaneous in
                      the Statement of Additional Information.
 
                        Inquiries may be directed in writing to SEI Financial
                      Services Company, Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456, or by calling
                      toll free 1-800-433-6884.
 
DESCRIPTION OF
PERMITTED
INVESTMENTS             The following is a description of permitted investments
                      for the HighMark Money Market Funds.
 
                        ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES (NON-MORTGAGE)--Debt Instruments
                      secured by company receivables, truck and auto loans,
                      leases, and credit card
 
                                       34
<PAGE>   92
 
                      receivables. Such securities are generally issued as
                      pass-through certificates, which represent undivided
                      fractional ownership interests in the underlying pools of
                      assets. Such securities also may be debt instruments,
                      which are also known as collateralized obligations and are
                      generally issued as the debt of a special purpose entity,
                      such as a trust, organized solely for the purpose of
                      owning such assets and issuing such debt. The purchase of
                      non-mortgage asset-backed securities raises risk
                      considerations peculiar to the financing of the
                      instruments underlying such securities. Asset-backed
                      securities entail prepayment risk, which may vary
                      depending on the type of asset, but is generally less than
                      the prepayment risk associated with mortgage-backed
                      securities.
 
                        Like mortgages underlying mortgage-backed securities,
                      underlying automobile sales contracts or credit card
                      receivables are subject to substantial prepayment risk,
                      which may reduce the overall return to certificate
                      holders. Nevertheless, principal prepayment rates tend not
                      to vary as much in response to changes in interest rates
                      and the short-term nature of the underlying car loans or
                      other receivables tend to dampen the impact of any change
                      in the prepayment level. Certificate holders may also
                      experience delays in payment on the certificates if the
                      full amounts due on underlying sales contracts or
                      receivables are not realized by the trust because of
                      unanticipated legal or administrative costs of enforcing
                      the contracts or because of depreciation or damage to the
                      collateral (usually automobiles) securing certain
                      contracts, or other factors. If consistent with their
                      investment objectives and policies, the Money Market Funds
                      may invest in other asset-backed securities that may be
                      developed in the future.
 
                        BANKERS' ACCEPTANCES--Bills of exchange or time drafts
                      drawn on and accepted by commercial banks. They are used
                      by corporations to finance the shipment and storage of
                      goods and to furnish dollar exchange. Maturities are
                      generally six months or less.
 
                        CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT--Negotiable interest-bearing
                      instruments with a specific maturity. Certificates of
                      deposit are issued by banks and savings and loan
                      institutions in exchange for the deposit of funds and
                      normally can be traded in the secondary market prior to
                      maturity.
 
                        COMMERCIAL PAPER--Unsecured short-term promissory notes
                      issued by corporations and other entities. Maturities on
                      these issues vary from a few days to nine months. Purchase
                      of such instruments involves a risk of default by the
                      issuer.
 
                        DERIVATIVES--Instruments whose value is derived from an
                      underlying contract, index or security, or any combination
                      thereof, including futures, options (e.g., puts and
                      calls), options on futures, swap agreements, and some
                      mortgage-backed securities (CMOs, REMICs, IOs and POs).
                      See elsewhere in this "DESCRIPTION OF PERMITTED
                      INVESTMENTS" for discussions of these
 
                                       35
<PAGE>   93
 
                      various instruments, and see "INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES" and
                      "INVESTMENT POLICIES" for more information about any
                      policies and limitations applicable to their use.
 
                        INVESTMENT GRADE BONDS--Interest-bearing or discounted
                      government or corporate securities that obligate the
                      issuer to pay the bondholder a specified sum of money,
                      usually at specific intervals, and to repay the principal
                      amount of the loan at maturity. Investment grade bonds are
                      those rated BBB or better by S&P or Baa or better by
                      Moody's or similarly rated by other NRSROs, or, if not
                      rated, determined to be of comparable quality by the
                      Advisor.
 
                        LOAN PARTICIPATIONS--Loan participations are interests
                      in loans to U.S. corporations (i.e., borrowers) which are
                      administered by the lending bank or agent for a syndicate
                      of lending banks, and sold by the lending bank or
                      syndicate member ("intermediary bank"). In a loan
                      participation, the borrower of the underlying loan will be
                      deemed to be the issuer of the participation interest
                      (except to the extent a purchasing Fund derives its rights
                      from the intermediary bank). Because the intermediary bank
                      does not guarantee a loan participation in any way, a loan
                      participation is subject to the credit risks associated
                      with the underlying corporate borrower. In addition, in
                      the event the underlying corporate borrower fails to pay
                      principal and interest when due, a Fund may encounter
                      delays, expenses and risks that are greater than those
                      that would have been involved if the Fund had purchased a
                      direct obligation (such as commercial paper) of such
                      borrower because it may be necessary under the terms of
                      the loan participation, for the Fund to assert its rights
                      against the borrower through the intermediary bank.
                      Moreover, under the terms of a loan participation, the
                      purchasing Fund may be regarded as a creditor of the
                      intermediary bank (rather than of the underlying corporate
                      borrower), so that a Fund may also be subject to the risk
                      that the issuing bank may become insolvent. Further, in
                      the event of the bankruptcy or insolvency of the corporate
                      borrower, a loan participation may be subject to certain
                      defenses that can be asserted by such borrower as a result
                      of improper conduct by the issuing bank. The secondary
                      market, if any, for these loan participations is limited,
                      and any such participation purchased by a Fund may be
                      regarded as illiquid.
 
                        MUNICIPAL FORWARDS--Municipal Forwards are forward
                      commitments for the purchase of tax-exempt bonds with a
                      specified coupon to be delivered by an issuer at a future
                      date, typically exceeding 45 days but normally less than
                      one year after the commitment date. Municipal forwards are
                      normally used as a refunding mechanism for bonds that may
                      only be redeemed on a designated future date. As with
                      forward commitments and when-issued securities, municipal
                      forwards are subject to market fluctuations due to
                      changes, real or anticipated, in market interest rates
                      between the commitment date and the settlement date and
 
                                       36
<PAGE>   94
 
                      will have the effect of leveraging the Fund's assets.
                      Municipal forwards may be considered to be illiquid
                      investments. The Fund will maintain liquid, high-grade
                      securities in a segregated account in an amount at least
                      equal to the purchase price of the municipal forward.
 
                        MUNICIPAL SECURITIES--Municipal securities consist of
                      (i) debt obligations issued by or on behalf of public
                      authorities to obtain funds to be used for various public
                      facilities, for refunding outstanding obligations, for
                      general operating expenses and for lending such funds to
                      other public institutions and facilities, and (ii) certain
                      private activity and industrial development bonds issued
                      by or on behalf of public authorities to obtain funds to
                      provide for the construction, equipment, repair or
                      improvement of privately operated facilities. Municipal
                      notes include general obligation notes, tax anticipation
                      notes, revenue anticipation notes, bond anticipation
                      notes, certificates of indebtedness, demand notes and
                      construction loan notes.
 
                        Municipal bonds include general obligation bonds,
                      revenue or special obligation bonds, private activity and
                      industrial development bonds. General obligation bonds are
                      backed by the taxing power of the issuing municipality.
                      Revenue bonds are backed by the revenues of a project or
                      facility, tolls from a toll bridge, for example. The
                      payment of principal and interest on private activity and
                      industrial development bonds generally is dependent solely
                      on the ability of the facility's user to meet its
                      financial obligations and the pledge, if any, of real and
                      personal property so financed as security for such
                      payment.
 
                        PARTICIPATION INTERESTS--Participation interests are
                      interests in municipal securities from financial
                      institutions such as commercial and investment banks,
                      savings and loan associations and insurance companies.
                      These interests may take the form of participations,
                      beneficial interests in a trust, partnership interests or
                      any other form of indirect ownership that allows the Fund
                      to treat the income from the investment as exempt from
                      federal income tax. The Fund invests in these
                      participation interests in order to obtain credit
                      enhancement or demand features that would not be available
                      through direct ownership of the underlying municipal
                      securities.
 
                        RECEIPTS--Interests in separately traded interest and
                      principal component parts of U.S. Treasury obligations
                      that are issued by banks and brokerage firms and are
                      created by depositing Treasury notes and Treasury bonds
                      into a special account at a custodian bank. The custodian
                      holds the interest and principal payments for the benefit
                      of the registered owners of the certificates of such
                      receipts. The custodian arranges for the issuance of the
                      certificates or receipts evidencing ownership and
                      maintains the register. Receipts include "Treasury
                      Receipts" ("TR's"), "Treasury Investment Growth Receipts"
                      ("TIGR's"), and "Certificates of Accrual on Treasury
                      Securities" ("CATS"). TR's, TIGR's and
 
                                       37
<PAGE>   95
 
                      CATS are sold as zero coupon securities, which means that
                      they are sold at a substantial discount and redeemed at
                      face value at their maturity date without interim cash
                      payments of interest or principal. This discount is
                      accreted over the life of the security, and such accretion
                      will constitute the income earned on the security for both
                      accounting and tax purposes. Because of these features,
                      such securities may be subject to greater interest rate
                      volatility than interest-paying securities. See also
                      "FEDERAL TAXATION."
 
                        REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS--Agreements whereby a Fund will
                      acquire securities from approved financial institutions or
                      registered broker-dealers that agree to repurchase the
                      securities at a mutually agreed-upon date and price. The
                      repurchase agreements entered into by the Funds will
                      provide that the underlying security at all times shall
                      have a value equal to 102% of the resale price stated in
                      the agreement. Repurchase agreements involving government
                      securities are not subject to a Fund's fundamental
                      investment limitation on purchasing securities of any one
                      issuer. If the seller defaults on its repurchase
                      obligation or becomes insolvent, the Fund holding such
                      obligations would suffer a loss to the extent that either
                      the proceeds from a sale of the underlying portfolio
                      securities were less than the repurchase price or the
                      Fund's disposition of the securities was delayed pending
                      court action. Securities subject to repurchase agreements
                      will be held by a qualified custodian or in the Federal
                      Reserve/Treasury book-entry system. Repurchase agreements
                      are considered to be loans by a Fund under the Investment
                      Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act").
 
                        REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS--A Fund may borrow funds
                      for temporary purposes by entering into reverse repurchase
                      agreements, provided such action is consistent with the
                      Fund's investment objective and fundamental investment
                      restrictions; as a matter of non-fundamental policy, each
                      Fund intends to limit such investments to no more than 10%
                      of the value of its total assets. Pursuant to a reverse
                      repurchase agreement, a Fund will sell portfolio
                      securities to financial institutions such as banks or to
                      broker-dealers, and agree to repurchase the securities at
                      a mutually agreed-upon date and price. A Fund intends to
                      enter into reverse repurchase agreements only to avoid
                      otherwise selling securities during unfavorable market
                      conditions to meet redemptions. At the time a Fund enters
                      into a reverse repurchase agreement, it will place in a
                      segregated custodial account assets such as U.S.
                      Government securities or other liquid, high-quality debt
                      securities consistent with the Fund's investment objective
                      having a value equal to 102% of the repurchase price
                      (including accrued interest), and will subsequently
                      monitor the account to ensure that an equivalent 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 at which a Fund is obligated to
                      repurchase the securities. Reverse repurchase agreements
                      are considered to be borrowings by a Fund under the 1940
                      Act.
 
                                       38
<PAGE>   96
 
                        RULE 144A SECURITIES--Rule 144A Securities are
                      securities that have not been registered under the
                      Securities Act of 1933, but which may be traded between
                      certain qualified institutional investors, including
                      investment companies. The absence of a secondary market
                      may affect the value of the Rule 144A Securities. The
                      Board of Trustees of the Group has established guidelines
                      and procedures to be utilized to determine the liquidity
                      of such securities.
 
                        SECURITIES ISSUED ON A FORWARD COMMITMENT BASIS OR
                      WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES--Securities purchased for delivery
                      beyond the normal settlement date at a stated price and
                      yield and which thereby involve a risk that the yield
                      obtained in the transaction will be less than that
                      available in the market when delivery takes place. When a
                      Fund agrees to purchase when-issued securities or enter
                      into forward commitments, the Group's custodian will be
                      instructed to set aside cash or liquid portfolio
                      securities equal to the amount of the commitment in a
                      segregated account. A Fund will generally not pay for such
                      securities and no income will accrue on the securities
                      until they are received. These securities are recorded as
                      an asset and are subject to changes in value based upon
                      changes in the general level of interest rates. Therefore,
                      the purchase of securities on a "when-issued" basis or
                      forward commitments may increase the risk of fluctuations
                      in a Fund's net asset value.
 
                        SECURITIES LENDING--During the time portfolio securities
                      are on loan from a Fund, the borrower will pay the Fund
                      any dividends or interest paid on the securities. In
                      addition, loans will be subject to termination by the Fund
                      or the borrower at any time and, while a Fund will
                      generally not have the right to vote securities on loan,
                      it will terminate the loan and regain the right to vote if
                      that is considered important with respect to the
                      investment. While the lending of securities may subject a
                      Fund to certain risks, such as delays or an inability to
                      regain the securities in the event the borrower were to
                      default on its lending agreement or enter into bankruptcy,
                      a Fund will receive 100% collateral in the form of cash or
                      U.S. Government securities. This collateral will be valued
                      daily by the lending agent, with oversight by the Advisor,
                      and, should the market value of the loaned securities
                      increase, the borrower will be required to furnish
                      additional collateral to the Fund.
 
                        SECURITIES SUBJECT TO A PUT FEATURE--A "put" feature
                      permits a Fund to sell a fixed income security at a fixed
                      price prior to maturity. The underlying fixed income
                      securities subject to a put may be sold at any time at the
                      market rates. However, unless the put was an integral part
                      of the fixed income security as originally issued, it may
                      not be marketable or assignable. Generally, a premium is
                      paid for a put feature or a put feature is purchased
                      separately which results in a lower yield than would
                      otherwise be available for the same fixed income
                      securities.
 
                                       39
<PAGE>   97
 
                        TAX-EXEMPT COMMERCIAL PAPER--Commercial paper, which is
                      commercial paper issued by governments and political
                      sub-divisions.
 
                        TIME DEPOSITS--Non-negotiable receipts issued by U.S. or
                      foreign banks in exchange for the deposit of funds. Like
                      certificates of deposit, they earn a specified rate of
                      interest over a definite period of time; however, they
                      cannot be traded in the secondary market. Time deposits
                      with a withdrawal penalty are considered to be illiquid
                      securities.
 
                        U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY SECURITIES--Certain Federal
                      agencies have been established as instrumentalities of the
                      U.S. Government to supervise and finance certain types of
                      activities. Issues of these agencies, while not direct
                      obligations of the U.S. Government, are either backed by
                      the full faith and credit of the United States (e.g., GNMA
                      securities) or supported by the issuing agencies' right to
                      borrow from the U.S. Treasury. The issues of other
                      agencies are supported only by the credit of the
                      instrumentality (e.g., FNMA securities).
 
                        U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS--Bills, notes, and bonds
                      issued by the U.S. Treasury, as well as separately traded
                      interest and principal component parts of such obligations
                      known as Separately Traded Registered Interest and
                      Principal Securities ("STRIPS") that are transferable
                      through the Federal book-entry system.
 
                        U.S. Government Securities generally do not involve the
                      credit risks associated with investments in other types of
                      fixed-income securities, although, as a result, the yields
                      available from U.S. Government Securities are generally
                      lower than the yields available from otherwise comparable
                      corporate fixed-income securities. Like other fixed-income
                      securities, however, the values of U.S. Government
                      Securities change as interest rates fluctuate.
                      Fluctuations in the value of portfolio securities will in
                      many cases not affect interest income on existing
                      portfolio securities, but will be reflected in the Fund's
                      net asset value. Because the magnitude of these
                      fluctuations will generally be greater at times when a
                      Fund's average maturity is longer, under certain market
                      conditions the Fund may invest in short-term investments
                      yielding lower current income rather than investing in
                      higher yielding longer-term securities.
 
                        VARIABLE AMOUNT MASTER DEMAND NOTES--Unsecured demand
                      notes that permit the indebtedness thereunder to vary and
                      provide for periodic adjustments in the interest rate
                      according to the terms of the instrument. Because master
                      demand notes are direct lending arrangements between
                      HighMark and the issuer, they are not normally traded.
                      Although there is no secondary market in these notes, the
                      Fund may demand payment of principal and accrued interest
                      at specified intervals. For purposes of the Fund's
                      investment policies, a variable amount master demand note
                      will be deemed to have a maturity equal to the
 
                                       40
<PAGE>   98
 
                      longer of the period of time remaining until the next
                      readjustment of its interest rate or the period of time
                      remaining until the principal amount can be recovered from
                      the issuer through demand.
 
                        VARIABLE AND FLOATING RATE INSTRUMENTS--Obligations that
                      may carry variable or floating rates of interest, may
                      involve conditional or unconditional demand features and
                      may include variable amount master demand notes. The
                      interest rates on these securities may be reset daily,
                      weekly, quarterly or some other reset period, and may have
                      a floor or ceiling on interest rate changes. There is a
                      risk that the current interest rate on such obligations
                      may not accurately reflect existing market interest rates.
                      A demand instrument with a demand notice period exceeding
                      seven days may be considered illiquid if there is no
                      secondary market for such security.
 
                        YANKEE BONDS--Dollar-denominated securities issued by
                      foreign-domiciled issuers that obligate the issuer to pay
                      the bondholder a specified sum of money, usually
                      semiannually, and to repay the principal amount of the
                      loan at maturity. Sovereign bonds are bonds issued by the
                      governments of foreign countries. Supranational bonds are
                      those issued by supranational entities, such as the World
                      Bank and European Investment Bank. Canadian bonds are
                      bonds issued by Canadian provinces.
 
                        ZERO-COUPON OBLIGATIONS--Non-income producing securities
                      evidencing ownership of future interest and principal
                      payments on bonds. These obligations pay no current
                      interest and are typically sold at prices greatly
                      discounted from par value. The return on a zero-coupon
                      obligation, when held to maturity, equals the difference
                      between the par value and the original purchase price.
 
                        For federal income tax purposes, the difference between
                      the par value and the original issue price (original issue
                      discount) is included in the income of a holder of a
                      zero-coupon obligation over the term of the obligation
                      even though the interest is not paid until maturity. The
                      amount included in income is determined under a constant
                      interest rate method. In addition, if an obligation is
                      purchased subsequent to its original issue, a holder such
                      as the Income Funds may elect to include market discount
                      in income currently on a ratable accrual method or a
                      constant interest rate method. Market discount is the
                      difference between the obligation's "adjusted issue price"
                      (the original issue price plus original issue discount
                      accrued to date) and the holder's purchase price. If no
                      such election is made, gain on the disposition of a market
                      discount obligation is treated as ordinary income (rather
                      than capital gain) to the extent it does not exceed the
                      accrued market discount.
 
                        Zero-coupon obligations have greater price volatility
                      than other fixed-income obligations of similar maturity
                      and such obligations will be purchased when the yield
                      spread, in light of the obligation's duration, is
                      considered advantageous.
 
                                       41
<PAGE>   99
 
                          HighMark MONEY MARKET FUNDS
                            INVESTMENT PORTFOLIOS OF
                                 Highmark FUNDS
                   For further information (including current
                  yield, purchase and redemption information),
                              call 1-800-433-6884
 
   
INVESTMENT ADVISOR
    
   
The Pacific Alliance
    
   
division of Union Bank of California, N.A.
    
475 Sansome Street
Post Office Box 45000
San Francisco, CA 94104
 
CUSTODIAN
Union Bank of California, N.A.
475 Sansome Street
Post Office Box 45000
San Francisco, CA 94104
 
ADMINISTRATOR & DISTRIBUTOR
   
SEI Investments Fund Resources and
    
   
SEI Investments Distribution Co.
    
Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456
 
LEGAL COUNSEL
Ropes & Gray
One Franklin Square
1301 K Street, N.W., Suite 800 East
Washington, D.C. 20005
 
AUDITORS
Deloitte & Touche LLP
1700 Courthouse Plaza Northeast
Dayton, OH 45402
 
  NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS 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 HIGHMARK OR
ITS DISTRIBUTOR. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFERING BY HIGHMARK OR
BY THE DISTRIBUTOR IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH OFFERING MAY NOT LAWFULLY
BE MADE.
 
NOT FDIC INSURED
<PAGE>   100




                                   HIGHMARK FUNDS PROSPECTUS

                                   INVESTMENT ADVISOR
                                   Pacific Alliance Capital Management,
                                   a division of Union Bank of California, N.A.
                                   475 Sansome Street
                                   Post Office Box 45000
                                   San Francisco, CA 94104

                                   CUSTODIAN
                                   Union Bank of California, N.A.
                                   475 Sansome Street
                                   Post Office Box 45000
                                   San Francisco, CA 94104

                                   ADMINISTRATOR & DISTRIBUTOR
                                   SEI Fund Resources and
                                   SEI Investments Distribution Co.
                                   One Freedom Valley Drive
                                   Oaks, PA 19456

                                   LEGAL COUNSEL
                                   Ropes & Gray
                                   One Franklin Square
                                   1301 K Street, N.W., Suite 800 East
                                   Washington, D.C. 20005

                                   AUDITORS
                                   Deloitte & Touche LLP
                                   50 Fremont Street
                                   San Francisco, CA 94105-2230
                                   
For further information call
1-800-433-6884
or visit our web site at
www.highmark-funds.com


[HIGHMARK FUNDS LOGO]
<PAGE>   101
                             CROSS REFERENCE SHEET

   
                             HIGHMARK EQUITY FUNDS
                          HIGHMARK FIXED INCOME FUNDS
    


<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>                                 
FORM N-1A PART A ITEM                                          PROSPECTUS CAPTION

1. Cover Page                                                  Cover Page

2. Synopsis                                                    Fee Table

3. Condensed Financial Information                             Financial Highlights; Performance
                                                               Information

4. General Description of Registrant                           Fund Description; Investment Objectives;
                                                               Investment Policies; General
                                                               Information--Description of HighMark &
                                                               Its Shares

5. Management of the Fund                                      Service Arrangements

5A. Management's Discussion of Fund
         Performance                                           Inapplicable

6. Capital Stock and Other Securities                          How to Purchase Shares; Exchange
                                                               Privileges; Redemption of Shares;
                                                               Dividends; Federal Taxation; Service
                                                               Arrangements--Administrator; Distributor;
                                                               The Distribution Plan; General
                                                               Information--Description of HighMark &
                                                               Its Shares; General Information--
                                                               Miscellaneous

7. Purchase of Securities Being Offered                        How to Purchase Shares; Exchange
                                                               Privileges; Service Arrangements--
                                                               Administrator; Distributor; The
                                                               Distribution Plan

8. Redemption or Repurchase                                    Redemption of Shares

9. Pending Legal Proceedings                                   Inapplicable
</TABLE>


<PAGE>   102








                                - Equity Funds
                                - Fixed Income Funds

                                  PROSPECTUS







                                        Retail Shares
                                    November 30, 1997
<PAGE>   103
 
                                 HIGHMARK FUNDS
 
   
                                  EQUITY FUNDS
    
   
                               FIXED INCOME FUNDS
    
 
  HighMark Funds ("HighMark") is an open-end, diversified, registered investment
company that offers a convenient means of investing in one or more
professionally managed portfolios of securities. This Prospectus relates to the
Class A and Class B Shares of HighMark's:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                           <C>
- - Income Equity Fund          - Intermediate-Term Bond Fund
- - Value Momentum Fund         - Bond Fund
- - Growth Fund                 - Balanced Fund
- - Emerging Growth Fund        - California Intermediate Tax-Free
                                Bond Fund
</TABLE>
 
                                 RETAIL SHARES
 
  HighMark's Retail Shares are offered to investors who are not fiduciary
clients of Union Bank of California, N.A., and who are not otherwise eligible
for HighMark's Fiduciary Shares.
 
  This Prospectus sets forth concisely the information about HighMark and the
Funds that a prospective investor should know before investing. Investors are
advised to read this Prospectus and retain it for future reference. A Statement
of Additional Information dated the same date as this Prospectus has been filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is available without charge by
writing the Distributor, SEI Investments Distribution Co., Oaks, Pennsylvania
19456, or by calling 1-800-433-6884. The Statement of Additional Information is
incorporated into this Prospectus by reference. This Prospectus relates only to
the Retail Shares of the Funds. Interested persons who wish to obtain a
prospectus for other Funds and classes of HighMark may contact the Distributor
at the above address and telephone number.
  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.
 
HIGHMARK'S SHARES ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED OR ENDORSED
BY, ANY BANK, INCLUDING UNION BANK OF CALIFORNIA, N.A., BANK OF
TOKYO-MITSUBISHI, LIMITED OR ANY OF THEIR AFFILIATES OR CORRESPONDENTS.
HIGHMARK'S SHARES ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE
CORPORATION OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY. INVESTMENT IN HIGHMARK INVOLVES
RISKS, INCLUDING POSSIBLE LOSS OF THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT INVESTED.
 
   
November 30, 1997
    
 
Retail Shares
<PAGE>   104
 
                                    SUMMARY
 
  HIGHMARK FUNDS ("HighMark") is an open-end, diversified, registered investment
company providing a convenient way to invest in professionally managed
portfolios of securities. The following provides basic information about the
Class A and Class B Shares (collectively, "Retail Shares") of the Income Equity,
Value Momentum, Growth and Balanced Funds, and the Class A Shares of the
Emerging Growth, Intermediate-Term Bond, Bond, and California Intermediate
Tax-Free Bond Funds (each a "Fund" and together the "Funds"). This summary is
qualified in its entirety by reference to the more detailed information provided
elsewhere in the Prospectus and in the Statement of Additional Information.
 
  WHAT ARE THE FUNDS' INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES? THE INCOME EQUITY FUND seeks
investments in equity securities that provide current income through the regular
payment of dividends, with the goal that the Fund will have a high current yield
and a low level of price volatility; opportunity for long-term growth of asset
value is a secondary consideration. THE VALUE MOMENTUM FUND seeks long-term
capital growth with a secondary objective of income. THE GROWTH FUND seeks
long-term capital appreciation through investments in equity securities; the
production of current income is an incidental objective. THE EMERGING GROWTH
FUND seeks long-term growth of capital by investing in a diversified portfolio
of equity securities of small capitalization, emerging growth companies
(collectively these four Funds are sometimes referred to in this Prospectus as
the "Equity Funds."). THE INTERMEDIATE-TERM BOND FUND seeks total return through
investments in fixed-income securities. THE BOND FUND seeks current income
through investments in long-term, fixed-income securities (together with the
Intermediate-Term Bond Fund, the "Fixed Income Funds"). THE BALANCED FUND seeks
capital appreciation and income, with a secondary investment objective of
conservation of capital. THE CALIFORNIA INTERMEDIATE TAX-FREE BOND FUND seeks to
provide high current income that is exempt from federal and State of California
income taxes. (See "INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES.")
 
   
  WHAT ARE THE FUNDS' PERMITTED INVESTMENTS? Each of the Equity Funds primarily
invests, consistent with its investment objective, in equity securities
including common stocks and securities convertible into common stocks. The
Intermediate-Term Bond Fund primarily invests in bonds. The Bond Fund primarily
invests in long-term bonds. Bonds include debt obligations such as bonds, notes,
debentures and securities convertible into or exercisable for debt obligations
that are issued by U.S. corporations or issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
Government, its agencies, or instrumentalities; investments may also include
zero-coupon obligations, mortgage-related securities and asset-backed
securities. The Balanced Fund primarily invests, consistent with its investment
objective, in equity securities including common stocks and securities
convertible into common stocks and may also invest in fixed income securities.
The California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund invests primarily in investment
grade or better bonds and notes issued by the State of California, its agencies,
instrumentalities and political sub-divisions, the income on which is exempt
from regular federal and State of California personal income taxes ("California
Municipal Securities"). Each Fund may also invest consistent with its investment
objective and investment policies in certain other instruments. (See "INVESTMENT
POLICIES.")
    
 
  WHAT ARE THE RISKS INVOLVED WITH AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUNDS? The investment
policies of each Fund entail certain risks and considerations of which an
investor should be aware. Common stocks and other equity securities that the
Funds invest in are volatile and may fluctuate in value more than other types of
investments. Values of fixed income securities and, correspondingly, share
prices of Funds invested in such securities, tend
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   105
 
to vary inversely with interest rates, and may be affected by other market and
economic factors as well. During periods of falling interest rates, the value of
outstanding fixed income securities generally rises. Conversely, during periods
of rising interest rates, the value of such securities generally declines.
Values of fixed income securities in which the California Intermediate Tax-Free
Bond Fund invests may be affected by other market and economic factors affecting
the State of California as well. In addition, the securities of the emerging
growth companies in which the Emerging Growth Fund may invest may be less
liquid, and subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements, than securities
of larger, more established growth companies. (See "Risk Factors.")
 
  ARE MY INVESTMENTS INSURED? HighMark's Shares are not federally insured by the
FDIC or any other government agency. Any guarantee by the U.S. Government, its
agencies or any instrumentalities of the securities in which any Fund invests
guarantees only the payment of principal and interest on the guaranteed
security, and does not guarantee the total return or value of the security or
total return or value of Shares of that Fund.
 
   
  WHO IS THE ADVISOR? The Pacific Alliance division of Union Bank of California,
N.A. serves as the Advisor to HighMark. (See "The Advisor.")
    
 
  WHO IS THE SUB-ADVISOR? Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi Trust Company serves as the
Sub-Advisor to the Emerging Growth Fund. (See "The Sub-Advisor.")
 
   
  WHO IS THE ADMINISTRATOR? SEI Investments Fund Resources serves as the
Administrator of HighMark. (See "The Administrator.")
    
 
  WHO IS THE CUSTODIAN? Union Bank of California, N.A. (the "Bank") serves as
the custodian of HighMark's assets. (See "The Custodian.")
 
  WHO IS THE DISTRIBUTOR? SEI Investments Distribution Co. acts as distributor
of HighMark's Shares. (See "The Distributor.")
 
  HOW DO I PURCHASE AND REDEEM SHARES? Purchases and redemptions may be made
through the Distributor on days on which the New York Stock Exchange is open for
business ("Business Days"). The minimum initial investment is generally $1,000.
A purchase order will be effective if the Distributor receives an order prior to
1:00 p.m., Pacific time (4:00 p.m., Eastern time). Purchase orders for Class A
Shares will be executed at a per Share price equal to the net asset value next
determined after the purchase order is effective (plus any applicable sales
charge). Purchase orders for Class B Shares will be executed at a per Share
price equal to the net asset value next determined after the purchase order is
effective, without an initial sales charge, but Class B Shares will be subject
to a contingent deferred sales charge if they are redeemed within six years
after purchase. Redemption orders must be placed prior to 1:00 p.m., Pacific
time (4:00 p.m., Eastern time) on any Business Day for the order to be effective
that day. (See "HOW TO PURCHASE SHARES" and "REDEMPTION OF SHARES.")
 
  HOW ARE DIVIDENDS PAID? Substantially all of the net investment income
(exclusive of capital gains) of the Funds is distributed in the form of monthly
dividends to Shareholders of record. Any capital gain is distributed at least
annually. Distributions are paid in additional Shares unless the Shareholder
elects to take the payment in cash. (See "DIVIDENDS.")
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   106
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        PAGE
                                                                                        ----
<S>                                                                                     <C>
Summary...............................................................................    2
Class A Fee Table.....................................................................    6
Class B Fee Table.....................................................................    8
Financial Highlights..................................................................   11
Fund Description......................................................................   19
Investment Objectives.................................................................   19
Investment Policies...................................................................   20
  Income Equity Fund..................................................................   20
  Value Momentum Fund.................................................................   20
  Growth Fund.........................................................................   21
  Emerging Growth Fund................................................................   21
  Intermediate-Term Bond Fund.........................................................   22
  Bond Fund...........................................................................   22
  Balanced Fund.......................................................................   23
  California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund..........................................   24
General...............................................................................   24
  California Municipal Securities.....................................................   24
  Money Market Instruments............................................................   25
  Illiquid and Restricted Securities..................................................   25
  Lending of Portfolio Securities.....................................................   26
  Other Investments...................................................................   26
  Risk Factors........................................................................   27
Portfolio Turnover....................................................................   30
How To Purchase Shares................................................................   31
  How to Purchase By Mail.............................................................   32
  How to Purchase By Wire.............................................................   32
  How to Purchase through an Automatic Investment Plan ("AIP")........................   33
  How to Purchase Through Financial Institutions......................................   33
  Alternative Sales Charge Options....................................................   33
  Class A Shares......................................................................   34
  Sales Charges.......................................................................   34
  Letter of Intent....................................................................   36
  Rights of Accumulation..............................................................   36
  Sales Charge Waivers................................................................   37
  Reductions for Qualified Groups.....................................................   38
  Class B Shares......................................................................   39
  Contingent Deferred Sales Charge....................................................   39
Exchange Privileges...................................................................   40
Redemption of Shares..................................................................   41
  By Mail.............................................................................   41
  Telephone Transactions..............................................................   42
  Systematic Withdrawal Plan ("SWP")..................................................   42
  Other Information Regarding Redemptions.............................................   43
Dividends.............................................................................   44
Taxes.................................................................................   44
  Federal Taxation....................................................................   44
  California Taxes....................................................................   47
</TABLE>
    
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   107
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        PAGE
                                                                                        ----
<S>                                                                                     <C>
Service Arrangements..................................................................   48
  The Advisor.........................................................................   48
  The Sub-Advisor.....................................................................   50
  Administrator.......................................................................   51
  The Transfer Agent..................................................................   52
  Shareholder Service Plan............................................................   52
  Distributor.........................................................................   52
  The Distribution Plans..............................................................   52
  Banking Laws........................................................................   54
  Custodian...........................................................................   54
General Information...................................................................   54
  Description of HighMark & Its Shares................................................   54
  Performance Information.............................................................   55
  Miscellaneous.......................................................................   56
Description of Permitted Investments..................................................   57
</TABLE>
    
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   108
 
   
                               CLASS A FEE TABLE
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                CALIFORNIA
                                       INCOME    VALUE             EMERGING  INTERMEDIATE-                     INTERMEDIATE
                                       EQUITY   MOMENTUM  GROWTH    GROWTH     TERM BOND     BOND    BALANCED    TAX-FREE
                                        FUND      FUND     FUND      FUND        FUND        FUND      FUND     BOND FUND
                                       -------  --------  -------  --------  -------------  -------  --------  ------------
                                       CLASS A  CLASS A   CLASS A  CLASS A      CLASS A     CLASS A  CLASS A     CLASS A
                                       SHARES    SHARES   SHARES    SHARES      SHARES      SHARES    SHARES      SHARES
                                       -------  --------  -------  --------  -------------  -------  --------  ------------
<S>                                    <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>            <C>      <C>       <C>
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES(a)
Maximum Sales Load Imposed on
  Purchases (as a percentage of
  offering price).....................   4.50%    4.50%     4.50%    4.50%        3.00%       3.00%    4.50%       3.00%
Maximum Sales Load Imposed on
  Reinvested Dividends (as a
  percentage of offering price).......      0%       0%        0%       0%           0%          0%       0%          0%
Deferred Sales Load (as a percentage
  of original purchase price or
  redemption proceeds, as
  applicable)(b)......................      0%       0%        0%       0%           0%          0%       0%          0%
Redemption Fees (as a percentage of
  amount redeemed, if
  applicable)(c)......................      0%       0%        0%       0%           0%          0%       0%          0%
Exchange Fee(a).......................  $   0     $  0     $   0     $  0        $   0       $   0     $  0        $  0
ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES (as a
  percentage of net assets)
  Management Fees (after voluntary
    reduction)(d).....................   0.60%    0.60%     0.60%    0.80%        0.50%       0.50%    0.60%       0.00%
  12b-1 Fees (after voluntary
    reduction)(e).....................   0.25%    0.25%     0.25%    0.25%        0.00%       0.00%    0.25%       0.00%
  Other Expenses (after voluntary
    reduction)(f).....................   0.31%    0.21%     0.30%    0.23%        0.25%       0.25%    0.30%       0.22%
                                         ----     ----      ----     ----         ----        ----     ----        ----
  Total Fund Operating Expenses(g)....   1.16%    1.06%     1.15%    1.28%        0.75%       0.75%    1.15%       0.22%
                                         ====     ====      ====     ====         ====        ====     ====        ====
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
Example: You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment, assuming
         (1) 5% annual return and (2) redemption at the end of each time period.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           1 YEAR     3 YEARS     5 YEARS     10 YEARS
                                                           ------     -------     -------     --------
<S>                                                        <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>
Income Equity Fund Class A Shares........................   $ 56        $80        $ 106        $180
Value Momentum Fund Class A Shares.......................   $ 55        $77        $ 101        $169
Growth Fund Class A Shares...............................   $ 56        $80        $ 105        $178
Emerging Growth Fund Class A Shares......................   $ 57        $84        $ 112        $193
Intermediate-Term Bond Fund Class A Shares...............   $ 37        $53        $  70        $120
Bond Fund Class A Shares.................................   $ 37        $53        $  70        $120
Balanced Fund Class A Share..............................   $ 56        $80        $ 105        $178
California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund Class A
  Shares.................................................   $ 32        $37        $  42        $ 57
</TABLE>
 
  The purpose of the tables above is to assist an investor in the Funds in
understanding the various costs and expenses that a Shareholder will bear
directly or indirectly. For a more complete discussion of each Fund's annual
operating expenses, see SERVICE ARRANGEMENTS below. THE FOREGOING EXAMPLE SHOULD
NOT BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE EXPENSES. ACTUAL EXPENSES
MAY BE GREATER OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN.
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   109
 
  Long-term shareholders of Class A Shares may pay more than the economic
equivalent of the maximum front-end sales charges otherwise permitted by rules
of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
 
(a) Certain entities (including Union Bank of California and its affiliates)
    making investments in the Funds on behalf of their customers may charge
    customers fees for services provided in connection with the investment in,
    redemption of, and exchange of Shares. (See HOW TO PURCHASE SHARES, EXCHANGE
    PRIVILEGES, REDEMPTION OF SHARES, and SERVICE ARRANGEMENTS below.)
 
(b) A Contingent Deferred Sales Charge of 1.00% will be assessed against the
    proceeds of any redemption request relating to Class A Shares of the Funds
    that were purchased without a sales charge in reliance upon the waiver
    accorded to purchases in the amount of $1 million or more, but only where
    such redemption request is made within one year of the date the Shares were
    purchased.
 
(c) A wire redemption charge is deducted from the amount of a wire redemption
    payment made at the request of a Shareholder. (See REDEMPTION OF SHARES
    below.)
 
   
(d) Absent voluntary fee waivers, MANAGEMENT FEES would be 0.50% for the Class A
    Shares of the California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund.
    
 
(e) As indicated under SERVICE ARRANGEMENTS -- the Distribution Plan below, the
    Distributor may voluntarily reduce the 12b-1 fee. Absent voluntary fee
    waivers, 12b-1 fees would 0.25% for the Intermediate-Term Bond Fund, Bond
    Fund and California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund. The Distributor
    reserves the right to terminate its waiver at any time in its sole
    discretion.
 
   
(f) Absent voluntary fee waivers, OTHER EXPENSES would be: 0.48% for the Class A
    Shares of the Income Equity Fund, the Value Momentum Fund, and the Growth
    Fund, 0.50% for the Class A Shares of the Emerging Growth Fund, 0.49% for
    the Class A Shares of the Intermediate-Term Bond Fund, 0.51% for the Class A
    Shares of the Bond Fund, 0.48% for the Class A Shares of the Balanced Fund
    and 0.52% for the Class A Shares of the California Intermediate Tax-Free
    Bond Fund.
    
 
   
(g) Absent voluntary fee waivers, TOTAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES would be: 1.33%
    for the Class A Shares of the Income Equity Fund, the Value Momentum Fund,
    the Balanced Fund and the Growth Fund, and 1.55% for the Class A Shares of
    the Emerging Growth Fund, 1.24% for the Class A Shares of the
    Intermediate-Term Bond Fund, 1.26% for the Class A Shares of the Bond Fund
    and 1.27% for the Class A Shares of the California Intermediate Tax-Free
    Bond Fund.
    
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   110
 
   
                               CLASS B FEE TABLE
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            GROWTH        INCOME          VALUE
                                                             FUND       EQUITY FUND   MOMENTUM FUND   BALANCED FUND
                                                          -----------   -----------   -------------   -------------
                                                            CLASS B       CLASS B        CLASS B         CLASS B
                                                            SHARES        SHARES         SHARES          SHARES
                                                          -----------   -----------   -------------   -------------
<S>                                                       <C>           <C>           <C>             <C>
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES(a)
Maximum Sales Load Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage
  of offering price)....................................         0%            0%             0%              0%
Maximum Sales Load Imposed on Reinvested Dividends (as a
  percentage of offering price).........................         0%            0%             0%              0%
Deferred Sales Load (as a percentage of original
  purchase price or redemption proceeds, as
  applicable)...........................................      5.00%         5.00%          5.00%           5.00%
Redemption Fees (as a percentage of amount redeemed, if
  applicable)(b)........................................         0%            0%             0%              0%
Exchange Fee(a).........................................     $   0         $   0          $   0           $   0
ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES (as a percentage of net
  assets)
  Management Fees.......................................      0.60%         0.60%          0.60%           0.60%
  12b-1 Fees............................................      0.75%         0.75%          0.75%           0.75%
  Other Expenses (after voluntary reduction)(c).........      0.46%         0.46%          0.46%           0.46%
                                                              ----          ----           ----            ----
  Total Fund Operating Expenses(d)......................      1.81%         1.81%          1.81%           1.81%
                                                              ====          ====           ====            ====
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
Example: You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment, assuming
         (1) 5% annual return and (2) redemption at the end of each time period.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          1 YEAR     3 YEARS     5 YEARS     10 YEARS*
                                                          ------     -------     -------     ---------
<S>                                                       <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>
Income Equity Fund
  Class B Shares (assuming a complete redemption at end
     of period).........................................   $ 68        $87        $ 118        $ 187
  Class B Shares (assuming no redemptions)..............   $ 18        $57        $  98        $ 187
Value Momentum Fund
  Class B Shares (assuming a complete redemption at end
     of period).........................................   $ 68        $87        $ 118        $ 183
  Class B Shares (assuming no redemptions)..............   $ 18        $57        $  98        $ 183
Growth Fund
  Class B Shares (assuming a complete redemption at end
     of period).........................................   $ 68        $87        $ 118        $ 187
  Class B Shares (assuming no redemptions)..............   $ 18        $57        $  98        $ 187
Balanced Fund
  Class B Shares (assuming a complete redemption at end
     of period).........................................   $ 68        $87        $ 118        $ 187
  Class B Shares (assuming no redemptions)..............   $ 18        $57        $  98        $ 187
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
* Class B Shares automatically convert to Class A Shares after eight years.
 
  The purpose of the tables above is to assist an investor in the Funds in
understanding the various costs and expenses that a Shareholder will bear
directly or indirectly. For a more complete discussion of each Fund's annual
operating expenses, see SERVICE ARRANGEMENTS below. THE FOREGOING EXAMPLE
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   111
 
   
                         DIVERSIFIED MONEY MARKET FUND
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              FOR THE
                             SIX MONTH
                              PERIOD
                               ENDED                    FOR THE YEARS ENDED JANUARY 31,
                             JULY 31,      ----------------------------------------------------------
                               1997          1997         1996         1995        1994        1993
                             ---------     --------     --------     --------     -------     -------
<S>                          <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>
ACTUAL SHARES
Net Asset Value,
  Beginning of Period......  $   1.00      $   1.00     $   1.00     $   1.00     $  1.00     $  1.00
                             ---------     --------     --------     --------     -------     -------
Investment Activities
  Net investment income....     0.024         0.047        0.052        0.037       0.027       0.033
  Net realized and
     unrealized gain (loss)
     on investments........        --            --           --           --          --          --
                             ---------     --------     --------     --------     -------     -------
Distributions
  Net investment income....    (0.024)       (0.047)      (0.052)      (0.037)     (0.027)     (0.033)
  Capital gains............        --            --           --           --          --          --
                             ---------     --------     --------     --------     -------     -------
Contribution of capital....        --            --           --           --          --          --
Net Asset Value,
  End of Period............  $   1.00      $   1.00     $   1.00     $   1.00     $  1.00     $  1.00
                             ========      ========     ========     ========     =======     =======
Total Return...............      4.86% *       4.78%        5.31%        3.78%       2.77%       3.36%
Net Assets,
  end of period (000)......  $799,657      $576,366     $259,608     $111,267     $96,291     $79,253
Ratio of expenses to
  average net assets.......      0.72% *       0.73%        0.75%        0.70%       0.70%       0.69%
Ratio of expenses to
  average net assets
  excluding fee waivers....      0.95% *       0.88%        0.90%        0.90%       0.89%       0.86%
Ratio of net investment
  income to average
  net assets...............      4.82% *       4.69%        5.16%        3.79%       2.71%       3.41%
Ratio of net investment
  income to average net
  assets excluding fee
  waivers..................      4.59% *       4.54%        5.01%        3.59%       2.52%       3.24%
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
   
Amounts designated as "--" are either $0 or have been rounded to $0.
    
 
   
* Annualized.
    
SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE EXPENSES. ACTUAL
EXPENSES MAY BE GREATER OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN.
 
(a) Certain entities (including Union Bank of California and its affiliates)
    making investments in the Funds
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   112
 
on behalf of their customers may charge customers fees for services provided in
connection with the investment in, redemption of, and exchange of Shares. (See
HOW TO PURCHASE SHARES, EXCHANGE PRIVILEGES, REDEMPTION OF SHARES, and SERVICE
    ARRANGEMENTS below.)
 
(b) A wire redemption charge is deducted from the amount of a wire redemption
    payment made at the request of a Shareholder. (See REDEMPTION OF SHARES
    below.)
 
(c) Absent voluntary fee waivers, OTHER EXPENSES would be: 0.48% for the Class B
    Shares of the Income Equity Fund, the Value Momentum Fund, the Growth Fund
    and the Balanced Fund.
 
(d) Absent voluntary fee waivers, TOTAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES would be: 1.83%
    for the Class B Shares of the Income Equity Fund, the Value Momentum Fund,
    the Growth Fund and the Balanced Fund.
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   113
 
   
                              FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
    
 
   
  The tables below set forth certain financial information with respect to the
Class A Shares of the Bond Fund, Growth Fund, and Income Equity Fund. Financial
highlights for the Funds for the period ended July 31, 1997 have been derived
from financial statements audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors
for HighMark, whose report thereon is included in the 1997 Annual Report for the
HighMark Funds, which is incorporated by reference into the Statement of
Additional Information. Financial highlights for the Funds prior to the fiscal
year ended July 31, 1996 have been derived from financial statements examined by
other auditors whose report thereon is on file with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
    
 
   
  The tables below also set forth certain financial information with respect to
the Class A Shares of the Intermediate-Term Bond Fund, the California
Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund, the Balanced Fund, and the Value Momentum Fund.
Upon reorganizing as funds of HighMark Funds on April 28, 1997, Stepstone
Intermediate-Term Bond Fund became HighMark Intermediate-Term Bond Fund,
Stepstone California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund became HighMark California
Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund, Stepstone Balanced Fund became HighMark
Balanced Fund, and Stepstone Value Momentum Fund became HighMark Value Momentum
Fund. Financial highlights through January 31, 1997 represent the Investment
Class Shares (now Class A Shares) of Stepstone Intermediate-Term Bond, Stepstone
California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond, Stepstone Balanced, and Stepstone Value
Momentum Funds, and have been derived from financial statements audited by
Arthur Andersen LLP, independent auditors for the Stepstone Funds.
    
 
   
  As of the date of this Prospectus, Class B Shares have not been offered by any
of the Balanced Fund, the Growth Fund, the Value Momentum Fund, or the Income
Equity Fund.
    
 
   
                          INTERMEDIATE-TERM BOND FUND
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              FOR THE SIX
                              MONTH PERIOD
                               ENDED JULY                   FOR THE YEARS ENDED JULY 31,
                                  31,          -------------------------------------------------------
                                  1997          1997        1996        1995        1994       1993(1)
                              ------------     -------     -------     -------     -------     -------
<S>                           <C>              <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
RETAIL SHARES
Net Asset Value, Beginning
  of Period.................    $  10.16       $ 10.61     $  9.67     $ 10.72     $ 10.57     $ 10.49
                              ------------     -------     -------     -------     -------     -------
Investment Activities
  Net investment income.....       0.309         0.602       0.609       0.589       0.615       0.609
  Net realized and
     unrealized gain (loss)
     on investments.........       0.128        (0.462)      0.940      (1.034)      0.335       0.450
                              ------------     -------     -------     -------     -------     -------
Distributions
  Net investment income.....      (0.310)       (0.595)     (0.609)     (0.590)     (0.595)     (0.636)
  Capital gains.............          --            --          --      (0.015)     (0.205)     (0.343)
Net Asset Value, End of
  Period....................    $  10.29       $ 10.16     $ 10.61     $  9.67     $ 10.72     $ 10.57
                              ==========       =======     =======     =======     =======     =======
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   114
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              FOR THE SIX
                              MONTH PERIOD
                               ENDED JULY                   FOR THE YEARS ENDED JULY 31,
                                  31,          -------------------------------------------------------
                                  1997          1997        1996        1995        1994       1993(1)
                              ------------     -------     -------     -------     -------     -------
<S>                           <C>              <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
Total** Return..............        4.44%         1.54%      16.48%      (4.11)%      9.23%      10.59%*
  Net Assets, end of period
     (000)..................    $  5,124       $ 5,213     $ 6,417     $ 6,645     $ 9,308     $ 2,897
  Ratio of expenses to
     average net assets.....        0.69%*        0.67%       0.68%       0.71%       0.69%       0.65%*
  Ratio of expenses to
     average net assets
     excluding fee
     waivers................        1.14%*        1.08%       1.09%       1.11%       1.09%       1.05%*
  Ratio of net investment
     income to average net
     assets.................        6.17%*        5.91%       5.99%       5.87%       5.51%       6.01%*
  Ratio of net investment
     income to average net
     assets excluding fee
     waivers................        5.71%*        5.50%       5.58%       5.47%       5.11%       5.61%*
Portfolio turnover rate.....          58%          106%        147%         95%         72%         88%
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
   
Amounts designated as "--" are either $0 or have been rounded to $0.
    
   
  * Annualized.
    
   
 ** Total return does not reflect the sales charge.
    
   
(1) Commenced operations on February 3, 1992.
    
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   115
 
   
                   CALIFORNIA INTERMEDIATE TAX-FREE BOND FUND
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        FOR THE SIX
                                        MONTH PERIOD
                                         ENDED JULY             FOR THE YEARS ENDED JULY 31,
                                            31,          -------------------------------------------
                                            1997          1997        1996        1995       1994(2)
                                        ------------     -------     -------     -------     -------
<S>                                     <C>              <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
RETAIL SHARES
Net Asset Value, Beginning of
  Period..............................    $   9.74       $  9.54     $  8.94     $ 10.03     $ 10.00
                                        ------------     -------     -------     -------     -------
Investment Activities
  Net investment income...............       0.222         0.458       0.470       0.439       0.115
  Net realized and unrealized gain
     (loss) on investments............       0.240        (0.112)      0.918      (1.077)      0.020
                                        ------------     -------     -------     -------     -------
Distributions
  Net investment income...............      (0.215)       (0.442)     (0.487)     (0.452)     (0.105)
  Capital gains.......................          --            --          --          --          --
Net Asset Value, End of Period........    $   9.99       $  9.74     $  9.84     $  8.94     $ 10.03
                                        ==========       =======     =======     =======     =======
Total** Return........................        4.85%         3.62%      15.84%      (6.33)%      4.67%*
  Net Assets, end of period (000).....    $ 11,214       $ 5,791     $ 4,266     $ 4,882     $ 2,830
  Ratio of expenses to average net
     assets...........................        0.21%*        0.20%       0.23%       0.50%       0.50%*
  Ratio of expenses to average net
     assets excluding fee waivers.....        1.22%*        1.25%       1.12%       1.12%       1.13%*
  Ratio of net investment income to
     average net assets...............        4.55%*        4.69%       4.93%       4.92%       4.26%*
  Ratio of net investment income to
     average net assets excluding fee
     waivers..........................        3.54%*        3.64%       4.04%       4.30%       3.63%*
Portfolio turnover rate...............           5%            6%         30%         22%         19%
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
   
Amounts designated as "--" are either $0 or have been rounded to $0.
    
   
  * Annualized.
    
   
 ** Total return does not reflect the sales charge.
    
   
(1) Commenced operations on February 3, 1992.
    
   
(2) Commenced operations on October 15, 1993.
    
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   116
 
   
                                   BOND FUND
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         FOR THE YEARS ENDED JULY 31,
                                               -------------------------------------------------
                                                   1997           1996        1995        1994
                                               -------------     -------     -------     -------
<S>                                            <C>               <C>         <C>         <C>
RETAIL SHARES
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period.........     $ 10.15        $ 10.29     $ 10.04     $ 10.12
                                               -------------     -------     -------     -------
Investment Activities
  Net investment income......................       0.642          0.690       0.660       0.070
  Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
     investments.............................       0.403         (0.180)      0.230      (0.050)
                                               -------------     -------     -------     -------
Distributions
  Net investment income......................      (0.609)        (0.650)     (0.640)     (0.100)
  Capital gains..............................          --             --          --          --
Net Asset Value, End of Period...............     $ 10.59        $ 10.15     $ 10.29     $ 10.04
                                               ==========        =======     =======     =======
Total** Return...............................       10.68%          4.95%       9.29%      (3.81)%(B)
  Net Assets, end of period (000)............     $   606        $ 1,157     $   558     $     7
  Ratio of expenses to average net assets....        0.85%          0.89%       0.92%       0.99%*
  Ratio of expenses to average net assets
     excluding fee waivers...................        1.68%          1.85%       1.89%       2.96%*
  Ratio of net investment income to average
     net assets..............................        6.10%          6.10%       6.29%       5.77%*
  Ratio of net investment income to average
     net assets excluding fee waivers........        5.27%          5.14%       5.32%       3.80%*
Portfolio turnover rate......................          14%            21%         36%         44%
Average commission rate(A)...................         n/a            n/a         n/a         n/a
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
   
<TABLE>
<C>  <S>
Amounts designated as "--" are either $0 or have been rounded to $0.
 (A) Average commission rate paid per share for security purchases and sales during the
     period. Presentation of the rate is only required for fiscal years beginning after
     September 1, 1995.
   * Annualized.
  ** Total return does not reflect the sales charge.
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   117
 
   
                                 BALANCED FUND
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        FOR THE
                                       SIX MONTH
                                      PERIOD ENDED            FOR THE YEARS ENDED JANUARY 31,
                                        JULY 31,     -------------------------------------------------
                                          1997        1997      1996      1995        1994     1993(4)
                                      ------------   -------   -------   -------     -------   -------
<S>                                   <C>            <C>       <C>       <C>         <C>       <C>
RETAIL SHARES
Net Asset Value, Beginning of
  Period............................    $  15.03     $ 13.91   $ 11.45   $ 12.21     $ 11.50   $ 11.30
                                      ------------   -------   -------   -------     -------   -------
Investment Activities
  Net investment income.............       0.209       0.464     0.406     0.393       0.397     0.092
  Net realized and unrealized gain
     (loss) on investments..........       1.712       1.706     2.825    (0.758)      0.925     0.404
                                      ------------   -------   -------   -------     -------   -------
Distributions
  Net investment income.............      (0.209)     (0.455)   (0.406)   (0.392)     (0.391)   (0.098)
  Capital gains.....................      (0.290)     (0.595)   (0.362)   (0.003)     (0.221)   (0.198)
Net Asset Value, End of Period......    $  16.45     $ 15.03   $ 13.91   $ 11.45     $ 12.21   $ 11.50
                                      ==========     =======   =======   =======     =======   =======
Total** Return......................       13.22%      16.04%    28.73%    (2.95)%     11.79%     4.45%*
  Net Assets, end of period (000)...    $  9,214     $ 8,833   $ 8,422   $ 7,128     $ 7,292   $   425
  Ratio of expenses to average net
     assets.........................        1.07%*      1.04%     0.89%     0.79%       0.69%     0.60%*
  Ratio of expenses to average net
     assets excluding fee waivers...        1.30%*      1.19%     1.20%     1.19%       1.19%     1.10%*
  Ratio of net investment income to
     average net assets.............        2.75%*      3.22%     3.12%     3.41%       3.26%     3.20%*
  Ratio of net investment income to
     average net assets excluding
     fee waivers....................        2.53%*      3.07%     2.81%     3.01%       2.76%     2.70%*
Portfolio turnover rate.............          10%         27%       26%       48%         49%       68%
Average commission rate(A)..........      0.0581      0.0604       n/a       n/a         n/a       n/a
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
   
<TABLE>
<C>  <S>
Amounts designated as "--" are either $0 or have been rounded to $0.
 (A) Average commission rate paid per share for security purchases and sales during the
     period. Presentation of the rate is only required for fiscal years beginning after
     September 1, 1995.
   * Annualized.
  ** Total return does not reflect the sales charge.
 (4) Commenced operations on November 13, 1992.
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   118
 
   
                                  GROWTH FUND
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        FOR THE YEARS ENDED JULY 31,
                                              -------------------------------------------------
                                                  1997           1996        1995        1994
                                              -------------     -------     -------     -------
<S>                                           <C>               <C>         <C>         <C>
RETAIL SHARES
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period........     $ 12.60        $ 11.87     $  9.77     $  9.74
                                              -------------     -------     -------     -------
Investment Activities
  Net investment income.....................       0.049          0.110       0.150          --
  Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
     investments............................       5.784          1.380       2.250       0.040
                                              -------------     -------     -------     -------
Distributions
  Net investment income.....................      (0.048)        (0.120)     (0.150)     (0.010)
  Capital gains.............................      (0.996)        (0.640)     (0.150)         --
Net Asset Value, End of Period..............     $ 17.39        $ 12.60     $ 11.87     $  9.77
                                              ==========        =======     =======     =======
Total** Return..............................       48.49%         12.88%      25.10%      (1.77)%(B)
  Net Assets, end of period (000)...........     $ 7,816        $ 2,843     $ 1,218     $    --
  Ratio of expenses to average net assets...        1.04%          0.93%       0.84%         --
  Ratio of expenses to average net assets
     excluding fee waivers..................        1.49%          1.91%       2.11%         --
  Ratio of net investment income to average
     net assets.............................        0.28%          0.96%       1.17%         --
  Ratio of net investment income to average
     net assets excluding fee waivers.......       (0.18)%        (0.02)%     (0.10)%        --
Portfolio turnover rate.....................         118%            79%         68%        123%
Average commission rate(A)..................      0.0598            n/a         n/a         n/a
</TABLE>
    
 
   
- ---------------
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<C>  <S>
Amounts designated as "-" are either $0 or have been rounded to $0.
 (A) Average commission rate paid per share for security purchases and sales during the
     period. Presentation of the rate is only required for fiscal years beginning after
     September 1, 1995.
 (B) Represents total return for the Fiduciary Shares from commencement of operations to
     June 19, 1994 plus the total return for Investor Shares for the period from June 20,
     1994 to July 31, 1994.
   * annualized
  ** Total return does not reflect the sales charge.
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       16
<PAGE>   119
 
   
                              VALUE MOMENTUM FUND
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   FOR THE SIX
                                      MONTH
                                   PERIOD ENDED              FOR THE YEARS ENDED JANUARY 31,
                                     JULY 31,      ---------------------------------------------------
                                       1997         1997       1996       1995       1994      1993(5)
                                   ------------    -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
<S>                                <C>             <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
RETAIL SHARES
Net Asset Value, Beginning of
  Period.........................    $  21.57      $ 18.05    $ 13.40    $ 14.27    $ 12.75    $ 11.52
                                   ------------    -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
Investment Activities
  Net investment income..........       0.106        0.389      0.320      0.321      0.297      0.246
  Net realized and unrealized
     gain (loss) on
     investments.................       3.953        4.368      5.060     (0.820)     1.543      1.257
                                   ------------    -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
Distributions
  Net investment income..........      (0.147)      (0.393)    (0.323)    (0.317)    (0.290)    (0.251)
  Capital gains..................          --       (0.848)    (0.408)    (0.054)    (0.030)    (0.022)
Net Asset Value, End of Period...    $  25.48      $ 21.57    $ 18.05    $ 13.40    $ 14.27    $ 12.75
                                   ==========      =======    =======    =======    =======    =======
Total** Return...................       18.90%       27.04%     40.77%     (3.48)%    14.65%     15.97%*
  Net assets, end of period
     (000).......................    $ 20,750      $15,963    $11,801    $ 9,777    $ 9,346    $ 3,162
  Ratio of expenses to average
     net assets..................        1.03%*       1.04%      0.89%      0.81%      0.77%      0.65%*
  Ratio of expenses to average
     net assets excluding fee
     waivers.....................        1.25%*       1.19%      1.20%      1.21%      1.20%      1.15%*
  Ratio of net investment income
     to average net assets.......        1.40%*       2.01%      2.00%      2.37%      2.12%      2.53%*
  Ratio of net investment income
     to average net assets
     excluding fee waivers.......        1.17%*       1.86%      1.69%      1.97%      1.69%      2.03%*
Portfolio turnover rate..........           1%           9%        20%         6%         5%         3%
Average commission rate(A).......      0.0600       0.0590        n/a        n/a        n/a        n/a
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
   
Amounts designated as "-" are either $0 or have been rounded to $0.
    
   
(A) Average commission rate paid per share for security purchases and sales
    during the period. Presentation of the rate is only required for fiscal
    years beginning after September 1, 1995.
    
   
  * Annualized.
    
   
 ** Total return does not reflect the sales charge.
    
   
(5) Commenced operations on April 2, 1992.
    
 
                                       17
<PAGE>   120
 
   
                               INCOME EQUITY FUND
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          FOR THE YEARS ENDED JULY 31,
                                                -------------------------------------------------
                                                    1997           1996        1995       1994(6)
                                                -------------     -------     -------     -------
<S>                                             <C>               <C>         <C>         <C>
RETAIL SHARES
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period..........     $ 14.29        $ 13.03     $ 11.92     $ 11.85
                                                -------------     -------     -------     -------
Investment Activities
  Net investment income.......................       0.363          0.420       0.420       0.040
  Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
     investments..............................       5.028          1.920       1.550       0.080
                                                -------------     -------     -------     -------
Distributions
  Net investment income.......................      (0.358)        (0.420)     (0.440)     (0.050)
  Capital Gains...............................      (1.083)        (0.660)     (0.420)         --
Net Asset Value, End of Period................     $ 18.24        $ 14.29     $ 13.03     $ 11.92
                                                ==========        =======     =======     =======
Total** Return................................       39.97%         18.21%      17.52%       4.23%(B)
  Net assets, end of period (000).............     $14,152        $10,143     $ 3,881     $    24
  Ratio of expenses to average net assets.....        1.06%          1.03%       1.06%       1.10%*
  Ratio of expenses to average net assets
     excluding fee waivers....................        1.46%          1.51%       1.55%       1.33%*
  Ratio of net investment income to average
     net assets...............................        2.32%          2.89%       3.06%       0.93%*
  Ratio of net investment income to average
     net assets excluding fee waivers.........        1.92%          2.41%       2.57%       0.71%*
Portfolio turnover rate.......................          46%            42%         37%         34%
Average commission rate(A)....................      0.0583            n/a         n/a         n/a
</TABLE>
    
 
   
- ---------------
    
   
Amounts designated as "-" are either $0 or have been rounded to $0.
    
   
(A) Average commission rate paid per share for security purchases and sales
    during the period. Presentation of the rate is only required for fiscal
    years beginning after September 1, 1995.
    
   
(B) Represents total return for the Fiduciary Shares for the period from August
    1, 1993 to June 19, 1994 plus the total return for the Investor Shares for
    the period from June 20, 1994 to July 31, 1994.
    
   
  * Annualized.
    
   
 ** Total return does not reflect the sales charge.
    
   
(6) Commenced operations on June 20, 1994.
    
 
                                       18
<PAGE>   121
 
   
FUND
DESCRIPTION             HighMark is an open-end, diversified, registered
                      investment company that currently offers units of
                      beneficial interest ("Shares") in sixteen separate
                      investment portfolios ("Funds"). All of the Funds are
                      advised by the Pacific Alliance division of Union Bank of
                      California, N.A. (the "Advisor"). Shareholders may
                      purchase Shares of selected Funds through three separate
                      classes (Class A and Class B (collectively, the "Retail
                      Shares") and "Fiduciary" classes). These classes may have
                      different sales charges and other expenses, which may
                      affect performance. Information regarding HighMark's other
                      Funds and other classes is contained in separate
                      prospectuses that may be obtained from HighMark's
                      Distributor, SEI Investments Distribution Co., Oaks,
                      Pennsylvania 19456, or by calling 1-800-433-6884.
    
 
                        For information concerning those investors who qualify
                      to purchase Retail Shares, sales charges and the operation
                      of HighMark's Distribution Plan, see HOW TO PURCHASE
                      SHARES and SERVICE ARRANGEMENTS--Administrator &
                      Distributor--The Distribution Plan below. (Retail Shares
                      may be hereinafter referred to as "Shares.")
 
INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVES              The investment objectives of the Funds are as follows:
 
                        The Income Equity Fund seeks investments in equity
                      securities that provide current income through the regular
                      payment of dividends, with the goal that the Income Equity
                      Fund will have a high current yield and a low level of
                      price volatility. Opportunity for long-term growth of
                      asset value is a secondary consideration.
 
                        The Value Momentum Fund seeks long-term capital growth
                      with a secondary objective of income.
 
                        The Growth Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation
                      through investments in equity securities. The production
                      of current income is an incidental objective.
 
                        The Emerging Growth Fund seeks long-term growth of
                      capital by investing in a diversified portfolio of equity
                      securities of small capitalization, emerging growth
                      companies.
 
                        The Intermediate-Term Bond Fund seeks total return
                      through investments in fixed-income securities.
 
                        The Bond Fund seeks current income through investments
                      in long-term, fixed-income securities.
 
                        The Balanced Fund seeks capital appreciation and income.
                      Conservation of capital is a secondary consideration.
 
                                       19
<PAGE>   122
 
                        The California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund seeks to
                      provide high current income that is exempt from federal
                      and State of California income taxes.
 
                        The investment objectives and certain of the investment
                      limitations of the Funds may not be changed without a vote
                      of the holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares of
                      the respective Fund (as defined under GENERAL
                      INFORMATION--Miscellaneous below). There can be no
                      assurance that a Fund will achieve its investment
                      objective.
 
INVESTMENT
POLICIES              Income Equity Fund
 
                        Under normal market conditions, the Income Equity Fund
                      will invest at least 65% of its total assets in equity
                      securities, including common stocks, warrants to purchase
                      common stocks, American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"),
                      preferred stocks and securities (including debt
                      securities) convertible into or exercisable for common
                      stocks. The Income Equity Fund's investments primarily
                      consist of the common stocks of U.S. corporations that
                      regularly pay dividends, although there can be no
                      assurance that a corporation will continue to pay
                      dividends. Investments will be made in an attempt to keep
                      the Income Equity Fund's yield above the S&P 500's yield
                      by approximately one-third to one-half the difference
                      between the S&P 500's yield and the yield on long-term
                      U.S. Government bonds.
 
                        The Income Equity Fund generally invests in stocks with
                      favorable, long-term fundamental characteristics when
                      their current relative yields are at the upper end of
                      their historical yield ranges. Frequently, these stocks
                      are out of favor in the financial community and in which
                      investors see little opportunity for price appreciation.
                      The Fund may also invest in major U.S. corporations in a
                      mature stage of development or operating in slower areas
                      of the economy. While it is anticipated that a significant
                      part of the total growth in asset value experienced by the
                      Income Equity Fund will result from companies' improving
                      prospects (although there can be no assurance that this
                      will in fact occur), dividends will provide a substantial
                      portion of the Fund's total return. When yields on stocks
                      held by the Income Equity Fund drop to the lower end of
                      their historical ranges, the Fund may begin to reduce its
                      holdings. Similarly, if there is a significant fundamental
                      change that impairs a company's ability to pay dividends,
                      or if the yield on a stock dips below the yield of the
                      general market, the Income Equity Fund may eliminate its
                      holdings in these stocks.
 
                      Value Momentum Fund
 
                        Under normal market conditions, the Value Momentum Fund
                      will invest at least 65% of its total assets in equity
                      securities, including common stocks, warrants to purchase
                      common stocks, ADRs, preferred stocks and securities
                      (including debt securities) convertible into or
                      exercisable for common stocks.
 
                                       20
<PAGE>   123
 
                      The Value Momentum Fund will be invested primarily in
                      securities which the Advisor believes to be undervalued
                      relative to the market and to the security's historic
                      valuation. Stocks are then screened for positive price or
                      earnings momentum. Securities purchased will generally
                      have a medium to high market capitalization. A majority of
                      the securities in which the Value Momentum Fund invests
                      will be dividend paying.
 
                      Growth Fund
 
                        Under normal market conditions, the Growth Fund will
                      invest at least 65% of its total assets in equity
                      securities, including common stocks, warrants to purchase
                      common stocks, ADRs, preferred stocks and securities
                      (including debt securities) convertible into or
                      exercisable for common stocks, of growth-oriented
                      companies. The Growth Fund emphasizes a well diversified
                      portfolio of medium to large capitalization growth
                      companies (capitalization in excess of $500 million) with
                      a record of above average growth in earnings. The Fund
                      focuses on companies that the Advisor believes to have
                      enduring quality and above average earnings growth. Among
                      the criteria the Fund uses to screen for stock selection
                      are earnings growth, return on capital, brand identity,
                      recurring revenues, price and quality of management team.
 
                      Emerging Growth Fund
 
                        Under normal market conditions, the Emerging Growth Fund
                      will invest at least 65% of its total assets in equity
                      securities, including common stocks, warrants to purchase
                      common stocks, ADRs, preferred stocks and securities
                      (including debt securities) convertible into or
                      exercisable for common stocks of small and medium
                      capitalization companies. Small and medium capitalization
                      companies are those with capitalization between $50
                      million and $1 billion and the potential for growth or
                      those which, in the Advisor's opinion, have potential for
                      above-average long-term capital appreciation. An emerging
                      growth company is one which, in the Advisor's judgment, is
                      in the developing stages of its life cycle and has
                      demonstrated or is expected to achieve rapid growth in
                      earnings and/or revenues. Emerging growth companies are
                      characterized by opportunities for rapid growth rates
                      and/or dynamic business changes. Emerging growth
                      companies, regardless of size, tend to offer the potential
                      for accelerated earnings or revenue growth because of new
                      products or technologies, new channels of distribution,
                      revitalized management or industry conditions, or similar
                      opportunities. A company may or may not yet be profitable
                      at the time the Emerging Growth Fund invests in its
                      securities. Current income will not be a criterion of
                      investment selection, and any such income should be
                      considered incidental. Many of the securities in which the
                      Fund invests will not pay dividends.
 
                                       21
<PAGE>   124
 
                        The Emerging Growth Fund may also invest in equity
                      securities of companies in "special equity situations,"
                      meaning companies experiencing unusual and possibly
                      non-repetitive developments, such as mergers;
                      acquisitions; spin-offs; liquidations; reorganizations;
                      and new products, technology or management. Since a
                      special equity situation may involve a significant change
                      from a company's past experiences, the uncertainties in
                      the appraisal of the future value of the company's equity
                      securities and the risk of a possible decline in the value
                      of the Emerging Growth Fund's investments are significant.
 
                      Intermediate-Term Bond Fund
 
   
                        Under normal market conditions, at least 65% of the
                      Intermediate-Term Bond Fund's assets will be invested in
                      bonds. For purposes of this policy "bonds" include (i)
                      corporate bonds and debentures rated at the time of
                      purchase as "investment grade" (one of the four highest
                      bond rating categories by a nationally recognized
                      statistical rating organization ("NRSRO")) or determined
                      by the Advisor to be of comparable quality; (ii) Yankee
                      Bonds and Eurodollar instruments; (iii) notes or bonds
                      issued by the U.S. Government and its agencies and
                      instrumentalities (such as Government National Mortgage
                      Association ("GNMA") securities); (iv) mortgage-backed
                      securities, including privately issued mortgage-backed
                      securities and readily-marketable asset-backed securities,
                      which must be rated at the time of purchase as investment
                      grade, or be determined by the Advisor to be of comparable
                      quality; (v) securities issued or guaranteed by foreign
                      governments, their political subdivisions, agencies or
                      instrumentalities; (vi) obligations of supranational
                      entities such as the World Bank and the Asian Development
                      Bank; and (vii) zero coupon obligations. In the event that
                      a security owned by the Fund is downgraded below the
                      stated rating categories, the Advisor will take
                      appropriate action with regard to that security. The
                      remainder of the Fund's assets may be invested in money
                      market instruments.
    
 
                        The dollar-weighted average portfolio maturity of the
                      Intermediate-Term Bond Fund will be from three to ten
                      years.
 
                      Bond Fund
 
                        The Bond Fund invests in fixed-income securities with
                      maturities in excess of one year, except for amounts held
                      in money market instruments. Fixed-income securities can
                      have maturities of up to thirty years or more. Under
                      normal market conditions, the Bond Fund will invest at
                      least 65% of the value of its total assets in bonds and
                      may invest up to 35% of its total assets in money market
                      instruments.
 
                        For purposes of this policy "bonds" include (i)
                      corporate bonds and debentures rated at the time of
                      purchase as investment grade or determined by the Advisor
                      to be of comparable quality; (ii) Yankee Bonds and
                      Eurodollar instruments;
 
                                       22
<PAGE>   125
 
                      (iii) notes or bonds issued by the U.S. Government and its
                      agencies and instrumentalities (such as GNMA securities);
                      (iv) mortgage-backed securities, including privately
                      issued mortgage-backed securities and readily-marketable
                      asset-backed securities, which must be rated at the time
                      of purchase as investment grade, or be determined by the
                      Advisor to be of comparable quality; (v) securities issued
                      or guaranteed by foreign governments, their political
                      subdivisions, agencies or instrumentalities; (vi)
                      obligations of supranational entities such as the World
                      Bank and the Asian Development Bank; and (vii) zero coupon
                      obligations. In the event that a security owned by the
                      Fund is downgraded below the stated rating categories, the
                      Advisor will take appropriate action with regard to that
                      security. The remainder of the Fund's assets may be
                      invested in money market instruments.
 
                        The dollar-weighted average portfolio maturity of the
                      Bond Fund will be from five to twenty years.
 
                      Balanced Fund
 
                        The Balanced Fund may invest in any type or class of
                      security. Under normal market conditions, the Balanced
                      Fund will invest between 50% and 70% of its total assets
                      in equity securities. Senior fixed-income securities will
                      normally constitute at least 25% of the Balanced Fund's
                      net assets.
 
                        Equity securities include common stocks, warrants to
                      purchase common stocks, ADRs, preferred stocks, securities
                      (including debt securities) convertible into or
                      exercisable for common stocks and Standard & Poor's
                      Depositary Receipts ("SPDRs"). The Balanced Fund's
                      fixed-income investments consist of bonds, debentures,
                      notes, zero-coupon securities, all forms of
                      mortgage-related securities (including collateralized
                      mortgage obligations), and obligations issued or
                      guaranteed by the U.S. or foreign Governments or their
                      agencies or instrumentalities. Privately issued
                      mortgage-backed securities must be rated in one of the top
                      two categories by at least one NRSRO as defined below. In
                      addition to mortgage-backed securities, the Balanced Fund
                      may invest in other asset-backed securities including, but
                      not limited to, those backed by company receivables, truck
                      and auto loans, leases, and credit card or other
                      receivables.
 
   
                        The Balanced Fund may invest in bonds, notes and
                      debentures of any maturity issued by U.S. and foreign
                      corporate and governmental issuers. The Balanced Fund will
                      invest only in corporate fixed-income securities that are
                      rated at the time of purchase as investment grade or, if
                      unrated, which the Advisor deems to be attractive
                      opportunities and of comparable quality.
    
 
                        In the event that a security owned by the Fund is
                      downgraded below the stated rating categories, the Advisor
                      will take appropriate action with regard to that security.
 
                                       23
<PAGE>   126
 
                        The portions of the Balanced Fund's assets invested in
                      equity securities and fixed-income securities will vary
                      from time to time within the stated ranges, depending upon
                      the Advisor's assessment of business, economic and market
                      conditions. The Advisor considers a combination of risk,
                      capital appreciation, income, and protection of capital
                      value.
 
                      California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund
 
                        Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest
                      primarily in bonds and notes issued by the State of
                      California, its agencies, instrumentalities, and political
                      sub-divisions, the income on which is exempt from regular
                      federal and State of California personal income taxes
                      ("California Municipal Securities"). The Fund may also
                      invest in bonds and notes of other states, territories,
                      and possessions of the U.S. and their agencies,
                      authorities, instrumentalities and political sub-divisions
                      which are exempt from federal income taxes, and in shares
                      of other investment companies, specifically money market
                      funds, which have similar investment objectives.
 
   
                        Under normal market conditions, at least 80% of the
                      Fund's assets will be invested in bonds and notes rated
                      investment grade by a nationally recognized rating agency
                      or deemed by the Advisor to be of comparable quality at
                      the time of purchase and which pay interest that is not
                      treated as a preference item for purposes of the federal
                      alternative minimum tax. In the event that a security
                      owned by the Fund is downgraded below the stated ratings
                      categories, the Advisor will take appropriate action with
                      regard to the security.
    
 
                        Under California law, a mutual fund must have at least
                      50% of its total assets invested in California Municipal
                      Securities at the end of each quarter of its taxable year
                      in order to be eligible to pay California residents
                      dividends that are wholly or partially exempt from
                      California personal income taxes. Accordingly, the Fund
                      intends to maintain at least 65% of its assets in
                      California Municipal Securities and may invest up to 100%
                      of its assets in such securities.
 
                        The Fund has no restrictions on the maturity of
                      municipal securities in which it may invest. Under normal
                      market conditions, the dollar-weighted average portfolio
                      maturity of the Fund is expected to be from three to ten
                      years. Accordingly, the Fund seeks to invest in municipal
                      securities of such maturities which, in the judgment of
                      the Advisor, will provide a high level of current income
                      consistent with prudent investment, with consideration
                      given to market conditions.
 
   
GENERAL               California Municipal Securities
    
 
                        The two principal classifications of California
                      Municipal Securities are "general obligation" and
                      "revenue" bonds. General obligation bonds are secured by
                      the issuer's pledge of its full faith, credit, and taxing
                      power for the payment of
 
                                       24
<PAGE>   127
 
                      principal and interest. Revenue bonds are payable
                      primarily from the revenues derived from a particular
                      facility or class of facilities or, in some cases, from
                      the proceeds of a special excise tax or other specific
                      revenue source. Private activity bonds (formerly known as
                      industrial revenue bonds) are generally revenue bonds.
 
                        Certain California Municipal Securities are municipal
                      lease revenue obligations (or certificates of
                      participation or "COPs"), which typically provide that the
                      municipality has no obligation to make lease or
                      installment payments in future years unless money is
                      appropriated for such purpose. While the risk of non-
                      appropriation is inherent to COP financing, this risk is
                      mitigated by the Fund's policy to invest in COPs that are
                      rated in one of the four highest rating categories used by
                      Moody's, S&P, or Fitch.
 
                        California Municipal Securities also include so-called
                      Mello-Roos and assessment district bonds, which are
                      usually unrated instruments issued to finance the building
                      of roads and other public works and projects that are
                      primarily secured by real estate taxes levied on property
                      located in the local community. Most of these bonds do not
                      seek agency ratings because the issues are too small, and
                      in most cases, the purchase of these bonds is based upon
                      the Advisor's determination that it is suitable for the
                      Fund.
 
                        Certain of the obligations in which the Fund may invest
                      may be variable or floating rate instruments and may
                      involve a conditional or unconditional demand feature.
 
                      Money Market Instruments
 
                        Under normal market conditions, each Equity Fund and
                      Fixed Income Fund may invest up to 35% of its total assets
                      in money market instruments and the Balanced Fund may
                      invest up to 25% of its total assets in money market
                      instruments. When market conditions indicate a temporary
                      "defensive" investment strategy as determined by the
                      Advisor, an Equity Fund or Fixed Income Fund may invest
                      more than 35% of its total assets in money market
                      instruments, the Balanced Fund may invest more than 25% of
                      its total assets in money market instruments, and the
                      California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund may invest more
                      than 20% of its total assets in municipal obligations of
                      other states or taxable money market instruments including
                      repurchase agreements. A Fund will not be pursuing its
                      investment objective to the extent that a substantial
                      portion of its assets are invested in money market
                      instruments (or taxable money market instruments for the
                      California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund).
 
                      Illiquid and Restricted Securities
 
                        Each Fund shall limit investment in illiquid securities
                      to 15% or less of its net assets. Generally, an "illiquid
                      security" is any security that cannot be disposed of
 
                                       25
<PAGE>   128
 
                      promptly and in the ordinary course of business at
                      approximately the amount at which the Fund has valued the
                      instrument. The absence of a trading market can make it
                      difficult to ascertain the market value of illiquid
                      securities. Each Fund may purchase restricted securities
                      which have not been registered under the Securities Act of
                      1933 (e.g., Rule 144A Securities and Section 4(2)
                      commercial paper) subject to policies approved by the
                      Board of Trustees. See INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS in the
                      Statement of Additional Information.
 
                      Lending of Portfolio Securities
 
                        In order to generate additional income, a Fund may lend
                      its portfolio securities to broker-dealers, banks or other
                      institutions. A Fund may lend portfolio securities in an
                      amount representing up to 33 1/3% of the value of the
                      Fund's total assets.
 
                      Other Investments
 
                        The Funds may enter into repurchase agreements and
                      reverse repurchase agreements.
 
                        The Funds may enter into forward commitments or purchase
                      securities on a "when-issued" basis. Each Fund expects
                      that commitments by a Fund to enter into forward
                      commitments or purchase when-issued securities will not
                      exceed 25% of the value of the Fund's total assets under
                      normal market conditions. The Funds do not intend to
                      purchase when-issued securities or forward commitments for
                      speculative or leveraging purposes but only for the
                      purpose of acquiring portfolio securities.
 
   
                        The Funds, other than the California Intermediate
                      Tax-Free Bond Fund, may also invest in money market
                      instruments, money market funds, and cash.
    
 
   
                        Each Fund may invest in other registered investment
                      companies with similar investment objectives. A Fund may
                      invest up to 5% of its total assets in the shares of any
                      one registered investment company, but may not own more
                      than 3% of the securities of any one registered investment
                      company or invest more than 10% of its assets in the
                      securities of other registered investment companies. In
                      accordance with an exemptive order issued to HighMark by
                      the Securities and Exchange Commission, such other
                      registered investment company securities may include
                      shares of a money market fund of HighMark, and may include
                      registered investment companies for which the Advisor or
                      Sub-Advisor to a Fund of HighMark, or an affiliate of such
                      Advisor or Sub-Advisor, serves as investment advisor,
                      administrator or distributor.
    
 
                        Because other registered investment companies employ an
                      investment advisor, such investment by a Fund may cause
                      Shareholders to bear duplicative fees. The Advisor will
                      waive its fees attributable to the assets of the investing
                      Fund invested in a money market fund of HighMark, and, to
                      the extent required by applicable
 
                                       26
<PAGE>   129
 
                      law, the Advisor will waive its fees attributable to the
                      assets of the Fund invested in any investment company.
                      Some Funds are subject to additional restrictions on
                      investment in other investment companies. See "INVESTMENT
                      RESTRICTIONS" in the Statement of Additional Information.
 
                        Each Equity Fund and the Balanced Fund may write covered
                      calls on its equity securities and enter into closing
                      transactions with respect to covered call options. The
                      Balanced Fund may also buy and sell options, futures
                      contracts and options on futures. An Equity Fund's assets
                      may be invested in options, futures contracts and options
                      on futures, SPDRs, and investment grade bonds. The
                      aggregate value of options on securities (long puts and
                      calls) will not exceed 10% of an Equity Fund's or the
                      Balanced Fund's net assets at the time such options are
                      purchased by the Fund. An Equity Fund or the Balanced Fund
                      may enter into futures and options on futures only to the
                      extent that obligations under such contracts or
                      transactions, together with options on securities,
                      represent not more than 25% of the Fund's assets. Each of
                      these Funds may purchase options in stock indices to
                      invest cash on an interim basis. The aggregate premium
                      paid on all options on stock indices cannot exceed 20% of
                      the Fund's total assets. All of the common stocks in which
                      these Funds invest (including foreign securities in the
                      form of ADRs but not including Rule 144A Securities) are
                      traded on registered exchanges or in the over-the-counter
                      market.
 
                        The Fixed Income Funds and the California Intermediate
                      Tax-Free Bond Fund may invest in futures and options on
                      futures for the purpose of achieving the Fund's objectives
                      and for adjusting portfolio duration. These Funds may
                      invest in futures and related options based on any type of
                      security or index traded on U.S. or foreign exchanges or
                      over the counter, as long as the underlying security, or
                      securities represented by an index, are permitted
                      investments of the Fund. These Funds may enter into
                      futures contracts and related options only to the extent
                      that obligations under such contracts or transactions
                      represent not more than 10% of the Fund's assets.
 
                        Certain of the obligations in which the Fixed Income
                      Funds may invest may be variable or floating rate
                      instruments, may involve a conditional or unconditional
                      demand feature, and may include variable amount master
                      demand notes.
 
                        For further information, see "DESCRIPTION OF PERMITTED
                      INVESTMENTS."
 
                      Risk Factors
 
                        To the extent a Fund invests in equity securities, that
                      Fund's Shares will fluctuate in value, and thus may be
                      more suitable for long-term investors who can bear the
                      risk of short-term fluctuations.
 
                                       27
<PAGE>   130
 
                        In addition to credit risk which relates to the ability
                      of an issuer to make payments of principal and interest,
                      all types of bonds are also subject to market risk. Market
                      risk relates to changes in a security's value as a result
                      of interest rate changes generally. An increase in
                      interest rates will generally reduce the value of the
                      fixed income investments in the Funds and a decline in
                      interest rates will generally increase the value of those
                      investments. Accordingly, the net asset value of the
                      Fund's shares will vary as a result of changes in the
                      value of the securities in a Fund's portfolio. Therefore,
                      an investment in the Funds may decline in value, resulting
                      in a loss of principal. Because interest rates vary, it is
                      impossible to predict the income or yield of the Fund for
                      any particular period. Changes in the value of a Fund's
                      fixed-income securities will not affect cash income
                      received from ownership of such securities, but will
                      affect a Fund's net asset value.
 
                        As described above, the Funds may invest in debt
                      securities within the four highest rating categories
                      assigned by a NRSRO and comparable unrated securities.
                      Securities rated BBB by S&P or Baa by Moody's are
                      considered investment grade, but are deemed by these
                      rating services to have some speculative characteristics,
                      and adverse economic conditions or other circumstances are
                      more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to make
                      principal and interest payments than is the case with
                      higher-grade bonds. Should subsequent events cause the
                      rating of a debt security purchased by a Fund to fall
                      below the fourth highest rating category, the Advisor will
                      consider such an event in determining whether the Balanced
                      Fund should continue to hold that security. In no event,
                      however, would a Fund be required to liquidate any such
                      portfolio security where the Fund would suffer a loss on
                      the sale of such security.
 
   
                        While debt securities normally fluctuate less in price
                      than equity securities, there have been extended periods
                      of cyclical increases in interest rates that have caused
                      significant declines in debt securities prices. Certain
                      fixed-income securities which may be purchased by a Fund
                      such as zero-coupon obligations, mortgage-backed and
                      asset-backed securities, and collateralized mortgage
                      obligations ("CMOs") will have greater price volatility
                      then other fixed-income obligations. Because declining
                      interest rates may lead to prepayment of underlying
                      mortgages, automobile sales contracts or credit card
                      receivables, the prices of mortgage-related and
                      asset-backed securities may not rise with a decline in
                      interest rates. Mortgage-backed and asset-backed
                      securities and CMOs are extremely sensitive to the rate of
                      principal prepayment. Similarly, callable corporate bonds
                      also present risk of prepayment. During periods of falling
                      interest rates, securities that can be called or prepaid
                      may decline in value relative to similar securities that
                      are not subject to call or prepayment.
    
 
                        Depending upon prevailing market conditions, a Fund may
                      purchase debt securities at a discount from face value,
                      which produces a yield greater than the
 
                                       28
<PAGE>   131
 
                      coupon rate. Conversely, if debt securities are purchased
                      at premium over face value, the yield will be lower than
                      the coupon rate. In making investment decisions, the
                      Advisor will consider many factors other than current
                      yield, including the preservation of capital, the
                      potential for realizing capital appreciation, maturity,
                      and yield to maturity.
 
                        From time to time, the equity and debt markets may
                      fluctuate independently of one another. In other words, a
                      decline in equity markets may in certain instances be
                      offset by a rise in debt markets, or vice versa. As a
                      result, the Balanced Fund, with its balance of equity and
                      debt investments, may entail less investment risk (and a
                      potentially smaller investment return) than a mutual fund
                      investing primarily in equity securities.
 
                        Each of the Fixed Income Funds and the Balanced Fund may
                      invest in securities issued or guaranteed by foreign
                      corporations or foreign governments, their political
                      subdivisions, agencies or instrumentalities and
                      obligations of supranational entities such as the World
                      Bank and the Asian Development Bank. Any investments in
                      these securities will be in accordance with a Fund's
                      investment objective and policies, and are subject to
                      special risks, such as adverse political and economic
                      developments, possible seizure, nationalization or
                      expropriation of foreign investments, less stringent
                      disclosure requirements, changes in foreign currency
                      exchange rates, increased costs associated with the
                      conversion of foreign currency into U.S. dollars, the
                      possible establishment of exchange controls or taxation at
                      the source or the adoption of other foreign governmental
                      restrictions. To the extent that a Fund may invest in
                      securities of foreign issuers that are not traded on any
                      exchange, there is a further risk that these securities
                      may not be readily marketable. The Fixed Income Funds and
                      the Balanced Fund will not hold foreign currency for
                      investment purposes.
 
                        Convertible securities include corporate bonds, notes or
                      preferred stocks that can be converted into common stocks
                      or other equity securities. Convertible securities also
                      include other securities, such as warrants, that provide
                      an opportunity for equity participation. Because
                      convertible securities can be converted into common stock,
                      their values will normally vary in some proportion with
                      those of the underlying common stock. Convertible
                      securities usually provide a higher yield than the
                      underlying common stock, however, so that the price
                      decline of a convertible security may sometimes be less
                      substantial than that of the underlying common stock. The
                      value of convertible securities that pay dividends or
                      interest, like the value of all fixed-income securities,
                      generally fluctuates inversely with changes in interest
                      rates. Warrants have no voting rights, pay no dividends
                      and have no rights with respect to the assets of the
                      corporation issuing them. They do not represent ownership
                      of the securities for which they are exercisable, but only
                      the right to buy such securities at a particular price.
                      The Funds will not purchase
 
                                       29
<PAGE>   132
 
                      any convertible debt security or convertible preferred
                      stock unless it has been rated as investment grade at the
                      time of acquisition by a NRSRO or that is not rated but is
                      determined to be of comparable quality by the Advisor.
 
                        Given the uncertainty of the future value of emerging
                      growth companies and companies in special equity
                      situations, the risk of possible decline in value of the
                      Emerging Growth Fund's net assets are significant.
                      Companies in which the Emerging Growth Fund invests may
                      offer greater opportunities for capital appreciation than
                      larger more established companies, but investment in such
                      companies may involve certain special risks. These risks
                      may be due to the greater business risks of small size,
                      limited markets and financial resources, narrow product
                      lines and frequent lack of depth in management. The
                      securities of such companies are often traded in the
                      over-the-counter market and may not be traded in volumes
                      typical on a national securities exchange. Thus, the
                      securities of emerging growth companies may be less
                      liquid, and subject to more abrupt or erratic market
                      movements than securities of larger, more established
                      growth companies. Since a "special equity situation" may
                      involve a significant change from a company's past
                      experiences, the uncertainties in the appraisal of the
                      future value of the company's equity securities and the
                      risk of a possible decline in the value of the Fund's
                      investments are significant.
 
                        The ability of the State of California and its political
                      sub-divisions to generate revenue through real property
                      and other taxes and to increase spending has been
                      significantly restricted by various constitutional and
                      statutory amendments and voter-passed initiatives. Such
                      limitations could affect the ability of California state
                      and municipal issuers to pay interest or repay principal
                      on their obligations. In addition, during the first half
                      of the decade, California faced severe economic and fiscal
                      conditions and experienced recurring budget deficits that
                      caused it to deplete its available cash resources and to
                      become increasingly dependent upon external borrowings to
                      meet its cash needs.
 
                        The financial difficulties experienced by the State of
                      California and municipal issuers during the recession
                      resulted in the credit ratings of certain of their
                      obligations being downgraded significantly by the major
                      rating agencies.
 
   
PORTFOLIO
TURNOVER                A Fund's portfolio turnover rate will not be a factor
                      preventing a sale or purchase when the Advisor believes
                      investment considerations warrant. The Fixed Income Funds
                      will not purchase securities solely for the purpose of
                      short-term trading. Each of the Funds' portfolio turnover
                      rate may vary greatly from year to year as well as within
                      a particular year. High portfolio turnover rates generally
                      will result in correspondingly higher brokerage and other
                      transactions costs to the Funds and could involve the
                      realization of capital gains that would be
    
 
                                       30
<PAGE>   133
 
   
                      taxable when distributed to Shareholders of the relevant
                      Fund. See FEDERAL TAXATION.
    
 
   
HOW TO
PURCHASE SHARES         The Income Equity, Value Momentum, Growth and Balanced
                      Funds are divided into three classes of Shares, Class A,
                      Class B and Fiduciary. The Emerging Growth,
                      Intermediate-Term Bond, Bond and California Intermediate
                      Tax-Free Bond Funds are divided into two classes of
                      Shares, Class A and Fiduciary. Class A Shares may be
                      purchased at net asset value plus a sales charge. Class B
                      Shares may be purchased at net asset value without an
                      initial sales charge, but are subject to a contingent
                      deferred sales charge if they are redeemed within six
                      years after purchase. For a description of investors who
                      qualify to purchase Fiduciary Shares, see the Fiduciary
                      Shares prospectus of the Funds. HighMark's Retail Shares
                      are offered to investors who are not fiduciary clients of
                      Union Bank of California, N.A., and who are not otherwise
                      eligible for HighMark's Fiduciary Shares.
    
 
                        Retail Shares are sold on a continuous basis by
                      HighMark's Distributor, SEI Investments Distribution Co.
                      The principal office of the Distributor is Oaks,
                      Pennsylvania 19456. If you wish to purchase Shares, you
                      may contact your investment professional or telephone
                      HighMark at 1-800-433-6884. Investors may be charged a fee
                      if they effect transactions in fund shares through a
                      broker or agent.
 
   
                        The minimum initial investment is generally $1,000 for
                      each Fund and the minimum subsequent investment is
                      generally only $100. For present and retired directors,
                      officers, and employees (and their spouses and children
                      under the age of 21) of Union Bank of California, SEI
                      Financial Services Company and their affiliates, the
                      minimum initial investment is $250 per Fund and the
                      minimum subsequent investment is $50. A Fund's initial and
                      subsequent minimum purchase amounts may be waived if
                      purchases are made in connection with Individual
                      Retirement Accounts, Keoghs, payroll deduction plans, or
                      401(k) or similar plans. Purchases and redemption of
                      Shares of the Funds may be made on days on which the New
                      York Stock Exchange is open for business ("Business
                      Days").
    
 
                        Purchase orders for Class A Shares will be executed at a
                      per Share price equal to the net asset value next
                      determined after the receipt of the purchase order by the
                      Distributor (plus any applicable sales charge). Purchase
                      orders for Class B Shares will be executed at a per Share
                      price equal to the net asset value next determined after
                      the receipt of a purchase order by the Distributor,
                      without an initial sales charge, but B Shares will be
                      subject to a contingent deferred sales charge if they are
                      redeemed within six years after purchase. The net asset
                      value per Share of a Fund is determined by dividing the
                      total market value of the
 
                                       31
<PAGE>   134
 
                      Fund's investments and other assets, less any liabilities,
                      by the total number of outstanding Shares of the Fund. Net
                      asset value per Share is determined daily as of 1:00 p.m.,
                      Pacific time (4:00 p.m. Eastern time), on any Business
                      Day. Purchases will be made in full and fractional Shares
                      of HighMark calculated to three decimal places. HighMark
                      reserves the right to reject a purchase order when the
                      Distributor or the Advisor determines that it is not in
                      the best interest of HighMark and/or its Shareholders to
                      accept such order.
 
                        The securities in each Fund will be valued at market
                      value. If market quotations are not available, the
                      securities will be valued by a method that HighMark's
                      Board of Trustees believes accurately reflects fair value.
                      Although the methodology and procedures for determining
                      net asset value are identical for Class A and Class B
                      Shares, the net asset value per share of such classes may
                      differ because of the higher distribution expenses charged
                      to B Class Shares. For further information about valuation
                      of investments in the Funds, see the Statement of
                      Additional Information.
 
                        Shares of the Funds are offered only to residents of
                      states in which the Shares are eligible for purchase.
 
                      How to Purchase By Mail
 
                        You may purchase Shares of the Funds by completing and
                      signing an Account Application form and mailing it, along
                      with a check (or other negotiable bank instrument or money
                      order) payable to "HighMark Funds (Fund Name)," to the
                      transfer agent at P.O. Box 8416, Boston, Massachusetts
                      02266-8416. All purchases made by check should be in U.S.
                      dollars and made payable to "HighMark Funds (Fund Name)."
                      Third party checks, credit card checks or cash will not be
                      accepted. You may purchase more Shares at any time by
                      mailing payment also to the transfer agent at the above
                      address. Orders placed by mail will be executed on receipt
                      of your payment. If your check does not clear, your
                      purchase will be canceled and you could be liable for any
                      losses or fees incurred.
 
                        You may obtain Account Application Forms for the Funds
                      by calling the Distributor at 1-800-433-6884.
 
                      How to Purchase By Wire
 
                        You may purchase Shares of the Funds by wiring Federal
                      funds, provided that your Account Application has been
                      previously received. You must wire funds to the transfer
                      agent and the wire instructions must include your account
                      number. You must call the transfer agent at 1-800-433-6884
                      before wiring any funds. An order to purchase Shares by
                      Federal funds wire will be deemed to have been received by
                      a Fund on the Business Day of the wire; provided that the
                      Shareholder wires funds to the transfer agent prior to
                      1:00 p.m., Pacific time
 
                                       32
<PAGE>   135
 
                      (4:00 p.m., Eastern time). If the transfer agent does not
                      receive the wire by 1:00 p.m., Pacific time (4:00 p.m.,
                      Eastern time), the order will be executed on the next
                      Business Day.
 
                      How to Purchase Through an Automatic Investment Plan
                      ("AIP")
 
                        You may arrange for periodic additional investments in
                      the Funds through automatic deductions by Automated
                      Clearing House ("ACH") from a checking account by
                      completing this section in the Account Application form.
                      The minimum pre-authorized investment amount is $100 per
                      month. For present and retired directors, officers, and
                      employees (and their spouses and children under the age of
                      21) of Union Bank of California, SEI Investments
                      Distribution Co., and their affiliates the minimum
                      pre-authorized investment amount is $50 per month. The AIP
                      is available only for additional investments to an
                      existing account.
 
                      How to Purchase Through Financial Institutions
 
                        Shares of the Funds may be purchased through financial
                      institutions, including the Advisor, that provide
                      distribution assistance or Shareholder services. Shares
                      purchased by persons ("Customers") through financial
                      institutions may be held of record by the financial
                      institution. Financial institutions may impose an earlier
                      cut-off time for receipt of purchase orders directed
                      through them to allow for processing and transmittal of
                      these orders to the transfer agent for effectiveness the
                      same day. Customers should contact their financial
                      institution for information as to that institution's
                      procedures for transmitting purchase, exchange or
                      redemption orders to HighMark.
 
                        Customers who desire to transfer the registration of
                      Shares beneficially owned by them but held of record by a
                      financial institution should contact the institution to
                      accomplish such change.
 
                        Depending upon the terms of a particular Customer
                      account, a financial institution may charge a Customer
                      account fees. Information concerning these services and
                      any charges will be provided to the Customer by the
                      financial institution.
 
                      Alternative Sales Charge Options
 
                           The Two Alternatives: Overview
 
                        You may purchase shares of the Funds at a price equal to
                      their net asset value per share plus a sales charge which,
                      at your election, may be imposed either (i) at the time of
                      the purchase (Class A "initial sales charge alternative"),
                      or (ii) on a contingent deferred basis (the Class B
                      "deferred sales charge alternative"). Each class
                      represents a Fund's interest in a portfolio of
                      investments. The classes have
 
                                       33
<PAGE>   136
 
                      the same rights and are identical in all respects except
                      that (i) Class B shares bear the expenses of the deferred
                      sales arrangement and distribution and service fees
                      resulting from such sales arrangement, (ii) each class has
                      exclusive voting rights with respect to approvals of any
                      Rule 12b-1 distribution plan related to that specific
                      class (although Class B shareholders may vote on any
                      distribution fees imposed on Class A shares so long as
                      Class B shares convert into Class A shares), (iii) only
                      Class B shares carry a conversion feature and (iv) each
                      class has different exchange privileges. See "Exchange
                      Privileges." Sales personnel of broker-dealers
                      distributing the Funds' shares, and other persons entitled
                      to receive compensation for selling such shares, may
                      receive differing compensation for selling Class A or
                      Class B shares.
 
                        The alternative purchase arrangement permits you to
                      choose the method of purchasing shares that is more
                      beneficial to you. The amount of your purchase, the length
                      of time you expect to hold the shares, and whether you
                      wish to receive dividends in cash or in additional shares
                      will all be factors in determining which sales charge
                      option is best for you. You should consider whether, over
                      the time you expect to maintain your investment, the
                      accumulated distribution and service fees and contingent
                      deferred sales charges on Class B shares prior to
                      conversion would be less than the initial sales charge on
                      Class A shares, and to what extent such differential would
                      be offset by the expected higher yield of Class A shares.
                      Class A shares will normally be more beneficial to you if
                      you qualify for reduced sales charges as described below.
 
   
                        The Trustees of HighMark have determined that currently
                      no conflict of interest exists between the Class A and
                      Class B shares. On an ongoing basis, the Trustees of
                      HighMark, pursuant to their fiduciary duties under the
                      Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940
                      Act"), and state laws, will seek to ensure that no such
                      conflict arises.
    
 
                      Class A Shares
 
                      Sales Charges
 
                        The following table shows the regular sales charge on
                      Class A Shares to a "single purchaser" (defined below)
                      together with the dealer discount paid to
 
                                       34
<PAGE>   137
 
                      dealers and the agency commission paid to brokers
                      (collectively the "commission"):
 
                                   EQUITY FUNDS AND BALANCED FUND
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      SALES CHARGE AS      COMMISSION AS
                                               SALES CHARGE AS A        APPROPRIATE        PERCENTAGE OF
                                                 PERCENTAGE OF       PERCENTAGE OF NET       OFFERING
                       AMOUNT OF PURCHASE       OFFERING PRICE        AMOUNT INVESTED          PRICE
                      ---------------------    -----------------     -----------------     -------------
                      <S>                      <C>                   <C>                   <C>
                                  0-$49,999           4.50%                 4.71%               4.05%
                            $50,000-$99,999           4.00%                 4.17%               3.60%
                          $100,000-$249,999           3.50%                 3.63%               3.15%
                          $250,000-$499,999           2.50%                 2.56%               2.25%
                          $500,000-$999,999           1.50%                 1.52%               1.35%
                       $1,000,000 and Over*           0.00%                 0.00%               0.00%
</TABLE>
 
                      ----------------------------------
 
                      * A contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% will be
                        assessed against any proceeds of any redemption of such
                        Class A Shares prior to one year from date of purchase.
 
                       FIXED INCOME FUNDS AND CALIFORNIA INTERMEDIATE TAX-FREE
                                              BOND FUND
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      SALES CHARGE AS      COMMISSION AS
                                               SALES CHARGE AS A        APPROPRIATE        PERCENTAGE OF
                                                 PERCENTAGE OF       PERCENTAGE OF NET       OFFERING
                       AMOUNT OF PURCHASE       OFFERING PRICE        AMOUNT INVESTED          PRICE
                      ---------------------    -----------------     -----------------     -------------
                      <S>                      <C>                   <C>                   <C>
                                  0-$24,999           3.00%                 3.09%               2.70%
                            $25,000-$49,000           2.50%                 2.56%               2.25%
                            $50,000-$99,000           2.00%                 2.04%               1.80%
                          $100,000-$249,999           1.50%                 1.52%               1.35%
                          $250,000-$999,999           1.00%                 1.01%               0.90%
                        $1,000,000 and Over           0.00%*                0.00%               0.00%
</TABLE>
 
                      ----------------------------------
                      * A contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% will be
                        assessed against any proceeds of any redemption of such
                        Retail Shares prior to one year from date of purchase.
 
                        The commissions shown in the table apply to sales
                      through authorized dealers and brokers. Under certain
                      circumstances, the Distributor may use its own funds to
                      compensate financial institutions and intermediaries in
                      amounts that are additional to the commissions shown
                      above. In addition, the Distributor may, from time to time
                      and at its own expense, provide promotional incentives in
                      the form of cash or other compensation to certain
                      financial institutions and intermediaries whose registered
                      representatives have sold or are expected to sell
 
                                       35
<PAGE>   138
 
                      significant amounts of the Class A Shares of a Fund. Such
                      other compensation may take the form of payments for
                      travel expenses, including lodging, incurred in connection
                      with trips taken by qualifying registered representatives
                      to places within or without the United States. Under
                      certain circumstances, commissions up to the amount of the
                      entire sales charge may be reallowed to dealers or
                      brokers, who might then be deemed to be "underwriters"
                      under the Securities Act of 1933. Commission rates may
                      vary among the Funds.
 
                        In calculating the sales charge rates applicable to
                      current purchases of a Fund's Class A Shares, a "single
                      purchaser" is entitled to cumulate current purchases with
                      the net purchase of previously purchased Class A Shares of
                      a Fund and other of HighMark's funds (the "Eligible
                      Funds") which are sold subject to a comparable sales
                      charge.
 
                        The term "single purchaser" refers to (i) an individual,
                      (ii) an individual and spouse purchasing Shares of a Fund
                      for their own account or for trust or custodial accounts
                      for their minor children, or (iii) a fiduciary purchasing
                      for any one trust, estate or fiduciary account including
                      employee benefit plans created under Sections 401, 403(b)
                      or 457 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
                      (the "Code"), including related plans of the same
                      employer. To be entitled to a reduced sales charge based
                      upon Class A Shares already owned, the investor must ask
                      the Distributor for such entitlement at the time of
                      purchase and provide the account number(s) of the
                      investor, the investor and spouse, and their minor
                      children, and give the age of such children. A Fund may
                      amend or terminate this right of accumulation at any time
                      as to subsequent purchases.
 
                      Letter of Intent
 
                        By initially investing at least $1,000 and submitting a
                      Letter of Intent (the "Letter") to the Distributor, a
                      "single purchaser" may purchase Class A Shares of a Fund
                      and the other Eligible Funds during a 13-month period at
                      the reduced sales charge rates applicable to the aggregate
                      amount of the intended purchases stated in the Letter. The
                      Letter may apply to purchases made up to 90 days before
                      the date of the Letter. To receive credit for such prior
                      purchases and later purchases benefitting from the Letter,
                      the Shareholder must notify the transfer agent at the time
                      the Letter is submitted that there are prior purchases
                      that may apply, and, at the time of later purchases,
                      notify the transfer agent that such purchases are
                      applicable under the Letter.
 
                      Rights of Accumulation
 
                        In calculating the sales charge rates applicable to
                      current purchases of Class A Shares, a "single purchaser"
                      is entitled to cumulate current purchases with the current
                      market value of previously purchased Class A Shares of the
                      Funds sold subject to a comparable sales charge.
 
                                       36
<PAGE>   139
 
                        To exercise your right of accumulation based upon Shares
                      you already own, you must ask the Distributor for this
                      reduced sales charge at the time of your additional
                      purchase and provide the account number(s) of the
                      investor, as applicable, the investor and spouse, and
                      their minor children. The Funds may amend or terminate
                      this right of accumulation at any time as to subsequent
                      purchases.
 
                      Sales Charge Waivers
 
                        The following categories of investors may purchase Class
                      A Shares of the Funds with no sales charge in the manner
                      described below (which may be changed or eliminated at any
                      time by the Distributor):
 
                       (1) Existing holders of Class A Shares of a Fund upon the
                           reinvestment of dividend and capital gain
                           distributions on those Shares;
 
   
                       (2) Investment companies advised by the Adviser or
                           distributed by SEI Investments Distribution Co. or
                           its affiliates placing orders on each entity's
                           behalf;
    
 
                       (3) State and local governments;
 
                       (4) Individuals who have received distributions from
                           employee benefit trust accounts administered by Union
                           Bank of California who are rolling over such
                           distributions into an individual retirement account
                           for which the Bank serves as trustee or custodian;
 
                       (5) Individuals who purchase Class A Shares with proceeds
                           from a required minimum distribution at age 70 1/2
                           from their employee benefit qualified plan or an
                           individual retirement account administered by Union
                           Bank of California;
 
                       (6) Individuals who purchase Class A Shares with proceeds
                           received in connection with a distribution paid from
                           a Union Bank of California trust or agency account;
 
                       (7) Investment advisors or financial planners regulated
                           by a federal or state governmental authority who are
                           purchasing Class A Shares for their own account or
                           for an account for which they are authorized to make
                           investment decisions (i.e., a discretionary account)
                           and who charge a management, consulting or other fee
                           for their services; and clients of such investment
                           advisors or financial planners who place trades for
                           their own accounts if the accounts are linked to the
                           master account of such investment advisor or
                           financial planner on the books and records of a
                           broker or agent;
 
                       (8) Investors purchasing Class A Shares with proceeds
                           from a redemption of Shares of another open-end
                           investment company (other than HighMark
 
                                       37
<PAGE>   140
 
                           Funds) on which a sales charge was paid if such
                           redemption occurred within thirty (30) days prior to
                           the date of the purchase order. Satisfactory evidence
                           of the purchaser's eligibility must be provided at
                           the time of purchase (e.g., a confirmation of the
                           redemption);
 
                       (9) Brokers, dealers and agents who are purchasing for
                           their own account and who have a sales agreement with
                           the Distributor, and their employees (and their
                           spouses and children under the age of 21);
 
                      (10) Investors purchasing Class A Shares on behalf of a
                           qualified prototype retirement plan (other than an
                           IRA, SEP-IRA or Keogh) sponsored by Union Bank of
                           California or any other parties;
 
                      (11) Purchasers of Class A Shares of the Growth Fund that
                           are sponsors of other investment companies that are
                           unit investment trusts for deposit by such sponsors
                           into such unit investment trusts, and to purchasers
                           of Class A Shares of the Growth Fund that are holders
                           of such unit investment trusts that invest
                           distributions from such investment trusts in Class A
                           Shares of the Growth Fund;
 
                      (12) Present and retired directors, officers, and
                           employees (and their spouses and children under the
                           age of 21) of Union Bank of California, SEI
                           Investments Distribution Co. or their affiliated
                           companies; and
 
                      (13) Investors receiving Class A Shares issued in plans of
                           reorganization, such as mergers, asset acquisitions,
                           and exchange offers, to which HighMark is a party.
 
                        With regard to categories 2 through 12 above, the
                      Distributor must be notified that the purchase qualifies
                      for a sales charge waiver at the time of purchase.
 
                      Reductions for Qualified Groups
 
                        Reductions in sales charges also apply to purchases by
                      individual members of a "qualified group." The reductions
                      are based on the aggregate dollar amount of Class A Shares
                      purchased by all members of the qualified group. For
                      purposes of this paragraph, a qualified group consists of
                      a "company," as defined in the 1940 Act, which has been in
                      existence for more than six months and which has a primary
                      purpose other than acquiring Shares of a Fund at a reduced
                      sales charge, and the "related parties" of such company.
                      For purposes of this paragraph, a "related party" of a
                      company is (i) any individual or other company who
                      directly or indirectly owns, controls or has the power to
                      vote five percent or more of the outstanding voting
                      securities of such company; (ii) any other company of
                      which such company directly or indirectly owns, controls
                      or has the power to vote five percent or more of its
                      outstanding voting securities; (iii) any other company
                      under common control with such company; (iv) any executive
                      officer, director or
 
                                       38
<PAGE>   141
 
                      partner of such company or of a related party; and (v) any
                      partnership of which such company is a partner. Investors
                      seeking to rely on their membership in a qualified group
                      to purchase Shares at a reduced sales load must provide
                      evidence satisfactory to the transfer agent of the
                      existence of a bona fide qualified group and their
                      membership therein.
 
                        All orders from a qualified group will have to be placed
                      through a single source and identified at the time of
                      purchase as originating from the same qualified group,
                      although such orders may be placed into more than one
                      discrete account that identifies HighMark.
 
                      Class B Shares
 
                      Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
 
                        If you redeem your Class B shares within six years of
                      purchase and are not eligible for a waiver, you will pay a
                      contingent deferred sales charge at the rates set forth
                      below. You will not be required to pay the contingent
                      deferred sales charge on exchange of your Class B shares
                      of any Fund for Class B shares of any other Fund. See
                      "Exchange Privileges." The charge is assessed on an amount
                      equal to the lesser of the then-current market value or
                      the cost of the shares being redeemed. Accordingly, no
                      sales charge is imposed on increases in net asset value
                      above the initial purchase price. In addition, no charge
                      is assessed on shares derived from reinvestment of
                      dividends or capital gain distributions.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGES
                                                            AS A PERCENTAGE OF DOLLAR AMOUNT
                                   YEARS SINCE PURCHASE             SUBJECT TO CHANGE
                                --------------------------  ---------------------------------
                                <S>                         <C>
                                First.....................             5.00%
                                Second....................             4.00%
                                Third.....................             3.00%
                                Fourth....................             3.00%
                                Fifth.....................             2.00%
                                Sixth.....................             1.00%
                                Seventh...................             None
                                Eighth....................             None
</TABLE>
 
                        In determining whether a particular redemption is
                      subject to a contingent deferred sales charge, it is
                      assumed that the redemption is first of any Class A shares
                      in the shareholder's Fund account, second of Class B
                      shares held for over six years or Class B shares acquired
                      pursuant to reinvestment of dividends or other
                      distributions and third of Class B shares held longest
                      during the six year period. This method should result in
                      the lowest possible sales charge.
 
                        The contingent deferred sales charge is waived on
                      redemption of shares (i) following the death or disability
                      (as defined in the Code) of a shareholder, or
 
                                       39
<PAGE>   142
 
                      (ii) to the extent that the redemption represents a
                      minimum required distribution from an individual
                      retirement account or other retirement plan to a
                      shareholder who has attained the age of 70 1/2. A
                      Shareholder, or his or her representative, must notify the
                      Transfer Agent prior to the time of redemption if such
                      circumstances exist and the shareholder is eligible for a
                      waiver.
 
                        CONVERSION FEATURE.  At the end of the period ending
                      eight years after the beginning of the month in which the
                      shares were issued, Class B shares will automatically
                      convert to Class A shares and will no longer be subject to
                      the Class B distribution and service fees. Such conversion
                      will be on the basis of the relative net asset value of
                      the two classes.
 
EXCHANGE
PRIVILEGES              As indicated under GENERAL INFORMATION--Description of
                      HighMark & Its Shares, certain of HighMark's Funds issue
                      three classes of Shares (Class A and Class B Shares
                      (collectively, "Retail Shares") and Fiduciary Shares); as
                      of the date of this Prospectus, the Distribution Plan and
                      distribution fee payable thereunder are applicable only to
                      such Fund's Retail Shares. A Shareholder's eligibility to
                      exchange into a particular class of Shares will be
                      determined at the time of the exchange. The Shareholder
                      must supply, at the time of the exchange, the necessary
                      information to permit confirmation of qualification.
 
                        Each Fund's Class A or Class B Shares may be exchanged
                      for Class A or Class B Shares, respectively, of the
                      various other Funds of HighMark which the Shareholder
                      qualifies to purchase directly so long as the Shareholder
                      maintains the applicable minimum account balance in each
                      Fund in which he or she owns Class A or Class B Shares and
                      satisfies the minimum initial and subsequent purchase
                      amounts of the Fund into which the Shares are exchanged.
                      Shareholders may exchange their Class A Shares for Class A
                      Shares of a Fund with the same or lower sales charge on
                      the basis of the relative net asset value of the Class A
                      Shares exchanged. Shareholders may exchange their Class A
                      Shares for Class A Shares of a Fund with a higher sales
                      charge by paying the difference between the two sales
                      charges. Shareholders may also exchange Class A Shares of
                      a Money Market Fund for which no sales load was paid for
                      Class A Shares of a non-money market HighMark Fund. Under
                      such circumstances, the cost of the acquired Class A
                      Shares will be the net asset value per share plus the
                      appropriate sales load. If Class A Shares of the Money
                      Market Fund were acquired in a previous exchange involving
                      Class A Shares of a non-money market HighMark Fund, then
                      such Class A Shares of the Money Market Fund may be
                      exchanged for Class A Shares of a non-money market
                      HighMark Fund without payment of any additional sales load
                      within a twelve month period. In order to receive a
                      reduced sales charge when exchanging into a Fund, the
                      Shareholder must notify HighMark that a sales charge was
                      originally paid and provide sufficient information to
                      permit confirmation of qualification.
 
                                       40
<PAGE>   143
 
                        For purposes of calculating the Class B Shares' eight
                      year conversion period or contingent deferred sales charge
                      payable upon redemption, the holding period of Class B
                      Shares of the "old" Fund and the holding period for Class
                      B Shares of the "new" Fund are aggregated.
 
                        Exchanges will be made on the basis of the relative net
                      asset values of the Shares exchanged plus any applicable
                      sales charge. Exchanges are subject to the terms and
                      conditions stated herein and the terms and conditions
                      stated in the respective prospectuses of the Funds.
 
                        Certain entities (including Participating Organizations
                      and Union Bank of California and its affiliates), however,
                      may charge customers a fee with respect to exchanges made
                      on the customer's behalf. Information about these charges,
                      if any, can be obtained by the entity effecting the
                      exchange and this Prospectus should be read in conjunction
                      with that information.
 
   
                        A Shareholder wishing to exchange Shares in a Fund may
                      do so by contacting the transfer agent at 1-800-433-6884.
                      Exchanges will be effected on any Business Day at the net
                      asset value of the Funds involved in the exchange next
                      determined after the exchange request is received by the
                      transfer agent.
    
 
                        An exchange is considered to be a sale of Shares for
                      federal income tax purposes on which a Shareholder may
                      realize a capital gain or loss. Exchange privileges may be
                      exercised only in those states where Shares of such other
                      Funds of HighMark may legally be sold. HighMark may
                      materially amend or terminate the exchange privileges
                      described herein upon sixty days' notice.
 
REDEMPTION
OF SHARES               You may redeem your Shares of the Funds without charge
                      on any Business Day. There is presently a $15 charge for
                      wiring redemption proceeds to a Shareholder's designated
                      account. Shares may be redeemed by mail, by telephone or
                      through a pre-arranged systematic withdrawal plan.
                      Investors who own Shares held by a financial institution
                      should contact that institution for information on how to
                      redeem Shares.
 
                      By Mail
 
                        A written request for redemption of Shares of the Funds
                      must be received by the transfer agent, P.O. Box 8416,
                      Boston, Massachusetts 02266-8416 in order to constitute a
                      valid redemption request.
 
                        If the redemption request exceeds $5,000, or if the
                      request directs the proceeds to be sent or wired to an
                      address different from that of record, the transfer agent
                      may require that the signature on the written redemption
                      request be guaranteed. You should be able to obtain a
                      signature guarantee from a bank, broker dealer, credit
                      union, securities exchange or association, clearing agency
                      or savings
 
                                       41
<PAGE>   144
 
                      association. Notaries public cannot guarantee signatures.
                      The signature guarantee requirement will be waived if all
                      of the following conditions apply: (1) the redemption is
                      for not more than $5,000 worth of Shares, (2) the
                      redemption check is payable to the Shareholder(s) of
                      record, and (3) the redemption check is mailed to the
                      Shareholder(s) at his or her address of record.
 
                      Telephone Transactions
 
                        You may redeem your Shares of the Funds by calling the
                      transfer agent at 1-800-433-6884. Under most
                      circumstances, payments will be transmitted on the next
                      Business Day following receipt of a valid request for
                      redemption. You may have the proceeds mailed to your
                      address or wired to a commercial bank account previously
                      designated on your Account Application. There is no charge
                      for having redemption proceeds mailed to you, but there is
                      a $15 charge for wiring redemption proceeds.
 
                        You may request a wire redemption for redemptions of
                      Shares of the Funds in excess of $500 by calling the
                      transfer agent at 1-800-433-6884 who will deduct a wire
                      charge of $15 from the amount of the wire redemption.
                      Shares cannot be redeemed by Federal Reserve wire on
                      Federal holidays restricting wire transfers.
 
                        Neither the transfer agent nor HighMark will be
                      responsible for any loss, liability, cost or expense for
                      acting upon wire or telephone instructions that it
                      reasonably believes to be genuine. HighMark and transfer
                      agent will each employ reasonable procedures to confirm
                      that instructions, communicated by telephone are genuine.
                      Such procedures may include taping of telephone
                      conversations.
 
                        If market conditions are extraordinarily active or other
                      extraordinary circumstances exist, and you experience
                      difficulties placing redemption orders by telephone, you
                      may wish to consider placing your order by mail.
 
                      Systematic Withdrawal Plan ("SWP")
 
                        The Funds offer a Systematic Withdrawal Plan ("SWP"),
                      which you may use to receive regular distributions from
                      your account. Upon commencement of the SWP, your account
                      must have a current net asset value of $5,000 or more. You
                      may elect to receive automatic payments via check or ACH
                      of $100 or more on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or
                      annual basis. You may arrange to receive regular
                      distributions from your account via check or ACH by
                      completing this section in the Account Application form.
 
                        To participate in the SWP, you must have your dividends
                      automatically reinvested. You should realize that if your
                      automatic withdrawals exceed income dividends, your
                      invested principal in the account will be depleted. Thus,
                      depending on the frequency and amounts of the withdrawal
                      payments and/or any fluctuations in the net asset value
                      per Share, your original investment could be
 
                                       42
<PAGE>   145
 
                      exhausted entirely. You may change or cancel the SWP at
                      any time on written notice to the transfer agent. The
                      transfer agent may require that the signature on the
                      written notice be guaranteed.
 
                        It is generally not in your best interest to be
                      participating in the SWP at the same time that you are
                      purchasing additional Shares if you have to pay a sales
                      load in connection with such purchases. The aggregate
                      withdrawals of Class B Shares in any year pursuant to the
                      SWP will not be subject to the contingent deferred sale
                      charge in an amount up to 10% of the value of the account
                      at the time of the establishment of the SWP. Because
                      automatic withdrawals of Class B Shares in amounts greater
                      than 10% of the initial value of the account will be
                      subject to the contingent deferred sales charge, it may
                      not be in the best interest of Class B Shareholders to
                      participate in the SWP for such amounts.
 
                      Other Information Regarding Redemptions
 
                        Shareholders who desire to redeem Shares of HighMark
                      must place their redemption orders prior to 1:00 p.m.,
                      Pacific time (4:00 p.m., Eastern time), on any Business
                      Day for the order to be accepted on that Business Day. The
                      redemption price is the net asset value of the Fund next
                      determined after receipt by the Distributor of the
                      redemption order, reduced by any applicable contingent
                      deferred sales charge for Class B Shares. Payment on
                      redemption will be made as promptly as possible and, in
                      any event, within seven calendar days after the redemption
                      order is received. The Funds reserve the right to make
                      payment on redemptions in securities rather than cash.
 
                        Payment to the Shareholders for Shares redeemed will be
                      made within seven days after the transfer agent receives
                      the valid redemption request. At various times, however, a
                      Fund may be requested to redeem Shares for which it has
                      not yet received good payment; collection of payment may
                      take ten or more days. In such circumstances, the
                      redemption request will be rejected by the Fund. Once a
                      Fund has received good payment for the Shares a
                      Shareholder may submit another request for redemption.
 
                        Due to the relatively high costs of handling small
                      investments, each Fund reserves the right to redeem your
                      Shares at net asset value, less any applicable contingent
                      deferred sales charge, if your account in any Fund has a
                      value of less than the minimum initial purchase amount.
                      Accordingly, if you purchase Shares of any Fund in only
                      the minimum investment amount, you may be subject to
                      involuntary redemption if you redeem any Shares. Before
                      any Fund exercises its right to redeem such Shares you
                      will be given notice that the value of the Shares in your
                      account is less than the minimum amount and will be
                      allowed 60 days to make an additional investment in such
                      Fund in an amount which will increase the value of the
                      account to at least the minimum amount.
 
                                       43
<PAGE>   146
 
DIVIDENDS               The net income of each Fund is declared and paid monthly
                      as a dividend to Shareholders of record at the close of
                      business on the day of declaration. Net realized capital
                      gains are distributed at least annually to Shareholders of
                      record.
 
                        Shareholders will automatically receive all income
                      dividends and capital gains distributions in additional
                      full and fractional Shares of a Fund at net asset value as
                      of the date of declaration (which is also the ex-dividend
                      date), unless the Shareholder elects to receive such
                      dividends or distributions in cash. Shareholders wishing
                      to receive their dividends in cash (or wishing to revoke a
                      previously made election) must notify the transfer agent
                      at P.O. Box 8416, Boston, MA 02266-8416, and such election
                      (or revocation thereof) will become effective with respect
                      to dividends and distributions having record dates after
                      notice has been received. Dividends paid in additional
                      Shares receive the same tax treatment as dividends paid in
                      cash. The amount of dividends payable on Class A Shares
                      will be more than the dividends payable on the Class B
                      Shares because of the higher distribution fees paid by
                      Class B Shares.
 
TAXES
                      Federal Taxation
 
                        Each Fund intends to qualify for treatment as a
                      "regulated investment company" under the Internal Revenue
                      Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and to distribute
                      substantially all of its net investment income and net
                      realized capital gains so that each Fund is not required
                      to pay federal taxes on these amounts. Because all of the
                      net investment income of the Fixed Income Funds is
                      expected to be derived from interest, it is anticipated
                      that no part of any distribution will be eligible for the
                      federal dividends received deduction.
 
   
                        For each Fund, other than the California Intermediate
                      Tax-Free Bond Fund, distributions of ordinary income
                      and/or an excess of net short-term capital gain over net
                      long-term capital loss are treated for federal income tax
                      purposes as ordinary income to Shareholders. With respect
                      to the Equity Funds and the Balanced Fund, the 70 percent
                      dividends received deduction for corporations generally
                      will apply to these distributions to the extent the
                      distribution represents amounts that would qualify for the
                      dividends received deduction when received by a Fund if a
                      Fund were a regular corporation, and to the extent
                      designated by a Fund as so qualifying. A corporate
                      Shareholder will only be eligible to claim a dividends
                      received deduction with respect to a dividend from a Fund
                      if the corporate Shareholder held its Shares on the
                      ex-dividend date and for at least 45 other days during the
                      90-day period surrounding the ex-dividend date.
                      Distributions by the Fund of net gains on capital assets
                      held for more than one year but not more than 18 months
                      and of net gains on capital assets held for more than 18
                      months are taxable to Shareholders as such, regardless of
                      how long the Shareholder has held Shares of the Fund. Such
                      distributions are not eligible for the
    
 
                                       44
<PAGE>   147
 
   
                      dividends received deduction. If a Shareholder disposes of
                      Shares in a Fund at a loss before holding such Shares for
                      longer than six months, such loss will be treated as a
                      long-term capital loss to the extent the Shareholder has
                      received long-term capital gain distributions on the
                      Shares.
    
 
                        Because all of the California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond
                      Fund's net investment income is expected to be derived
                      from interest, it is anticipated that no part of any
                      distribution will be eligible for the federal dividends
                      received deduction for corporations. The Fund is not
                      managed to generate any long-term capital gains and,
                      therefore, does not foresee paying any significant
                      "capital gains dividends" as described in the Code.
 
   
                        Exempt-interest dividends from the California
                      Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund are excludable from
                      Shareholders' gross income for federal income tax
                      purposes. Such dividends may be taxable to Shareholders
                      under state or local law as ordinary income even though
                      all or a portion of the amounts may be derived from
                      interest on tax-exempt obligations which, if realized
                      directly, would be exempt from such taxes. Shareholders
                      are advised to consult a tax advisor with respect to
                      whether exempt-interest dividends retain the exclusion if
                      such Shareholder would be treated as a "substantial user"
                      of a facility financed through certain private activity
                      bonds or a "related person" to such a user under the Code.
    
 
                        Under the Code, interest on indebtedness incurred or
                      continued by a Shareholder to purchase or carry Shares of
                      the California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund is not
                      deductible for federal income tax purposes to the extent
                      the Fund distributes exempt-interest dividends during the
                      Shareholder's taxable year.
 
                        Under the Code, if a Shareholder sells a Share of the
                      California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund after holding
                      it for six months or less, any loss on the sale or
                      exchange of such Share will be disallowed to the extent of
                      the amount of any exempt-interest dividends that the
                      Shareholder has received with respect to the Share that is
                      sold.
 
   
                        In addition, any loss (not already disallowed as
                      provided in the preceding sentence) realized upon a
                      taxable disposition of shares of the California
                      Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund held for six months or
                      less will be treated as long-term, rather than short-term,
                      to the extent of any long-term capital gain distributions
                      received by the shareholder with respect to the shares.
    
 
                        The California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund may at
                      times purchase California Municipal Securities at a
                      discount from the price at which they were originally
                      issued. For federal income tax purposes, some or all of
                      this market discount will be included in the California
                      Tax-Free Money Market Fund's ordinary income and will be
                      taxable to Shareholders as such when it is distributed to
                      them.
 
                                       45
<PAGE>   148
 
   
                        To the extent dividends paid to Shareholders are derived
                      from taxable income (for example, from interest on
                      certificates of deposit or repurchase agreements), or from
                      long-term or short-term capital gains, such dividends will
                      be subject to federal income tax, whether such dividends
                      are paid in the form of cash or additional Shares. A
                      Shareholder should consult his or her tax adviser for
                      special advice.
    
 
                        Under the Code, dividends attributable to interest on
                      certain private activity bonds issued after August 7, 1986
                      must be included in alternative minimum taxable income for
                      the purpose of determining liability (if any) for the
                      federal alternative minimum tax. In addition,
                      exempt-interest dividends will be included in a
                      corporation's "adjusted current earnings" for purposes of
                      the alternative minimum tax (except to the extent derived
                      from interest on certain private activity bonds issued
                      after August 7, 1986, which interest would already be
                      included in alternative minimum taxable income as a
                      specific item of tax preference). Shareholders of the
                      California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund receiving
                      social security or railroad retirement benefits may be
                      taxed on a portion of those benefits as a result of
                      receiving tax-exempt income (including exempt-interest
                      dividends distributed by the Fund).
 
                        Prior to purchasing Shares of the Funds, the impact of
                      dividends or capital gain distributions that are expected
                      to be declared or have been declared, but not paid, should
                      be carefully considered. Dividends or capital gain
                      distributions received after a purchase of Shares are
                      subject to federal income taxes, although in some
                      circumstances, the dividends or distributions may be, as
                      an economic matter, a return of capital to the
                      Shareholder. A Shareholder should consult his or her
                      advisor for specific advice about the tax consequences to
                      the Shareholder of investing in a Fund.
 
   
                        Fund investments in foreign securities may be subject to
                      withholding taxes at the source on dividend or interest
                      payments. In that case, the Fund's yield on those
                      securities would be decreased. No Fund expects to be
                      eligible to elect to permit shareholders to claim a credit
                      or deduction on their income tax return for their pro rata
                      share of such foreign taxes.
    
 
                        Fund transactions in foreign currencies and hedging
                      activities may give rise to ordinary income or loss to the
                      extent such income or loss results from fluctuations in
                      value of the foreign currency concerned. In addition, such
                      activities will likely produce a difference between book
                      income and taxable income. This difference may cause a
                      portion of the Fund's income distributions to constitute a
                      return of capital for tax purposes or require the Fund to
                      make distributions exceeding book income to qualify as a
                      regulated investment company for tax purposes.
 
                                       46
<PAGE>   149
 
                        Investment in an entity that qualifies as a "passive
                      foreign investment company" under the Code could subject
                      the Fund to a U.S. federal income tax or other charge on
                      certain "excess distributions" received with respect to
                      the investment, and on the proceeds from disposition of
                      the investment.
 
                        Additional information regarding federal taxes is
                      contained in the Statement of Additional Information.
                      However, the foregoing and the material in the Statement
                      of Additional Information are only brief summaries of some
                      of the important tax considerations generally affecting
                      each Fund and its Shareholders. In addition, the foregoing
                      discussion and the federal tax information in the
                      Statement of Additional Information are based on tax laws
                      and regulations which are in effect as of the date of this
                      Prospectus; these laws and regulations may subsequently
                      change, and such changes could be retroactive.
 
                        Shareholders will be advised at least annually as to the
                      federal income tax status of distributions made during the
                      year.
 
                      California Taxes
 
                        The California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund intends
                      to qualify to pay dividends to Shareholders that are
                      exempt from California personal income tax ("California
                      exempt-interest dividends"). The California Intermediate
                      Tax-Free Bond Fund will qualify to pay California
                      exempt-interest dividends if (1) at the close of each
                      quarter of the Fund's taxable year, at least 50 percent of
                      the value of the Fund's total assets consists of
                      obligations the interest on which would be exempt from
                      California personal income tax if the obligations were
                      held by an individual ("California Tax Exempt
                      Obligations") and (2) the Fund continues to qualify as a
                      regulated investment company.
 
                        If the California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund
                      qualifies to pay California exempt-interest dividends,
                      dividends distributed to Shareholders will be considered
                      California exempt-interest dividends (1) if they are
                      designated as exempt-interest dividends by the Fund in a
                      written notice to Shareholders mailed within 60 days of
                      the close of the Fund's taxable year and (2) to the extent
                      that they are derived from the interest received by the
                      Fund during the year on California Tax Exempt Obligations
                      (less related expenses). If the aggregate dividends so
                      designated exceed the amount that may be treated as
                      California exempt-interest dividends, only that percentage
                      of each dividend distribution equal to the ratio of
                      aggregate California exempt-interest dividends to
                      aggregate dividends so designated will be treated as a
                      California exempt-interest dividend. The Fund will notify
                      Shareholders of the amount of California exempt-interest
                      dividends each year.
 
                                       47
<PAGE>   150
 
                        Corporations subject to California franchise tax that
                      invest in the California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund
                      generally will not be entitled to exclude California
                      exempt-interest dividends from income.
 
                        Dividend distributions that do not qualify for treatment
                      as California exempt-interest dividends will be taxable to
                      Shareholders at ordinary income tax rates for California
                      personal income tax purposes to the extent of the
                      California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund's earnings and
                      profits.
 
                        Interest on indebtedness incurred or continued by a
                      Shareholder in connection with the purchase of Shares of
                      the California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund will not be
                      deductible for California personal income tax purposes if
                      the Fund distributes California exempt-interest dividends.
 
   
                        Additional information regarding California taxes is
                      contained in the Statement of Additional Information.
                      However, the foregoing and the California tax information
                      in the Statement of Additional Information is a general,
                      abbreviated summary of certain of the provisions of the
                      California Revenue and Taxation Code presently in effect
                      as they directly govern the taxation of Shareholders
                      subject to California personal income tax. These
                      provisions are subject to change by legislative or
                      administrative action, and any such change may be
                      retroactive with respect to Fund transactions.
                      Shareholders are advised to consult with their own tax
                      advisors for more detailed information concerning
                      California tax matters.
    
 
SERVICE
ARRANGEMENTS          The Advisor
 
   
                        The Pacific Alliance division of Union Bank of
                      California, N.A. serves as the Funds' investment advisor.
                      Subject to the general supervision of HighMark's Board of
                      Trustees, the Advisor manages each Fund in accordance with
                      its investment objective and policies, makes decisions
                      with respect to and places orders for all purchases and
                      sales of the Fund's investment securities, and maintains
                      the Fund's records relating to such purchases and sales.
    
 
                        For the expenses assumed and services provided by the
                      Advisor as each Fund's investment advisor, Union Bank of
                      California receives a fee from the Intermediate-Term Bond
                      Fund, the Bond Fund and the California Intermediate
                      Tax-Free Bond Fund, computed daily and paid monthly, at
                      the annual rate of fifty one-hundredths of one percent
                      (.50%) of the Fund's average daily net assets, from the
                      Growth Fund, Value Momentum Fund, Income Equity Fund and
                      Balanced Fund, computed daily and paid monthly, at the
                      annual rate of sixty one-hundredths of one percent (.60%)
                      of the Fund's average daily net assets and from the
                      Emerging Growth Fund, at the annual rate of eighty
                      one-hundredths of one percent (.80%) of the Fund's average
                      daily net assets. Depending on the size of the Fund, this
                      fee may be higher than the advisory fee paid by most
                      mutual
 
                                       48
<PAGE>   151
 
                      funds, although the Board of Trustees believes it will be
                      comparable to advisory fees paid by many funds having
                      similar objectives and policies.
 
                        Union Bank of California may from time to time agree to
                      voluntarily reduce its advisory fee, however, it is not
                      currently doing so for each Fund. While there can be no
                      assurance that Union Bank of California will choose to
                      make such an agreement, any voluntary reductions in Union
                      Bank of California's advisory fee will lower the Fund's
                      expenses, and thus increase the Fund's yield and total
                      return, during the period such voluntary reductions are in
                      effect. Prior to April 28, 1997, the Value Momentum Fund,
                      the Emerging Growth Fund, the Intermediate-Term Bond Fund,
                      the Balanced Fund, and the California Intermediate Tax-
                      Free Bond Fund did not yet operate as HighMark Funds. Fee
                      and other information presented regarding these Funds
                      after that time only represents their operation as
                      HighMark Funds. Prior to operating as HighMark Funds,
                      these Funds had a fiscal year end of January 31.
 
   
                        During HighMark's fiscal year ended July 31, 1997, Union
                      Bank of California received investment advisory fees from
                      the Income Equity Fund aggregating 0.60% of the Fund's
                      average daily net assets, from the Value Momentum Fund
                      (February 1, 1997 through July 31, 1997) aggregating 0.60%
                      of the Fund's average daily net assets, from the Growth
                      Fund aggregating 0.59% of the Fund's average daily net
                      assets, from the Intermediate-Term Bond Fund (February 1,
                      1997 through July 31, 1997) aggregating 0.50% of the
                      Fund's average daily net assets, from the Bond Fund
                      aggregating 0.46% of the Fund's average daily net assets,
                      from the Balanced Fund (February 1, 1997 through July 31,
                      1997) aggregating 0.60% of the Fund's average daily net
                      assets, and from the California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond
                      Fund (February 1, 1997 through July 31, 1997) aggregating
                      0.00% of the Fund's average daily net assets. For the
                      period February 1, 1996 through January 31, 1997, Union
                      Bank of California received investment advisory fees from
                      the Value Momentum Fund aggregating 0.60% of the Fund's
                      average daily net assets, from the Intermediate-Term Bond
                      Fund aggregating 0.50% of the Fund's average daily net
                      assets, from the Balanced Fund aggregating 0.60% of the
                      Fund's average daily net assets, and from the California
                      Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund aggregating 0.00% of the
                      Fund's average daily net assets.
    
 
                        On April 1, 1996, the Bank of California, N.A.,
                      HighMark's then investment advisor, combined with Union
                      Bank and the resulting bank changed its name to Union Bank
                      of California, N.A. At the same time, the banks'
                      investment management divisions were combined. Each of
                      Union Bank and The Bank of California, N.A. (or their
                      predecessor banks) has been in banking since the early
                      1900's and, historically, each has had significant
                      investment functions within its trust and investment
                      division. UnionBanCal Corporation, the parent of Union
 
                                       49
<PAGE>   152
 
   
                      Bank of California, N.A., is a publicly held corporation,
                      but is principally held by The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi,
                      Ltd. As of September 30, 1997, UnionBanCal Corporation and
                      its subsidiaries had approximately $31 billion in
                      consolidated assets. The Pacific Alliance division of
                      Union Bank of California's Trust and Investment Management
                      Group, as of [          ], had approximately $[     ]
                      billion of assets under management. The Advisor, with a
                      team of approximately [     ] stock and bond research
                      analysts, portfolio managers and traders, has been
                      providing investment management services to individuals,
                      institutions and large corporations since 1917.
    
 
   
                        All investment decisions for the Funds are made by a
                      team of investment professionals, all of whom take an
                      active part in the decision making process. The team
                      leaders for each Fund are as follows:
    
 
   
                        Growth Fund--Scott Chapman. Mr. Chapman, Vice President,
                      has served as team leader since 1993. He has been with the
                      Union Bank of California, N.A., and its predecessor, The
                      Bank of California, N.A., since 1991.
    
 
   
                        Value Momentum Fund--Richard Earnest. Mr. Earnest,
                      Senior Vice President, has served as team leader of the
                      Fund since its inception on February 1, 1991 as the
                      Stepstone Value Momentum Fund. He has been with the Union
                      Bank of California, N.A., and its predecessor, Union Bank,
                      since 1964.
    
 
   
                        Income Equity Fund--Thomas Arrington. Mr. Arrington has
                      served as team leader since 1994. He has been with the
                      Union Bank of California, N.A., and its predecessor, The
                      Bank of California, N.A., since 1990.
    
 
   
                        Bond Fund and the Intermediate Term Bond Fund--E. Jack
                      Montgomery. Mr. Montgomery, Vice President, has served as
                      team leader for the Bond Fund since 1994. He serves as the
                      team leader for the Intermediate Term Bond Fund and served
                      as team leader for its predecessor, Stepstone Intermediate
                      Term Bond Fund, since 1996. He has been with the Union
                      Bank of California and The Bank of California since 1994.
    
 
   
                        Balanced Fund--Carl J. Colombo. Mr. Colombo, Vice
                      President, has served as team leader of the Fund since its
                      inception on February 1, 1991 as the Stepstone Balanced
                      Fund. He has been with the Union Bank of California, N.A.,
                      and its predecessor, Union Bank, since 1985.
    
 
   
                        California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund--Robert
                      Bigelow. Mr. Bigelow, Vice President, has served as team
                      leader since 1994. He has been with Union Bank of
                      California and its predecessor, Union Bank since 1994.
    
 
   
                      The Sub-Advisor
    
 
                        The Advisor and Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi Trust Company
                      ("BTMT") have entered into an investment subadvisory
                      agreement relating to the Emerging
 
                                       50
<PAGE>   153
 
                      Growth Fund (the "Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement").
                      Under the Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, BTMT will
                      make the day-to-day investment decisions for the assets of
                      the Emerging Growth Fund, subject to the supervision of,
                      and policies established by, the Advisor and the Trustees
                      of HighMark.
 
                        Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi Trust Company, headquartered at
                      1251 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10116,
                      operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Bank of
                      Tokyo-Mitsubishi, Ltd. BTMT was formed by the combination
                      on April 1, 1996, of Bank of Tokyo Trust Company, a
                      wholly-owned subsidiary of The Bank of Tokyo, Ltd., and
                      Mitsubishi Bank Trust Company of New York, a wholly-owned
                      subsidiary of The Mitsubishi Bank, Limited. Bank of Tokyo
                      Trust Company was the surviving entity, and changed its
                      name to Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi Trust Company. Prior to
                      the combination, subadvisory services were provided by
                      Bank of Tokyo Trust Company. Bank of Tokyo Trust Company
                      was established in 1955, and has provided trust services
                      since that time and management services since 1965.
 
   
                        BTMT serves as portfolio manger to bank common funds,
                      employee benefit funds and personal trust accounts,
                      managing assets in money market, equity and fixed income
                      portfolios. As of September 30, 1997, BTMT managed $750
                      million in individual portfolios and collective funds. In
                      addition, BTMT will also serve as sub-advisor to
                      HighMark's Government Securities, Convertible Securities
                      and Blue Chip Growth Funds.
    
 
   
                        BTMT is entitled to a fee, which is calculated daily and
                      paid monthly out of the Advisor's fee, at an annual rate
                      of .50% of the average daily net assets of the Emerging
                      Growth Fund.
    
 
                        Seth E. Shalov serves as portfolio manager to the
                      Emerging Growth Fund. Mr. Shalov has been a Senior
                      Portfolio Manager with the Sub-Advisor and its
                      predecessor, Bank of Tokyo Trust Company, since October,
                      1987.
 
                      Administrator
 
   
                        SEI Investments Fund Resources (the "Administrator"),
                      and HighMark are parties to an administration agreement
                      (the "Administration Agreement"). Under the terms of the
                      Administration Agreement, the Administrator provides
                      HighMark with certain management services, including all
                      necessary office space, equipment, personnel, and
                      facilities.
    
 
                        The Administrator is entitled to a fee, which is
                      calculated daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate of
                      .20% of the average daily net assets of the Funds. The
                      Administrator may waive its fee or reimburse various
                      expenses to the extent necessary to limit the total
                      operating expenses of a Fund's Retail Shares. Any such
                      waiver is voluntary and may be terminated at any time in
                      the Administrator's sole discretion. Currently, the
                      Administrator has agreed to waive its fee to
 
                                       51
<PAGE>   154
 
   
                      the rate of 0.15% of the average daily net assets of the
                      California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund and 0.18% of
                      the average daily net assets of the other Funds.
    
 
                        Pursuant to a separate agreement with the Administrator,
                      Union Bank of California, N.A. performs sub-administration
                      services on behalf of each Fund, for which it receives a
                      fee paid by the Administrator at the annual rate of up to
                      0.05% of the average daily net assets of the Funds. A
                      description of the services performed by Union Bank of
                      California pursuant to this Agreement is contained in the
                      Statement of Additional Information.
 
                      The Transfer Agent
 
                        State Street Bank and Trust Company serves as the
                      transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent, and as a
                      shareholder servicing agent for the Retail Shares of
                      HighMark, for which services it receives a fee.
 
                      Shareholder Service Plan
 
   
                        To support the provision of Shareholder services to all
                      classes of Shares, HighMark has adopted a Shareholder
                      Service Plan for Fiduciary Class and Class A Shares and a
                      Shareholder Service Plan for Class B Shares. A description
                      of the services performed by service providers pursuant to
                      each Shareholder Service Plan is contained in the
                      Statement of Additional Information. Under these plans, in
                      consideration of services provided by any service
                      provider, which may include Union Bank of California,
                      N.A., Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi, Ltd., or their respective
                      affiliates, each Fund may pay a fee at the rate of up to
                      0.25% of its average daily net assets to such service
                      provider. The service provider may waive such fees at any
                      time. Any such waiver is voluntary and may be terminated
                      at any time. Currently, such fees are being waived to the
                      rate of 0.10% of average daily net assets for the Class A
                      Shares of the Income Equity Fund, Growth Fund, and
                      Balanced Fund, 0.03% for the Class A Shares of the
                      Intermediate-Term Bond Fund, 0.01% for the Class A Shares
                      of the Bond Fund, and 0.00% for the Class A Shares of the
                      California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund.
    
 
                      Distributor
 
                        SEI Investments Distribution Co. (the "Distributor") and
                      HighMark are parties to two distribution agreements, one
                      for Fiduciary Class and Class A Shares, and one for Class
                      B Shares (collectively, the "Distribution Agreements").
                      Each Distribution Agreement is renewable annually and may
                      be terminated by the Distributor, by a majority vote of
                      the Disinterested Trustees or by a majority vote of the
                      outstanding securities of HighMark upon not more than 60
                      days written notice by either party, or upon assignment by
                      the Distributor.
 
                      The Distribution Plans
 
                        Pursuant to HighMark's Distribution Plans, each Equity
                      Fund pays the Distributor as compensation for its services
                      in connection with the Distribution
 
                                       52
<PAGE>   155
 
   
                      Plans a distribution fee, computed daily and paid monthly,
                      equal to twenty-five one-hundredths of one percent (0.25%)
                      of the average daily net assets attributable to that
                      Fund's Class A Shares, pursuant to the Class A
                      Distribution Plan, and seventy-five one-hundredths of one
                      percent (0.75%) of the average daily net assets
                      attributable to that Fund's Class B Shares, pursuant to
                      the Class B Distribution Plan. The Distributor has agreed
                      to waive its fees to 0.00% of the average daily net assets
                      of the Intermediate Term Bond Fund, the Bond Fund and the
                      California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund.
    
 
                        The Distributor may use the distribution fee applicable
                      to a Fund's Class A and Class B Shares to provide
                      distribution assistance with respect to the sale of the
                      Fund's Class A and Class B Shares or to provide
                      Shareholder services to the holders of the Fund's Class A
                      and Class B Shares. The Distributor may also use the
                      distribution fee (i) to pay financial institutions and
                      intermediaries (such as insurance companies and investment
                      counselors but not including banks and savings and loan
                      associations), broker-dealers, and the Distributor's
                      affiliates and subsidiaries compensation for services or
                      reimbursement of expenses incurred in connection with the
                      distribution of a Fund's Class A and Class B Shares to
                      their customers or (ii) to pay banks, savings and loan
                      associations, other financial institutions and
                      intermediaries, broker-dealers, and the Distributor's
                      affiliates and subsidiaries compensation for services or
                      reimbursement of expenses incurred in connection with the
                      provision of Shareholder services to their customers
                      owning a Fund's Class A and Class B Shares. All payments
                      by the Distributor for distribution assistance or
                      Shareholder services under the Distribution Plans will be
                      made pursuant to an agreement between the Distributor and
                      such bank, savings and loan association, other financial
                      institution or intermediary, broker-dealer, or affiliate
                      or subsidiary of the Distributor (a "Servicing Agreement";
                      banks, savings and loan associations, other financial
                      institutions and intermediaries, broker-dealers, and the
                      Distributor's affiliates and subsidiaries that may enter
                      into a Servicing Agreement are hereinafter referred to
                      individually as a "Participating Organization"). A
                      Participating Organization may include Union Bank of
                      California, its subsidiaries and its affiliates.
 
                        Participating Organizations may charge customers fees in
                      connection with investments in a Fund on their customers'
                      behalf. Such fees would be in addition to any amounts the
                      Participating Organization may receive pursuant to its
                      Servicing Agreement. Under the terms of the Servicing
                      Agreements, Participating Organizations are required to
                      provide their customers with a schedule of fees charged
                      directly to such customers in connection with investments
                      in a Fund. Customers of Participating Organizations should
                      read this Prospectus in light of the terms governing their
                      accounts with the Participating Organization.
 
                                       53
<PAGE>   156
 
                        The distribution fees under the Distribution Plans will
                      be payable without regard to whether the amount of the fee
                      is more or less than the actual expenses incurred in a
                      particular year by the Distributor in connection with
                      distribution assistance or Shareholder services rendered
                      by the Distributor itself or incurred by the Distributor
                      pursuant to the Servicing Agreements entered into under
                      the Distribution Plans. The Distributor may from time to
                      time voluntarily reduce its distribution fees with respect
                      to a Fund in significant amounts for substantial periods
                      of time pursuant to an agreement with HighMark. While
                      there can be no assurance that the Distributor will choose
                      to make such an agreement, any voluntary reduction in the
                      Distributor's distribution fees will lower such Fund's
                      expenses, and thus increase such Fund's yield and total
                      returns, during the period such voluntary reductions are
                      in effect.
 
                      Banking Laws
 
                        Union Bank of California believes that it may perform
                      the services for the Funds contemplated by its investment
                      advisory agreement with HighMark without a violation of
                      applicable banking laws and regulations. Union Bank of
                      California also believes that it may perform
                      sub-administration and sub-accounting services on behalf
                      of each Fund, without a violation of applicable banking
                      laws and regulations. Future changes in federal or state
                      statutes and regulations relating to permissible
                      activities of banks or bank holding companies and their
                      subsidiaries and affiliates, as well as further judicial
                      or administrative decisions or interpretations of present
                      and future statutes and regulations, could change the
                      manner in which Union Bank of California or the Advisor
                      could continue to perform such services for the Funds. For
                      a further discussion of applicable banking laws and
                      regulations, see the Statement of Additional Information.
 
                      Custodian
 
                        Union Bank of California also serves as the custodian
                      and as a shareholder servicing agent for the Funds. The
                      Custodian holds cash securities and other assets of
                      HighMark as required by the 1940 Act.
 
                        Services performed by Union Bank of California, as the
                      Funds' shareholder servicing agent and custodian, as well
                      as the basis of remuneration for such services, are
                      described in the Statement of Additional Information.
 
GENERAL
INFORMATION           Description of HighMark & Its Shares
 
                        HighMark was organized as a Massachusetts business trust
                      on March 10, 1987, and consists of sixteen series of
                      Shares open for investment representing units of
                      beneficial interest in HighMark's Growth Fund, Income
                      Equity Fund, Balanced Fund, Value Momentum Fund, Blue Chip
                      Growth Fund, Emerging Growth Fund, International Equity
                      Fund, Bond Fund, Intermediate-Term Bond Fund,
 
                                       54
<PAGE>   157
 
                      Government Securities Fund, Convertible Securities Fund,
                      California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund, Diversified
                      Money Market Fund, U.S. Government Obligations Money
                      Market Fund, 100% U.S. Treasury Obligations Money Market
                      Fund, and California Tax-Free Money Market Fund. Shares of
                      each Fund are freely transferable, are entitled to
                      distributions from the assets of the Fund as declared by
                      the Board of Trustees, and, if HighMark were liquidated,
                      would receive a pro rata share of the net assets
                      attributable to that Fund. Shares are without par value.
 
                        As noted above, pursuant to a Multiple Class Plan on
                      file with the Securities and Exchange Commission
                      permitting the issuance and sale of three classes of
                      Shares in selected Funds, Shares of such Funds have been
                      divided into three classes, designated Class A and Class B
                      Shares (collectively, "Retail Shares") and Fiduciary
                      Shares. For information regarding the Fiduciary Shares of
                      the Funds, interested persons may contact the Distributor
                      for a prospectus at 1-800-433-6884.
 
                        HighMark believes that as of [          ], 1997, there
                      was no person who owned of record or beneficially more
                      than 25% of the Class A or Class B Shares of any Fund.
 
                      Performance Information
 
                        From time to time, HighMark may advertise the aggregate
                      total return, average annual total return, yield and
                      distribution rate with respect to the Class A and Class B
                      Shares of each Equity Fund. Performance information is
                      computed separately for a Fund's Class A, Class B and
                      Fiduciary Shares in accordance with the formulas described
                      below.
 
                        The aggregate total return and average annual total
                      return of the Equity Funds may be quoted for the life of
                      each Fund and for ten-year, five-year, three-year, and
                      one-year periods, in each case through the most recent
                      calendar quarter (in the case of the Income Equity Fund,
                      utilizing, when appropriate, the aggregate total return
                      and average annual total return of the IRA Fund Income
                      Equity Portfolio prior to June 23, 1988). Aggregate total
                      return is determined by calculating the change in the
                      value of a hypothetical $1,000 investment in a Fund over
                      the applicable period that would equate the initial amount
                      invested to the ending redeemable value of the investment.
                      The ending redeemable value includes dividends and capital
                      gain distributions reinvested at net asset value. Average
                      annual total return is calculated by annualizing a Fund's
                      aggregate total return over the relevant number of years.
                      The resulting percentage indicates the average positive or
                      negative investment results that an investor in a Fund
                      would have experienced on an annual basis from changes in
                      Share price and reinvestment of dividends and capital gain
                      distributions. Average annual total return will
 
                                       55
<PAGE>   158
 
                      reflect deduction of all charges and expenses, including,
                      as applicable, the maximum sales charge imposed on Class A
                      Shares or the contingent deferred sales charge imposed on
                      Cass B Shares redeemed at the end of the specified period
                      covered by the total return figure.
 
                        The yield of a Fund is determined by annualizing the net
                      investment income per Share of the Fund during a specified
                      thirty-day period and dividing that amount by the per
                      Share public offering price of the Fund on the last day of
                      the period.
 
                        The distribution rate of a Fund is determined by
                      dividing the income and capital gains distributions, or
                      where indicated the income distributions alone, on a Share
                      of the Fund over a twelve-month period by the per Share
                      public offering price of the Fund on the last day of the
                      period.
 
                        Each Fund may periodically compare its performance to
                      the performance of other mutual funds tracked by mutual
                      fund rating services (such as Lipper Analytical),
                      financial and business publications and periodicals; broad
                      groups of comparable mutual funds; unmanaged indices which
                      may assume investment of dividends but generally do not
                      reflect deductions for administrative and management
                      costs; or other investment alternatives. Certain Funds may
                      advertise performance that includes results from periods
                      in which the Fund's assets were managed in a
                      non-registered predecessor vehicle.
 
                        All performance information presented for a Fund is
                      based on past performance and does not predict future
                      performance.
 
                        Because the Class A and Class B Shares of a Fund have
                      different sales charge structures and differing
                      distribution and shareholder servicing fees, the
                      performance of each class will differ.
 
                      Miscellaneous
 
                        Shareholders will be sent unaudited semi-annual reports
                      and annual reports audited by independent public
                      accountants.
 
                        Shareholders are entitled to one vote for each Share
                      held in a Fund as determined on the record date for any
                      action requiring a vote by the Shareholders, and a
                      proportionate fractional vote for each fractional Share
                      held. Shareholders of HighMark will vote in the aggregate
                      and not by series or class except (i) as otherwise
                      expressly required by law or when HighMark's Board of
                      Trustees determines that the matter to be voted upon
                      affects only the interests of the Shareholders of a
                      particular series or particular class, and (ii) only
                      Retail Shares will be entitled to vote on matters
                      submitted to a Shareholder vote relating to the
                      Distribution Plan. HighMark is not required to hold
                      regular annual meetings of Shareholders, but may hold
                      special meetings from time to time.
 
                                       56
<PAGE>   159
 
                        HighMark's Trustees are elected by Shareholders, except
                      that vacancies may be filled by vote of the Board of
                      Trustees. Trustees may be removed by the Board of
                      Trustees, or by Shareholders at a meeting called for such
                      purpose. For information about how Shareholders may call
                      such a meeting and communicate with other Shareholders for
                      that purpose, see ADDITIONAL INFORMA- TION
                      -- Miscellaneous in the Statement of Additional
                      Information.
 
                        Inquiries may be directed in writing to SEI Investments
                      Distribution Co., Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456, or by calling
                      toll free 1-800-433-6884.
 
   
DESCRIPTION OF
PERMITTED
INVESTMENTS             The following is a description of permitted investments
                      for the HighMark Funds.
    
 
                        AMERICAN DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS (ADRs)--ADRs are receipts
                      typically issued by a U.S. financial institution that
                      evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by a
                      foreign issuer.
 
                        ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES (NON-MORTGAGE)--Instruments
                      secured by company receivables, truck and auto loans,
                      leases, and credit card receivables. Such securities are
                      generally issued as pass-through certificates, which
                      represent undivided fractional ownership interests in the
                      underlying pools of assets. Such securities also may be
                      debt instruments, which are also known as collateralized
                      obligations and are generally issued as the debt of a
                      special purpose entity, such as a trust, organized solely
                      for the purpose of owning such assets and issuing such
                      debt. The purchase of non-mortgage asset-backed securities
                      raises risk considerations peculiar to the financing of
                      the instruments underlying such securities. Asset-backed
                      securities entail prepayment risk, which may vary
                      depending on the type of asset, but is generally less than
                      the prepayment risk associated with mortgage-backed
                      securities.
 
                        Like mortgages underlying mortgage-backed securities,
                      underlying automobile sales contracts or credit card
                      receivables are subject to substantial prepayment risk,
                      which may reduce the overall return to certificate
                      holders. Nevertheless, principal prepayment rates tend not
                      to vary as much in response to changes in interest rates
                      and the short-term nature of the underlying car loans or
                      other receivables tend to dampen the impact of any change
                      in the prepayment level. Certificate holders may also
                      experience delays in payment on the certificates if the
                      full amounts due on underlying sales contracts or
                      receivables are not realized by the trust because of
                      unanticipated legal or administrative costs of enforcing
                      the contracts or because of depreciation or damage to the
                      collateral (usually automobiles) securing certain
                      contracts, or other factors. If consistent with their
                      investment objectives and policies, the Funds may invest
                      in other asset-backed securities that may be developed in
                      the future.
 
                                       57
<PAGE>   160
 
                        BANKERS' ACCEPTANCES--Bills of exchange or time drafts
                      drawn on and accepted by commercial banks. They are used
                      by corporations to finance the shipment and storage of
                      goods and to furnish dollar exchange. Maturities are
                      generally six months or less.
 
                        CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT--Negotiable interest-bearing
                      instruments with a specific maturity. Certificates of
                      deposit are issued by banks and savings and loan
                      institutions in exchange for the deposit of funds and
                      normally can be traded in the secondary market prior to
                      maturity.
 
                        COMMERCIAL PAPER--Unsecured short-term promissory notes
                      issued by corporations and other entities. Maturities on
                      these issues vary from a few days to nine months. Purchase
                      of such instruments involves a risk of default by the
                      issuer.
 
                        CONVERTIBLE BONDS AND CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK--
                      Convertible Bonds are bonds convertible into a set number
                      of shares of another form of security (usually common
                      stock) at a prestated price. Convertible bonds have
                      characteristics similar to both fixed-income and equity
                      securities. Convertible preferred stock is a class of
                      capital stock that pays dividends at a specified rate and
                      that has preference over common stock in the payment of
                      dividends and the liquidation of assets. Convertible
                      preferred stock is preferred stock exchangeable for a
                      given number of common stock shares, and has
                      characteristics similar to both fixed-income and equity
                      securities. Because of the conversion feature, the market
                      value of convertible bonds and convertible preferred stock
                      tend to move together with the market value of the
                      underlying stock. As a result, a Fund's selection of
                      convertible bonds and convertible preferred stock is
                      based, to a great extent, on the potential for capital
                      appreciation that may exist in the underlying stock. The
                      value of convertible bonds and convertible preferred stock
                      is also affected by prevailing interest rates, the credit
                      quality of the issuer and any call provisions.
 
                        DERIVATIVES--Instruments whose value is derived from an
                      underlying contract, index or security, or any combination
                      thereof, including futures, options (e.g., puts and
                      calls), options on futures, swap agreements, and some
                      mortgage-backed securities (CMOs, REMICs, IOs and POs).
                      See elsewhere in this "DESCRIPTION OF PERMITTED
                      INVESTMENTS" for discussions of these various instruments,
                      and see "INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES" and "INVESTMENT POLICIES"
                      for more information about any policies and limitations
                      applicable to their use.
 
                        FUTURES AND OPTIONS ON FUTURES--Some futures strategies,
                      including selling futures, buying puts and writing calls,
                      reduce a Fund's exposure to price fluctuations. Other
                      strategies, including buying futures, writing puts and
                      buying calls, tend to increase market exposure. Futures
                      and options may be
 
                                       58
<PAGE>   161
 
                      combined with each other in order to adjust the risk and
                      return characteristics of the overall portfolio.
 
                        Options and futures can be volatile instruments, and
                      involve certain risks that, if applied at an inappropriate
                      time, could negatively impact a Fund's return.
 
                        INVESTMENT GRADE BONDS--Interest-bearing or discounted
                      government or corporate securities that obligate the
                      issuer to pay the bondholder a specified sum of money,
                      usually at specific intervals, and to repay the principal
                      amount of the loan at maturity. Investment grade bonds are
                      those rated BBB or better by S&P or Baa or better by
                      Moody's or similarly rated by other NRSROs, or, if not
                      rated, determined to be of comparable quality by the
                      Advisor.
 
                        LOAN PARTICIPATIONS--Loan participations are interests
                      in loans to U.S. corporations (i.e., borrowers) which are
                      administered by the lending bank or agent for a syndicate
                      of lending banks, and sold by the lending bank or
                      syndicate member ("intermediary bank"). In a loan
                      participation, the borrower of the underlying loan will be
                      deemed to be the issuer of the participation interest
                      (except to the extent a purchasing Fund derives its rights
                      from the intermediary bank). Because the intermediary bank
                      does not guarantee a loan participation in any way, a loan
                      participation is subject to the credit risks associated
                      with the underlying corporate borrower. In addition, in
                      the event the underlying corporate borrower fails to pay
                      principal and interest when due, a Fund may encounter
                      delays, expenses and risks that are greater than those
                      that would have been involved if the Fund had purchased a
                      direct obligation (such as commercial paper) of such
                      borrower because it may be necessary under the terms of
                      the loan participation, for the Fund to assert its rights
                      against the borrower through the intermediary bank.
                      Moreover, under the terms of a loan participation, the
                      purchasing Fund may be regarded as a creditor of the
                      intermediary bank (rather than of the underlying corporate
                      borrower), so that a Fund may also be subject to the risk
                      that the issuing bank may become insolvent. Further, in
                      the event of the bankruptcy or insolvency of the corporate
                      borrower, a loan participation may be subject to certain
                      defenses that can be asserted by such borrower as a result
                      of improper conduct by the issuing bank. The secondary
                      market, if any, for these loan participations is limited,
                      and any such participation purchased by a Fund may be
                      regarded as illiquid.
 
                        MONEY MARKET INSTRUMENTS--Short-term, debt instruments
                      or deposits and may include, for example, (i) commercial
                      paper rated within the highest rating category by a NRSRO
                      at the time of investment, or, if not rated, determined by
                      the Advisor to be of comparable quality; (ii) obligations
                      (certificates of deposit, time deposits, bank master
                      notes, and bankers' acceptances) of thrift institutions,
                      savings and loans, U.S. commercial banks (including
                      foreign branches of such banks), and U.S. and foreign
                      branches of foreign banks,
 
                                       59
<PAGE>   162
 
                      provided that such institutions (or, in the case of a
                      branch, the parent institution) have total assets of $1
                      billion or more as shown on their last published financial
                      statements at the time of investment; (iii) short-term
                      corporate obligations rated within the three highest
                      rating categories by a NRSRO (e.g., at least A by S&P or A
                      by Moody's) at the time of investment, or, if not rated,
                      determined by the Advisor to be of comparable quality;
                      (iv) general obligations issued by the U.S. Government and
                      backed by its full faith and credit, and obligations
                      issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by
                      agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government
                      (e.g., obligations issued by Farmers Home Administration,
                      Government National Mortgage Association, Federal Farm
                      Credit Bank and Federal Housing Administration); (v)
                      receipts, including TRs, TIGRs and CATS; (vi) repurchase
                      agreements involving such obligations; (vii) loan
                      participations issued by a bank in the United States with
                      assets exceeding $1 billion and for which the underlying
                      loan is issued by borrowers in whose obligations the Fund
                      may invest; (viii) money market funds and (ix) foreign
                      commercial paper.
 
                        Certain of the obligations in which a Fund may invest
                      may be variable or floating rate instruments, may involve
                      conditional or unconditional demand features and may
                      include variable amount master demand notes.
 
                        MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES--Securities generally issued
                      or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies such as GNMA,
                      FNMA, or FHLMC. GNMA mortgage-backed certificates are
                      mortgage-backed securities of the modified pass-through
                      type, which means that both interest and principal
                      payments (including prepayments) are passed through
                      monthly to the holder of the certificate. Each GNMA
                      certificate evidences an interest in a specific pool of
                      mortgage loans insured by the Federal Housing
                      Administration or the Farmers Home Administration or
                      guaranteed by the Veterans Administration. FNMA, a
                      federally-chartered and stockholder-owned corporation,
                      issues pass-through certificates which are guaranteed as
                      to payment of principal and interest by FNMA. FHLMC, a
                      corporate instrumentality of the United States, issues
                      participation certificates which represent an interest in
                      mortgages held in FHLMC's portfolio. FHLMC guarantees the
                      timely payment of interest and the ultimate collection of
                      principal. Securities issued or guaranteed by FNMA and
                      FHLMC are not backed by the full faith and credit of the
                      United States. There can be no assurance that the U.S.
                      government would provide financial support to FNMA or
                      FHLMC if necessary in the future.
 
                        Although payments on certain mortgage-related securities
                      may be guaranteed by a third party or otherwise similarly
                      secured, the market value of such securities is not
                      secured and may fluctuate significantly because of changes
                      in interest rates and changes in prepayment levels. Thus,
                      for example, if a Fund purchases a mortgage-related
                      security at a premium, that portion may be lost if there
                      is a
 
                                       60
<PAGE>   163
 
                      decline in the market value of the security whether due to
                      changes in interest rates or prepayments of the underlying
                      mortgage collateral. As with other interest-bearing
                      securities, the prices of mortgage-related securities are
                      inversely affected by changes in interest rates. However,
                      although the value of a mortgage-related security may
                      decline when interest rates rise, the converse is not
                      necessarily true because in periods of declining interest
                      rates the mortgages underlying the securities are prone to
                      prepayment which results in amounts being available for
                      reinvestment which are likely to be invested at a lower
                      interest rate. For this and other reasons, the stated
                      maturity of a mortgage-related security may be shortened
                      by unscheduled prepayments on the underlying mortgages
                      and, accordingly, it is not possible to predict accurately
                      the security's return to a Fund. In addition, regular
                      payments received on mortgage-related securities include
                      both interest and principal. No assurance can be given as
                      to the return a Fund will receive when these amounts are
                      reinvested. As a consequence, mortgage-related securities
                      may be a less effective means of "locking in" interest
                      rates than other types of debt securities having the same
                      stated maturity, may have less potential for capital
                      appreciation and may be considered riskier investments as
                      a result.
 
                        Adjustable rate mortgage securities ("ARMS") are
                      pass-through certificates representing ownership interests
                      in a pool of adjustable rate mortgages and the resulting
                      cash flow from those mortgages. Unlike conventional debt
                      securities, which provide for periodic (usually
                      semi-annual) payments of interest and payments of
                      principal at maturity or on specified call dates, ARMs
                      provide for monthly payments based on a pro rata share of
                      both periodic interest and principal payments and
                      prepayments of principal on the underlying mortgage pool
                      (less GNMA's, FNMA's, or FHLMC's fees and any applicable
                      loan servicing fees).
 
                        Collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs") are bonds
                      generally issued by single purpose, stand-alone finance
                      subsidiaries or trusts established by financial
                      institutions, government agencies, investment banks, or
                      other similar institutions, and collateralized by pools of
                      mortgage loans. Payments of principal and interest on the
                      collateral mortgages are used to pay debt service on the
                      CMO. In a CMO, a series of bonds or certificates is issued
                      in multiple classes. Each class of CMOs, often referred to
                      as a "tranche," is issued at a specific coupon rate and
                      has a stated maturity or final distribution date. The
                      principal and interest payment on the underlying mortgages
                      may be allocated among the classes of CMOs in several
                      ways. Typically, payments of principal, including any
                      prepayments, on the underlying mortgages would be applied
                      to the classes in the order of their respective stated
                      maturities or final distribution dates, so that no payment
                      of principal will be 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.
 
                                       61
<PAGE>   164
 
                        One or more classes of CMOs may have coupon rates that
                      reset periodically based on an index, such as the London
                      Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR"). Each Fund may purchase
                      fixed, adjustable, or "floating" rate CMOs that are
                      collateralized by fixed rate or adjustable rate mortgages
                      that are guaranteed as to payment of principal and
                      interest by an agency or instrumentality of the U.S.
                      government or are directly guaranteed as to payment of
                      principal and interest by the issuer, which guarantee is
                      collateralized by U.S. government securities or is
                      collateralized by privately issued fixed rate or
                      adjustable rate mortgages.
 
                        Securities such as zero-coupon obligations,
                      mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, and
                      collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs") will have
                      greater price volatility then other fixed-income
                      obligations. Because declining interest rates may lead to
                      prepayment of underlying mortgages, automobile sales
                      contracts or credit card receivables, the prices of
                      mortgage-related and asset-backed securities may not rise
                      with a decline in interest rates. Mortgage-backed and
                      asset-backed securities and CMOs are extremely sensitive
                      to the rate of principal prepayment. Similarly, callable
                      corporate bonds also present risk of prepayment. During
                      periods of falling interest rates, securities that can be
                      called or prepaid may decline in value relative to similar
                      securities that are not subject to call or prepayment.
 
                        Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduits ("REMICs") are
                      private entities formed for the purpose of holding a fixed
                      pool of mortgages secured by an interest in real property.
                      REMICs are similar to CMOs in that they issue multiple
                      classes of securities.
 
                        MUNICIPAL FORWARDS--Municipal Forwards are forward
                      commitments for the purchase of tax-exempt bonds with a
                      specified coupon to be delivered by an issuer at a future
                      date, typically exceeding 45 days but normally less than
                      one year after the commitment date. Municipal forwards are
                      normally used as a refunding mechanism for bonds that may
                      only be redeemed on a designated future date. As with
                      forward commitments and when-issued securities, municipal
                      forwards are subject to market fluctuations due to
                      changes, real or anticipated, in market interest rates
                      between the commitment date and the settlement date and
                      will have the effect of leveraging the Fund's assets.
                      Municipal forwards may be considered to be illiquid
                      investments. The Fund will maintain liquid, high-grade
                      securities in a segregated account in an amount at least
                      equal to the purchase price of the municipal forward.
 
                        MUNICIPAL SECURITIES--Municipal securities consist of
                      (i) debt obligations issued by or on behalf of public
                      authorities to obtain funds to be used for various public
                      facilities, for refunding outstanding obligations, for
                      general operating expenses and for lending such funds to
                      other public institutions and facilities, and (ii) certain
                      private activity and industrial development bonds issued
                      by or on
 
                                       62
<PAGE>   165
 
                      behalf of public authorities to obtain funds to provide
                      for the construction, equipment, repair or improvement of
                      privately operated facilities. Municipal notes include
                      general obligation notes, tax anticipation notes, revenue
                      anticipation notes, bond anticipation notes, certificates
                      of indebtedness, demand notes and construction loan notes.
                      Municipal bonds include general obligation bonds, revenue
                      or special obligation bonds, private activity and
                      industrial development bonds. General obligation bonds are
                      backed by the taxing power of the issuing municipality.
                      Revenue bonds are backed by the revenues of a project or
                      facility, tolls from a toll bridge, for example. The
                      payment of principal and interest on private activity and
                      industrial development bonds generally is dependent solely
                      on the ability of the facility's user to meet its
                      financial obligations and the pledge, if any, of real and
                      personal property so financed as security for such
                      payment.
 
                        OPTIONS--Under a call option, the purchaser of the
                      option has the right to purchase, and the writer (the
                      Fund) the obligation to sell, the underlying security at
                      the exercise price during the option period. A put option
                      gives the purchaser the right to sell, and the writer the
                      obligation to purchase, the underlying security at the
                      exercise price during the option period.
 
                        In addition, certain Funds may buy options on stock
                      indices to invest cash on an interim basis. Such options
                      will be listed on a national securities exchange. In order
                      to close out an option position, a Fund may enter into a
                      "closing purchase transaction"--the purchase of an option
                      on the same security with the same exercise price and
                      expiration date as the option contract previously written
                      on any particular security. When the security is sold, a
                      Fund effects a closing purchase transaction so as to close
                      out any existing option on that security.
 
                        There are risks associated with such investments
                      including the following: (1) the success of a hedging
                      strategy may depend on the ability of the Advisor or
                      Sub-Advisor to predict movements in the prices of
                      individual securities, fluctuations in markets and
                      movements in interest rates; (2) there may be an imperfect
                      correlation between the movement in prices of securities
                      held by a Fund and the price of options; (3) there may not
                      be a liquid secondary market for options; and (4) while a
                      Fund will receive a premium when it writes covered call
                      options, it may not participate fully in a rise in the
                      market value of the underlying security.
 
                        PARTICIPATION INTERESTS--Participation interests are
                      interests in municipal securities from financial
                      institutions such as commercial and investment banks,
                      savings and loan associations and insurance companies.
                      These interests may take the form of participations,
                      beneficial interests in a trust, partnership interests or
                      any other form of indirect ownership that allows the Fund
                      to treat the income from the investment as exempt from
                      federal income tax. The Fund invests in these
                      participation interests in order to obtain credit
                      enhancement or demand
 
                                       63
<PAGE>   166
 
                      features that would not be available through direct
                      ownership of the underlying municipal securities.
 
                        RECEIPTS--Interests in separately traded interest and
                      principal component parts of U.S. Treasury obligations
                      that are issued by banks and brokerage firms and are
                      created by depositing Treasury notes and Treasury bonds
                      into a special account at a custodian bank. The custodian
                      holds the interest and principal payments for the benefit
                      of the registered owners of the certificates of such
                      receipts. The custodian arranges for the issuance of the
                      certificates or receipts evidencing ownership and
                      maintains the register. Receipts include "Treasury
                      Receipts" ("TR's"), "Treasury Investment Growth Receipts"
                      ("TIGR's"), and "Certificates of Accrual on Treasury
                      Securities" ("CATS"). TR's, TIGR's and CATS are sold as
                      zero coupon securities, which means that they are sold at
                      a substantial discount and redeemed at face value at their
                      maturity date without interim cash payments of interest or
                      principal. This discount is accreted over the life of the
                      security, and such accretion will constitute the income
                      earned on the security for both accounting and tax
                      purposes. Because of these features, such securities may
                      be subject to greater interest rate volatility than
                      interest-paying securities. See also "Federal Taxation."
 
                        REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS--Agreements whereby a Fund will
                      acquire securities from approved financial institutions or
                      registered broker-dealers that agree to repurchase the
                      securities at a mutually agreed-upon date and price. The
                      repurchase agreements entered into by the Funds will
                      provide that the underlying security at all times shall
                      have a value equal to 102% of the resale price stated in
                      the agreement. Repurchase agreements involving government
                      securities are not subject to a Fund's fundamental
                      investment limitation on purchasing securities of any one
                      issuer. If the seller defaults on its repurchase
                      obligation or becomes insolvent, the Fund holding such
                      obligations would suffer a loss to the extent that either
                      the proceeds from a sale of the underlying portfolio
                      securities were less than the repurchase price or the
                      Fund's disposition of the securities was delayed pending
                      court action. Securities subject to repurchase agreements
                      will be held by a qualified custodian or in the Federal
                      Reserve/Treasury book-entry system. Repurchase agreements
                      are considered to be loans by a Fund under the Investment
                      Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act").
 
                        REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS--A Fund may borrow funds
                      for temporary purposes by entering into reverse repurchase
                      agreements, provided such action is consistent with the
                      Fund's investment objective and fundamental investment
                      restrictions; as a matter of non-fundamental policy, each
                      Fund intends to limit such investments to no more than 10%
                      of the value of its total assets. Pursuant to a reverse
                      repurchase agreement, a Fund will sell portfolio
                      securities to financial institutions such as banks or to
                      broker-dealers, and agree to repurchase
 
                                       64
<PAGE>   167
 
                      the securities at a mutually agreed-upon date and price. A
                      Fund intends to enter into reverse repurchase agreements
                      only to avoid otherwise selling securities during
                      unfavorable market conditions to meet redemptions. At the
                      time a Fund enters into a reverse repurchase agreement, it
                      will place in a segregated custodial account assets such
                      as U.S. Government securities or other liquid,
                      high-quality debt securities consistent with the Fund's
                      investment objective having a value equal to 102% of the
                      repurchase price (including accrued interest), and will
                      subsequently monitor the account to ensure that an
                      equivalent 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 at
                      which a Fund is obligated to repurchase the securities.
                      Reverse repurchase agreements are considered to be
                      borrowings by a Fund under the 1940 Act.
 
                        RULE 144A SECURITIES--Rule 144A Securities are
                      securities that have not been registered under the
                      Securities Act of 1933, but which may be traded between
                      certain qualified institutional investors, including
                      investment companies. The absence of a secondary market
                      may affect the value of the Rule 144A Securities. The
                      Board of Trustees of HighMark has established guidelines
                      and procedures to be utilized to determine the liquidity
                      of such securities.
 
                        SECURITIES ISSUED ON A FORWARD COMMITMENT BASIS OR
                      WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES--Securities purchased for delivery
                      beyond the normal settlement date at a stated price and
                      yield and which thereby involve a risk that the yield
                      obtained in the transaction will be less than that
                      available in the market when delivery takes place. When a
                      Fund agrees to purchase when-issued securities or enter
                      into forward commitments, HighMark's custodian will be
                      instructed to set aside cash or liquid portfolio
                      securities equal to the amount of the commitment in a
                      segregated account. A Fund will generally not pay for such
                      securities and no income will accrue on the securities
                      until they are received. These securities are recorded as
                      an asset and are subject to changes in value based upon
                      changes in the general level of interest rates. Therefore,
                      the purchase of securities on a "when-issued" basis or
                      forward commitments may increase the risk of fluctuations
                      in a Fund's net asset value.
 
                        SECURITIES LENDING--During the time portfolio securities
                      are on loan from a Fund, the borrower will pay the Fund
                      any dividends or interest paid on the securities. In
                      addition, loans will be subject to termination by the Fund
                      or the borrower at any time and, while a Fund will
                      generally not have the right to vote securities on loan,
                      it will terminate the loan and regain the right to vote if
                      that is considered important with respect to the
                      investment. While the lending of securities may subject a
                      Fund to certain risks, such as delays or an inability to
                      regain the securities in the event the borrower were to
                      default on its lending agreement or enter into bankruptcy,
                      a Fund will receive 100% collateral in the
 
                                       65
<PAGE>   168
 
                      form of cash or U.S. Government securities. This
                      collateral will be valued daily by the lending agent, with
                      oversight by the Advisor, and, should the market value of
                      the loaned securities increase, the borrower will be
                      required to furnish additional collateral to the Fund.
 
                        SECURITIES SUBJECT TO A PUT FEATURE--A "put" feature
                      permits a Fund to sell a fixed income security at a fixed
                      price prior to maturity. The underlying fixed income
                      securities subject to a put may be sold at any time at the
                      market rates. However, unless the put was an integral part
                      of the fixed income security as originally issued, it may
                      not be marketable or assignable. Generally, a premium is
                      paid for a put feature or a put feature is purchased
                      separately which results in a lower yield than would
                      otherwise be available for the same fixed income
                      securities.
 
                        STANDARD & POOR'S DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS (SPDRs)--SPDRs are
                      interests in a unit investment trust holding a portfolio
                      of securities linked to the S&P 500 Index. SPDRs closely
                      track the underlying portfolio of securities, trade like a
                      share of common stock and pay periodic dividends
                      proportionate to those paid by the portfolio of stocks
                      that constitutes the S&P 500 Index. For further
                      information regarding SPDRs, see the Statement of
                      Additional Information.
 
                        TAX-EXEMPT COMMERCIAL PAPER--Commercial paper, which is
                      commercial paper issued by governments and political
                      subdivisions.
 
                        TIME DEPOSITS--Non-negotiable receipts issued by U.S. or
                      foreign banks in exchange for the deposit of funds. Like
                      certificates of deposit, they earn a specified rate of
                      interest over a definite period of time; however, they
                      cannot be traded in the secondary market. Time deposits
                      with a withdrawal penalty are considered to be illiquid
                      securities.
 
                        U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY SECURITIES--Certain Federal
                      agencies have been established as instrumentalities of the
                      U.S. Government to supervise and finance certain types of
                      activities. Issues of these agencies, while not direct
                      obligations of the U.S. Government, are either backed by
                      the full faith and credit of the United States (e.g., GNMA
                      securities) or supported by the issuing agencies' right to
                      borrow from the U.S. Treasury. The issues of other
                      agencies are supported only by the credit of the
                      instrumentality (e.g., FNMA securities).
 
                        U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS--Bills, notes, and bonds
                      issued by the U.S. Treasury, as well as separately traded
                      interest and principal component parts of such obligations
                      known as Separately Traded Registered Interest and
                      Principal Securities ("STRIPS") that are transferable
                      through the Federal book-entry system.
 
                                       66
<PAGE>   169
 
                        U.S. Government Securities generally do not involve the
                      credit risks associated with investments in other types of
                      fixed-income securities, although, as a result, the yields
                      available from U.S. Government Securities are generally
                      lower than the yields available from otherwise comparable
                      corporate fixed-income securities. Like other fixed-income
                      securities, however, the values of U.S. Government
                      Securities change as interest rates fluctuate.
                      Fluctuations in the value of portfolio securities will in
                      many cases not affect interest income on existing
                      portfolio securities, but will be reflected in the Fund's
                      net asset value. Because the magnitude of these
                      fluctuations will generally be greater at times when a
                      Fund's average maturity is longer, under certain market
                      conditions the Fund may invest in short-term investments
                      yielding lower current income rather than investing in
                      higher yielding longer-term securities.
 
                        VARIABLE AND FLOATING RATE INSTRUMENTS--Obligations that
                      may carry variable or floating rates of interest, may
                      involve conditional or unconditional demand features and
                      may include variable amount master demand notes. The
                      interest rates on these securities may be reset daily,
                      weekly, quarterly or some other reset period, and may have
                      a floor or ceiling on interest rate changes. There is a
                      risk that the current interest rate on such obligations
                      may not accurately reflect existing market interest rates.
                      A demand instrument with a demand notice period exceeding
                      seven days may be considered illiquid if there is no
                      secondary market for such security.
 
                        WARRANTS--Securities that entitle the holder to buy a
                      proportionate amount of common stock at a specified price
                      for a limited or unlimited period of time. Warrants are
                      often freely transferable and are traded on major stock
                      exchanges.
 
                        YANKEE BONDS--Dollar denominated securities issued by
                      foreign-domiciled issuers that obligate the issuer to pay
                      the bondholder a specified sum of money, usually
                      semiannually, and to repay the principal amount of the
                      loan at maturity. Sovereign bonds are bonds issued by the
                      governments of foreign countries. Supranational bonds are
                      those issued by supranational entities, such as the World
                      Bank and European Investment Bank. Canadian bonds are
                      bonds issued by Canadian provinces.
 
                        ZERO-COUPON OBLIGATIONS--Non-income producing securities
                      evidencing ownership of future interest and principal
                      payments on bonds. These obligations pay no current
                      interest and are typically sold at prices greatly
                      discounted from par value. The return on a zero-coupon
                      obligation, when held to maturity, equals the difference
                      between the par value and the original purchase price.
 
                        For federal income tax purposes, the difference between
                      the par value and the original issue price (original issue
                      discount) is included in the income of a holder of a
                      zero-coupon obligation over the term of the obligation
                      even though the
 
                                       67
<PAGE>   170
 
                      interest is not paid until maturity. The amount included
                      in income is determined under a constant interest rate
                      method. In addition, if an obligation is purchased
                      subsequent to its original issue, a holder such as the
                      Fixed Income Funds may elect to include market discount in
                      income currently on a ratable accrual method or a constant
                      interest rate method. Market discount is the difference
                      between the obligation's "adjusted issue price" (the
                      original issue price plus original issue discount accrued
                      to date) and the holder's purchase price. If no such
                      election is made, gain on the disposition of a market
                      discount obligation is treated as ordinary income (rather
                      than capital gain) to the extent it does not exceed the
                      accrued market discount.
 
                        Zero-coupon obligations have greater price volatility
                      than other fixed-income obligations of similar maturity
                      and such obligations will be purchased when the yield
                      spread, in light of the obligation's duration, is
                      considered advantageous.
 
                                       68
<PAGE>   171
 
                             HighMark EQUITY FUNDS
                            INVESTMENT PORTFOLIOS OF
                                 HighMark FUNDS
                   For further information (including current
                  yield, purchase and redemption information),
                             call 1-(800) 433-6884
INVESTMENT ADVISOR
Pacific Alliance,
a division of Union Bank of California, N.A.
475 Sansome Street
Post Office Box 45000
San Francisco, CA 94104
SUB-ADVISOR
Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi Trust Company
1251 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10116
CUSTODIAN
Union Bank of California, N.A.
475 Sansome Street
Post Office Box 45000
San Francisco, CA 94104
ADMINISTRATOR & DISTRIBUTOR
   
SEI Investments Fund Resources and
    
SEI Investments Distribution Co.
Oaks, PA 19456
LEGAL COUNSEL
Ropes & Gray
One Franklin Square
1301 K Street, N.W., Suite 800 East
Washington, D.C. 20005
AUDITORS
Deloitte & Touche LLP
1700 Courthouse Plaza Northeast
Dayton, OH 45402
 
  NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS 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 HIGHMARK OR
ITS DISTRIBUTOR. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFERING BY HIGHMARK OR
BY THE DISTRIBUTOR IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH OFFERING MAY NOT LAWFULLY
BE MADE.
 
NOT FDIC INSURED
<PAGE>   172




                                   HighMark Funds Prospectus

                                   INVESTMENT ADVISOR
                                   Pacific Alliance Capital Management,
                                   a division of Union Bank of California, N.A.
                                   475 Sansome Street
                                   Post Office Box 45000
                                   San Francisco, CA 94104

                                   CUSTODIAN
                                   Union Bank of California, N.A.
                                   475 Sansome Street
                                   Post Office Box 45000
                                   San Francisco, CA 94104

                                   ADMINISTRATOR & DISTRIBUTOR
                                   SEI Fund Resources and
                                   SEI Investments Distribution Co.
                                   One Freedom Valley Drive
                                   Oaks, PA 19456

                                   LEGAL COUNSEL
                                   Ropes & Gray
                                   One Franklin Square
                                   1301 K Street, N.W., Suite 800 East
                                   Washington, D.C. 20005

                                   AUDITORS
                                   Deloitte & Touche LLP
                                   50 Fremont Street
                                   San Francisco, CA 94105-2230
                                   
For further information call
1-800-433-6884
or visit our web site at
www.highmark-funds.com


[HIGHMARK FUNDS LOGO]
<PAGE>   173
   

                             CROSS REFERENCE SHEET

                             HIGHMARK EQUITY FUNDS
                          HIGHMARK FIXED INCOME FUNDS
    


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FORM N-1A PART A ITEM                      PROSPECTUS CAPTION

<S>                                        <C>                                                  
1. Cover Page                              Cover Page

2. Synopsis                                Fee Table

3. Condensed Financial Information         Financial Highlights; Performance
                                           Information

4. General Description of Registrant       Fund Description; Investment Objectives;
                                           Investment Policies; General
                                           Information--Description of HighMark &
                                           Its Shares

5. Management of the Fund                  Service Arrangements

5A. Management's Discussion of Fund
      Performance                          Inapplicable

6. Capital Stock and Other Securities      Purchase and Redemption of Shares;
                                           Exchange Privileges; Dividends; Federal
                                           Taxation; Service Arrangements--
                                           Administrator; Distributor; General
                                           Information--Description of HighMark &
                                           Its Shares; General Information--
                                           Miscellaneous

7. Purchase of Securities Being Offered    Purchase and Redemption of Shares;
                                           Exchange Privileges; Service
                                           Arrangements-- Administrator; Distributor

8. Redemption or Repurchase                Purchase and Redemption of Shares

9. Pending Legal Proceedings               Inapplicable

</TABLE>

<PAGE>   174
                                          



                                           - Equity Funds

                                           - Fixed Income Funds



                                                     Fiduciary Shares
                                                     November 30, 1997
<PAGE>   175
 
                                 HIGHMARK FUNDS
 
   
                                  EQUITY FUNDS
    
   
                               FIXED INCOME FUNDS
    
 
  HighMark Funds ("HighMark") is an open-end, diversified, registered investment
company that offers a convenient means of investing in one or more
professionally managed portfolios of securities. This Prospectus relates to
HighMark's:
 
<TABLE>
<S>   <C>                         <C>   <C>
- -     Income Equity Fund          -     Convertible Securities Fund
- -     Value Momentum Fund         -     Intermediate-Term Fund
- -     Blue Chip Growth Fund       -     Bond Fund
- -     Growth Fund                 -     Government Securities Fund
- -     Emerging Growth Fund        -     Balanced Fund
- -     International Equity Fund   -     California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund
</TABLE>
 
                                FIDUCIARY SHARES
 
  HighMark's Fiduciary Shares are offered to the following investors: (i)
fiduciary, advisory, agency, custodial and other similar accounts maintained
with Union Bank of California, N.A. or its affiliates; (ii) SelectIRA accounts
established with The Bank of California, N.A. and invested in any of HighMark's
Equity or Income Funds prior to June 20, 1994, which have remained continuously
open thereafter and which are not considered to be fiduciary accounts; (iii)
Shareholders who currently own Shares of HighMark's Equity or Income Funds that
were purchased prior to June 20, 1994 within an account registered in their name
with the Funds; and (iv) present and retired directors, officers and employees
(and their spouses and children under the age of 21) of Union Bank of
California, N.A., HighMark's current or former distributors or their respective
affiliated companies who currently own Shares of HighMark Funds which were
purchased before April 30, 1997.
 
  This Prospectus sets forth concisely the information about HighMark and the
Funds that a prospective investor should know before investing. Investors are
advised to read this Prospectus and retain it for future reference. A Statement
of Additional Information dated the same date as this Prospectus has been filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is available without charge by
writing the Distributor, SEI Investments Distribution Co., Oaks, Pennsylvania
19456, or by calling 1-800-433-6884. The Statement of Additional Information is
incorporated into this Prospectus by reference. This Prospectus relates only to
the Fiduciary Shares of the Funds. Interested persons who wish to obtain a
prospectus for other Funds and classes of HighMark may contact the Distributor
at the above address and telephone number.
 
  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.
 
HIGHMARK'S SHARES ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED OR ENDORSED
BY, ANY BANK, INCLUDING UNION BANK OF CALIFORNIA, N.A., BANK OF TOKYO-
MITSUBISHI, LIMITED OR ANY OF THEIR AFFILIATES OR CORRESPONDENTS. HIGHMARK
SHARES ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION OR
ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY. INVESTMENT IN HIGHMARK INVOLVES RISKS, INCLUDING
POSSIBLE LOSS OF THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT INVESTED.
 
   
November 30, 1997
    
Fiduciary Shares
<PAGE>   176
 
                                    SUMMARY
 
HIGHMARK FUNDS ("HighMark") is an open-end, diversified, registered investment
company providing a convenient way to invest in professionally managed
portfolios of securities. The following provides basic information about the
Fiduciary Shares of the Income Equity, Value Momentum, Blue Chip Growth, Growth,
Emerging Growth, International Equity, Convertible Securities, Intermediate-Term
Bond, Bond, Government Securities, Balanced, and California Intermediate
Tax-Free Bond Funds (each a "Fund" and together the "Funds"). This summary is
qualified in its entirety by reference to the more detailed information provided
elsewhere in the Prospectus and in the Statement of Additional Information.
 
   
WHAT ARE THE FUNDS' INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES? THE INCOME EQUITY FUND seeks
investments in equity securities that provide current income through the regular
payment of dividends, with the goal that the Fund will have a high current yield
and a low level of price volatility; opportunity for long-term growth of asset
value is a secondary consideration. THE VALUE MOMENTUM FUND seeks long-term
capital growth with a secondary objective of income. THE BLUE CHIP GROWTH FUND
seeks long-term capital growth by investing in a diversified portfolio of common
stocks and other equity securities of seasoned, large capitalization companies.
THE GROWTH FUND seeks long-term capital appreciation through investments in
equity securities; the production of current income is an incidental objective.
THE EMERGING GROWTH FUND seeks long-term growth of capital by investing in a
diversified portfolio of equity securities of small capitalization, emerging
growth companies (collectively these five funds are sometimes referred to in
this Prospectus as the "Equity Funds"). THE INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND seeks to
provide long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in a diversified
portfolio of equity securities of non-U.S. issuers. THE CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES
FUND seeks a high level of current income and capital appreciation by investing
in convertible securities. THE INTERMEDIATE-TERM BOND FUND seeks total return
through investments in fixed-income securities. THE BOND FUND seeks current
income through investments in long-term, fixed-income securities. THE GOVERNMENT
SECURITIES FUND seeks to achieve total return consistent with the preservation
of capital by investing in a diversified portfolio of obligations issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities
(collectively, the Intermediate-Term Bond Fund, Bond Fund, and Government
Securities Fund are sometimes referred to in this Prospectus as "Fixed Income
Funds"). THE BALANCED FUND seeks capital appreciation and income, with a
secondary investment objective of conservation of capital. THE CALIFORNIA
INTERMEDIATE TAX-FREE BOND FUND seeks to provide high current income that is
exempt from federal and State of California income taxes. (See "INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVES")
    
 
   
WHAT ARE THE FUNDS' PERMITTED INVESTMENTS? Each of the Equity Funds primarily
invests, consistent with its investment objective, in equity securities
including common stocks and securities convertible into common stocks. The
International Equity Fund primarily invests, consistent with its investment
objective, in equity securities including common stocks and securities
convertible into common stocks of non-U.S. issuers. The Convertible Securities
Fund invests primarily in convertible securities, including bonds, debentures,
notes and preferred stocks convertible into common stock. The Intermediate-Term
Bond Fund primarily invests in bonds. The Bond Fund primarily invests in
long-term bonds. The Government Securities Fund invests primarily in debt
obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or
instrumentalities, including mortgage-backed securities issued or guaranteed by
U.S. government agencies. Bonds include debt obligations such as bonds, notes,
debentures and securities convertible into or exercisable for debt obligations
    
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   177
 
   
that are issued by U.S. corporations or issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
Government, its agencies, or instrumentalities; investments may also include
zero-coupon obligations, mortgage-related securities and asset-backed
securities. The Balanced Fund primarily invests, consistent with its investment
objective, in equity securities including common stocks and securities
convertible into common stocks and may also invest in fixed income securities.
The California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund invests primarily in investment
grade or better bonds and notes issued by the State of California, its agencies,
instrumentalities and political sub-divisions, the income on which is exempt
from regular federal and State of California personal income taxes ("California
Municipal Securities"). Each Fund may also invest consistent with its investment
objective and investment policies in certain other instruments. (See "INVESTMENT
POLICIES")
    
 
   
WHAT ARE THE RISKS INVOLVED WITH AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUNDS? The investment
policies of each Fund entail certain risks and considerations of which an
investor should be aware. Common stocks and other equity securities that the
Funds invest in are volatile and may fluctuate in value more than other types of
investments. Values of fixed income securities and, correspondingly, share
prices of Funds invested in such securities, tend to vary inversely with
interest rates, and may be affected by other market and economic factors as
well. During periods of falling interest rates, the value of outstanding fixed
income securities generally rises. Conversely, during periods of rising interest
rates, the value of such securities generally declines. Values of fixed income
securities in which the California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund invests may
be affected by other market and economic factors affecting the State of
California as well. The International Equity Fund will invest in securities of
foreign companies that involve special risks and considerations not typically
associated with investing in U.S. companies. In addition, the securities of the
emerging growth companies in which the Emerging Growth Fund may invest may be
less liquid, and subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements, than
securities of larger, more established growth companies. The Convertible
Securities Fund may invest up to 35% of its assets in convertible bonds rated
lower than Baa by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or BBB by Standard
& Poor's Corporation ("S&P") and as low as Caa by Moody's or CCC by S&P, which
are lower-quality, higher-yielding, high-risk debt securities. (See "Risk
Factors")
    
 
ARE MY INVESTMENTS INSURED? HighMark's Shares are not federally insured by the
FDIC or any other government agency. Any guarantee by the U.S. Government, its
agencies or any instrumentalities of the securities in which any Fund invests
guarantees only the payment of principal and interest on the guaranteed
security, and does not guarantee the total return or value of the security or
total return or value of Shares of that Fund.
 
   
WHO IS THE ADVISOR? The Pacific Alliance division of Union Bank of California,
N.A. serves as the Advisor to HighMark. (See "The Advisor")
    
 
   
WHO ARE THE SUB-ADVISORS? Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi Trust Company serves as the
Sub-Advisor to the Emerging Growth, Blue Chip Growth, Convertible Securities and
Government Securities Funds. Tokyo-Mitsubishi Asset Management (U.K.), Ltd.
serves as the Sub-Advisor to the International Equity Fund. (See "The
Sub-Advisors")
    
 
   
WHO IS THE ADMINISTRATOR? SEI Investments Fund Resources serves as the
Administrator of HighMark. (See "The Administrator")
    
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   178
 
   
WHO IS THE CUSTODIAN? Union Bank of California, N.A. (the "Bank") serves as the
custodian of HighMark's assets. (See "The Custodian")
    
 
   
WHO IS THE DISTRIBUTOR? SEI Investments Distribution Co. acts as distributor of
HighMark's Shares. (See "The Distributor")
    
 
   
HOW DO I PURCHASE AND REDEEM SHARES? Purchases and redemptions may be made
through the Distributor on days on which the New York Stock Exchange is open for
business ("Business Days"). The minimum initial investment is generally $1,000.
A purchase order will be effective if the Distributor receives an order prior to
1:00 p.m., Pacific time (4:00 p.m., Eastern time) and the Custodian receives
Federal Funds before the close of business on the next Business Day. Purchase
orders for Shares will be executed at a per Share price equal to the asset value
next determined after the purchase order is effective. Redemption orders must be
placed prior to 1:00 p.m., Pacific time (4:00 p.m., Eastern time) on any
Business Day for the order to be effective that day. (See "PURCHASE AND
REDEMPTION OF SHARES")
    
 
   
HOW ARE DIVIDENDS PAID? Substantially all of the net investment income
(exclusive of capital gains) of the Funds is distributed in the form of monthly
dividends (periodic dividends with respect to the International Equity Fund) to
Shareholders of record. Any capital gain is distributed at least annually.
Distributions are paid in additional Shares unless the Shareholder elects to
take the payment in cash. (See "DIVIDENDS")
    
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        PAGE
                                                                                        ----
<S>                                                                                     <C>
Summary...............................................................................    2
Fee Table.............................................................................    6
Financial Highlights..................................................................    8
Fund Description......................................................................   21
Investment Objectives.................................................................   21
Investment Policies...................................................................   22
  Income Equity Fund..................................................................   22
  Value Momentum Fund.................................................................   23
  Blue Chip Growth Fund...............................................................   23
  Growth Fund.........................................................................   23
  Emerging Growth Fund................................................................   24
  International Equity Fund...........................................................   24
  Convertible Securities Fund.........................................................   26
  Intermediate-Term Bond Fund.........................................................   27
  Bond Fund...........................................................................   27
  Government Securities Fund..........................................................   28
  Balanced Fund.......................................................................   28
  California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund..........................................   29
</TABLE>
    
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   179
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        PAGE
                                                                                         --
<S>                                                                                     <C>
General...............................................................................   30
  California Municipal Securities.....................................................   30
  Money Market Instruments............................................................   31
  Illiquid and Restricted Securities..................................................   31
  Lending of Portfolio Securities.....................................................   31
  Other Investments...................................................................   31
  Risk Factors........................................................................   33
  Risks Associated with Convertible Securities........................................   36
Portfolio Turnover....................................................................   37
Purchase and Redemption of Shares.....................................................   37
Exchange Privileges...................................................................   39
Dividends.............................................................................   40
Taxes.................................................................................   40
  Federal Taxation....................................................................   40
  California Taxes....................................................................   43
Service Arrangements..................................................................   45
  The Advisor.........................................................................   45
  The Sub-Advisors....................................................................   48
  Administrator.......................................................................   50
  The Transfer Agent..................................................................   50
  Shareholder Service Plan............................................................   51
  Distributor.........................................................................   51
  Banking Laws........................................................................   51
  Custodian...........................................................................   52
General Information...................................................................   52
  Description of HighMark & Its Shares................................................   52
  Performance Information.............................................................   53
  Miscellaneous.......................................................................   54
Description of Permitted Investments..................................................   54
</TABLE>
    
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   180
 
                                   FEE TABLE
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            VALUE                                                        CONVERTIBLE  INTERMEDIATE-
                                INCOME     MOMENTUM   BLUE CHIP    GROWTH     EMERGING    INTERNATIONAL  SECURITIES     TERM BOND
                              EQUITY FUND    FUND    GROWTH FUND    FUND     GROWTH FUND   EQUITY FUND      FUND          FUND
                               FIDUCIARY   FIDUCIARY  FIDUCIARY   FIDUCIARY   FIDUCIARY     FIDUCIARY     FIDUCIARY     FIDUCIARY
                                SHARES      SHARES     SHARES      SHARES      SHARES        SHARES        SHARES        SHARES
                              -----------  --------  -----------  ---------  -----------  -------------  -----------  -------------
<S>                           <C>          <C>       <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION
 EXPENSES(a)
 Maximum Sales Load Imposed
   on Purchases (as a
   percentage of offering
   price)....................        0%         0%          0%          0%          0%            0%            0%            0%
 Maximum Sales Load Imposed
   on Reinvested Dividends
   (as a percentage of
   offering price)...........        0%         0%          0%          0%          0%            0%            0%            0%
 Deferred Sales Load (as a
   percentage of original
   purchase price or
   redemption proceeds, as
   applicable)...............        0%         0%          0%          0%          0%            0%            0%            0%
 Redemption Fees (as a
   percentage of amount
   redeemed, if
   applicable)(b)............        0%         0%          0%          0%          0%            0%            0%            0%
 Exchange Fee(a).............    $   0       $  0       $   0       $   0       $   0         $   0         $   0         $   0
ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES (as
 a percentage of net assets)
 Management Fees (after
   voluntary reduction)(c)...     0.50%      0.60%       0.60%       0.60%       0.80%         0.95%         0.60%         0.50%
 12b-1 Fees..................        0%         0%          0%          0%          0%            0%            0%            0%
 Other Expenses (after
   voluntary reduction)(d)...     0.31%      0.21%       0.22%       0.30%       0.23%         0.41%         0.25%         0.25%
                                  ----       ----        ----        ----        ----          ----          ----          ----
 Total Fund Operating
   Expenses (after voluntary
   reduction)(e).............     0.91%      0.81%       0.82%       0.90%       1.03%         1.36%         0.85%         0.75%
                                  ====       ====        ====        ====        ====          ====          ====          ====
 
<CAPTION>
                                                                  CALIFORNIA
                                          GOVERNMENT             INTERMEDIATE
                                          SECURITIES  BALANCED     TAX-FREE
                               BOND FUND     FUND       FUND      BOND FUND
                               FIDUCIARY  FIDUCIARY   FIDUCIARY   FIDUCIARY
                                SHARES      SHARES     SHARES       SHARES
                               ---------  ----------  ---------  ------------
<S>                           <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION
 EXPENSES(a)
 Maximum Sales Load Imposed
   on Purchases (as a
   percentage of offering
   price)....................        0%         0%          0%          0%
 Maximum Sales Load Imposed
   on Reinvested Dividends
   (as a percentage of
   offering price)...........        0%         0%          0%          0%
 Deferred Sales Load (as a
   percentage of original
   purchase price or
   redemption proceeds, as
   applicable)...............        0%         0%          0%          0%
 Redemption Fees (as a
   percentage of amount
   redeemed, if
   applicable)(b)............        0%         0%          0%          0%
 Exchange Fee(a).............    $   0       $  0       $   0        $  0
ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES (as
 a percentage of net assets)
 Management Fees (after
   voluntary reduction)(c)...     0.50%      0.50%       0.60%          0%
 12b-1 Fees..................        0%         0%          0%          0%
 Other Expenses (after
   voluntary reduction)(d)...     0.25%      0.25%       0.30%       0.27%
                                  ----       ----        ----        ----
 Total Fund Operating
   Expenses (after voluntary
   reduction)(e).............     0.75%      0.75%       0.90%       0.27%
                                  ====       ====        ====        ====
</TABLE>
    
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   181
 
   
  EXAMPLE:  You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment,
assuming (1) 5% annual return and (2) redemption at the end of each time period.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 1 YEAR   3 YEARS   5 YEARS   10 YEARS
                                                                 ------   -------   -------   --------
<S>                                                              <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>
Income Equity Fund Fiduciary Shares............................   $  9      $29       $50       $112
Value Momentum Fund Fiduciary Shares...........................   $  8      $26       $45       $100
Blue Chip Growth Fund Fiduciary Shares.........................   $  8      $26       $46       $101
Growth Fund Fiduciary Shares...................................   $  9      $29       $50       $111
Emerging Growth Fund Fiduciary Shares..........................   $ 11      $33       $57       $126
International Equity Fund Fiduciary Shares.....................   $ 14      $43       $74       $164
Convertible Securities Fund Fiduciary Shares...................   $  9      $27       $47       $105
Intermediate-Term Bond Fund Fiduciary Shares...................   $  8      $24       $42       $ 93
Bond Fund Fiduciary Shares.....................................   $  8      $24       $42       $ 93
Government Securities Fund Fiduciary Shares....................   $  8      $24       $42       $ 93
Balanced Fund Fiduciary Shares.................................   $  9      $29       $50       $111
California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund Fiduciary Shares....   $  2      $ 7       $12       $ 28
</TABLE>
    
 
  The purpose of the tables above is to assist an investor in the Funds in
understanding the various costs and expenses that a Shareholder will bear
directly or indirectly. For a more complete discussion of each Fund's annual
operating expenses, see SERVICE ARRANGEMENTS below. THE FOREGOING EXAMPLE SHOULD
NOT BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE EXPENSES. ACTUAL EXPENSES
MAY BE GREATER OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN.
- ---------------
 
   
(a) Certain entities (including Union Bank of California and its affiliates)
    making investments in the Funds on behalf of their customers may charge
    customers fees for services provided in connection with the investment in,
    redemption of, and exchange of Shares. (See PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF
    SHARES, EXCHANGE PRIVILEGES, and SERVICE ARRANGEMENTS below.)
    
 
   
(b) A wire redemption charge of $15 is deducted from the amount of a wire
    redemption payment made at the request of a Shareholder. (See REDEMPTION OF
    SHARES below.)
    
 
   
(c) Absent voluntary fee waivers, MANAGEMENT FEES would be, 0.50% for the
    Fiduciary Shares of the California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund.
    
 
   
(d) Absent voluntary fee waivers, OTHER EXPENSES would be 0.48% for the
    Fiduciary Shares of the Income Equity, Value Momentum, Growth and Balanced
    Funds, 0.49% for the Fiduciary Shares of the Blue Chip Growth and
    Intermediate-Term Bond Funds, 0.50% for the Fiduciary Shares of the Emerging
    Growth Fund, 0.68% for the Fiduciary Shares of the International Equity
    Fund, 0.52% for the Fiduciary Shares of the Convertible Securities Fund,
    0.51% for the Fiduciary Shares of the Bond Fund, 0.52% for the Fiduciary
    Shares of the Government Securities Fund and 0.72% for the Fiduciary Shares
    of the California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund.
    
 
   
(e) Absent voluntary fee waivers, TOTAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES would be: 1.08%
    for the Fiduciary Shares of the Income Equity, Value Momentum, Growth and
    Balanced Funds, 1.09% for the Fiduciary Shares of the Blue Chip Growth Fund,
    1.30% for the Fiduciary Shares of the Emerging Growth Fund, 1.63% for the
    Fiduciary Shares of the International Equity Fund, 1.12% for the Fiduciary
    Shares of the Convertible Securities Fund, 0.99% for the Fiduciary Shares of
    the Intermediate-Term Bond Fund, 1.01% for the Fiduciary Shares of the Bond
    Fund, 1.02% for the Fiduciary Shares of the Government Securities Fund and
    1.22% for the Fiduciary Shares of the California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond
    Fund.
    
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   182
 
   
                              FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
    
 
   
  The tables below set forth certain financial information with respect to the
Fiduciary Shares of the Bond Fund, Growth Fund, and Income Equity Fund.
Financial highlights for the Funds for the period ended July 31, 1997 have been
derived from financial statements audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent
auditors for HighMark, whose report thereon is included in the 1997 Annual
Report for the HighMark Funds, which is incorporated by reference into the
Statement of Additional Information. Financial highlights for the Funds prior to
the fiscal year ended July 31, 1996 have been derived from financial statements
examined by other auditors whose report thereon is on file with the Securities
and Exchange Commission.
    
 
   
  The tables below set forth certain financial information with respect to the
Fiduciary Shares of the Intermediate-Term Bond Fund, the California Intermediate
Tax-Free Bond Fund, the Convertible Securities Fund, the Government Securities
Bond Fund, the Balanced Fund, the Value Momentum Fund, the Blue Chip Growth
Fund, the Emerging Growth Fund and the International Equity Fund. Upon
reorganizing as funds of HighMark Funds on April 28, 1997, Stepstone
Intermediate-Term Bond Fund became HighMark Intermediate-Term Bond Fund,
Stepstone California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund became HighMark California
Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund, Stepstone Convertible Securities Fund became
HighMark Convertible Securities Fund, Stepstone Government Securities Fund
became HighMark Government Securities Fund, Stepstone Balanced Fund became
HighMark Balanced Fund, Stepstone Value Momentum Fund became HighMark Value
Momentum Fund, Stepstone Blue Chip Growth Fund became HighMark Blue Chip Growth
Fund, Stepstone Emerging Growth Fund became HighMark Emerging Growth Fund, and
Stepstone International Equity Fund became HighMark International Equity.
Financial highlights through January 31, 1997 represent the Institutional Class
Shares (now Fiduciary Shares) of Stepstone Intermediate-Term Bond, Stepstone
California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond, Stepstone Convertible Securities,
Stepstone Government Securities, Stepstone Balanced, Stepstone Value Momentum,
Stepstone Blue Chip Growth, Stepstone Emerging Growth, and Stepstone
International Equity Funds, and have been derived from financial statements
audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent auditors for the Stepstone Funds,
    
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   183
 
   
                          INTERMEDIATE-TERM BOND FUND
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           FOR THE
                          SIX MONTH
                         PERIOD ENDED                   FOR THE YEARS ENDED JANUARY 31,
                           JULY 31,       ------------------------------------------------------------
                             1997           1997         1996         1995         1994         1993
                         ------------     --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
<S>                      <C>              <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
FIDUCIARY SHARES
Net Asset Value,
  Beginning of
  Period...............    $  10.16       $  10.62     $   9.67     $  10.72     $  10.57     $  10.49
                         ------------     --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
Investment Activities
  Net investment
     income............       0.309          0.599        0.609        0.589        0.598        0.650
  Net realized and
     unrealized gain
     (loss) on
     investments.......       0.138         (0.460)       0.951       (1.034)       0.352        0.409
                         ------------     --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
Distributions
  Net investment
     income............      (0.310)        (0.595)      (0.609)      (0.590)      (0.595)      (0.636)
  Capital gains........          --             --           --       (0.015)      (0.205)      (0.343)
                         ------------     --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
Net Asset Value, End of
  Period...............    $  10.30       $  10.16     $  10.62     $   9.67     $  10.72     $  10.57
                         ==========       ========     ========     ========     ========     ========
Total Return...........        4.54%          1.43%       16.58%       (4.11)%       9.22%       10.47%
  Net assets, end of
     period (000)......    $152,676       $150,411     $132,942     $109,848     $130,308     $112,806
  Ratio of expenses to
     average net
     assets............        0.69%*         0.67%        0.68%        0.71%        0.69%        0.67%
  Ratio of expenses to
     average net assets
     excluding fee
     waivers...........        0.82%*         0.68%        0.68%        0.71%        0.69%        0.67%
  Ratio of net
     investment income
     to average net
     assets............        6.17%*         5.93%        5.97%        5.89%        5.56%        6.16%
  Ratio of net
     investment income
     to average net
     assets excluding
     fee waivers.......        6.04%*         5.92%        5.97%        5.89%        5.56%        6.16%
Portfolio turnover
  rate.................          58%           106%         147%          95%          72%          88%
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
   
Amounts designated as "--" are either $0 or have been rounded to $0.
    
   
* Annualized.
    
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   184
 
   
                   CALIFORNIA INTERMEDIATE TAX-FREE BOND FUND
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            FOR THE
                                           SIX MONTH
                                          PERIOD ENDED          FOR THE YEARS ENDED JANUARY 31,
                                            JULY 31,       -----------------------------------------
                                              1997          1997       1996       1995       1994(2)
                                          ------------     ------     ------     -------     -------
<S>                                       <C>              <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>
FIDUCIARY SHARES
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period....    $   9.76       $ 9.85     $ 8.95     $ 10.04     $ 10.00
                                          ------------     ------     ------     -------     -------
Investment Activities
  Net investment income.................       0.206        0.430      0.518       0.460       0.117
  Net realized and unrealized gain
     (loss) on investments..............       0.256       (0.078)     0.873      (1.098)      0.028
                                          ------------     ------     ------     -------     -------
Distributions
  Net investment income.................      (0.215)      (0.442)    (0.487)     (0.452)     (0.105)
  Capital Gains.........................          --           --         --          --          --
                                          ------------     ------     ------     -------     -------
Net Asset Value, End of Period..........    $  10.01       $ 9.76     $ 9.85     $  8.95     $ 10.04
                                          ==========       ======     ======     =======     =======
Total Return............................        4.84%        3.72%     15.83%      (6.33)%      5.01%*
  Net assets, end of period (000).......    $ 11,292       $7,435     $4,196     $12,793     $22,197
  Ratio of expenses to average net
     assets.............................        0.21%*       0.20%      0.24%       0.50%       0.50%*
  Ratio of expenses to average net
     assets excluding fee waivers.......        0.91%*       0.85%      0.71%       0.72%       0.73%*
  Ratio of net investment income to
     average net assets.................        4.56%*       4.69%      4.97%       4.84%       4.31%*
  Ratio of net investment income to
     average net assets excluding fee
     waivers............................        3.85%*       4.04%      4.50%       4.62%       4.08%
Portfolio turnover rate.................           5%           6%        30%         22%         19%
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
   
Amounts designated as "--" are either $0 or have been rounded to $0.
    
   
  * Annualized
    
   
(2) Commenced operations on October 15, 1993.
    
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   185
 
   
                                   BOND FUND
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        FOR THE YEARS ENDED JULY 31,
                                           -------------------------------------------------------
                                            1997        1996        1995        1994        1993
                                           -------     -------     -------     -------     -------
<S>                                        <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
FIDUCIARY SHARES
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period.....  $ 10.23     $ 10.38     $ 10.11     $ 11.13     $ 11.02
                                           -------     -------     -------     -------     -------
Investment Activities
  Net investment income..................    0.628       0.660       0.640       0.630       0.700
  Net realized and unrealized gain
     (loss) on investments...............    0.421      (0.160)      0.270      (0.970)      0.350
                                           -------     -------     -------     -------     -------
Distributions
  Net investment income..................   (0.609)     (0.650)     (0.640)     (0.630)     (0.700)
  Capital gains..........................       --          --          --          --          --
                                           -------     -------     -------     -------     -------
Net Asset Value, End of Period...........  $ 10.67     $ 10.23     $ 10.38     $ 10.11     $ 11.13
                                           =======     =======     =======     =======     =======
Total Return.............................    10.59%       4.81%       9.43%      (3.14)%     10.07%
  Net assets, end of period (000)........  $71,571     $60,374     $59,758     $64,185     $33,279
  Ratio of expenses to average net
     assets..............................     0.85%       0.89%       0.92%       0.86%       0.93%
  Ratio of expenses to average net assets
     excluding fee waivers...............     1.42%       1.61%       1.64%       1.37%       1.55%
  Ratio of net investment income to
     average net assets..................     6.11%       6.10%       6.35%       6.11%       6.41%
  Ratio of net investment income to
     average net assets excluding fee
     waivers.............................     5.54%       5.38%       5.62%       5.60%       5.79%
Portfolio turnover rate..................       14%         21%         36%         44%         59%
Average commission rate(A)...............      n/a         n/a         n/a         n/a         n/a
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
   
Amounts designated as "--" are either $0 or have been rounded to $0.
    
   
(A) Average commission rate paid per share for security purchases and sales
    during the period. Presentation of the rate is only required for fiscal
    years beginning after September 1, 1995.
    
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   186
 
   
                          CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES FUND
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     FOR THE
                                                    SIX MONTH
                                                   PERIOD ENDED     FOR THE YEARS ENDED JANUARY 31,
                                                     JULY 31,       -------------------------------
                                                       1997          1997        1996       1995(3)
                                                   ------------     -------     -------     -------
<S>                                                <C>              <C>         <C>         <C>
FIDUCIARY SHARES
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period.............    $  11.58       $ 10.43     $  9.08     $ 10.00
                                                   ------------     -------     -------     -------
Investment Activities
  Net investment income..........................       0.183         0.376       0.407       0.354
  Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
     investments.................................       0.833         1.423       1.350      (0.930)
                                                   ------------     -------     -------     -------
Distributions
  Net investment income..........................      (0.186)       (0.378)     (0.404)     (0.343)
  Capital gains..................................          --        (0.270)         --          --
                                                   ------------     -------     -------     -------
Net Asset Value, End of Period...................    $  12.41       $ 11.58     $ 10.43     $  9.08
                                                   ==========       =======     =======     =======
Total Return.....................................        8.92%        17.72%      19.67%      (5.83)%
  Net assets, end of period (000)................    $ 25,338       $21,129     $16,668     $10,297
  Ratio of expenses to average net assets........        0.85%*        0.85%       0.85%       0.85%
  Ratio of expenses to average net assets
     excluding fee waivers.......................        1.00%*        0.85%       0.85%       0.85%
  Ratio of net investment income to average net
     assets......................................        3.25%*        3.47%       4.14%       3.87%
  Ratio of net investment income to average net
     assets excluding fee waivers................        3.10%*        3.47%       4.14%       3.87%
Portfolio turnover rate..........................          33%           89%         46%         36%
Average commission rate(A).......................      0.0647        0.0640         n/a         n/a
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
   
Amounts designated as "--" are either $0 or have been rounded to $0.
    
   
(A) Average commission rate paid per share for security purchases and sales
    during the period. Presentation of the rate is only required for fiscal
    years beginning after September 1, 1995.
    
   
  * Annualized.
    
   
(3) Commenced operations on February 1, 1994.
    
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   187
 
   
                           GOVERNMENT SECURITIES FUND
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     FOR THE
                                                    SIX MONTH
                                                   PERIOD ENDED     FOR THE YEARS ENDED JANUARY 31,
                                                     JULY 31,       -------------------------------
                                                       1997          1997        1996       1995(3)
                                                   ------------     -------     -------     -------
<S>                                                <C>              <C>         <C>         <C>
FIDUCIARY SHARES
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period.............    $   9.44       $  9.94     $  9.07     $ 10.00
                                                   ------------     -------     -------     -------
Investment Activities
  Net investment income..........................       0.268         0.524       0.556       0.491
  Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
     investments.................................       0.203        (0.505)      0.870      (0.950)
                                                   ------------     -------     -------     -------
Distributions
  Net investment income..........................      (0.269)       (0.520)     (0.556)     (0.475)
  Capital gains..................................          --            --          --          --
                                                   ------------     -------     -------     -------
Net Asset Value, End of Period...................    $   9.64       $  9.44     $  9.94     $  9.07
                                                   ==========       =======     =======     =======
Total Return.....................................        5.08%         0.34%      16.16%      (4.49)%
  Net assets, end of period (000)................    $ 57,256       $51,382     $46,725     $32,178
  Ratio of expenses to average net assets........        0.73%*        0.74%       0.75%       0.75%
  Ratio of expenses to average net assets
     excluding fee waivers.......................        0.88%*        0.74%       0.75%       0.75%
  Ratio of net investment income to average net
     assets......................................        5.79%*        5.59%       5.89%       5.46%
  Ratio of net investment income to average net
     assets excluding fee waivers................        5.64%*        5.59%       5.89%       5.46%
Portfolio turnover rate..........................          40%          186%        239%        184%
Average commission rate(A).......................         n/a           n/a         n/a         n/a
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
   
Amounts designated as "--" are either $0 or have been rounded to $0.
    
   
(A) Average commission rate paid per share for security purchases and sales
    during the period. Presentation of the rate is only required for fiscal
    years beginning after September 1, 1995.
    
   
  * Annualized
    
   
(3) Commenced operations on February 1, 1994.
    
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   188
 
   
                                 BALANCED FUND
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   FOR THE
                                  SIX MONTH
                                 PERIOD ENDED              FOR THE YEARS ENDED JANUARY 31,
                                   JULY 31,     ------------------------------------------------------
                                     1997         1997       1996       1995         1994       1993
                                 ------------   --------   --------   --------     --------   --------
<S>                              <C>            <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>
FIDUCIARY SHARES
Net Asset Value, Beginning of
  Period.......................    $  15.04     $  13.92   $  11.45   $  12.21     $  11.50   $  11.15
                                 ------------   --------   --------   --------     --------   --------
Investment Activities
  Net investment income........       0.228        0.422      0.415      0.390        0.394      0.413
  Net realized and unrealized
     gain (loss) on
     investments...............       1.712        1.699      2.831     (0.756)       0.928      0.543
                                 ------------   --------   --------   --------     --------   --------
Distributions
  Net investment income........      (0.228)      (0.409)    (0.417)    (0.391)      (0.391)    (0.408)
  Capital gains................      (0.290)      (0.595)    (0.362)    (0.003)      (0.221)    (0.198)
                                 ------------   --------   --------   --------     --------   --------
Net Asset Value, End of
  Period.......................    $  16.46     $  15.04   $  13.92   $  11.45     $  12.21   $  11.50
                                 ==========     ========   ========   ========     ========   ========
Total Return...................       13.35%       16.30%     28.93%     (2.95)%      11.79%      8.86%
  Net assets, end of period
     (000).....................    $400,442     $307,531   $233,878   $167,434     $152,189   $100,474
  Ratio of expenses to average
     net assets................        0.83%*       0.79%      0.80%      0.80%        0.69%      0.69%
  Ratio of expenses to average
     net assets excluding fee
     waivers...................        0.98%*       0.79%      0.80%      0.80%        0.79%      0.79%
  Ratio of net investment
     income to average net
     assets....................        2.99%*       3.48%      3.20%      3.41%        3.35%      3.72%
  Ratio of net investment
     income to average net
     assets excluding fee
     waivers...................        2.85%*       3.48%      3.20%      3.41%        3.25%      3.62%
Portfolio turnover rate........          10%          27%        26%        48%          49%        68%
Average commission rate(A).....      0.0581       0.0604        n/a        n/a          n/a        n/a
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
   
Amounts designated as "--" are either $0 or have been rounded to $0.
    
   
(A) Average commission rate paid per share for security purchases and sales
    during the period. Presentation of the rate is only required for fiscal
    years beginning after September 1, 1995.
    
   
  *  Annualized.
    
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   189
 
   
                                  GROWTH FUND
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             FOR THE YEARS ENDED JULY 31,
                                                   -------------------------------------------------
                                                       1997           1996        1995        1994
                                                   -------------     -------     -------     -------
<S>                                                <C>               <C>         <C>         <C>
FIDUCIARY SHARES
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period.............    $   12.58       $ 11.87     $  9.76     $ 10.00
                                                   -------------     -------     -------     -------
Investment Activities
  Net investment income..........................        0.057         0.120       0.150       0.050
  Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
     investments.................................        5.773         1.350       2.260      (0.240)
                                                   -------------     -------     -------     -------
Distributions
  Net investment income..........................       (0.053)       (0.120)     (0.150)     (0.050)
  Capital gains..................................       (0.996)       (0.640)     (0.150)         --
                                                   -------------     -------     -------     -------
Net Asset Value, end of period...................    $   17.36       $ 12.58     $ 11.87     $  9.76
                                                    ==========       =======     =======     =======
Total Return.....................................        48.54%        12.72%      25.23%      (1.87)%
  Net assets, end of period (000)................    $ 297,879       $41,495     $25,096     $15,254
  Ratio of expenses to average net assets........         0.92%         0.93%       0.79%       0.77%
  Ratio of expenses to average net assets
     excluding fee waivers.......................         1.24%         1.67%       1.92%       2.61%
  Ratio of net investment income to average net
     assets......................................         0.39%         0.98%       1.40%       0.86%
  Ratio of net investment income to average net
     assets excluding fee waivers................         0.07%         0.23%       0.26%      (0.98)%
Portfolio turnover rate..........................          118%           79%         68%        123%
Average commission rate(A).......................       0.0598           n/a         n/a         n/a
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
   
Amounts designated as "--" are either $0 or have been rounded to $0.
    
   
(A) Average commission rate paid per share for security purchases and sales
    during the period. Presentation of the rate is only required for fiscal
    years beginning after September 1, 1995.
    
   
  *  Annualized.
    
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   190
 
   
                              VALUE MOMENTUM FUND
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 FOR THE
                                SIX MONTH
                               PERIOD ENDED                FOR THE YEARS ENDED JANUARY 31,
                                 JULY 31,      -------------------------------------------------------
                                   1997          1997        1996        1995        1994       1993
                               ------------    --------    --------    --------    --------    -------
<S>                            <C>             <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
FIDUCIARY SHARES
Net Asset Value, Beginning of
  Period.....................    $  21.57      $  18.05    $  13.40    $  11.27    $  12.76    $ 11.68
                               ------------    --------    --------    --------    --------    -------
Investment Activities
  Net investment income......       0.132         0.436       0.331       0.318       0.292      0.310
  Net realized and unrealized
     gain (loss) on
     investments.............       3.955         4.371       5.063      (0.817)      1.538      1.103
                               ------------    --------    --------    --------    --------    -------
Distributions
  Net investment income......      (0.176)       (0.438)     (0.337)     (0.317)     (0.290)    (0.311)
  Capital gains..............          --        (0.848)     (0.408)     (0.054)     (0.030)    (0.022)
                               ------------    --------    --------    --------    --------    -------
Net Asset Value, End of
  Period.....................    $  25.48      $  21.57    $  18.05    $  13.40    $  14.27    $ 12.76
                               ==========      ========    ========    ========    ========    =======
Total Return.................       19.06%        27.33%      40.88%      (3.48)%     14.56%     12.33%
  Net assets, end of period
     (000)...................    $463,433      $317,482    $222,065    $150,138    $140,609    $92,636
  Ratio of expenses to
     average net assets......        0.78%*        0.79%       0.80%       0.81%       0.77%      0.68%
  Ratio of expenses to
     average net assets
     excluding fee waivers...        0.94%*        0.79%       0.80%       0.81%       0.79%      0.78%
  Ratio of net investment
     income to average net
     assets..................        1.65%*        2.26%       2.07%       2.36%       2.19%      2.59%
  Ratio of net investment
     income to average net
     assets excluding fee
     waivers.................        1.49%*        2.26%       2.07%       2.36%       2.17%      2.49%
Portfolio turnover rate......           1%            9%         20%          6%          5%         3%
Average commission rate(A)...      0.0600        0.0590         n/a         n/a         n/a        n/a
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
   
Amounts designated as "--" are either $0 or have been rounded to $0.
    
   
(A) Average commission rate paid per share for security purchases and sales
    during the period. Presentation of the rate is only required for fiscal
    years beginning after September 1, 1993.
    
   
  *  Annualized.
    
 
                                       16
<PAGE>   191
 
   
                               INCOME EQUITY FUND
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       FOR THE YEARS ENDED JULY 31,
                                      --------------------------------------------------------------
                                         1997          1996         1995         1994         1993
                                      ----------     --------     --------     --------     --------
<S>                                   <C>            <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
FIDUCIARY SHARES
Net Asset Value, Beginning of
  Period............................   $  14.27      $  13.00     $  11.92     $  12.13     $  11.42
                                      ----------     --------     --------     --------     --------
Investment Activities
  Net investment income.............      0.372         0.420        0.440        0.390        0.380
  Net realized and unrealized gain
     (loss) on investments..........      5.019         1.930        1.500        0.120        0.710
                                      ----------     --------     --------     --------     --------
Distributions
  Net investment income.............     (0.368)       (0.420)      (0.440)      (0.390)      (0.380)
  Capital gains.....................     (1.083)       (0.660)      (0.420)      (0.330)          --
                                      ----------     --------     --------     --------     --------
Net Asset Value, End of Period......   $  18.21      $  14.27     $  13.00     $  11.92     $  12.13
                                       ========      ========     ========     ========     ========
Total Return........................      40.13%        18.25%       17.26%       4.23%         9.75%
  Net assets, end of period (000)...   $352,725      $262,660     $221,325     $213,328     $104,840
  Ratio of expenses to average net
     assets.........................       0.99%         1.03%        1.06%        1.06%        1.15%
  Ratio of expenses to average net
     assets excluding fee waivers...       1.21%         1.27%        1.30%        1.10%        1.21%
  Ratio of net investment income to
     average net assets.............       2.39%         2.95%        3.59%        3.29%        3.27%
  Ratio of net investment income to
     average net assets excluding
     fee waivers....................       2.17%         2.71%        3.34%        3.24%        3.22%
Portfolio turnover rate.............         46%           42%          37%          34%          30%
Average commission rate(A)..........     0.0583           n/a          n/a          n/a          n/a
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
   
Amounts designated as "--" are either $0 or have been rounded to $0.
    
   
(A) Average commission rate paid per share for security purchases and sales
    during the period. Presentation of the rate is only required for fiscal
    years beginning after September 1, 1995.
    
   
  *  Annualized.
    
 
                                       17
<PAGE>   192
 
   
                             BLUE CHIP GROWTH FUND
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     FOR THE
                                                    SIX MONTH
                                                   PERIOD ENDED     FOR THE YEARS ENDED JANUARY 31,
                                                     JULY 31,       -------------------------------
                                                       1997          1997        1996       1995(7)
                                                   ------------     -------     -------     -------
<S>                                                <C>              <C>         <C>         <C>
FIDUCIARY SHARES
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period.............    $  14.50       $ 12.63     $  9.53     $ 10.00
                                                   ------------     -------     -------     -------
Investment Activities
  Net investment income..........................       0.081         0.160       0.174       0.167
  Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
     investments.................................       2.818         2.449       3.311      (0.479)
                                                   ------------     -------     -------     -------
Distributions
  Net investment income..........................      (0.078)       (0.162)     (0.180)     (0.158)
  Capital gains..................................          --        (0.574)     (0.203)         --
                                                   ------------     -------     -------     -------
Net Asset Value, End of Period...................    $  17.32       $ 14.50     $ 12.63     $  9.53
                                                   ==========       =======     =======     =======
Total Return.....................................       20.08%        21.11%      36.95%      (3.10)%
  Net assets, end of period (000)................    $ 96,883       $80,682     $63,410     $39,319
  Ratio of expenses to average net assets........        0.80%*        0.84%       0.83%       0.85%
  Ratio of expenses to average net assets
     excluding fee waivers.......................        0.95%*        0.84%       0.83%       0.85%
  Ratio of net investment income to average net
     assets......................................        1.09%*        1.21%       1.54%       1.84%
  Ratio of net investment income to average net
     assets excluding fee waivers................        0.94%*        1.21%       1.54%       1.84%
Portfolio turnover rate..........................          54%           80%         69%         89%
Average commission rate(A).......................      0.0520        0.0598         n/a         n/a
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
   
Amounts designated as "--" are either $0 or have been rounded to $0.
    
   
(A) Average commission rate paid per share for security purchases and sales
    during the period. Presentation of the rate is only required for fiscal
    years beginning after September 1, 1995.
    
   
  *  Annualized.
    
   
(7)  Commenced operations on February 1, 1994.
    
 
                                       18
<PAGE>   193
 
   
                              EMERGING GROWTH FUND
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     FOR THE
                                                    SIX MONTH
                                                   PERIOD ENDED     FOR THE YEARS ENDED JANUARY 31,
                                                     JULY 31,       -------------------------------
                                                       1997          1997        1996       1995(7)
                                                   ------------     -------     -------     -------
<S>                                                <C>              <C>         <C>         <C>
FIDUCIARY SHARES
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period.............    $  13.50       $ 11.94     $  9.42     $ 10.00
                                                   ------------     -------     -------     -------
Investment Activities
  Net investment income..........................       0.014         0.008       0.026       0.086
  Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
     investments.................................       0.888         2.556       2.807      (0.535)
                                                   ------------     -------     -------     -------
Distributions
  Net investment income..........................      (0.012)       (0.009)     (0.033)     (0.080)
  Capital gains..................................          --        (0.991)     (0.277)     (0.051)
                                                   ------------     -------     -------     -------
Net Asset Value, End of Period...................    $  14.39       $ 13.50     $ 11.94     $  9.42
                                                   ==========       =======     =======     =======
Total Return.....................................        6.70%        21.79%      30.24%      (4.48)%
  Net assets, end of period (000)................    $ 66,336       $57,156     $41,770     $23,928
  Ratio of expenses to average net assets........        1.01%*        1.04%       1.05%       1.05%
  Ratio of expenses to average net assets
     excluding fee waivers.......................        1.16%*        1.04%       1.05%       1.05%
  Ratio of net investment income to average net
     assets......................................        0.26%*        0.06%       0.22%       1.01%
  Ratio of net investment income to average net
     assets excluding fee waivers................        0.10%*        0.06%       0.22%       1.01%
Portfolio turnover rate..........................         116%          134%        131%        123%
Average commission rate(A).......................      0.0583        0.0583         n/a         n/a
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
   
Amounts designated as "--" are either $0 or have been rounded to $0.
    
   
(A) Average commission rate paid per share for security purchases and sales
    during the period. Presentation of the rate is only required for fiscal
    years beginning after September 1, 1995.
    
   
  *  Annualized.
    
   
(7)  Commenced operations on February 1, 1994.
    
 
                                       19
<PAGE>   194
 
   
                           INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               FOR THE
                                                              SIX MONTH       FOR THE YEARS ENDED
                                                             PERIOD ENDED         JANUARY 31,
                                                               JULY 31,       -------------------
                                                                 1997          1997       1996(8)
                                                             ------------     -------     -------
<S>                                                          <C>              <C>         <C>
FIDUCIARY SHARES
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period.......................    $  34.52       $ 37.49     $ 33.51
                                                             ------------     -------     -------
Investment Activities
  Net investment income....................................       0.212         0.220       0.447
  Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments...       3.958        (0.965)      4.084
                                                             ------------     -------     -------
Distributions
  Net investment income....................................          --        (0.812)     (0.446)
  Capital gains............................................          --        (1.416)     (0.105)
                                                             ------------     -------     -------
Net Asset Value, End of Period.............................    $  38.69       $ 34.52     $ 37.49
                                                             ==========       =======     =======
Total Return...............................................       12.08%        (2.14)%     13.56%
  Net Assets, end of period (000)..........................    $ 52,467       $46,373     $44,188
  Ratio of expenses to average net assets..................        1.22%*        1.18%       1.16%
  Ratio of expenses to average net assets excluding fee
     waivers...............................................        1.41%*        1.28%       1.36%
  Ratio of net investment income to average net assets.....        1.16%*        0.60%       1.31%
  Ratio of net investment income to average net assets
     excluding fee waivers.................................        0.97%*        0.50%       1.11%
Portfolio turnover rate....................................          18%           29%         21%
Average commission rate(A).................................      0.0250        0.0235         n/a
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
   
Amounts designated as "--" are either $0 or have been rounded to $0.
    
   
(A) Average commission rate paid per share for security purchases and sales
    during the period. Presentation of the rate is only required for fiscal
    years beginning after September 1, 1995.
    
   
  *  Annualized.
    
   
(8)  Commenced operations on February 1, 1995.
    
 
                                       20
<PAGE>   195
 
   
FUND
DESCRIPTION             HighMark is an open-end, diversified, registered
                      investment company that currently offers units of
                      beneficial interest ("Shares") in sixteen separate
                      investment portfolios ("Funds"). All of the Funds are
                      advised by The Pacific Alliance division of Union Bank of
                      California, N.A. (the "Adviser"). Shareholders may
                      purchase Shares of selected Funds through three separate
                      classes (Class A and Class B Shares (collectively, the
                      "Retail Shares") and Fiduciary Shares). These classes may
                      have different sales charges and other expenses, which may
                      affect performance. Information regarding HighMark's other
                      Funds and other classes is contained in separate
                      prospectuses that may be obtained from HighMark's
                      Distributor, SEI Investments Distribution Co., Oaks,
                      Pennsylvania 19456, or by calling 1-800-433-6884.
    
 
   
                        For information concerning those investors who qualify
                      to purchase Fiduciary Shares, see PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION
                      OF SHARES below. (Fiduciary Shares may be hereinafter
                      referred to as "Shares.")
    
 
   
INVESTMENT
    
OBJECTIVES              The investment objectives of the Funds are as follows:
 
   
                        The Income Equity Fund seeks investments in equity
                      securities that provide current income through the regular
                      payment of dividends, with the goal that the Income Equity
                      Fund will have a high current yield and a low level of
                      price volatility. Opportunity for long-term growth of
                      asset value is a secondary consideration.
    
 
   
                        The Value Momentum Fund seeks long-term capital growth
                      with a secondary objective of income.
    
 
   
                        The Blue Chip Growth Fund seeks long-term capital growth
                      by investing in a diversified portfolio of common stocks
                      and other equity securities of seasoned, large
                      capitalization companies.
    
 
   
                        The Growth Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation
                      through investments in equity securities. The production
                      of current income is an incidental objective.
    
 
   
                        The Emerging Growth Fund seeks long-term growth of
                      capital by investing in a diversified portfolio of equity
                      securities of small capitalization, emerging growth
                      companies.
    
 
   
                        The International Equity Fund seeks to provide long-term
                      capital appreciation by investing primarily in a
                      diversified portfolio of equity securities of non-U.S.
                      issuers.
    
 
   
                        The Convertible Securities Fund seeks a high level of
                      current income and capital appreciation by investing in
                      convertible securities.
    
 
                                       21
<PAGE>   196
 
   
                        The Intermediate-Term Bond Fund seeks total return
                      through investments in fixed-income securities.
    
 
   
                        The Bond Fund seeks current income through investments
                      in long-term, fixed-income securities.
    
 
   
                        The Government Securities Fund seeks to achieve total
                      return consistent with the preservation of capital by
                      investing in a diversified portfolio of obligations issued
                      or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or
                      instrumentalities.
    
 
   
                        The Balanced Fund seeks capital appreciation and income.
                      Conservation of capital is a secondary consideration.
    
 
   
                        The California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund seeks to
                      provide high current income that is exempt from federal
                      and State of California income taxes.
    
 
   
                        The investment objectives and certain of the investment
                      limitations of the Funds may not be changed without a vote
                      of the holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares of
                      the respective Fund (as defined under GENERAL
                      INFORMATION--Miscellaneous below). There can be no
                      assurance that a Fund will achieve its investment
                      objective.
    
 
   
INVESTMENT
    
POLICIES              Income Equity Fund
 
   
                        Under normal market conditions, the Income Equity Fund
                      will invest at least 65% of its total assets in equity
                      securities, including common stocks, warrants to purchase
                      common stocks, American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"),
                      preferred stocks and securities (including debt
                      securities) convertible into or exercisable for common
                      stocks. The Income Equity Fund's investments primarily
                      consist of the common stocks of U.S. corporations that
                      regularly pay dividends, although there can be no
                      assurance that a corporation will continue to pay
                      dividends. Investments will be made in an attempt to keep
                      the Income Equity Fund's yield above the S&P 500's yield
                      by approximately one-third to one-half the difference
                      between the S&P 500's yield and the yield on long-term
                      U.S. Government bonds.
    
 
   
                        The Income Equity Fund generally invests in stocks with
                      favorable, long-term fundamental characteristics when
                      their current relative yields are at the upper end of
                      their historical yield ranges. Frequently, these stocks
                      are out of favor in the financial community and investors
                      see little opportunity for price appreciation. The Fund
                      may also invest in major U.S. corporations in a mature
                      stage of development or operating in slower areas of the
                      economy. While it is anticipated that a significant part
                      of the total growth in asset value experienced by the
                      Income Equity Fund will result from companies' improving
                      prospects (although there can be no assurance that this
                      will in fact occur), dividends will provide a substantial
                      portion of the Fund's total return. When yields on stocks
                      held by the Income
    
 
                                       22
<PAGE>   197
 
                      Equity Fund drop to the lower end of their historical
                      ranges, the Fund may begin to reduce its holdings.
                      Similarly, if there is a significant fundamental change
                      that impairs a company's ability to pay dividends, or if
                      the yield on a stock dips below the yield of the general
                      market, the Income Equity Fund may eliminate its holdings
                      in these stocks.
 
   
                      Value Momentum Fund
    
 
   
                        Under normal market conditions, the Value Momentum Fund
                      will invest at least 65% of its total assets in equity
                      securities, including common stocks, warrants to purchase
                      common stocks, ADRs, preferred stocks and securities
                      (including debt securities) convertible into or
                      exercisable for common stocks. The Value Momentum Fund
                      will be invested primarily in securities which the Advisor
                      believes to be undervalued relative to the market and to
                      the security's historic valuation. Stocks are then
                      screened for positive price or earnings momentum.
                      Securities purchased will generally have a medium to high
                      market capitalization. A majority of the securities in
                      which the Value Momentum Fund invests will be dividend
                      paying.
    
 
   
                      Blue Chip Growth Fund
    
 
   
                        Under normal market conditions, the Blue Chip Growth
                      Fund will invest at least 65% of its total assets in
                      equity securities, including common stocks, warrants to
                      purchase common stocks, ADRs, preferred stocks and
                      securities (including debt securities) convertible into or
                      exercisable for common stocks. The Fund primarily invests
                      in equity securities of seasoned, large capitalization
                      companies. A seasoned company is generally a company with
                      an operating history of 3 years or more. A large
                      capitalization company is generally a company with
                      capitalization in excess of $1.0 billion. A majority of
                      the Fund's equity investments ordinarily will consist of
                      dividend-paying securities.
    
 
   
                      Growth Fund
    
 
   
                        Under normal market conditions, the Growth Fund will
                      invest at least 65% of its total assets in equity
                      securities, including common stocks, warrants to purchase
                      common stocks, ADRs, preferred stocks and securities
                      (including debt securities) convertible into or
                      exercisable for common stocks, of growth-oriented
                      companies. The Growth Fund emphasizes a well-diversified
                      portfolio of medium to large capitalization growth
                      companies (capitalization in excess of $500 million) with
                      a record of above average growth in earnings. The Fund
                      focuses on companies that the Advisor believes to have
                      enduring quality and above average earnings growth. Among
                      the criteria the Fund uses to screen for stock selection
                      are earnings growth, return on capital, brand identity,
                      recurring revenues, price and quality of management team.
    
 
                                       23
<PAGE>   198
 
   
                      Emerging Growth Fund
    
 
   
                        Under normal market conditions, the Emerging Growth Fund
                      will invest at least 65% of its total assets in equity
                      securities, including common stocks, warrants to purchase
                      common stocks, ADRs, preferred stocks and securities
                      (including debt securities) convertible into or
                      exercisable for common stocks of small and medium
                      capitalization companies. Small and medium capitalization
                      companies are those with capitalization between $50
                      million and $1 billion and the potential for growth or
                      those which, in the Advisor's opinion, have potential for
                      above-average long-term capital appreciation. An emerging
                      growth company is one which, in the Advisor's judgment, is
                      in the developing stages of its life cycle and has
                      demonstrated or is expected to achieve rapid growth in
                      earnings and/or revenues. Emerging growth companies are
                      characterized by opportunities for rapid growth rates
                      and/or dynamic business changes. Emerging growth
                      companies, regardless of size, tend to offer the potential
                      for accelerated earnings or revenue growth because of new
                      products or technologies, new channels of distribution,
                      revitalized management or industry conditions, or similar
                      opportunities. A company may or may not yet be profitable
                      at the time the Emerging Growth Fund invests in its
                      securities. Current income will not be a criterion of
                      investment selection, and any such income should be
                      considered incidental. Many of the securities in which the
                      Fund invests will not pay dividends.
    
 
   
                        The Emerging Growth Fund may also invest in equity
                      securities of companies in "special equity situations,"
                      meaning companies experiencing unusual and possibly
                      non-repetitive developments, such as mergers;
                      acquisitions; spin-offs; liquidations; reorganizations;
                      and new products, technology or management. Since a
                      special equity situation may involve a significant change
                      from a company's past experiences, the uncertainties in
                      the appraisal of the future value of the company's equity
                      securities and the risk of a possible decline in the value
                      of the Emerging Growth Fund's investments are significant.
    
 
   
                      International Equity Fund
    
 
   
                        Under normal market conditions, at least 65% of the
                      International Equity Fund's assets will be invested in the
                      following equity securities of non-U.S. issuers: common
                      stocks, securities convertible into common stocks,
                      preferred stocks, warrants and rights to purchase common
                      stock. Under normal market conditions, at least 65% of the
                      Fund's total assets will be invested in securities of
                      issuers organized under the laws of at least five
                      countries other than the United States that are included
                      in the Morgan Stanley Capital International Europe,
    
 
                                       24
<PAGE>   199
 
   
                      Australia and Far East Index (the "EAFE Index").(1)
                      Countries may be over- or under-weighted in comparison to
                      the EAFE Index based upon the Advisor's and Sub-Advisors's
                      view of forecasted rates of returns. Regional and
                      individual country weightings, therefore, may vary from
                      the EAFE Index benchmark. The Advisor and Sub-Advisor will
                      select individual securities for the Fund on the basis of
                      their growth opportunities or undervaluation in relation
                      to other securities. The Fund expects its investments to
                      emphasize companies with market capitalizations in excess
                      of $100,000,000.
    
 
   
                        The Fund will typically invest in equity securities
                      listed on recognized foreign exchanges, but may also
                      invest up to 15% of its total assets in securities traded
                      in over-the-counter markets. Equity securities of non-U.S.
                      issuers may also be purchased in the form of sponsored or
                      unsponsored ADRs and sponsored or unsponsored European
                      Depositary Receipts ("EDRs").
    
 
   
                        The Fund may enter into forward foreign currency
                      contracts as a hedge against possible variations in
                      foreign exchange rates. A forward foreign currency
                      contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a specified
                      currency at a specified date, at a specified price. The
                      Fund may enter into forward foreign currency contracts to
                      hedge a specific security transaction or to hedge a
                      portfolio position. These contracts may be bought and sold
                      to protect the Fund, to some degree, against a possible
                      loss resulting from an adverse change in the relationship
                      between foreign currencies. The Fund may also invest in
                      options on currencies.
    
 
   
                        The premium paid on options on securities positions will
                      not exceed 10% of the Fund's net assets at the time such
                      options are entered into by the Fund. The aggregate
                      premium paid on all options on stock indices will not
                      exceed 20% of the Fund's total assets.
    
 
   
                        The Fund's remaining assets may be invested in
                      investment grade bonds and debentures issued by non-U.S.
                      or U.S. companies, obligations of supranational entities,
                      securities issued or guaranteed by foreign and U.S.
                      governments, and foreign and U.S. commercial paper.
                      Certain of these instruments may have floating or variable
                      interest rate provisions. In addition, the Fund may invest
                      in securities of issuers whose principal activities are in
                      countries with emerging markets. The Fund defines an
                      emerging market country as any country whose economy and
                      market the World Bank or the United Nations considers to
                      be emerging or developing. The Fund may also purchase
                      shares of closed-end investment companies that invest in
                      the securities of issuers in a single country or
    
 
- ---------------
 
   
1 "MSCI-EAFE Index" is a registered service mark of Morgan Stanley Capital
 International which does not sponsor and is in no way affiliated with the
 International Equity Fund.
    
 
                                       25
<PAGE>   200
 
   
                      region and shares of U.S. registered or foreign registered
                      open-end management investment companies.
    
 
   
                      Convertible Securities Fund
    
 
   
                        Under normal market conditions, at least 65% of the
                      Convertible Securities Fund's assets will be invested in
                      convertible securities consisting of bonds, debentures,
                      notes and preferred stocks each of which are convertible
                      into common stock. In general, a convertible security is a
                      fixed-income security such as a bond (which typically pays
                      a fixed annual rate of interest) or preferred stock (which
                      typically pays a fixed dividend), that may be converted at
                      a stated price within a specified period of time into a
                      specified number of shares of common stock of the issuing
                      company, or of a different company. A convertible security
                      may be subject to redemption by the issuer, but only after
                      a particular date and under certain circumstances
                      (including a specified price) established upon issue. If a
                      convertible security held by the Fund is called for
                      redemption, the Fund could be required to tender it for
                      redemption, convert it into the underlying common stock,
                      or sell it to a third party. Common stock received upon
                      conversion will be sold when, in the opinion of the
                      Sub-Advisor, it is advisable to do so.
    
 
   
                        Because of its conversion feature, the market value of
                      convertible preferred stock tends to move together with
                      the market value of the underlying common stock. As a
                      result, the Fund's selection of convertible securities is
                      based, to a great extent, on the potential for capital
                      appreciation that may exist in the underlying common
                      stocks. The value of convertible securities is also
                      affected by prevailing interest rates, the credit quality
                      of the issuer and any call provisions. Investments in
                      convertible securities generally entail less volatility
                      than investments in the common stocks of the same issuers.
                      Nevertheless, it is the fixed income component of these
                      securities that is often deemed by the ratings agencies to
                      be high risk or speculative. The Fund may invest up to 35%
                      of its assets in convertible bonds rated lower than Baa by
                      Moody's or BBB by S&P and as low as Caa by Moody's or CCC
                      by S&P, which are lower-quality, higher-yielding, high-
                      risk debt securities (commonly known as "junk bonds"). The
                      Fund may also invest in unrated convertible securities
                      which, in the Sub-Advisor's opinion, are of comparable
                      quality to such rated securities. See "Risk Factors."
    
 
   
                        In the event that a security owned by the Fund is
                      downgraded below the stated ratings categories, the
                      Advisor or Sub-Advisor will take appropriate action with
                      regard to the security.
    
 
   
                        The Fund may invest any remaining assets in common
                      stocks; securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
                      government or its agencies or instrumentalities; corporate
                      bonds rated Baa or better by Moody's or BBB or better by
                      S&P (investment grade bonds); shares of other investment
                      companies with similar
    
 
                                       26
<PAGE>   201
 
   
                      investment objectives; high grade commercial paper; money
                      market funds; money market instruments and cash; floating
                      and variable rate notes; repurchase agreements;
                      dollar-denominated securities of foreign issuers; and
                      Standard and Poor's Depositary Receipts ("SPDRs").
    
 
   
                      Intermediate-Term Bond Fund
    
 
   
                        Under normal market conditions, at least 65% of the
                      Intermediate-Term Bond Fund's assets will be invested in
                      bonds. For purposes of this policy "bonds" include (i)
                      corporate bonds and debentures rated at the time of
                      purchase as "investment grade" (one of the four highest
                      bond rating categories by a nationally recognized
                      statistical rating organization ("NRSRO") or determined by
                      the Advisor to be of comparable quality; (ii) Yankee Bonds
                      and Eurodollar instruments; (iii) notes or bonds issued by
                      the U.S. Government and its agencies and instrumentalities
                      (such as Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA")
                      securities); (iv) mortgage-backed securities, including
                      privately issued mortgage-backed securities and
                      readily-marketable asset-backed securities, which must be
                      rated at the time of purchase as investment grade, or be
                      determined by the Advisor to be of comparable quality; (v)
                      securities issued or guaranteed by foreign governments,
                      their political subdivisions, agencies or
                      instrumentalities; (vi) obligations of supranational
                      entities such as the World Bank and the Asian Development
                      Bank; and (vii) zero coupon obligations. In the event that
                      a security owned by the Fund is downgraded below the
                      stated rating categories, the Advisor will take
                      appropriate action with regard to that security. The
                      remainder of the Fund's assets may be invested in money
                      market instruments.
    
 
   
                        The dollar-weighted average portfolio maturity of the
                      Intermediate-Term Bond Fund will be from three to ten
                      years.
    
 
   
                      Bond Fund
    
 
   
                        The Bond Fund invests in fixed-income securities with
                      maturities in excess of one year, except for amounts held
                      in money market instruments. Fixed-income securities can
                      have maturities of up to thirty years or more. Under
                      normal market conditions, the Bond Fund will invest at
                      least 65% of the value of its total assets in bonds and
                      may invest up to 35% of its total assets in money market
                      instruments.
    
 
   
                        For purposes of this policy "bonds" include (i)
                      corporate bonds and debentures rated at the time of
                      purchase as investment grade or determined by the Advisor
                      to be of comparable quality; (ii) Yankee Bonds and
                      Eurodollar instruments; (iii) notes or bonds issued by the
                      U.S. Government and its agencies and instrumentalities
                      (such as GNMA securities); (iv) mortgage-backed
                      securities, including privately issued mortgage-backed
                      securities and readily-marketable asset-backed securities,
                      which must be rated at the time of purchase as invest-
    
 
                                       27
<PAGE>   202
 
                      ment grade, or be determined by the Advisor to be of
                      comparable quality; (v) securities issued or guaranteed by
                      foreign governments, their political subdivisions,
                      agencies or instrumentalities; (vi) obligations of
                      supranational entities such as the World Bank and the
                      Asian Development Bank; and (vii) zero coupon obligations.
                      In the event that a security owned by the Fund is
                      downgraded below the stated rating categories, the Advisor
                      will take appropriate action with regard to that security.
                      The remainder of the Fund's assets may be invested in
                      money market instruments.
 
   
                        The dollar-weighted average portfolio maturity of the
                      Bond Fund will be from five to twenty years.
    
 
   
                      Government Securities Fund
    
 
   
                        Under normal market conditions, the Government
                      Securities Fund will invest at least 80% of its assets in
                      obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or
                      its agencies or instrumentalities, including
                      mortgage-backed securities issued or guaranteed by U.S.
                      government agencies such as GNMA, the Federal National
                      Mortgage Association ("FNMA") or the Federal Home Loan
                      Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC") and repurchase agreements
                      backed by such securities. The Fund may invest any
                      remaining assets in corporate bonds that are rated at the
                      time of purchase as investment grade or determined by the
                      Sub-Advisor to be of comparable quality; Yankee Bonds,
                      including sovereign, supranational and Canadian bonds;
                      shares of other investment companies with similar
                      investment objectives; commercial paper; money market
                      funds; privately issued mortgage-backed and other
                      readily-marketable asset-backed securities; and money
                      market instruments and cash.
    
 
   
                        The Sub-Advisor will seek to enhance the yield of the
                      Fund by taking advantage of yield disparities or other
                      factors that occur in the government securities and money
                      markets. The Fund may dispose of any security prior to its
                      maturity if such disposition and reinvestment of the
                      proceeds are expected to enhance its yield consistent with
                      the Sub-Advisor's judgment as to a desirable maturity
                      structure or if such disposition is believed to be
                      advisable due to other circumstances or considerations.
                      The Fund will seek to achieve capital gains by taking
                      advantage of price appreciation caused by interest rate
                      and credit quality changes.
    
 
   
                      Balanced Fund
    
 
   
                        The Balanced Fund may invest in any type or class of
                      security. Under normal market conditions, the Balanced
                      Fund will invest between 50% and 70% of its total assets
                      in equity securities. Senior fixed-income securities will
                      normally constitute at least 25% of the Balanced Fund's
                      net assets.
    
 
                                       28
<PAGE>   203
 
   
                        Equity securities include common stocks, warrants to
                      purchase common stocks, ADRs, preferred stocks, securities
                      (including debt securities) convertible into or
                      exercisable for common stocks and SPDRs. The Balanced
                      Fund's fixed-income investments consist of bonds,
                      debentures, notes, zero-coupon securities, all forms of
                      mortgage-related securities (including collateralized
                      mortgage obligations), and obligations issued or
                      guaranteed by the U.S. or foreign Governments or their
                      agencies or instrumentalities. Privately issued
                      mortgage-backed securities must be rated in one of the top
                      two categories by at least one NRSRO as defined below. In
                      addition to mortgage-backed securities, the Balanced Fund
                      may invest in other asset-backed securities including, but
                      not limited to, those backed by company receivables, truck
                      and auto loans, leases, and credit card or other
                      receivables.
    
 
   
                        The Balanced Fund may invest in bonds, notes and
                      debentures of any maturity issued by U.S. and foreign
                      corporate and governmental issuers. The Balanced Fund will
                      invest only in corporate fixed-income securities that are
                      rated at the time of purchase as investment grade or, if
                      unrated, which the Advisor deems to be attractive
                      opportunities and of comparable quality.
    
 
   
                        In the event that a security owned by the Fund is
                      downgraded below the stated rating categories, the Advisor
                      will take appropriate action with regard to that security.
    
 
   
                        The portions of the Balanced Fund's assets invested in
                      equity securities and fixed-income securities will vary
                      from time to time within the stated ranges, depending upon
                      the Advisor's assessment of business, economic and market
                      conditions. The Advisor considers a combination of risk,
                      capital appreciation, income, and protection of capital
                      value.
    
 
   
                      California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund
    
 
   
                        Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest
                      primarily in bonds and notes issued by the State of
                      California, its agencies, instrumentalities, and political
                      sub-divisions, the income on which is exempt from regular
                      federal and State of California personal income taxes
                      ("California Municipal Securities"). The Fund may also
                      invest in bonds and notes of other states, territories,
                      and possessions of the U.S. and their agencies,
                      authorities, instrumentalities and political sub-divisions
                      which are exempt from federal income taxes, and in shares
                      of other investment companies, specifically money market
                      funds, which have similar investment objectives.
    
 
   
                        Under normal market conditions, at least 80% of the
                      Fund's assets will be invested in bonds and notes rated
                      investment grade by a nationally recognized rating agency
                      or deemed by the Advisor to be of comparable quality at
                      the time of purchase and which pay interest that is not
                      treated as a preference item for
    
 
                                       29
<PAGE>   204
 
                      purposes of the federal alternative minimum tax. In the
                      event that a security owned by the Fund is downgraded
                      below the stated ratings categories, the Advisor will take
                      appropriate action with regard to the security.
 
   
                        Under California law, a mutual fund must have at least
                      50% of its total assets invested in California Municipal
                      Securities at the end of each quarter of its taxable year
                      in order to be eligible to pay California residents
                      dividends that are wholly or partially exempt from
                      California personal income taxes. Accordingly, the Fund
                      intends to maintain at least 65% of its assets in
                      California Municipal Securities and may invest up to 100%
                      of its assets in such securities.
    
 
   
                        The Fund has no restrictions on the maturity of
                      municipal securities in which it may invest. Under normal
                      market conditions, the dollar-weighted average portfolio
                      maturity of the Fund is expected to be from three to ten
                      years. Accordingly, the Fund seeks to invest in municipal
                      securities of such maturities which, in the judgment of
                      the Advisor, will provide a high level of current income
                      consistent with prudent investment, with consideration
                      given to market conditions.
    
 
   
GENERAL               California Municipal Securities
    
 
   
                        The two principal classifications of California
                      Municipal Securities are "general obligation" and
                      "revenue" bonds. General obligation bonds are secured by
                      the issuer's pledge of its full faith, credit, and taxing
                      power for the payment of principal and interest. Revenue
                      bonds are payable primarily from the revenues derived from
                      a particular facility or class of facilities or, in some
                      cases, from the proceeds of a special excise tax or other
                      specific revenue source. Private activity bonds (formerly
                      known as industrial revenue bonds) are generally revenue
                      bonds.
    
 
   
                        Certain California Municipal Securities are municipal
                      lease revenue obligations (or certificates of
                      participation or "COPs"), which typically provide that the
                      municipality has no obligation to make lease or
                      installment payments in future years unless money is
                      appropriated for such purpose. While the risk of non-
                      appropriation is inherent to COP financing, this risk is
                      mitigated by the Fund's policy to invest in COPs that are
                      rated in one of the four highest rating categories used by
                      Moody's, S&P, or Fitch.
    
 
   
                        California Municipal Securities also include so-called
                      Mello-Roos and assessment district bonds, which are
                      usually unrated instruments issued to finance the building
                      of roads and other public works and projects that are
                      primarily secured by real estate taxes levied on property
                      located in the local community. Most of these bonds do not
                      seek agency ratings because the issues are too small, and
                      in most cases, the purchase of these bonds is based upon
                      the Advisor's determination that it is suitable for the
                      Fund.
    
 
                                       30
<PAGE>   205
 
   
                        Certain of the obligations in which the Fund may invest
                      may be variable or floating rate instruments and may
                      involve a conditional or unconditional demand feature.
    
 
   
                      Money Market Instruments
    
 
   
                        Under normal market conditions, money market instruments
                      may comprise up to 35% of the total assets of each Equity
                      Fund, and the International Equity, Convertible
                      Securities, Intermediate-Term Bond and Bond Funds, up to
                      25% of the Balanced Fund's total assets and up to 20% of
                      the Government Securities Fund's total assets. When market
                      conditions indicate a temporary "defensive" investment
                      strategy as determined by the Advisor, a Fund may invest
                      more than the above stated amount of its total assets in
                      money market instruments, and the California Intermediate
                      Tax-Free Bond Fund may invest more than 20% of its total
                      assets in municipal obligations of other states or taxable
                      money market instruments including repurchase agreements.
                      A Fund will not be pursuing its investment objective to
                      the extent that a substantial portion of its assets are
                      invested in money market instruments (or taxable money
                      market instruments for the California Intermediate
                      Tax-Free Bond Fund).
    
 
   
                      Illiquid and Restricted Securities
    
 
   
                        Each Fund shall limit investment in illiquid securities
                      to 15% or less of its net assets. Generally, an "illiquid
                      security" is any security that cannot be disposed of
                      promptly and in the ordinary course of business at
                      approximately the amount at which the Fund has valued the
                      instrument. The absence of a trading market can make it
                      difficult to ascertain the market value of the illiquid
                      securities. Each Fund may purchase restricted securities
                      which have not been registered under the Securities Act of
                      1933 (e.g., Rule 144A Securities and Section 4(2)
                      commercial paper) subject to policies approved by the
                      Board of Trustees. See INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS in the
                      Statement of Additional Information.
    
 
   
                      Lending of Portfolio Securities
    
 
   
                        In order to generate additional income, a Fund may lend
                      its portfolio securities to broker-dealers, banks or other
                      institutions. A Fund may lend portfolio securities in an
                      amount representing up to 33 1/3% of the value of the
                      Fund's total assets.
    
 
   
                      Other Investments
    
 
                        The Funds may enter into repurchase agreements and
                      reverse repurchase agreements.
 
                        The Funds may enter into forward commitments or purchase
                      securities on a "when-issued" basis. Each Fund expects
                      that commitments by a Fund to enter into forward
                      commitments or purchase when-issued securities will not
 
                                       31
<PAGE>   206
 
   
                      exceed 25% of the value of the Fund's total assets under
                      normal market conditions. The Funds do not intend to
                      purchase when-issued securities or forward commitments for
                      speculative or leveraging purposes but only for the
                      purpose of acquiring portfolio securities.
    
 
   
                        The Funds, other than the California Intermediate
                      Tax-Free Bond fund, may also invest in money market
                      instruments, money market funds, and cash.
    
 
   
                        Each Fund may invest in other registered investment
                      companies with similar investment objectives. A Fund may
                      invest up to 5% of its total assets in the shares of any
                      one registered investment company, but may not own more
                      than 3% of the securities of any one registered investment
                      company or invest more than 10% of its assets in the
                      securities of other registered investment companies. In
                      accordance with an exemptive order issued to HighMark by
                      the Securities and Exchange Commission, such other
                      registered investment company securities may include
                      shares of a money market fund of HighMark, and may include
                      registered investment companies for which the Advisor or
                      Sub-Advisor to a Fund of HighMark, or an affiliate of such
                      Advisor or Sub-Advisor, serves as investment advisor,
                      administrator or distributor. Because other registered
                      investment companies employ an investment advisor, such
                      investment by a Fund may cause Shareholders to bear
                      duplicative fees. The Advisor will waive its fees
                      attributable to the assets of the investing Fund invested
                      in a money market fund of HighMark, and, to the extent
                      required by applicable law, the Advisor will waive its
                      fees attributable to the assets of the Fund invested in
                      any investment company. Some Funds are subject to
                      additional restrictions on investments in other investment
                      companies. See INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS in the Statement of
                      Additional Information.
    
 
   
                        Each Equity Fund and the Balanced Fund may write covered
                      calls on its equity securities and enter into closing
                      transactions with respect to covered call options. The
                      Balanced Fund may also buy and sell options, futures
                      contracts and options on futures. An Equity Fund's assets
                      may be invested in options, futures contracts and options
                      on futures, SPDRs, and investment grade bonds. The
                      aggregate value of options on securities (long puts and
                      calls) will not exceed 10% of an Equity Fund's or the
                      Balanced Fund's net assets at the time such options are
                      purchased by the Fund. An Equity Fund or the Balanced Fund
                      may enter into futures and options on futures only to the
                      extent that obligations under such contracts or
                      transactions, together with options on securities,
                      represent not more than 25% of the Fund's assets. Each of
                      these Funds may purchase options in stock indices to
                      invest cash on an interim basis. The aggregate premium
                      paid on all options on stock indices cannot exceed 20% of
                      the Fund's total assets. All of the common stocks in which
                      these Funds invest (including foreign securities in the
                      form of
    
 
                                       32
<PAGE>   207
 
   
                      ADRs but not including Rule 144A Securities) are traded on
                      registered exchanges or in the over-the-counter market.
    
 
   
                        The International Equity Fund, Fixed Income Funds and
                      the California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund may invest
                      in futures and options on futures for the purpose of
                      achieving the Fund's objectives and for adjusting
                      portfolio duration. These Funds may invest in futures and
                      related options based on any type of security or index
                      traded on U.S. or foreign exchanges or over the counter,
                      as long as the underlying security, or securities
                      represented by an index, are permitted investments of the
                      Fund. The International Equity Fund may enter into index
                      contracts and contracts for foreign currencies. These
                      Funds may enter into futures contracts and related options
                      only to the extent that obligations under such contracts
                      or transactions represent not more than 10% of the Fund's
                      assets.
    
 
                        For further information, see DESCRIPTION OF PERMITTED
                      INVESTMENTS.
 
   
                      Risk Factors
    
 
   
                        To the extent a Fund invests in equity securities, that
                      Fund's Shares will fluctuate in value, and thus may be
                      more suitable for long-term investors who can bear the
                      risk of short-term fluctuations.
    
 
                        In addition to credit risk which relates to the ability
                      of an issuer to make payments of principal and interest,
                      all types of bonds are also subject to market risk. Market
                      risk relates to changes in a security's value as a result
                      of interest rate changes generally. An increase in
                      interest rates will generally reduce the value of the
                      fixed income investments in the Funds and a decline in
                      interest rates will generally increase the value of those
                      investments. Accordingly, the net asset value of the
                      Fund's shares will vary as a result of changes in the
                      value of the securities in a Fund's portfolio. Therefore,
                      an investment in the Funds may decline in value, resulting
                      in a loss of principal. Because interest rates vary, it is
                      impossible to predict the income or yield of the Fund for
                      any particular period. Changes in the value of a Fund's
                      fixed-income securities will not affect cash income
                      received from ownership of such securities, but will
                      affect a Fund's net asset value.
 
                        As described above, the Funds may invest in debt
                      securities within the four highest rating categories
                      assigned by a NRSRO and comparable unrated securities.
                      Securities rated BBB by S&P or Baa by Moody's are
                      considered investment grade, but are deemed by these
                      rating services to have some speculative characteristics,
                      and adverse economic conditions or other circumstances are
                      more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to make
                      principal and interest payments than is the case with
                      higher-grade bonds. Should subsequent events cause the
                      rating of a debt security purchased by a Fund to fall
                      below the fourth highest rating category, the Advisor will
                      consider such an event in determining whether
 
                                       33
<PAGE>   208
 
                      the Balanced Fund should continue to hold that security.
                      In no event, however, would a Fund be required to
                      liquidate any such portfolio security where the Fund would
                      suffer a loss on the sale of such security.
 
   
                        While debt securities normally fluctuate less in price
                      than equity securities, there have been extended periods
                      of cyclical increases in interest rates that have caused
                      significant declines in debt securities prices. Certain
                      fixed-income securities which may be purchased by a Fund
                      such as zero-coupon obligations, mortgage-backed and
                      asset-backed securities, and collateralized mortgage
                      obligations ("CMOs") will have greater price volatility
                      then other fixed-income obligations. Because declining
                      interest rates may lead to prepayment of underlying
                      mortgages, automobile sales contracts or credit card
                      receivables, the prices of mortgage-related and
                      asset-backed securities may not rise with a decline in
                      interest rates. Mortgage-backed and asset-backed
                      securities and CMOs are extremely sensitive to the rate of
                      principal prepayment. Similarly, callable corporate bonds
                      also present risk of prepayment.
    
 
   
                        During periods of falling interest rates, securities
                      that can be called or prepaid may decline in value
                      relative to similar securities that are not subject to
                      call or prepayment.
    
 
   
                        Depending upon prevailing market conditions, a Fund may
                      purchase debt securities at a discount from face value,
                      which produces a yield greater than the coupon rate.
                      Conversely, if debt securities are purchased at premium
                      over face value, the yield will be lower than the coupon
                      rate. In making investment decisions, the Advisor will
                      consider many factors other than current yield, including
                      the preservation of capital, the potential for realizing
                      capital appreciation, maturity, and yield to maturity.
    
 
   
                        From time to time, the equity and debt markets may
                      fluctuate independently of one another. In other words, a
                      decline in equity markets may in certain instances be
                      offset by a rise in debt markets, or vice versa. As a
                      result, the Balanced Fund, with its balance of equity and
                      debt investments, may entail less investment risk (and a
                      potentially smaller investment return) than a mutual fund
                      investing primarily in equity securities.
    
 
   
                        Each of the International Equity Fund, the Convertible
                      Securities Fund, the Fixed Income Funds and the Balanced
                      Fund may invest in securities issued or guaranteed by
                      foreign corporations or foreign governments, their
                      political subdivisions, agencies or instrumentalities and
                      obligations of supranational entities such as the World
                      Bank and the Asian Development Bank. There may be certain
                      risks connected with investing in foreign securities,
                      including risks of adverse political and economic
                      developments (including possible governmental seizure or
                      nationalization of assets), the possible imposition of
                      exchange controls or other
    
 
                                       34
<PAGE>   209
 
                      governmental restrictions, including less uniformity in
                      accounting and reporting requirements, the possibility
                      that there will be less information on such securities and
                      their issuers available to the public, the difficulty of
                      obtaining or enforcing court judgments abroad,
                      restrictions on foreign investments in other
                      jurisdictions, difficulties in effecting repatriation of
                      capital invested abroad, and difficulties in transaction
                      settlements and the effect of delay on shareholder equity.
                      Foreign securities may be subject to foreign taxes, which
                      reduce yield, and may be less marketable than comparable
                      U.S. securities. The value of the Fund's investments
                      denominated in foreign currencies will depend on the
                      relative strengths of those currencies and the U.S.
                      dollar, and the Fund may be affected favorably or
                      unfavorably by changes in the exchange rates or exchange
                      control regulations between foreign currencies and the
                      U.S. dollar. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates
                      may also affect the value of dividends and interest
                      earned, gains and losses realized on the sale of
                      securities, and net investment income and gains, if any,
                      to be distributed to Shareholders by the Fund. To the
                      extent that a Fund may invest in securities of foreign
                      issuers that are not traded on any exchange, there is a
                      further risk that these securities may not be readily
                      marketable. The Convertible Securities Fund, the Fixed
                      Income Funds and the Balanced Fund will not hold foreign
                      currency for investment purposes.
 
   
                        Forward foreign currency contracts do not eliminate
                      fluctuations in the underlying prices of securities.
                      Rather, they simply establish a rate of exchange which one
                      can achieve at some future point in time. Additionally,
                      although such contracts 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 which
                      might result, should the value of such currency increase.
    
 
   
                        Given the uncertainty of the future value of emerging
                      growth companies and companies in special equity
                      situations, the risk of possible decline in value of the
                      Emerging Growth Fund's net assets are significant.
                      Companies in which the Emerging Growth Fund invests may
                      offer greater opportunities for capital appreciation than
                      larger more established companies, but investment in such
                      companies may involve certain special risks. These risks
                      may be due to the greater business risks of small size,
                      limited markets and financial resources, narrow product
                      lines and frequent lack of depth in management. The
                      securities of such companies are often traded in the
                      over-the-counter market and may not be traded in volumes
                      typical on a national securities exchange. Thus, the
                      securities of emerging growth companies may be less
                      liquid, and subject to more abrupt or erratic market
                      movements than securities of larger, more established
                      growth companies. Since a "special equity situation" may
                      involve a significant change from a company's past
                      experiences, the uncertainties in the appraisal of the
                      future value of the company's equity securities and the
                      risk of a possible decline in the value of the Fund's
                      investments are significant.
    
 
                                       35
<PAGE>   210
 
   
                        The ability of the State of California and its political
                      sub-divisions to generate revenue through real property
                      and other taxes and to increase spending has been
                      significantly restricted by various constitutional and
                      statutory amendments and voter-passed initiatives. Such
                      limitations could affect the ability of California state
                      and municipal issuers to pay interest or repay principal
                      on their obligations. In addition, during the first half
                      of the decade, California faced severe economic and fiscal
                      conditions and experienced recurring budget deficits that
                      caused it to deplete its available cash resources and to
                      become increasingly dependent upon external borrowings to
                      meet its cash needs.
    
 
   
                        The financial difficulties experienced by the State of
                      California and municipal issuers during the recession
                      resulted in the credit ratings of certain of their
                      obligations being downgraded significantly by the major
                      rating agencies.
    
 
   
                      Risks Associated with Convertible Securities
    
 
   
                        Convertible securities include corporate bonds, notes or
                      preferred stocks that can be converted into common stocks
                      or other equity securities. Convertible securities also
                      include other securities, such as warrants, that provide
                      an opportunity for equity participation. Because
                      convertible securities can be converted into common stock,
                      their values will normally vary in some proportion with
                      those of the underlying common stock. Convertible
                      securities usually provide a higher yield than the
                      underlying common stock, however, so that the price
                      decline of a convertible security may sometimes be less
                      substantial than that of the underlying common stock. The
                      value of convertible securities that pay dividends or
                      interest, like the value of all fixed-income securities,
                      generally fluctuates inversely with changes in interest
                      rates. Warrants have no voting rights, pay no dividends
                      and have no rights with respect to the assets of the
                      corporation issuing them. They do not represent ownership
                      of the securities for which they are exercisable, but only
                      the right to buy such securities at a particular price.
                      The Funds, other than the Convertible Securities Fund,
                      will not purchase any convertible debt security or
                      convertible preferred stock unless it has been rated as
                      investment grade at the time of acquisition by a NRSRO or
                      that is not rated but is determined to be of comparable
                      quality by the Advisor.
    
 
   
                        Investments in lower-rated debt securities (i.e.,
                      securities rated lower than BBB by S&P or Baa by Moody's),
                      in which the Fund may invest, bear certain risks,
                      including the risk that such securities may be thinly
                      traded, which can adversely affect the price at which
                      these securities can be sold and can result in high
                      transaction costs. Market quotations may not be available,
                      and therefore, judgment plays a greater role in valuing
                      lower-rated debt securities than securities for which more
                      extensive quotations and last sale information are
                      available. Adverse publicity and changing investor
                      perceptions may affect the ability of
    
 
                                       36
<PAGE>   211
 
                      outside pricing services to value lower-rated debt
                      securities, and the Fund's ability to dispose of these
                      securities.
 
   
                        The market price of lower-rated debt securities may
                      decline significantly in periods of general economic
                      difficulty which may follow periods of rising interest
                      rates. During an economic downturn or a prolonged period
                      of rising interest rates, the ability of issuers of
                      lower-rated debt to meet their payment obligation on these
                      securities may be impaired.
    
 
   
                        The Convertible Securities Fund may invest in securities
                      which are rated as low as 'Caa' by Moody's or 'CCC' by
                      S&P. Securities rated 'Caa' by Moody's are of poor
                      standing and may be in default or may present elements of
                      danger with respect to principal or interest. Debt rated
                      'CCC' by S&P is regarded as having speculative
                      characteristics with respect to capacity to pay interest
                      and repay principal. In the event of adverse business,
                      financial, and economic conditions, debt rated 'CCC' is
                      not likely to have the capacity to repay principal.
    
 
   
PORTFOLIO
TURNOVER                A Fund's portfolio turnover rate will not be a factor
                      preventing a sale or purchase when the Advisor believes
                      investment considerations warrant. Each of the Funds'
                      portfolio turnover rate may vary greatly from year to year
                      as well as within a particular year. High portfolio
                      turnover rates generally will result in correspondingly
                      higher brokerage and other transactions costs to the Funds
                      and could involve the realization of capital gains that
                      would be taxable when distributed to Shareholders of the
                      relevant Fund. See FEDERAL TAXATION.
    
 
   
PURCHASE AND
REDEMPTION
OF SHARES               The Income Equity, Value Momentum, Growth and Balanced
                      Funds are divided into three classes of Shares, Class A,
                      Class B and Fiduciary. The Emerging Growth,
                      Intermediate-Term Bond, Bond and California Intermediate
                      Tax-Free Bond Funds are divided into two classes of
                      Shares, Class A and Fiduciary, and the Blue Chip Growth,
                      International Equity, Convertible Securities and
                      Government Securities Funds are only offered in a single
                      class of Shares, Fiduciary. Only the following investors
                      qualify to purchase a Fund's Fiduciary Shares: (i)
                      fiduciary, advisory, agency, custodial and other similar
                      accounts maintained with Union Bank of California, N.A. or
                      its affiliates; (ii) SelectIRA accounts established with
                      The Bank of California, N.A. and invested in any of
                      HighMark's Equity or Income Funds prior to June 20, 1994,
                      which have remained continuously open thereafter and which
                      are not considered to be fiduciary accounts; (iii)
                      Shareholders who currently own Shares of HighMark's Equity
                      or Income Funds that were purchased prior to June 20, 1994
                      within an account registered in their name with the Funds;
                      and (iv) present and retired directors, officers and
                      employees (and their spouses and children under the age of
                      21) of Union Bank of California, N.A., HighMark's current
                      or former distributors or their respective affiliated
                      companies who currently own Shares of
    
 
                                       37
<PAGE>   212
 
                      HighMark Funds which were purchased before April 30, 1997.
                      For a description of investors who qualify to purchase
                      Retail Shares, see the Retail Shares prospectus of the
                      Funds.
 
   
                        Purchases and redemptions of Shares of the Funds may be
                      made on days on which the New York Stock Exchange is open
                      for business ("Business Days"). The minimum initial
                      investment is generally $1,000 for each Fund and the
                      minimum subsequent investment is generally only $100. For
                      present and retired directors, officers, and employees
                      (and their spouses and children under the age of 21) of
                      Union Bank of California, SEI Investments Distribution Co.
                      and their affiliates, the minimum initial investment is
                      $250 and the minimum subsequent investment is $50. A
                      Fund's initial and subsequent minimum purchase amounts may
                      be waived if purchases are made in connection with
                      Individual Retirement Accounts, Keoghs, payroll deduction
                      plans, or 401(k) or similar plans. However, the minimum
                      investment may be waived in the Distributor's discretion.
                      Shareholders may place orders by telephone.
    
 
   
                        Purchase orders will be effective if the Distributor
                      receives an order before 1:00 p.m., Pacific time (4:00
                      p.m., Eastern time) and the custodian receives Federal
                      funds before the close of business on the next Business
                      Day. The purchase price of Shares of a Fund is the net
                      asset value next determined after a purchase order is
                      received and accepted by HighMark. The net asset value per
                      Share of a Fund is determined by dividing the total market
                      value of a Fund's investments and other assets, less any
                      liabilities, by the total number of outstanding Shares of
                      a Fund. Net asset value per share is determined daily as
                      of 1:00 p.m., Pacific time (4:00 p.m., Eastern time) on
                      any Business Day. Purchases will be made in full and
                      fractional Shares of HighMark calculated to three decimal
                      places. HighMark reserves the right to reject a purchase
                      order when the Distributor or Advisor determines that it
                      is not in the best interest of HighMark and/or its
                      Shareholders to accept such order.
    
 
   
                        Shares of the Funds are offered only to residents of
                      states in which the Shares are eligible for purchase.
    
 
   
                        Shareholders who desire to redeem shares of HighMark
                      must place their redemption orders prior to 1:00 p.m.,
                      Pacific time (4:00 p.m., Eastern time), on any Business
                      Day for the order to be accepted on that Business Day. The
                      redemption price is the net asset value of the Fund next
                      determined after receipt by the Distributor of the
                      redemption order. Payment on redemption will be made as
                      promptly as possible and, in any event, within seven
                      calendar days after the redemption order is received. The
                      Funds reserve the right to make payment for redemptions in
                      securities rather than cash.
    
 
                                       38
<PAGE>   213
 
   
                        Neither HighMark's transfer agent nor HighMark will be
                      responsible for any loss, liability, cost or expense for
                      acting upon wire instructions or upon telephone
                      instructions that it reasonably believes to be genuine.
                      HighMark and its transfer agent will each employ
                      reasonable procedures to confirm that telephone
                      instructions are genuine. Such procedures may include
                      taping of telephone conversations. If market conditions
                      are extraordinarily active or other extraordinary
                      circumstances exist, and you experience difficulties
                      placing redemption orders by telephone, you may wish to
                      consider placing your order by other means.
    
 
   
EXCHANGE
PRIVILEGES              As indicated under GENERAL INFORMATION--Description of
                      HighMark & Its Shares, certain of HighMark's Funds issue
                      three classes of Shares (Class A and Class B Shares
                      (collectively, "Retail Shares") and Fiduciary Shares); as
                      of the date of this Prospectus, the Distribution Plan and
                      distribution fee payable thereunder are applicable only to
                      such Fund's Retail Shares. A Shareholder's eligibility to
                      exchange into a particular class of Shares will be
                      determined at the time of the exchange. The Shareholder
                      must supply, at the time of the exchange, the necessary
                      information to permit confirmation of qualification.
    
 
   
                        Each Fund's Shares may be exchanged for Shares of the
                      class of the various other Funds of HighMark which the
                      Shareholder qualifies to purchase directly so long as the
                      Shareholder maintains the applicable minimum account
                      balance in each Fund in which he or she owns Shares and
                      satisfies the minimum initial and subsequent purchase
                      amounts of the Fund into which the Shares are exchanged.
                      Shareholders may exchange their Fiduciary Shares for
                      Fiduciary Shares of another Fund on the basis of the
                      relative net asset value of the Fiduciary Shares
                      exchanged. Shareholders may also exchange Fiduciary Shares
                      of a Fund for Retail Shares of another Fund. Under such
                      circumstances, the cost of the acquired Retail Shares will
                      be the net asset value per share plus the appropriate
                      sales load.
    
 
   
                        Exchanges will be made on the basis of the relative net
                      asset values of the Shares exchanged plus any applicable
                      sales charge. Exchanges are subject to the terms and
                      conditions stated herein and the terms and conditions
                      stated in the respective prospectuses of the Funds.
    
 
   
                        Certain entities (including participating organizations
                      and Union Bank of California and its affiliates), however,
                      may charge customers a fee with respect to exchanges made
                      on the customer's behalf. Information about these charges,
                      if any, can be obtained by the entity effecting the
                      exchange and this Prospectus should be read in conjunction
                      with that information.
    
 
   
                        A Shareholder wishing to exchange Shares in a Fund may
                      do so by contacting the transfer agent at 1-800-433-6884.
                      Exchanges will be effected on any Business
    
 
                                       39
<PAGE>   214
 
                      Day at the net asset value of the Funds involved in the
                      exchange next determined after the exchange request is
                      received by the transfer agent.
 
   
                        An exchange is considered to be a sale of Shares for
                      federal income tax purposes on which a Shareholder may
                      realize a capital gain or loss. Exchange privileges may be
                      exercised only in those states where Shares of such other
                      Funds of HighMark may legally be sold. HighMark may
                      materially amend or terminate the exchange privileges
                      described herein upon sixty days' notice.
    
 
   
DIVIDENDS               Substantially all of the net investment income
                      (exclusive of capital gains) of the International Equity
                      Fund is periodically declared and paid as a dividend to
                      Shareholders of record. Currently, capital gains of the
                      Fund, if any, will be distributed at least annually.
    
 
   
                        The net income of each of the other Funds is declared
                      and paid monthly as a dividend to Shareholders of record
                      at the close of business on the day of declaration. Net
                      realized capital gains are distributed at least annually
                      to Shareholders of record.
    
 
   
                        Shareholders will automatically receive all income
                      dividends and capital gains distributions in additional
                      full and fractional Shares of a Fund at net asset value as
                      of the date of declaration (which is also the ex-dividend
                      date), unless the Shareholder elects to receive such
                      dividends or distributions in cash. Shareholders wishing
                      to receive their dividends in cash (or wishing to revoke a
                      previously made election) must notify the transfer agent
                      at P.O. Box 8416, Boston, MA 02266-8416, and such election
                      (or revocation thereof) will become effective with respect
                      to dividends and distributions having record dates after
                      notice has been received. Dividends paid in additional
                      Shares receive the same tax treatment as dividends paid in
                      cash.
    
 
TAXES
                      Federal Taxation
 
                        Each Fund intends to qualify for treatment as a
                      "regulated investment company" under the Internal Revenue
                      Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and to distribute
                      substantially all of its net investment income and net
                      realized capital gains so that each Fund is not required
                      to pay federal taxes on these amounts. Because all of the
                      net investment income of the Fixed Income Funds is
                      expected to be derived from interest, it is anticipated
                      that no part of any distribution will be eligible for the
                      federal dividends received deduction.
 
   
                        For each Fund, other than the California Intermediate
                      Tax-Free Bond Fund, distributions of ordinary income
                      and/or an excess of net short-term capital gain over net
                      long-term capital loss are treated for federal income tax
                      purposes as ordinary income to Shareholders. With respect
                      to the Equity Funds and the Balanced Fund, the 70 percent
                      dividends received deduction for corporations
    
 
                                       40
<PAGE>   215
 
   
                      generally will apply to these distributions to the extent
                      the distribution represents amounts that would qualify for
                      the dividends received deduction when received by a Fund
                      if a Fund were a regular corporation, and to the extent
                      designated by a Fund as so qualifying. A corporate
                      Shareholder will only be eligible to claim a dividends
                      received deduction with respect to a dividend from a Fund
                      if the corporate Shareholder held its Shares on the
                      ex-dividend date and for at least 45 other days during the
                      90-day period surrounding the ex-dividend date.
                      Distributions by the Fund of net gains on capital assets
                      held for more than one year but not more than 18 months
                      and of net gains on capital assets held for more than 18
                      months are taxable to Shareholders as such, regardless of
                      how long the Shareholder has held Shares of the Fund. Such
                      distributions are not eligible for the dividends received
                      deduction. If a Shareholder disposes of Shares in a Fund
                      at a loss before holding such Shares for longer than six
                      months, such loss will be treated as a long-term capital
                      loss to the extent the Shareholder has received long-term
                      capital gain distributions on the Shares.
    
 
   
                        Because all of the California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond
                      Fund's net investment income is expected to be derived
                      from interest, it is anticipated that no part of any
                      distribution will be eligible for the federal dividends
                      received deduction for corporations. The Fund is not
                      managed to generate any long-term capital gains and,
                      therefore, does not foresee paying any significant
                      "capital gains dividends" as described in the Code.
    
 
   
                        Exempt-interest dividends from the California
                      Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund are excludable from
                      Shareholders' gross income for federal income tax
                      purposes. Such dividends may be taxable to Shareholders
                      under state or local law as ordinary income even though
                      all or a portion of the amounts may be derived from
                      interest on tax-exempt obligations which, if realized
                      directly, would be exempt from such taxes. Shareholders
                      are advised to consult a tax advisor with respect to
                      whether exempt-interest dividends retain the exclusion if
                      such Shareholder would be treated as a "substantial user"
                      of a facility financed through certain private activity
                      bonds or a "related person" to such a user under the Code.
    
 
   
                        Under the Code, interest on indebtedness incurred or
                      continued by a Shareholder to purchase or carry Shares of
                      the California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund is not
                      deductible for federal income tax purposes to the extent
                      the Fund distributes exempt-interest dividends during the
                      Shareholder's taxable year.
    
 
   
                        Under the Code, if a Shareholder sells a Share of the
                      California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund after holding
                      it for six months or less, any loss on the sale or
                      exchange of such Share will be disallowed to the extent of
                      the amount of any exempt-interest dividends that the
                      Shareholder has received with respect to the Share that is
                      sold.
    
 
                                       41
<PAGE>   216
 
   
                        In addition, any loss (not already disallowed as
                      provided in the preceding sentence) realized upon a
                      taxable disposition of shares of the California
                      Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund held for six months or
                      less will be treated as long-term, rather than short-term,
                      to the extent of any long-term capital gain distributions
                      received by the shareholder with respect to the shares.
    
 
   
                        The California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund may at
                      times purchase California Municipal Securities at a
                      discount from the price at which they were originally
                      issued. For federal income tax purposes, some or all of
                      this market discount will be included in the California
                      Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund's ordinary income and will
                      be taxable to Shareholders as such when it is distributed
                      to them.
    
 
   
                        To the extent dividends paid to Shareholders are derived
                      from taxable income (for example, from interest on
                      certificates of deposit or repurchase agreements), or from
                      long-term or short-term capital gains, such dividends will
                      be subject to federal income tax, whether such dividends
                      are paid in the form of cash or additional Shares. A
                      Shareholder should consult his or her tax advisor for
                      special advice.
    
 
   
                        Under the Code, dividends attributable to interest on
                      certain private activity bonds issued after August 7, 1986
                      must be included in alternative minimum taxable income for
                      the purpose of determining liability (if any) for the
                      federal alternative minimum tax. In addition,
                      exempt-interest dividends will be included in a
                      corporation's "adjusted current earnings" for purposes of
                      the alternative minimum tax (except to the extent derived
                      from interest on certain private activity bonds issued
                      after August 7, 1986, which interest would already be
                      included in alternative minimum taxable income as a
                      specific item of tax preference). Shareholders of the
                      California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund receiving
                      social security or railroad retirement benefits may be
                      taxed on a portion of those benefits as a result of
                      receiving tax-exempt income (including exempt-interest
                      dividends distributed by the Fund).
    
 
   
                        Prior to purchasing Shares of the Funds, the impact of
                      dividends or capital gain distributions that are expected
                      to be declared or have been declared, but not paid, should
                      be carefully considered. Dividends or capital gain
                      distributions received after a purchase of Shares are
                      subject to federal income taxes, although in some
                      circumstances, the dividends or distributions may be, as
                      an economic matter, a return of capital to the
                      Shareholder. A Shareholder should consult his or her
                      advisor for specific advice about the tax consequences to
                      the Shareholder of investing in a Fund.
    
 
   
                        Fund investments in foreign securities may be subject to
                      withholding taxes at the source on dividend or interest
                      payments. In that case, the Fund's yield on
    
 
                                       42
<PAGE>   217
 
   
                      those securities would be decreased. If at the end of a
                      Fund's fiscal year more than 50% of the value of its total
                      assets represents securities of foreign corporations, the
                      Fund intends to make an election permitted by the Internal
                      Revenue Code to treat any foreign taxes paid by it in
                      respect of foreign securities the Fund has held for at
                      least the minimum period specified in the Code as paid by
                      its Shareholders. In this case, Shareholders who are U.S.
                      citizens, U.S. corporations and, in some cases, U.S.
                      residents generally will be required to include in U.S.
                      taxable income their pro rata share of such taxes, but may
                      then generally be entitled to deduct their share of such
                      taxes. Alternatively, such Shareholders who hold Shares
                      (without protection from risk of loss) on the ex-dividend
                      date and for at least 15 other days during the 30-day
                      period surrounding the ex-dividend date will be entitled
                      to claim a foreign tax credit for their share of these
                      taxes. The Funds, other than the International Equity
                      Fund, do not expect to be eligible to elect to permit
                      shareholders to claim a credit or deduction on their
                      income tax return for their pro rata share of such foreign
                      taxes.
    
 
   
                        Fund transactions in foreign currencies and hedging
                      activities may give rise to ordinary income or loss to the
                      extent such income or loss results from fluctuations in
                      value of the foreign currency concerned. In addition, such
                      activities will likely produce a difference between book
                      income and taxable income. This difference may cause a
                      portion of the Fund's income distributions to constitute a
                      return of capital for tax purposes or require the Fund to
                      make distributions exceeding book income to qualify as a
                      regulated investment company for tax purposes.
    
 
   
                        Investment in an entity that qualifies as a "passive
                      foreign investment company" under the Code could subject
                      the Fund to a U.S. federal income tax or other charge on
                      certain "excess distributions" received with respect to
                      the investment, and on the proceeds from disposition of
                      the investment.
    
 
   
                        Additional information regarding federal taxes is
                      contained in the Statement of Additional Information.
                      However, the foregoing and the material in the Statement
                      of Additional Information are only brief summaries of some
                      of the important tax considerations generally affecting
                      each Fund and its Shareholders. In addition, the foregoing
                      discussion and the federal tax information in the
                      Statement of Additional Information are based on tax laws
                      and regulations which are in effect as of the date of this
                      Prospectus; these laws and regulations may subsequently
                      change, and such changes could be retroactive.
    
 
   
                        Shareholders will be advised at least annually as to the
                      federal income tax status of distributions made during the
                      year.
    
 
   
                      California Taxes
    
 
   
                        The California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund intends
                      to qualify to pay dividends to Shareholders that are
                      exempt from California personal income tax
    
 
                                       43
<PAGE>   218
 
                      ("California exempt-interest dividends"). The California
                      Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund will qualify to pay
                      California exempt-interest dividends if (1) at the close
                      of each quarter of the Fund's taxable year, at least 50
                      percent of the value of the Fund's total assets consists
                      of obligations the interest on which would be exempt from
                      California personal income tax if the obligations were
                      held by an individual ("California Tax Exempt
                      Obligations") and (2) the Fund continues to qualify as a
                      regulated investment company.
 
   
                        If the California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund
                      qualifies to pay California exempt-interest dividends,
                      dividends distributed to Shareholders will be considered
                      California exempt-interest dividends (1) if they are
                      designated as exempt-interest dividends by the Fund in a
                      written notice to Shareholders mailed within 60 days of
                      the close of the Fund's taxable year and (2) to the extent
                      that they are derived from the interest received by the
                      Fund during the year on California Tax Exempt Obligations
                      (less related expenses). If the aggregate dividends so
                      designated exceed the amount that may be treated as
                      California exempt-interest dividends, only that percentage
                      of each dividend distribution equal to the ratio of
                      aggregate California exempt-interest dividends to
                      aggregate dividends so designated will be treated as a
                      California exempt-interest dividend. The Fund will notify
                      Shareholders of the amount of California exempt-interest
                      dividends each year.
    
 
   
                        Corporations subject to California franchise tax that
                      invest in the California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund
                      generally will not be entitled to exclude California
                      exempt-interest dividends from income.
    
 
   
                        Dividend distributions that do not qualify for treatment
                      as California exempt-interest dividends will be taxable to
                      Shareholders at ordinary income tax rates for California
                      personal income tax purposes to the extent of the
                      California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund's earnings and
                      profits.
    
 
   
                        Interest on indebtedness incurred or continued by a
                      Shareholder in connection with the purchase of Shares of
                      the California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund will not be
                      deductible for California personal income tax purposes if
                      the Fund distributes California exempt-interest dividends.
    
 
   
                        Additional information regarding California taxes is
                      contained in the Statement of Additional Information.
                      However, the foregoing and the California tax information
                      in the Statement of Additional Information is a general,
                      abbreviated summary of certain of the provisions of the
                      California Revenue and Taxation Code presently in effect
                      as they directly govern the taxation of Shareholders
                      subject to California personal income tax. These
                      provisions are subject to change by legislative or
                      administrative action, and any such change may be
                      retroactive
    
 
                                       44
<PAGE>   219
 
                      with respect to Fund transactions. Shareholders are
                      advised to consult with their own tax advisors for more
                      detailed information concerning California tax matters.
 
   
SERVICE
    
ARRANGEMENTS          The Advisor
 
   
                        The Pacific Alliance division of Union Bank of
                      California, N.A. serves as the Funds' investment advisor.
                      Subject to the general supervision of HighMark's Board of
                      Trustees, the Advisor manages each Fund in accordance with
                      its investment objective and policies, makes decisions
                      with respect to and places orders for all purchases and
                      sales of the Fund's investment securities, and maintains
                      the Fund's records relating to such purchases and sales.
    
 
   
                        For the expenses assumed and services provided by the
                      Advisor as each Fund's investment advisor, Union Bank of
                      California receives a fee from the Fixed Income Funds and
                      the California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund, computed
                      daily and paid monthly, at the annual rate of fifty
                      one-hundredths of one percent (.50%) of the Fund's average
                      daily net assets, from the Growth Fund, Value Momentum
                      Fund, Income Equity Fund, Convertible Securities Fund and
                      Balanced Fund, computed daily and paid monthly, at the
                      annual rate of sixty one-hundredths of one percent (.60%)
                      of the Fund's average daily net assets, from the Emerging
                      Growth Fund, computed daily and paid monthly, at the
                      annual rate of eighty one-hundredths of one percent (.80%)
                      of the Fund's average daily net assets, and from the
                      International Equity Fund, computed daily and paid
                      monthly, at the annual rate of ninety-five one-hundredths
                      of one percent (.95%) of the Fund's average daily net
                      assets. Depending on the size of the Fund, this fee may be
                      higher than the advisory fee paid by most mutual funds,
                      although the Board of Trustees believes it will be
                      comparable to advisory fees paid by many funds having
                      similar objectives and policies. Union Bank of California
                      may from time to time agree to voluntarily reduce its
                      advisory fee, however, it is not currently doing so. While
                      there can be no assurance that Union Bank of California
                      will choose to make such an agreement, any voluntary
                      reductions in Union Bank of California's advisory fee will
                      lower the Fund's expenses, and thus increase the Fund's
                      yield and total return, during the period such voluntary
                      reductions are in effect. Prior to April 28, 1997, the
                      Value Momentum Fund, the Blue Chip Growth Fund, the
                      Emerging Growth Fund, the International Equity Fund, the
                      Convertible Securities Fund, the Intermediate-Term Bond
                      Fund, the Government Securities Fund, the Balanced Fund,
                      and the California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund did not
                      yet operate as HighMark Funds. Fee and other information
                      presented regarding these Funds after that time only
                      represents their operation as HighMark Funds. Prior to
                      operating as HighMark Funds, these Funds had a fiscal year
                      end of January 31.
    
 
                                       45
<PAGE>   220
 
   
                        During HighMark's fiscal year ended July 31, 1997, Union
                      Bank of California received investment advisory fees from
                      the Income Equity Fund aggregating 0.60% of the Fund's
                      average daily net assets, from the Value Momentum Fund
                      (February 1, 1997 through July 31, 1997) aggregating 0.60%
                      of the Fund's average daily net assets, from the Blue Chip
                      Growth Fund (February 1, 1997 through July 31, 1997)
                      aggregating 0.60% of the Fund's average daily net assets,
                      from the Growth Fund aggregating 0.59% of the Fund's
                      average daily net assets, from the Emerging Growth Fund
                      (February 1, 1997 through July 31, 1997) aggregating 0.80%
                      of the Fund's average daily net assets, from the Income
                      Equity Fund aggregating 0.60% of the Fund's average daily
                      net assets, from the International Equity Fund (February
                      1, 1997 through July 31, 1997) aggregating 0.91% of the
                      Fund's average daily net assets, from the Convertible
                      Securities Fund (February 1, 1997 through July 31, 1997)
                      aggregating 0.60% of the Fund's average daily net assets,
                      from the Intermediate-Term Bond Fund (February 1, 1997
                      through July 31, 1997) aggregating 0.50% of the Fund's
                      average daily net assets, from the Bond Fund aggregating
                      0.46% of the Fund's average daily net assets, from the
                      Government Securities Fund (February 1, 1997 through July
                      31, 1997) aggregating 0.50% of the Fund's average daily
                      net assets, from the Balanced Fund (February 1, 1997
                      through July 31, 1997) aggregating 0.60% of the Fund's
                      average daily net assets, and from the California
                      Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund (February 1, 1997 through
                      July 31, 1997) aggregating 0.00% of the Fund's average
                      daily net assets. For the period February 1, 1996 through
                      January 31, 1997, Union Bank of California received
                      investment advisory fees from the Value Momentum Fund
                      aggregating 0.60% of the Fund's average daily net assets,
                      from the Blue Chip Growth Fund aggregating 0.60% of the
                      Fund's average daily net assets, from the Emerging Growth
                      Fund aggregating 0.80% of the Fund's average daily net
                      assets, from the International Equity Fund aggregating
                      0.95% of the Fund's average daily net assets, from the
                      Convertible Securities Fund aggregating 0.60% of the
                      Fund's average daily net assets, from the
                      Intermediate-Term Bond Fund aggregating 0.50% of the
                      Fund's average daily net assets, from the Government
                      Securities Fund aggregating 0.50% of the Fund's average
                      daily net assets, from the Balanced Fund aggregating 0.60%
                      of the Fund's average daily net assets, and from the
                      California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund aggregating
                      0.00% of the Fund's average daily net assets.
    
 
   
                        On April 1, 1996, the Bank of California, N.A.,
                      HighMark's then investment advisor, combined with Union
                      Bank and the resulting bank changed its name to Union Bank
                      of California, N.A. At the same time, the banks'
                      investment management divisions were combined. Each of
                      Union Bank and The Bank of California, N.A. (or their
                      predecessor banks) has been in banking since the early
                      1900's and, historically, each has had significant
                      investment functions within its trust and investment
                      division. UnionBanCal Corporation, the parent of Union
    
 
                                       46
<PAGE>   221
 
   
                      Bank of California, N.A., is a publicly held corporation,
                      but is principally held by The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi,
                      Ltd. As of September 30, 1997, Union BanCal Corporation
                      and its subsidiaries had approximately $31 billion in
                      consolidated assets. The Pacific Alliance division of
                      Union Bank of California's Trust and Investment Management
                      Group, as of [JUNE 30, 1996], had approximately [$13.4]
                      billion of assets under management. The Advisor, with a
                      team of approximately [45] stock and bond research
                      analysts, portfolio managers and traders, has been
                      providing investment management services to individuals,
                      institutions and large corporations since 1917.
    
 
   
                        All investment decisions for the Funds are made by a
                      team of investment professionals, all of whom take an
                      active part in the decision making process. Team leaders
                      for each Fund are as follows:
    
 
   
                        Growth Fund--Scott Chapman. Mr. Chapman, Vice President,
                      has served as team leader since 1993. He has been with the
                      Union Bank of California, N.A., and its predecessor, The
                      Bank of California, N.A., since 1991.
    
 
   
                        Value Momentum Fund--Richard Earnest. Mr. Earnest,
                      Senior Vice President, has served as team leader of the
                      Fund since its inception on February 1, 1991 as the
                      Stepstone Value Momentum Fund. He has been with the Union
                      Bank of California, N.A., and its predecessor, Union Bank,
                      since 1964.
    
 
   
                        Income Equity Fund--Thomas Arrington. Mr. Arrington has
                      served as team leader since 1994. He has been with the
                      Union Bank of California, N.A., and its predecessor, The
                      Bank of California, N.A., since 1990.
    
 
   
                        Bond Fund and the Intermediate-Term Bond Fund--E. Jack
                      Montgomery. Mr. Montgomery, Vice President, has served as
                      team leader for the Bond Fund since 1994. He serves as the
                      team leader for the Intermediate-Term Bond Fund and served
                      as team leader for its predecessor, Stepstone Intermediate
                      Term Bond Fund, since 1996. He has been with the Union
                      Bank of California and The Bank of California since 1994.
    
 
   
                        Balanced Fund--Carl J. Colombo. Mr. Colombo, Vice
                      President, has served as team leader of the Fund since its
                      inception on February 1, 1991 as the Stepstone Balanced
                      Fund. He has been with the Union Bank of California, N.A.,
                      and its predecessor, Union Bank, since 1985.
    
 
   
                        California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund--Robert
                      Bigelow. Mr. Bigelow, Vice President, has served as team
                      leader since 1994. He has been with Union Bank of
                      California and its predecessor, Union Bank since 1994.
    
 
                                       47
<PAGE>   222
 
   
                      The Sub-Advisors
    
 
   
                        The Advisor and Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi Trust Company
                      ("BTMT") have entered into an investment subadvisory
                      agreement relating to the Emerging Growth, Blue Chip
                      Growth, Convertible Securities and Government Securities
                      Funds (the "Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement"). Under the
                      Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, BTMT will make the
                      day-to-day investment decisions for the assets of the
                      Emerging Growth and Blue Chip Growth Funds, subject to the
                      supervision of, and policies established by, the Advisor
                      and the Trustees of HighMark.
    
 
   
                        Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi Trust Company, headquartered at
                      1251 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10116,
                      operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Bank of
                      Tokyo-Mitsubishi, Ltd. BTMT was formed by the combination
                      on April 1, 1996, of Bank of Tokyo Trust Company, a
                      wholly-owned subsidiary of The Bank of Tokyo, Ltd., and
                      Mitsubishi Bank Trust Company of New York, a wholly-owned
                      subsidiary of The Mitsubishi Bank, Limited. Bank of Tokyo
                      Trust Company was the surviving entity, and changed its
                      name to Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi Trust Company. Prior to
                      the combination, subadvisory services were provided by
                      Bank of Tokyo Trust Company. Bank of Tokyo Trust Company
                      was established in 1955, and has provided trust services
                      since that time and management services since 1965.
    
 
   
                        BTMT serves as portfolio manger to bank common funds,
                      employee benefit funds and personal trust accounts,
                      managing assets in money market, equity and fixed income
                      portfolios. As of September 30, 1997, BTMT managed $750
                      million in individual portfolios and collective funds.
    
 
   
                        BTMT is entitled to a fee, which is calculated daily and
                      paid monthly out of the Advisor's fee, at an annual rate
                      of .50% of the average daily net assets of the Emerging
                      Growth Fund, .30% of the average daily net assets of the
                      Blue Chip Growth and Convertible Securities Fund and .20%
                      of the average daily net assets of the Government
                      Securities Fund. For the fiscal year ended July 31, 1997
                      (beginning February 1, 1997), BTMT received sub-investment
                      advisory fees from the Advisor for the Emerging Growth
                      Fund aggregating 0.50% of the Fund's average daily net
                      assets, for the Blue Chip Growth Fund aggregating 0.30% of
                      the Fund's average daily net assets, for the Convertible
                      Securities Fund aggregating 0.30% of the Fund's average
                      daily net assets, and for the Government Securities Fund
                      aggregating 0.20% of the Fund's average daily net assets.
                      For the period February 1, 1996 through January 31, 1997,
                      BTMT received sub-investment advisory fees for the
                      Emerging Growth Fund aggregating 0.50% of the Fund's
                      average daily net assets, for the Blue Chip Growth Fund
                      aggregating 0.30% of the Fund's average daily net assets,
                      for the Convertible Growth Fund aggregating
    
 
                                       48
<PAGE>   223
 
   
                      0.30% of the Fund's average daily net assets, and for the
                      Government Securities Fund aggregating 0.20% of the Fund's
                      average daily net assets.
    
 
   
                        Seth E. Shalov will serve as portfolio manager to the
                      Emerging Growth Fund. Mr. Shalov has been a Senior
                      Portfolio Manager with BTMT and its predecessor, Bank of
                      Tokyo Trust Company, since October, 1987.
    
 
   
                        The day-to-day management of the Convertible Securities
                      Fund's investments is the responsibility of a team of
                      investment professionals. Robert Freund will serve as the
                      team leader for the Convertible Securities Fund. Mr.
                      Freund has been co-managing the Fund since inception. Mr.
                      Freund joined BTMT's predecessor in 1992.
    
 
   
                        The day-to-day management of the Blue Chip Growth Fund's
                      investments is the responsibility of a team of investment
                      professionals. The team leader for the Blue Chip Growth
                      Fund is Edmond Chin. Mr. Chin joined BTMT in February,
                      1997 and has been the Fund's team leader since February
                      18, 1997. Prior to joining BTMT, Mr. Chin spent ten years
                      in the asset management department of Continental
                      Insurance Department.
    
 
   
                        Stephen W. Blocklin will serve as portfolio manager of
                      the Government Securities Fund. Mr. Blocklin has been a
                      Vice President with the Sub-Advisor and its predecessor,
                      Bank of Tokyo Trust Company since December, 1993. From
                      September 1988 to December, 1993, he served as a senior
                      fixed income fund manager in the institutional investment
                      management group at First Fidelity Bancorporation.
    
 
   
                        The Advisor and Tokyo-Mitsubishi Asset Management
                      (U.K.), Ltd. ("TMAM"), have entered into an investment
                      sub-advisory agreement relating to the International
                      Equity Fund (the "Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement").
                      Under the Investment SubAdvisory Agreement, TMAM makes the
                      day-to-day investment decisions for the assets of the
                      Fund, subject to the supervision of, and policies
                      established by, the Advisor and the Trustees of HighMark.
                      HighMark's Shares are not sponsored, endorsed or
                      guaranteed by and do not constitute obligations or
                      deposits of the Sub-Advisor and are not guaranteed by the
                      FDIC or any other governmental agency.
    
 
   
                        Tokyo-Mitsubishi Asset Management (U.K.), Ltd., 12-15
                      Finsbury Circus, London EC2 M7BT operates as a subsidiary
                      of The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi, Ltd. Established in 1989,
                      TMAM provides active global investment services for
                      segregated funds and specialist fund management.
    
 
   
                        Prior to February 1995, TMAM had not previously served
                      as the investment advisor to mutual funds. As of [APRIL 1,
                      1996], TMAM managed assets of [$2.2] billion in individual
                      portfolios and collective funds.
    
 
                                       49
<PAGE>   224
 
   
                        TMAM is entitled to a fee, which is calculated daily and
                      paid monthly out of the Advisor's fee, at an annual rate
                      of .30% of the average daily net assets of the
                      International Equity Fund. For the fiscal year ended July
                      31, 1997 (beginning February 1, 1997), TMAM received
                      sub-investment advisory fees from the Advisor for the
                      International Equity Fund aggregating 0.30% of the Fund's
                      average daily net assets. For the period February 1, 1996
                      through January 31, 1997, TMAM received sub-investment
                      advisory fees for the Fund aggregating 0.30% of the Fund's
                      average daily net assets.
    
 
   
                        As of March 1997, Andrew Jenner assumed the
                      responsibilities of portfolio manager for the
                      International Equity Fund. Mr. Jenner has been with TMAM,
                      and its predecessor, since September 1996. Prior to
                      joining September 1996, Mr. Jenner had been with NatWest
                      Investment Management as Director of International
                      Equities, Director of European Equities, Head of the
                      Japanese Desk (London), and Japanese Fund Manager (Tokyo).
    
 
   
                      Administrator
    
 
   
                        SEI Fund Resources (the "Administrator") and HighMark
                      are parties to an administration agreement (the
                      "Administration Agreement"). Under the terms of the
                      Administration Agreement, the Administrator provides
                      HighMark with certain management services, including all
                      necessary office space, equipment, personnel, and
                      facilities.
    
 
   
                        The Administrator is entitled to a fee, which is
                      calculated daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate of
                      .20% of the average daily net assets of the Funds. The
                      Administrator may waive its fee or reimburse various
                      expenses to the extent necessary to limit the total
                      operating expenses of a Fund's Fiduciary Shares. Any such
                      waiver is voluntary and may be terminated at any time in
                      the Administrator's sole discretion. Currently, the
                      Administrator has agreed to waive its fee to the rate of
                      .15% of the average daily net assets of the California
                      Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund and .18% of the average
                      daily net assets of the other Funds.
    
 
   
                        Pursuant to a separate agreement with the Administrator,
                      Union Bank of California, N.A. performs sub-administration
                      services on behalf of each Fund, for which it receives a
                      fee paid by the Administrator at the annual rate of up to
                      0.05% of the average daily net assets of the Funds. A
                      description of the services performed by Union Bank of
                      California pursuant to this Agreement is contained in the
                      Statement of Additional Information.
    
 
   
                      The Transfer Agent
    
 
   
                        State Street Bank and Trust Company serves as the
                      transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent, and as a
                      shareholder servicing agent for the Fiduciary Shares of
                      HighMark for which services it receives a fee.
    
 
                                       50
<PAGE>   225
 
   
                      Shareholder Service Plan
    
 
   
                        To support the provision of Shareholder services to both
                      classes of Shares, HighMark has adopted a Shareholder
                      Service Plan. A description of the services performed by
                      service providers pursuant to the Shareholder Service Plan
                      is contained in the Statement of Additional Information.
                      In consideration of services provided by any service
                      provider, which may include Union Bank of California,
                      N.A., Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi, Ltd., or their respective
                      affiliates, each Fund may pay a fee at the rate of up to
                      0.25% of its average daily net assets to such service
                      provider. The service provider may waive such fees at any
                      time. Any such waiver is voluntary and may be terminated
                      at any time. Currently, such fees are being waived to the
                      rate of 0.01% of the average daily net assets for the Bond
                      Fund, 0.03% of the average daily net assets of the
                      Intermediate-Term Bond Fund, 0.10% of the average daily
                      net assets of the Balanced Fund, Income Equity Fund, and
                      Growth Fund, and 0.00% of the average daily net assets of
                      each of the other Funds.
    
 
   
                      Distributor
    
 
   
                        SEI Investments Distribution Co. (the "Distributor") and
                      HighMark are parties to a distribution agreement
                      ("Distribution Agreement"). The Distribution Agreement is
                      renewable annually and may be terminated by the
                      Distributor, by a majority vote of the Disinterested
                      Trustees or by a majority vote of the outstanding
                      securities of HighMark upon not more than 60 days written
                      notice by either party, or upon assignment by the
                      Distributor. Fiduciary Shares are not subject to
                      HighMark's Distribution Plan or a distribution fee.
    
 
   
                      Banking Laws
    
 
   
                        Union Bank of California believes that it may perform
                      the services for the Funds contemplated by its investment
                      advisory agreement with HighMark without a violation of
                      applicable banking laws and regulations. Union Bank of
                      California also believes that it may perform
                      sub-administration and sub-accounting services on behalf
                      of each Fund, for which it receives compensation from SEI
                      Fund Resources without a violation of applicable banking
                      laws and regulations. Future changes in federal or state
                      statutes and regulations relating to permissible
                      activities of banks or bank holding companies and their
                      subsidiaries and affiliates, as well as further judicial
                      or administrative decisions or interpretations of present
                      and future statutes and regulations, could change the
                      manner in which Union Bank of California or the Advisor
                      could continue to perform such services for the Funds. For
                      a further discussion of applicable banking laws and
                      regulations, see the Statement of Additional Information.
    
 
                                       51
<PAGE>   226
 
   
                      Custodian
    
 
   
                        Union Bank of California also serves as the custodian
                      and as a shareholder servicing agent for the Funds. The
                      Custodian holds cash securities and other assets of
                      HighMark as required by the 1940 Act.
    
 
   
                        Services performed by Union Bank of California, as the
                      Funds' shareholder servicing agent and custodian, as well
                      as the basis of remuneration for such services, are
                      described in the Statement of Additional Information.
    
 
   
GENERAL INFORMATION   Description of HighMark & Its Shares
    
 
   
                        HighMark was organized as a Massachusetts business trust
                      on March 10, 1987, and consists of sixteen series of
                      Shares open for investment representing units of
                      beneficial interest in HighMark's Growth Fund, Income
                      Equity Fund, Balanced Fund, Value Momentum Fund, Blue Chip
                      Growth Fund, Emerging Growth Fund, International Equity
                      Fund, Bond Fund, Intermediate-Term Bond Fund, Government
                      Securities Fund, Convertible Securities Fund, California
                      Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund, Diversified Money Market
                      Fund, U.S. Government Obligations Money Market Fund, 100%
                      U.S. Treasury Obligations Money Market Fund, and
                      California Tax-Free Money Market Fund. Shares of each Fund
                      are freely transferable, are entitled to distributions
                      from the assets of the Fund as declared by the Board of
                      Trustees, and, if HighMark were liquidated, would receive
                      a pro rata share of the net assets attributable to that
                      Fund. Shares are without par value.
    
 
   
                        As noted above, pursuant to a Multiple Class Plan on
                      file with the Securities and Exchange Commission
                      permitting the issuance and sale of three classes of
                      Shares in selected Funds, Shares of such Funds have been
                      divided into three classes, designated Class A and Class B
                      Shares (collectively, "Retail Shares") and Fiduciary
                      Shares. For information regarding the Retail Shares of the
                      Funds, interested persons may contact the Distributor for
                      a prospectus at 1-800-433-6884.
    
 
   
                        As of November 17, 1997, HighMark believes that Union
                      Bank of California, N.A. was the Shareholder of record of
                      94.45% of the Fiduciary Shares of the Growth Fund, 75.17%
                      of the Fiduciary Shares of the Income Equity Fund, 81.50%
                      of the Fiduciary Shares of the Balanced Fund, 92.15% of
                      the Fiduciary Shares of the Bond Fund, 76.42% of the
                      Fiduciary Shares of the Intermediate-Term Bond Fund,
                      substantially all of the Fiduciary Shares of the
                      California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund, 78.51% of the
                      Fiduciary Shares of the Value Momentum Fund, 34.66% of the
                      Fiduciary Shares of the Blue Chip Growth Fund, 50.63% of
                      the Fiduciary Shares of the Emerging Growth Fund, 99.36%
                      of the Fiduciary Shares of the International Equity Fund.
                      As of November 17, 1997,
    
 
                                       52
<PAGE>   227
 
   
                      HighMark believes that Bank of Tokyo Trust Company was the
                      shareholder of record of 81.34% of the Fiduciary Shares of
                      the Government Securities Fund, 64.85% of the Fiduciary
                      Shares of the Blue Chip Growth Fund, and 48.57% of the
                      Fiduciary Shares of the Emerging Growth Fund.
    
 
   
                      Performance Information
    
 
   
                        From time to time, HighMark may advertise the aggregate
                      total return, average annual total return, yield and
                      distribution rate with respect to the Fiduciary Shares of
                      each Fund. Performance information is computed separately
                      for a Fund's Retail and Fiduciary Shares in accordance
                      with the formulas described below.
    
 
   
                        The aggregate total return and average annual total
                      return of the Funds may be quoted for the life of each
                      Fund and for ten-year, five-year, three-year, and one-year
                      periods, in each case through the most recent calendar
                      quarter (in the case of the Income Equity Fund, utilizing,
                      when appropriate, the aggregate total return and average
                      annual total return of the IRA Fund Income Equity
                      Portfolio prior to June 23, 1988). Aggregate total return
                      is determined by calculating the change in the value of a
                      hypothetical $1,000 investment in a Fund over the
                      applicable period that would equate the initial amount
                      invested to the ending redeemable value of the investment.
                      The ending redeemable value includes dividends and capital
                      gain distributions reinvested at net asset value. Average
                      annual total return is calculated by annualizing a Fund's
                      aggregate total return over the relevant number of years.
                      The resulting percentage indicates the average positive or
                      negative investment results that an investor in a Fund
                      would have experienced on an annual basis from changes in
                      Share price and reinvestment of dividends and capital gain
                      distributions.
    
 
   
                        The yield of a Fund is determined by annualizing the net
                      investment income per Share of the Fund during a specified
                      thirty-day period and dividing that amount by the per
                      Share public offering price of the Fund on the last day of
                      the period.
    
 
   
                        The distribution rate of a Fund is determined by
                      dividing the income and capital gains distributions, or
                      where indicated the income distributions alone, on a Share
                      of the Fund over a twelve-month period by the per Share
                      public offering price of the Fund on the last day of the
                      period.
    
 
   
                        Each Fund may periodically compare its performance to
                      the performance of other mutual funds tracked by mutual
                      fund rating services (such as Lipper Analytical);
                      financial and business publications and periodicals; broad
                      groups of comparable mutual funds; unmanaged indices which
                      may assume investment of dividends but generally do not
                      reflect deductions for administrative and management
                      costs; or other investment alternatives. Certain Funds may
                      advertise
    
 
                                       53
<PAGE>   228
 
                      performance that includes results from periods in which
                      the Fund's assets were managed in a non-registered
                      predecessor vehicle.
 
   
                        All performance information presented for a Fund is
                      based on past performance and does not predict future
                      performance.
    
 
   
                      Miscellaneous
    
 
   
                        Shareholders will be sent unaudited semi-annual reports
                      and annual reports audited by independent public
                      accountants.
    
 
   
                        Shareholders are entitled to one vote for each Share
                      held in a Fund as determined on the record date for any
                      action requiring a vote by the Shareholders, and a
                      proportionate fractional vote for each fractional Share
                      held. Shareholders of HighMark will vote in the aggregate
                      and not by series or class except (i) as otherwise
                      expressly required by law or when HighMark's Board of
                      Trustees determines that the matter to be voted upon
                      affects only the interests of the Shareholders of a
                      particular series or particular class, and (ii) only
                      Retail Shares will be entitled to vote on matters
                      submitted to a Shareholder vote relating to the
                      Distribution Plan. HighMark is not required to hold
                      regular annual meetings of Shareholders, but may hold
                      special meetings from time to time.
    
 
   
                        HighMark's Trustees are elected by Shareholders, except
                      that vacancies may be filled by vote of the Board of
                      Trustees. Trustees may be removed by the Board of
                      Trustees, or by Shareholders at a meeting called for such
                      purpose. For information about how Shareholders may call
                      such a meeting and communicate with other Shareholders for
                      that purpose, see ADDITIONAL INFORMATION--Miscellaneous in
                      the Statement of Additional Information.
    
 
   
                        Inquiries may be directed in writing to SEI Investments
                      Distribution Co., Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456, or by calling
                      toll free 1-800-433-6884.
    
 
   
DESCRIPTION OF
PERMITTED
INVESTMENTS             The following is a description of permitted investments
                      for the HighMark Funds.
    
 
   
                        AMERICAN DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS (ADRs) and EUROPEAN
                      DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS (EDRs)--Receipts, typically issued by
                      a U.S. financial institution (a "depositary"), that
                      evidence ownership interests in a security or a pool of
                      securities issued by a foreign issuer and deposited with
                      the depositary. ADRs include American Depositary Shares
                      and New York Shares. EDRs, which are sometimes referred to
                      as Continental Depositary Receipts ("CDRs"), are receipts,
                      typically issued by a non-U.S. financial institution, that
                      evidence ownership interests in a security or a pool of
                      securities issued by either a U.S. or foreign issuer.
                      ADRs, EDRs and CDRs may be available for investment
                      through "sponsored" or "unsponsored" facilities. A
                      sponsored facility is established jointly
    
 
                                       54
<PAGE>   229
 
                      by the issuer of the security underlying the receipt and a
                      depositary, whereas an unsponsored facility may be
                      established by a depositary without participation by the
                      issuer of the receipt's underlying security. Holders of an
                      unsponsored depositary receipt generally bear all the
                      costs of the unsponsored facility. The depositary of an
                      unsponsored facility frequently is under no obligation to
                      distribute shareholder communications received from the
                      issuer of the deposited security or to pass through to the
                      holders of the receipts voting rights with respect to the
                      deposited securities.
 
   
                        ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES (NON-MORTGAGE)--Instruments
                      secured by company receivables, truck and auto loans,
                      leases, and credit card receivables. Such securities are
                      generally issued as pass-through certificates, which
                      represent undivided fractional ownership interests in the
                      underlying pools of assets. Such securities also may be
                      debt instruments, which are also known as collateralized
                      obligations and are generally issued as the debt of a
                      special purpose entity, such as a trust, organized solely
                      for the purpose of owning such assets and issuing such
                      debt. The purchase of non-mortgage asset-backed securities
                      raises risk considerations peculiar to the financing of
                      the instruments underlying such securities. Asset-backed
                      securities entail prepayment risk, which may vary
                      depending on the type of asset, but is generally less than
                      the prepayment risk associated with mortgage-backed
                      securities.
    
 
   
                        Like mortgages underlying mortgage-backed securities,
                      underlying automobile sales contracts or credit card
                      receivables are subject to substantial prepayment risk,
                      which may reduce the overall return to certificate
                      holders. Nevertheless, principal prepayment rates tend not
                      to vary as much in response to changes in interest rates
                      and the short-term nature of the underlying car loans or
                      other receivables tend to dampen the impact of any change
                      in the prepayment level. Certificate holders may also
                      experience delays in payment on the certificates if the
                      full amounts due on underlying sales contracts or
                      receivables are not realized by the trust because of
                      unanticipated legal or administrative costs of enforcing
                      the contracts or because of depreciation or damage to the
                      collateral (usually automobiles) securing certain
                      contracts, or other factors. If consistent with their
                      investment objectives and policies, the Equity Funds may
                      invest in other asset-backed securities that may be
                      developed in the future.
    
 
   
                        BANKERS' ACCEPTANCES--Bills of exchange or time drafts
                      drawn on and accepted by commercial banks. They are used
                      by corporations to finance the shipment and storage of
                      goods and to furnish dollar exchange. Maturities are
                      generally six months or less.
    
 
   
                        CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT--Negotiable interest-bearing
                      instruments with a specific maturity. Certificates of
                      deposit are issued by banks and savings
    
 
                                       55
<PAGE>   230
 
                      and loan institutions in exchange for the deposit of funds
                      and normally can be traded in the secondary market prior
                      to maturity.
 
   
                        COMMERCIAL PAPER--Unsecured short-term promissory notes
                      issued by corporations and other entities. Maturities on
                      these issues vary from a few days to nine months. Purchase
                      of such instruments involves a risk of default by the
                      issuer.
    
 
   
                        CONVERTIBLE BONDS AND CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK--
                      Convertible Bonds are bonds convertible into a set number
                      of shares of another form of security (usually common
                      stock) at a prestated price. Convertible bonds have
                      characteristics similar to both fixed-income and equity
                      securities. Convertible preferred stock is a class of
                      capital stock that pays dividends at a specified rate and
                      that has preference over common stock in the payment of
                      dividends and the liquidation of assets. Convertible
                      preferred stock is preferred stock exchangeable for a
                      given number of common stock shares, and has
                      characteristics similar to both fixed-income and equity
                      securities. Because of the conversion feature, the market
                      value of convertible bonds and convertible preferred stock
                      tend to move together with the market value of the
                      underlying stock. As a result, a Fund's selection of
                      convertible bonds and convertible preferred stock is
                      based, to a great extent, on the potential for capital
                      appreciation that may exist in the underlying stock. The
                      value of convertible bonds and convertible preferred stock
                      is also affected by prevailing interest rates, the credit
                      quality of the issuer and any call provisions.
    
 
   
                        DERIVATIVES--Instruments whose value is derived from an
                      underlying contract, index or security, or any combination
                      thereof, including futures, options (e.g., puts and
                      calls), options on futures, swap agreements, and some
                      mortgage-backed securities (CMOs, REMICs, IOs and POs).
                      See elsewhere in this "DESCRIPTION OF PERMITTED
                      INVESTMENTS" for discussions of these various instruments,
                      and see "INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES" and "INVESTMENT POLICIES"
                      for more information about any policies and limitations
                      applicable to their use.
    
 
   
                        FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY CONTRACTS--The International
                      Equity Fund may conduct its foreign currency exchange
                      transactions on a spot (i.e., cash) basis at the spot rate
                      prevailing in the foreign currency exchange market or
                      through entering into forward currency contracts to
                      protect against uncertainty in the level of future
                      exchange rates between particular currencies or between
                      foreign currencies in which the Fund's securities are or
                      may be denominated. A forward contract involves an
                      obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency amount
                      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. Under normal
                      circumstances, consideration of the prospect for changes
                      in currency exchanges rates will be incorporated into the
                      Fund's long-term invest-
    
 
                                       56
<PAGE>   231
 
                      ment strategies. However, the Advisor and Sub-Advisor
                      believe that it is important to have the flexibility to
                      enter into forward currency contracts when it determines
                      that the best interests of the Fund will be served.
 
   
                        When the Advisor and Sub-Advisor believe that the
                      currency of a particular country may suffer a significant
                      decline against another currency, the Fund may enter into
                      a currency contract to sell, for the appropriate currency,
                      the amount of foreign currency approximating the value of
                      some or all of the Fund's securities denominated in such
                      foreign currency.
    
 
   
                        At the maturity of a forward contract, the Fund may
                      either sell a fund security and make delivery of the
                      foreign currency, or it may retain the security and
                      terminate its contractual obligations to deliver the
                      foreign currency by purchasing an "offsetting" contract
                      with the same currency trader, obligating it to purchase
                      on the same maturity date, the same amount of the foreign
                      currency. The Fund may realize a gain or loss from
                      currency transactions.
    
 
   
                        FUTURES AND OPTIONS ON FUTURES--Some futures strategies,
                      including selling futures, buying puts and writing calls,
                      reduce a Fund's exposure to price fluctuations. Other
                      strategies, including buying futures, writing puts and
                      buying calls, tend to increase market exposure. Futures
                      and options may be combined with each other in order to
                      adjust the risk and return characteristics of the overall
                      portfolio.
    
 
   
                        Options and futures can be volatile instruments, and
                      involve certain risks that, if applied at an inappropriate
                      time, could negatively impact a Fund's return.
    
 
   
                        INVESTMENT GRADE BONDS--Interest-bearing or discounted
                      government or corporate securities that obligate the
                      issuer to pay the bondholder a specified sum of money,
                      usually at specific intervals, and to repay the principal
                      amount of the loan at maturity. Investment grade bonds are
                      those rated BBB or better by S&P or Baa or better by
                      Moody's or similarly rated by other NRSROs, or, if not
                      rated, determined to be of comparable quality by the
                      Advisor.
    
 
   
                        LOAN PARTICIPATIONS--Loan participations are interests
                      in loans to U.S. corporations (i.e., borrowers) which are
                      administered by the lending bank or agent for a syndicate
                      of lending banks, and sold by the lending bank or
                      syndicate member ("intermediary bank"). In a loan
                      participation, the borrower of the underlying loan will be
                      deemed to be the issuer of the participation interest
                      (except to the extent a purchasing Fund derives its rights
                      from the intermediary bank). Because the intermediary bank
                      does not guarantee a loan participation in any way, a loan
                      participation is subject to the credit risks associated
                      with the underlying corporate borrower. In addition, in
                      the event the underlying corporate borrower fails to pay
                      principal and interest when due, a Fund may encounter
                      delays, expenses and risks that are greater than those
                      that would have been
    
 
                                       57
<PAGE>   232
 
                      involved if the Fund had purchased a direct obligation
                      (such as commercial paper) of such borrower because it may
                      be necessary under the terms of the loan participation,
                      for the Fund to assert its rights against the borrower
                      through the intermediary bank. Moreover, under the terms
                      of a loan participation, the purchasing Fund may be
                      regarded as a creditor of the intermediary bank (rather
                      than of the underlying corporate borrower), so that a Fund
                      may also be subject to the risk that the issuing bank may
                      become insolvent. Further, in the event of the bankruptcy
                      or insolvency of the corporate borrower, a loan
                      participation may be subject to certain defenses that can
                      be asserted by such borrower as a result of improper
                      conduct by the issuing bank. The secondary market, if any,
                      for these loan participations is limited, and any such
                      participation purchased by a Fund may be regarded as
                      illiquid.
 
   
                        LOWER-RATED, HIGHER-YIELDING, HIGH-RISK DEBT
                      SECURITIES--High-yield, high-risk securities consist of
                      securities rated Ba or lower by Moody's or BB or lower by
                      S&P. Lower-rated debt securities are considered
                      speculative and involve greater risk of loss than
                      investment grade debt securities, and are more sensitive
                      to changes in the issuer's capacity to pay. For a
                      description of the debt securities ratings, see the
                      "Appendix."
    
 
   
                        MONEY MARKET INSTRUMENTS--Short-term, debt instruments
                      or deposits and may include, for example, (i) commercial
                      paper rated within the highest rating category by a NRSRO
                      at the time of investment, or, if not rated, determined by
                      the Advisor to be of comparable quality; (ii) obligations
                      (certificates of deposit, time deposits, bank master
                      notes, and bankers' acceptances) of thrift institutions,
                      savings and loans, U.S. commercial banks (including
                      foreign branches of such banks), and U.S. and foreign
                      branches of foreign banks, provided that such institutions
                      (or, in the case of a branch, the parent institution) have
                      total assets of $1 billion or more as shown on their last
                      published financial statements at the time of investment;
                      (iii) short-term corporate obligations rated within the
                      three highest rating categories by a NRSRO (e.g., at least
                      A by S&P or A by Moody's) at the time of investment, or,
                      if not rated, determined by the Advisor to be of
                      comparable quality; (iv) general obligations issued by the
                      U.S. Government and backed by its full faith and credit,
                      and obligations issued or guaranteed as to principal and
                      interest by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S.
                      Government (e.g., obligations issued by Farmers Home
                      Administration, Government National Mortgage Association,
                      Federal Farm Credit Bank and Federal Housing
                      Administration); (v) receipts, including TRs, TIGRs and
                      CATS; (vi) repurchase agreements involving such
                      obligations; (vii) loan participations issued by a bank in
                      the United States with assets exceeding $1 billion and for
                      which the underlying loan is issued by borrowers in whose
                      obligations the Fund may invest; (viii) money market funds
                      and (ix) foreign commercial paper.
    
 
                                       58
<PAGE>   233
 
   
                        Certain of the obligations in which a Fund may invest
                      may be variable or floating rate instruments, may involve
                      conditional or unconditional demand features and may
                      include variable amount master demand notes.
    
 
   
                        MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES--Securities generally issued
                      or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies such as GNMA,
                      FNMA, or FHLMC. GNMA mortgage-backed certificates are
                      mortgage-backed securities of the modified pass-through
                      type, which means that both interest and principal
                      payments (including prepayments) are passed through
                      monthly to the holder of the certificate. Each GNMA
                      certificate evidences an interest in a specific pool of
                      mortgage loans insured by the Federal Housing
                      Administration or the Farmers Home Administration or
                      guaranteed by the Veterans Administration. FNMA, a
                      federally-chartered and stockholder-owned corporation,
                      issues pass-through certificates which are guaranteed as
                      to payment of principal and interest by FNMA. FHLMC, a
                      corporate instrumentality of the United States, issues
                      participation certificates which represent an interest in
                      mortgages held in FHLMC's portfolio. FHLMC guarantees the
                      timely payment of interest and the ultimate collection of
                      principal. Securities issued or guaranteed by FNMA and
                      FHLMC are not backed by the full faith and credit of the
                      United States. There can be no assurance that the U.S.
                      government would provide financial support to FNMA or
                      FHLMC if necessary in the future.
    
 
   
                        Although payments on certain mortgage-related securities
                      may be guaranteed by a third party or otherwise similarly
                      secured, the market value of such securities is not
                      secured and may fluctuate significantly because of changes
                      in interest rates and changes in prepayment levels. Thus,
                      for example, if a Fund purchases a mortgage-related
                      security at a premium, that portion may be lost if there
                      is a decline in the market value of the security whether
                      due to changes in interest rates or prepayments of the
                      underlying mortgage collateral. As with other
                      interest-bearing securities, the prices of
                      mortgage-related securities are inversely affected by
                      changes in interest rates. However, although the value of
                      a mortgage-related security may decline when interest
                      rates rise, the converse is not necessarily true because
                      in periods of declining interest rates the mortgages
                      underlying the securities are prone to prepayment which
                      results in amounts being available for reinvestment which
                      are likely to be invested at a lower interest rate. For
                      this and other reasons, the stated maturity of a
                      mortgage-related security may be shortened by unscheduled
                      prepayments on the underlying mortgages and, accordingly,
                      it is not possible to predict accurately the security's
                      return to a Fund. In addition, regular payments received
                      on mortgage-related securities include both interest and
                      principal. No assurance can be given as to the return a
                      Fund will receive when these amounts are reinvested. As a
                      consequence, mortgage-related securities may be a less
                      effective means of "locking in" interest rates than other
    
 
                                       59
<PAGE>   234
 
                      types of debt securities having the same stated maturity,
                      may have less potential for capital appreciation and may
                      be considered riskier investments as a result.
 
   
                        Adjustable rate mortgage securities ("ARMS") are
                      pass-through certificates representing ownership interests
                      in a pool of adjustable rate mortgages and the resulting
                      cash flow from those mortgages. Unlike conventional debt
                      securities, which provide for periodic (usually
                      semi-annual) payments of interest and payments of
                      principal at maturity or on specified call dates, ARMs
                      provide for monthly payments based on a pro rata share of
                      both periodic interest and principal payments and
                      prepayments of principal on the underlying mortgage pool
                      (less GNMA's, FNMA's, or FHLMC's fees and any applicable
                      loan servicing fees).
    
 
   
                        Collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs") are bonds
                      generally issued by single purpose, stand-alone finance
                      subsidiaries or trusts established by financial
                      institutions, government agencies, investment banks, or
                      other similar institutions, and collateralized by pools of
                      mortgage loans. Payments of principal and interest on the
                      collateral mortgages are used to pay debt service on the
                      CMO. In a CMO, a series of bonds or certificates is issued
                      in multiple classes. Each class of CMOs, often referred to
                      as a "tranche," is issued at a specific coupon rate and
                      has a stated maturity or final distribution date. The
                      principal and interest payment on the underlying mortgages
                      may be allocated among the classes of CMOs in several
                      ways. Typically, payments of principal, including any
                      prepayments, on the underlying mortgages would be applied
                      to the classes in the order of their respective stated
                      maturities or final distribution dates, so that no payment
                      of principal will be 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.
    
 
   
                        One or more classes of CMOs may have coupon rates that
                      reset periodically based on an index, such as the London
                      Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR"). Each Fund may purchase
                      fixed, adjustable, or "floating" rate CMOs that are
                      collateralized by fixed rate or adjustable rate mortgages
                      that are guaranteed as to payment of principal and
                      interest by an agency or instrumentality of the U.S.
                      government or are directly guaranteed as to payment of
                      principal and interest by the issuer, which guarantee is
                      collateralized by U.S. government securities or is
                      collateralized by privately issued fixed rate or
                      adjustable rate mortgages.
    
 
   
                        Securities such as zero-coupon obligations,
                      mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, and
                      collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs") will have
                      greater price volatility then other fixed-income
                      obligations. Because declining interest rates may lead to
                      prepayment of underlying mortgages, automobile sales
                      contracts or credit card receivables, the prices of
                      mortgage-related and asset-backed securities may not rise
                      with a decline in interest rates. Mortgage-backed and
    
 
                                       60
<PAGE>   235
 
                      asset-backed securities and CMOs are extremely sensitive
                      to the rate of principal prepayment. Similarly, callable
                      corporate bonds also present risk of prepayment.
 
   
                        During periods of falling interest rates, securities
                      that can be called or prepaid may decline in value
                      relative to similar securities that are not subject to
                      call or prepayment.
    
 
   
                        Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduits ("REMICs") are
                      private entities formed for the purpose of holding a fixed
                      pool of mortgages secured by an interest in real property.
                      REMICs are similar to CMOs in that they issue multiple
                      classes of securities.
    
 
   
                        MUNICIPAL FORWARDS--Municipal Forwards are forward
                      commitments for the purchase of tax-exempt bonds with a
                      specified coupon to be delivered by an issuer at a future
                      date, typically exceeding 45 days but normally less than
                      one year after the commitment date. Municipal forwards are
                      normally used as a refunding mechanism for bonds that may
                      only be redeemed on a designated future date. As with
                      forward commitments and when-issued securities, municipal
                      forwards are subject to market fluctuations due to
                      changes, real or anticipated, in market interest rates
                      between the commitment date and the settlement date and
                      will have the effect of leveraging the Fund's assets.
                      Municipal forwards may be considered to be illiquid
                      investments. The Fund will maintain liquid, high-grade
                      securities in a segregated account in an amount at least
                      equal to the purchase price of the municipal forward.
    
 
   
                        MUNICIPAL SECURITIES--Municipal securities consist of
                      (i) debt obligations issued by or on behalf of public
                      authorities to obtain funds to be used for various public
                      facilities, for refunding outstanding obligations, for
                      general operating expenses and for lending such funds to
                      other public institutions and facilities, and (ii) certain
                      private activity and industrial development bonds issued
                      by or on behalf of public authorities to obtain funds to
                      provide for the construction, equipment, repair or
                      improvement of privately operated facilities. Municipal
                      notes include general obligation notes, tax anticipation
                      notes, revenue anticipation notes, bond anticipation
                      notes, certificates of indebtedness, demand notes and
                      construction loan notes. Municipal bonds include general
                      obligation bonds, revenue or special obligation bonds,
                      private activity and industrial development bonds. General
                      obligation bonds are backed by the taxing power of the
                      issuing municipality. Revenue bonds are backed by the
                      revenues of a project or facility, tolls from a toll
                      bridge, for example. The payment of principal and interest
                      on private activity and industrial development bonds
                      generally is dependent solely on the ability of the
                      facility's user to meet its financial obligations and the
                      pledge, if any, of real and personal property so financed
                      as security for such payment.
    
 
                                       61
<PAGE>   236
 
   
                        OBLIGATIONS OF SUPRANATIONAL ENTITIES--Obligations of
                      supranational entities are established through the joint
                      participation of several governments, and include the
                      Asian Development Bank, the Inter-American Development
                      Bank, International Bank for Reconstruction and
                      Development (World Bank), African Development Bank,
                      European Economic Community, European Investment Bank and
                      the Nordic Investment Bank.
    
 
   
                        OPTIONS--Under a call option, the purchaser of the
                      option has the right to purchase, and the writer (the
                      Fund) the obligation to sell, the underlying security at
                      the exercise price during the option period. A put option
                      gives the purchaser the right to sell, and the writer the
                      obligation to purchase, the underlying security at the
                      exercise price during the option period.
    
 
   
                        In addition, certain Funds may buy options on stock
                      indices to invest cash on an interim basis. Such options
                      will be listed on a national securities exchange. In order
                      to close out an option position, a Fund may enter into a
                      "closing purchase transaction"--the purchase of an option
                      on the same security with the same exercise price and
                      expiration date as the option contract previously written
                      on any particular security. When the security is sold, a
                      Fund effects a closing purchase transaction so as to close
                      out any existing option on that security.
    
 
   
                        There are risks associated with such investments
                      including the following: (1) the success of a hedging
                      strategy may depend on the ability of the Advisor or
                      Sub-Advisor to predict movements in the prices of
                      individual securities, fluctuations in markets and
                      movements in interest rates; (2) there may be an imperfect
                      correlation between the movement in prices of securities
                      held by a Fund and the price of options; (3) there may not
                      be a liquid secondary market for options; and (4) while a
                      Fund will receive a premium when it writes covered call
                      options, it may not participate fully in a rise in the
                      market value of the underlying security.
    
 
   
                        OPTIONS ON CURRENCIES--The International Equity Fund may
                      purchase options and write covered call options on foreign
                      currencies (traded on U.S. and foreign exchanges or
                      over-the-counter markets) to manage the Fund's exposure to
                      changes in dollar exchange rates. Call options on foreign
                      currency written by the Fund will be "covered" which means
                      that the Fund will own an equal amount of the underlying
                      foreign currency. With respect to put options on foreign
                      currency written by the Fund, the Fund will establish a
                      segregated account with its Custodian consisting of cash,
                      U.S. government securities or other liquid high grade debt
                      securities in an amount of equal to the amount the Fund
                      would be required to pay upon exercise of the put.
    
 
   
                        PARTICIPATION INTERESTS--Participation interests are
                      interests in municipal securities from financial
                      institutions such as commercial and investment banks,
                      savings and loan associations and insurance companies.
                      These interests
    
 
                                       62
<PAGE>   237
 
                      may take the form of participations, beneficial interests
                      in a trust, partnership interests or any other form of
                      indirect ownership that allows the Fund to treat the
                      income from the investment as exempt from federal income
                      tax. The Fund invests in these participation interests in
                      order to obtain credit enhancement or demand features that
                      would not be available through direct ownership of the
                      underlying municipal securities.
 
   
                        RECEIPTS--Interests in separately traded interest and
                      principal component parts of U.S. Treasury obligations
                      that are issued by banks and brokerage firms and are
                      created by depositing Treasury notes and Treasury bonds
                      into a special account at a custodian bank. The custodian
                      holds the interest and principal payments for the benefit
                      of the registered owners of the certificates of such
                      receipts. The custodian arranges for the issuance of the
                      certificates or receipts evidencing ownership and
                      maintains the register. Receipts include "Treasury
                      Receipts" ("TR's"), "Treasury Investment Growth Receipts"
                      ("TIGR's"), and "Certificates of Accrual on Treasury
                      Securities" ("CATS"). TR's, TIGR's and CATS are sold as
                      zero coupon securities, which means that they are sold at
                      a substantial discount and redeemed at face value at their
                      maturity date without interim cash payments of interest or
                      principal. This discount is accreted over the life of the
                      security, and such accretion will constitute the income
                      earned on the security for both accounting and tax
                      purposes. Because of these features, such securities may
                      be subject to greater interest rate volatility than
                      interest-paying securities. See also "FEDERAL TAXATION."
    
 
   
                        REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS--Agreements whereby a Fund will
                      acquire securities from approved financial institutions or
                      registered broker-dealers that agree to repurchase the
                      securities at a mutually agreed-upon date and price. The
                      repurchase agreements entered into by the Funds will
                      provide that the underlying security at all times shall
                      have a value equal to 102% of the resale price stated in
                      the agreement. Repurchase agreements involving government
                      securities are not subject to a Fund's fundamental
                      investment limitation on purchasing securities of any one
                      issuer. If the seller defaults on its repurchase
                      obligation or becomes insolvent, the Fund holding such
                      obligations would suffer a loss to the extent that either
                      the proceeds from a sale of the underlying portfolio
                      securities were less than the repurchase price or the
                      Fund's disposition of the securities was delayed pending
                      court action. Securities subject to repurchase agreements
                      will be held by a qualified custodian or in the Federal
                      Reserve/Treasury book-entry system. Repurchase agreements
                      are considered to be loans by a Fund under the Investment
                      Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act").
    
 
   
                        REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS--A Fund may borrow funds
                      for temporary purposes by entering into reverse repurchase
                      agreements, provided such action is consistent with the
                      Fund's investment objective and fundamental
    
 
                                       63
<PAGE>   238
 
                      investment restrictions; as a matter of non-fundamental
                      policy, each Fund intends to limit such investments to no
                      more than 10% of the value of its total assets. Pursuant
                      to a reverse repurchase agreement, a Fund will sell
                      portfolio securities to financial institutions such as
                      banks or to broker-dealers, and agree to repurchase the
                      securities at a mutually agreed-upon date and price. A
                      Fund intends to enter into reverse repurchase agreements
                      only to avoid otherwise selling securities during
                      unfavorable market conditions to meet redemptions. At the
                      time a Fund enters into a reverse repurchase agreement, it
                      will place in a segregated custodial account assets such
                      as U.S. Government securities or other liquid,
                      high-quality debt securities consistent with the Fund's
                      investment objective having a value equal to 102% of the
                      repurchase price (including accrued interest), and will
                      subsequently monitor the account to ensure that an
                      equivalent 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 at
                      which a Fund is obligated to repurchase the securities.
                      Reverse repurchase agreements are considered to be
                      borrowings by a Fund under the 1940 Act.
 
   
                        RULE 144A SECURITIES--Rule 144A Securities are
                      securities that have not been registered under the
                      Securities Act of 1933, but which may be traded between
                      certain qualified institutional investors, including
                      investment companies. The absence of a secondary market
                      may affect the value of the Rule 144A Securities. The
                      Board of Trustees of HighMark has established guidelines
                      and procedures to be utilized to determine the liquidity
                      of such securities.
    
 
   
                        SECURITIES ISSUED ON A FORWARD COMMITMENT BASIS OR
                      WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES--Securities purchased for delivery
                      beyond the normal settlement date at a stated price and
                      yield and which thereby involve a risk that the yield
                      obtained in the transaction will be less than that
                      available in the market when delivery takes place. When a
                      Fund agrees to purchase when-issued securities or enter
                      into forward commitments, HighMark's custodian will be
                      instructed to set aside cash or liquid portfolio
                      securities equal to the amount of the commitment in a
                      segregated account. A Fund will generally not pay for such
                      securities and no income will accrue on the securities
                      until they are received. These securities are recorded as
                      an asset and are subject to changes in value based upon
                      changes in the general level of interest rates. Therefore,
                      the purchase of securities on a "when-issued" basis or
                      forward commitments may increase the risk of fluctuations
                      in a Fund's net asset value.
    
 
   
                        SECURITIES LENDING--During the time portfolio securities
                      are on loan from a Fund, the borrower will pay the Fund
                      any dividends or interest paid on the securities. In
                      addition, loans will be subject to termination by the Fund
                      or the borrower at any time and, while a Fund will
                      generally not have the right to vote securities on loan,
                      it will terminate the loan and regain the right to vote if
                      that is
    
 
                                       64
<PAGE>   239
 
                      considered important with respect to the investment. While
                      the lending of securities may subject a Fund to certain
                      risks, such as delays or an inability to regain the
                      securities in the event the borrower were to default on
                      its lending agreement or enter into bankruptcy, a Fund
                      will receive 100% collateral in the form of cash or U.S.
                      Government securities. This collateral will be valued
                      daily by the lending agent, with oversight by the Advisor,
                      and, should the market value of the loaned securities
                      increase, the borrower will be required to furnish
                      additional collateral to the Fund.
 
   
                        SECURITIES SUBJECT TO A PUT FEATURE--A "put" feature
                      permits a Fund to sell a fixed income security at a fixed
                      price prior to maturity. The underlying fixed income
                      securities subject to a put may be sold at any time at the
                      market rates. However, unless the put was an integral part
                      of the fixed income security as originally issued, it may
                      not be marketable or assignable. Generally, a premium is
                      paid for a put feature or a put feature is purchased
                      separately which results in a lower yield than would
                      otherwise be available for the same fixed income
                      securities.
    
 
   
                        STANDARD & POOR'S DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS (SPDRs)--SPDRs are
                      interests in a unit investment trust holding a portfolio
                      of securities linked to the S&P 500 Index. SPDRs closely
                      track the underlying portfolio of securities, trade like a
                      share of common stock and pay periodic dividends
                      proportionate to those paid by the portfolio of stocks
                      that constitutes the S&P 500 Index. For further
                      information regarding SPDRs, see the Statement of
                      Additional Information.
    
 
   
                        TAX-EXEMPT COMMERCIAL PAPER--Commercial paper, which is
                      commercial paper issued by governments and political
                      sub-divisions.
    
 
   
                        TIME DEPOSITS--Non-negotiable receipts issued by U.S. or
                      foreign banks in exchange for the deposit of funds. Like
                      certificates of deposit, they earn a specified rate of
                      interest over a definite period of time; however, they
                      cannot be traded in the secondary market. Time deposits
                      with a withdrawal penalty are considered to be illiquid
                      securities.
    
 
   
                        U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY SECURITIES--Certain Federal
                      agencies have been established as instrumentalities of the
                      U.S. Government to supervise and finance certain types of
                      activities. Issues of these agencies, while not direct
                      obligations of the U.S. Government, are either backed by
                      the full faith and credit of the United States (e.g., GNMA
                      securities) or supported by the issuing agencies' right to
                      borrow from the U.S. Treasury. The issues of other
                      agencies are supported only by the credit of the
                      instrumentality (e.g., FNMA securities).
    
 
   
                        U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS--Bills, notes, and bonds
                      issued by the U.S. Treasury, as well as separately traded
                      interest and principal component parts of such obligations
                      known as Separately Traded Registered Interest and
                      Principal
    
 
                                       65
<PAGE>   240
 
                      Securities ("STRIPS") that are transferable through the
                      Federal book-entry system.
 
                        U.S. Government Securities generally do not involve the
                      credit risks associated with investments in other types of
                      fixed-income securities, although, as a result, the yields
                      available from U.S. Government Securities are generally
                      lower than the yields available from otherwise comparable
                      corporate fixed-income securities. Like other fixed-income
                      securities, however, the values of U.S. Government
                      Securities change as interest rates fluctuate.
                      Fluctuations in the value of portfolio securities will in
                      many cases not affect interest income on existing
                      portfolio securities, but will be reflected in the Fund's
                      net asset value. Because the magnitude of these
                      fluctuations will generally be greater at times when a
                      Fund's average maturity is longer, under certain market
                      conditions the Fund may invest in short-term investments
                      yielding lower current income rather than investing in
                      higher yielding longer-term securities.
 
   
                        VARIABLE AND FLOATING RATE INSTRUMENTS--Obligations that
                      may carry variable or floating rates of interest, may
                      involve conditional or unconditional demand features and
                      may include variable amount master demand notes. The
                      interest rates on these securities may be reset daily,
                      weekly, quarterly or some other reset period, and may have
                      a floor or ceiling on interest rate changes. There is a
                      risk that the current interest rate on such obligations
                      may not accurately reflect existing market interest rates.
                      A demand instrument with a demand notice period exceeding
                      seven days may be considered illiquid if there is no
                      secondary market for such security.
    
 
   
                        WARRANTS--Securities that entitle the holder to buy a
                      proportionate amount of common stock at a specified price
                      for a limited or unlimited period of time. Warrants are
                      often freely transferable and are traded on major stock
                      exchanges.
    
 
   
                        YANKEE BONDS--Dollar denominated securities issued by
                      foreign-domiciled issuers that obligate the issuer to pay
                      the bondholder a specified sum of money, usually
                      semiannually, and to repay the principal amount of the
                      loan at maturity. Sovereign bonds are bonds issued by the
                      governments of foreign countries. Supranational bonds are
                      those issued by supranational entities, such as the World
                      Bank and European Investment Bank. Canadian bonds are
                      bonds issued by Canadian provinces.
    
 
   
                        ZERO-COUPON OBLIGATIONS--Non-income producing securities
                      evidencing ownership of future interest and principal
                      payments on bonds. These obligations pay no current
                      interest and are typically sold at prices greatly
                      discounted from par value. The return on a zero-coupon
                      obligation, when held to maturity, equals the difference
                      between the par value and the original purchase price.
    
 
                        For federal income tax purposes, the difference between
                      the par value and the original issue price (original issue
                      discount) is included in the income of a holder
 
                                       66
<PAGE>   241
Media Well Done
UB.3303.HM New Prospectus: 84823-A
Final 11/20/97






                               HighMark Funds Prospectus

                               INVESTMENT ADVISOR
                               Pacific Alliance Capital Management,
                               a division of Union Bank of California, N.A.
                               475 Sansome Street
                               Post Office Box 45000
                               San Francisco, CA 94104
 

                               SUB-ADVISOR
                               Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi Trust Company
                               1251 Avenue of the Americas
                               New York, NY 10116

                               SUB-ADVISOR
                               Tokyo-Mitsubishi Asset Management (U.K.) Ltd.
                               12-15 Finsbury Circus
                               London EC2M7BT

                               CUSTODIAN
                               Union Bank of California, N.A.
                               475 Sansome Street
                               Post Office Box 45000
                               San Francisco, CA 94104

                               ADMINISTRATOR & DISTRIBUTOR
                               SEI Fund Resources and
                               SEI Investments Distribution Co.
                               One Freedom Valley Drive
                               Oaks, PA 19456

                               LEGAL COUNSEL
                               Ropes & Gray
For further information call   One Franklin Square
1-800-433-6884                 1301 K Street, N.W., Suite 800 East
or visit our web site at       Washington, D.C.  20005
www.highmark-funds.com 
                               AUDITORS
                               Deloitte & Touche LLP
[HIGHMARK FUNDS logo]          50 Fremont Street
                               San Francisco, CA 94105-2230

                                                               84823-A (11/97)
       
<PAGE>   242
                             CROSS REFERENCE SHEET

                                 HIGHMARK FUNDS

                      STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FORM N-1A PART B ITEM                                      INFORMATION CAPTION
- ---------------------                                      -------------------
<S>      <C>                                               <C>
10.      Cover Page                                        Cover Page

11.      Table of Contents                                 Table of Contents

12.      General Information and History                   Additional Information--Description of Shares

13.      Investment Objectives and Policies                Investment Objectives and Policies; Additional Information on Portfolio
                                                           Instruments

14.      Management of HighMark                            Management of HighMark

15.      Control Persons and Principal
         Holders of Securities                             Additional Information-- Miscellaneous

16.      Investment Advisory and Other
         Services                                          Management of HighMark

17.      Brokerage Allocation                              Management of HighMark-- Portfolio Transactions

18.      Capital Stock and Other Securities                Valuation; Additional Purchase and Redemption
                                                           Information; Management of HighMark-- Distributor; The
                                                           Distribution Plans; Additional Information

19.      Purchase, Redemption and                          Valuation; Additional Purchase and Redemption
         Pricing of Securities Being                       Information; Management of HighMark
         Offered

20.      Tax Status                                        Additional Purchase and Redemption Information--
                                                           Additional Federal Tax Information; Additional Tax
                                                           Information Concerning the California Tax-Free
                                                           Money Market Fund and the California Intermediate
                                                           Tax-Free Bond Fund

21.      Underwriters                                      Management of HighMark -- Distributor

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

23.      Financial Statements                              Financial Statements
</TABLE>





<PAGE>   243
                                 HIGHMARK FUNDS

                      STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

   
                               NOVEMBER 28, 1997
    



   
This Statement of Additional Information is not a Prospectus, but should be
read in conjunction with the Prospectuses of the HighMark Funds and the
HighMark Money Market Funds, each of which is dated November 28, 1997,
(collectively, the "Prospectuses") and any supplements thereto. This Statement
of Additional Information is incorporated in its entirety into the
Prospectuses. Copies of the Prospectuses may be obtained by writing the
Distributor, SEI Investments Distribution Co., at 1 Freedom Valley Drive, Oaks,
Pennsylvania, 19456, or by telephoning toll free 1-800-433-6884. Capitalized
terms used but not defined herein have the same meanings as set forth in the
Prospectuses.
    





<PAGE>   244
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                 PAGE
                                                                                                                 ----
<S>                                                                                                              <C>
HIGHMARK FUNDS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON PORTFOLIO INSTRUMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
         Bank Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
         Commercial Paper and Variable Amount Master Demand Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
         Loan Participations  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
         Lending of Portfolio Securities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
         Repurchase Agreements  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
         Reverse Repurchase Agreements  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
         U.S. Government Obligations  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
         Mortgage-Related Securities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
         Adjustable Rate Notes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
         Municipal Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
         Investments in California Municipal Securities by the California Tax-Free Money Market Fund and the
                 California Intermediate  Tax-Free Bond Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  . . . .  11
         Puts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  13
         Shares of Mutual Funds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  14
         When-Issued Securities and Forward Commitments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  15
         Zero-Coupon Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  15
         High Quality Investments with Regard to the Money Market Funds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  29
         Illiquid Securities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  31

INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  32
         Voting Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  39

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  39

VALUATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  39
         Valuation of the Money Market Funds  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  40
         Valuation of the Equity Funds and the Fixed Income Funds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  40

ADDITIONAL PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  41
         Additional Federal Tax Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  41
         Additional Tax Information Concerning The California Tax-Free Money
                 Market Fund and The California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  44
         Federal Taxation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  44
         California Taxation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  46
</TABLE>





                                      -i-
<PAGE>   245
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                                <C>
         Foreign Taxes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  47

MANAGEMENT OF HIGHMARK  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  48
         Trustees and Officers  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  48
         Investment Advisor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  53
         The Sub-Advisors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  56
         Portfolio Transactions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  57
         Glass-Steagall Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  58
         Administrator and Sub-Administrator  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  60
         Shareholder Services Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  62
         Expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  63
         Distributor  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  63
         The Distribution Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  64
         Transfer Agent and Custodian Services  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  65
         Auditors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  66
         Legal Counsel  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  66

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  66
         Description of Shares  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  66
         Shareholder and Trustee Liability  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  68
         The Reorganization of the IRA Fund and HighMark  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  68
         Calculation of Performance Data  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  69
         Miscellaneous  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  75

APPENDIX  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  83

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  90
</TABLE>





                                      -ii-
<PAGE>   246
                      STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

                                 HIGHMARK FUNDS

         HighMark Funds ("HighMark") is a diversified, open-end management
investment company. HighMark presently consists of sixteen series of Shares,
representing units of beneficial interest in the HighMark Growth Fund, the
HighMark Income Equity Fund, the HighMark Balanced Fund, the HighMark Value
Momentum Fund, the HighMark Blue Chip Growth Fund, the HighMark Emerging Growth
Fund, the HighMark International Equity Fund, the HighMark Bond Fund, the
HighMark Intermediate-Term Bond Fund, the HighMark Government Securities Fund,
the HighMark Convertible Securities Fund, the HighMark California Intermediate
Tax-Free Bond Fund, the HighMark Diversified Money Market Fund, the HighMark
U.S. Government Money Market Fund, the HighMark 100% U.S. Treasury Money Market
Fund, and the HighMark California Tax-Free Money Market Fund.  The HighMark
Value Momentum Fund, the HighMark Blue Chip Growth Fund, the HighMark Emerging
Growth Fund, the HighMark International Equity Fund, the HighMark
Intermediate-Term Bond Fund, the HighMark Government Securities Fund, and the
HighMark California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund commenced operations in
HighMark on April 28, 1997, and the HighMark Convertible Securities Fund
commenced operations in HighMark on May 1, 1997.  The HighMark Balanced Fund
commenced operations on November 14, 1993 and the HighMark Growth Fund
commenced operations on November 18, 1993. The HighMark Income Equity Fund and
the HighMark Bond Fund commenced operations on June 23, 1988 as a result of the
reorganization of the Income Equity Portfolio and the Bond Portfolio,
respectively, of the IRA Collective Investment Fund (the "IRA Fund") described
under "ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - The Reorganization of the IRA Fund and
HighMark" below. The HighMark Diversified Money Market Fund, the HighMark U.S.
Government Money Market Fund and the HighMark 100% U.S. Treasury Money Market
Fund commenced operations on August 10, 1987. The HighMark California Tax-Free
Money Market Fund commenced operations on August 11, 1987.

         As described in the Prospectuses, selected Funds of HighMark have been
divided into three classes of Shares (designated Class A and Class B Shares
(collectively "Retail Shares") and Fiduciary Shares) for purposes of HighMark's
Distribution and Shareholder Services Plans (the "Distribution Plans"), which
Distribution Plans apply only to such Funds' Retail Shares. Retail Shares and
Fiduciary Shares are sometimes herein referred to collectively as "Shares".

         The Diversified Money Market Fund, the U.S. Government Money Market
Fund, the 100% U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund, and the California Tax-Free
Money Market Fund are sometimes herein referred to as the "Money Market Funds."
The Growth, Income Equity, Balanced, Value Momentum, Blue Chip Growth, Emerging
Growth, and International Equity Funds are sometimes referred to herein as the
"Equity Funds."  The Bond, Intermediate-Term Bond, Government Securities,
Convertible Securities, and California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Funds are
sometimes referred to herein as the "Fixed Income Funds."  The Income





<PAGE>   247
Equity Portfolio and the Bond Portfolio of the IRA Fund (which were reorganized
into HighMark's Funds as described above) are sometimes referred to herein as
the "IRA Fund Portfolios."

         Much of the information contained herein expands upon subjects
discussed in the Prospectuses for the respective Funds. No investment in Shares
of a Fund should be made without first reading that Fund's Prospectus.

                       INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES

         The following policies supplement the investment objectives and
policies of each Fund of HighMark as set forth in the respective Prospectus for
that Fund.


                ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON PORTFOLIO INSTRUMENTS

         1.  Bank Instruments.  Consistent with its investment objective,
policies, and restrictions, each Fund (other than the U.S.  Government Money
Market Fund, the 100% U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund, and the California
Tax-Free Money Market Fund) may invest in bankers' acceptances, certificates of
deposit, and time deposits.

         Bankers' acceptances are negotiable drafts or bills of exchange
typically drawn by an importer or exporter to pay for specific merchandise that
are "accepted" by a bank, meaning, in effect, that the bank unconditionally
agrees to pay the face value of the instrument on maturity. Investments in
bankers' acceptances will be limited to those guaranteed by domestic and foreign
banks having, at the time of investment, total assets of $1 billion or more (as
of the date of the institution's most recently published financial statements).

         Certificates of deposit and time deposits represent funds deposited in
a commercial bank or a savings and loan association for a definite period of
time and earning a specified return.

         Investments in certificates of deposit and time deposits may include
Eurodollar Certificates of Deposit, which are U.S.  dollar denominated
certificates of deposit issued by offices of foreign and domestic banks located
outside the United States, Yankee Certificates of Deposit, which are
certificates of deposit issued by a U.S. branch of a foreign bank denominated
in U.S. dollars and held in the United States, Eurodollar Time Deposits
("ETDs"), which are U.S. dollar denominated deposits in a foreign branch of a
U.S. bank or a foreign bank, and Canadian Time Deposits ("CTDs"), which are
U.S. dollar denominated certificates of deposit issued by Canadian offices of
major Canadian banks. All investments in certificates of deposit and time
deposits will be limited to those (a) of domestic and foreign banks and savings
and loan associations which, at the time of investment, have total assets of





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$1 billion or more (as of the date of the institution's most recently published
financial statements) or (b) the principal amount of which is insured by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
    

         There is no limitation on the Diversified Money Market Fund's ability
to invest in domestic certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances or other
bank instruments in connection with the Fund's fundamental investment
restriction governing concentration in the securities of one or more issuers
conducting their principal business activities in the same industry. For
purposes of this exception to the Fund's fundamental investment restriction,
domestic certificates of deposit and bankers' acceptances include those issued
by domestic branches of foreign banks to the extent permitted by the rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission staff. These rules and
regulations currently permit U.S. branches of foreign banks to be considered
domestic banks if it can be demonstrated that they are subject to the same
regulation as U.S. banks.

         2.  Commercial Paper and Variable Amount Master Demand Notes.
Consistent with its investment objective, policies, and restrictions, each Fund
(other than the U.S. Government Money Market Fund and the 100% U.S. Treasury
Money Market Fund) may invest in commercial paper (including Section 4(2)
commercial paper) and variable amount master demand notes. Commercial paper
consists of unsecured promissory notes issued by corporations normally having
maturities of 270 days or less.  These investments may include Canadian
Commercial Paper, which is U.S. dollar denominated commercial paper issued by a
Canadian corporation or a Canadian counterpart of a U.S. corporation, and
Europaper, which is U.S. dollar denominated commercial paper of a foreign
issuer.

         Variable amount master demand notes are unsecured demand notes that
permit the indebtedness thereunder to vary and provide for periodic adjustments
in the interest rate according to the terms of the instrument. Because master
demand notes are direct lending arrangements between a Fund and the issuer,
they are not normally traded. Although there is no secondary market in the
notes, a Fund may demand payment of principal and accrued interest at any time.
A variable amount master demand note will be deemed to have a maturity equal to
the longer of the period of time remaining until the next readjustment of its
interest rate or the period of time remaining until the principal amount can be
recovered from the issuer through demand.

         3.  Loan Participations.  As indicated in the Money Market Funds'
Prospectus, the Diversified Money Market Fund may invest in loan participations
pursuant to which the Fund acquires a portion of a bank or other lending
institution's interest in a secured or unsecured loan to a corporate borrower.
Although the Fund's ability to receive payments of principal and interest in
connection with a particular loan participation is primarily dependent on the
financial condition of the underlying borrower, the lending institution or bank
may provide assistance in collecting interest and principal from the borrower
and in enforcing its rights against the borrower in the event of a default.
Loans in which the Fund may purchase loan





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participations may be made to finance a variety of corporate purposes, but will
not be made to finance highly leveraged activities such as "leveraged
buy-outs." Loan participations will be subject to the Fund's non fundamental
limitation governing investments in "illiquid" securities. See "Investment
Restrictions" below.

         4.  Lending of Portfolio Securities.  In order to generate additional
income, each Fund (other than the California Tax-Free Money Market Fund) may
lend its portfolio securities to broker-dealers, banks or other institutions.
During the time portfolio securities are on loan from a Fund, the borrower will
pay the Fund any dividends or interest paid on the securities. In addition,
loans will be subject to termination by the Fund or the borrower at any time.
While the lending of securities may subject a Fund to certain risks, such as
delays or an inability to regain the securities in the event the borrower were
to default on its lending agreement or enter into bankruptcy, a Fund will
receive at least 100% collateral in the form of cash or U.S. Government
securities.  This collateral will be valued daily by the lending agent, with
oversight by Pacific Alliance Capital Management (the "Advisor"), and, should
the market value of the loaned securities increase, the borrower will be
required to furnish additional collateral to the Fund. A Fund (other than the
California Tax-Free Money Market Fund) may lend portfolio securities in an
amount representing up to 33 1/3% of the value of the Fund's total assets.

         5.  Repurchase Agreements.  Securities held by each Fund (other than
the 100% U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund) may be subject to repurchase
agreements. As a matter of non fundamental policy, the California Tax-Free
Money Market Fund intends to limit investments in repurchase agreements to no
more than 5% of the value of its total assets.

         Under the terms of a repurchase agreement, a Fund will deal with
financial institutions such as member banks of the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation having, at the time of investment, total assets of $100 million or
more and from registered broker-dealers that the Advisor deems creditworthy
under guidelines approved by HighMark's Board of Trustees. Under a repurchase
agreement, the seller agrees to repurchase the securities at a mutually
agreed-upon date and price, and the repurchase price will generally equal the
price paid by the Fund plus interest negotiated on the basis of current
short-term rates, which may be more or less than the rate on the underlying
portfolio securities. The seller under a repurchase agreement will be required
to maintain the value of collateral held pursuant to the agreement at not less
than 102% of the repurchase price (including accrued interest) and the
Custodian, with oversight by the Advisor, will monitor the collateral's value
daily and initiate calls to request that collateral be restored to appropriate
levels.  In addition, securities subject to repurchase agreements will be held
in a segregated custodial account.

         If the seller were to default on its repurchase obligation or become
insolvent, the Fund holding such obligation would suffer a loss to the extent
that either the proceeds from a sale of the underlying portfolio securities
were less than the repurchase price under the agreement or the Fund's
disposition of the underlying securities was delayed pending court action.





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Additionally, although there is no controlling legal precedent confirming that
a Fund would be entitled, as against a claim by the seller or its receiver or
trustee in bankruptcy, to retain the underlying securities, HighMark's Board of
Trustees believes that, under the regular procedures normally in effect for
custody of a Fund's securities subject to repurchase agreements and under
federal laws, a court of competent jurisdiction would rule in favor of the Fund
if presented with the question. Securities subject to repurchase agreements
will be held by HighMark's custodian or another qualified custodian or in the
Federal Reserve/Treasury book-entry system. Repurchase agreements are
considered to be loans by a Fund under the 1940 Act.

         6.  Reverse Repurchase Agreements.  Each Fund (other than the 100%
U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund) may borrow funds for temporary purposes by
entering into reverse repurchase agreements, provided such action is consistent
with the Fund's investment objective and fundamental investment restrictions;
as a matter of non fundamental policy, each Fund intends to limit total
borrowings under reverse repurchase agreements to no more than 10% of the value
of its total assets. Pursuant to a reverse repurchase agreement, a Fund will
sell portfolio securities to financial institutions such as banks or to
broker-dealers, and agree to repurchase the securities at a mutually
agreed-upon date and price. A Fund intends to enter into reverse repurchase
agreements only to avoid otherwise selling securities during unfavorable market
conditions to meet redemptions. At the time a Fund enters into a reverse
repurchase agreement, it will place in a segregated custodial account assets
such as U.S. Government securities or other liquid, high-quality debt
securities consistent with the Fund's investment objective having a value equal
to 102% of the repurchase price (including accrued interest), and will
subsequently monitor the account to ensure that an equivalent 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 at which a
Fund is obligated to repurchase the securities. Reverse repurchase agreements
are considered to be borrowings by a Fund under the 1940 Act.

         7.  U.S. Government Obligations.  With the exception of the 100% U.S.
Treasury Money Market Fund, which may invest only in direct U.S. Treasury
obligations, each Fund may, consistent with its investment objective, policies,
and restrictions, invest in obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
Government, its agencies, or instrumentalities. Obligations of certain agencies
and instrumentalities of the U.S. Government, such as those of the Government
National Mortgage Association and the Export-Import Bank of the United States,
are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury; others, such
as those of the Federal National Mortgage Association, are supported by the
right of the issuer to borrow from the Treasury; others, such as those of the
Student Loan Marketing Association, are supported by the discretionary
authority of the U.S. Government to purchase the agency's obligations; and
still others, such as those of the Federal Farm Credit Banks or the Federal
Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, are supported only by the credit of the
instrumentality. No assurance can be given that the U.S. Government would
provide financial support to U.S. Government-sponsored agencies or
instrumentalities if it is not obligated to do so by law.





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         For information concerning mortgage-related securities issued by
certain agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S.  Government, see
"Mortgage-Related Securities" below.

         8.  Mortgage-Related Securities.  As indicated in the Money Market
Funds' Prospectus, the Diversified Money Market Fund and the U.S. Government
Money Market Fund may each invest in mortgage-related securities issued by the
Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA") representing GNMA Mortgage
Pass-Through Certificates (also known as "Ginnie Maes"). The Fixed Income Funds
and the Balanced Fund may also, consistent with each such Fund's investment
objective and policies, invest in Ginnie Maes and in mortgage-related
securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies, or its
instrumentalities or, those issued by nongovernmental entities. In addition,
the Fixed Income Funds and the Balanced Fund may invest in collateralized
mortgage obligations ("CMOs") and real estate mortgage investment conduits
("REMICs").

         Mortgage-related securities represent interests in pools of mortgage
loans assembled for sale to investors.  Mortgage-related securities may be
assembled and sold by certain governmental agencies and may also be assembled
and sold by nongovernmental entities such as commercial banks, savings and loan
institutions, mortgage bankers, and private mortgage insurance companies.
Although certain mortgage-related securities are guaranteed by a third party or
otherwise similarly secured, the market value of the security, which may
fluctuate, is not so secured. If a Fund purchases a mortgage-related security
at a premium, that portion may be lost if there is a decline in the market
value of the security, whether resulting from changes in interest rates or
prepayments in the underlying mortgage collateral. As with other
interest-bearing securities, the prices of mortgage-related securities are
inversely affected by changes in interest rates. However, although the value of
a mortgage-related security may decline when interest rates rise, the converse
is not necessarily true because in periods of declining interest rates the
mortgages underlying the security are prone to prepayment. For this and other
reasons, a mortgage-related security's stated maturity may be shortened by
unscheduled prepayments on the underlying mortgages and, therefore, it is not
possible to predict accurately the security's return to the Fund. In addition,
regular payments received in respect of mortgage-related securities include
both interest and principal. No assurance can be given as to the return a Fund
will receive when these amounts are reinvested.

         There are a number of important differences both among the agencies
and instrumentalities of the U.S. Government that issue mortgage-related
securities and among the securities themselves. As noted above, Ginnie Maes are
issued by GNMA, which is a wholly-owned U.S. Government corporation within the
Department of Housing and Urban Development. Ginnie Maes are guaranteed as to
the timely payment of principal and interest by GNMA and GNMA's guarantee is
backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S.  Treasury. In addition, Ginnie
Maes are supported by the authority of GNMA to borrow funds from the U.S.
Treasury to make payments under GNMA's guarantee. Mortgage-related securities
issued by the Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA") include FNMA
Guaranteed Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates (also known as "Fannie Maes"),
which are solely the





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<PAGE>   252
obligations of the FNMA and are not backed by or entitled to the full faith and
credit of the U.S. Treasury. The FNMA is a government-sponsored organization
owned entirely by private stockholders. Fannie Maes are guaranteed as to timely
payment of principal and interest by FNMA. Mortgage-related securities issued
by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC") include FHLMC Mortgage
Participation Certificates (also known as "Freddie Macs" or "PCs"). The FHLMC
is a corporate instrumentality of the U.S. Government, created pursuant to an
Act of Congress, which is owned entirely by the Federal Home Loan Banks.
Freddie Macs are not guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury or by any Federal Home
Loan Banks and do not constitute a debt or obligation of the U.S.  Government
or of any Federal Home Loan Bank. Freddie Macs entitle the holder to timely
payment of interest, which is guaranteed by the FHLMC. The FHLMC guarantees
either ultimate collection or timely payment of all principal payments on the
underlying mortgage loans. When the FHLMC does not guarantee timely payment of
principal, FHLMC may remit the amount due on account of its guarantee of
ultimate payment of principal at any time after default on an underlying
mortgage, but in no event later than one year after it becomes payable.

         CMOs in which the Fixed Income Funds and the Balanced Fund may invest
represent securities issued by a private corporation or a U.S. Government
instrumentality that are backed by a portfolio of mortgages or mortgage-backed
securities held under an indenture.  The issuer's obligation to make interest
and principal payments is secured by the underlying portfolio of mortgages or
mortgage-backed securities. CMOs are issued with a number of classes or series
that have different maturities and that may represent interests in some or all
of the interest or principal on the underlying collateral or a combination
thereof. CMOs of different classes are generally retired in sequence as the
underlying mortgage loans in the mortgage pool are repaid. In the event of
sufficient early prepayments on such mortgages, the class or series of a CMO
first to mature generally will be retired prior to its maturity. Thus, the
early retirement of a particular class or series of a CMO held by a Fund would
have the same effect as the prepayment of mortgages underlying a
mortgage-backed pass-through security.

         REMICs in which the Fixed Income Funds and the Balanced Fund may
invest are private entities formed for the purpose of holding a fixed pool of
mortgages secured by an interest in real property.  REMICs are similar to CMOs
in that they issue multiple classes of securities.

         9.  Adjustable Rate Notes.  Consistent with its investment objective,
policies, and restrictions, each Fund (other than the 100% U.S. Treasury Money
Market Fund) may invest in "adjustable rate notes," which include variable rate
notes and floating rate notes. For Money Market Fund purposes, a variable rate
note is one whose terms provide for the readjustment of its interest rate on
set dates and that, upon such readjustment, can reasonably be expected to have
a market value that approximates its amortized cost; the degree to which a
variable rate note's market value approximates its amortized cost subsequent to
readjustment will depend on the frequency of the readjustment of the note's
interest rate and the length of





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<PAGE>   253
time that must elapse before the next readjustment. A floating rate note is one
whose terms provide for the readjustment of its interest rate whenever a
specified interest rate changes and that, at any time, can reasonably be
expected to have a market value that approximates its amortized cost. Although
there may be no active secondary market with respect to a particular variable
or floating rate note purchased by a Fund, the Fund may seek to resell the note
at any time to a third party. The absence of an active secondary market,
however, could make it difficult for the Fund to dispose of a variable or
floating rate note in the event the issuer of the note defaulted on its payment
obligations and the Fund could, as a result or for other reasons, suffer a loss
to the extent of the default. Variable or floating rate notes may be secured by
bank letters of credit. A demand instrument with a demand notice period
exceeding seven days may be considered illiquid if there is no secondary market
for such security.  Such security will be subject to a Fund's non fundamental
15% (10% in the case of the Money Market Funds) limitation governing
investments in "illiquid" securities, unless such notes are subject to a demand
feature that will permit the Fund to receive payment of the principal within
seven days of the Fund's demand. See "INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS" below.

         Maturities for variable and adjustable rate notes held in the Money
Market Funds will be calculated in compliance with the provisions of Rule 2a-7,
as it may be amended from time to time.

         As used above, a note is "subject to a demand feature" where the Fund
is entitled to receive the principal amount of the note either at any time on
not more than thirty days' notice or at specified intervals, not exceeding 397
days and upon not more than thirty days' notice.

         10.  Municipal Securities.  As defined in the Prospectuses, under
normal market conditions, at least 80% of the total assets of the California
Tax-Free Money Market Fund and 80% of the total assets of the California
Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund will be invested in Municipal Securities, the
interest on which is both excluded from gross income for federal income tax and
California personal income tax purposes and not treated as a preference item
for individuals for purposes of the federal alternative minimum tax.  The
California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund invests in Municipal Securities of
varying maturities, which are rated in one of the four highest rating
categories by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating
organization ("NRSRO") or are determined by the Advisor to be of comparable
quality.  The California Tax-Free Money Market Fund invests only in Municipal
Securities with remaining maturities of 397 days or less, and which, at the
time of purchase, possess the highest short-term rating from at least one NRSRO
or are determined by the Advisor to be of comparable quality.

         Municipal Securities include debt obligations issued by governmental
entities to obtain funds for various public purposes, such as the construction
of a wide range of public facilities, the refunding of outstanding obligations,
the payment of general operating expenses, and the extension of loans to other
public institutions and public entities. Private activity bonds that are issued
by or on behalf of public authorities to finance various privately operated
facilities are





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<PAGE>   254
included within the term Municipal Securities if the interest paid thereon is
(i) excluded from gross income for federal income tax purposes and (ii) not
treated as a preference item for individuals for purposes of the federal
alternative minimum tax.

         As described in the Prospectuses, the two principal classifications of
Municipal Securities consist of "general obligation" and "revenue" issues. In
general, only general obligation bonds are backed by the full faith and credit
and general taxing power of the issuer. There are, of course, variations in the
quality of Municipal Securities, both within a particular classification and
between classifications, and the yields on Municipal Securities depend upon a
variety of factors, including general market conditions, the financial
condition of the issuer (or other entity whose financial resources are
supporting the Municipal Securities), general conditions of the municipal bond
market, the size of a particular offering, the maturity of the obligation and
the rating(s) of the issue. In this regard, it should be emphasized that the
ratings of any NRSRO are general and are not absolute standards of quality;
Municipal Securities with the same maturity, interest rate and rating(s) may
have different yields while Municipal Securities of the same maturity and
interest rate with a different rating(s) may have the same yield.

         An issuer's obligations with respect to its Municipal Securities are
subject to the provisions of bankruptcy, insolvency, and other laws affecting
the rights and remedies of creditors, such as the Federal Bankruptcy Code, and
laws, if any, that may be enacted by Congress or state legislatures extending
the time for payment of principal or interest, or both, or imposing other
constraints upon the enforcement of such obligations or upon the ability of
municipalities to levy taxes or otherwise raise revenues. Certain of the
Municipal Securities may be revenue securities and dependent on the flow of
revenue, generally in the form of fees and charges. The power or ability of an
issuer to meet its obligations for the payment of interest on and principal of
its Municipal Securities may be materially adversely affected by litigation or
other conditions, including a decline in property value or a destruction of
uninsured property due to natural disasters.

         In addition, in accordance with its investment objective, each Fund
may invest in private activity bonds, which may constitute Municipal Securities
depending upon the federal income tax treatment of such bonds. Such bonds are
usually revenue bonds because the source of payment and security for such bonds
is the financial resources of the private entity involved; the full faith and
credit and the taxing power of the issuer in normal circumstances will not be
pledged. The payment obligations of the private entity also will be subject to
bankruptcy and similar debtor's rights, as well as other exceptions similar to
those described above.  Moreover, the Funds may invest in obligations secured
in whole or in part by a mortgage or deed of trust on real property located in
California that are subject to the "anti-deficiency" legislation discussed
below.

         The Funds may also invest indirectly in Municipal Securities by
purchasing the shares of tax-exempt money market mutual funds. Such investments
will be made solely for the





                                      -9-
<PAGE>   255
purpose of investing short-term cash on a temporary tax-exempt basis and only
in those funds with respect to which the Advisor believes with a high degree of
certainty that redemption can be effected within seven days of demand.
Additional limitations on investments by the Funds in the shares of other
tax-exempt money market mutual funds are set forth under "Investment
Restrictions" below.

         Certain Municipal Securities in the Funds may be obligations that are
payable solely from the revenues of health care institutions, although the
obligations may be secured by real or personal property of such institutions.
Certain provisions under federal and California law may adversely affect such
revenues and, consequently, payment on those Municipal Securities.

         Certain Municipal Securities in which the Funds may invest may be
obligations that are secured in whole or in part by a mortgage or deed of trust
on real property. California has certain statutory provisions that limit the
remedies of a creditor secured by a mortgage or deed of trust. Two of the
provisions limit a creditor's right to obtain a deficiency judgment, one
limitation being based on the method of foreclosure and the other on the type
of debt secured. A third statutory provision, commonly known as the "single
action" rule, has two aspects, an "affirmative defense aspect" and a "sanction
aspect." The "affirmative defense" aspect limits creditors secured by real
property to a single legal action for recovery of their debt, and that single
action must be a judicial foreclosure action against their real property
security. Under the "sanction" aspect, if the real estate-secured creditor
proceeds by legal action other than judicial foreclosure, the creditor loses
its lien on the real property security and, in some instances, the right to
recover its debt. Another statutory provision gives the debtor the right to
redeem the real property from any judicial foreclosure sale.

         Upon the default under a mortgage or deed of trust with respect to
California real property, a creditor's nonjudicial foreclosure rights under the
power of sale contained in the mortgage or deed of trust are subject to certain
procedural requirements whereby the effective minimum period for foreclosing on
a mortgage or deed of trust is generally four to five months after the initial
default and such foreclosure could be further delayed by bankruptcy proceedings
initiated by the debtor. Such time delays in collections could disrupt the flow
of revenues available to an issuer for the payment of debt service on the
outstanding obligations if such defaults occur with respect to a substantial
number of mortgages or deeds of trust securing an issuer's obligations.
Following a creditor's non-judicial foreclosure under a power of sale, no
deficiency judgment is available.  This limitation, however, does not apply to
bonds authorized or permitted to be issued by the Commissioner of Corporations,
or which are made by a public utility subject to the Public Utilities Act.

         Certain Municipal Securities in the Funds may be obligations that
finance the acquisition of mortgages for low and moderate income mortgagors.
These obligations may be payable solely from revenues derived from home
mortgages and are subject to California's statutory limitations applicable to
obligations secured by real property, as described above. Under California
anti-deficiency legislation, there is no personal recourse against a mortgagor





                                      -10-
<PAGE>   256
of a dwelling of no more than four units, at least one of which is occupied by
such a mortgagor, where the dwelling has been purchased with the loan that is
secured by the mortgage, regardless of whether the creditor chooses judicial or
nonjudicial foreclosure. In the event that this purchase money anti-deficiency
rule applies to a loan secured by a mortgage or deed of trust, and the value of
the property subject to that mortgage or deed of trust has been substantially
reduced because of market forces or by an earthquake or other event for which
the mortgagor or trustor carried no insurance, upon default, the issuer holding
that loan nevertheless would be entitled to collect no more on its loan than it
could obtain from the foreclosure sale of the property.

         Legislation has been introduced from time to time regarding the
California state personal income tax status of interest paid on Municipal
Securities issued by the State of California and its local governments and held
by investment companies such as the California Tax-Free Money Market Fund and
the California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund.  The Funds can not predict what
legislation relating to Municipal Securities, if any, may be proposed in the
future or which proposals, if any, might be enacted.  Such proposals, while
pending or if enacted, might materially adversely affect the availability of
Municipal Securities generally, as well as the availability of Municipal
Securities issued by the State of California and its local governments
specifically, for investment by the Funds and the liquidity and value of their
portfolios. In such an event, each Fund would re-evaluate its investment
objective and policies and consider changes in its structure or possible
dissolution. See "Investments in California Municipal Securities by the
California Tax-Free Money Market Fund and the California Intermediate Tax-Free
Bond Fund" below.

         11.  Investments in California Municipal Securities by the California
Tax-Free Money Market Fund and the California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund.
The following information is a general summary intended to give a recent
historical description, and is not a discussion of any specific factors that
may affect any particular issuer of California Municipal Securities. The
information is not intended to indicate continuing or future trends in the
condition, financial or otherwise, of California.

         Because each Fund expects to invest substantially all of its assets in
California Municipal Securities, it will be susceptible to a number of complex
factors affecting the issuers of California Municipal Securities, including
national and local political, economic, social, environmental, and regulatory
policies and conditions. The Funds cannot predict whether or to what extent
such factors or other factors may affect the issuers of California Municipal
Securities, the market value or marketability of such securities or the ability
of the respective issuers of such securities to pay interest on, or principal
of, such securities.  The creditworthiness of obligations issued by a local
California issuer may be unrelated to the creditworthiness of obligations
issued by the State of California, and there is no responsibility on the part
of the State of California to make payments on such local obligations.





                                      -11-
<PAGE>   257
   
         From mid-1990 to late 1993, California suffered the most severe
recession in the State since the 1930's, with significant job losses
(particularly in the aerospace, other manufacturing, services and construction
sectors). The greatest effects of the recession were felt in Southern
California. While a steady recovery has been underway since 1994, as of the date
of this Statement of Additional Information, rating agencies, underwriters and
investors appear to have lingering concerns about California's creditworthiness.
Major credit rating agencies have cited, among other things, concerns about
California's ability to withstand another economic downturn, fiscal problems at
the county level, and concern about California's ability to pass a true balanced
budget in light of federal funding cuts, political influences and structural
impediments under the California constitution (such as strict property tax
limits and mandated school funding levels).
    

   
         The recession severely affected State revenues while the State's
health, welfare and education costs were increasing.  As a result, throughout
the first half of the decade, California had a period of budget imbalance and
multibillion dollar year-end deficits. However, in recent years, California
appears to have ended its fiscal years with a surplus in the general fund. The
State's ability to raise revenues and reduce expenditures to the extent
necessary to balance the budget for any year depends upon numerous factors,
including economic conditions in the State and the nation, the accuracy of the
State's revenue predictions, as well as the impact of budgetary restrictions
imposed by voter-passed initiatives.
    

   
         During the recession that began in 1990, the State depleted its
available cash resources and became increasingly dependent on external
borrowings to meet its cash needs.  For well over a decade, California has
issued revenue anticipation notes (which must be issued and repaid during the
same fiscal year) to fund its operating budget during the fiscal year.
Beginning in 1992, the State expanded its external borrowing to include revenue
anticipation warrants (which can be issued and redeemed in different fiscal
years).  The State was severely criticized by the major credit rating agencies
for the State's reliance upon such external borrowings during the recession.  In
1996, the State fully repaid $4 billion of revenue anticipation warrants issued
in 1994.  The State did not need to use such "cross-year" borrowing during the
1996-97 fiscal year and does not anticipate that it will need to use such
borrowing during the 1997-98 fiscal year.  It is not presently possible,
however, to determine the extent to which California will issue additional
revenue anticipation warrants, short-term interest-bearing notes or other
instruments in future fiscal years.
    

         Certain of the securities in the California Tax-Free Money Market Fund
and the California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund may be obligations of
issuers that rely in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, on ad valorem
real property taxes as a source of revenue. Article XIII A of the California
Constitution, adopted by the voters in 1978, limits ad valorem taxes on real
property, and restricts the ability of taxing entities to increase real
property and other taxes. Constitutional challenges to Article XIII A to date
have been unsuccessful.

   
         Article XIII B of the California Constitution, originally adopted in
1979, limits significantly spending by state government and by "local
governments".  Article XIII B generally limits the amount of the appropriations
of the State and of local governments to the amount of appropriations of the
entity for the prior year, adjusted for changes in the cost of living,
population, and the services that the government entity is financially
responsible for providing. To the extent that the "proceeds of taxes" of the
State or a local government exceed its "appropriations limit," the excess
revenues must be rebated. One of the exclusions from these limitations for any
entity of government is the debt service costs of bonds existing or legally
authorized as of January 1, 1979 or on bonded indebtedness thereafter approved
by the voters. Although Article XIII B states that it shall not "be construed to
impair the ability of the state or of any local government to meet its
obligations with respect to existing or future bonded indebtedness,"
    





                                      -12-
<PAGE>   258
concern has been expressed with respect to the combined effect of such
constitutionally imposed spending limits on the ability of California state and
local governments to utilize bond financing.

         Article XIII B was modified substantially by Propositions 98 and 111
of 1988 and 1990, respectively. These initiatives changed the State's Article
XIII B appropriations limit to require that the State set aside a prudent
reserve fund for public education, and guarantee a minimum level of State
funding for public elementary and secondary schools as well as community
colleges.  Such guaranteed spending is often cited as one of the causes of the
State's recurring budget problems.

         The effect of Article XIII A, Article XIII B and other constitutional
and statutory changes and of budget developments on the ability of California
issuers to pay interest and principal on their obligations remains unclear, and
may depend on whether a particular bond is a general obligation or limited
obligation bond (limited obligation bonds being generally less affected).

   
         There is no assurance that any California issuer will make full or
timely payments of principal or interest or remain solvent. For example, in
December 1994, Orange County filed for bankruptcy.  In June 1995, Orange County
negotiated a rollover of its short-term debt originally due at that time; the
major rating agencies considered the rollover a default.  In June 1996, the
investors in such overdue notes were paid and the Orange County bankruptcy
ended. However, the Orange County bankruptcy and such default have had a serious
effect upon the market for California municipal obligations.
    

   
         Numerous factors may adversely affect the State and municipal
economies. For example, limits on federal funding (such as those contemplated by
welfare reform enacted in 1996) could result in the loss of billions of dollars
in federal assistance otherwise available to the State.
    

   
         In addition, it is impossible to predict the time, magnitude, or
location of a natural catastrophe, such as a major earthquake, or its effect on
the California economy. In January 1994, a major earthquake struck the Los
Angeles area, causing significant damage in a four-county area. The possibility
exists that another natural disaster such as an earthquake could create a major
dislocation of the California economy.
    

         The Funds' concentration in California Municipal Securities provides a
greater level of risk than funds that are diversified across numerous states
and municipal entities.

         12.  Puts.  The California Tax-Free Money Market Fund and the
California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund may acquire "puts" with respect to
the Municipal Securities held in their respective portfolios. A put is a right
to sell a specified security (or securities) within a specified period of time
at a specified exercise price. These Funds may sell, transfer,





                                      -13-
<PAGE>   259
or assign a put only in conjunction with the sale, transfer, or assignment of
the underlying security or securities.

         The amount payable to a Fund upon its exercise of a "put" is normally
(i) the Fund's acquisition cost of the securities (excluding any accrued
interest that the Fund paid on the acquisition), less any amortized market
premium or plus any amortized market or original issue discount during the
period the Fund owned the securities, plus (ii) all interest accrued on the
securities since the last interest payment date during that period.

         Puts may be acquired by a Fund to facilitate the liquidity of the
Fund's portfolio assets. Puts may also be used to facilitate the reinvestment
of a Fund's assets at a rate of return more favorable than that of the
underlying security. Under certain circumstances, puts may be used to shorten
the maturity of underlying adjustable rate notes for purposes of calculating
the remaining maturity of those securities and the dollar-weighted average
portfolio maturity of the California Tax-Free Money Market Fund's assets
pursuant to Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act.

         The California Tax-Free Money Market Fund and the California
Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund will generally acquire puts only where the puts
are available without the payment of any direct or indirect consideration.
However, if necessary or advisable, a Fund may pay for puts either separately
in cash or by paying a higher price for portfolio securities that are acquired
subject to the puts (thus reducing the yield to maturity otherwise available
for the same securities).

         13.  Shares of Mutual Funds.  Each of the California Tax-Free Money
Market Fund, the Fixed Income Funds and the Equity Funds may invest up to 5% of
its total assets in the shares of any one investment company, but may not own
more than 3% of the securities of any one registered investment company or
invest more than 10% of its assets in the securities of other investment
companies.  In accordance with an exemptive order issued to HighMark by the
Securities and Exchange Commission, such other registered investment companies
securities may include shares of a money market fund of HighMark, and may
include registered investment companies for which the Advisor or Sub-Advisor to
a Fund of HighMark, or an affiliate of such Advisor or Sub-Advisor, serves as
investment advisor, administrator or distributor or provides other services.
Because other investment companies employ an investment advisor, such
investment by a Fund may cause Shareholders to bear duplicative fees.  The
Advisor will waive its advisory fees attributable to the assets of the
investing Fund invested in a money market fund of HighMark, and, to the extent
required by applicable law, the Advisor will waive its fees attributable to the
assets of the Fund invested in any investment company.  Additional restrictions
on the Fund's investments in the securities of a money market mutual fund are
set forth under "Investment Restrictions" below.

         Investments by the California Tax-Free Money Market Fund in the shares
of other tax-exempt money market mutual funds are described under "Municipal
Securities" above.





                                      -14-
<PAGE>   260
         14.  When-Issued Securities and Forward Commitments.  Each Fund may
enter into forward commitments or purchase securities on a "when-issued" basis,
which means that the securities will be purchased for delivery beyond the
normal settlement date at a stated price and yield and thereby involve the risk
that the yield obtained in the transaction will be less than that available in
the market when delivery takes place. A Fund will generally not pay for such
securities and no interest accrues on the securities until they are received by
the Fund. These securities are recorded as an asset and are subject to changes
in value based upon changes in the general level of interest rates.  Therefore,
the purchase of securities on a "when-issued" basis may increase the risk of
fluctuations in a Fund's net asset value.

   
         When a Fund agrees to purchase securities on a "when-issued" basis or
enter into forward commitments, HighMark's custodian will be instructed to set
aside cash or liquid portfolio securities equal to the amount of the commitment
in a separate account.  The Fund may be required subsequently to place
additional assets in the separate account in order to assure that the value of
the account remains equal to the amount of the Fund's commitment.
    

         The Funds expect that commitments to enter into forward commitments or
purchase "when-issued" securities will not exceed 25% of the value of their
respective total assets under normal market conditions; in the event any Fund
exceeded this 25% threshold, the Fund's liquidity and the Advisor's ability to
manage it might be adversely affected. In addition, the Funds do not intend to
purchase "when-issued" securities or enter into forward commitments  for
speculative or leveraging purposes but only in furtherance of such Fund's
investment objective.

         15.  Zero-Coupon Securities.  Consistent with its objectives, a Fund
may invest in zero-coupon securities, which are debt securities that do not pay
interest, but instead are issued at a deep discount from par. The value of the
security increases over time to reflect the interest accreted. The value of
these securities may fluctuate more than similar securities that are issued at
par and pay interest periodically. Although these securities pay no interest to
holders prior to maturity, interest on these securities is reported as income
to the Fund and distributed to its shareholders. 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.

         16.  Options (Puts and Calls) on Securities.  Each Equity Fund may buy
and sell options (puts and calls), and write call options on a covered basis.

         17.  Covered Call Writing.  Each Equity Fund may write covered call
options from time to time on such portion of its assets, without limit, as the
Advisor determines is appropriate in seeking to obtain its investment
objective.  A Fund will not engage in option





                                      -15-
<PAGE>   261
writing strategies for speculative purposes.  A call option gives the purchaser
of such option the right to buy, and the writer, in this case the Fund, has the
obligation to sell the underlying security at the exercise price during the
option period.  The advantage to the Fund of writing covered calls is that the
Fund receives a premium which is additional income.  However, if the value of
the security rises, the Fund may not fully participate in the market
appreciation.

         During the option period, a covered call option writer may be assigned
an exercise notice by the broker/dealer through whom such call option was sold,
which requires the writer to deliver the underlying security against payment of
the exercise price.  This obligation is terminated upon the expiration of the
option period or at such earlier time in which the writer effects a closing
purchase transaction.  A closing purchase transaction is one in which a Fund,
when obligated as a writer of an option, terminates its obligation by
purchasing an option of the same series as the option previously written.  A
closing purchase transaction cannot be effected with respect to an option once
the option writer has received an exercise notice for such option.

         Closing purchase transactions will ordinarily be effected to realize a
profit on an outstanding call option, to prevent an underlying security from
being called, to permit the sale of the underlying security, or to enable the
Fund to write another call option on the underlying security with either a
different exercise price or expiration date or both.  The Fund may realize a
net gain or loss from a closing purchase transaction, depending upon whether
the net amount of the original premium received on the call option is more or
less than the cost of effecting the closing purchase transaction.  Any loss
incurred in a closing purchase transaction may be partially or entirely offset
by the premium received from a sale of a different call option on the same
underlying security.  Such a loss may also be wholly or partially offset by
unrealized appreciation in the market value of the underlying security.
Conversely, a gain resulting from a closing purchase transaction could be
offset in whole or in part by a decline in the market value of the underlying
security.

         If a call option expires unexercised, the Fund will realize a short
term capital gain in the amount of the premium on the option, less the
commission paid.  Such a gain, however, may be offset by depreciation in the
market value of the underlying security during the option period.  If a call
option is exercised, the Fund will realize a gain or loss from the sale of the
underlying security equal to the difference between the cost of the underlying
security, and the proceeds of the sale of the security plus the amount of the
premium on the option, less the commission paid.

         The market value of a call option generally reflects the market price
of an underlying security.  Other principal factors affecting market value
include supply and demand, interest rates, the price volatility of the
underlying security and the time remaining until the expiration date.





                                      -16-
<PAGE>   262
         The Fund will write call options only on a covered basis, which means
that the Fund will own the underlying security subject to a call option at all
times during the option period or will own the right to acquire the underlying
security at a price equal to or below the option's strike price.  Unless a
closing purchase transaction is effected the Fund would be required to continue
to hold a security which it might otherwise wish to sell, or deliver a security
it would want to hold.  Options written by the Fund will normally have
expiration dates between one and nine months from the date written.  The
exercise price of a call option may be below, equal to or above the current
market value of the underlying security at the time the option is written.

         18.  Purchasing Call Options.  The Equity Funds may purchase call
options to hedge against an increase in the price of securities that the Fund
wants ultimately to buy.  Such hedge protection is provided during the life of
the call option since the Fund, as holder of the call option, is able to buy
the underlying security at the exercise price regardless of any increase in the
underlying security's market price.  In order for a call option to be
profitable, the market price of the underlying security must rise sufficiently
above the exercise price to cover the premium and transaction costs.  These
costs will reduce any profit the Fund might have realized had it bought the
underlying security at the time it purchased the call option.  The Funds may
sell, exercise or close out positions as the Advisor deems appropriate.

         19.  Purchasing Put Options.  Each Equity Fund may purchase put
options to protect its portfolio holdings in an underlying security against a
decline in market value.  Such hedge protection is provided during the life of
the put option since the Fund, as holder of the put option, is able to sell the
underlying security at the put exercise price regardless of any decline in the
underlying security's market price.  For a put option to be profitable, the
market price of the underlying security must decline sufficiently below the
exercise price to cover the premium and transaction costs.  By using put
options in this manner, a Fund will reduce any profit it might otherwise have
realized from appreciation of the underlying security by the premium paid for
the put option and by transaction costs.

         20.  Options in Stock Indices.  The Equity Funds may engage in options
on stock indices. A stock index assigns relative values to the common stock
included in the index with the index fluctuating with changes in the market
values of the underlying common stock.

         Options on stock indices are similar to options on stocks but have
different delivery requirements.  Stock options provide the right to take or
make delivery of the underlying stock at a specified price.  A stock index
option gives the holder the right to receive a cash "exercise settlement
amount" equal to (i) the amount by which the fixed exercise price of the option
exceeds (in the case of a put) or is less than (in the case of a call) the
closing value of the underlying index on the date of exercise, multiplied by
(ii) a fixed "index multiplier."  Receipt of this cash amount will depend upon
the closing level of the stock index upon which the option is based being
greater than (in the case of a call) or less than (in the case of a put) the
exercise price of the option.  The amount of cash received will be equal to
such difference





                                      -17-
<PAGE>   263
between the closing price of the index and exercise price of the option
expressed in dollars times a specified multiple.  The writer of the option is
obligated, in return of the premium received, to make delivery of this amount.
Gain or loss to a Fund on transactions in stock index options will depend on
price movements in the stock market generally (or in a particular industry or
segment of the market) rather than price movements of individual securities.

         As with stock options, a Fund may offset its position in stock index
options prior to expiration by entering into a closing transaction on an
exchange or it may let the option expire unexercised.

         A stock index fluctuates with changes in the market values of the
stock so included.  Some stock index options are based on a broad market index,
such as the Standard & Poor's 500 or the New York Stock Exchange Composite
Index, or a narrower market index such as the Standard & Poor's 100.  Indices
are also based on an industry or market segment such as the AMEX Oil and Gas
Index or the Computer and Business Equipment Index.  Options on stock indices
are currently traded on the following exchanges among others: The Chicago Board
Options Exchange, New York Stock Exchange, American Stock Exchange and London
Stock Exchange.

         A Fund's ability to hedge effectively all or a portion of its
securities through transactions in options on stock indices depends on the
degree to which price movements in the underlying index correlate with price
movements in the Fund's portfolio securities.  Since a Fund's portfolio will
not duplicate the components of an index, the correlation will not be exact.
Consequently, a Fund bears the risk that the prices of the securities being
hedged will not move in the same amount as the hedging instrument.  It is also
possible that there may be a negative correlation between the index or other
securities underlying the hedging instrument and the hedged securities which
would result in a loss on both such securities and the hedging instrument.

         A Fund will enter into an option position only if there appears to be
a liquid secondary market for such options.

         A Fund will not engage in transactions in options on stock indices for
speculative purposes but only to protect appreciation attained, to offset
capital losses and to take advantage of the liquidity available in the option
markets.  The aggregate premium paid on all options on stock indices will not
exceed 20% of a Fund's total assets.

         21.  Risk Factors in Options Transactions.  The successful use of
options strategies depends on the ability of the Advisor or, where applicable,
the Sub-Advisor to forecast interest rate and market movements correctly.

         When it purchases an option, a Fund runs the risk that it will lose
its entire investment in the option in a relatively short period of time,
unless the Fund exercises the option or enters





                                      -18-
<PAGE>   264
into a closing sale transaction with respect to the option during the life of
the option.  If the price of the underlying security does not rise (in the case
of a call) or fall (in the case of a put) to an extent sufficient to cover the
option premium and transaction costs, a Fund will lose part or all of its
investment in the option.  This contrasts with an investment by a Fund in the
underlying securities, since the Fund may continue to hold its investment in
those securities notwithstanding the lack of a change in price of those
securities.

         The effective use of options also depends on a Fund's ability to
terminate option positions at times when the Advisor or, where applicable, the
Sub-Advisor deems it desirable to do so.  Although a Fund will take an option
position only if its Advisor or, where applicable, the Sub-Advisor believes
there is liquid secondary market for the option, there is no assurance that a
Fund will be able to effect closing transactions at any particular time or at
an acceptable price.

         If a secondary trading market in options were to become unavailable, a
Fund could no longer engage in closing transactions.  Lack of investor interest
might adversely affect the liquidity of the market for particular options or
series of options.  A marketplace may discontinue trading of a particular
option or options generally.  In addition, a market could become temporarily
unavailable if unusual events such as volume in excess of trading or clearing
capability, were to interrupt normal market operations.  A marketplace may at
times find it necessary to impose restrictions on particular types of options
transactions, which may limit a Fund's ability to realize its profits or limit
its losses.

         Disruptions in the markets for securities underlying options purchased
or sold by a Fund could result in losses on the options.  If trading is
interrupted in an underlying security, the trading of options on that security
is normally halted as well.  As a result, a Fund as purchaser or writer of an
option will be unable to close out its positions until options trading resumes,
and it may be faced with losses if trading in the security reopens at a
substantially different price.  In addition, the Options Clearing Corporation
(OCC) or other options markets, such as the London Options Clearing House, may
impose exercise restrictions.  If a prohibition on exercise is imposed at the
time when trading in the option has also been halted, a Fund as purchaser or
writer of an option will be locked into its position until one of the two
restrictions has been lifted.  If a prohibition on exercise remains in effect
until an option owned by a Fund has expired, the Fund could lose the entire
value of its option.

         22.  Futures Contracts on Securities and Related Options.  A Fund may
invest in futures and related options based on any type of security or index
traded on U.S. or foreign exchanges, or over the counter as long as the
underlying security or the securities represented by the future or index are
permitted investments of the Fund.  Futures and options can be combined with
each other in order to adjust the risk and return parameters of a Fund.

         23.  Futures Contracts on Securities.  A Fund will enter into futures
contracts on securities only when, in compliance with the SEC's requirements,
cash or equivalents equal in





                                      -19-
<PAGE>   265
value to the securities' value (less any applicable margin deposits) have been
deposited in a segregated account of the Fund's custodian.

         A futures contract sale creates an obligation by the seller to deliver
the type of instrument called for in the contract in a specified delivery month
for a stated price.  A futures contract purchase creates an obligation by the
purchaser to take delivery of the type of instrument called for in the contract
in a specified delivery month at a stated price.  The specific instruments
delivered or taken at settlement date are not determined until on or near that
date.  The determination is made in accordance with the rules of the exchanges
on which the futures contract was made.  Futures contracts are traded in the
United States only on the commodity exchange or boards of trade, known as
"contract markets," approved for such trading by the Commodity Futures Trading
Commission (CFTC), and must be executed through a futures commission merchant
or brokerage firm which is a member of the relevant contract market.

         Although futures contracts by their terms call for actual delivery or
acceptance of securities, the contracts usually are closed out before the
settlement date without the making or taking of delivery.  Closing out a
futures contract sale is effected by purchasing a futures contract for the same
aggregate amount of the specific type of financial instrument with the same
delivery date.  If the price of the initial sale of the futures contract
exceeds the price of the offsetting purchase, the seller is paid the difference
and realizes a gain.  Similarly, the closing out of a futures contract purchase
is effected by the purchaser's entering into a futures contract sale.  If the
offsetting sale price exceeds the purchase price, the purchaser realizes a
gain, and if the purchase price exceeds the offsetting sale price, the
purchaser realizes a loss.

         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, although
the Fund is required to deposit with its custodian in a segregated account in
the name of the futures broker an amount of cash and/or U.S. Government
securities.  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 Fund to finance the transactions.  Rather, initial margin is in
the nature of a performance bond or good faith deposit on the contract that is
returned to the Fund upon termination of the futures contract, assuming all
contractual obligations have been satisfied.  Futures contracts also involve
brokerage costs.

         Subsequent payments, called "variation margin," to and from the broker
(or the custodian) are made on a daily basis as the price of the underlying
security fluctuates, making the long and short positions in the futures
contract more or less valuable, a process known as "marking to market."

         A Fund may elect to close some or all of its futures positions at any
time prior to their expiration.  The purpose of making such a move would be to
reduce or eliminate the hedge





                                      -20-
<PAGE>   266
position then currently held by the Fund.  A Fund may close its positions by
taking opposite positions which will operate to terminate the Fund's position
in the futures contracts.  Final determinations of variation margin are then
made, additional cash is required to be paid by or released to the Fund, and
the Fund realizes a loss or a gain.  Such closing transactions involve
additional commission costs.

         24.  Options on Securities' Futures Contracts.  A Fund will enter into
written options on securities' futures contracts only when in compliance with
the SEC's requirements, cash or equivalents equal in value to the securities'
value (less any applicable margin deposits) have been deposited in a segregated
account of the Fund's custodian.  A Fund may purchase and write call and put
options on the futures contracts it may buy or sell and enter into closing
transactions with respect to such options to terminate existing positions.  A
Fund may use such options on futures contracts in lieu of writing options
directly on the underlying securities or purchasing and selling the underlying
futures contracts.  Such options generally operate in the same manner as
options purchased or written directly on the underlying investments.

         As with options on securities, the holder or writer of an option may
terminate his or her position by selling or purchasing an offsetting option.
There is no guarantee that such closing transactions can be effected.

         A Fund will be required to deposit initial margin and maintenance
margin with respect to put and call options on futures contracts written by it
pursuant to brokers' requirements similar to those described above.

         Aggregate initial margin deposits for futures contracts (including
futures contracts on securities, indices and currency) and premiums paid for
related options may not exceed 5% of a Fund's total assets.

         25.  Risk of Transactions in Securities' Futures Contracts and Related
Options.  Successful use of securities' futures contracts by a Fund is subject
to the ability of the Advisor or, where applicable, the Sub-Advisor to predict
correctly movements in the direction of interest rates and other factors
affecting securities markets.

         Compared to the purchase or sale of futures contracts, the purchase of
call or put options on futures contracts involves less risk to a Fund because
the maximum amount at risk is the premium paid for the options (plus
transaction costs).  However, there may be circumstances when the purchase of a
call or put option on a futures contract would result in a loss to a Fund when
the purchase or sale of a futures contract would not, such as when there is no
movement in the price of the hedged investments.  The writing of an option on a
futures contract involves risks similar to those risks relating to the sale of
futures contracts.

         There is no assurance that higher than anticipated trading activity or
other unforeseen events will not, at times, render certain market clearing
facilities inadequate, and thereby





                                      -21-
<PAGE>   267
result in the institution by exchanges of special procedures which may
interfere with the timely execution of customer orders.

         To reduce or eliminate a hedge position held by a Fund, the Fund may
seek to close out a position.  The ability to establish and close out positions
will be subject to the development and maintenance of a liquid secondary
market.  It is not certain that this market will develop or continue to exist
for a particular futures contract.  Reasons for the absence of a liquid
secondary market on an exchange include the following:  (i) there may be
insufficient trading interest in certain contracts or options; (ii)
restrictions may be imposed by an exchange on opening transactions or closing
transactions or both; (iii) trading halts, suspensions or other restrictions
may be imposed with respect to particular classes or series of contracts or
options, or underlying securities; (iv) unusual or unforeseen circumstances may
interrupt normal operations on an exchange; (v) the facilities of an exchange
or a clearing corporation may not at all times be adequate to handle current
trading volume; or (vi) one or more exchanges could, for economic or other
reasons, decide or be compelled at some future date to discontinue the trading
of contracts or options (or a particular class or series of contracts or
options), in which event the secondary market on that exchange (or in the class
or series of contracts or options) would cease to exist, although outstanding
contracts or options on the exchange that had been issued by a clearing
corporation as a result of trades on that exchange would continue to be
exercisable in accordance with their terms.

         26.  Index Futures Contracts.  A Fund may enter into stock index
futures contracts, debt index futures contracts, or other index futures
contracts appropriate to its objective, and may purchase and sell options on
such index futures contracts.  A Fund will not enter into any index futures
contract for the purpose of speculation, and will only enter into contracts
traded on securities exchanges with standardized maturity dates.

         An index futures contract is a bilateral agreement pursuant to which
two parties agree to take or make delivery of an amount of cash equal to a
specified dollar amount times the difference between the index value at the
close of trading of the contracts and the price at which the futures contract
is originally struck.  No physical delivery of the securities comprising the
index is made; generally contracts are closed out prior to the expiration date
of the contract.  No price is paid upon entering into index futures contracts.
When a Fund purchases or sells an index futures contract, it is required to
make an initial margin deposit in the name of the futures broker and to make
variation margin deposits as the value of the contract fluctuates, similar to
the deposits made with respect to futures contracts on securities.  Positions
in index futures contracts may be closed only on an exchange or board of trade
providing a secondary market for such index futures contracts.  The value of
the contract usually will vary in direct proportion to the total face value.

         A Fund's ability to effectively utilize index futures contracts
depends on several factors.  First, it is possible that there will not be a
perfect price correlation between the index futures contracts and their
underlying index.  Second, it is possible that a lack of liquidity for





                                      -22-
<PAGE>   268
index futures contracts could exist in the secondary market, resulting in the
Fund's inability to close a futures position prior to its maturity date.
Third, the purchase of an index futures contract involves the risk that the
Fund could lose more than the original margin deposit required to initiate a
futures transaction.  In order to avoid leveraging and related risks, when a
Fund purchases an index futures contract, it will collateralize its position by
depositing an amount of cash or cash equivalents, equal to the market value of
the index futures positions held, less margin deposits, in a segregated account
with the Fund's custodian.  Collateral equal to the current market value of the
index futures position will be maintained only a daily basis.

         The extent to which a Fund may enter into transactions involving index
futures contracts may be limited by the Internal Revenue Code's requirements
for qualification as a regulated investment company and the Funds' intention to
qualify as such.

         27.  Options on Index Futures Contracts.  Options on index futures
contracts are similar to options on securities except that options on index
futures contracts gives the purchaser the right, in return for the premium
paid, to assume a position in an index futures contract (a long position if the
option is a call and a short position if the option is a put), at a specified
exercise price at any time during the period of the option.  Upon exercise of
the option, the delivery of the futures position by the writer of the option to
the holder of the option will be accompanied by delivery of the accumulated
balance in the writer's futures margin account which represents the amount by
which the market price of the index futures contract, at exercise, exceeds (in
the case of a call) or is less than (in the case of a put) the exercise price
of the option on the index futures contract.  If an option is exercised on the
last trading day prior to the expiration date of the option, the settlement
will be made entirely in cash equal to the difference between the exercise
price of the option and the closing level of the index on which the future is
based on the expiration date.  Purchasers of options who fail to exercise their
options prior to the exercise date suffer a loss of the premium paid.

         28.  U.S. Dollar Denominated Obligations of Securities of Foreign
Issuers.  Certain of the Funds may invest in U.S. dollar denominated
obligations of securities of foreign issuers.  Permissible investments may
consist of obligations of foreign branches of U.S. banks and foreign or
domestic branches of foreign banks, including European Certificates of Deposit,
European Time Deposits, Canadian Time Deposits and Yankee Certificates of
Deposits, and investments in Canadian Commercial Paper, foreign securities and
Europaper.  In addition, the Equity Funds, the Government Securities Fund and
Convertible Securities Fund may invest in American Depositary Receipts.  These
instruments may subject the Fund to investment risks that differ in some
respects from those related to investments in obligations of U.S. domestic
issuers.  Such risks include future adverse political and economic
developments, the possible imposition of withholding taxes on interest or other
income, possible seizure, nationalization, or expropriation of foreign
deposits, the possible establishment of exchange controls or taxation at the
source, greater fluctuations in value due to changes in exchange rates, or the
adoption of other foreign governmental restrictions which might adversely
affect the payment of principal and interest on such obligations.  Such
investments may also entail higher





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custodial fees and sales commissions than domestic investments.  Foreign
issuers of securities or obligations are often subject to accounting treatment
and engage in business practices different from those respecting domestic
issuers of similar securities or obligations.  Foreign branches of U.S. banks
and foreign banks may be subject to less stringent reserve requirements than
those applicable to domestic branches of U.S. banks.

         29.  Foreign Currency Transactions.  Under normal market conditions,
the International Equity Fund may engage in foreign currency exchange
transactions to project against uncertainty in the level of future exchange
rates.  The International Equity Fund expects to engage in foreign currency
exchange transactions in connection with the purchase and sale of portfolio
securities ("transaction hedging"), and to protect the value of specific
portfolio positions ("position hedging").  The Fund may purchase or sell a
foreign currency on a spot (or cash) basis at the prevailing spot rate in
connection with the settlement of transactions in portfolio securities
denominated in that foreign currency, and may also enter into contracts to
purchase or sell foreign currencies at a future date ("forward contracts") and
purchase or sell foreign currency futures contracts ("futures contracts").  The
Fund may also purchase domestic and foreign exchange-listed and
over-the-counter call and put options on foreign currencies and futures
contracts.  Hedging transactions involve costs and may result in losses, and
the Fund's ability to engage in hedging and related options transactions may be
limited by tax considerations.

         30.  Transaction Hedging.  When it engages in transaction hedging, the
International Equity Fund enters into foreign currency transactions with
respect to specific receivables or payables of the International Equity Fund
generally arising in connection with the purchase or sale of its portfolio
securities.  The International Equity Fund will engage in transaction hedging
when it desires to "lock in" the U.S. dollar price of a security it has agreed
to purchase or sell, or the U.S. dollar equivalent of a dividend or interest
payment in a foreign currency.  By transaction hedging, 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 security is purchased or sold,
or on which the dividend or interest payment is declared, and the date on which
such payments are made or received.

         Although there is no current intention to do so, the International
Equity Fund reserves the right to purchase and sell foreign currency futures
contracts which are traded in the United States and are subject to regulation
by the CFTC.

         For transaction hedging purposes the International Equity Fund may
also purchase exchange-listed call and put options on foreign currency futures
contracts and on foreign currencies.  A put option on a futures contract gives
the International Equity Fund the right to assume a short position in the
futures contract until expiration of the option.  A put option on currency
gives the International Equity Fund the right to sell a currency at an exercise
price until the expiration of the option.  A call option on a futures contract
gives the Fund the right





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to assume a long position in the futures contract until the expiration of the
option.  A call option on currency gives the Fund the right to purchase a
currency at the exercise price until the expiration of the option.

         31.  Position Hedging.  When it engages in position hedging, the
International Equity Fund enters into foreign currency exchange transactions to
protect against a decline in the values of the foreign currencies in which its
portfolio securities are denominated (or an increase in the value of currency
for securities which the Sub-Advisor expects to purchase, when the Fund holds
cash or short-term investments).  In connection with the position hedging, the
Fund may purchase or sell foreign currency forward contracts or foreign
currency on a spot basis.

         The precise matching of the amounts of foreign currency exchange
transactions and the value of the portfolio securities involved will not
generally be possible since the value of such securities in foreign currencies
will change as a consequence of market movements in the value of those
securities between the dates the currency exchange transactions are entered
into and the dates they mature.

         It is impossible to forecast with precision the market value of
portfolio securities at the expiration or maturity of a forward contract or
futures contract.  Accordingly, it may be necessary for the International
Equity Fund to purchase additional foreign currency on the spot market (and
bear the expense of such purchase) if the market value of the security or
securities being hedged is less than the amount of foreign currency the Fund is
obligated to deliver and if a decision is made to sell the security or
securities and make delivery of the foreign currency.  Conversely, it may be
necessary to sell on the spot market some of the foreign currency received upon
the sale of the portfolio security or securities if the market value of such
security or securities exceeds the amount of foreign currency the International
Equity Fund is obligated to deliver.

         Transaction and position hedging do not eliminate fluctuations in the
underlying prices of the securities which the International Equity Fund owns or
expects to purchase or sell.  They simply establish a rate of exchange which
one can achieve at some future point in time.  Additionally, although these
techniques tend to minimize the risk of loss due to a decline in the value of
the hedged currency, they tend to limit any potential gain which might result
from the increase in the value of such currency.

         32.  Currency Forward and Futures Contracts.  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 as
agreed by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract.  In the case
of a cancelable forward contract, the holder has the unilateral right to cancel
the contract at maturity by paying a specified fee.  Forward contracts are
trades in the interbank markets conducted directly between currency traders
(usually large commercial





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banks) and their customers.  A forward contract generally has no deposit
requirement, and no commissions are charged at any stage for trades.

         A 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 set at
the time of the contract.  Futures contracts are designed by and traded on
exchanges.  The Fund would enter into futures contracts solely for hedging or
other appropriate risk management purposes as defined in the controlling
regulations.

         Forward contracts differ from futures contracts in certain respects.
For example, 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.  Forward contracts may be in any amounts
agreed upon by the parties rather than predetermined amounts.  Also, forward
contracts are traded directly between currency traders so that no intermediary
is required.  A forward contract generally requires no margin or other deposit.

         At the maturity of a forward or futures contract, the Fund may either
accept or make delivery of the currency specified in the contract, or at or
prior to maturity enter into a closing transaction involving the purchase or
sale of an offsetting contract.  Closing transactions with respect to forward
contracts are usually effected with the currency trader who is a party to the
original forward contract.  Closing transactions with respect to futures
contracts are effected on a commodities exchange; a clearing corporation
associated with the exchange assumes responsibility for closing out such
contracts.

         Positions in the futures contracts may be closed out only on an
exchange or board of trade which provides a secondary market in such contracts.
Although the Fund intends to purchase or sell futures contracts only on
exchanges or boards of trade where there appears to be an active secondary
market, there is no assurance that a secondary market on an 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 position and, in the
event of adverse price movements, the Fund would continue to be required to
make daily cash payments of variation margin, as described below.

         33.  General Characteristics of Currency Futures Contracts.  When the
Fund purchases or sells a futures contract, it is required to deposit with its
custodian an amount of cash or U.S. Treasury bills up to 5% of the amount of
the futures contract.  This amount is known as "initial margin."  The nature of
initial margin is different from that of margin in security transactions in
that it does not involve borrowing money to finance transactions.  Rather,
initial margin is similar to a performance bond or good faith deposit that is
returned to the International Equity Fund upon termination of the contract,
assuming the Fund satisfies its contractual obligation.





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         Subsequent payments to and from the broker occur on a daily basis in a
process known as "marking to market."  These payments are called "variation
margin," and are made as the value of the underlying futures contract
fluctuates.  For example, when the Fund sells a futures contract and the price
of the underlying currency rises above the delivery price, the International
Equity Fund's position declines in value.  The Fund then pays a broker a
variation margin payment equal to the difference between the delivery price of
the futures contract and the market price of the currency underlying the
futures contract.  Conversely, if the price of the underlying currency falls
below the delivery price of the contract, the Fund's futures position increases
in value.  The broker then must make a variation margin payment equal to the
difference between the delivery price of the futures contract and the market
price of the currency underlying the futures contract.

         When the International Equity Fund terminates a position in a futures
contract, a final determination of variation margin is made, additional cash is
paid by or to the International Equity Fund, and the International Equity Fund
realizes a loss or gain.  Such closing transactions involve additional
commission costs.

         34.  Foreign Currency Options.  Options on foreign currencies operate
similarly to options on securities, and are traded primarily in the
over-the-counter market, although options on foreign currencies have recently
been listed on several exchanges.  Such options will be purchased or written
only when the Fund's Sub-Advisor believes that a liquid secondary market exists
for such options.  There can be no assurance that a liquid secondary market
will exist for a particular option at any specific time.  Options on foreign
currencies are affected by all of those factors which influence foreign
exchange rates and investments generally.

         The value of a foreign currency option is dependent upon the value of
the foreign currency and the U.S. dollar, and may have no relationship to the
investment merits of a foreign security.  Because foreign currency transactions
occurring in the interbank market involve substantially larger amounts than
those that may be involved in the use of foreign currency options, investors
may be disadvantaged by having to deal in an odd lot market (generally
consisting of transactions of less than $1 million) for the underlying foreign
currencies at prices that are less favorable than for round lots.

         There is no systematic reporting of last sale information for foreign
currencies, and there is no regulatory requirement that quotations available
through dealer or other market sources be firm or revised on a timely basis.
Available quotation information is generally representative of very large
transactions in the interbank market, and thus may not reflect relatively
smaller transactions (less than $1 million), where rates may be less favorable.
The interbank market in foreign currencies is a global, around-the-clock
market.

         35.  Foreign Currency Conversion.  Although foreign exchange dealers
do not charge a fee for currency conversion, the do realize a profit based on
the difference (the "spread") between prices at which they are buying and
selling various currencies.  Thus, a dealer may





                                      -27-
<PAGE>   273
offer to sell a foreign currency to an International Equity Fund at one rate,
while offering a lesser rate of exchange should the Fund desire to resell that
currency to the dealer.

         36.  Standard & Poor's Depositary Receipts ("SPDRs").  SPDRs are
interests in a unit investment trust ("UIT") that may be obtained from the UIT
or purchased in the secondary market as SPDRs are listed on the American Stock
Exchange.

         The UIT will issue SPDRs in aggregations of 50,000 known as "Creation
Units" in exchange for a "Portfolio Deposit" consisting of (a) a portfolio of
securities substantially similar to the component securities ("Index
Securities") of the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index (the "S&P
Index"), (b) a cash payment equal to a pro rata portion of the dividends
accrued on the UIT's portfolio securities since the last dividend payment by
the UIT, net of expenses and liabilities, and (c) a cash payment or credit
("Balancing Amount") designed to equalize the net asset value of the S&P Index
and the net asset value of a Portfolio Deposit.

         SPDRs are not individually redeemable, except upon termination of the
UIT.  To redeem, the portfolio must accumulate enough SPDRs to reconstitute a
Creation Unit.  The liquidity of small holdings of SPDRs, therefore, will
depend upon the existence of a secondary market.  Upon redemption of a Creation
Unit, the portfolio will receive Index Securities and cash identical to the
Portfolio Deposit required of an investor wishing to purchase a Creation Unit
that day.

         The price of SPDRs is derived and based upon the securities held by
the UIT.  Accordingly, the level of risk involved in the purchase or sale of a
SPDR is similar to the risk involved in the purchase or sale of traditional
common stock, with the exception that the pricing mechanism for SPDRs is based
on a basket of stocks.  Disruptions in the markets for the securities
underlying SPDRs purchased or sold by the Portfolio could result in losses on
SPDRs.  Trading in SPDRs involves risks similar to those risks, described above
under "Options," involved in the writing of options on securities.

         37.  High Yield Securities

         The Convertible Securities Fund may invest in lower rated securities.
Fixed income securities are subject to the risk of an issuer's ability to meet
principal and interest payments on the obligation (credit risk), and may also
be subject to price volatility due to such factors as interest rate
sensitivity, market perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer and
general market liquidity (market risk).  Lower rated or unrated (i.e., high
yield) securities are more likely to react to developments affecting market and
credit risk than are more highly rated securities, which primarily react to
movements in the general level of interest rates.  The market values of
fixed-income securities tend to vary inversely with the level of interest
rates.  Yields and market values of high yield securities will fluctuate over
time, reflecting not only changing interest rates but the market's perception
of credit quality and the outlook for





                                      -28-
<PAGE>   274
economic growth.  When economic conditions appear to be deteriorating, medium
to lower rated securities may decline in value due to heightened concern over
credit quality, regardless of the prevailing interest rates.  Investors should
carefully consider the relative risks of investing in high yield securities and
understand that such securities are not generally meant for short-term
investing.

         The high yield market is relatively new and its growth has paralleled
a long period of economic expansion and an increase in merger, acquisition and
leveraged buyout activity.  Adverse economic developments can disrupt the
market for high yield securities, and severely affect the ability of issuers,
especially highly leveraged issuers, to service their debt obligations or to
repay their obligations upon maturity which may lead to a higher incidence of
default on such securities.  In addition, the secondary market for high yield
securities, which is concentrated in relatively few market makers, may not be
as liquid as the secondary market for more highly rated securities.  As a
result, the Convertible Securities Fund could find it more difficult to sell
these securities or may be able to sell the securities only at prices lower
than if such securities were widely traded.  Furthermore, the Trust may
experience difficulty in valuing certain securities at certain times.  Prices
realized upon the sale of such lower rated or unrated securities, under these
circumstances, may be less than the prices used in calculating the Convertible
Securities Fund's net asset value.

         Lower rated or unrated debt obligations also present risks based on
payment expectations.  If an issuer calls an obligation for redemption, the
Convertible Securities Fund may have to replace the security with a lower
yielding security, resulting in a decreased return for investors.  If the
Convertible Securities Fund experiences unexpected net redemptions, it may be
forced to sell its higher rated securities, resulting in a decline in the
overall credit quality of the Convertible Securities Fund's investment
portfolio and increasing the exposure of the Convertible Securities Fund to the
risks of high yield securities.

         The Convertible Securities Fund may choose, at its expense or in
conjunction with others, to pursue litigation or otherwise exercise its rights
as a security holder to seek to protect the interest of security holders if it
determines this to be in the interest of the Convertible Securities Fund's
Shareholders.

         38.  High Quality Investments with Regard to the Money Market Funds.
As noted in the Prospectuses for the Money Market Funds, each such Fund may
invest only in obligations determined by the Advisor to present minimal credit
risks under guidelines adopted by HighMark's Board of Trustees.

         With regard to the Diversified Money Market Fund and the California
Tax-Free Money Market Fund, investments will be limited to "Eligible
Securities" that (i) in the case of the Diversified Money Market Fund, include
those obligations that, at the time of purchase, possess the highest short-term
rating from at least one NRSRO (the Diversified Money Market Fund may also
invest up to 5% of its net assets in obligations that, at the time of purchase,





                                      -29-
<PAGE>   275
possess one of the two highest short-term ratings from at least one NRSRO, and
in obligations that do not possess a short-term rating (i.e., are unrated) but
are determined by the Advisor to be of comparable quality to the rated
instruments eligible for purchase by the Fund under guidelines adopted by the
Board of Trustees) and (ii) in the case of the California Tax-Free Money Market
Fund, include those obligations that, at the time of purchase, possess one of
the two highest short-term ratings by at least one NRSRO or do not possess a
short-term rating (i.e., are unrated) but are determined by the Advisor to be
of comparable quality to the rated obligations eligible for purchase by the
Fund under guidelines adopted by the Board of Trustees.

         A security subject to a tender or demand feature will be considered an
Eligible Security only if both the demand feature and the underlying security
possess a high quality rating or, if such do not possess a rating, are
determined by the Advisor to be of comparable quality; provided, however, that
where the demand feature would be readily exercisable in the event of a default
in payment of principal or interest on the underlying security, the obligation
may be acquired based on the rating possessed by the demand feature or, if the
demand feature does not possess a rating, a determination of comparable quality
by the Advisor. In applying the above-described investment policies, a security
that has not received a short-term rating will be deemed to possess the rating
assigned to an outstanding class of the issuer's short-term debt obligations if
determined by the Advisor to be comparable in priority and security to the
obligation selected for purchase by the Fund, or, if not available, the
issuer's long-term obligations, but only in accordance with the requirements of
Rule 2a-7.  A security that at the time of issuance had a maturity exceeding
397 days but, at the time of purchase, has a remaining maturity of 397 days or
less, is considered an Eligible Security if it possesses a long-term rating,
within the two highest rating categories.

         Eligible Securities include First Tier Securities and Second Tier
Securities.  First Tier Securities include those that possess at least one
rating in the highest category and, if the securities do not possess a rating,
those that are determined to be of comparable quality by the Advisor pursuant
to guidelines adopted by the Board of Trustees.  Second Tier Securities are all
other Eligible Securities.

         The Diversified Money Market Fund will not invest more than 5% of its
total assets in the First Tier Securities of any one issuer, except that the
Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in First Tier Securities of a
single issuer for a period of up to three business days.  (This three day "safe
harbor" provision will not be applicable to the California Tax-Free Money
Market Fund, because single state funds are specifically excluded from this
Rule 2a-7 provision.)  In addition, the Diversified Money Market Fund may not
invest more than 5% of its total assets in Second Tier Securities, with
investments in the Second Tier Securities of any one issuer further limited to
the greater of 1% of the Fund's total assets or $1.0 million. If a percentage
limitation is satisfied at the time of purchase, a later increase in such
percentage resulting from a change in the Diversified Money Market Fund's net
asset value or a subsequent change in a security's qualification as a First
Tier or Second Tier Security will not





                                      -30-
<PAGE>   276
constitute a violation of the limitation. In addition, there is no limit on the
percentage of the Diversified Money Market Fund's assets that may be invested
in obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies, or
instrumentalities and repurchase agreements fully collateralized by such
obligations.

         Under the guidelines adopted by HighMark's Board of Trustees, in
accordance with Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940
Act"), when in the best interests of the Shareholders, the Advisor may be
required to promptly take appropriate action with respect to an obligation held
in a Fund's portfolio in the event of certain developments that indicate a
diminishment of the instrument's credit quality, such as where an NRSRO
downgrades an obligation below the second highest rating category, or in the
event of a default relating to the financial condition of the issuer.

         The Appendix to this Statement of Additional Information identifies
each NRSRO that may be utilized by the Advisor with regard to portfolio
investments for the Funds and provides a description of relevant ratings
assigned by each such NRSRO. A rating by a NRSRO may be utilized only where the
NRSRO is neither controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the
issuer of, or any issuer, guarantor, or provider of credit support for, the
instrument.

         Illiquid Securities.   Each Fund has adopted a non-fundamental policy
(which may be changed without shareholder approval) prohibiting the Fund from
investing more than 15% (in the case of each of the Money Market Funds, not
more than 10%) of its total assets in "illiquid" securities, which include
securities with legal or contractual restrictions on resale or for which no
readily available market exists but exclude such securities if resalable
pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act ("Rule 144A Securities").
Pursuant to this policy, the Funds may purchase Rule 144A Securities only in
accordance with liquidity guidelines established by the Board of Trustees of
HighMark and only if the investment would be permitted under applicable state
securities laws.

         Restricted Securities.  Each Fund has adopted a nonfundamental policy
(which may be changed without Shareholder approval) prohibiting the Fund from
investing more than 25% of its total assets in restricted securities.
Restricted securities are securities that may not be sold to the public without
registration under the Securities Act of 1933 ("1933 Act").  Restricted
Securities may be liquid or illiquid.  The Advisor will determine the liquidity
of restricted securities in accordance with guidelines established by
HighMark's Board of Trustees.  Restricted securities purchased by the Funds may
include Rule 144A securities and commercial paper issued in reliance upon the
"private placement" exemption from registration under Section 4(2) of the 1933
Act (whether or not such paper is a Rule 144A security).





                                      -31-
<PAGE>   277
                            INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS

         Unless otherwise indicated, the following investment restrictions are
fundamental and, as such, may be changed with respect to a particular Fund only
by a vote of a majority of the outstanding Shares of that Fund (as defined
below).  Except with respect to a Fund's restriction governing the borrowing of
money, if a percentage restriction is satisfied at the time of investment, a
later increase or decrease in such percentage resulting from a change in asset
value will not constitute a violation of the restriction.

100% U.S. TREASURY MONEY MARKET FUND

                 The 100% U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund may not purchase
         securities other than short-term obligations issued or guaranteed as
         to payment of principal and interest by the full faith and credit of
         the U.S. Treasury.

EACH OF THE GROWTH FUND, THE INCOME EQUITY FUND, THE BALANCED FUND, THE BOND
FUND, THE DIVERSIFIED MONEY MARKET FUND, THE U.S.  GOVERNMENT MONEY MARKET
FUND, AND THE 100% U.S. TREASURY MONEY MARKET FUND MAY NOT:

                 1.  Purchase securities on margin (except that, with respect
         to the Growth Fund, the Income Equity Fund, the Balanced Fund and the
         Bond Fund only, such Funds may make margin payments in connection with
         transactions in options and financial and currency futures contracts),
         sell securities short, participate on a joint or joint and several
         basis in any securities trading account, or underwrite the securities
         of other issuers, except to the extent that a Fund may be deemed to be
         an underwriter under certain securities laws in the disposition of
         "restricted securities" acquired in accordance with the investment
         objectives and policies of such Fund;

                 2.  Purchase or sell commodities, commodity contracts
         (excluding, with respect to the Growth Fund, the Income Equity Fund,
         the Balanced Fund, and the Bond Fund, options and financial and
         currency futures contracts), oil, gas or mineral exploration leases or
         development programs, or real estate (although investments by the
         Growth Fund, the Income Equity Fund, the Balanced Fund, the Bond Fund,
         and the Diversified Money Market Fund in marketable securities of
         companies engaged in such activities and investments by the Growth
         Fund, the Income Equity Fund, the Balanced Fund, and the Bond Fund in
         securities secured by real estate or interests therein, are not hereby
         precluded to the extent the investment is appropriate to such Fund's
         investment objective and policies);

                 3.  Invest in any issuer for purposes of exercising control or
         management;





                                      -32-
<PAGE>   278
                 4.  Purchase or retain securities of any issuer if the
         officers or Trustees of HighMark or the officers or directors of its
         investment advisor owning beneficially more than one-half of 1% of the
         securities of such issuer together own beneficially more than 5% of
         such securities;

                 5.  Borrow money or issue senior securities, except that a
         Fund may borrow from banks or enter into reverse repurchase agreements
         for temporary emergency purposes in amounts up to 10% of the value of
         its total assets at the time of such borrowing; or mortgage, pledge,
         or hypothecate any assets, except in connection with permissible
         borrowings and in amounts not in excess of the lesser of the dollar
         amounts borrowed or 10% of the value of the Fund's total assets at the
         time of its borrowing.  A Fund will not invest in additional
         securities until all its borrowings (including reverse repurchase
         agreements) have been repaid.  For purposes of this restriction, the
         deposit of securities and other collateral arrangements with respect
         to options and financial and currency futures contracts, and payments
         of initial and variation margin in connection therewith, are not
         considered a pledge of a Fund's assets; and

THE DIVERSIFIED MONEY MARKET FUND, THE U.S. GOVERNMENT MONEY MARKET FUND AND
THE 100% U.S. TREASURY MONEY MARKET FUND MAY NOT:

                 1.  Buy common stocks or voting securities, or state,
         municipal or private activity bonds;

                 2.  Invest in securities of other investment companies, except
         as they may be acquired as part of a merger, consolidation,
         reorganization, or acquisition of assets;

                 3.  Write or purchase put or call options; or

                 4.  Invest more than 10% of total assets in the securities of
         issuers that together with any predecessors have a record of less than
         three years' continuous operation.

   
                 5.  Purchase securities of any one issuer, other than
         obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies,
         or instrumentalities, if, immediately after the purchase, more than 5%
         of the value of the Fund's total assets would be invested in such
         issuer (except that up to 25% of the value of the Fund's total assets
         may be invested without regard to the 5% limitation). (As indicated
         below, the Funds have adopted a non-fundamental investment policy that
         is more restrictive than this fundamental investment limitation);
    

   
                 6.  Purchase any securities that would cause more than 25% 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 obligations issued or
         guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies, or instrumentalities,
         domestic bank certificates of deposit or bankers' acceptances, and
         repurchase agreements secured by bank instruments or obligations of
         the U.S. Government, its agencies, or instrumentalities; (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 their 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).
    

   
                 7. Make loans, except that a Fund may purchase or hold debt
         instruments, lend portfolio securities, and enter into repurchase
         agreements as permitted by its individual investment objective and
         policies.
    

   
                 The Diversified Money Market Fund, the Government Obligations
         Money Market Fund, and the 100% U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund have
         each adopted, in accordance with Rule 2a-7, a non-fundamental policy
         providing that the 5% limit noted in limitation 5. above shall apply
         to 100% of each Fund's assets. Notwithstanding, each such Fund may
         invest up to 25% of its assets in First Tier qualified securities of a
         single issuer for up to three business days.
    
    
THE GROWTH FUND, THE INCOME EQUITY FUND, THE BALANCED FUND, AND THE BOND FUND
MAY NOT:

                 1.  Invest in securities of other investment companies except
         as they may be acquired as part of a merger, consolidation,
         reorganization, or acquisition of assets, provided, however, that each
         of the Funds may purchase securities of a money market fund, if,
         immediately after such purchase, the acquiring Fund does not own in
         the aggregate (i) more than 3% of the acquired company's outstanding 
         voting securities, (ii) securities issued by the acquired company 




                                      -33-
<PAGE>   279
         having an aggregate value in excess of 5% of the value of the
         total assets of the acquiring Fund, or (iii) securities issued by the
         acquired company and all other investment companies (other than
         treasury stock of the acquiring Fund) having an aggregate value in
         excess of 10% of the value of the acquiring Fund's total assets; and

   
EACH OF THE EQUITY AND FIXED INCOME FUNDS, OTHER THAN THE CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES
FUND AND THE CALIFORNIA INTERMEDIATE TAX-FREE BOND FUND, MAY NOT:
    

   
                 1.  Purchase securities of any one issuer, other than
         obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies,
         or instrumentalities, (and, with respect to the International Equity
         Fund only, repurchase agreements involving such securities) if,
         immediately after the purchase, more than 5% of the value of such
         Fund's total assets would be invested in the issuer or the Fund would
         hold more than 10% of any class of securities of the issuer or more
         than 10% of the issuer's outstanding voting securities (except that up
         to 25% of the value of the Fund's total assets may be invested without
         regard to these limitations). With respect to the International Equity
         Fund, for purposes of this investment limitation, each foreign
         governmental issuer is deemed a separate issuer;
    

   
                 2.  Purchase any securities that would cause more than 25% of
         such Fund's total assets at the time of purchase to be invested in
         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 obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
         or foreign governments or their agencies or instrumentalities and
         repurchase agreements secured by obligations of the U.S. Government or
         its agencies or instrumentalities; (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 their
         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); and
    

   
                 3.  Make loans, except that a Fund may purchase or hold debt
         instruments, lend portfolio securities, and enter into repurchase
         agreements in accordance with its investment objective and policies.
    

   
THE CALIFORNIA INTERMEDIATE TAX-FREE BOND FUND MAY NOT:
    

   
                 1.  Purchase securities of any issuer (except securities issued
         or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies and
         instrumentalities and repurchase agreements involving such securities)
         if as a result more than 5% of the total assets of the Fund would be
         invested in the securities of such issuer provided, however, that the
         Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets without regard to this
         restriction as permitted by applicable law;
    

   
                 2.  Purchase any securities which would cause more than 25% of
         the total assets of the Fund to be invested in the securities of one
         or more issuers conducting their principal business activities in the
         same industry, provided that this limitation does not apply to
         investments in the obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
         Government or its agencies and instrumentalities and repurchase
         agreements involving such securities, and provided further, that
         utilities as a group will not be considered to be one industry, and
         wholly-owned subsidiaries organized to finance the operations of their
         parent companies will be considered to be in the same industries as
         their parent companies; and 
    

   
                 3.  Make loans, except that the Fund may (a) purchase or hold
         debt instruments in accordance with its investment objective and
         policies; (b) enter into repurchase agreements; and (c) lend
         securities.
    

   
THE CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES FUND MAY NOT:
    

   
                 1.  Purchase securities of any issuer (except securities issued
         or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies and
         instrumentalities and repurchase agreements involving such securities)
         if as a result more than 5% of the total assets of the Fund would be
         invested in the securities of such issuer. This restriction applies to
         75% of the Fund's assets.
    

   
                 2.  Purchase any securities which would cause more than 25% of
         the total assets of the Fund to be invested in the securities of one
         or more issuers conducting their principal business activities in the
         same industry, provided that this limitation does not apply to
         investments in the obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
         Government or its agencies and instrumentalities and repurchase
         agreements involving such securities, and provided further, that
         utilities as a group will not be considered to be one industry, and
         wholly-owned subsidiaries organized to finance the operations of their
         parent companies will be considered to be in the same industries as
         their parent companies.
    

   
                 3.  Make loans, except that the Fund may (a) purchase or hold
         debt instruments in accordance with its investment objective and
         policies, (b) enter into repurchase agreements, and (c) engage in
         securities lending as described in this Prospectus and in the
         Statement of Additional Information.
    

THE CALIFORNIA TAX-FREE MONEY MARKET FUND MAY NOT:

                 1.  Purchase or sell real estate; provided, however, that the
         Fund may, to the extent appropriate to its investment objective,
         purchase Municipal Securities secured by real estate or interests
         therein or securities issued by companies investing in real estate or
         interests therein;

                 2.  Purchase securities on margin, make short sales of
         securities or maintain a short position;

                 3.  Underwrite the securities of other issuers;

                 4.  Purchase securities of companies for the purpose of
         exercising control or management;

                 5.  Invest in private activity bonds where the payment of
         principal and interest are the responsibility of a company (including
         its predecessors) with less than three years of continuous operation;

                 6.  Purchase or sell commodities or commodity contracts, or
         invest in oil, gas or mineral exploration leases or development
         programs; provided, however, the Fund may, to the extent appropriate
         to the Fund's investment objective, purchase publicly traded
         obligations of companies engaging in whole or in part in such
         activities;

                 7.  Acquire any other investment company or investment company
         security except in connection with a merger, consolidation,
         reorganization or acquisition of assets;

                 8.  Borrow money or issue senior securities, except that the
         Fund may borrow from banks or enter into reverse repurchase agreements
         for temporary emergency purposes in amounts up to 10% of the value of
         its total assets at the time of such borrowing; or mortgage, pledge,
         or hypothecate any assets, except in connection with permissible
         borrowings and in amounts not in excess of the lesser of the dollar
         amounts borrowed or 10% of the value of the Fund's total assets at the
         time of its borrowing.  The Fund will not invest in additional





                                      -34-
<PAGE>   280
         securities until all its borrowings (including reverse repurchase
         agreements) have been repaid;

                 9.  Write or sell puts, calls, straddles, spreads, or
         combinations thereof, except that the Fund may acquire puts with
         respect to Municipal Securities in its portfolio and sell the puts in
         conjunction with a sale of the underlying Municipal Securities;

                 10.  Acquire a put, if, immediately after the acquisition,
         more than 5% of the total amortized cost value of the Fund's assets
         would be subject to puts from the same institution (except that (i) up
         to 25% of the value of the Fund's total assets may be subject to puts
         without regard to the 5% limitation and (ii) the 5% limitation is
         inapplicable to puts that, by their terms, would be readily
         exercisable in the event of a default in payment of principal or
         interest on the underlying securities).  In applying the
         above-described limitation, the Fund will aggregate securities subject
         to puts from any one institution with the Fund's investments, if any,
         in securities issued or guaranteed by that institution.  In addition,
         for the purpose of this investment restriction and investment
         restriction No. 11 below, a put will be considered to be from the
         party to whom the Fund will look for payment of the exercise price;

                 11.  Acquire a put that, by its terms, would be readily
         exercisable in the event of a default in payment of principal and
         interest on the underlying security or securities if, immediately
         after the acquisition, the amortized cost value of the security or
         securities underlying the put, when aggregated with the amortized cost
         value of any other securities issued or guaranteed by the issuer of
         the put, would exceed 10% of the total amortized cost value of the
         Fund's assets; and

                 12.  Invest in securities of other investment companies except
         as they may be acquired as part of a merger, consolidation,
         reorganization, or acquisition of assets, provided, however, that the
         Fund may purchase securities of a tax-exempt money market fund if,
         immediately after such purchase, the acquiring Fund does not own in
         the aggregate (i) more than 3% of the acquired company's outstanding
         voting securities, (ii) securities issued by the acquired company
         having an aggregate value in excess of 5% of the value of the total
         assets of the acquiring Fund, or (iii) securities issued by the
         acquired company and all other investment companies (other than
         treasury stock of the acquiring Fund) having an aggregate value in
         excess of 10% of the value of the acquiring Fund's total assets.


   
                  13.  Purchase securities of any one issuer, other than
         obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies,
         or instrumentalities, if, immediately after the purchase, more than 5%
         of the value of its total assets would be invested in such issuer
         (except that up to 25% of the value of the Fund's total assets may be
         invested without regard to the 5% limitation). For purposes of this
         investment restriction, a security is considered to be issued by the
         government entity (or entities) whose assets and revenues back the
         security or, with respect to a private activity bond that is backed
         only by the assets and revenues of a non-governmental user, by the
         non-governmental user;
    

   
                  14.  Purchase any securities that would cause 25% or more of
         such 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 this limitation shall
         not apply to securities of the U.S. Government, its agencies or
         instrumentalities or Municipal Securities or governmental guarantees of
         Municipal Securities; and provided, further, that for the purpose of
         this limitation, private activity bonds that are backed only by the
         assets and revenues of a non-governmental user shall not be deemed to
         be Municipal Securities.
    

   
                  15.  Make loans; except that the Fund may purchase or hold
         debt instruments, lend portfolio securities and enter into repurchase
         agreements as permitted by its investment objective and policies.
    
                  



                                      -35-
<PAGE>   281
EACH OF THE VALUE MOMENTUM FUND, THE BLUE CHIP GROWTH FUND, THE EMERGING GROWTH
FUND, THE INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND, THE INTERMEDIATE-TERM BOND FUND, THE
GOVERNMENT SECURITIES FUND, THE CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES FUND, AND THE CALIFORNIA
INTERMEDIATE TAX-FREE BOND FUND:

         1.      May purchase securities of any issuer only when consistent
                 with the maintenance of its status as a diversified company
                 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, or the rules or
                 regulations thereunder, as such statute, rules or regulations
                 may be amended from time to time.

         2.      May not concentrate investments in a particular industry or
                 group of industries, or within any one state (except that the
                 limitation as to investments in any one state or its political
                 subdivision shall not apply to the California Intermediate
                 Tax-Free Bond Fund), as concentration is defined under the
                 Investment Company Act of 1940, or the rules or regulations
                 thereunder, as such statute, rules or regulations may be
                 amended from time to time.

         3.      May issue senior securities to the extent permitted by the
                 Investment Company Act of 1940, or the rules or regulations
                 thereunder, as such statute, rules or regulations may be
                 amended from time to time.

         4.      May lend or borrow money to the extent permitted by the
                 Investment Company Act of 1940, or the rules or regulations
                 thereunder, as such statute, rules or regulations may be
                 amended from time to time.

         5.      May purchase or sell commodities, commodities contracts,
                 futures contracts, or real estate to the extent permitted by
                 the Investment Company Act of 1940, or the rules or
                 regulations thereunder, as such statute, rules or regulations
                 may be amended from time to time.

         6.      May underwrite securities to the extent permitted by the
                 Investment Company Act of 1940, or the rules or regulations
                 thereunder, as such statute, rules or regulations may be
                 amended from time to time.

         7.      May pledge, mortgage or hypothecate any of its assets to the
                 extent permitted by the Investment Company Act of 1940, or the
                 rules or regulations thereunder, as such statute, rules or
                 regulations may be amended from time to time.

                 The fundamental limitations of the Value Momentum Fund, the
         Blue Chip Growth Fund, the Emerging Growth Fund, the International
         Equity Fund, the International Equity Fund, the Intermediate-Term Bond
         Fund, the Government Securities Fund, the Convertible Securities Fund,
         and the California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund have been adopted
         to avoid





                                      -36-
<PAGE>   282
         wherever possible the necessity of shareholder meetings otherwise
         required by the 1940 Act.  This recognizes the need to react quickly
         to changes in the law or new investment opportunities in the
         securities markets and the cost and time involved in obtaining
         shareholder approvals for diversely held investment companies.
         However, the Funds also have adopted nonfundamental limitations, set
         forth below, which in some instances may be more restrictive than
         their fundamental limitations.  Any changes in a Fund's nonfundamental
         limitations will be communicated to the Fund's shareholders prior to
         effectiveness.

                 1940 ACT RESTRICTIONS.  Under the 1940 Act, and the rules,
         regulations and interpretations thereunder, a "diversified company,"
         as to 75% of its totals assets, may not purchase securities of any
         issuer (other than obligations of, or guaranteed by, the U.S.
         Government, its agencies or its instrumentalities) if, as a result,
         more than 5% of the value of its total assets would be invested in the
         securities of such issuer or more than 10% of the issuer's voting
         securities would be held by the fund.  "Concentration" is generally
         interpreted under the 1940 Act to be investing more than 25% of net
         assets in an industry or group of industries.  The 1940 Act limits the
         ability of investment companies to borrow and lend money and to
         underwrite securities.  The 1940 Act currently prohibits an open-end
         fund from issuing senior securities, as defined in the 1940 Act,
         except under very limited circumstances.

THE FOLLOWING INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS OF THE VALUE MOMENTUM FUND, THE BLUE CHIP
GROWTH FUND, THE EMERGING GROWTH FUND, THE INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND, THE
INTERMEDIATE-TERM BOND FUND, THE GOVERNMENT SECURITIES FUND, THE CONVERTIBLE
SECURITIES FUND, AND THE CALIFORNIA INTERMEDIATE TAX-FREE BOND FUND ARE
NONFUNDAMENTAL POLICIES.  EACH FUND MAY NOT:

         1.      Acquire more than 10% of the voting securities of any one
                 issuer.  This limitation applies to only 75% of a Fund's
                 assets.

         2.      Invest in companies for the purpose of exercising control.

         3.      Borrow money, except for temporary or emergency purposes and
                 then only in an amount not exceeding one-third of the value of
                 total assets and except that a Fund may borrow from banks or
                 enter into reverse repurchase agreements for temporary
                 emergency purposes in amounts up to 10% of the value of its
                 total assets at the time of such borrowing.  To the extent
                 that such borrowing exceeds 5% of the value of the Fund's
                 assets, asset coverage of at least 300% is required.  In the 
                 event that such asset coverage shall at any time fall below 
                 300%, the Fund shall, within three days thereafter or such 
                 longer period as the Securities and Exchange Commission may 
                 prescribe by rules and regulations, reduce the amount of its 
                 borrowings to such an extent that the asset coverage of 




                                      -37-
<PAGE>   283
                 such borrowing shall be at least 300%.  This borrowing 
                 provision is included solely to facilitate the orderly sale 
                 of portfolio securities to accommodate heavy redemption 
                 requests if they should occur and is not for investment 
                 purposes.  All borrowings will be repaid before making 
                 additional investments and any interest paid on such borrowings
                 will reduce income.

         4.      Pledge, mortgage or hypothecate assets except to secure
                 temporary borrowings permitted by (3) above in aggregate
                 amounts not to exceed 10% of total assets taken at current
                 value at the time of the incurrence of such loan, except as
                 permitted with respect to securities lending.

         5.      Purchase or sell real estate, real estate limited partnership
                 interest, commodities or commodities contracts (except that
                 the Government Securities Fund, the Blue Chip Growth Fund, the
                 Emerging Growth Fund, the International Equity Fund, the Value
                 Momentum Fund, the Intermediate-Term Bond Fund and the
                 California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund may invest in
                 futures contracts and options on futures contracts, as
                 disclosed in the prospectuses) and interest in a pool of
                 securities that are secured by interests in real estate.
                 However, subject to their permitted investments, any Fund may
                 invest in companies which invest in real estate, commodities
                 or commodities contracts.

         6.      Make short sales of securities, maintain a short position or
                 purchase securities on margin, except that HighMark may obtain
                 short-term credits as necessary for the clearance of security
                 transactions.

         7.      Act as an underwriter of securities of other issuers except as
                 it may be deemed an underwriter in selling a Fund security.

         8.      Issue senior securities (as defined in the Investment Company
                 Act of 1940) except in connection with permitted borrowings as
                 described above or as permitted by rule, regulation or order
                 of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

         9.      Purchase or retain securities of an issuer if, to the
                 knowledge of HighMark, an officer, trustee, partner or
                 director of HighMark or the Advisor or Sub-Advisors of
                 HighMark owns beneficially more than 1/2 or 1% of the shares
                 or securities or such issuer and all such officers, trustees,
                 partners and directors owning more than 1/2 or 1% of such
                 shares or securities together own more than 5% of such shares
                 or securities.

         10.     Invest in interest in oil, gas, or other mineral exploration
                 or development programs and oil, gas or mineral leases.





                                      -38-
<PAGE>   284
         Voting Information.  As used in this Statement of Additional
Information, a "vote of a majority of the outstanding Shares" of HighMark or a
particular Fund or a particular Class of Shares of HighMark or a Fund means the
affirmative vote of the lesser of (a) more than 50% of the outstanding Shares
of HighMark or such Fund or such Class, or (b) 67% or more of the Shares of
HighMark or such Fund or such Class present at a meeting at which the holders
of more than 50% of the outstanding Shares of HighMark or such Fund or such
Class are represented in person or by proxy.


                               PORTFOLIO TURNOVER

   
         A Fund's turnover rate is calculated by dividing the lesser of a
Fund's purchases or sales of portfolio securities for the year by the monthly
average value of the portfolio securities. The calculation excludes all
securities whose maturities at the time of acquisition were one year or less.
Thus, for regulatory purposes, the portfolio turnover rate with respect to each
of the Money Market Funds was zero percent for each of the last two fiscal
years, and is expected to remain zero percent.  For HighMark's fiscal years
ended July 31, 1997 and July 31, 1996, each Funds' portfolio turnover rate was:
118% and 79% for the HighMark Growth Fund; 46% and 42% for the HighMark Income
Equity Fund; and 14% and 21% for the HighMark Bond Fund.  For each of the
following Funds, the portfolio turnover rate for the six-month period ended
July 31, 1997 and the prior two years ended January 31, 1997 and January 31,
1996 was: __%, __% and __% for the HighMark Balanced Fund (fixed income
portion); __%, __% and __% for the HighMark Balanced Fund (equity portion); 1%,
9% and 20% for the HighMark Value Momentum Fund; 54%, 80% and 69% for the
HighMark Blue Chip Growth Fund; 116%, 134% and 131% for the HighMark Emerging
Growth Fund; 18%, 29% and 21% for the HighMark International Equity Fund; 58%,
106% and 147% for the HighMark Intermediate-Term Bond Fund; 40%, 186% and 239%
for the HighMark Government Securities Fund; 33%, 89% and 46% for the HighMark
Convertible Securities Fund; and 5%, 6% and 30% for the HighMark California
Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund.  The portfolio turnover rate may vary greatly
from year to year as well as within a particular year, and may also be affected
by cash requirements for redemption of Shares and, in the case of the
California Tax-Free Money Market Fund, by requirements that enable them to
receive certain favorable tax treatment.
    


                                   VALUATION

   
         As disclosed in the Prospectuses, each Money Market Fund's net asset
value per share for purposes of pricing purchase and redemption orders is
determined by the administrator as of 1:00 p.m., Pacific Time (4:00 p.m.
Eastern Time) and 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time (1:00 p.m. Eastern Time) on days on
which both the New York Stock Exchange and the Federal Reserve wire system are
open for business ("Business Days").  As disclosed in the Prospectuses, each
Equity Fund's and Fixed Income Fund's net asset value per share for
    





                                      -39-
<PAGE>   285
   
purposes of pricing purchase and redemption orders is determined by the
administrator as of 1:00 p.m., Pacific Time (4:00 p.m.  Eastern Time) on days
on which the New York Stock Exchange is open for business (also "Business
Days").
    

VALUATION OF THE MONEY MARKET FUNDS

         The Money Market Funds have elected to use the amortized cost method
of valuation pursuant to Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act.  The amortized cost
method involves valuing an instrument at its cost initially and thereafter
assuming a constant amortization to maturity of any discount or premium,
regardless of the impact of fluctuating interest rates on the market value of
the instrument.  This method may result in periods during which value, as
determined by amortized cost, is higher or lower than the price a Fund would
receive if it sold the instrument. The value of securities in a Fund can be
expected to vary inversely with changes in prevailing interest rates.

         HighMark's Board of Trustees has undertaken to establish procedures
reasonably designed, taking into account current market conditions and a Fund's
investment objective, to stabilize the net asset value per Share of each Money
Market Fund for purposes of sales and redemptions at $l.00. These procedures
include review by the Trustees, at such intervals as they deem appropriate, to
determine the extent, if any, to which the net asset value per Share of each
Fund calculated by using available market quotations deviates from $1.00 per
Share. In the event such deviation exceeds one-half of one percent, Rule 2a-7
requires that the Board promptly consider what action, if any, should be
initiated. If the Trustees believe that the extent of any deviation from a
Fund's $1.00 amortized cost price per Share may result in material dilution or
other unfair results to new or existing investors, the Trustees will take such
steps as they consider appropriate to eliminate or reduce to the extent
reasonably practicable any such dilution or unfair results. These steps may
include selling portfolio instruments prior to maturity, shortening the average
portfolio maturity of a Fund, withholding or reducing dividends, reducing the
number of a Fund's outstanding Shares without monetary consideration, or
utilizing a net asset value per Share based on available market quotations.

VALUATION OF THE EQUITY FUNDS AND THE FIXED INCOME FUNDS

         Except as noted below, investments by the Equity Funds and the Fixed
Income Funds in securities traded on a national exchange (or exchanges) are
valued based upon their last sale price on the principal exchange on which such
securities are traded.  With regard to each such Fund, securities the principal
market for which is not a securities exchange are valued based upon the latest
bid price in such principal market. Securities and other assets for which
market quotations are not readily available are valued at their fair value as
determined in good faith under consistently applied procedures established by
and under the general supervision of HighMark's Board of Trustees. With the
exception of short-term securities as described below, the value of each Fund's
investments may be based on valuations provided by a pricing





                                      -40-
<PAGE>   286
service. Short-term securities (i.e., securities with remaining maturities of
60 days or less) may be valued at amortized cost, which approximates current
value.

                 ADDITIONAL PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION

   
         Purchases and redemptions of shares of the Money Market Funds may be
made on days on which both the New York Stock Exchange and the Federal Reserve
wire systems are open for business.  Purchases and redemptions of shares of the
Equity Funds and Fixed Income Funds may be made on days on which the New York
Stock Exchange is open for business.
    

         It is currently HighMark's policy to pay redemptions in cash.
HighMark retains the right, however, to alter this policy to provide for
redemptions in whole or in part by a distribution in-kind of securities held by
the Funds other than the Money Market Funds in lieu of cash.  Shareholders may
incur brokerage charges on the sale of any such securities so received in
payment of redemptions.  However, a Shareholder will at all times be entitled
to aggregate cash redemptions from all Funds of HighMark during any 90-day
period of up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of HighMark's net assets.

         HighMark reserves the right to suspend the right of redemption and/or
to postpone the date of payment upon redemption for any period on which trading
on the New York Stock Exchange is restricted, or during the existence of an
emergency (as determined by the Securities and Exchange Commission by rule or
regulation) as a result of which disposal or valuation of the Fund's securities
is not reasonably practicable, or for such other periods as the Securities and
Exchange Commission has by order permitted.  HighMark also reserves the right
to suspend sales of Shares of the Funds for any period.

         If a Fund holds portfolio securities listed on foreign exchanges which
trade on Saturdays or other customary United States national business holidays,
the portfolio will trade and the net assets of the Fund's redeemable securities
may be significantly affected on days when the investor has no access to the
Fund.

ADDITIONAL FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION

   
         Each Fund intends to qualify each year as a regulated investment
company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the "Code"). In order so to qualify and to qualify for the special tax
treatment accorded regulated investment companies and their Shareholders, a
Fund must, among other things, (a) derive at least 90% of its gross income from
dividends, interest, payments with respect to certain securities loans, and
gains from the sale of stock, securities, and foreign currencies, or 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; (b)
    




                                      -41-
<PAGE>   287
   
each year distribute at least 90% of its dividends, interest (including
tax-exempt interest), certain other income and the excess, if any, of its net
short-term capital gains over its net long-term capital losses; and (c)
diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each fiscal quarter (i) at least
50% of the market value of the Fund's assets is represented by cash, cash items,
U.S. Government securities, securities of other regulated investment companies,
and other securities, limited in respect of any one issuer to a value not
greater than 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets and 10% of the
outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (ii) not more than 25% of the
value of its assets is invested in the securities (other than those of the U.S.
Government or other regulated investment companies) of any one issuer or of two
or more issuers that the Fund controls and that are engaged in the same,
similar, or related trades or businesses.
    

   
         In addition, until the start of a Fund's first tax year beginning after
August 5, 1997, each Fund must derive less than 30% of its gross income from the
sale or other disposition of certain assets (including stocks and securities)
held for less than three months. This 30% of gross income test described above
may restrict a Fund's ability to sell certain assets held (or considered under
Code rules to have been held) for less than three months.
    

         If a Fund qualifies as a regulated investment company that is accorded
special tax treatment, the Fund will not be subject to federal income tax on
income paid to its shareholders in the form of dividends (including capital
gain dividends).  If a Fund failed to qualify as a regulated investment company
accorded special tax treatment in any taxable year, the Fund would be subject
to tax on its taxable income at corporate rates, and all distributions from
earnings and profits, including any distributions of net tax-exempt income and
net long-term capital gains, would be taxable to shareholders as ordinary
income.

         If a Fund fails to distribute in a calendar year substantially all of
its ordinary income for the year and substantially all its capital gain net
income for the one-year period ending October 31 of the year (and any retained
amount from the prior calendar year), the Fund will be subject to a
non-deductible 4% excise tax on the undistributed amounts.

         Any dividend declared by a Fund to Shareholders of record on a date in
October, November or December generally is deemed to have been received by its
Shareholders on December 31 of such year (and paid by the Fund on or before
such time) provided that the dividend actually is paid during January of the
following year.

   
         If a Fund engages in hedging transactions, including hedging
transactions in options, futures contracts, and straddles, or other similar
transactions, it will be subject to special tax rules (including constructive
sales, mark-to-market, straddle, wash sale, and short sale rules), the effect of
which may be to accelerate income to the Fund, defer losses to the Fund, cause
adjustments in the holding periods of the Fund's securities, or convert
short-term capital losses into long-term capital losses.  These rules could
therefore affect the amount, timing and character of distributions to
shareholders.
    

         Under the 30% of gross income test described above, a Fund will be
restricted in selling assets held or considered to have been held for less than
three months, and in engaging





                                      -42-
<PAGE>   288
in certain hedging transactions (including hedging transactions in options and
futures) that in some circumstances could cause certain Fund assets to be
treated as held for less than three months.

         Certain of a Fund's hedging activities (including its transactions, if
any, in foreign currencies or foreign currency-denominated instruments) are
likely to produce a difference between its book income and its taxable income.
If a Fund's book income exceeds its taxable income, the distribution (if any)
of such excess will be treated as (i) a dividend to the extent of the Fund's
remaining earnings and profits (including earnings and profits arising from
tax-exempt income), (ii) thereafter as a return of capital to the extent of the
recipient's basis in the shares, and (iii) thereafter as gain from the sale or
exchange of a capital asset.  If the Fund's book income is less than its
taxable income, the Fund could be required to make distributions exceeding book
income to qualify as a regulated investment company that is accorded special
tax treatment.

         If a Fund makes a distribution in excess of its current and
accumulated "earnings and profits" in any taxable year, the excess distribution
will be treated as a return of capital to the extent of a Shareholder's tax
basis in Fund shares, and thereafter as capital gain.  A return of capital is
not taxable, but it reduces the Shareholder's tax basis in the shares, thus
reducing any loss or increasing any gain on a subsequent taxable disposition of
those shares.

         A Fund's investment in securities issued at a discount and certain
other obligations will (and investments in securities purchased at a discount
may) require the Fund to accrue and distribute income not yet received.  In
order to generate sufficient cash to make the requisite distributions, a Fund
may be required to sell securities in its portfolio that it otherwise would
have continued to hold.

         The Funds will be required in certain cases to withhold and remit to
the United States Treasury 31% of taxable dividends and other distributions
paid to any Shareholder who has provided either an incorrect tax identification
number or no number at all, or who is subject to withholding by the Internal
Revenue Service for failure to properly include on his or her tax return
payments of interest or dividends.

         The foregoing discussion and the one below regarding the California
Tax-Free Money Market Fund and the California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund
under "Federal Taxation" is only a summary of some of the important Federal tax
considerations generally affecting purchasers of the Funds' Shares. No attempt
has been made to present a detailed explanation of the Federal income tax
treatment of the Funds, and this discussion is not intended as a substitute for
careful tax planning. Accordingly, potential purchasers of the Funds' Shares
are urged to consult their tax advisors with specific reference to their own
tax situation.  Foreign Shareholders should consult their tax advisors
regarding the U.S. and foreign tax consequences of an investment in the Funds.
In addition, this discussion is based on tax laws and regulations that are in
effect on the date of this Statement of Additional Information; such laws





                                      -43-
<PAGE>   289
and regulations may be changed by legislative, judicial or administrative
action, and such changes may be retroactive.

ADDITIONAL TAX INFORMATION CONCERNING THE CALIFORNIA TAX-FREE MONEY MARKET FUND
AND THE CALIFORNIA INTERMEDIATE TAX-FREE BOND FUND

   
         Federal Taxation.  As indicated in their respective Prospectuses, the
California Tax-Free Money Market Fund and the California Intermediate Tax-Free
Bond Fund are designed to provide individual Shareholders with current
tax-exempt interest income.  Neither of these Funds is intended to constitute a
balanced investment program or is designed for investors seeking capital
appreciation. Nor are the California Tax-Free Money Market Fund or the
California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund designed for investors seeking
maximum tax-exempt income irrespective of fluctuations in principal. Shares of
the Funds may not be suitable for tax-exempt institutions and may not be
suitable for retirement plans qualified under Section 401 of the Code, H.R. 10
plans, and individual retirement accounts because such plans and accounts are
generally tax-exempt and, therefore, would not gain any additional benefit from
the Funds' dividends being tax-exempt, and such dividends would ultimately be
taxable to the beneficiaries when distributed to them.
    

   
         The Code permits a regulated investment company that invests at least
50% of its total assets in tax-free Municipal Securities (at the close of each
quarter of the Fund's taxable year) to pass through to its investors, tax-free,
net Municipal Securities interest income to the extent such interest would be
exempt if earned directly.  Because the California Tax-Free Money Market Fund
and the California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund intend to be qualified to pay
such exempt-interest dividends, these Funds will be limited in their ability to
enter into taxable transactions, such as forward commitments, repurchase
agreements, securities lending transactions, financial futures and options
contracts on financial futures, tax-exempt bond indices and other assets.  The
policy of the California Tax-Free Money Market Fund and the California
Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund is to pay each year as dividends substantially
all of such Fund's Municipal Securities interest income net of certain
deductions. An exempt-interest dividend is any dividend or part thereof derived
from interest excludable from gross income and designated as an exempt-interest
dividend in a written notice mailed to Shareholders after the close of such
Fund's taxable year, but the aggregate of such dividends may not exceed the net
Municipal Securities interest received by the Fund during the taxable year. In
the case of each of the California Tax-Free Money Market Fund and the California
Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund the percentage of the dividends paid for any
taxable year that qualifies as federal exempt-interest dividends will be the
same for all Shareholders receiving dividends during such year, regardless of
the period for which the Shares were held.
    

   
         Exempt-interest dividends may be treated by Shareholders of the
California Tax-Free Money Market Fund and the California Intermediate Tax-Free
Bond Fund as items of interest excludable from their gross income. However, each
such Shareholder is advised to consult his or her tax advisor with respect to
whether exempt-interest
    






                                      -44-
<PAGE>   290
dividends would remain excludable if such Shareholder were treated as a
"substantial user" or a "related person" to such user with respect to facilities
financed through any of the tax-exempt obligations held by the California
Tax-Free Money Market Fund and the California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund.
In addition, exempt-interest dividends may be taxable for federal alternative
minimum tax purposes and for state and local purposes.

         The California Tax-Free Money Market Fund and the California
Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund will distribute substantially all of any
investment company taxable income for each taxable year. In general, a Fund's
investment company taxable income will be its taxable income subject to certain
adjustments and excluding the excess of any net long-term capital gains for the
taxable year over the net short-term capital loss, if any, for such year.
Distributions of such income will be taxable to Shareholders as ordinary
income. The dividends-received deduction for corporations is not expected to
apply to such distributions.

         Distributions designated by the California Tax-Free Money Market Fund
and the California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund as deriving from net gains on
securities held for more than one year but not more than 18 months and from net
gains on securities held for more than 18 months will be taxable to a Fund
Shareholder as such, regardless of how long a time the Shareholder held the
Fund's Shares. Such distributions will not be eligible for the
dividends-received deduction.  If a Shareholder disposes of Shares in a Fund at
a loss before holding such Shares for longer than six months, such loss will be
disallowed to the extent of any exempt-interest dividends paid thereon, and any
remaining loss will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent the
Shareholder has received a capital gain dividend on the Shares.

         Shareholders receiving social security or railroad retirement benefits
may be taxed on a portion of those benefits as a result of receiving tax-exempt
income (including exempt-interest dividends distributed by a Fund).

         Like the other Funds, if for any taxable year the California Tax-Free
Money Market Fund or the California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund does not
qualify for the special tax treatment afforded regulated investment companies,
all of such Fund's taxable income will be subject to tax at regular corporate
rates (without any deduction for distributions to Shareholders), and Municipal
Securities interest income, although not taxable to the California Tax-Free
Money Market Fund or the California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund, would be
taxable to Shareholders as ordinary income when distributed as dividends.

         Depending upon the extent of its activities in states and localities
in which its offices are maintained, in which its agents or independent
contractors are located or in which it is otherwise deemed to be conducting
business, the California Tax-Free Money Market Fund and the California
Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund may be subject to the tax laws of such states
or localities.  For a summary of certain California tax considerations
affecting the California Tax-Free Money Market Fund and the California
Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund, see "California Taxation" below.





                                      -45-
<PAGE>   291
         As indicated in their Prospectuses, the California Tax-Free Money
Market Fund and the California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund may acquire
rights regarding specified portfolio securities under puts. See "INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES - Additional Information on Portfolio Instruments -
Puts" in this Statement of Additional Information. The policy of each Fund is
to limit its acquisition of puts to those under which the Fund will be treated
for Federal income tax purposes as the owner of the Municipal Securities
acquired subject to the put and the interest on such Municipal Securities will
be tax-exempt to the Fund. There is currently no guidance available from the
Internal Revenue Service that definitively establishes the tax consequences
that may result from the acquisition of many of the types of puts that the
California Tax-Free Money Market Fund or the California Intermediate Tax-Free
Bond Fund could acquire under the 1940 Act. Therefore, although they will only
acquire a put after concluding that it will have the tax consequences described
above, the Internal Revenue Service could reach a different conclusion from
that of the relevant Fund.

         California Taxation.  Under existing California law, if the California
Tax-Free Money Market Fund and the California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund
continue to qualify for the special federal income tax treatment afforded
regulated investment companies and if at the end of each quarter of each such
Fund's taxable year at least 50% of the value of that Fund's assets consists of
obligations that, if held by an individual, would pay interest exempt from
California taxation ("California Exempt-Interest Securities"), Shareholders of
that Fund will be able to exclude from income, for California personal income
tax purposes, "California exempt-interest dividends" received from that Fund
during that taxable year. A "California exempt-interest dividend" is any
dividend or portion thereof of the California Tax-Free Money Market Fund or the
California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund not exceeding the interest received
by the Fund during the taxable year on obligations that, if held by an
individual, would pay interest exempt from California taxation (less direct and
allocated expenses, which includes amortization of acquisition premium) and so
designated by written notice to Shareholders within 60 days after the close of
that taxable year.

         Distributions, other than of "California exempt-interest dividends,"
by the California Tax-Free Money Market Fund and the California Intermediate
Tax-Free Bond Fund to California residents will be subject to California
personal income taxation. Gains realized by California residents from a
redemption or sale of Shares of the California Tax-Free Money Market Fund and
the California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund will also be subject to
California personal income taxation. In general, California nonresidents, other
than certain dealers, will not be subject to California personal income
taxation on distributions by, or on gains from the redemption or sale of,
Shares of the California Tax-Free Money Market Fund and the California
Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund unless those Shares have acquired a California
"business situs." (Such California nonresidents may, however, be subject to
other state or local income taxes on such distributions or gains, depending on
their residence.) Short-term capital losses realized by shareholders from a
redemption of shares of the California Tax-Free Money Market Fund and the
California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund within six months from the date of
their purchase will not be allowed for California personal





                                      -46-
<PAGE>   292
income tax purposes to the extent of any tax-exempt dividends received with
respect to such Shares during such period. No deduction will be allowed for
California personal income tax purposes for interest on indebtedness incurred
or continued in order to purchase or carry Shares of the California Tax-Free
Money Market Fund and the California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund for any
taxable year of a Shareholder during which the Fund distributes "California
exempt-interest dividends."

         A statement setting forth the amount of "California exempt-interest
dividends" distributed during each calendar year will be sent to Shareholders
annually.

         The foregoing is only a summary of some of the important California
personal income tax considerations generally affecting the Shareholders of the
California Tax-Free Money Market Fund and the California Intermediate Tax-Free
Bond Fund.  This summary does not describe the California tax treatment of the
California Tax-Free Money Market Fund and the California Intermediate Tax-Free
Bond Fund, in addition, no attempt has been made to present a detailed
explanation of the California personal income tax treatment of the Fund's
Shareholders. Accordingly, this discussion is not intended as a substitute for
careful planning. Further, "California exempt-interest dividends" are
excludable from income for California personal income tax purposes only. Any
dividends paid to Shareholders subject to California corporate franchise tax
will be taxed as ordinary dividends to such Shareholders, notwithstanding that
all or a portion of such dividends is exempt from California personal income
tax. Accordingly, potential investors in the California Tax-Free Money Market
Fund and the California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund including, in
particular, corporate investors which may be subject to either California
franchise tax or California corporate income tax, should consult their tax
advisors with respect to the application of such taxes to the receipt of Fund
dividends and as to their own California tax situation, in general.

FOREIGN TAXES

   
         Dividends and interest received by a Fund may be subject to income,
withholding or other taxes imposed by foreign countries and U.S. possessions
that would reduce the yield on the Fund's securities.  Tax conventions between
certain countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate these taxes.
Foreign countries generally do not impose taxes on capital gains with respect to
investments by foreign investors. If at the end of a Fund's fiscal year more
than 50% of the value of its total assets represents securities of foreign
corporations, the Fund will be eligible to make an election permitted by the
Code to treat any foreign taxes paid by it on securities it has held for at
least the minimum period specified in the Code as having been paid directly by
the Fund's Shareholders in connection with the Fund's dividends received by
them. In this case, Shareholders generally will be required to include in U.S.
taxable income their pro rata share of such taxes, and those Shareholders who
are U.S. citizens, U.S. corporations and, in some cases, U.S. residents will be
entitled to deduct their share of such taxes. Alternatively, such Shareholders
who hold Fund Shares (without protection from risk of loss) on the ex-dividend
date and for at least 15 other days during the 30-day period surrounding the
ex-dividend date will be entitled to claim a foreign tax credit for their share
of these taxes.
    




                                      -47-
<PAGE>   293
   
If a Fund makes this election, it will report annually to its Shareholders the
respective amounts per share of the Fund's income from sources within, and taxes
paid to, foreign countries and U.S. possessions.
    


                             MANAGEMENT OF HIGHMARK

TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

         Overall responsibility for management of each Fund rests with the
Trustees of HighMark, who are elected by HighMark's Shareholders. There are
currently six Trustees, all of whom are not "interested persons" of HighMark
within the meaning of that term under the 1940 Act.

         The Trustees, in turn, elect the officers of HighMark to supervise
actively its day-to-day operations.

         The Trustees and officers of HighMark, their addresses and principal
occupations during the past five years are set forth below.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      POSITION(S) HELD                      PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION
NAME AND ADDRESS                       WITH HIGHMARK                         DURING PAST 5 YEARS
- ----------------                       -------------                         -------------------
<S>                                   <C>                                   <C>
Thomas L. Braje                       Trustee                               Retired October, 1996.  Prior to October
1323 Encina Drive                                                           1996, Vice President and Chief Financial
Milbrae, CA  94030                                                          Officer of Bio Rad Laboratories, Inc.

David A. Goldfarb                     Trustee                               Partner, Goldfarb & Simens, Certified
111 Pine Street                                                             Public Accountants.
18th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94111

Joseph C. Jaeger                       Trustee                              Senior Vice President and Chief
100 First Street                                                            Financial Officer, Delta Dental Plan of
San Francisco, CA 94105                                                     California.

Frederick J. Long                     Trustee                               President and Chief Executive Officer,
520 Pike Street                                                             Pettit-Morry Co. and Acordia Northwest
20th Floor                                                                  Inc. (each an insurance brokerage firm).
Seattle, WA 98101
</TABLE>





                                      -48-
<PAGE>   294
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                   <C>                                   <C>
Paul L. Smith                          Trustee                              Member of the Board of Trustees
422 Gordon Terrace                                                          of Stepstone Funds 2/1991 - 4/1997;
Pasadena, CA  91105                                                         Retired. Prior to retirement Director of Union 
                                                                            Bank; Vice Chairman and member of the Office
                                                                            of the Chief Executive of Security
                                                                            Pacific Corporation; and Former Director
                                                                            and officer of numerous subsidiaries of
                                                                            Security Pacific Corporation and
                                                                            Security Pacific National Bank.

William R. Howell                     Trustee                               Chairman of the Board of Trustees
73-350 Calliandra Avenue                                                    of Stepstone Funds 1991 - 4/1997;
Palm Desert, CA  92260                                                      Director, Current Income Shares, Inc.
                                                                            
</TABLE>
    





                                      -49-
<PAGE>   295
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                   <C>                                   <C>
Michael L. Noel                       Member Advisory Board                 Member of the Board of Trustees
1107 Pine Country Court                                                     of Stepstone Funds 1990-4/1997.
Prescott, AZ  86303-6405

</TABLE>
    





                                      -50-
<PAGE>   296
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                   <C>                                   <C>
Robert M. Whitler                     Member Advisory Board                 Retired. Prior to retirement Executive Vice
336 Running Spring Drive                                                    President and head of Union Bank's Financial
Palm Desert, CA  92211-3240                                                 Management and Trust Services Group.

David G. Lee                           President and Chief Executive        Senior Vice President of the
530 East Swedesford Road               Officer                              Administrator and Distributor, employee
Wayne, PA  19087                                                            since 1993.  Prior to 1993, President
                                                                            for GW Sierra Trust Funds before 1991.

Robert DellaCroce                     Controller and Chief                  CPA, Director of Fund Resources,
530 East Swedesford Road               Financial Officer                    employee since 1994.  Prior to 1994,
Wayne, PA  19087                                                            senior manager for Arthur Andersen.

Kevin P. Robins                       Vice President and Secretary          Employee since 1992.  Prior to 1992,
1 Freedom Valley Drive                of the Administrator and              associate with Morgan Lewis & Bockius
Oaks, PA  19456                       Distributor                           since 1988.

Kathryn L. Stanton                     Vice President and Assistant         Employee since 1994.  Prior to 1992,
1 Freedom Valley Drive                Secretary; Secretary                  associate with Morgan Lewis & Bockius
Oaks, PA  19456                                                             since 1988.
</TABLE>
    





                                      -51-
<PAGE>   297
<TABLE>
<S>                                   <C>                                   <C>
Sandra K. Orlow                       Vice President and Assistant          Employee since 1983.
1 Freedom Valley Drive                Secretary
Oaks, PA  19456

Todd Cipperman                        Vice President and Assistant          Employee since 1995.  From 1994 to May
1 Freedom Valley Drive                Secretary.                            1995, associate with Dewey Ballantine.
Oaks, PA  19456                                                             Prior to 1994, associate with Winston &
                                                                            Strawn.

Barbara A. Nugent                     Vice President and Assistant          Employee since 1996.  Prior to April
1 Freedom Valley Drive                Secretary.                            1996, associate with Drinker, Biddle &
Oaks, PA  19456                                                             Reath from 1994 to 1996.  Prior to 1996,
                                                                            Assistant Vice President/Administration
                                                                            for Delaware Service Company, Inc. from
                                                                            1992 to 1993 and Assistant
                                                                            Vice-Operations of Delaware Service
                                                                            Company, Inc. from 1988 to 1992.
</TABLE>

   
         The Trustees of HighMark receive quarterly retainer fees and fees and
expenses for each meeting of the Board of Trustees attended. No employee,
officer or stockholder of SEI Fund Resources and/or SEI Investments
Distribution Co. receives any compensation directly from HighMark for serving
as a Trustee and/or officer.  SEI Fund Resources and/or SEI Investments
Distribution Co. receive administration, fund accounting servicing and
distribution fees from each of HighMark's Funds. See "Manager and
Administrator" and "Distributor" below.  Messrs. Robins, Cipperman, Cahn,
DellaCroce, and Lee, and Ms. Stanton, Ms. Orlow, and Ms.  Nugent are employees
and officers of SEI Investments Company.  While SEI Fund Resources is a
distinct legal entity from SEI Investments Distribution Co., SEI Fund Resources
is considered to be an affiliated person of SEI Investments Distribution Co.
under the 1940 Act due to, among other things, the fact that SEI Investments
Distribution Co. and SEI Fund Resources are both controlled by the same
ultimate parent company, SEI Investments Company.
    

   
         During the fiscal year ended July 31, 1997, fees paid to the
disinterested Trustees for their services as Trustees aggregated $___________.
For the disinterested Trustees, the
    





                                      -52-
<PAGE>   298
   
following table sets forth information concerning fees paid and retirement
benefits accrued during the fiscal year ended July 31, 1997:
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
               (1)               (2)                     (3)                  (4)                   (5)
             Name of          Aggregate               Pension or        Estimated Annual    Total Compensation
             Trustee        Compensation              Retirement         Benefits Upon           from Fund
                             from Group            Benefits Accrued        Retirement         Complex Paid to
                                                          as                                     Trustees
                                                     Part of Fund
                                                       Expenses
           ----------        -----------               --------            ----------           ----------
<S>                                                       <C>                  <C>
Thomas L. Braje                                           None                 None
David A. Goldfarb                                         None                 None
William R. Howell                                         None                 None
Joseph C. Jaeger                                          None                 None
Frederick J. Long                                         None                 None
Paul L. Smith                                             None                 None
Michael L. Noel*                                          None                 None
Robert M. Whitler*                                        None                 None
</TABLE>
    

   
*Members of Advisory Board.
    

   
         The Advisory Board to the Board of Trustees is responsible for
providing monitoring services and evaluating issues affecting the HighMark
Funds pursuant to the direction of the Board of Trustees, and consulting and
providing advice to the Board of Trustees regarding those issues.
    

INVESTMENT ADVISOR

   
         Investment the advisory and management services are provided to each of
HighMark's Funds by Pacific Alliance division, formerly MERUS-UCA Capital
Management (the "Advisor"), pursuant to an investment advisory agreement between
Union Bank of California and HighMark dated as of April 1, 1996 (the "Investment
Advisory Agreement"). Union Bank of California serves as custodian for each of
HighMark's Funds.  See "Transfer Agent, Custodian and Fund Accounting Services"
below.  Union Bank of California also serves as sub-administrator to each of
HighMark's Funds pursuant to an agreement with SEI Fund Resources.  See "Manager
and Administrator" below.
    

         Unless sooner terminated, the Investment Advisory Agreement will
continue in effect as to each particular Fund from year to year if such
continuance is approved at least annually by HighMark's Board of Trustees or by
vote of a majority of the outstanding Shares of such Fund (as defined under
GENERAL INFORMATION - Miscellaneous in the Prospectuses), and a majority of the
Trustees who are not parties to the Investment Advisory Agreement or interested
persons (as defined in the 1940 Act) of any party to the Investment Advisory
Agreement by votes cast in person at a meeting called for such purpose. The
Investment Advisory Agreement is terminable as to a particular Fund at any time
on 60 days' written





                                      -53-
<PAGE>   299
   
notice without penalty by the Trustees, by vote of a majority of the
outstanding Shares of that Fund, or by Union Bank of California. The Investment
Advisory Agreement terminates automatically in the event of any assignment, as
defined in the 1940 Act.
    

         The Investment Advisory Agreement provides that Union Bank of
California will not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or
for any loss suffered by HighMark in connection with the Advisor's services
under the Investment Advisory Agreement, except a loss resulting from a breach
of fiduciary duty with respect to the receipt of compensation for services or a
loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence on the
part of the Advisor in the performance of its duties, or from reckless
disregard by the Advisor of its duties and obligations thereunder.

         On April 1, 1996, the Bank of California, N.A., HighMark's
then-investment advisor, combined with Union Bank and the resulting bank
changed its name to Union Bank of California, N.A.  At the same time, the
banks' investment management divisions were combined.  Each of the Bank of
California and Union Bank (or its predecessor bank) has been in banking since
the early 1900's, and historically, each has had significant investment
functions within its trust and investment division.  Union Bank of California,
N.A. is a subsidiary of UnionBanCal Corporation, a publicly traded corporation,
a majority of the shares of which are owned by Bank of Tokyo - Mitsubishi,
Limited.

   
         For the services provided and expenses assumed by the Advisor pursuant
to the Investment Advisory Agreement, Union Bank of California is entitled to
receive fees from each Fund as described in that Fund's Prospectus.  For the
fiscal year ended July 31, 1997, Union Bank of California received the
following investment advisory fees: $666,964 from the Growth Fund (an
additional $121,712 in fees were voluntarily reduced); $1,986,575 from the
Income Equity Fund (an additional $658 in fees were voluntarily reduced);
$1,025,689 from the Balanced Fund; $1,158,537 from the Value Momentum Fund;
$254,574 from the Blue Chip Growth Fund; $229,671 from the Emerging Growth
Fund; $218,664 from the International Equity Fund (an additional $9,751 in fees
were voluntarily reduced); $294,637 from the Bond Fund (an additional $188,247
in fees were voluntarily reduced); $388,609 from the Intermediate-Term Bond
Fund; $137,014 from the Government Securities Fund; $67,657 from the
Convertible Securities Fund; $506 from the California Intermediate Tax-Free
Bond Fund (an additional $41,978 in fees were voluntarily reduced); $2,181,976
from the Diversified Money Market Fund; $838,857 from the U.S. Government Money
Market Fund; $1,377,080 from the 100% U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund (an
additional $129,101 in fees were voluntarily reduced); and $124,611 from the
California Tax-Free Money Market Fund (an additional $266,840 in fees were
voluntarily reduced).
    





                                      -54-
<PAGE>   300
   
         For the fiscal year ended January 31, 1997,(1) Union Bank of
California, N.A. received the following investment advisory fees:  $1,630,000
from the Balanced Fund; $1,599,000 from the Value Momentum Fund; $437,000 from
the Blue Chip Growth Fund; $428,000 from the Emerging Growth Fund; $413,000
from the International Equity Fund (an additional $49,000 in fees were
voluntarily waived); $711,000 from the Intermediate-Term Bond Fund; $243,000
from the Government Securities Fund; $116,000 from the Convertible Securities
Fund; $1,000 from the California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund (an additional
$49,000 in fees were voluntarily waived); $2,773,000 from the HighMark
Diversified Money Market Fund; and $126,000 from the California Tax-Free Money
Market Fund (an additional $265,000 in fees were voluntarily waived).(2)
    

   
         For the fiscal year ended July 31, 1996, Union Bank of California
received the following investment advisory fees: $180,047 from the Growth Fund
(an additional $182,161 in fees were voluntarily reduced); $1,722,014 from the
Income Equity Fund (an additional $33,207 in fees were voluntarily reduced);
$277,708 from the Bond Fund (an additional $256,561 in fees were voluntarily
reduced); $944,226 from the U.S. Government Money Market Fund; and $1,203,300
from the 100% U.S. Treasury Money Market Obligations Fund.
    

   
         For the fiscal year ended January 31, 1996, the Adviser's predecessor
received the following investment advisory fees: $1,238,970 from the Balanced
Fund; $1,169,765 from the Value Momentum Fund; $288,983 from the Blue Chip
Growth Fund; $255,357 from the Emerging Growth Fund; $300,582 from the
International Equity Fund (an additional $76,243 in fees were voluntarily
waived); $648,012 from the Intermediate-Term Bond Fund; $185,894 from the
Government Securities Fund; $77,050 from the Convertible Securities Fund;
$3,065 from the California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund (an additional
$61,451 in fees were voluntarily waived); $2,002,595 from the HighMark
Diversified Money Market Fund; and $113,705 from the California Tax-Free Money
Market Fund (an additional $237,331 in fees were voluntarily waived).
    

   
         For the fiscal year ended July 31, 1995, the Bank of California
received the following investment advisory fees: $37,349 from the Growth Fund
(an additional $158,716 in fees were voluntarily reduced); $1,419,062 from the
Income Equity Fund (an additional $11,439 in fees were voluntarily reduced);
$271,150 from the Bond Fund (an additional $250,310 in fees were voluntarily
reduced); $729,094 from the U.S. Government Money Market Fund; and $920,611
from the 100% U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund.
    





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

    (1) See "ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - Miscellaneous" for an explanation of the
different fiscal year ends for each Fund.

    (2) Each of these Funds is the accounting survivor of a reorganization of
two mutual funds.  All fees paid by these Funds (or sub-advisory fees paid with
respect to these Funds) for a fiscal year end of January 31 represent the fees
paid by the accounting survivor prior to the reorganization.

                                      -55-
<PAGE>   301
   
         For the fiscal year ended January 31, 1995, the Adviser's predecessor
received the following investment advisory fees: $1,015,559 from the Balanced
Fund; $923,288 from the Value Momentum Fund; $183,178 from the Blue Chip Growth
Fund; $130,134 from the Emerging Growth Fund; $617,704 from the
Intermediate-Term Bond Fund; $145,821 from the Government Securities Fund;
$44,430 from the Convertible Securities Fund; $60,306 from the California
Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund (an additional $48,888 in fees were voluntarily
waived); $1,820,479 from the HighMark Diversified Money Market Fund; and
$99,901 from the California Tax-Free Money Market Fund (an additional $264,000
in fees were voluntarily waived).
    

THE SUB-ADVISORS

         The Advisor and Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi Trust Company have entered
into a sub-advisory agreement which relates to the Emerging Growth, Blue Chip
Growth, Convertible Securities and Government Securities Funds.  The Advisor
and Tokyo-Mitsubishi Asset Management (UK) Ltd. have entered into a
sub-advisory agreement which relates to the International Equity Fund (the Bank
of Tokyo-Mitsubishi Trust Company, together with Tokyo-Mitsubishi Asset
Management (UK) Ltd., are hereafter collectively, the "Sub-Advisors").

   
         Under its sub-advisory agreement, Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi Trust
Company is entitled to a fee which is calculated daily and paid monthly at an
annual rate of .20% of the average daily net assets of the Government
Securities Fund, .30% of the average daily net assets of the Blue Chip Growth
Fund and Convertible Securities Fund and .50% of the average daily net assets
of the Emerging Growth Fund.  Such fee is paid by the Advisor, and Bank of
Tokyo-Mitsubishi Trust Company receives no fees directly from a Fund.  For the
fiscal year ended July 31, 1997, Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi Trust Company
received sub-advisory fees of $127,287 with respect to the Blue Chip Growth
Fund; $143,545 with respect to the Emerging Growth Fund; $54,805 with respect
to the Government Securities Fund; and $33,828 with respect to the Convertible
Securities Fund.  For the fiscal years ended January 31, 1997 and 1996, Bank of
Tokyo-Mitsubishi Trust Company, or its predecesor, Bank of Tokyo Trust Company
received sub-advisory fees of:  $    and $144,472, respectively, with respect
to the Blue Chip Growth Fund; $     and $159,198, respectively, with respect to
the Emerging Growth Fund; $      and $74,358, respectively, with respect to the
Government Securities Fund; and $    and $37,745, respectively, with respect to
the Convertible Securities Fund.
    

         Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi Trust Company operates as a subsidiary of The
Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi, Ltd.  Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi Trust Company was
established in 1955 and has been providing asset management services since
1965.

         Under its sub-advisory agreement, Tokyo-Mitsubishi Asset Management
(UK), Ltd. is entitled to a fee which is calculated daily and paid monthly at
an annual rate of .30% of the





                                      -56-
<PAGE>   302
   
average daily net assets of the International Equity Fund.  Such a fee is paid
by the Advisor, and Tokyo-Mitsubishi Asset Management (UK), Ltd. receives no
fees directly from the International Equity Fund.  For the fiscal year ended
July 31, 1997 and the fiscal year ended January 31, 1997, Tokyo-Mitsubishi
Asset Management (UK) Ltd. received sub-advisory fees of $72,131 and
$_________, respectively, with respect to the International Equity Fund.
    

         Tokyo-Mitsubishi Asset Management (UK), Ltd. operates as a subsidiary
of The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi, Ltd.  Tokyo-Mitsubishi Asset Management (UK),
Ltd was established in 1989.

PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS

         Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Advisor determines,
subject to the general supervision of the Board of Trustees of HighMark and in
accordance with each Fund's investment objective and restrictions, which
securities are to be purchased and sold by a Fund, and which brokers are to be
eligible to execute its portfolio transactions. Purchases and sales of
portfolio securities for the Bond Fund, the Intermediate-Term Bond Fund, the
Government Securities Fund, the Convertible Securities Fund, the California
Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund, the Diversified Money Market Fund, the U.S.
Government Money Market Fund, the 100% U.S.  Treasury Money Market Fund and the
California Tax-Free Money Market Fund usually are principal transactions in
which portfolio securities are normally purchased directly from the issuer or
from an underwriter or market maker for the securities. Purchases from
underwriters of portfolio securities include a commission or concession paid by
the issuer to the underwriter and purchases from dealers serving as market
makers may include the spread between the bid and asked price.  Securities
purchased by the Growth Fund, the Income Equity Fund, the Value Momentum Fund,
the Blue Chip Growth Fund, the Emerging Growth Fund and the International
Equity Fund will generally involve the payment of a brokerage fee. Portfolio
transactions for the Balanced Fund may be principal transactions or involve the
payment of brokerage commissions. While the Advisor generally seeks competitive
spreads or commissions on behalf of each of the Funds, HighMark may not
necessarily pay the lowest spread or commission available on each transaction,
for reasons discussed below.

         Allocation of transactions, including their frequency, to various
dealers is determined by the Advisor or the Sub-Advisors in their best judgment
and in a manner deemed fair and reasonable to Shareholders. The primary
consideration is prompt execution of orders in an effective manner at the most
favorable price. Subject to this consideration, dealers who provide
supplemental investment research to the Advisor or the Sub-Advisors may receive
orders for transactions by HighMark. Information so received is in addition to
and not in lieu of services required to be performed by the Advisor or the
Sub-Advisors and does not reduce the advisory fees payable to Union Bank of
California by HighMark. Such information may be useful to the Advisor or the
Sub-Advisors in serving both HighMark and other clients and,





                                      -57-
<PAGE>   303
conversely, supplemental information obtained by the placement of business of
other clients may be useful to the Advisor in carrying out its obligations to
HighMark.

   
         Upon adoption by the Board of Trustees of certain procedures pursuant
to Rule 17e-1 under the Investment Company Act, HighMark may execute portfolio
transactions involving the payment of a brokerage fee through Union Bank of
California, SEI Investments Distribution Co., and their affiliates in
accordance with such procedures. HighMark will not acquire portfolio securities
issued by, make savings deposits in, or enter repurchase or reverse repurchase
agreements with, Union Bank of California, or their affiliates, and will not
give preference to correspondents of Union Bank of California with respect to
such securities, savings deposits, repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase
agreements.
    

         Investment decisions for each Fund of HighMark are made independently
from those for the other Funds or any other investment company or account
managed by the Advisor, the Sub-Advisors or Union Bank of California. However,
any such other investment company or account may invest in the same securities
as HighMark. When a purchase or sale of the same security is made at
substantially the same time on behalf of a Fund and another Fund, investment
company or account, the transaction will be averaged as to price, and available
investments allocated as to amount, in a manner that the Advisor or the
Sub-Advisors and Union Bank of California believe to be equitable to the
Fund(s) and such other investment company or account. In some instances, this
investment procedure may adversely affect the price paid or received by a Fund
or the size of the position obtained by a Fund. To the extent permitted by law,
the Advisor, or the Sub-Advisors and Union Bank of California may aggregate the
securities to be sold or purchased for a Fund with those to be sold or
purchased for the other Funds or for other investment companies or accounts in
order to obtain best execution. As provided in the Investment Advisory
Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreements, in making investment recommendations
for HighMark, the Advisor or the Sub-Advisors will not inquire or take into
consideration whether an issuer of securities proposed for purchase or sale by
HighMark is a customer of the Advisor, the Sub-Advisors or Union Bank of
California, their parent or its subsidiaries or affiliates and, in dealing with
its commercial customers, the Advisor, the Sub-Advisors and Union Bank of
California, their parent, subsidiaries, and affiliates will not inquire or take
into consideration whether securities of such customers are held by HighMark.

   
         The following brokerage commissions were paid in the Fiscal Year ended
July 3, 1997: $___________________________________________________________ The
following brokerage commissions were paid in the fiscal year ended July 31,
1996:   $104,127 by the Growth Fund, $318,261 by the Income Equity Fund, and
$13,043 by the Balanced Fund.  The following brokerage commissions were paid in
the fiscal year ended July 31, 1995: $57,798 by the Growth Fund, $257,339 by
the Income Equity Fund, and $10,757 by the Balanced Fund.
    





                                      -58-
<PAGE>   304
GLASS-STEAGALL ACT

         In 1971, the United States Supreme Court held in Investment Company
Institute v. Camp that the federal statute commonly referred to as the
Glass-Steagall Act prohibits a national bank from operating a mutual fund for
the collective investment of managing agency accounts. Subsequently, the Board
of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the "Board") issued a regulation
and interpretation to the effect that the Glass-Steagall Act and such decision:
(a) forbid a bank holding company registered under the Federal Bank Holding
Company Act of 1956 (the "Holding Company Act") or any non-bank affiliate
thereof from sponsoring, organizing, or controlling a registered, open-end
investment company continuously engaged in the issuance of its shares, but (b)
do not prohibit such a holding company or affiliate from acting as investment
advisor, transfer agent, and custodian to such an investment company.  In 1981,
the United States Supreme Court held in Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System v. Investment Company Institute that the Board did not exceed
its authority under the Holding Company Act when it adopted its regulation and
interpretation authorizing bank holding companies and their non-bank affiliates
to act as investment advisors to registered closed-end investment companies. In
the Board of Governors case, the Supreme Court also stated that if a national
bank complies with the restrictions imposed by the Board in its regulation and
interpretation authorizing bank holding companies and their non-bank affiliates
to act as investment advisors to investment companies, a national bank
performing investment advisory services for an investment company would not
violate the Glass-Steagall Act.

         Union Bank of California believes that the Advisor and the
Sub-Advisors possess the legal authority to perform the services for the Funds
contemplated by the Investment Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory
Agreements and described in the Prospectuses and this Statement of Additional
Information and has so represented in the Investment Advisory Agreement and the
Sub-Advisory Agreements. Future changes in either federal or state statutes and
regulations relating to the permissible activities of banks or bank holding
companies and the subsidiaries or affiliates of those entities, as well as
further judicial or administrative decisions or interpretations of present and
future statutes and regulations could prevent or restrict the Advisor from
continuing to perform such services for HighMark. Depending upon the nature of
any changes in the services that could be provided by the Advisor, or the
Sub-Advisors, the Board of Trustees of HighMark would review HighMark's
relationship with the Advisor and the Sub-Advisors and consider taking all
action necessary in the circumstances.

         Should further legislative, judicial or administrative action prohibit
or restrict the activities of Union Bank of California, its affiliates, and its
correspondent banks in connection with Customer purchases of Shares of
HighMark, such Banks might be required to alter materially or discontinue the
services offered by them to Customers. It is not anticipated, however, that any
change in HighMark's method of operations would affect its net asset value per
Share or result in financial losses to any Customer.





                                      -59-
<PAGE>   305
ADMINISTRATOR AND SUB-ADMINISTRATOR

         SEI Fund Resources (the "Administrator") serves as administrator to
each of HighMark's Funds pursuant to the administration agreement dated as of
February 15, 1997 between HighMark and the Administrator (the "Administration
Agreement").

         SEI Fund Resources is a Delaware business trust whose sole beneficiary
is SEI Financial Management Corporation.  SEI Financial Management Corporation,
a wholly owned subsidiary of SEI Investment Company ("SEI"), was organized as a
Delaware corporation in 1969 and has its principal business offices at 1
Freedom Valley Drive, Oaks, Pennsylvania  19456.  SEI and its subsidiaries are
leading providers of funds evaluation services, trust accounting systems, and
brokerage and information services to financial institutions, institutional
investors and money managers.  The Administrator and its affiliates also serve
as administrator to the following other institutional mutual funds:  SEI Daily
Income Trust, SEI Liquid Asset Trust, SEI Tax Exempt Trust, SEI Index Funds,
SEI International Trust, SEI Institutional Managed Trust, Boston 1784(R) Funds,
The Advisors' Inner Circle Fund, The Pillar Funds, CUFund, STI Classic Funds,
CoreFunds, Inc., First American Funds, Inc., First American Investment Funds,
Inc., The Arbor Fund, Marquis Funds(R), Morgan Grenfell Investment Trust, The
PBHG Funds, Inc., The Achievement Funds Trust, Bishop Street Funds, CrestFunds,
Inc., STI Classic Variable Trust, Monitor Funds, FMB Funds, Inc., TIP Funds,
ARK Funds, SEI Asset Allocation Trust, and SEI Institutional Investments Trust.

         Pursuant to the Administration Agreement, the Administrator provides
the Group with administrative services, regulatory reporting, fund accounting
and related portfolio accounting services, all necessary office space,
equipment, personnel, compensation and facilities for handling the affairs of
the Group.  As described below, the Administrator has delegated part of its
responsibilities under the Administration Agreement to Union Bank of
California, N.A.

   
         For the fiscal year ended July 31, 1997, for its services as
administrator and expenses assumed pursuant to the Administration Agreement,
the Administrator received the following fees: $204,315 from the Growth Fund
(an additional $22,032 in fees were voluntarily reduced); $605,282 from the
Income Equity Fund (an additional $17,907 in fees were voluntarily reduced);
$255,346 from the Balanced Fund (an additional $29,410 in fees were voluntarily
reduced); $298,886 from the Value Momentum Fund (an additional $22,063 in fees
were voluntarily reduced); $65,190 from the Blue Chip Growth Fund (an
additional $4,683 in fees were voluntarily reduced); $44,080 from the Emerging
Growth Fund (an additional $3,159 in fees were voluntarily reduced); $36,978
from the International Equity Fund (an additional $3,072 in fees were
voluntarily reduced); $101,712 from the Bond Fund (an additional $25,352 in
fees were voluntarily reduced); $118,137 from the Intermediate-Term Bond Fund
(an additional $8,143 in fees were voluntarily reduced); $41,994 from the
Government Securities Fund (an
    





                                      -60-
<PAGE>   306
   
additional $2,987 in fees were voluntarily reduced); $17,347 from the
Convertible Securities Fund (an additional $1,252 in fees were voluntarily
reduced); $11,833 from the California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund (an
additional $2,604 in fees were voluntarily reduced); $1,141,740 from the
Diversified Money Market Fund (an additional $88,254 in fees were voluntarily
reduced); $439,141 from the U.S. Government Money Market Fund (an additional
$14,294 in fees were voluntarily reduced); $815,457 from the 100% U.S. Treasury
Money Market Fund (an additional $45,215 in fees were voluntarily reduced); and
$207,633 from the California Tax-Free Money Market Fund (an additional $15,291
in fees were voluntarily reduced).
    

   
         For the fiscal year ended January 31, 1997, the Administrator received
the following fees:  $342,000 from the Balanced Fund; $336,000 from the Value
Momentum Fund; $92,000 from the Blue Chip Growth Fund; $67,000 from the
Emerging Growth Fund; $60,000 from the International Equity Fund; $179,000 from
the Intermediate-Term Bond Fund; $61,000 from the Government Securities Fund;
$24,000 from the Convertible Securities Fund; $13,000 from the California
Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund; $1,163,000 from the HighMark Diversified Money
Market Fund; and $164,00 from the California Tax-Free Money Market Fund.
    

         Through the fiscal year ended July 31, 1996 BISYS Fund Services
Limited Partnership d/b/a BISYS Fund Services ("BISYS Fund Services") served as
HighMark's administrator.  For its services as administrator and expenses
assumed pursuant to the administration agreement between BISYS Fund Services
and HighMark, BISYS Fund Services received a fee from each Fund as described in
that Fund's Prospectus. For the fiscal year ended July 31, 1996, BISYS Fund
Services earned the following administration fees: $72,337 from the Growth
Fund; $520,671 from the Income Equity Fund; $80,226 from the Bond Fund (an
additional $43,205 in fees were voluntarily reduced); $472,171 from the U.S.
Government Money Market Fund; and $601,680 from the 100% U.S. Treasury Money
Market Fund.

   
         For the fiscal year ended January 31, 1996, the Administrator received
the following fees:  $276,935 from the Balanced Fund; $261,423 from the Value
Momentum Fund; $288,983 from the Blue Chip Growth Fund; $42,746 from the
Emerging Growth Fund; $54,149 from the International Equity Fund; $173,915 from
the Intermediate-Term Bond Fund; $49,832 from the Government Securities Fund;
$17,197 from the Convertible Securities Fund; $17,405 from the California
Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund; $895,102 from the HighMark Diversified Money
Market Fund; and $157,204 from the California Tax-Free Money Market Fund.
    

   
         For the fiscal year ended July 31, 1995, BISYS Fund Services earned
the following administration fees: $23,444 from the Growth Fund (an additional
$15,769 in fees were voluntarily reduced); $423,500 from the Income Equity
Fund; $78,332 from the Bond Fund (an additional $42,155 in fees were
voluntarily reduced); $364,547 from the U.S. Government Money Market Fund; and
$460,306 from the 100% U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund.
    





                                      -61-
<PAGE>   307
   
         For the fiscal year ended January 31, 1995, the Administrator received
the following fees:  $233,783 from the Balanced Fund; $212,556 from the Value
Momentum Fund; $42,147 from the Blue Chip Growth Fund; $22,454 from the
Emerging Growth Fund; $170,689 from the Intermediate-Term Bond Fund; $40,273
from the Government Securities Fund; $10,223 from the Convertible Securities
Fund; $30,713 from the California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund; $838,165
from the HighMark Diversified Money Market Fund; and $170,054 from the
California Tax-Free Money Market Fund.
    

         The Administration Agreement became effective on February 15, 1997,
unless sooner terminated as provided in the Administration Agreement (and as
described below), the Administration Agreement, as amended, will continue in
effect until July 31, 1999. The Administration Agreement thereafter shall be
renewed automatically for successive annual terms. The Administration Agreement
is terminable at any time with respect to a particular Fund or HighMark as a
whole by either party without penalty for any reason upon 90 days' written
notice by the party effecting such termination to the other party.

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

         The Administration Agreement permits the Administrator to subcontract
its services thereunder, provided that the Administrator will not be relieved
of its obligations under the Administration Agreement by the appointment of a
subcontractor and the Administrator shall be responsible to HighMark for all
acts of the subcontractor as if such acts were its own, except for losses
suffered by any Fund resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross
negligence by the subcontractor in the performance of its duties or for
reckless disregard by it of its obligations and duties.  Pursuant to a
sub-administration agreement between the Administrator and Union Bank of
California, N.A., Union Bank of California, N.A. will perform services which
may include clerical, bookkeeping, accounting, stenographic and administrative
services, for which it will receive a fee, paid by the Administrator, at the
annual rate of up to 0.05% of each Fund's average daily net assets.

SHAREHOLDER SERVICES PLANS

         HighMark has adopted two Shareholder Services Plans, one for Fiduciary
Class and Class A Shares, and one for Class B Shares (collectively, the
"Services Plans") pursuant to which a Fund is authorized to pay compensation to
financial institutions (each a "Service Provider"), which may include Bank of
Tokyo-Mitsubishi, Ltd., Union Bank of California, N.A., or their respective
affiliates, that agree to provide certain shareholder support services for
their customers or account holders (collectively, "customers") who are the
beneficial or record owners of Shares of a Fund. In consideration for such
services, a Service Provider is





                                      -62-
<PAGE>   308
compensated by a Fund at a maximum annual rate of up to 0.25% of the average
daily net asset value of Shares of a Fund, pursuant to each plan.

         The servicing agreements adopted under the Services Plans (the
"Servicing Agreements") require the Service Provider receiving such
compensation to perform certain shareholder support services as set forth in
the Servicing Agreements with respect to the beneficial or record owners of
Shares of a Fund.

         As authorized by the Services Plans, HighMark may enter into a
Servicing Agreement with a Service Provider pursuant to which the Service
Provider has agreed to provide certain shareholder support services in
connection with Shares of one or more of HighMark's Funds. Such shareholder
support services may include, but are not limited to, (i) maintaining
Shareholder accounts; (ii) providing information periodically to Shareholders
showing their positions in Shares; (iii) arranging for bank wires; (iv)
responding to Shareholder inquiries relating to the services performed by the
Service Provider; (v) responding to inquiries from Shareholders concerning
their investments in Shares; (vi) forwarding Shareholder communications from
HighMark (such as proxies, shareholder reports, annual and semi-annual
financial statements and dividend, distribution and tax notices) to
Shareholders; (vii) processing purchase, exchange and redemption requests from
Shareholders and placing such orders with HighMark or its service providers;
(viii) assisting Shareholders in changing dividend options, account
designations, and addresses; (ix) providing subaccounting with respect to
Shares beneficially owned by Shareholders; (x) processing dividend payments
from HighMark on behalf of the Shareholders; and (xi) providing such other
similar services as HighMark may reasonably request to the extent that the
service provider is permitted to do so under applicable laws or regulations.

EXPENSES

   
         HighMark's service providers bear all expenses in connection with the
performance of their respective services, except that each Fund will bear the
following expenses relating to its operations: taxes, interest, brokerage fees
and commissions, if any, fees and travel expenses of Trustees who are not
partners, officers, directors, shareholders or employees of Union Bank of
California, SEI Fund Resources or SEI Investments Distribution Co., Securities
and Exchange Commission fees and state fees and expenses, certain insurance
premiums, outside and, to the extent authorized by HighMark, inside auditing
and legal fees and expenses, fees charged by rating agencies in having the
Fund's Shares rated, advisory and administration fees, fees and reasonable
out-of-pocket expenses of the custodian and transfer agent, expenses incurred
for pricing securities owned by the Fund, costs of maintenance of corporate
existence, typesetting and printing prospectuses for regulatory purposes and
for distribution to current Shareholders, costs and expenses of Shareholders'
and Trustees' reports and meetings and any extraordinary expenses.
    

DISTRIBUTOR





                                      -63-
<PAGE>   309
   
         SEI Investments Distribution Co. (the "Distributor"), a wholly-owned
subsidiary of SEI, serves as distributor to HighMark's Funds pursuant to a
distribution agreement dated February 15, 1997 between HighMark and the
Distributor for the Fiduciary Class and Class A Shares, and pursuant to a
distribution agreement dated June 18, 1997 between HighMark and the Distributor
for Class B Shares (collectively, the "Distribution Agreements").
    

         Unless terminated, the Distribution Agreements will continue in effect
until July 31, 1999 and from year to year thereafter if approved at least
annually (i) by HighMark's Board of Trustees or by the vote of a majority of
the outstanding Shares of HighMark, and (ii) by the vote of a majority of the
Trustees of HighMark who are not parties to the Distribution Agreements or
interested persons (as defined in the 1940 Act) of any party to the
Distribution Agreements, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of
voting on such approval. The Distribution Agreements are terminable without
penalty, on not less than sixty days' notice by HighMark's Board of Trustees,
by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of HighMark or by
the Distributor. The Distribution Agreements terminate in the event of their
assignment, as defined in the 1940 Act.

   
         The Distribution Plans.  The operation of the Distribution Plans, the
0.25% fee payable under HighMark's Distribution Plans to which the Class A
Shares of HighMark's Funds are presently subject and the 0.75% fee to which the
Class B Shares are presently subject are described in each such Fund's
Prospectus under "SERVICE ARRANGEMENTS -The Distribution Plans."  For the
fiscal year ended July 31, 1997, the Distributor received in respect of the
sale of Retail Shares distribution fees of: $4,737 from the Growth Fund; $8,102
from the Income Equity Fund; $10,350 from the Balanced Fund; $21,773 from the
Value Momentum Fund; $803,701 from the Diversified Money Market Fund; $29,990
from the U.S. Government Money Market Fund; $358,799 from the 100% U.S.
Treasury Money Market Fund; and $229,497 from the California Tax-Free Money
Market Fund.
    

   
         For the fiscal year ended January 31, 1997, the Distributor received
in respect of the sale of Retail Shares distribution fees of:  $21,000 from the
Balanced Fund; $34,000 from the Value Momentum Fund; $962,000 from the
Diversified Money Market Fund; and $300,000 from the California Tax-Free Money
Market Fund.
    

         In accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, the Distribution
Plans may be terminated with respect to any Fund by a vote of a majority of the
Independent Trustees, or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding Class A or
Class B Shares of that Fund. The Distribution Plans may be amended by vote of
HighMark's Board of Trustees, including a majority of the Independent Trustees,
cast in person at a meeting called for such purpose, except that any change in
a Distribution Plan that would materially increase the distribution fee with
respect to a Fund requires the approval of that Fund's Retail Shareholders.
HighMark's Board of Trustees will review on a quarterly and annual basis
written reports of the amounts received and expended under the Distribution
Plans (including amounts expended by the





                                      -64-
<PAGE>   310
Distributor to Participating Organizations pursuant to the Servicing Agreements
entered into under the Distribution Plans) indicating the purposes for which
such expenditures were made.

         Each Distribution Plan provides that it will continue in effect with
respect to each Fund for successive one-year periods, provided that each such
continuance is specifically approved (i) by the vote of a majority of the
Independent Trustees and (ii) by the vote of the entire Board of Trustees, cast
in person at a meeting called for such purpose. For so long as each of the
Distribution Plans remains in effect, the selection and nomination of those
trustees who are not interested persons of HighMark (as defined in the 1940
Act) shall be committed to the discretion of such disinterested persons.

TRANSFER AGENT AND CUSTODIAN SERVICES

         State Street Bank and Trust Company performs transfer agency services
for HighMark's Funds pursuant to a transfer agency and shareholder service
agreement with HighMark dated as of February 15, 1997 (the "Transfer Agency
Agreement"). As each Fund's transfer agent, State Street Bank and Trust Company
processes purchases and redemptions of each Fund's Shares and maintains each
Fund's Shareholder transfer and accounting records, such as the history of
purchases, redemptions, dividend distributions, and similar transactions in a
Shareholders's account.

         Under the Transfer Agency Agreement, HighMark has agreed to pay State
Street Bank and Trust Company annual fees at the rate of $18,000 per Retail
class/per Fund.  The Distributor has agreed to pay State Street Bank and Trust
Company annual fees at the rate of $15,000 per Fiduciary class/per Fund.  In
addition, there will be an annual account maintenance fee of $25.00 per account
and IRA Custodial fees totalling $15.00 per account, as well as out-of-pocket
expenses as defined in the Transfer Agency Agreement.  HighMark intends to
charge transfer agency fees across the HighMark Funds as a whole.  State Street
Bank and Trust Company may periodically voluntarily reduce all or a portion of
its transfer agency fee with respect to a Fund to increase the Fund's net
income available for distribution as dividends.

         Union Bank of California, N.A. serves as custodian to HighMark's Funds
pursuant to a custodian agreement with HighMark dated as of December 23, 1991,
as amended (the "Custodian Agreement").  Under the Custodian Agreement, Union
Bank of California's responsibilities include safeguarding and controlling each
Fund's cash and securities, handling the receipt and delivery of securities,
and collecting interest and dividends on each Fund's investments.

         Under the Custodian Agreement, HighMark has agreed to pay Union Bank
of California a domestic custodian fee with respect to each Fund at an annual
rate of .01% of the Fund's average daily net assets, with an annual minimum fee
of $2,500 per Fund, plus certain transaction fees.  Union Bank of California is
also entitled to be reimbursed by HighMark for





                                      -65-
<PAGE>   311
its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in the performance of its duties
under the Custodian Agreement. Global custody fees shall be determined on a
transaction basis.  Union Bank of California may periodically voluntarily
reduce all or a portion of its custodian fee with respect to a Fund to increase
the Fund's net income available for distribution as dividends.

AUDITORS

   
         The financial statements of HighMark for the period ended July 31,
1997, incorporated by reference into this Statement of Additional Information
have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent accountants, as set
forth in their report also incorporated by reference into this Statement of
Additional Information, and are included in reliance upon such report and on
the authority of such firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
    

LEGAL COUNSEL

         Ropes & Gray, One Franklin Square, 1301 K Street, N.W., Suite 800
East, Washington, D.C. 20005, are counsel to HighMark and will pass upon the
legality of the Shares offered hereby.

                             ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

DESCRIPTION OF SHARES

         HighMark is a Massachusetts business trust. HighMark's Declaration of
Trust was originally filed with the Secretary of State of The Commonwealth of
Massachusetts on March 10, 1987. The Declaration of Trust, as amended,
authorizes the Board of Trustees to issue an unlimited number of Shares, which
are units of beneficial interest, without par value. HighMark's Declaration of
Trust, as amended, further authorizes the Board of Trustees to establish one or
more series of Shares of HighMark, and to classify or reclassify the Shares of
any series into one or more classes by setting or changing in any one or more
respects the preferences, designations, conversion or other rights,
restrictions, limitations as to dividends, conditions of redemption,
qualifications or other terms applicable to the Shares of such class, subject
to those matters expressly provided for in the Declaration of Trust, as
amended, with respect to the Shares of each series of HighMark. HighMark
presently consists of sixteen series of Shares, representing units of
beneficial interest in the Growth Fund, the Income Equity Fund, the Balanced
Fund, the Value Momentum Fund, the Blue Chip Growth Fund, the Emerging Growth
Fund, the International Equity Fund, the Bond Fund, the Intermediate-Term Bond
Fund, the Government Securities Fund, the Convertible Securities Fund, the
California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund, the Diversified Money Market Fund,
the U.S. Government Money Market Fund, the 100% U.S. Treasury Money Market
Fund, and the California Tax-Free Money Market Fund.  As described in the
Prospectuses, selected Funds





                                      -66-
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have been divided into three classes of Shares, designated Class A and Class B
Shares (collectively, "Retail Shares") and Fiduciary Shares.

         Shares have no subscription or preemptive rights and only such
conversion or exchange rights as the Board of Trustees may grant in its
discretion. When issued for payment as described in the Prospectuses and this
Statement of Additional Information, HighMark's Shares will be fully paid and
non-assessable. In the event of a liquidation or dissolution of HighMark,
Shareholders of a Fund are entitled to receive the assets available for
distribution belonging to that Fund, and a proportionate distribution, based
upon the relative asset values of the respective Funds, of any general assets
not belonging to any particular Fund that are available for distribution. Upon
liquidation or dissolution of HighMark, Retail and Fiduciary shareholders are
entitled to receive the net assets of the Fund attributable to each class.

         As used in the Prospectuses and in this Statement of Additional
Information, "assets belonging to a Fund" means the consideration received by
HighMark upon the issuance or sale of Shares in that Fund, together with all
income, earnings, profits, and proceeds derived from the investment thereof,
including any proceeds from the sale, exchange, or liquidation of such
investments, and any funds or payments derived from any reinvestment of such
proceeds, and any general assets of HighMark not readily identified as
belonging to a particular Fund that are allocated to that Fund by HighMark's
Board of Trustees. Such allocations of general assets may be made in any manner
deemed fair and equitable, and it is anticipated that the Board of Trustees
will use the relative net asset values of the respective Funds at the time of
allocation. Assets belonging to a particular Fund are charged with the direct
liabilities and expenses of that Fund, and with a share of the general
liabilities and expenses of HighMark not readily identified as belonging to a
particular Fund that are allocated to that Fund in proportion to the relative
net asset values of the respective Funds at the time of allocation. The timing
of allocations of general assets and general liabilities and expenses of
HighMark to particular Funds will be determined by the Board of Trustees and
will be in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Determinations by the Board of Trustees as to the timing of the allocation of
general liabilities and expenses and as to the timing and allocable portion of
any general assets with respect to a particular Fund are conclusive.

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

         Under Rule 18f-2, the approval of an investment advisory agreement or
any change in fundamental investment policy would be effectively acted upon
with respect to a Fund only if





                                      -67-
<PAGE>   313
approved by a majority of the outstanding Shares of such Fund. However, Rule
18f-2 also provides that the ratification of independent public accountants,
the approval of principal underwriting contracts, and the election of Trustees
may be effectively acted upon by Shareholders of HighMark voting without regard
to series.

         Although not governed by Rule 18f-2, Retail Shares of a Fund have
exclusive voting rights with respect to matters pertaining to the Fund's
Distribution Plan.

SHAREHOLDER AND TRUSTEE LIABILITY

         Under Massachusetts law, holders of units of interest in a business
trust may, under certain circumstances, be held personally liable as partners
for the obligations of the trust. However, HighMark's Declaration of Trust, as
amended, provides that Shareholders shall not be subject to any personal
liability for the obligations of HighMark, and that every written agreement,
obligation, instrument, or undertaking made by HighMark shall contain a
provision to the effect that the Shareholders are not personally liable
thereunder. The Declaration of Trust, as amended, provides for indemnification
out of the trust property of any Shareholder held personally liable solely by
reason of his or her being or having been a Shareholder. The Declaration of
Trust, as amended, also provides that HighMark shall, upon request, assume the
defense of any claim made against any Shareholder for any act or obligation of
HighMark, and shall satisfy any judgment thereon. Thus, the risk of a
Shareholder incurring financial loss on account of Shareholder liability is
limited to circumstances in which HighMark itself would be unable to meet its
obligations.

         The Declaration of Trust, as amended, states further that no Trustee,
officer, or agent of HighMark shall be personally liable in connection with the
administration or preservation of the assets of the trust or the conduct of
HighMark's business, nor shall any Trustee, officer, or agent be personally
liable to any person for any action or failure to act except for his own bad
faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of his
duties. The Declaration of Trust, as amended, also provides that all persons
having any claim against the Trustees or HighMark shall look solely to the
assets of the trust for payment.

THE REORGANIZATION OF THE IRA FUND AND HIGHMARK

         As of June 23, 1988, pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of
Reorganization between the IRA Fund, HighMark, and the Bank of California,
substantially all of the assets of the IRA Fund's Income Equity Portfolio, and
Bond Portfolio were transferred to HighMark's Income Equity Fund, and Bond
Fund, respectively, in exchange for such Fund's Shares, and substantially all
of the assets of the IRA Fund's Short Term Portfolio were transferred to one or
more of HighMark's Money Market Funds in exchange for Shares of such Money
Market Fund or Funds. Prior to June 23, 1988, the aggregate total return and
average annual total return of the Bond Fund and Income Equity Fund reflect the
aggregate total return and average annual total return of the IRA Fund Bond
Portfolio and the IRA Fund Income Equity





                                      -68-
<PAGE>   314
Portfolio, respectively. The IRA Fund Bond Portfolio and the IRA Fund Income
Equity Portfolio both received investment advice from the same division of the
Bank of California now known as Pacific Alliance Capital Management and had
investment objectives, policies and restrictions substantially similar to those
of the Bond Fund and the Income Equity Fund, respectively. However, potential
investors should be aware that both the nature and amount of fees and expenses
of the IRA Fund Bond Portfolio and the Bond Fund and those of the IRA Fund
Income Equity Portfolio and the Income Equity Fund differ.

CALCULATION OF PERFORMANCE DATA

         From time to time, articles relating to the performance, rankings, and
other investment characteristics of mutual funds and their investment advisors,
including HighMark's Funds and the Advisor, may appear in national, regional,
and local publications. In particular, some publications may publish their own
rankings or performance reviews of mutual funds and their investment advisors,
including HighMark's Funds and the Advisor. Various mutual fund or market
indices may also serve as a basis for comparison of the performance of
HighMark's Funds with other mutual funds or mutual fund portfolios with
comparable investment objectives and policies. In addition to the indices
prepared by Dow Jones & Co., Inc. and Standard & Poor's Corporation, references
to or reprints from the following publications may be used in HighMark's
promotional literature: IBC/Donoghue's Money Fund Report, Ibbotson Associates
of Chicago, MorningStar, Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., CDA/Wiesenberger
Investment Company Services, SEI Financial Services, Callan Associates,
Wilshire Associates, MONEY Magazine, Pension and Investment Age, Forbes
Magazine, Business Week, American Banker, Fortune Magazine, Institutional
Investor, Barron's National Business & Financial Weekly, The Wall Street
Journal, New York Times, San Francisco Chronicle and Examiner, Los Angeles
Times, U.S.A. Today, Sacramento Bee, Seattle Times, Seattle Daily Journal of
Commerce, Seattle Post/Intelligence, Seattle Business Journal, Tacoma New
Tribune, Bellevue Journal-American, The Oregonian, Puget Sound Business
Journal, Portland Chamber of Commerce and Portland Daily Journal of
Commerce/Portland Business Today. Shareholders may call toll free
1-800-433-6884 for current information concerning the performance of each of
HighMark's Funds.

         From time to time, the Funds may include the following types of
information in advertisements, supplemental sales literature and reports to
Shareholders: (1) discussions of general economic or financial principles (such
as the effects of compounding and the benefits of dollar-cost averaging); (2)
discussions of general economic trends; (3) presentations of statistical data
to supplement such discussions; (4) descriptions of past or anticipated
portfolio holdings for one or more of the Funds within HighMark; (5)
descriptions of investment strategies for one or more of the Funds; (6)
descriptions or comparisons of various savings and investment products
(including, but not limited to, insured bank products, annuities, qualified
retirement plans and individual stocks and bonds), which may or may not include
the Funds; (7) comparisons of investment products (including the Funds) with
relevant market or industry indices or other appropriate benchmarks; (8)
discussions of fund rankings or ratings by





                                      -69-
<PAGE>   315
recognized rating organizations; and (9) testimonials describing the experience
of persons that have invested in one or more of the Funds. The Funds may also
include calculations, such as hypothetical compounding examples, which describe
hypothetical investment results in such communications. Such performance
examples will be based on an express set of assumptions and are not indicative
of the performance of any of the Funds. In addition, the California Tax- Free
Fund may include charts comparing various tax-free yields versus taxable yield
equivalents at different income levels.

   
         Based on the seven-day period ended July 31, 1997 (the "base period"
for the Diversified Money Market Fund, the U.S. Government Money Market Fund,
the 100% U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund, and the California Tax-Free Money
Market Fund), the yield of the Diversified Money Market Fund's Retail Shares and
Fiduciary Shares was 4.67% and 4.67%, respectively, and the effective yield of
the Fund's Retail Shares and Fiduciary Shares was 4.78% and 4.78%, respectively;
the yield of the U.S. Government Money Market Fund's Retail Shares and Fiduciary
Shares was 4.54% and 4.56%, respectively, and the effective yield of the Fund's
Retail Shares and Fiduciary Shares was 4.66% and 4.64%, respectively; the yield
of the 100% U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund's Retail Shares and Fiduciary Shares
was 4.45% and 4.45% respectively, and the effective yield of the Fund's Retail
Shares and Fiduciary Shares was 4.55% and 4.55% respectively; and the yield of
the California Tax-Free Money Market Fund's Retail Shares and Fiduciary Shares
was 2.83% and 2.83% respectively, and the effective yield of the Fund's Retail
Shares and Fiduciary Shares was 2.87% and 2.87%, respectively.  The yield of
each Fund's Retail Shares and Fiduciary Shares, respectively, was computed by
determining the percentage net change, excluding capital changes, in the value
of an investment in one Share of the Class over the base period, and multiplying
the net change by 365/7 (or approximately 52 weeks). The effective yield of each
Fund's Retail Shares and Fiduciary Shares, respectively, represents a
compounding of the yield of the Class by adding 1 to the number representing the
percentage change in value of the investment during the base period, raising
that sum to a power equal to 365/7, and subtracting 1 from the result.
    

   
         Based on the thirty-day period ended July 31, 1997, the yield of the
Diversified Money Market Fund's Retail Shares and Fiduciary Shares was 4.65% and
4.65% respectively,  and the effective yield of the Fund's Retail Shares and
Fiduciary Shares was 4.75% and 4.75%, respectively; the yield of the U.S.
Government Money Market Fund's Retail Shares and Fiduciary Shares was 4.52% and
4.54%, respectively, and the effective yield of the Fund's Retail Shares and
Fiduciary Shares was 4.61% and 4.63%, respectively; the yield of the 100% U.S.
Treasury Money Market Fund's Retail Shares and Fiduciary Shares was 4.43% and
4.43%, respectively, and the effective yield of the Fund's Retail Shares and
Fiduciary Shares was 4.52% and 4.52%, respectively; and the yield of the
California Tax- Free Money Market Fund's Retail Shares and Fiduciary Shares was
2.70% and 2.70%, respectively, and the effective yield of the Fund's Retail
Shares and Fiduciary Shares was 2.73% and 2.73%, respectively.  The yield of
each Fund's Retail Shares and Fiduciary Shares, respectively, was computed by
determining the percentage
    





                                      -70-
<PAGE>   316
net change, excluding capital changes, in the value of an investment in one
Share of the Class over the thirty-day period, and multiplying the net change
by 365/30 (or approximately twelve months). The effective yield of each Fund's
Retail Shares and Fiduciary Shares, respectively, represents a compounding of
the yield of the Class by adding 1 to the number representing the percentage
change in value of the investment during the thirty-day period, raising that
sum to a power equal to 365/30, and subtracting 1 from the result.

   
         Based on the seven-day period ended July 31, 1997, the tax-equivalent
yield of the California Tax-Free Money Market Fund's Retail Shares and Fiduciary
Shares was 4.69% and 4.69% respectively (using a federal income tax rate of
39.6%), and 5.73% and 5.73% respectively (using a federal income tax rate of
39.6% and a California personal income tax rate of 11%), and the tax-equivalent
effective yield of the Fund's Retail Shares and Fiduciary Shares was 4.75% and
4.75%, respectively (using a federal income tax rate of 39.6%), and 5.81% and
5.81%, respectively (using a federal income tax rate of 39.6% and a California
personal income tax rate of 11%).
    

   
         Based on the thirty-day period ended July 31, 1997, the tax-equivalent
yield of the California Tax-Free Money Market Fund's Retail Shares and Fiduciary
Shares was 4.47% and 4.47%, respectively (using a federal income tax rate of
39.6%), and 5.47% and 5.47%, respectively (using a federal income tax rate of
39.6% and a California personal income tax rate of 11%), and the tax-equivalent
effective yield of the Fund's Retail Shares and Fiduciary Shares was 4.52% and
4.52%, respectively (using a federal income tax rate of 39.6%), and 5.53% and
5.53%, respectively (using a federal income tax rate of 39.6% and a California
personal income tax rate of 11%).
    

         The tax-equivalent yield of the Retail Shares and Fiduciary Shares,
respectively, of the California Tax-Free Fund was computed by dividing that
portion of the yield of the Class that is tax-exempt by 1 minus the stated
income tax rate (or rates) and adding the product to that portion, if any, of
the yield of the Class that is not tax-exempt. The tax-equivalent effective
yield of the Fund's Retail Shares and Fiduciary Shares, respectively, was
computed by dividing that portion of the effective yield of the Class which is
tax-exempt by 1 minus the stated income tax rate (or rates) and adding to that
portion, if any, of the effective yield of the Class that is not tax-exempt.

   
         For the year ended July 31, 1997, the one-year average annual total
return of the Diversified Money Market Fund Retail and Fiduciary shares was
4.80%, of the U.S. Government Money Market Fund Retail and Fiduciary shares was
4.65% and 4.67%, respectively, of the 100% U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund
Retail and Fiduciary shares was 4.55%, and of the California Tax-Free Money
Market Fund Retail and Fiduciary shares was 2.76%.
    

   
         For the period ended July 31, 1997, the five-year average annual total
return of the Diversified Money Market Fund's Retail and
    





                                      -71-
<PAGE>   317
Fiduciary shares was 3.98%; of the U.S. Government Money Market Fund's Retail
and Fiduciary shares was 3.86%; of the 100% U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund's
Retail and Fiduciary shares was 3.75%; and of the California Tax-Free Money
Market Fund's Retail and Fiduciary shares was 2.58%.

   
         For the period from August 10, 1987 (the date on which the Diversified
Money Market Fund, the U.S. Government Money Market Fund and the 100% U.S.
Treasury Money Market Fund commenced operations) through July 31, 1997, the
average annual total return of the Diversified Money Market Fund Retail and
Fiduciary shares, the U.S. Government Money Market Fund Retail and Fiduciary
shares and the 100% U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund Retail and Fiduciary shares
was 4.35%, 4.17% and 4.08%, respectively. For the period from August 11, 1987
(the date on which the California Tax-Free Money Market Fund commenced
operations) through July 31, 1997, the average annual total return of the
California Tax-Free Money Market Fund Retail and Fiduciary shares was 3.65%.
    

         Prior to June 23, 1988 (the date on which the Income Equity Fund and
the Bond Fund commenced operations as a result of the reorganization involving
the IRA Fund Income Equity Portfolio and the IRA Fund Bond Portfolio,
respectively, as described under "ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - The Reorganization
of the IRA Fund and HighMark" above), the total return and average annual total
return of the Income Equity Fund and the Bond Fund reflects the total return
and average annual total return of the IRA Fund Income Equity Portfolio, and
the IRA Fund Bond Portfolio, respectively. Each IRA Fund Portfolio received
investment advice from the same division of the Bank of California now known as
Pacific Alliance Capital Management and had substantially similar investment
objectives, policies, and restrictions of the Fund into which it was
reorganized. However, potential investors in the Income Equity Fund, and the
Bond Fund should be aware that both the nature and amount of fees and expenses
of the IRA Fund Income Equity Portfolio, and the IRA Fund Bond Portfolio differ
from the Fund into which the respective IRA Fund Portfolios were reorganized.
See "Management of HighMark Investment Advisor" and the Statements of
Operations in the Financial Statements with respect to the Income Equity Fund,
and the Bond Fund and the IRA Fund Income Equity Portfolio, and the IRA Fund
Bond Portfolio for the applicable period ended July 31, 1989 and June 22, 1988
contained in this Statement of Additional Information.

         Each Equity Fund and Fixed Income Fund offered a single class of
shares throughout the periods shown below. The performance figures relating to
the Retail Shares have been adjusted, however, to give effect to the sales
charge and distribution fee to which the Retail Shares are subject. Because
only Retail Shares bear the expense of the fee, if any, under the Distribution
Plan and a sales charge, total return and yield relating to a Fund's Retail
Shares will be lower than that relating to the Funds' Fiduciary Shares.

   
    





                                      -72-
<PAGE>   318
   
         For the one year period ended July 31, 1997, the average annual total
return of the Retail and Fiduciary Shares of the Income Equity Fund was 11.77%
(12.01% without a load) and 17.04%, respectively, and of the Bond Fund was 1.00%
(2.05% without a load) and 2.03%, respectively.  For the five-year period ended
July 31, 1997, the average annual total return of the Retail and Fiduciary
Shares of the Income Equity Fund was 14.07% (15.12% without a load) and 15.08%,
respectively, and of the Bond Fund was 5.69% (6.34% without a load) and 6.49%,
respectively. For the ten year period ended January 31, 1997, the average annual
total return of the Retail and Fiduciary Shares of the Income Equity Fund was
12.16% (12.67% without a load) and 12.66%, respectively. For the ten year period
ended July 31, 1997, the average annual total return of the Retail and Fiduciary
Shares of the Bond Fund was 6.58% (6.91% without a load) and 6.99%,
respectively.
    

   
         For the one year period ended July 31, 1997, the average annual total
return of the Retail and Fiduciary Shares of the Growth Fund was 19.02% (24.62%
without a load) and 24.84%, respectively and of the Retail and Fiduciary Shares
of the Balanced Fund was 8.86% (14.00% without a load) and 13.89% respectively.
    

   
         For the period beginning November 18, 1993 (commencement of operations)
and ending July 31, 1997, the average annual total return of the Retail Shares
and Fiduciary Shares of the Growth Fund was 16.58% (18.26% without a load) and
18.24%, respectively.
    

   
         For the period beginning November 14, 1993 (commencement of operations)
and ending July 31, 1997, the aggregate total return of the Retail Shares and
Fiduciary Shares of the Balanced Fund was 10.55% (12.14% without a load) and
12.36%, respectively.
    

         Each Fund's respective average annual total return and/or aggregate
total return was calculated by determining the change in the value of a
hypothetical $1,000 investment in the Fund over the applicable period
(utilizing, when appropriate, performance information from the applicable IRA
Fund Portfolio prior to June 23, 1988) that would equate the initial amount
invested to the ending redeemable value of the investment; in the case of the
average annual total return, this amount (representing the Fund's total return)
was then averaged over the relevant number of years. The ending redeemable
value includes dividends and capital gain distributions reinvested at net asset
value. The resulting percentages indicate the positive or negative investment
results that an investor would have experienced from changes in Share price and
reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions.

   
         For the thirty-day period ended July 31, 1997, the yield for the Retail
and Fiduciary Shares of the Growth Fund was 0.34% (0.77%
    





                                      -73-
<PAGE>   319
without a load) and 0.36%, respectively; for the Retail and Fiduciary Shares of
the Income Equity Fund was 2.24% (2.99% without a load) and 2.36%,
respectively; for the Retail and Fiduciary Shares of the Balanced Fund was
3.17% (3.57% without a load) and 3.32%, respectively; and for the Retail and
Fiduciary Shares of the Bond Fund was 5.75% (6.08% without a load) and 5.93%,
respectively.  The Fund's "yield" (referred to as "standardized yield") for a
given 30-day period for a class of shares is calculated using the following
formula set forth in rules adopted by the Commission that apply to all funds
that quote yields:

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

The symbols above represent the following factors:

a =      dividends and interest earned during the 30-day period.

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

c =      the average daily number of shares of that class outstanding during
         the 30-day period that were entitled to receive dividends.

d =      the maximum offering price per share of the class on the last day of
         the period, adjusted for undistributed net investment income.

         The standardized yield of a class of shares for a 30-day period may
differ from its yield for any other period.  The Commission formula assumes
that the standardized yield for a 30-day period occurs at a constant rate for a
six-month period and is annualized at the end of the six-month period.  This
standardized yield is not based on actual distributions paid by the Fund to
shareholders in the 30-day period, but is a hypothetical yield based upon the
net investment income from the Fund's portfolio investments calculated for that
period.  Because each class of shares is subject to different expenses, it is
likely that the standardized yields of the Fund classes of shares will differ.

   
         For the period ended July 31, 1997, the annualized distribution rate
(including capital gains and excluding a sales charge) of the Income Equity Fund
was 16.30% for Retail Shares and 16.33% for Fiduciary Shares and of the Bond
Fund was 5.78% for Retail Shares and 5.73% for Fiduciary Shares. For the period
ended July 31, 1997, the distribution rate (excluding capital gains and a sales
charge) of the Income Equity Fund was 2.38% for the Retail and Fiduciary Shares,
and of the Bond Fund was 5.78 for the Retail Shares and 5.73% for the Fiduciary
Shares.  For the period ended July 31, 1997, the distribution rate (including
capital gains and a sales charge) of the Income Equity Fund was 15.57% and of
the Bond Fund was 5.61%.  For the period ended July 31, 1997 [all figures will
be updated in final SAI] the distribution rate (excluding capital gains and
including a sales charge) of the Income Equity Fund was 2.27% and of the Bond
Fund was 5.61%. The distribution rate for each Fund is determined by dividing
the income distributions and, where the distribution rate includes capital gains
distributions, capital gains
    





                                      -74-
<PAGE>   320
distributions on a Share of the Fund over a six-month period by the per Share
net asset value of the Fund on the last day of the period and annualized.

         All performance information presented is based on past performance and
does not predict future performance.  No performance information is presented
for the Value Momentum, Blue Chip Growth, Emerging Growth, International
Equity, Intermediate-Term Bond, Government Securities, Convertible Securities
and California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Funds because they had not commenced
operations as of the date of this Statement of Additional Information.  Because
the Class B Shares had not commenced operations as of January 31, 1997, "Retail
Shares" in the preceding examples refer only to Class A Shares.

MISCELLANEOUS

   
         Prior to April 28, 1997, the California Tax-Free Money Market Fund,
the HighMark Value Momentum Fund, the Blue Chip Growth Fund, the Emerging
Growth Fund, the International Equity Fund, the Intermediate-Term Bond Fund,
the Government Securities Fund, and the California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond
Fund and, prior to May 1, 1997, the Convertible Securities Fund did not yet
operate as HighMark Funds.  Prior to operating as HighMark Funds, each Fund had
a fiscal year end of January 31 (rather than July 31).  Most of the financial
and investment information (e.g., fees paid to service providers and portfolio
turnover) presented in this Statement of Additional Information and in the
Prospectuses is based on a Fund's fiscal year end.  Each of these Funds is the
accounting survivor of a reorganization of two mutual funds.  All fees paid by
these Funds (or sub-advisory fees paid with respect to these Funds) for a
fiscal year end of January 31 represent the fees paid by the accounting
survivor prior to the reorganization.  As a result, for each of these Funds,
and for the Diversified Money Market Fund and the Balanced Fund, for the fiscal
year ended July 31, 1997, the financial and investment information is provided
for the period February 1, 1997 through July 31, 1997.  Therefore, for these
Funds for each prior fiscal year, the financial and investment information is
provided for the period February 1 through January 31.
    

   
         For all of the other Funds information for a fiscal year is provided
for the period August 1 through July 31 (or such other shorter period if the
Fund began operations after August 1).
    

         HighMark is not required to hold meetings of Shareholders for the
purpose of electing Trustees except that (i) HighMark is required to hold a
Shareholders' meeting for the election of Trustees at such time as less than a
majority of the Trustees holding office have been elected by Shareholders and
(ii) if, as a result of a vacancy on the Board of Trustees, less than
two-thirds of the Trustees holding office have been elected by the
Shareholders, that vacancy may be filled only by a vote of the Shareholders. In
addition, Trustees may be removed from office by a written consent signed by
the holders of Shares representing two-thirds of the outstanding Shares of
HighMark at a meeting duly called for the purpose, which meeting shall





                                      -75-
<PAGE>   321
be held upon the written request of the holders of Shares representing not less
than 10% of the outstanding Shares of HighMark. Upon written request by the
holders of Shares representing 1% of the outstanding Shares of HighMark stating
that such Shareholders wish to communicate with the other Shareholders for the
purpose of obtaining the signatures necessary to demand a meeting to consider
removal of a Trustee, HighMark will provide a list of Shareholders or
disseminate appropriate materials (at the expense of the requesting
Shareholders). Except as set forth above, the Trustees may continue to hold
office and may appoint successor Trustees.

         HighMark is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as
a management investment company. Such registration does not involve supervision
by the Securities and Exchange Commission of the management or policies of
HighMark.

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

   
         The 1997 Annual Report to Shareholders of HighMark is incorporated
herein by reference. This Report includes audited financial statements for the
fiscal year ended July 31, 1997. Upon the incorporation by reference herein of
such Annual Report, the opinion in such Annual Report of independent
accountants is incorporated herein by reference and such Annual Report's
financial statements are incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon the
authority of such accountants as experts in auditing and accounting.
    

         The Prospectuses and this Statement of Additional Information are not
an offering of the securities herein described in any state in which such
offering may not lawfully be made.

         No salesperson, dealer, or other person is authorized to give any
information or make any representation other than those contained in the
Prospectuses and this Statement of Additional Information.

   
         As of November 17, 1997, HighMark believes that the trustees and
officers of HighMark, as a group, owned less than one percent of the Shares of
any Fund of HighMark. As of November 17, 1997, HighMark believes that Union Bank
of California was the shareholder of record of 94.45% of the Fiduciary Shares of
the Growth Fund, 75.17% of the Fiduciary Shares of the Income Equity Fund,
81.50% of the Fiduciary Shares of the Balanced Fund, 92.15% of the Fiduciary
Shares of the Bond Fund, 76.42% of the Fiduciary Shares of the Intermediate-Term
Bond Fund, substantially all of the Fiduciary Shares of the California
Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund, 17.96% of the Fiduciary Shares of the
Government Securities Fund, 18.68% of the Fiduciary Shares of the Convertible
Securities Fund, 78.51% of the Fiduciary Shares of the Value Momentum Fund,
34.66% of the Fiduciary Shares of the Blue Chip Growth Fund, 50.63% of the
Fiduciary Shares of the
    





                                      -76-
<PAGE>   322
   
Emerging Growth Fund, 99.36% of the Fiduciary Shares of the International
Equity Fund, 96.79% of the Fiduciary Shares of the U.S.  Government Money
Market Fund, 97.20% of the Fiduciary Shares of the Diversified Money Market
Fund, 94.83% of the Fiduciary Shares of the 100% U.S. Treasury Money Market
Fund and 99.72% of the Fiduciary Shares of the California Tax-Free Money Market
Fund. As of November 17, 1997, HighMark believes that Bank of Tokyo Trust
Company was the shareholder of record of 81.34% of the Fiduciary Shares of the
Government Securities Fund, 81.13% of the Fiduciary Shares of the Convertible
Securities Fund, 64.85% of the Fiduciary Shares of the Blue Chip Growth Fund,
and 48.57% of the Fiduciary Shares of the Emerging Growth Fund.
    

   
         As of November 17, 1997, HighMark believes that Union Bank of
California had voting power with respect to 43.89% of the Growth Fund Fiduciary
Shares, 23.96% of the Income Equity Fund Fiduciary Shares, 37.63% of the
Balanced Fund Fiduciary Shares, 54.48% of the Bond Fund Fiduciary Shares,
46.88% of the Value Momentum Fund Fiduciary Shares, 86.77% of the
Intermediate-Term Bond Fund Fiduciary Shares, 98.91% of the California
Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund Fiduciary Shares, 91.77% of the International
Equity Fund Fiduciary Shares, 13.98% of the Diversified Money Market Fund
Fiduciary Shares, 7.98% of the 100% U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund Fiduciary
Shares, 3.52% of the U.S. Government Money Market Fund Fiduciary Shares and
34.20% of the California Tax-Free Money Market Fund Fiduciary Shares.
    

   
         The table below indicates each additional person known by HighMark to
own beneficially 5% or more of the Shares of the following Funds of HighMark as
of November 17, 1997.  Because Class B Shares had not commenced operations as
of November 28, 1997, "Retail Shares" in this context refers to Class A Shares
only.
    





                                      -77-
<PAGE>   323
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     5% OR MORE BENEFICIAL OWNERS
                                                     ----------------------------
                                                                                          PERCENT OF
                                                                                          BENEFICIAL
NAME AND ADDRESS                                                                          OWNERSHIP
- ----------------                                                                          ---------
                                                             GROWTH FUND
                                                             -----------

                                                            RETAIL SHARES
                                                            -------------
<S>                                                       <C>                                   <C>
Post & Co.                                                                                       9.68%
c/o The Bank of New York
Attn:  Bill Sauer - Mutual Funds
Reorganization Department
P.O. Box 1066
Wall Street Station
New York, New York  10268-1066

                                                          INCOME EQUITY FUND
                                                          ------------------

                                                            RETAIL SHARES
                                                            -------------

NFSC FEBO #0C3-114383                                                                           12.19%
Richard W. Killion
c/o Killion Industries
2811 La Mirada Drive
Vista, CA  92083-8407

NFSC FEBO #PC1-039918                                                                           
The Kendall Jackson FNDTN, Inc.
Wendy Petersen           
421 Aviation Blvd.
Santa Rosa, CA 95403-1069


                                                            BALANCED FUND
                                                            -------------

                                                            RETAIL SHARES
                                                            -------------

NFSC FEBO #0BP-237345                                                                            8.07%
Ty Yeh                        
Yeh Family Trust        
U/A 3/11/91   
2048 Studebaker Rd
Long Beach, CA 90815-3539     
</TABLE>
    





                                      -78-
<PAGE>   324
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                        <C>                                  <C>
                                                           FIDUCIARY SHARES
                                                           ----------------

American Express Trust Company                                                                  10.27%
as Agent for NEC Savings and Retirement Plan
Attn:  Nancy Jendro Trust Operations
P.O. Box 534
Minneapolis, MN  55440-0534

PFTC:  Trustee Nissan Employee Savings Plan                                                      5.61%
Putnam Investments DCPA
Nissan Motor Corporation
Location 31
P.O. Box 9740
Providence, Rhode Island  02940-9740


                                                              BOND FUND
                                                              ---------

                                                            RETAIL SHARES
                                                            -------------

NFSC FEBO 0C3-032050                                                                            11.25%
Frederick V. Betts
800 Financial Center
1215 Fourth Avenue
Seattle, WA  98161

NFSC FEBO 0L5-328391                                                                             8.66%
Union Bank of Calif Cust
IRA of James Harris
1212 Christian Valley Road
Auburn, CA  95602

NFSC FEBO #PC1-038210                                                                            8.12%
Marla J. Arata
7108 Oakmont Drive
Modesto, CA  95356-9646
</TABLE>
    





                                      -79-
<PAGE>   325
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                               <C>                                           <C>
NFSC FEBO 0C3-090565                                                                             8.10%
Wallace Allred
Norma Allred
2250 N. Broadway No. 48
Escondido, CA  92026

NFSC FEBO #0C3-159069                                                                            6.46%
NFSC/FMTC IRA
FBO Domnic N. Lemos
666 4th Avenue
San Francisco, CA  94118-3911

NFSC FEBO #0L5-911925
Union Bank of Calif Cust
IRA of Bernard White
Rollover
10303 Fig Grove Rd.
Madera, CA 93638-8896

                                                    DIVERSIFIED MONEY MARKET FUND
                                                    -----------------------------

                                                            RETAIL SHARES
                                                            -------------


National Financial Services                                                                     99.45%
Corporation for the Benefit of Our Customers
Church Street Station
P.O. Box 3908
New York, NY  10008-3908


                                                  U.S. GOVERNMENT MONEY MARKET FUND
                                                  ---------------------------------

                                                            RETAIL SHARES
                                                            -------------

National Financial Services                                                                     93.71%
Corporation for the
Benefit of Our Customers
Church Street Station
P.O. Box 3752
New York, NY  10008-3752
</TABLE>
    





                                      -80-
<PAGE>   326

   
<TABLE>
<S>                                           <C>                                               <C>
                                                 100% U.S. TREASURY MONEY MARKET FUND
                                                 ------------------------------------

                                                            RETAIL SHARES
                                                            -------------



National Financial Services                                                                     99.82%
Corporation for the
Benefit of Our Customers
Church Street Station
P.O. Box 3908
New York, NY  10008-3908



                                                CALIFORNIA TAX-FREE MONEY MARKET FUND
                                                -------------------------------------

                                                            RETAIL SHARES
                                                            -------------


National Financial Services                                                                     99.41%
Corporation for the
Benefit of Our Customers
Church Street Station
P.O. Box 3752
New York, NY  10008-3752


                                              CALIFORNIA INTERMEDIATE TAX-FREE BOND FUND
                                              ------------------------------------------

                                                            RETAIL SHARES
                                                            -------------



NFSC FEBO #0BP-354317                                                                           42.26%
Tri Cities Broadcasting Inc.
6551 Corte Cisco
Carlsbad, CA  92009-4527



NFSC FEBO #PC1-046655                                                                           11.55%
Henry & Marcy Tenenblatt Trust
Henry Tenenblatt
U/A 08/03/87
16323 Shadow Mountain
Pacific Palisades, CA  90272-2353


</TABLE>
    




                                      -81-
<PAGE>   327
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                  <C>                                        <C>
NFSC FEBO #0BP-253499                                                                            8.42%
Aaron Belokamen
Lilian Belokamen
11610 Bellagio Road
Los Angeles, CA  90049-2113

                                                         VALUE MOMENTUM FUND
                                                         -------------------

                                                           FIDUCIARY CLASS
                                                           ---------------

Mellon Bank NA                                                                                  13.52%
Trustee for Department of
Personnel Admin. of State of CA
Attn:  Wally Adebayo
One Cabot Road Mail Zone 028-0031
Medford, MA  02155-5141


                                                     INTERMEDIATE-TERM BOND FUND
                                                     ---------------------------

                                                             RETAIL CLASS
                                                             ------------

National Financial Services Corp.                                                              100.00%
for Exclusive Benefits of our Customers
P.O. Box 3908
Church Street Station
New York, New York  10008-3908

</TABLE>
    

         No person other than Union Bank of California and the beneficial
owners listed above own as of record more than 5% of the Fiduciary or Retail
Shares of a Fund.





                                      -82-
<PAGE>   328
                                    APPENDIX

The nationally recognized statistical rating organizations (individually, an
"NRSRO") that may be utilized by the Advisor with regard to portfolio
investments for the Funds include Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's"),
Standard & Poor's Corporation ("S&P"), Duff & Phelps, Inc. ("Duff"), Fitch
Investors Service, Inc. ("Fitch"), IBCA Limited and its affiliate, IBCA Inc.
(collectively, "IBCA"), and Thomson BankWatch, Inc. ("Thomson"). Set forth
below is a description of the relevant ratings of each such NRSRO. The NRSROs
that may be utilized by the Advisor and the description of each NRSRO's ratings
is as of the date of this Statement of Additional Information, and may
subsequently change.

Long-Term Debt Ratings (may be assigned, for example, to corporate and
municipal bonds)

Description of the four highest long-term debt ratings by Moody's (Moody's
applies numerical modifiers (1, 2, and 3) in each rating category to indicate
the security's ranking within the category):

         Aaa     Bonds which 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 edged." 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 which 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 risk appear somewhat
                 larger than in Aaa securities.

         A       Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment
                 attributes and are to be considered as 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 some time in the
                 future.

         Baa     Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as 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.





                                      -83-
<PAGE>   329
- -Description of the four highest long-term debt ratings by S&P (S&P may apply a
plus (+) or minus (-) to a particular rating classification to show relative
standing within that classification):

         AAA     Debt rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by S&P.
                 Capacity to pay interest and repay principal is extremely
                 strong.

         AA      Debt rated AA has a very strong capacity to pay interest and
                 repay principal and differs from the higher rated issues only
                 in 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 in higher rated categories.

Description of the four highest long-term debt ratings by Duff:

         AAA     Highest credit quality. The risk factors are negligible being
                 only slightly more than for risk-free U.S. Treasury debt.

         AA+     High credit quality . Protection factors are strong. AA Risk
                 is modest but may vary slightly from time to time A- because
                 of economic conditions.

         A+      Protection factors are average but adequate. However, A risk
                 factors are more variable and greater in periods A- of
                 economic stress.

         BBB     Below average protection factors.  Still considered sufficient
                 for prudent investment.

Description of the four highest long-term debt ratings by Fitch (plus or minus
signs are used with a rating symbol to indicate the relative position of the
credit within the rating category):

         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





                                      -84-
<PAGE>   330
                 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
                 issues 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 an adverse impact on thee 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.

IBCA's description of its four highest long-term debt ratings:

         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
                 higher categories.

Thomson's description of its four highest long-term debt ratings (Thomson may
include a plus (+) or minus (-) designation to indicate where within the
respective category the issue is placed):





                                      -85-
<PAGE>   331
         AAA     The highest category: indicates ability to repay principal and
                 interest on a timely basis is very high.

         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     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.

Short-Term Debt Ratings (may be assigned, for example, to commercial paper,
master demand notes, bank instruments, and letters of credit)

Moody's description of its three highest short-term debt ratings:

         Prime-1 Issuers rated Prime-1 (or supporting institutions) have a
                 superior capacity for repayment of senior short-term
                 promissory obligations. Prime-1 repayment capacity will
                 normally be evidenced by many of the following
                 characteristics:

                                  -        Leading market positions in
                                           well-established industries.

                                  -        High rates of return on funds
                                           employed.

                                  -        Conservative capitalization
                                           structures with moderate reliance on
                                           debt and ample asset protection.

                                  -        Broad margins in earnings coverage
                                           of fixed financial charges and high
                                           internal cash generation.

                                  -        Well-established access to a range
                                           of financial markets and assured
                                           sources of alternate liquidity.

         Prime-2 Issuers rated Prime-2 (or supporting institutions) have a
                 strong capacity for repayment of senior short-term debt
                 obligations. This will normally be evidenced by many of the
                 characteristics cited above but to a lesser degree.  Earnings
                 trends and coverage ratios, while sound, may be more





                                      -86-
<PAGE>   332
                          subject to variation. Capitalization characteristics,
                          while still appropriate, may be more affected by
                          external conditions. Ample alternate liquidity is
                          maintained.

         Prime-3          Issuers rated Prime-3 (or supporting institutions)
                          have an  acceptable ability for repayment of senior
                          short-term obligations. The effect of industry
                          characteristics and market compositions may be more
                          pronounced. Variability in earnings and profitability
                          may result in changes in the level of debt protection
                          measurements and may require relatively high financial
                          leverage. Adequate alternate liquidity is maintained.

S&P's description of its three highest short-term debt ratings:

         A-1              This designation indicates that the degree of safety
                          regarding timely payment is strong. Those issues
                          determined to have extremely strong safety
                          characteristics are denoted with a plus sign (+).

         A-2              Capacity for timely payment on issues with this
                          designation is satisfactory. However, the relative
                          degree of safety is not as high as for issues
                          designated "A-1."

         A-3              Issues carrying this designation have adequate
                          capacity for timely payment. They are, however, more
                          vulnerable to the adverse effects of changes in
                          circumstances than obligations carrying the higher
                          designations.

Duff's description of its three highest short-term debt ratings (Duff
incorporates gradations of "1+" (one plus) and "1-" (one minus) to assist
investors in recognizing quality differences within the highest rating
category):

         Duff 1+          Highest certainty of timely payment. Short-term
                          liquidity, including internal operating factors
                          and/or access to alternative sources of funds, is
                          outstanding, and safety is just below risk-free U.S.
                          Treasury short-term obligations.

         Duff 1           Very high certainty of timely payment. Liquidity
                          factors are excellent and supported by good
                          fundamental protection factors. Risk factors are
                          minor.

         Duff 1-          High certainty of timely payment. Liquidity factors
                          are strong and supported by good fundamental
                          protection factors. Risk factors are very small.





                                      -87-
<PAGE>   333
         Duff 2           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.

         Duff 3           Satisfactory liquidity and other protection factors
                          qualify issue as to investment grade. Risk factors
                          are larger and subject to more variation.
                          Nevertheless, timely payment is expected.

Fitch's description of its three highest short-term debt ratings:

         F-1+             Exceptionally Strong Credit Quality. Issues assigned
                          this rating are regarded as having the strongest
                          degree of assurance for timely payment.

         F-1              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              Good Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating have
                          a satisfactory degree of assurance for timely
                          payment, but the margin of safety is not as great as
                          for issues assigned F-1+ or F-1 ratings.

         F-3              Fair Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating have
                          characteristics suggesting that the degree of
                          assurance for timely payment is adequate, however,
                          near-term adverse changes could cause these
                          securities to be rated below investment grade.

IBCA's description of its three highest short-term debt ratings:

         A+               Obligations supported by the highest capacity for
                          timely repayment.

         A1               Obligations supported by a very strong capacity for
                          timely repayment.

         A2               Obligations supported by a strong capacity for timely
                          repayment, although such capacity may be susceptible
                          to adverse changes in business, economic or financial
                          conditions.

Thomson's description of its three highest short-term ratings:

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





                                      -88-
<PAGE>   334
         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.

SHORT-TERM LOAN/MUNICIPAL NOTE RATINGS

         Moody's description of its two highest short-term loan/municipal note
ratings:

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

MIG-2/VMIG-2              This designation denotes high quality. Margins of
                          protection are ample although not so large as in the
                          preceding group.

S&P's description of its two highest municipal note ratings:

         SP-1             Very strong or strong capacity to pay principal and
                          interest. Those issues determined to possess
                          overwhelming safety characteristics will be given a
                          plus (+) designation.

         SP-2             Satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest.





                                      -89-
<PAGE>   335
                              FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



   
The Independent Auditors' Report for HighMark Funds for the year ended July 31,
1996, Financial Statements for HighMark Funds for the period ended July 31,
1996, Financial Statements for HighMark Funds for the period ended January 31,
1997, and Financial Statements for Stepstone Funds for the period ended January
31, 1997 are all incorporated by reference to the Annual and Semi-Annual
Reports of HighMark and Stepstone, dated as of such dates, which have been
previously sent to shareholders of each Fund pursuant to the 1940 Act and
previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  A copy of each
such report may be obtained without charge by contacting the Distributor, SEI
Investments Distribution Co. at 1 Freedom Valley Drive, Oaks, Pennsylvania,
19456 or by telephoning toll-free at 1-800-734-2922.
    





                                      -90-
<PAGE>   336
PART C.  OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 24. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS
         
         (a)      Financial Statements:
         
                  Included in Part A:
         
                  --      Certain Financial Information.
         
                  Included in Part B:
         
         
                  The following financial statements have been
                  incorporated into the Statement of Additional
                  Information by reference to HighMark's Annual Report
                  to Shareholders, dated July 31, 1997:
         
         
         
                  --      Report of Independent Certified Public
                          Accountants for HighMark Funds at July 31,
                          1997.
         
         
         
                          --       Statements of Assets and Liabilities
                                   for HighMark Funds at July 31, 1997.
         
         
         
                          --       Statements of Operations for
                                   HighMark Funds for the year ended
                                   July 31, 1997.
         
         
         
                          --       Statements of Changes in Net Assets
                                   for HighMark Funds for the year
                                   ended July 31, 1997.
         
         
         
                          --       Schedules of Portfolio Investments
                                   for HighMark Funds at July 31, 1997.
         
         
         
                          --       Notes to Financial Statements for
                                   HighMark Funds dated July 31, 1997.
         
         
         
                          --       Financial Highlights for HighMark
                                   Funds for the year ended July 31,
                                   1997.  All required financial
                                   statements are included in Part B
                                   hereof. All other financial
                                   statements and schedules are
                                   inapplicable.
         
         
         (b)      Exhibits:
         




<PAGE>   337
                          (1)     (a)      Declaration of Trust, dated March
                                           10, 1987, is incorporated by
                                           reference to Exhibit (1)(a) of
                                           Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 (filed
                                           May 15, 1987) to Registrant's
                                           Registration Statement on Form N-1A.

                                  (b)      Amendment to Declaration of Trust,
                                           dated April 13, 1987, is
                                           incorporated by reference to Exhibit
                                           (1)(b) of Pre-Effective Amendment
                                           No. 1 (filed May 15, 1987) to
                                           Registrant's Registration Statement
                                           on Form N-1A.

                                  (c)      Amendment to Declaration of Trust,
                                           dated July 13, 1987, is incorporated
                                           by reference to Exhibit (1)(c) of
                                           Pre- Effective Amendment No. 2
                                           (filed July 24, 1987) to
                                           Registrant's Registration Statement
                                           on Form N-1A.

                                  (d)      Amendment to Declaration of Trust,
                                           dated July 30, 1987, is incorporated
                                           by reference to Exhibit (1)(d) of
                                           Pre- Effective Amendment No. 3
                                           (filed July 31, 1987) to
                                           Registrant's Registration Statement
                                           on Form N-1A.

                                  (e)      Amendment to Declaration of Trust,
                                           dated October 18, 1996, is
                                           incorporated by reference to Exhibit
                                           (1)(e) of Post-Effective Amendment
                                           No. 18 (filed November 8, 1996) to
                                           Registrant's Registration Statement
                                           on Form N-1A.

                                  (f)      Amendment to Declaration of Trust,
                                           dated December 4, 1996, is
                                           incorporated by reference to Exhibit
                                           (1)(f) of Post-Effective Amendment
                                           No. 19 (filed December 13, 1996) to
                                           Registrant's Registration Statement
                                           on Form N-1A.

                          (2)     (a)      Amended and Restated Code of
                                           Regulations, dated June 5, 1991, is
                                           incorporated by reference to Exhibit
                                           2 of Post-Effective Amendment No. 7
                                           (filed September 30, 1991) to
                                           Registrant's Registration Statement
                                           on Form N-1A.

                                  (b)      Amendment to Amended and Restated
                                           Code of Regulations, dated December
                                           4, 1991, is incorporated by
                                           reference to Exhibit 2(b) of
                                           Post-Effective Amendment No. 8
                                           (filed September 30, 1992) to
                                           Registrant's Registration Statement
                                           on Form N-1A.





                                     -2-
<PAGE>   338
                          (3)              None.

                          (4)              None.

                          (5)     (a)      Investment Advisory Agreement
                                           between Registrant and  Union Bank
                                           of California, N.A., dated as of
                                           April 1, 1996 (the "Investment
                                           Advisory Agreement"), is
                                           incorporated by reference to Exhibit
                                           5 of Post-Effective Amendment No. 18
                                           (filed November 8, 1996) to
                                           Registrant's Registration Statement
                                           on Form N-1A.

   
                                  (b)      Amended and Restated Schedule A to
                                           the Investment Advisory Agreement is
                                           incorporated by reference to Exhibit
                                           (5)(b) of Post-Effective Amendment
                                           No. 22 (filed June 18, 1997) to
                                           Registrant's Registration Statement
                                           on Form N-1A.
    

   
                                  (c)      Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement
                                           between Union Bank of California,
                                           N.A. and Tokyo-Mitsubishi Asset
                                           Management (UK), LTD., dated as of
                                           April 25, 1997 (the "TMAM
                                           Sub-Advisory Agreement") is
                                           incorporated by reference to Exhibit
                                           (5)(c) of Post-Effective Amendment
                                           No. 22 (filed June 18, 1997) to
                                           Registrant's Registration Statement
                                           on Form N-1A.
    

   
                                  (d)      Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement
                                           between Union Bank of California,
                                           N.A. and Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi
                                           Trust Company, dated as of April 25,
                                           1997 (the "BOTM Sub-Advisory
                                           Agreement") is incorporated by
                                           reference to Exhibit (5)(d) of
                                           Post-Effective Amendment No. 22
                                           (filed June 18, 1997) to
                                           Registrant's Registration Statement
                                           on Form N-1A.
    

                          (6)     (a)      Distribution Agreement between the
                                           Registrant and SEI Financial
                                           Services Company is incorporated by
                                           reference to Exhibit 6 of
                                           Post-Effective Amendment No. 20
                                           (filed February 25, 1997) to
                                           Registrant's Registration Statement
                                           on Form N-1A.

   
                                  (b)      Form of Distribution and Service
                                           Agreement for Class B Shares between
                                           Registrant and SEI Investments
                                           Distribution Co. incorporated by
                                           reference to Exhibit (6)(b) of
                                           Post-Effective Amendment No. 22
    





                                     -3-
<PAGE>   339
   
                                           (filed June 18, 1997) to Registrant's
                                           Registration Statement on Form N-1A.
    

                          (7)              None.

                          (8)     (a)      Custodian Agreement between
                                           Registrant and The Bank of
                                           California, N.A., dated as of
                                           December 23, 1991, as amended as of
                                           September 15, 1992 (the "Custodian
                                           Agreement"), is incorporated by
                                           reference to Exhibit 8 of
                                           Post-Effective Amendment No. 8
                                           (filed September 30, 1992) to
                                           Registrant's Registration Statement
                                           on Form N-1A.

   
                                  (b)      Amended and Restated Schedule A to
                                           the Custodian Agreement is
                                           incorporated by reference to Exhibit
                                           (8)(b) of Post-Effective Amendment
                                           No. 22 (filed June 18, 1997) to
                                           Registrant's Registration Statement
                                           on Form N-1A.
    

   
                                  (c)      Form of Amended and Restated
                                           Schedule B to the Custodian
                                           Agreement is incorporated by
                                           reference to Exhibit (8)(c) of
                                           Post-Effective Amendment No. 22
                                           (filed June 18, 1997) to
                                           Registrant's Registration Statement
                                           on Form N-1A.
    

   
                                  (d)      Form of Securities Lending and
                                           Reverse Repurchase Agreement
                                           Services Client Addendum to
                                           Custodian Agreement is incorporated
                                           by reference to Exhibit (8)(d) of
                                           Post-Effective Amendment No. 22
                                           (filed June 18, 1997) to
                                           Registrant's Registration Statement
                                           on Form N-1A.
    

                          (9)     (a)      Administration Agreement between
                                           Registrant and SEI Fund Resources
                                           incorporated by reference to Exhibit
                                           9(a) of Post-Effective Amendment No.
                                           20 (filed February 25, 1997) to
                                           Registrant's Registration Statement
                                           on Form N-1A.

                                  (b)      Form of Sub-Administration Agreement
                                           between SEI Fund Resources and Union
                                           Bank of California, N.A. is
                                           incorporated by reference to Exhibit
                                           9(e) of Post-Effective Amendment No.
                                           19 (filed December 13, 1996) to
                                           Registrant's Registration Statement
                                           on Form N-1A.





                                     -4-
<PAGE>   340
                                  (c)      Transfer Agency and Service
                                           Agreement between the Registrant and
                                           State Street Bank and Trust Company
                                           is incorporated by reference to
                                           Exhibit 9(c) of Post-Effective
                                           Amendment No.  20 (filed February
                                           25, 1997) to Registrant's
                                           Registration Statement on Form N-1A.

                                  (d)      Form of Shareholder Service Provider
                                           Agreement for the Registrant is
                                           incorporated by reference to Exhibit
                                           9(n) of Post-Effective Amendment No.
                                           19 (filed December 13, 1996) to
                                           Registrant's Registration Statement
                                           on Form N-1A.

                                  (e)      Form of Shareholder Service Plan for
                                           the Registrant is incorporated by
                                           reference to Exhibit 9(q) of
                                           Post-Effective Amendment No. 19
                                           (filed December 13, 1996) to
                                           Registrant's Registration Statement
                                           on Form N-1A.

   
                                  (f)      Form of Shareholder Service Plan for
                                           Class B for the Registrant is
                                           incorporated by reference to Exhibit
                                           (9)(f) of Post-Effective Amendment
                                           No. 22 (filed June 18, 1997) to
                                           Registrant's Registration Statement
                                           on Form N-1A.
    

                          (10)             Opinion and Consent of Counsel as to
                                           legality of shares being registered
                                           is filed herewith.

                          (11)(a)          Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP is
                                           filed herewith.

                          (11)(b)          Consent of Arthur Andersen, LLP is
                                           filed herewith.

   
                          (11)(c)          Consent of Ropes & Gray, is filed
                                           herewith.
    

                          (12)             None.

                          (13)             None.

                          (14)             None.

                          (15)    (a)      Registrant's Distribution and
                                           Shareholder Services Plan relating
                                           to the Money Market Funds is
                                           incorporated by reference to Exhibit
                                           15(a) of Post-Effective Amendment
                                           No. 6 (filed September 27, 1990) to
                                           Registrant's Registration Statement
                                           on Form N-1A.





                                     -5-
<PAGE>   341
                                  (b)      Form of Servicing Agreement With
                                           Respect to Distribution Assistance
                                           and Shareholder Services used in
                                           connection with Registrant's
                                           Distribution and Shareholder
                                           Services Plan relating to the Money
                                           Market Funds is incorporated by
                                           reference to Exhibit 15(b) of Post-
                                           Effective Amendment No. 6 (filed
                                           September 27, 1990) to Registrant's
                                           Registration Statement on Form N-1A.

                                  (c)      Form of Servicing Agreement With
                                           Respect to Shareholder Services used
                                           in connection with Registrant's
                                           Distribution and Shareholder
                                           Services Plan relating to the Money
                                           Market Funds, is incorporated by
                                           reference to Exhibit 15(c) of Post-
                                           Effective Amendment No. 8 (filed
                                           September 30, 1992) to Registrant's
                                           Registration Statement on Form N-1A.

                                  (d)      Registrant's Distribution and
                                           Shareholder Services Plan relating
                                           to the  Class A Shares of the Income
                                           Funds and the Equity Funds is
                                           incorporated by reference to Exhibit
                                           15(d) of Post-Effective Amendment
                                           No. 13 (filed April 11, 1994) to the
                                           Registrant's Registration Statement
                                           on Form N-1A.

   
                                  (e)      Amended and Restated Schedule A to
                                           the Distribution and Shareholder
                                           Services Plan relating to the Class
                                           A Shares of the Income Funds and the
                                           Equity Funds is incorporated by
                                           reference to Exhibit (15)(e) of
                                           Post-Effective Amendment No. 22
                                           (filed June 18, 1997) to
                                           Registrant's Registration Statement
                                           on Form N-1A.
    

   
                                  (f)      Form of Distribution and Shareholder
                                           Services Plan relating to the Class
                                           B Shares of the Income Funds and the
                                           Equity Funds is incorporated by
                                           reference to Exhibit (15)(f) of
                                           Post-Effective Amendment No. 22
                                           (filed June 18, 1997) to
                                           Registrant's Registration Statement
                                           on Form N-1A.
    

                          (16)    (a)      Performance Calculation Schedules
                                           concerning: the seven-day yield and
                                           effective yield of the Class A and
                                           Class B Shares of the U.S.
                                           Government Obligations Fund, the
                                           Diversified Obligations Fund, the
                                           100% U.S. Treasury Obligations Fund,
                                           the Tax-Free Fund, and the





                                     -6-
<PAGE>   342
                                           California Tax-Free Fund; the
                                           seven-day tax-equivalent yield and
                                           tax- equivalent effective yield of
                                           the Class A and Class B Shares of
                                           the Tax-Free Fund and the California
                                           Tax-Free Fund; and the average
                                           annual total return of the Income
                                           Equity Fund and Bond Fund for the
                                           one-year, five-year, and
                                           inception-to-date periods are
                                           incorporated by reference to Exhibit
                                           16 of Post-Effective Amendment No. 6
                                           (filed September 27, 1990) to
                                           Registrant's Registration Statement
                                           on Form N-1A.

                                  (b)      Yield Calculation Schedules
                                           concerning the seven-day
                                           tax-equivalent yield and
                                           tax-equivalent effective yield (for
                                           California and Oregon income tax
                                           purposes) of the Class A and Class B
                                           Shares of the 100% U.S. Treasury
                                           Obligations Fund are incorporated by
                                           reference to Exhibit 16(b) of Post-
                                           Effective Amendment No. 7 (filed
                                           September 30, 1991) to Registrant's
                                           Registration Statement on Form N-1A.

                                  (c)      Performance Calculation Schedules
                                           concerning: (i) the seven-day and
                                           thirty- day yield and effective
                                           yield of the Class A and Class B
                                           Shares of the U.S. Government Money
                                           Market Fund, the Diversified Money
                                           Market Fund, the 100% U.S. Treasury
                                           Money Market Fund, and the
                                           California Tax-Free Money Market
                                           Fund; (ii) the seven-day and
                                           thirty-day tax-equivalent yield
                                           (using a Federal income tax rate of
                                           31%) and tax- equivalent effective
                                           yield (using a Federal income tax
                                           rate of 31%) of the Class A and
                                           Class B Shares of the California
                                           Tax-Free Fund; (iii) the seven-day
                                           and thirty-day tax-equivalent yield
                                           (using a Federal income tax rate of
                                           31% and a California income tax rate
                                           of 9.3%) and tax- equivalent
                                           effective yield (using a Federal
                                           income tax rate of 31% and a
                                           California income tax rate of 9.3%)
                                           of the Class A and Class B Shares of
                                           the California Tax-Free Fund; (iv)
                                           the average annual total return of
                                           the Class A and Class B Shares of
                                           the U.S. Government Money Market
                                           Fund, the Diversified Money Market
                                           Fund, the 100% U.S. Treasury Money
                                           Market Fund, and the California
                                           Tax-Free Money Market Fund for the
                                           one-year, three-year and
                                           inception-to-date periods and the
                                           aggregate total return of the Class
                                           A and Class B Shares of each such
                                           Fund for the year-to-date, quarterly
                                           and





                                     -7-
<PAGE>   343
                                           monthly periods; (v) the thirty-day
                                           yield of the Bond Fund; (vi) the
                                           average annual total return of the
                                           Bond Fund and the Income Equity Fund
                                           for the one-year, three-year,
                                           five-year and inception-to-date
                                           periods and the aggregate total
                                           return of each such Fund for the
                                           year-to-date, quarterly and monthly
                                           periods; and (vii) the distribution
                                           rate (excluding and including
                                           capital gains) over a twelve-month
                                           period for the Bond Fund and Income
                                           Equity Fund, are incorporated by
                                           reference to Exhibit 16(c) of Post-
                                           Effective Amendment No. 8 (filed
                                           September 30, 1992) to Registrant's
                                           Registration Statement on Form N-1A.

                          (17)             Financial Data Schedules.

   
                          (18)             Form of Amended Multiple Class Plan
                                           for HighMark Funds adopted by the
                                           Board of Trustees on June 18, 1997
                                           is incorporated by reference to
                                           Exhibit (18) of Post-Effective
                                           Amendment No. 22 (filed June 18,
                                           1997) to Registrant's Registration
                                           Statement on Form N-1A.
    

ITEM 25.         PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH REGISTRANT

                 As of the effective date of this Registration Statement, there
                 are no persons controlled by or under common control with the
                 Registrant.

ITEM 26.         NUMBER OF HOLDERS OF SECURITIES

   
                 As of November 17, 1997, the number of record holders of the
                 following series of Shares were:
    





                                     -8-
<PAGE>   344
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              NUMBER OF
TITLE OF SERIES                                            RECORD HOLDERS
- ---------------                                            --------------
<S>                                                               <C>
U.S. Government Money Market Fund                          
  Retail Shares                                                      14
  Fiduciary Shares                                                    6
Diversified Money Market Fund                              
  Retail Shares                                                      48
  Fiduciary Shares                                                    9
100% U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund                       
  Retail Shares                                                      12
  Fiduciary Shares                                                    6
California Tax-Free Money Market Fund                      
  Retail Shares                                                      17
  Fiduciary Shares                                                    8
Income Equity Fund                                         
  Retail Shares                                                     644
  Fiduciary Shares                                                2,663
Bond Fund                                                  
  Retail Shares                                                      62
  Fiduciary Shares                                                  442
Growth Fund                                                
  Retail Shares                                                     592
  Fiduciary Shares                                                  486
Balanced Fund                                              
  Retail Shares                                                     566
  Fiduciary Shares                                                   69
Value Momentum Fund                                        
  Retail Shares                                                   1,441
  Fiduciary Shares                                                   28
Blue Chip Growth Fund                                      
  Retail Shares                                                       0
  Fiduciary Shares                                                    5
Emerging Growth Fund                                       
  Retail Shares                                                       0
  Fiduciary Shares                                                    6
International Equity Fund                                  
  Fiduciary Shares                                                    6
Intermediate-Term Bond Fund                                
  Retail Shares                                                       3
  Fiduciary Shares                                                    7
</TABLE>
    




                                     -9-
<PAGE>   345
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                 <C>
Government Securities Fund                                             
  Retail Shares                                                       0
  Fiduciary Shares                                                    5
Convertible Securities Fund                                            
  Fiduciary Shares                                                    5
California Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund                             
  Retail Shares                                                     142
  Fiduciary Shares                                                    5
</TABLE>
    

ITEM 27.         INDEMNIFICATION

                 Article IX, Section 9.2 of the Registrant's Declaration of
                 Trust, filed or incorporated by reference as Exhibit (1)
                 hereto, provides for the indemnification of Registrant's
                 trustees and officers. Indemnification of the Registrant's
                 principal underwriter, custodian, investment adviser,
                 administrator, transfer agent, and fund accountant is provided
                 for, respectively, in Section 6 of the Distribution Agreement,
                 filed or incorporated by reference as Exhibit 6(a) hereto,
                 Section 16 of the Custodian Agreement, filed or incorporated
                 by reference as Exhibit 8 hereto, Section 8 of the Investment
                 Advisory Agreement, filed or incorporated by reference as
                 Exhibit 5 hereto, Section 5 of the Administration Agreement,
                 filed or incorporated by reference as Exhibit 9(a) hereto,
                 Section 6 of the Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, filed
                 or incorporated by reference as Exhibit 9 (c) hereto, and
                 Section 7 of the Fund Accounting Agreement, filed or
                 incorporated by reference as Exhibit 9(e) hereto. Registrant
                 has obtained from a major insurance carrier a trustees and
                 officers' liability policy covering certain types of errors
                 and omissions. In no event will Registrant indemnify any of
                 its trustees, officers, employees or agents against any
                 liability to which such person would otherwise be subject by
                 reason of his willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross
                 negligence in the performance of his duties, or by reason of
                 his reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct
                 of his office or under his agreement with Registrant.
                 Registrant will comply with Rule 484 under the Securities Act
                 of 1933 and Release 11330 under the Investment Company Act of
                 1940 in connection with any indemnification.

                 Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the
                 Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to trustees, 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
                 trustee, officer, or controlling person of Registrant in the
                 successful





                                        -10-
<PAGE>   346
                 defense of any action, suit, or proceeding) is asserted by
                 such trustee, 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 of 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 ADVISOR

                 Pacific Alliance Capital Management, a division of Union Bank
                 of California, N.A. (the "Advisor"), performs investment
                 advisory services for Registrant. Union Bank of California,
                 N.A. ("Union Bank of California") offers a wide range of
                 commercial and trust management services to its clients in
                 California, Oregon, and Washington and around the world.
                 Union Bank of California, N.A. is a subsidiary of UnionBanCal
                 Corporation, a publicly traded corporation, a majority of the
                 shares of which are owned by the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi,
                 Limited.

                 To the knowledge of Registrant, none of the directors or
                 officers of Union Bank of California, except those set forth
                 below, is or has been at any time during the past two fiscal
                 years engaged in any other business, profession, vocation or
                 employment of a substantial nature, except that certain
                 directors and officers of The Bank of California also hold
                 positions with UnionBanCal Corporation, the Bank of
                 Tokyo-Mitsubishi and/or the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi's other
                 subsidiaries.

                 Listed below are the directors and certain principal executive
                 officers of Union Bank of California, their principal
                 occupations and, for the prior two fiscal years, any other
                 business, profession, vocation, or employment of a substantial
                 nature engaged in by such directors and officers:





                                        -11-
<PAGE>   347
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         POSITION
         WITH UNION
         BANK OF                                              PRINCIPAL                               TYPE OF
         CALIFORNIA            NAME                           OCCUPATION                              BUSINESS
         ----------            ----                           ----------                              --------
         <S>                   <C>                            <C>                                    <C>
         Director              Richard D. Farman              President, Chief Operating Officer
                                                              and Director
                                                              Pacific Enterprises
                                                              555 W. Fifth Street, 29th Floor
                                                              Los Angeles, CA  90013

         Director              Stanley F. Farrar,             Partner                                 Law Firm
                                 Esquire                      Sullivan & Cromwell
                                                              12th Floor
                                                              444 So. Flower St.
                                                              Los Angeles, CA  90071

         Director              Herman E. Gallegos             Independent Management Consultant       Independent
                                                              95 Kings Road                           Management
                                                              Brisbane, CA  94005                     Consultant

         Director              John L. Hancock                (retired) EVP                           Consultant
                                                              Pacific Bell

         Director and Vice     Richard C. Hartnack            UnionBanCal Corporation                 Banking
         Chairman Community                                   Union Bank of California, N.A.
         Banking Group                                        445 S. Figueroa Street, 38th Floor
                                                              Los Angeles, CA  90071

         Director and          Roy A. Henderson               UnionBanCal Corporation                 Banking
         Vice Chairman                                        Union Bank of California, N.A.
         Trust & Private                                      400 California Street, 19th Floor
           Financial Services                                 San Francisco, CA  94104


         Director              Hon. Harry W. Low              (retired) Judicial Arbitration & Law
                                                              Mediation Services, Inc.
                                                              2 Embarcadero, Suite 1100
                                                              San Francisco, CA  94111

         Director              Dr. Mary S. Metz               Dean, University Extension              Education
                                                              University of California - Berkeley
                                                              1995 University Ave.,Third Floor
                                                              Berkeley, CA  94720

         Director              Raymond E. Miles               Professor                               Education
                                                              Haas School of Business
                                                              University of California - Berkeley
                                                              545 Student Services Bldg., #1900
                                                              Berkeley, CA  94720-1900
</TABLE>
    




                                        -12-
<PAGE>   348
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         POSITION
         WITH UNION
         BANK OF                                              PRINCIPAL                               TYPE OF
         CALIFORNIA            NAME                           OCCUPATION                              BUSINESS
         ----------            ----                           ----------                              --------
         <S>                   <C>                            <C>                                    <C>
         Director, President   Takahiro Moriguchi             UnionBanCal Corporation                 Banking
         and Chief Executive                                  Union Bank of California, NA
         Officer                                              400 California Street, 19th Floor
                                                              San Francisco, CA  94104-1476

         Director              J. Fernando Niebla             Chairman & CEO                          Computer Software
                                                              Infotec Commercial Systems              and Hardware
                                                              3100 S. Harbor Blvd., Suite 100
                                                              Santa Ana, CA 92704

         Director,             Minoru Noda                    UnionBanCal Corporation                 Banking
         Deputy Chairman,                                     Union Bank of California, N.A.
         Chief Financial                                      400 California Street, 19th Floor
         Officer and Chief                                    San Francisco, CA  94104
         Credit Officer

         Director              Sidney R. Peterson             (retired) Chairman and Chief            Consultant
                                                              Executive Officer                       and Private
                                                              Getty Oil Company                       Investor

         Director              Carl W. Robertson,             Managing Director                       Real Estate and
                                 Esquire                      Warland Investments Company             Investment
                                                              1299 Ocean Avenue, Suite 300            Management
                                                              Santa Monica, CA  90401                 Company

         Director              Charles R. Scott               Chairman and                            Corporate
                                                              Chief Executive Officer                   Investor
                                                              Leadership Centers USA
                                                              365 King Road, N.W.
                                                              Atlanta, GA  30342-4007

         Director              Tetsuo Shimura                 Chief Executive Officer                 Banking
                                                              North American Headquarters
                                                              The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi, Ltd.
                                                              1251 Avenue of the Americas, 14th Floor
                                                              New York, NY 10020

         Director              Henry T. Swigert               Chairman of the Board                   Equipment
                                                              ESCO Corporation                          Manufacturing
                                                              2141 NW 25th Avenue
                                                              Portland, OR  97210

         Director and Vice     Robert M. Walker               UnionBanCal Corporation                 Banking
         Chairman of the                                      Union Bank of California, NA
         Board Commercial                                     350 California Street, 12th Floor
         Financial Services                                   San Francisco, CA  94104-1476
         Group
</TABLE>
    




                                    -13-
<PAGE>   349
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         POSITION
         WITH UNION
         BANK OF                                              PRINCIPAL                               TYPE OF
         CALIFORNIA            NAME                           OCCUPATION                              BUSINESS
         ----------            ----                           ----------                              --------
         <S>                                                  <C>                                     <C>
         Director              Dr. Blenda J. Wilson           President                               Education
                                                              California State University
                                                              Northridge
                                                              18111 Nordhoff Street
                                                              Northridge, CA  91330


         Director and          Tamotsu Yamaguchi              UnionBanCal Corporation                 Banking
         Chairman of                                          Union Bank of California, NA
         the Board                                            445 S. Figueroa Street, 38th Floor
                                                              Los Angeles, CA  90071

         Executive Vice        Donald A. Brunell              c/o Union Bank of California, N.A.      Banking
         President, Deputy                                    350 California Street, 5th Floor
         Director of Finance                                  San Francisco, CA  94104


         Executive Vice        Peter R. Butcher               c/o Union Bank of California, N.A.      Banking
         President, Credit                                    400 California Street, 18th  Floor
         Management Group                                     San Francisco, CA  94104

         Executive             Richard C. Hartnack            c/o Union Bank of California, N.A.      Banking
         Vice President,                                      400 California Street, 18th Floor
         Vice Chairman                                        San Francisco, CA  94104

         Executive             Yoichi Kambara                 c/o Union Bank of California, N.A.      Banking
         Vice President,                                      400 California Street, 18th Floor
         Vice Chairman                                        San Francisco, CA  94104

         Executive             David I. Matson                c/o Union Bank of California, N.A.      Banking
         Vice President                                       400 California Street, 18th Floor
                                                              San Francisco, CA  94104

         President and         Takahiro Moriguchi             c/o Union Bank of California, N.A.      Banking
         Chief Executive Officer                              400 California Street, 18th Floor
                                                              San Francisco, CA  94104

         Chief Financial       Minoru Noda                    c/o Union Bank of California, N.A.      Banking
         Officer and Chief                                    400 California Street, 18th Floor
         Credit Officer                                       San Francisco, CA  94104

         Executive Vice        Magan C. Patel                 c/o Union Bank of California, N.A.      Banking
         President,                                           400 California Street, 18th Floor
         International                                        San Francisco, CA  94104
         Banking Group

         Executive Vice        Charles L. Pedersen            c/o Union Bank of California, N.A.      Banking
         President, Systems                                   1455 First Avenue
         Technology & Item                                    San Diego, CA  92101
         Processing Group
</TABLE>
    





                                    -14-
<PAGE>   350
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         POSITION
         WITH UNION
         BANK OF                                              PRINCIPAL                               TYPE OF
         CALIFORNIA            NAME                           OCCUPATION                              BUSINESS
         ----------            ----                           ----------                              --------
         <S>                                                  <C>                                     <C>
         Executive             Michael A.C. Spilsbury         c/o Union Bank of California, N.A.      Banking
         Vice President,                                      400 California Street, 19th Floor
         Operations &                                         San Francisco, CA  94104
         Services Group

         Executive             Ikuzo Sugiyama                 c/o Union Bank of California, N.A.      Banking
         Vice President                                       400 California Street, 18th Floor
                                                              San Francisco, CA  94104

         Vice Chairman         Robert M. Walker               c/o Union Bank of California, N.A.      Banking
                                                              400 California Street, 18th Floor
                                                              San Francisco, CA  94104

         Executive Vice        Philip M. Wexler               c/o Union Bank of California, N.A.      Banking
         President, Specialized                               445 So. Figueroa Street, 13th Floor
         Lending                                              Los Angeles, CA  90071
</TABLE>
    


ITEM 29.         PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER

                 Furnish the name of each investment company (other than the
                 Registrant) for which each principal underwriter currently
                 distributing securities of the Registrant also acts as a
                 principal underwriter, distributor or investment advisor.

                 Registrant's distributor, SEI Investments Distribution Co.
                 (formerly SEI Financial Services Company), acts as distributor
                 for:


<TABLE>
                 <S>                                            <C>
                 SEI Daily Income Trust                         July 15, 1982
                 SEI  Liquid Asset Trust                        November 29, 1982
                 SEI Tax Exempt Trust                           December 3, 1982
                 SEI Index Funds                                July 10, 1985
                 SEI Institutional Managed Trust                January 22, 1987
                 SEI International Trust                        August 10, 1988
                 The Advisors' Inner Circle Fund                November 14, 1991
                 The Pillar Funds                               February 28, 1992
                 CUFUND                                         May 1, 1992
                 STI Classic Funds                              May 29, 1992
                 CoreFunds, Inc.                                October 30, 1992
                 First American Funds, Inc.                     November 1, 1992
                 First American Investment Funds, Inc.          November 1, 1992
                 The Arbor Fund                                 January 28, 1993
</TABLE>





                                    -15-
<PAGE>   351
   
<TABLE>
                 <S>                                            <C>
                 Boston 1784 Funds (R)                          June 1, 1993
                 The PBHG Funds, Inc.                           July 16, 1993
                 Marquis Funds (R)                              August 17, 1993
                 Morgan Grenfell Investment Trust               January 3, 1994
                 The Achievement Funds Trust                    December 27, 1994
                 Bishop Street Funds                            January 27, 1995
                 CrestFunds, Inc.                               March 1, 1995
                 STI Classic Variable Trust                     August 18, 1995
                 ARK Funds                                      November 1, 1995
                 Monitor Funds                                  January 11, 1996
                 FMB Funds, Inc.                                March 1, 1996
                 SEI Asset Allocation Trust                     April 1, 1996
                 TIP Funds                                      April 28, 1996
                 SEI Institutional Investment Trust             June 14, 1996
                 First American Strategy Funds, Inc.            October 1, 1996
                 ARMADA Funds                                   March 8, 1997
                 Expedition Funds                               June 9, 1997
</TABLE>
    


                 The Distributor provides numerous financial services to
                 investment managers, pension plan sponsors, and bank trust
                 departments.  These services include portfolio evaluation,
                 performance measurement and consulting services ("Funds
                 Evaluation") and automated execution, clearing and settlement
                 of securities transactions ("MarketLink").

                 Furnish the information required by the following table with
                 respect to each director, officer or partner of each principal
                 underwriter named in the answer to Item 21 of Part B.  Unless
                 otherwise noted, the principal business address of each
                 director or officer is 1 Freedom Valley Drive, Oaks, PA
                 19456.

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   Position and Office               Positions and Offices
                 Name                              With Underwriter                  With Registrant
                 ----                              ----------------                  -----------------------
                 <S>                               <C>                                        <C>
                 Alfred P. West, Jr.               Director, Chairman & Chief                 --
                                                     Executive Officer
                 Henry W. Greer                    Director, President & Chief                --
                                                     Operating Officer
                 Carmen V. Romeo                   Director, Executive Vice                   --
                                                     President, President -
                                                     Investment Advisory Group
                 Gilbert L. Beebower               Executive Vice President                   --
                 Richard B. Lieb                   Executive Vice President,                  --
                                                     President-Investment Services
                                                     Division
                 Dennis J. McGonigle               Executive Vice President                   --
                 Leo J. Dolan, Jr.                 Senior Vice President                      --
                 Carl A. Guarino                   Senior Vice President                      --
</TABLE>
    





                                    -16-
<PAGE>   352
<TABLE>
                 <S>                               <C>
                 Larry Hutchison                   Senior Vice President                      --
                 David G. Lee                      Senior Vice President             President and Chief
                                                                                       Executive Officer
                 Jack May                          Senior Vice President                      --
                 A. Keith McDowell                 Senior Vice President                      --
                 Hartland J. McKeown               Senior Vice President                      --
                 Barbara J. Moore                  Senior Vice President                      --
                 Kevin P. Robins                   Senior Vice President,            Vice President,
                                                     General Counsel &                 Secretary
                                                     Secretary
                 Robert Wagner                     Senior Vice President                      --
                 Patrick K. Walsh                  Senior Vice President                      --
                 Robert Aller                      Vice President                             --
                 Marc H. Cahn                      Vice President and Assistant      Vice President,
                                                     Secretary                         Assistant Secretary
                 Gordon W. Carpenter               Vice President                             --

   
                 Todd Cipperman                    Vice President and Assistant      Vice President,
                                                     Secretary                         Assistant Secretary
                 Robert Crudup                     Vice President and Managing                --
                                                     Director
                 Barbara Doyne                     Vice President                             --
                 Jeff Drennen                      Vice President                             --
                 Vic Galef                         Vice President and Managing                --
                                                     Director
                 Kathy Heilig                      Vice President and Treasurer               --
                 Michael Kantor                    Vice President                             --
                 Samuel King                       Vice President                             --
                 Kim Kirk                          Vice President & Managing
                                                     Director                                 --
                 John Krzeminski                   Vice President & Managing                  --
                                                     Director
                 Carolyn McLaurin                  Vice President & Managing                  --
                                                     Director
                 W. Kelso Morrill                  Vice President                             --
                 Barbara A. Nugent                 Vice President & Assistant Secretary   Vice President,
                                                                                            Assistant Secretary
                 Sandra K. Orlow                   Vice President & Assistant Secretary   Vice President,
                                                                                            Assistant Secretary
                 Cynthia M. Parrish                Vice President & Assistant Secretary        --
                 Donald Pepin                      Vice President & Managing Director          --
                 Kim Rainey                        Vice President                              --
                 Mark Samuels                      Vice President & Managing Director          --
                 Steve Smith                       Vice President                              --
                 Daniel Spaventa                   Vice President                              --
                 Kathryn L. Stanton                Vice President & Assistant Secretary   Vice President,
                                                                                            Assistant Secretary
                 Wayne M. Withrow                  Vice President & Managing Director          --
                 James Dougherty                   Director of Brokerage Services              --
</TABLE>
    



                                      -17-
<PAGE>   353
ITEM 30.         LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS

                 (1)      Union Bank of California, N.A., 400 California
                          Street, San Francisco, CA 94104 (records relating to
                          the Advisor's functions as investment adviser and
                          Union Bank of California's functions as custodian and
                          sub-transfer agent).

                 (2)      SEI Fund Resources, Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456 (records
                          relating to its functions as administrator and
                          distributor).

                 (3)      SEI Investments Distribution Co. (formerly SEI
                          Financial Services Company), Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456
                          (records relating to its function as distributor).

                 (4)      State Street Bank and Trust Company, 225 Franklin
                          Street, Boston, Massachusetts  02110 (records
                          relating to its functions as transfer agent).

                 (5)      Ropes & Gray, One Franklin Square, 1301 K Street,
                          N.W., Suite 800 East, Washington, DC  20005 (the
                          Registrant's Declaration of Trust, Code of
                          Regulations and Minute Books).

ITEM 31.         MANAGEMENT SERVICES

                 None.

ITEM 32.         UNDERTAKINGS

                 Registrant hereby undertakes to call a meeting of the
                 shareholders for the purpose of voting upon the question of
                 removal of one or more trustees when requested to do so by the
                 holders of at least 10% of the outstanding shares of
                 Registrant and to comply with the provisions of Section 16(c)
                 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 relating to shareholder
                 communication.

                 Registrant hereby undertakes to furnish each person to whom a
                 prospectus is delivered with a copy of the Registrant's latest
                 annual report to shareholders, upon request and without
                 charge.





                                    -18-
<PAGE>   354
                                     NOTICE

         A copy of the Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust
of HighMark Funds is on file with the Secretary of State of The Commonwealth of
Massachusetts and notice is hereby given that this instrument is executed on
behalf of the Registrant by an officer of the Registrant as an officer and not
individually and that the obligations of or arising out of this instrument are
not binding upon any of the trustees or shareholders individually but are
binding only upon the assets and property of the Registrant.





                                    -18-
<PAGE>   355
                                   SIGNATURES

   
         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of
the requirements for effectiveness of the registration statement pursuant to
Rule 485(b) under the 1933 Act and the Registrant has duly caused this
Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 to this Registration Statement to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized, in the City of
Washington, D.C., on the 26th day of November, 1997.
    

                                      HighMark Funds

                                      By:     /s/ David G. Lee
                                             -------------------
                                              David G. Lee
                                              President and
                                              Chief Executive Officer

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 has been signed below by the following persons
in the capacities and on the dates indicated:

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Signature                                  Capacity                          Date
- ---------                                  --------                          ----
<S>                                        <C>                               <C>
/s/ David G. Lee                           President and                     November 26, 1997
- ----------------                           Chief Executive Officer
David G. Lee

/s/ Robert DellaCroce                      Comptroller and Chief             November 26, 1997
- ---------------------                        Financial Officer
Robert DellaCroce

/s/ Thomas L. Braje                        Trustee                           November 26, 1997
- ----------------------
Thomas L. Braje

/s/ David A. Goldfarb                      Trustee                           November 26, 1997
- ---------------------
David A. Goldfarb

/s/ Joseph C. Jaeger                       Trustee                           November 26, 1997
- -----------------------
Joseph C. Jaeger

/s/ Frederick J. Long                      Trustee                           November 26, 1997
- ----------------------
Frederick J. Long

*By:   /s/ Martin E. Lybecker
       ----------------------
       Martin E. Lybecker
       Attorney-In-Fact
</TABLE>
    





                                    -20-
<PAGE>   356
                                Exhibit Index

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT NO.                                       DESCRIPTION                                      PAGE
- ------------                                      -----------                                      ----
<S>                       <C>
10                        Opinion and Consent of Counsel as to legality of shares
                          being registered.

11(a)                     Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.

11(b)                     Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP.

11(c)                     Consent of Ropes & Gray.

27                        Financial Data Schedules.
</TABLE>






<PAGE>   1
                                   EXHIBIT 10

                         Opinion and Consent of Counsel
                   as to legality of shares being registered





<PAGE>   2



                           [ROPES & GRAY LETTERHEAD]

                  WRITER'S DIRECT DIAL NUMBER:  (202) 626-3923


                               November 26, 1997




HighMark Funds
Oaks, Pennsylvania  19456

Ladies and Gentlemen:

         You have registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"1933 Act") an indefinite number of shares of beneficial interest ("Shares") of
the HighMark Funds ("Trust"), as permitted by Rule 24f-2 under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act").  You propose to file a
post-effective amendment on Form N-1A (the "Post-Effective Amendment") to your
Registration Statement as required by Section 10(a)(3) in order to update
certain financial information and file the annual amendment required by the
1940 Act.

         We have examined your Agreement and Declaration of Trust on file in
the office of the Secretary of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the Clerk
of the City of Boston.  We have also examined a copy of your Bylaws and such
other documents, receipts and records as we have deemed necessary for the
purpose of this opinion.

         Based upon the foregoing, we are of the opinion that the issue and
sale of the authorized but unissued Retail and Fiduciary Shares of the Series
have been duly authorized under Massachusetts law.  Upon the original issue and
sale of your authorized but unissued Retail and Fiduciary Shares and upon
receipt of the authorized consideration therefor in an amount not less than the
net asset value of the Retail and Fiduciary Shares established and in force at
the time of their sale, the Retail and Fiduciary Shares issued will be validly
issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

         The Trust is an entity of the type commonly known as a "Massachusetts
business trust."  Under Massachusetts law, shareholders could, under certain
circumstances, be held personally liable for the obligations of the Trust.
However, the Agreement and Declaration of





<PAGE>   3
HighMark Funds
November 26, 1997
Page 2


Trust provides for indemnification out of the property of a particular series
of Shares for all loss and expenses of any shareholder of that series held
personally liable solely by reason of his being or having been a shareholder.
Thus, the risk of shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which
that series of Shares itself would be unable to meet its obligations.

         We understand that this opinion is to be used in connection with the
filing of the Post-Effective Amendment.  We consent to the filing of this
opinion with and as part of your Post-Effective Amendment.

                                              Sincerely,

                                              /s/ Ropes & Gray

                                              Ropes & Gray






<PAGE>   1
                                 EXHIBIT 11(a)

                        Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP





<PAGE>   2
   
                         INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S CONSENT

We consent to the use in this Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 to Registration
Statement under the Securities Act of 1933, filed under Registration Statement
No. 033-12608 of our report dated September 19, 1997, relating to The HighMark
Funds, including Diversified Money Market Fund, U.S. Government Money Market
Fund, 100% U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund, California Tax-Free Money Market
Fund, Bond Fund, Income Equity Fund, Intermediate-Term Bond Fund, California
Intermediate Tax-Free Bond Fund, Convertible Securities Fund, Government
Securities Fund, Value Momentum Fund, Blue Chip Growth Fund, Emerging Growth
Fund, international Equity Fund, Balanced Fund and Growth Fund, incorporated by
reference in such Registration Statement and to the reference to us under the
headings "Financial Highlights" and "Auditors" in such Registration Statement.
    

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
   
San Francisco, California
November 21, 1997
    


                                  Exhibit 11b

<PAGE>   1
                                 EXHIBIT 11(b)

                         Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP





<PAGE>   2
   
                              ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP


                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference of our report dated March 15, 1997, on the January 31, 1997 financial
statements of the Stepstone Funds, incorporated by reference in the
Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of
the Highmark Funds (File Nos. 33-12608 and 811-5059), and to all references to
our firm included in or made part of Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 to the
Registration Statement File No. 33-12608 and 811-5059.

                              
                                             /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP

Philadelphia, Pa.
 November 26, 1997
    



   
                                  Exhibit 11c
    

<PAGE>   1
                                 EXHIBIT 11(c)

                            Consent of Ropes & Gray





<PAGE>   2
                               CONSENT OF COUNSEL


         We hereby consent to the use of our name and the references to our
firm under the caption "Legal Counsel" included in or made a part of
Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 to the Registration Statement (Nos. 33-12608
and 811-5059) of HighMark Funds on Form N-1A under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended.


                                                   /s/ Ropes & Gray

                                                   Ropes & Gray

Washington, D.C.
November 26, 1997






<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000811527
<NAME> HIGHMARK FUNDS
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 010
   <NAME> 100% U.S. TREASURY MONEY MARKET FUND
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUL-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             AUG-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               JUL-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                           795804
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                          795804
<RECEIVABLES>                                    10391
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                      11
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  806206
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                             0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                         3770
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                               3770
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                        243418
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                           243418
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                           182003
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                           52
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                            (5)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                    802436
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                22612
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                  (2918)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                          19694
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                            46
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                            0
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                            19740
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                       (9631)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                         625750
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                   (556386)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                740
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                          528743
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                           20
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                           (1506)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                 (4346)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                            430337
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                             1.00
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                   .046
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                            (.046)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                               1.00
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                    .64
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000811527
<NAME> HIGHMARK FUNDS
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 011
   <NAME> 100% U.S. TREASURY MONEY MARKET FUND
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUL-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             AUG-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               JUL-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                           795804
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                          795804
<RECEIVABLES>                                    10391
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                      11
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  806206
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                             0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                         3770
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                               3770
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                        558971
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                           558971
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                            89126
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                           52
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                            (5)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                    802436
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                22612
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                  (2918)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                          19694
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                            46
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                            0
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                            19740
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                      (10063)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                         963128
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                   (512994)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                               8189
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                          528743
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                           20
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                           (1506)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                 (4346)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                            430337
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                             1.00
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                   .045
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                            (.045)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                               1.00
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                    .72
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000811527
<NAME> HIGHMARK FUNDS
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 020
   <NAME> DIVERSIFIED MONEY MARKET FUND
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUL-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             FEB-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               JUL-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                          1775741
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                         1775741
<RECEIVABLES>                                     6734
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                      23
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 1782498
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                             0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                        10983
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                              10983
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                        973074
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                           973074
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                           524518
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                         (1422)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                   1771515
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                40348
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                  (4310)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                          36038
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                            31
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                            0
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                            36069
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                      (20558)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                        2350205
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                  (1905972)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                               4034
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                          671378
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              5
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                       (1091)
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                           (2182)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                 (5720)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                           1466706
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                             1.00
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                   .025
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                            (.025)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                               1.00
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                    .48
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000811527
<NAME> HIGHMARK FUNDS
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 021
   <NAME> DIVERSIFIED MONEY MARKET FUND
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUL-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             FEB-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               JUL-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                          1775741
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                         1775741
<RECEIVABLES>                                     6734
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                      23
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 1782498
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                             0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                        10983
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                              10983
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                        799863
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                           799863
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                           576704
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                         (1422)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                   1771515
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                40348
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                  (4310)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                          36038
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                            31
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                            0
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                            36069
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                      (15480)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                         760668
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                   (552572)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                              14984
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                          671378
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              5
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                       (1091)
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                           (2182)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                 (5720)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                           1466706
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                             1.00
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                   .024
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                            (.024)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                               1.00
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                    .72
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000811527
<NAME> HIGHMARK FUNDS
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 030
   <NAME> CALIFORNIA TAX-FREE MONEY MARKET FUND
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUL-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             FEB-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               JUL-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                           375826
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                          375826
<RECEIVABLES>                                     1799
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                      37
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  377662
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                             0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                       (1136)
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                             (1136)
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                        159341
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                           159341
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                            36205
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            1
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                           (64)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                    159297
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                 4701
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                   (601)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                           4100
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                             0
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                            0
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                             4100
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                       (1618)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                         245264
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                   (122182)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  6
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                          189631
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                          (1)
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                            (391)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                 (1134)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                             97308
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                             1.00
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                   .016
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                            (.016)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                               1.00
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                    .28
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000811527
<NAME> HIHGMARK FUNDS
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 031
   <NAME> CALIFORNIA TAX FREE MONEY MARKET FUND
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUL-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             FEB-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               JUL-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                           375826
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                          375826
<RECEIVABLES>                                     1799
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                      37
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  377662
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                             0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                       (1136)
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                             (1136)
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                        217248
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                           217248
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                           150691
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            1
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                           (64)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                    217229
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                 4701
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                   (601)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                           4100
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                             0
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                            0
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                             4100
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                       (2478)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                           220526
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                              0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                   (156357)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                               2370
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                          189631
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                          (1)
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                            (391)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                 (1134)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                            165823
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                             1.00
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                   .015
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                            (.015)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                               1.00
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                    .55
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000811527
<NAME> HIGHMARK FUNDS
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 040
   <NAME> U.S. GOVENRMENT MONEY MARKET FUND
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUL-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             AUG-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               JUL-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                           295990
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                          295990
<RECEIVABLES>                                     1426
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                   (352)
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  297064
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                             0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                       (1272)
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                             (1272)
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                        253143
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                           253143
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                           187459
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                          (158)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                    295792
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                12216
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                  (1632)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                          10584
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                            18
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                            0
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                            10602
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                       (8350)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                        1103212
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                  (1001968)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                253
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                           68595
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                        (171)
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                            (839)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                 (2290)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                            178128
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                             1.00
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                   .047
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                            (.047)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                               1.00
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                    .70
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000811527
<NAME> HIGHMARK FUNDS
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 041
   <NAME> U.S. GOVERNMENT MONEY MARKET FUND
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUL-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             AUG-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               JUL-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                           295990
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                          295990
<RECEIVABLES>                                     1426
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                   (352)
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  297064
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                             0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                       (1272)
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                             (1272)
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                         42807
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                            42807
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                            38486
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                          (158)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                    295792
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                12216
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                  (1632)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                          10584
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                            18
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                            0
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                            10602
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                       (2234)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                         331210
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                   (366427)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                               2297
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                           68595
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                        (171)
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                            (839)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                 (2290)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                             48591
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                             1.00
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                   .046
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                            (.046)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                               1.00
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                    .78
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000811527
<NAME> HIGHMARK FUNDS
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 050
   <NAME> GROWTH FUNDS
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUL-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             AUG-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               JUL-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                           292187
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                          386147
<RECEIVABLES>                                      322
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                     257
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  386726
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                       (80770)
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                        (259)
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                            (81029)
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                        166722
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                            17179
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                             4089
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                           66
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                          39514
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                         93960
<NET-ASSETS>                                    305695
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                 1380
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                  104
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                  (1052)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                            432
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                         40894
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                        28516
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                            69842
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                        (354)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                        (3457)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                         213785
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                    (24942)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                               3648
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                          261357
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              8
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                         2708
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                            (789)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                 (1410)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                            108351
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                            12.58
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                   .057
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                          5.773
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                            (.053)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                       (.996)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              17.36
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                    .92
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000811527
<NAME> HIGHMARK FUNDS
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 051
   <NAME> GROWTH FUND
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUL-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             AUG-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               JUL-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                           292187
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                          386147
<RECEIVABLES>                                      322
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                     257
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  386726
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                       (80770)
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                        (259)
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                            (81029)
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                          5433
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                              449
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                              250
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                           66
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                          39514
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                         93960
<NET-ASSETS>                                    305695
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                 1380
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                  104
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                  (1052)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                            432
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                         40894
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                        28516
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                            69842
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                         (12)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                         (229)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                           4389
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                     (1547)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                234
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                          261357
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              8
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                         2708
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                            (789)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                 (1410)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                              4317
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                            12.60
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                   .049
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                          5.784
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                            (.048)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                       (.996)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              17.39
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                   1.04
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000811527
<NAME> HIGHMARK FUNDS
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 060
   <NAME> CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUL-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             FEB-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               JUL-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                            20977
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                           24484
<RECEIVABLES>                                      893
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                    (12)
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                   25365
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                             0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                         (27)
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                               (27)
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                         20467
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                             2041
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                             1824
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                           18
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                           1346
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                          3507
<NET-ASSETS>                                     25338
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                  125
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                  337
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                    (95)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                            367
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                          1124
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                          718
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                             2209
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                        (371)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
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<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                           5864
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                     (3864)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                               2983
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<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                             22
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                          222
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                             (68)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                  (113)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                             22739
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                            11.58
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                   .183
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                           .833
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                            (.186)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              12.41
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                    .85
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000811527
<NAME> HIGHMARK FUNDS
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 070
   <NAME> VALUE MOMENTUM FUND
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUL-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             FEB-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               JUL-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                           404438
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                          594840
<RECEIVABLES>                                      684
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                     496
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<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  596020
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                      (111460)
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                        (376)
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                           (111836)
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                        278413
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                            18187
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                            14717
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                          427
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                           3057
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                        190499
<NET-ASSETS>                                    484184
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                 3901
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                  700
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<EXPENSES-NET>                                  (1536)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                           3065
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                          2055
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                        68691
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                            73811
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                       (2920)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                         110431
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                    (34176)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                               2053
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                          150739
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                           1032
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                          368
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                           (1158)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                 (1848)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                            371817
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                            21.57
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                   .132
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                          3.955
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                            (.176)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              25.48
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                    .78
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000811527
<NAME> HIGHMARK FUNDS
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 071
   <NAME> VALUE MOMENTUM FUND
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUL-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             FEB-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               JUL-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                           404438
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                          594840
<RECEIVABLES>                                      684
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                     496
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  596020
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                      (111460)
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                        (376)
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                           (111836)
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                         11788
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                              814
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                              740
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                          427
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                           3057
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                        190499
<NET-ASSETS>                                    484184
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                 3901
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                  700
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                  (1536)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                           3065
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                          2055
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                        68691
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                            73811
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                        (115)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                           2942
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                     (1400)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                113
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                          150739
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                           1032
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                          368
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                           (1158)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                 (1848)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                             17563
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                            21.57
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                   .106
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                          3.953
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                            (.147)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              25.48
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                   1.03
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000811527
<NAME> HIGHMARK FUNDS
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 080
   <NAME> BLUE CHIP GROWTH FUND
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUL-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             FEB-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               JUL-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                            98127
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                          125912
<RECEIVABLES>                                     2108
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       1
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  128021
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                       (29628)
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                       (1510)
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                            (31138)
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                         58138
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                             5592
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                             5563
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                           23
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                          10937
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                         27785
<NET-ASSETS>                                     96883
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                  551
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                  250
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                   (337)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                            464
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                          8336
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                         7929
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                            16729
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                        (447)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                          17168
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                    (17696)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                447
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                           16201
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              6
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                         2601
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                            (255)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                  (403)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                             85561
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                            14.50
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                   .081
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                          2.818
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                            (.078)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              17.32
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                    .80
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000811527
<NAME> HIGHMARK FUNDS
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 090
   <NAME> BALANCED FUND
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUL-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             FEB-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               JUL-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                           392656
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                          499138
<RECEIVABLES>                                     2768
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                      70
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  501976
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                       (91957)
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                        (363)
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                            (92320)
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                        291029
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                            24332
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                            20453
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                          569
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                           5142
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                        106482
<NET-ASSETS>                                    409656
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                 2008
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                 4583
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                  (1440)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                           5151
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                          7454
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                        36114
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                            48719
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                       (4955)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                        (5775)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                          93526
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                    (47541)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                              10043
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                           93292
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                            477
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                         3595
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                           (1026)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                 (1690)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                            336136
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                            15.04
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                   .228
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                          1.712
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                            (.228)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                       (.290)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              16.46
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                    .83
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000811527
<NAME> HIGHMARK FUNDS
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 091
   <NAME> BALANCED FUND
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUL-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             FEB-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               JUL-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                           392656
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                          499138
<RECEIVABLES>                                     2768
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                      70
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  501976
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                       (91957)
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                        (363)
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                            (92320)
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                          6434
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                              560
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                              588
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                          569
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                           5142
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                        106482
<NET-ASSETS>                                    409656
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                 2008
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                 4583
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                  (1440)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                           5151
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                          7454
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                        36114
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                            48719
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                        (113)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                         (150)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                           1466
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                     (2190)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                262
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                           93292
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                            477
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                         3595
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                           (1026)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                 (1690)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                              8346
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                            15.03
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                   .209
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                          1.712
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                            (.209)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                       (.290)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              16.45
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                   1.07
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000811527
<NAME> HIGHMARK FUNDS
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 100
   <NAME> EMERGING
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUL-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             FEB-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               JUL-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                            65465
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                           77328
<RECEIVABLES>                                      766
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                    (31)
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                   78063
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                       (11579)
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                        (148)
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                            (11727)
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                         49513
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                             4609
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                             4233
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                           10
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                           4950
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                         11863
<NET-ASSETS>                                     66336
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                  130
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                  233
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                   (290)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                             73
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                          3125
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                         1474
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                             4672
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                         (57)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                          16568
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                    (12060)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                 57
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                             376
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                         1818
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                            (230)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                  (333)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                             57894
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                            13.50
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                   0.14
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                           .888
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                            (.012)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              14.39
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                   1.01
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000811527
<NAME> HIGHMARK FUNDS
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 110
   <NAME> INTERMEDIATE-TERM BOND
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUL-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             FEB-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               JUL-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                           152444
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                          155810
<RECEIVABLES>                                     1885
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                     225
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  157920
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                             0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                        (120)
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                              (120)
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                        152434
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                            14827
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                            14798
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                          219
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                         (3929)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                          3366
<NET-ASSETS>                                    157800
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                 1676
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                 3653
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                   (536)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                           4793
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                         (364)
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                         2370
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                             6799
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                       (4648)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                          13541
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                    (16318)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                               3112
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                            2176
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                            231
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                       (3565)
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                            (389)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                  (645)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                            151608
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                            10.16
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                   .309
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                           .138
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                            (.310)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              10.30
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                    .69
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>
WARNING: THE EDGAR SYSTEM ENCOUNTERED ERROR(S) WHILE PROCESSING THIS SCHEDULE.

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000812527
<NAME> HIGHMARK FUNDS
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 111
   <NAME> INTERMEDIATE-TERM BOND
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUL-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             FEB-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               JUL-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                           152444
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                          155810
<RECEIVABLES>                                     1885
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                     225
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  157920
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                             0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                        (120)
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                              (120)
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                          5710
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                              498
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                              513
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                          219
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                         (3929)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                          3366
<NET-ASSETS>                                    157800
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                 1676
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                 3653
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                   (536)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                           4793
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                         (364)
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                         2370
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                             6799
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                        (157)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                            126
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                      (436)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                157
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                            2176
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                            231
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                       (3565)
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                            (389)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                  (645)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                              5124
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                            10.16
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                   .309
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                           .128
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                            (.310)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              10.29
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                    .69
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000811527
<NAME> HIGHMARK FUNDS
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 120
   <NAME> GOVERNMENT SECURITIES FUND
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUL-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             FEB-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               JUL-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                            71323
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                           73044
<RECEIVABLES>                                     1151
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       1
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                   74196
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                       (16288)
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                        (652)
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                            (16940)
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                         57498
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                             5938
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                             5443
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                          117
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                         (2080)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                          1721
<NET-ASSETS>                                     57256
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                   14
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                 1773
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                   (199)
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<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                    (11930)
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<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                       (1793)
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<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                               9.64
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                    .73
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<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000811527
<NAME> HIGHMARK FUNDS
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 130
   <NAME> CALIFORNIA INTERMEDIATE TAX-FREE BOND FUND
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
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<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                     (1268)
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<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                             27
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                       (1308)
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<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                    .21
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<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000811527
<NAME> HIGHMARK FUNDS
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 131
   <NAME> CALIFORNIA INTERMEDIATE TAX-FREE BOND FUND
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
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<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                      (498)
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<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                             27
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<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                    .21
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<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000811527
<NAME> HIGHMARK
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 140
   <NAME> INTERNATI0NAL EQUITY
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUL-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-31-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               JUL-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                            45603
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<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                            34.52
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<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                          3.958
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<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                   1.26
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000811527
<NAME> HIGHMARK FUNDS
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 150
   <NAME> BOND FUND
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
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<PERIOD-START>                             AUG-01-1996
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<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                            74450
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<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                        (5587)
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<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                    .85
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000811527
<NAME> HIGHMARK FUNDS
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 151
   <NAME> BOND FUND
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
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<PERIOD-START>                             AUG-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               JUL-31-1997
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<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
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<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                               57
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                              114
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<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                    .85
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000811527
<NAME> HIGHMARK FUNDS
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 160
   <NAME> INCOME EQUITY FUND
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUL-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             AUG-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               JUL-31-1997
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<PER-SHARE-NII>                                   .372
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                          5.019
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                            (.368)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                      (1.083)
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<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              18.21
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                    .99
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000811527
<NAME> HIGHMARK FUNDS
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 161
   <NAME> INCOME EQUITY FUND
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUL-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             AUG-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               JUL-31-1997
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<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                              776
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                              710
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<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                     (3247)
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<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                            14.29
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                   .363
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                          5.028
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                            (.358)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                      (1.083)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              18.24
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                   1.06
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>


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