PROSPECTUS
November 28, 1997
DEVCAP SHARED RETURN FUND
The DEVCAP Shared Return Fund (the "Fund") has two primary objectives:
(i) an investment objective, to provide its shareholders with long-term total
return which corresponds to the total return performance of the Domini 400
Social Index(sm) an index comprised of stocks selected based upon socially
responsible criteria; and (ii)a charitable objective, to enable each shareholder
of the Fund to make a donation of a portion of that shareholder's annual
contribution basis to finance the economic development of underprivileged people
in developing countries. The Fund is a separate series of shares of DEVCAP
Trust, which is organized as a business trust under the laws of the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts. The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by
investing all of its investable assets in the Domini Social Index Portfolio (the
"Portfolio"), a diversified open-end management investment company having the
same investment objective as the Fund. The Portfolio invests in the common
stocks included in the Domini 400 Social Index(sm) ("Domini Social Index" or
"DSI").
The Fund seeks to achieve its charitable objective by providing for the
tax-deductible donation of a portion of each shareholder's annual contribution
basis in the Fund to further the charitable purposes of the Development Capital
Fund ("DEVCAP Non-Profit"). DEVCAP Non-Profit is a non-profit charitable
corporation that functions as a consortium of non-profit organizations and is
dedicated to supporting micro-enterprise and other economic development programs
in developing countries in an effort to improve the welfare of underprivileged
persons in those countries. See "Charitable Contribution Program" herein for
more detailed information. In general, investors will not incur net tax
liability as a result of providing for donations of a portion of their annual
contribution basis in the Fund. See "Tax Matters-Tax Deductibility of Charitable
Contributions" herein for more detailed information.
Table of Contents
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Page
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INVESTMENT IN THE FUND.....................................................2
THE FUND...................................................................2
EXPENSE SUMMARY............................................................3
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS.......................................................4
CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION PROGRAM............................................5
DEVCAP NON-PROFIT......................................................... 7
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION....................................................7
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, POLICIES AND RISK FACTORS............................8
MANAGEMENT................................................................12
PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS OF SHARES.......................................14
TAX MATTERS...............................................................17
OTHER INFORMATION CONCERNING SHARES OF THE FUND...........................18
SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS, TRANSFER AGENT AND CUSTODIAN.......................21
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.
The investment manager of the Portfolio is Domini Social Investments
LLC ("DSIL"), a company founded by the principals of the former investment
adviser and sponsor of the Portfolio, Kinder, Lydenberg, Domini & Co., Inc.
<PAGE>
("KLD"). The investment submanager of the Portfolio is Mellon Equity Associates.
The sponsor of the Fund is DEVCAP Non-Profit and the distributor of the Fund is
CBIS Financial Services, Inc., a subsidiary of Christian Brothers Financial
Services, Inc., (the "Distributor"). The administrator of the Fund, is Sunstone
Financial Group, Inc. ("Sunstone"). SHARES OF THE FUND ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR
OBLIGATIONS OF OR GUARANTEED BY, ANY BANK OR THE U.S. GOVERNMENT. THE SHARES ARE
NOT INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION OR ANY OTHER STATE OR
GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY.
"Domini(sm)" and "Domini 400 Social Index(sm)" are service marks of
Kinder, Lydenberg, Domini & Co., Inc.
This Prospectus sets forth concisely the information concerning the
Fund that a prospective investor ought to know before investing. The Fund has
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission a Statement of Additional
Information, dated November 28, 1997, as amended from time to time, which
contains more detailed information about the Fund and is incorporated into this
Prospectus by reference. An investor may obtain a copy of the Statement of
Additional Information without charge by contacting the Distributor (see back
cover for address and phone number).
Unlike other mutual funds which directly acquire and manage their own
Portfolio of securities, the Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by
investing all of its investable assets in the Portfolio. The Fund invests in the
Portfolio through a two-tier master-feeder investment fund structure. See
"Special Information Concerning Master-Feeder Investment Fund Structure" on page
11.
Investors should read this Prospectus and retain it for future reference.
INVESTMENT IN THE FUND
The Fund seeks to provide its shareholders with long-term total return
which corresponds to the total return performance of the Domini Social Index, an
index comprised of stocks selected according to social criteria. The Fund may be
appropriate, therefore, for investors who are willing to ride out stock market
fluctuations in pursuit of long-term returns. Because the Fund seeks to track,
rather than exceed, the performance of a particular index, the Fund is not
managed in the same way as other mutual funds. In particular, the manager
generally does not judge the merits of any particular stock as an investment.
Therefore, investors should not expect to achieve the potentially greater
results that could be obtained by a fund that aggressively seeks growth.
The value of an investment in the Fund varies from day to day,
generally reflecting changes in the financial condition of the companies in
which the Portfolio invests, general market conditions and political and
economic factors. Stock prices can fluctuate dramatically in response to these
and other factors or speculation about these factors. Over the long term, stocks
have generally shown greater growth potential than other types of securities.
However, when you sell your Fund shares, they may be worth more or less than
what you paid for them.
Potential investors should note that because the Portfolio seeks to be
fully invested in the stocks comprising the Domini Social Index, the Fund is not
a balanced investment plan. Potential investors should also note that the
manager of the Portfolio, DSIL, has no prior experience in managing or advising
a mutual fund. You should carefully consider your investment objectives and risk
tolerance before making a decision to invest in the Fund.
2
<PAGE>
THE FUND
DEVCAP Trust (the "Trust") was organized as a business trust under the
laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, with the Fund established as a
separate series of the Trust, on June 29, 1995. The Fund is a no-load
diversified open-end management investment company. Although shares of the Fund
are sold without a sales load, the Distributor may receive a distribution fee
from the Fund pursuant to a Distribution Plan adopted in accordance with Rule
12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"). The
Trust offers to buy back (redeem) shares of the Fund from its shareholders at
any time at net asset value.
Shares of the Fund are sold continuously by the Distributor. The
minimum initial investment is $1,000, except that the minimum initial investment
when selecting the Automatic Investment Plan is $500 and the minimum initial
investment when selecting the Individual Retirement Account is $250. An investor
should obtain from the Distributor, and should read in conjunction with this
Prospectus, the materials describing the procedures under which Fund shares may
be purchased and redeemed. See "Purchases and Redemptions" herein.
The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing the
proceeds from the sales of its shares in the Portfolio, which has the same
investment objective as the Fund and which invests all of its assets in stocks
included in the Domini Social Index. There can be no assurance that the Fund or
the Portfolio will be able to achieve their investment objective. It should be
noted that the limitation of the Portfolio's investments to stocks included in
the Domini Social Index will tend to limit the availability of investment
opportunities to the Fund compared to other investment companies that have a
comparable investment objective to that of the Fund. See "Investment Objective,
Policies and Risk Factors" herein.
Proceeds from the sale of shares of the Fund are invested in the
Portfolio which then purchases securities in accordance with its investment
objective and policies. DSIL, a newly formed company founded by the principals
of the former investment adviser and sponsor of the Portfolio, is the
Portfolio's manager (the "Manager" or "DSIL") and provides administrative
services to the Portfolio. CBIS Financial Services, Inc. is the distributor of
the Fund. Mellon Equity Associates ("Mellon Equity") is the Portfolio's
investment submanager (the "Submanager"). DEVCAP Non-Profit is the sponsor
("Sponsor") of the Fund. Sunstone Financial Group, Inc., the administrator of
the Fund (the "Administrator"), supervises the overall administration of the
Fund. The Boards of Trustees of the Trust and the Portfolio provide broad
supervision over the affairs of the Fund and the Portfolio, respectively. The
Trustees who are not "interested persons" of the Trust as defined in the 1940
Act (the "Independent Trustees") are separate and independent from the
Independent Trustees of the Portfolio. For further information about the
Trustees of the Trust and the Portfolio, see "Management of the Trust and the
Portfolio" in the Statement of Additional Information. A majority of the Fund's
Trustees are not affiliated with the Manager.
KLD, the former investment adviser and sponsor of the Portfolio (as
well as an affiliate of DSIL), determines the composition of the Domini 400
Social Index(sm). The following persons are primarily responsible for the
development and maintenance of the Domini 400 Social Index(sm) (which determines
the composition of the Portfolio's securities): Steven D. Lydenberg, Director of
Research, KLD, since 1990; Peter D. Kinder, President, KLD, since 1988. The
Submanager manages the investments of the Portfolio from day to day in
accordance with the Portfolio's investment objective and policies.
DEVCAP Non-Profit provides no investment advisory, management or other
investment support services to the Fund or the Portfolio. DEVCAP Non-Profit
provides certain marketing, shareholder and administrative support services to
the Fund pursuant to a Sponsorship Agreement.
3
<PAGE>
EXPENSE SUMMARY
The following table provides (i) a summary of estimated expenses
relating to purchases and sales of shares of the Fund, and the aggregate annual
operating expenses for the Fund and the Portfolio, as a percentage of average
net assets of the Fund, and (ii) an example illustrating the dollar cost of such
estimated expenses on a $1,000 investment in the Fund.
Shareholder Transaction Expenses 0%
Annual Operating Expenses
Advisory and Management Fees 0.15%(1)
12b-1 Fees(2) 0.25%
Other Expenses:
Administrative Services Fees 0.18%
Other Operating Expenses (after expense
reimbursement)(3) 1.17%
-----
1.35%
-----
Total Operating Expenses (after expense 1.75%
reimbursement)(3) =====
(1) Under the Management Agreement between the Portfolio and DSIL, DSIL's
fee for advisory and administrative services to the Portfolio is 0.20%
of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio for the current fiscal
year but will be reduced to the extent necessary to keep the aggregate
annual operating expenses of the Portfolio (excluding brokerage fees
and commissions, interest, taxes and other extraordinary expenses) at
no greater than 0.20% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio,
through November 1, 1998. If this fee reduction were not in effect,
advisory and management fees for the Portfolio would be 0.20% of the
average daily net assets of the Portfolio.
(2) The percentage represents maximum possible expenditures, expressed as a
percentage of average daily net assets, under the Fund's Distribution
Plan during the fiscal year ended July 31, 1997. The Distribution Plan
permits reimbursement for expenses incurred by the Distributor of up to
0.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets. See "Other Information
Concerning Shares of the Fund--Distribution Plan and Agreement."
(3) Under a Sponsorship Agreement between DEVCAP Non-Profit and the Fund,
DEVCAP Non-Profit is obligated to reimburse the Fund to the extent
necessary to limit the aggregate annual operating expenses of the Fund
(including the Fund's share of the Portfolio's expenses but excluding
brokerage fees and commissions, interest, taxes and other extraordinary
expenses) to no greater than 1.75% of the average daily net assets of
the Fund through December 31, 1998. In return, DEVCAP Non-Profit
receives the proceeds from the annual charitable contribution program
of the Fund for its micro-enterprise activities. See "Charitable
Contribution Program." If this expense reimbursement were not in
effect, other operating expenses and total operating expenses for the
Fund would equal 5.60% and 6.18% of the average daily net assets of the
Fund, respectively assuming the same level of average daily net assets
and expenses of the Fund as existed during the fiscal year ended July
31, 1997. See "Other Information Concerning Shares of the Fund" herein.
4
<PAGE>
Example:
A shareholder of the Fund would pay the following expenses on a $1,000
investment in the Fund, assuming (1) 5% annual return and (2) redemption at
the end of:
1 year........................................................... $ 18
3 years.......................................................... $ 55
5 years.......................................................... $ 95
10 years......................................................... $206
The "Example" set forth above is hypothetical and should not be
considered a representation of past or future expenses of the Fund. Actual
expenses and returns may be more or less than those shown. The purpose of the
expense table provided above is to assist investors in understanding the various
costs and expenses that a shareholder will bear directly or indirectly. The
expense information in the Expense Table provided above has been restated to
reflect fees currently in effect. For more information with respect to the
expenses of the Fund and the Portfolio, see "Management" herein.
The Trust pays a distribution fee at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of
the Fund's average daily net assets in reimbursement of, or in anticipation of,
expenses incurred by the Distributor in connection with the sale of shares of
the Fund. Long-term shareholders may pay more than the economic equivalent of
the maximum distribution charges permitted by the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. The Trust may pay fees to Service Organizations at an
annual rate in amounts up to 0.25% of the daily net asset value of shares of the
Fund owned by shareholders with whom the Service Organization has a servicing
relationship. The Trust does not currently intend to enter into agreements with
and pay fees to Service Organizations with respect to the Fund, but it may do so
in the future. See "Distribution Plan and Agreement" and "Service Organizations,
Transfer Agent and Custodian".
The Trust's Trustees believe that the aggregate per share expenses of
the Fund and the Portfolio will be less than or approximately equal to the
expenses which the Fund would incur if it retained the services of an investment
adviser and an investment manager and invested directly in the types of
securities being held by the Portfolio. See "Other Information Concerning Shares
of the Fund Expenses" herein for further discussion of Fund and Portfolio
expenses.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The following table presents financial highlights for the Fund. The
information represents selected data for a single share outstanding for each of
the indicated periods for the Fund which has been audited by KPMG Peat Marwick
LLP, the Fund's independent auditors, whose report thereon appears in the Fund's
Annual Report which is incorporated by reference in the Fund's Statement of
Additional Information.
5
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the period
October 19, 1995
(commencement of
For the year investment
ended operations)
For a share outstanding for the period: July 31, 1997(5) to July 31, 1996
- -------------------------------------- ---------------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Net Asset Value, beginning of period $10.71 $10.00
------ ------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment loss.................................... (0.03) (0.02)
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments........ 5.55 0.73
------ ------
Total income from investment operations.................. 5.52 0.71
Less distributions from net realized gain................ (0.01) -
------- ------
Net Asset Value, end of period........................... $16.22 $10.71
======= ======
Ratios/supplemental data
Total return(1)........................................ 51.57% 7.10%
Net Assets, end of period (000's omitted).............. 5,326 $643
Ratio of expenses to average net assets(2)............. 1.75% 2.50% (3)
Ratio of net investment income to average net (0.21)% (0.54)%(3)
assets(2)
Portfolio turnover(4).................................. 1% 5%
Average commission rate(4)............................. $0.0512% $0.0496%
======== ========
(1) Investors may donate a portion of their return to DEVCAP Non-Profit
pursuant to this Fund's charitable contribution program.
(2) Includes the Fund's share of Domini Social Index Portfolio expenses and
net of fee waivers and expense reimbursements. Had the fee waivers and
reimbursements not been in effect, the annualized ratios of expenses to
average net assets and net investment income to average net assets
would have been 26.4% and (24.4%), respectively, for the October 19,
1995 to July 31, 1996 period and 5.93% and (4.39%), respectively, for
the year ended July 31, 1997.
(3) Annualized.
(4) Portfolio turnover rate and average commission rate per share of the
underlying Portfolio. For the period ended July 31, 1996, ratios
represent Portfolio activity for the entire fiscal year then ended.
(5) Calculated based on the average weighted shares method.
</TABLE>
CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION PROGRAM
The Fund is designed to enable an investor to share with charity,
specifically with DEVCAP Non-Profit, on an annual basis the return on his or her
investment in the Fund. When a shareholder makes an initial purchase of shares
of the Fund, the shareholder must also declare an intention to make an annual
donation to DEVCAP Non-Profit of fifty percent, seventy-five percent or all of
the annual contribution basis (calculated as indicated below) derived from the
shareholder's investment in the Fund. Each year, DEVCAP Non-Profit
6
<PAGE>
will direct the shareholder's donation to non-profit organizations (primarily
Catholic Relief Services, Inc.) working to improve the welfare of
underprivileged persons in developing countries through grants or loans for
micro-enterprises and other economic development programs.
After the initial purchase of shares and contribution election, a
shareholder may elect to contribute to DEVCAP Non-Profit a different portion of
the shareholder's annual contribution basis, so long as the shareholder elects
to contribute fifty percent, seventy-five percent or all of the shareholder's
annual contribution basis. Alternatively, a shareholder may elect at year's end
not to contribute any portion of the shareholder's annual contribution basis. On
or about December 1 of each year, the Fund will mail a notice to each
shareholder of record indicating the dollar amount of the shareholder's
estimated contribution for that year, based on the shareholder's then-current
contribution election and the shareholder's estimated annual contribution basis
on that date. To change a shareholder's contribution election, the shareholder
must notify the Fund in writing on or before the fifth business day prior to the
last business day of that December, at the Fund's address for these purposes:
DEVCAP Shared Return Fund, P.O. Box 107, New York, NY 10274-0107. By the end of
the following January, the Fund will mail a notice to each shareholder of record
indicating the dollar amount of the shareholder's actual contribution for the
previous year. This contribution will be made by deducting shares in the Fund
whose fair market value is equal to the shareholder's annual contribution. The
fair market value of the Fund share donation will generally be tax deductible,
as explained in more detail under "Tax Matters" herein.
A shareholder's contribution (if any) will consist of a percentage
(which must be fifty percent, seventy-five percent or all) of the shareholder's
annual contribution basis derived from the shareholder's investment in the Fund.
A shareholder's annual contribution basis is the change in value of that
particular shareholder's account between (a) January 1 or the date of the
shareholder's initial investment and (b) the fifth business day prior to the end
of the calendar year, adjusted for redemptions, distributions and purchases. The
shareholder's annual contribution will be calculated by the Fund's transfer
agent on or about five business days before the end of each calendar year in
accordance with the following formula:
Account value at Year-End Calculation Date
(including reinvested distributions, if any)
PLUS
Shareholder redemptions during the year, if any
PLUS
Cash distributions from the Fund during the year, if any
MINUS
Shareholder purchases during the year, if any
MINUS
Account value at (a) beginning of year or (b) date of initial investment
EQUALS SHAREHOLDER'S ANNUAL CONTRIBUTION BASIS
The shareholder's annual contribution is calculated by multiplying the
shareholder's annual contribution basis by the shareholder's contribution
election of 50%, 75% or 100%.
7
<PAGE>
On or about the fifth business day prior to the last business day of
December, a shareholder's annual contribution basis will be finalized using the
above formula. If a shareholder's annual contribution basis has been zero, or if
a shareholder's account has been closed before the end of the year, or if the
specified percentage has been reduced to zero after proper notice to the Fund,
no contribution will result. A shareholder may still make a contribution by
using the convenient donation form provided by DEVCAP Non-Profit for that
purpose.
Note that, notwithstanding the above formula, if a shareholder
liquidates his or her total investment in the Fund before the year-end
calculation date, the shareholder's annual contribution will be deemed to be
zero. The method of calculation of the shareholder's annual contribution
combined with the shareholder's contribution election could result in a complete
redemption of the shareholder's end of year account.
In general, shareholders participating in the Charitable Contribution
Program will not incur a net tax liability from their charitable contribution to
DEVCAP Non-Profit. The Board of Trustees believes no tax liability arises due to
donation of shares in the Fund to DEVCAP Non-Profit and that an investor will be
permitted to take an itemized tax deduction for the fair market value of the
donation so long as the investor has held the shares for more than 12 months on
the date of the donation. However, certain taxpayers may be subject to limits on
itemized deductions or charitable deductions on their U.S. or state tax returns.
Shareholders are advised to consult with their tax advisers with respect to the
particular tax consequences to them of an investment in the Fund and
participation in the Charitable Contribution Program. Shareholders that do not
itemize deductions on their Federal tax returns will not receive a Federal
deduction for donations to DEVCAP Non-Profit.
Shareholders desiring to make a contribution to DEVCAP Non-Profit
outside the Charitable Contribution Program, either in cash or in kind (i.e., by
donating shares of the Fund or other non-cash assets), should contact DEVCAP
Non-Profit directly at 800-371-2655.
DEVCAP NON-PROFIT
DEVCAP Non-Profit is a non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) corporation
that functions as a consortium of non-profit organizations. DEVCAP Non-Profit
was created to support a class of existing charities, each of which is dedicated
to improving the welfare of underprivileged people in developing countries by
supporting micro-enterprise and other economic development programs.
Micro-enterprise development programs assist underprivileged people by providing
direct financing and technical support for their business enterprises, which
support would be unavailable through normal business channels. Contributions
made pursuant to the Charitable Contribution Program are generally allocated by
agreement among the member organizations of DEVCAP Non-Profit listed below.
The member organizations of DEVCAP Non-Profit pursue their shared
development objectives in different ways:
(i) Catholic Relief Services ("CRS"), founded by the Catholic Bishops
of the United States, funds a "village banking" program which provides
financial services to over 94,000 underprivileged people in 23
countries throughout the world;
(ii) Seed Capital Development Fund ("SCDF") invests in and lends funds
to a network of finance companies located in developing countries that
specialize in micro-enterprise lending programs.
8
<PAGE>
DEVCAP Non-Profit was formed in 1992 in order to provide fund-raising
and other support to member organizations and other non-profits engaged in
international economic development for the world's poor. The money generated by
the Fund will be used as direct grants or loans to DEVCAP Non-Profit member
organizations in support of their programs. CRS provides the operational funding
for DEVCAP Non-Profit and receives all the donations generated by the Fund's
charitable contribution program up to and including the annual operating expense
reimbursement made by DEVCAP Non-Profit to the Fund. At the election of DEVCAP
Non-Profit's Board of Directors, the money generated from the Fund may also be
used to support the programs of non-member organizations.
In addition to its primary fund-raising activities, DEVCAP Non-Profit
also plans to promote cooperation among micro-enterprise development agencies
and organizations, and to provide information and support for micro-enterprise
development around the world. These activities could include educational
campaigns, research programs, and implementation of other financial programs to
aid in the development of micro-enterprises.
DEVCAP Non-Profit is independent of the Manager, Submanager,
Distributor, Administrator and all other service providers of the Fund. While
DEVCAP Non-Profit personnel will encourage donations through the Fund and DEVCAP
Non-Profit itself incurs costs in these efforts, DEVCAP Non-Profit and DEVCAP
Non-Profit personnel receive no compensation from the Fund or the Portfolio.
Neither DEVCAP Non-Profit nor DEVCAP Non-Profit member organizations provide any
investment advisory, management or other investment support services to the Fund
or the Portfolio. DEVCAP Non-Profit does provide marketing, administrative and
shareholder support services to the Fund.
For more information regarding DEVCAP Non-Profit or its member
organizations, please contact DEVCAP Non-Profit directly at 800-371-2655.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
Performance information concerning the Fund may from time to time be
used in advertisements, shareholder reports or other communications to
shareholders. The Trust may provide period and average annualized "total rates
of return" with respect to the Fund. The "total rate of return" of the Fund
refers to the change in the value of an investment in a Fund over a stated
period based on any change in net asset value per share and includes the value
of any shares purchasable with any dividends or capital gain distributions
declared during such period. Period total rates of return may be annualized. An
annualized total rate of return is a compounded total rate of return which
assumes that the period total rate of return is generated over a 52-week period,
and that all dividends and capital gain distributions are reinvested. An
annualized total rate of return will be slightly higher than a period total rate
of return if the period is shorter than one year, because of the effect of
compounding.
Historical total return information for any period or portion thereof
prior to the establishment of the Fund will be that of the Portfolio, adjusted
to assume that all charges, expenses and fees of the Fund which are presently in
effect were deducted during such periods.
The table that follows sets forth average annual total return
information for the periods indicated:(1)
7/31/97
-------
1 Year .............................................................51.57%
5 Years.............................................................18.63%
Commencement of Investment Operations of Portfolio* to date.........16.83%
- -----------
* Domini Social Index Portfolio commenced investing in the Domini Social
Index on June 3, 1991.
(1) Actual return to investor would be less due to charitable contribution.
9
<PAGE>
The Trust may provide "yield" quotations with respect to the Fund. The
"yield" of the Fund refers to the income generated by an investment in the Fund
over a 30-day or one-month period (which period shall be stated in any
advertisement or communications with a shareholder). This income is then
"annualized", that is, the amount of income generated by the investment over the
period is assumed to be generated over a 52-week period and is shown as a
percentage of investment. A "yield" quotation, unlike a total rate of return
quotation, does not reflect changes in net asset value.
From time to time the Trust may also quote fund rankings from various
sources, such as Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., and may compare its
performance to that of the Domini Social Index and various other unmanaged
securities indices, such as the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price
Index (the "S&P 500") and the Dow Jones Industrial Average. "Standard &
Poor(R)", "S&P(R)" and "Standard & Poor's 500(R)" are trademarks of Standard &
Poor's Corporation.
See the Statement of Additional Information for further information
concerning the calculation of yield and any total rate of return quotations.
Since the Fund's yield and total rate of return quotations are based on
historical earnings and since such yield and rates of return fluctuate over
time, such quotations should not be considered as an indication or
representation of the future performance of the Fund.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, POLICIES AND RISK FACTORS
Investment Objective. The investment objective of the Fund is to
provide its shareholders with long-term total return (reflecting both dividend
and price performance of the Fund) which corresponds to the total return
performance of the Domini 400 Social Index(sm) (sometimes referred to herein as
the "Index" or the "Domini Social Index"). There can, of course, be no assurance
that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. The investment objective of
the Fund may be changed without approval by the Fund's shareholders.
Investment Policies. The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective
by investing all of its investable assets in the Portfolio, which has the same
investment objective as the Fund. The Portfolio seeks to achieve its investment
objective by investing substantially all of its assets in the common stocks
comprising the Domini Social Index. The Portfolio will approximate the
weightings of securities held by the Portfolio to the weightings of the stocks
in the Index, except as described below, and will seek a correlation between the
weightings of securities held by the Portfolio and the weightings of the stocks
in the Index of 0.95 or better. A figure of 1.0 would indicate a perfect
correlation. As of July 31, 1997, the correlation between the weightings of
securities held by the Portfolio and the weightings of the stocks in the Index
was 99%. To the extent practicable, the Portfolio will attempt to be fully
invested. The ability of the Fund to duplicate the performance of the Domini
Social Index by investing in the Portfolio will depend to some extent on the
size and timing of cash flows into and out of the Fund and the Portfolio as well
as the Fund's and the Portfolio's expenses. Adjustments in the securities
holdings of the Portfolio to accommodate cash
10
<PAGE>
flows will track the Domini Social Index to the extent practicable, but this
will result in brokerage expenses.
Social Criteria. The Domini Social Index was developed and is currently
maintained by KLD. The Index is a common stock index comprised of the stocks of
approximately 400 companies which meet certain social criteria. The weightings
of the stocks comprising the Index are based upon market capitalization. The
criteria used in developing and maintaining the Index involve the subjective
judgment of KLD. KLD, based on available data, seeks to exclude the following
types of companies: firms that derive more than 2% of their gross revenues from
the sale of military weapons; firms that derive any revenues from the
manufacture of tobacco products or alcoholic beverages; firms that derive any
revenues from gambling enterprises; and firms that have an ownership share in,
or operate, nuclear power plants, or participate in businesses related to the
nuclear fuel cycle. The KLD also considers criteria such as corporate
citizenship, employee relations, environmental performance, and product-related
issues when evaluating stocks for inclusion in the Index. The corporate
citizenship criteria include a company's record with regard to its philanthropic
activities and its community relations in general. The employee relations
criteria include a company's record with regard to labor matters, workplace
safety, equal employment opportunity, employee benefit programs, and meaningful
participation in company profits either through stock purchase or profit sharing
plans. The environmental performance criteria include a company's record with
regard to fines or penalties, waste disposal, toxic emissions efforts in waste
reduction and emissions reduction, recycling, and environmentally beneficial
fuels, products and services. The product-related criteria include a company's
record with regard to product safety, marketing practices and commitment to
quality.
The Manager intends to vote proxies of companies included in the
Portfolio consistent with the social criteria used in developing and maintaining
the Index.
Index Management. The Portfolio is not managed in the traditional
investment sense, since changes in the composition of its securities holdings
are made in order to track the changes in the composition of securities included
in the Domini Social Index. Moreover, inclusion of a stock in the Index does not
imply an opinion by the Manager as to the merits of that specific stock as an
investment. However, KLD and the Manager believe that enterprises which exhibit
a social awareness, based on the criteria described above, should be better
prepared to meet future societal needs for goods and services and may also be
less likely to incur certain legal liabilities that may be incurred when a
product or service is determined to be harmful, and that such enterprises should
over the longer term be able to provide a positive return to investors.
In selecting stocks for inclusion in the Domini Social Index:
1. KLD evaluated, in accordance with the social criteria described
above, each of the companies the stocks of which comprise the S&P 500. If a
company whose stock was included in the S&P 500 met KLD's social criteria and
met KLD's further criteria for industry diversification, financial solvency,
market capitalization, and minimal portfolio turnover, it was included in the
Domini Social Index. As of July 31, 1997, of the 500 companies whose stocks
comprised the S&P 500, approximately 50% were included in the Index.
2. The remaining stocks comprising the Domini Social Index (i.e., those
which are not included in the S&P 500) were selected based upon KLD's evaluation
of the social criteria described above, as well as upon KLD's criteria for
industry diversification, financial solvency, market capitalization, and minimal
portfolio turnover. Because of the social criteria applied in the selection of
stocks comprising the Domini Social Index,
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industry sector weighting in the Index may vary materially from the industry
weightings in other stock indices, including the S&P 500, and certain industry
sectors will be excluded altogether.
The component stocks of the S&P 500 are chosen by Standard & Poor's
Corporation ("S&P") solely with the aim of achieving a distribution by broad
industry groupings that approximates the distribution of these groupings in the
New York Stock Exchange common stock population, taken as the assumed model for
the composition of the total market. Construction of the S&P 500 by S&P proceeds
from industry groups to the whole. Since some industries are characterized by
companies of relatively small stock capitalization, the S&P 500 does not
comprise the 500 largest companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Not
all stocks included in the S&P 500 are listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
However, the total market value of the S&P 500 as of July 31, 1997 represented
79.3% of the aggregate market value of common stocks traded on the New York
Stock Exchange.
Inclusion of a stock in the S&P 500 Index in no way implies an opinion
by S&P as to its attractiveness as an investment, nor is S&P a sponsor of or
otherwise affiliated with the Fund or the Portfolio.
Some of the stocks included in the Domini Social Index may be stocks of
foreign issuers (provided that the stocks are traded in the United States in the
form of American Depositary Receipts or similar instruments the market for which
is denominated in United States dollars). Securities of foreign issuers may
represent a greater degree of risk (i.e., as a result of exchange rate
fluctuation, tax provisions, war or expropriation) than do securities of
domestic issuers.
The weightings of stocks in the Domini Social Index are based on each
stock's relative total market capitalization (i.e., market price per share times
the number of shares outstanding). Because of this weighting, as of July 31,
1997 approximately 40% of the Domini Social Index comprised the 20 largest
companies in that Index.
KLD may exclude from the Domini Social Index stocks issued by companies
which are in bankruptcy or whose bankruptcy KLD believes may be imminent.
The Portfolio intends to readjust its securities holdings periodically
such that those holdings will correspond, to the extent reasonably practicable,
to the Domini Social Index both in terms of composition and weighting. The
timing and extent of adjustments in the holdings of the Portfolio, and the
extent of the correlation of the holdings of the Portfolio with the Index, will
reflect the Submanager's judgment as to the appropriate balance between the goal
of correlating the holdings of the Portfolio with the composition of the Index,
and the goals of minimizing transaction costs and keeping sufficient reserves
available for anticipated redemptions of Fund shares. To the extent practicable,
the Portfolio will seek a correlation between the weightings of securities held
by the Portfolio to the weightings of the securities in the Index and will seek
to match, before expenses, a correlation between the performance of the Fund and
the performance of the Index of 0.95 or better. The Board of Trustees of the
Fund will receive and review, at least quarterly, a report prepared by the
Submanager comparing the performance of the Fund and the Portfolio with that of
the Index, and comparing the composition and weighting of the Portfolio's
holdings with those of the Index, and will consider what action, if any, should
be taken in the event of a significant variation between the performance of the
Fund or the Portfolio, as the Index, or between the composition and weighting of
the Portfolio's securities holdings with those of the stocks comprising the
Index. If the correlation between the weightings of securities held by the
Portfolio and the weightings of the stocks in the Index or the correlation
between the performance of the Fund, before expenses, and the performance of the
Index
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falls below 0.95, the Board of Trustees will review with the Submanager methods
for increasing such correlation, such as through adjustments in securities
holdings of the Portfolio.
The Portfolio may invest cash reserves in short-term debt securities
(i.e., securities having a remaining maturity of one year or less) issued by
agencies or instrumentalities of the United States Government, bankers'
acceptances, commercial paper or certificates of deposit, provided that the
issuer satisfies KLD's social criteria. The Portfolio does not currently intend
to invest in direct obligations of the United States Government. Short-term debt
securities purchased by the Portfolio will be rated at least Prime-1 by Moody's
Investors Service, Inc. or A-1+ or A-1 by S&P or, if not rated, determined to be
of comparable quality by the Portfolio's Board of Trustees. The Portfolio's
policy is to hold its assets in such securities pending readjustment of its
portfolio holdings of stocks comprising the Domini Social Index and in order to
meet anticipated redemption requests. Such investments are not intended to be
used for defensive purposes in periods of anticipated market decline.
The annual portfolio turnover rates of the Portfolio for the fiscal
years ended July 31, 1996 and July 31, 1997 were 5% and 1% respectively. The
Portfolio's average brokerage commission rates paid per share for the fiscal
years ended July 31, 1996 and July 31, 1997 were $0.0496 and $0.0512
respectively.
The Portfolio's primary consideration in placing securities
transactions with broker-dealers for execution is to obtain, and maintain the
availability of, execution at the most favorable prices and in the most
effective manner possible. Neither the Portfolio nor the Fund will engage in
brokerage transactions with the Manager, the Submanager or the Sponsor or any of
their respective affiliates or any affiliate of the Fund or the Portfolio. For
further discussion regarding securities trading by the Portfolio, see the
Statement of Additional Information.
Consistent with applicable regulatory policies, including those of the
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Securities and Exchange
Commission, the Portfolio may make loans of its securities to member banks of
the Federal Reserve System and to broker-dealers. Such loans would be required
to be secured continuously by collateral and cash or cash equivalents maintained
on a current basis at an amount at least equal to the market value of the
securities loaned. The Portfolio would have the right to call a loan and obtain
the securities loaned at any time on five days' notice. During the existence of
a loan, the Portfolio would continue to collect the equivalent of the dividends
paid by the issuer on the securities loaned and would also receive interest on
investment of cash collateral. The Portfolio may pay finder's and other fees in
connection with securities loans. Loans of securities involve a risk that the
borrower may fail to return the securities or may fail to provide additional
collateral.
Although it has no current intention to do so, the Portfolio may make
short sales of securities or maintain a short position, if at all times when a
short position is open the Portfolio owns an equal amount of such securities, or
securities convertible into such securities.
Special Information Concerning the Master-Feeder Investment Fund Structure
Unlike other mutual funds which directly acquire and manage their own
portfolio securities, the Trust seeks to achieve the investment objective of the
Fund by investing all of the investable assets of the Fund in the Portfolio, a
separate registered investment company. The Portfolio has the same investment
objective and policies as the Fund. In addition to selling a beneficial interest
to the Fund, the Portfolio may sell beneficial interests
13
<PAGE>
to other mutual funds or institutional investors. Such investors will invest in
the Portfolio on the same terms and conditions as the Fund and will pay a
proportionate share of the Portfolio's expenses. However, the other investors
investing in the Portfolio are not required to sell their shares at the same
public offering price as the Fund due to variations in sales commissions and
other operating expenses. Investors in the Fund should be aware that these
differences may result in differences in returns experienced by investors in the
different funds that invest in the Portfolio. Such differences in returns are
also present in other mutual fund structures. Information concerning other
holders of interests in the Portfolio is available from the Manager at (212)
352-9290.
The investment objective of the Fund may be changed without the
approval of the Fund's shareholders, but not without written notice thereof to
shareholders thirty days prior to implementing the change. If there were a
change in the Fund's investment objective, shareholders should consider whether
the Fund remains an appropriate investment in light of their then-current
financial positions and needs. The investment objective of the Portfolio may
also be changed without the approval of the investors in the Portfolio, but not
without written notice thereof to the investors in the Portfolio (and notice by
the Fund to its shareholders) 30 days prior to implementing the change. There
can, of course, be no assurance that the investment objective of either the Fund
or the Portfolio will be achieved. See "Investment Restrictions" in the
Statement of Additional Information for a description of the fundamental
policies of the Fund and the Portfolio that cannot be changed without approval
by the holders of a "majority of the outstanding voting securities" (as defined
in the 1940 Act) of the Fund and the Portfolio, respectively. Except as stated
otherwise, all investment objectives, policies, strategies and restrictions
described herein and in the Statement of Additional Information are
non-fundamental.
Smaller funds investing in the Portfolio may be materially affected by
the actions of larger funds investing in the Portfolio. For example, if a large
fund withdraws from the Portfolio, the remaining funds may experience higher pro
rata operating expenses, thereby producing lower returns. Additionally, the
Portfolio may become less diverse, resulting in increased portfolio risk.
However, this possibility exists as well for traditionally structured funds
which have large or institutional investors. Also, funds with a greater pro rata
ownership in the Portfolio could have effective voting control of the operations
of the Portfolio.
The Trustees of the Fund have adopted the following policy with respect
to voting shares of the Portfolio: Whenever the Fund is requested to vote on a
matter pertaining to the Portfolio, the Trustees of the Fund will, in their
discretion and in accordance with applicable law, either seek instructions from
shareholders of the Fund and vote the shares in accordance with such
instructions, or vote the shares held by the Fund in the Portfolio in the same
proportion as the vote of all other holders of the shares in the Portfolio.
Whenever the Trustees determine to seek the instructions of the Fund
shareholders, the Fund will hold a meeting of its shareholders and, at the
meeting of investors in the Portfolio, the Fund will cast all of its votes at
the Portfolio level in the same proportion as the votes of the Fund's
shareholders. Shares of the Fund for which no voting instructions have been
received will be voted by the Trustees in the same proportion as the shares for
which it receives voting instructions.
Certain changes in the Portfolio's investment objective, policies or
restrictions may require the Fund to withdraw its interest in the Portfolio. Any
such withdrawal could result in a distribution "in kind" of portfolio securities
(as opposed to a cash distribution from the Portfolio). If securities are
distributed, the Fund could incur brokerage, tax or other charges in converting
the securities to cash. In addition, the distribution in
14
<PAGE>
kind may result in a less diversified portfolio of investments or adversely
affect the liquidity of the Fund. Notwithstanding the above, there are other
means for meeting shareholder redemption requests, such as borrowing.
The Trust may withdraw the investment of the Fund from the Portfolio at
any time, if the Board of Trustees of the Trust determines that it is in the
best interests of the Fund to do so. Upon any such withdrawal, the Board of
Trustees would consider what action might be taken, including the investment of
all the assets of the Fund in another pooled investment entity having the same
investment objective as the Fund or the retention of an investment adviser to
manage the Fund's assets in accordance with the investment policies described
above with respect to the Portfolio.
For descriptions of the investment objective, policies and restrictions
of the Portfolio, see "Investment Objective, Policies and Risk Factors" herein
and "Investment Objective, Policies and Restrictions" in the Statement of
Additional Information. For descriptions of the management of the Portfolio, see
"Management" herein and "Management of the Trust and the Portfolio" in the
Statement of Additional Information. For descriptions of the expenses of the
Portfolio, see "Management" and "Other Information Concerning Shares of the Fund
Expenses" below.
---------
As a matter of fundamental policy, the Fund will invest all of its
investable assets (either directly or through the Portfolio) in one or more of:
(i) stocks comprising an index of securities selected applying social criteria,
which initially will be the Domini Social Index, (ii) short-term debt securities
of issuers which meet social criteria, (iii) cash, and (iv) options on equity
securities. This fundamental policy cannot be changed without the approval of
the holders of a majority of the Fund's shares (which, as used in this
Prospectus, means the lesser of (a) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of
the Fund, or (b) 67% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund present at a
meeting at which holders of more than 50% of the Fund's outstanding shares are
represented in person or by proxy). Except for this fundamental policy, investor
approval is not required to change the Fund's or the Portfolio's investment
objective or any of the non-fundamental investment policies described above.
The Statement of Additional Information includes a discussion of other
investment policies and a listing of specific investment restrictions which
govern the Portfolio's and the Fund's investment policies. Certain of the
investment restrictions listed in the Statement of Additional Information may
not be changed by the Portfolio without the approval of the Fund and the other
investors in the Portfolio or by the Fund without the approval of the
shareholders of the Fund. If a percentage or rating restriction on investment or
utilization of assets is adhered to at the time an investment is made or assets
are so utilized, a later change in percentage resulting from changes in the
Portfolio's total assets or the value of the Portfolio's securities or a later
change in the rating of a security held by the Portfolio will not be considered
a violation of policy.
Expenses of the Portfolio with respect to investment management and
administrative services, investment submanagement services and sponsoring
services are described herein under "Management--Manager, Submanager, and
Sponsor," respectively.
MANAGEMENT
The Boards of Trustees of the Trust and the Portfolio provide broad
supervision over the affairs of the Fund and the Portfolio, respectively. The
Trust has retained the services of Sunstone as administrator of the Fund, but
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<PAGE>
has not retained the services of an investment adviser or investment manager
since the Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing all its
investable assets in the Portfolio. The Portfolio has retained the services of
DSIL as investment manager and Mellon Equity as investment submanager.
Manager
DSIL, a Massachusetts limited liability company, provides investment
management and administrative services to the Portfolio pursuant to a Management
Agreement. DSIL has been registered as an investment adviser under the
Investment Advisers Act of 1940 since 1997. The services provided by the Manager
consist of investment supervisory services, overall operational support and
administrative services. The administrative services include the provision of
general office facilities and supervising the overall administration of the
Portfolio. For its services under the Management Agreement, the Manager receives
from the Portfolio a fee accrued daily and paid monthly at an annual rate equal
to 0.20% of the Portfolio's average daily net assets, on an annualized basis for
the Portfolio's then-current fiscal year, except that for the first year of the
Management Agreement commencing October 22, 1997, the fee payable to DSIL will
be reduced by the amount, if any, by which the total ordinary operating expenses
of the Portfolio (excluding brokerage fees and commissions, interest, taxes, and
any other extraordinary expenses) exceed, on an annual basis, 0.20% of the
average daily net assets of the Portfolio. See "Expenses" for additional
information.
Prior to October 22, 1997, KLD, as the Portfolio's former investment
adviser, received from the Portfolio a fee accrued daily and paid monthly at an
annual rate equal to 0.025% of the Portfolio's average daily net assets, on an
annualized basis for the Portfolio's then-current fiscal year. Additionally,
prior to October 22, 1997, KLD also served as sponsor of the Portfolio and
provided the Portfolio with administrative personnel and services necessary to
operate the Portfolio. For these services and facilities, KLD received from the
Portfolio a fee accrued daily and paid monthly at an annual rate equal to 0.025%
of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio for its then-current fiscal
year. KLD continues to determine and monitor the composition of the Domini
Social Index (which determines the composition of the Portfolio's securities),
and provides other services relating to socially responsible investments
pursuant to a license agreement between DSIL and KLD. See "Investment
Objectives, Policies, and Risk Factors." The following persons are primarily
responsible for the development and maintenance of the Domini Social Index:
Steven D. Lydenberg, Director of Research, KLD, since 1990; and Peter D. Kinder,
President, KLD since 1988.
The entering into of the Management Agreement and the Submanagement
Agreement (discussed below), and the termination of the investment advisory and
sponsorship agreements were part of a restructuring by the Portfolio effective
October 22, 1997 which was designed to provide a more centralized management
structure for the Portfolio. Additional information regarding the service
providers for the Portfolio prior to October 22, 1997 is provided in the
Statement of Additional Information. Because of the expense payment arrangements
between the Fund and DEVCAP Non-Profit, the changes in the management of the
Portfolio and the potential increase in the expenses to be incurred by the
Portfolio (including the Fund's pro rata portion of the expenses of the
Portfolio) will not have any impact on the total expenses of the Fund to be
borne by Fund shareholders. See "EXPENSE SUMMARY" for additional information.
"Domini(sm)" and "Domini 400 Social Index(sm)" are service marks of KLD
which are licensed to DSIL with the consent of Amy L. Domini. Pursuant to
agreements among DSIL, Amy L. Domini, and each of the Fund and the Portfolio,
the Portfolio may be required to discontinue use of these service marks if DSIL
ceases to be the Manager of the Portfolio or Ms. Domini withdraws her
16
<PAGE>
consent, and the Fund may be required to discontinue the use of these service
marks if either DSIL ceases to be the Manager of the Fund or Ms. Domini
withdraws her consent or if either DSIL ceases to be the Manager of the
Portfolio or the Fund ceases to invest all of its assets in the Portfolio.
Submanager
Mellon Equity Associates ("Mellon Equity") provides investment
submanagement services to the Portfolio on a day-to-day basis pursuant to a
Submanagement Agreement with DSIL (the "Submanagement Agreement") effective
October 22, 1997. Mellon Equity's services as submanager include determining
what securities shall be purchased, sold or exchanged to track the composition
of the Index. Mellon Equity does not determine the composition of the Domini
Social Index.
Under the Submanagement Agreement, DSIL pays Mellon Equity an
investment submanagement fee at an annual rate equal to 0.10% of the Portfolio's
average daily net assets. Prior to October 22, 1997, Mellon Equity served as the
Investment Manager of the Portfolio. For its services, the Portfolio paid Mellon
Equity an investment management fee equal on an annual basis to 0.10% of the
daily net assets of the Portfolio.
Mellon Equity is a Pennsylvania business trust founded in 1987 whose
beneficial owners are Mellon Bank N.A. and MMIP, Inc. (a wholly owned subsidiary
of Mellon Bank Corporation ("Mellon Bank")). Mellon Equity has been registered
as an investment adviser under the 1940 Act since 1986. Prior to 1987, the
Submanager was part of the Equity Management Group of Mellon Bank's Trust and
Investment Department, which managed domestic equity, tax-exempt and
institutional pension assets since 1947. John R. O'Toole (a senior vice
president of Mellon Equity, CFA and a member of AIMR), has been primarily
responsible for the day-to-day portfolio management of the Portfolio since
November 1994. He has been employed by Mellon Equity and/or Mellon Bank as a
portfolio manager for over 5 years. As of December 31, 1996, the Submanager had
approximately $11.3 billion in assets under management.
Mellon Equity believes that performance of investment management
services for the Portfolio will not violate the Glass-Steagall Act or other
applicable banking laws or regulations. However, future statutory or regulatory
changes, as well as future judicial or administrative decisions and
interpretations of present and future statutes and regulations, could prevent
Mellon Equity from continuing to perform such services for the Portfolio. If
Mellon Equity were prohibited from acting as investment manager to the
Portfolio, it is expected that the Trustees would recommend to shareholders
approval of a new investment management agreement with another qualified
investment manager selected by the Trustees, or that the Trustees would
recommend other appropriate action.
Administrator
Pursuant to an Administrative Services Agreement, Sunstone Financial
Group, Inc. ("Sunstone") provides the Trust with general office facilities and
supervises the overall administration of the Trust, including, among other
responsibilities, the negotiation of contracts and fees with, and the monitoring
of performance and billings of, the independent contractors and agents of the
Trust; the preparation and filing of all documents required for compliance by
the Trust with applicable laws and regulations; and arranging for the
maintenance of books and records of the Trust. Sunstone provides persons
satisfactory to the Board of Trustees of the Trust to serve as officers of the
Trust. Such officers, as well as certain other employees and Trustees of the
Trust, may be directors, officers or employees of Sunstone or its affiliates.
For these services and facilities, Sunstone receives fees computed and paid
monthly from the Trust at an annual rate equal to 0.175%.
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<PAGE>
Sunstone, and its affiliates provide administration, transfer agent
and/or distribution services to 17 fund families representing over $9 billion in
assets. Prior to November 4, 1997, the former administrator, Signature Broker
Dealer Services, Inc. ("Signature") was entitled to receive administrative fees
computed and paid monthly from the Trust at an annual rate equal to 0.20% of
average daily net assets of the Fund. Effective November 4, 1997, Sunstone
Financial Group, Inc. replaced Signature as the administrator of the Fund.
Sponsor
Pursuant to a Sponsorship Agreement, DEVCAP Non-Profit provides the
Fund with certain marketing, shareholder and administrative support services and
is entitled to the proceeds of the Fund's charitable contribution program. In
addition, DEVCAP Non-Profit reimburses the Fund's expenses to the extent
necessary to limit the aggregate annual operating expenses of the Fund
(including the Fund's share of the Portfolio's expenses but excluding brokerage
fees and commissions, interest, taxes and other extraordinary expenses) to no
greater than 1.75% of the average daily net assets of the Fund through November
30, 1998. In return, DEVCAP Non-Profit receives the proceeds from the charitable
contribution program of the Fund for its microenterprise activities.
The aforementioned limit does not cover extraordinary increases in
these expenses during the period and no longer applies in the event of a
precipitous decline in assets due to unforeseen circumstances. DEVCAP will
review its undertaking annually, however, there is no assurance that DEVCAP will
continue this reimbursement beyond the specified period, except as required by
the following sentence. DEVCAP has agreed to reimburse the Fund as necessary if
in any fiscal year the sum of the Fund's expenses exceeds the limits set by
applicable regulations.
PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS OF SHARES
Purchases
Shares of the Fund may be purchased without a sales load at the net
asset value next determined after an order for shares is received and accepted
by the Fund provided such order is received and accepted on any day the New York
Stock Exchange is open for trading (a "Fund Business Day"). The minimum initial
investment in the Fund is $1,000, except that the minimum initial investment
when selecting the Automatic Investment Plan is $500 and the minimum initial
investment for an IRA is $250. Except as noted below, there is no minimum on
additional investments.
The Fund reserves the right to cease offering its shares for sale at
any time or to reject any order for the purchase of its shares.
For each shareholder of record, the Fund establishes an open account to
which all shares purchased are credited together with any dividends and capital
gain distributions which are paid in additional shares. See "Dividends and
Capital Gain Distributions" herein. The Trust has a policy of not issuing share
certificates.
Shares may be purchased directly from the Distributor or through
Service Organizations (see "Service Organizations" below) by clients of those
Service Organizations. If an investor purchases shares through a Service
Organization, the Service Organization must promptly transmit such order to the
Fund so that the order receives the net asset value next determined following
receipt of the order. Service Organizations may impose minimum customer account
and other requirements in addition to those imposed by the Fund. Investors
wishing to
18
<PAGE>
purchase shares through a Service Organization should contact that organization
directly for appropriate instructions. Other investors may purchase Fund shares
in the manner described below.
Investors desiring to purchase shares of the Fund by mail should
complete an Account Application and mail the Application and a check (in U.S.
dollars), payable to "DEVCAP Shared Return Fund," to the Fund at the following
address:
DEVCAP Shared Return Fund
P.O. Box 107
New York, NY 10274-0107
An investor desiring to purchase shares by a wire transfer of funds
should request its bank to transmit immediately available funds. The information
transmitted with the funds must include the investor's name and address and a
statement indicating whether a new account is being established by such wire
transfer or whether such wire transfer is being made by a shareholder with an
account with the Fund. If the initial purchase by an investor is by a wire
transfer of funds, an account number will be assigned to such investor and an
Account Application must subsequently be completed and mailed to the Fund. Bank
wires for the purchase of shares should be sent to:
The Chase Manhattan Bank
ABA# 021000021
BBK = United States Trust Company of New York
A/C# 920-1-073195
For Credit to: DEVCAP Shared Return Fund
A/C# 10-12-592
FBO: "Include Shareholder Name, Address, and Social Security
Number (if purchase is for a New Account) or Account
Number (if shareholder account is existing)."
Shares of the Fund may be purchased by exchanging securities acceptable
to the Trust for shares of the Fund. The Trust will not accept a security in
exchange for Fund shares unless (a) the security is consistent with the
investment objectives and policies of the Fund and the Portfolio, and (b) the
security is deemed acceptable by the Manager and the Submanager. Securities
offered in exchange for shares of the Fund will be valued in accordance with the
usual valuation procedure for the Fund. See "Net Asset Value."
Investors making purchases through a Service Organization should be
aware that it is the responsibility of the Service Organization to transmit
orders for purchases of shares by its customers to the Transfer Agent and to
deliver required funds on a timely basis, in accordance with the procedures
stated above.
For further information on how to purchase shares of the Fund, an
investor should contact the Distributor (see back cover for address and phone
number).
Automatic Investment Plan
The Trust offers a plan for regularly investing specified dollar
amounts ($25.00 minimum in monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual intervals)
in the Fund. The minimum investment for an investor investing through an
automatic investment plan is $500. If the Automatic Investment Plan is selected,
subsequent investments will be automatic and will continue until such time as
the Fund and the investor's bank are notified to discontinue further
investments. Due to the varying procedures to prepare, process and to forward
the bank withdrawal information to the Fund, there may be a delay between the
time of the bank withdrawal and the time the money reaches the Fund. The
investment in the Fund will be made at the public offering price per share
determined on the day that both the check and bank withdrawal data are received
in the form required by the
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Fund. Further information about the plan and form may be obtained from the
Distributor at the telephone number listed on the back cover of the Prospectus.
Individual Retirement Accounts
Shares of the Fund may be used as a funding medium for an Individual
Retirement Account ("IRA"). An IRA plan approved by the Internal Revenue Service
is available from the Distributor naming Investors Bank & Trust Company as
custodian. The minimum initial investment for an IRA is $250; there is no
minimum for subsequent investments. IRAs are available to individuals under age
70 1/2 who receive compensation or earned income during the year. An IRA
contribution by an individual who participates, or whose spouse participates, in
a tax-qualified or Government-approved retirement plan may not be deductible
depending upon various factors, including the individual's income. Individuals
may also establish an IRA to receive a "rollover" distribution from another IRA
or a qualified plan. Tax advice should be obtained before planning a rollover.
IRA accounts and the Fund's charitable contribution program. As
described above under the section header "Charitable Contribution Program,"
while shares equal to the value of a shareholder's charitable contribution
amount are usually donated automatically pursuant to the shareholder's
charitable contribution instructions, shares may not be donated in this way from
an IRA account without incurring certain tax liabilities associated with early
withdrawals from IRA accounts. Therefore, for IRA accounts only, shareholders
will be requested to remit their charitable contribution from a source other
than their IRA account. By January 31 of each year, the Fund will mail a notice
to each IRA shareholder indicating the shareholder's charitable contribution
amount for the previous year. Each shareholder will then be requested to make a
contribution to DEVCAP Non-Profit equal in value to his or her charitable
contribution amount payable by check or credit card. For more information
regarding how the Fund calculates a shareholder's annual charitable contribution
amount, see "Charitable Contribution Program" above.
Redemptions
A shareholder may redeem all or any portion of the shares in its
account at any time at the net asset value next determined after a redemption
request in proper form is furnished by the shareholder to the Fund. Redemptions
will therefore be effected on the same day the redemption order is received by
the Fund provided such order is received in good order prior to the close of the
Fund Business Day. In addition to the procedures discussed in this section,
redemption of shares of an investor may also occur as described under
"Charitable Contribution Program" herein. The proceeds of a redemption will be
paid by the Fund in federal funds normally on the next Fund Business Day, but in
any event within seven days if all checks in payment for the purchase of shares
to be redeemed have been cleared by the Fund (which may take up to 15 days).
Redemptions may be paid by the Fund by check or by wire transfer if the
appropriate box on the Account Application has been completed. Instructions for
wire redemptions are set forth in the Account Application.
Redemptions may be made by letter to the Fund specifying the dollar
amount or number of shares to be redeemed and the account number. The letter
must be signed in exactly the same way the account is registered and, with
respect to redemptions in excess of $5,000, the signatures must be guaranteed by
a member firm of the New York, American, Boston, Midwest, Philadelphia or
Pacific Stock Exchange or by a commercial bank (not a savings bank) which is a
member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. In some cases the Fund may
require the furnishing of additional documents.
Written redemption requests should be mailed to the Fund at the
following address:
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DEVCAP Shared Return Fund
P.O. Box 107
New York, NY 10274-0107
For overnight deliveries, please use the following address:
DEVCAP Shared Return Fund
c/o Fundamental Shareholder Services, Inc.
90 Washington Street
New York, NY 10006
(212) 635-5000
An investor may also redeem shares by telephone by calling the Transfer
Agent, at 1-800-371-2655, if the appropriate box on the Account Application has
been completed. The Fund, Transfer Agent and Distributor will not be liable for
any loss, liability, cost or expense for acting upon telephone instructions
believed to be genuine. Accordingly, shareholders will bear the risk of loss.
The Fund will employ reasonable procedures to confirm that instructions
communicated by telephone are genuine, including, without limitation, recording
telephone instructions and/or requiring the caller to provide some form of
personal identification. Failure to employ reasonable procedures may make the
Fund liable for any losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent telephone
instructions. The following information must be supplied by the shareholder or
broker at the time a request for a telephone redemption is made: (1) the
shareholder's account number; (2) the shareholder's social security number; and
(3) the name and account number of the shareholder's designated securities
dealer or bank.
The Fund, Transfer Agent and Distributor reserve the right to refuse
wire or telephone redemptions. Procedures for redeeming shares by wire or
telephone may be modified or terminated at any time by the Fund or the
Distributor. A Service Organization may request a wire redemption provided a
Wire Authorization Form is on file with the Fund. The proceeds of a wire
redemption will be sent to an account with a Service Organization designated on
the appropriate form. Proceeds of wire redemptions will be transferred within
seven days after receipt of the request.
The Fund reserves the right to redeem involuntarily on at least 30
days' notice the balance in a shareholder's account having a current value of
less than $250, but not if an account falls below $250 due to a change in the
market value of the Fund's shares.
The value of shares redeemed may be more or less than the shareholder's
cost, depending on the Fund's performance during the period the shareholder
owned its shares. Redemptions of shares are taxable events on which the
shareholder may recognize a gain or a loss.
The right of any shareholder or DEVCAP Non-Profit to receive payment
with respect to any redemption may be suspended or the payment of the redemption
proceeds postponed during any period in which the New York Stock Exchange is
closed (other than weekends or holidays) or trading on such exchange is
restricted, or, to the extent otherwise permitted by the 1940 Act, if an
emergency exists.
TAX MATTERS
Fund Taxation
Each year the Fund intends to qualify as a "regulated investment
company" under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the "Code"). Provided the Fund qualifies as a "regulated investment company"
under the Code, and distributes all of its net investment income and realized
capital gains to shareholders in accordance with the timing requirements imposed
by the Code, the
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Fund will not be required to pay any federal income or excise taxes. The
Portfolio will also not be required to pay any federal income or excise taxes.
However, shareholders of the Fund normally will have to pay federal income
taxes, and any state or local taxes, on distributions of net investment income
and net realized capital gains from the Fund. At the end of each calendar year,
each shareholder will receive information for tax purposes on the distributions
received during that calendar year including the portion taxable as ordinary
income, the portion taxable as capital gains, the portion, if any, representing
a return of capital (which generally is free of current taxes but results in a
basis reduction) and the amount of dividends eligible for the dividends-received
deduction for corporations.
Distributions of net long-term capital gains (i.e., the excess of net
long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses) will cause any
short-term capital loss realized on the disposition by a Fund's shareholder of
Fund shares held for six or fewer months to be recharacterized, to the extent of
those distributions, as long-term capital loss. Under the back-up withholding
rules of the Code, certain shareholders may be subject to 31% withholding of
federal income tax on distributions and payments made by the Fund. Generally,
shareholders are subject to back-up withholding if they have not provided the
Fund with a correct taxpayer identification number and certain other
certifications.
The Trust is organized as a Massachusetts business trust and, under
current law, is not liable for any income or franchise tax in the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts as long as the Fund qualifies as a regulated investment company
under the Code.
The foregoing discussion is intended for general information only. A
prospective shareholder should consult with its own tax advisor as to the tax
consequences of an investment in the Fund including the status of distributions
from the Fund under applicable state or local law.
Tax Deductibility of Charitable Contributions
The Charitable Contribution Program of the Fund (the "Program") has
been designed so that individual investors utilizing the cash method of
accounting who donate to DEVCAP Non-Profit through the Program will be entitled
to a tax deduction equal to the fair market value of the Fund shares donated in
the taxable year in which the donation is made. Under the Program, the
charitable donation will be made within the last five business days of any
calendar year of the Fund, thus tracking the taxable year for most individual
investors in the Fund. The Fund will provide investors with the documentation
needed to substantiate this tax deduction. See "Charitable Contribution Program"
herein.
The tax effect of the donation for a particular investor of the Fund
may vary according to the individual circumstances of that investor. For
example, the Code sets an upper limit on the dollar amount of tax deductions
that can be taken by individual taxpayers for charitable donations in a given
year. In view of the foregoing, as well as the possibility of other tax
consequences of the donation to particular investors, potential purchasers of
the Fund should consult their own tax advisors in determining the federal,
state, local and other tax consequences of purchasing shares of the Fund and
participating in the Program.
Each of DEVCAP Non-Profit's member organizations is recognized by the
United States Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") as a tax-exempt, section
501(c)(3) organization under the Code and that none of the member organizations
are "private foundations" within the meaning of the Code. In addition, on
October 18, 1995, DEVCAP Non-Profit received from the IRS recognition as a
tax-exempt "supporting organization," a category of exemption available under
sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(3) of the Code for organizations, like DEVCAP
Non-Profit, that are engaged solely in activities designed to support other
22
<PAGE>
tax-exempt charitable organizations. In the case of DEVCAP Non-Profit, these
supported organizations are the DEVCAP Non-Profit member organizations and other
charities that are engaged in micro-enterprise and other economic development
programs for underprivileged people in developing countries.
The Program (as described above) has been structured so that investors
are provided an opportunity to donate to DEVCAP Non-Profit each year. The Fund
has been structured this way in order to allow the contributions made through
the Program to be tax deductible donations made to non-profit organizations
under existing interpretations of section 170(c) of the Code. Investors should
recognize, however, that neither the Fund nor DEVCAP Non-Profit are tax
advisers, that existing law and interpretations thereof may be modified, and
that no ruling has been sought from the IRS confirming the tax deductible nature
of Program contributions. Nevertheless, the IRS has been informed of the details
of the Program in DEVCAP Non-Profit's filing for recognition as a section
501(c)(3) organization, and the Fund believes that the granting of tax-exempt
status to DEVCAP Non-Profit represents approval of DEVCAP Non-Profit's
activities, including the Program, and confirmation that the donations are tax
deductible.
OTHER INFORMATION CONCERNING SHARES OF THE FUND
Net Asset Value
The Trust determines the net asset value of the shares of the Fund on
each Fund Business Day. This determination is made once during each such day as
of the close of regular trading of the New York Stock Exchange by deducting the
amount of the Fund's liabilities from the value of its assets and dividing the
difference by the number of shares of the Fund outstanding.
Since the Fund will invest all of its assets in the Portfolio, the
value of the Fund's assets will be equal to the value of its beneficial interest
in the Portfolio. The net asset value of the Portfolio is determined as of the
close of regular business on the New York Stock Exchange on each day on which
such Exchange is open for trading, by deducting the amount of the Portfolio's
liabilities from the value of its assets. At the close of each such business
day, the value of the Fund's beneficial interest in the Portfolio will be
determined by multiplying the net asset value of the Portfolio by the
percentage, effective for that day, which represents the Fund's share of the
aggregate beneficial interests in the Portfolio. See "Description of Shares,
Voting Rights and Liabilities" below.
Equity securities held by the Portfolio are valued at the last sale
price on the exchange on which they are primarily traded or on the NASDAQ system
for unlisted national market issues, or at the last quoted bid price for
securities in which there were no sales during the day or for unlisted
securities not reported on the NASDAQ system. If the Portfolio purchases option
contracts, such option contracts which are traded on commodities or securities
exchanges are normally valued at the settlement price on the exchange on which
they are traded. Short-term obligations with remaining maturities of less than
sixty days are valued at amortized cost, which constitutes fair value as
determined by the Board of Trustees of the Portfolio. Portfolio securities
(other than short-term obligations with remaining maturities of less than sixty
days) for which there are no such quotations or valuations are valued at fair
value as determined in good faith by or at the direction of the Portfolio's
Board of Trustees.
Dividends and Capital Gain Distributions
Substantially all of the Fund's net income from dividends and interest
is paid to the Fund's shareholders annually as a dividend, usually in December.
For
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<PAGE>
this purpose, the Fund's "net income from dividends and interest" consists of
all income from dividends and interest accrued on the assets of the Fund (i.e.,
the Fund's share of the Portfolio's net income from dividends and interest),
less all actual and accrued expenses of the Fund determined in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles.
The Fund also declares a long-term capital gain distribution to its
shareholders on an annual basis, usually in December, if the Fund's share of the
Portfolio's profits during the year from the sale of securities held for longer
than the applicable long-term capital gains holding period exceeds the Fund's
share of the Portfolio's losses during such year from the sale of securities
together with the Fund's share of the Portfolio's net capital losses carried
forward from prior years (to the extent not used to offset short-term capital
gains). The Fund's share of the Portfolio's net short-term capital gains
realized during each fiscal year will also be distributed at that time.
The Fund will also make additional distributions to its shareholders to
the extent necessary to avoid application of the 4% non-deductible excise tax
created by the Tax Reform Act of 1986 on certain undistributed income and net
capital gains of mutual funds.
A shareholder of the Fund may receive dividends and capital gain
distributions in cash or additional shares of the Fund.
After the Fund has paid to its shareholders (i) substantially all of
its net income from dividends and interests and (ii) any long-term capital gain
distributions, a portion of the shareholder's total return will be donated to
DEVCAP Non-Profit to support charitable organizations. See "Charitable
Contribution Program" herein for more detailed information.
Expenses
The Fund and the Portfolio each are responsible for all of their
respective expenses, including the compensation of their respective Trustees who
are not interested persons of the Fund or the Portfolio; governmental fees,
interest charges; taxes; membership dues in the Investment Company Institute
allocable to the Fund or the Portfolio; fees and expenses of independent
auditors, of legal counsel and of any transfer agent, custodian, registrar or
dividend disbursing agent of the Fund or the Portfolio; insurance premiums; and
expenses of calculating the net asset value of the Portfolio and of shares of
the Fund.
The Fund will also pay all expenses of distributing and redeeming
shares and servicing shareholder accounts; expenses of preparing, printing and
mailing prospectuses, reports, notices, proxy statements and reports to
shareholders and to governmental offices and commissions; expenses of
shareholder meetings; and expenses relating to the issuance, registration and
qualification of shares of the Fund and the preparation, printing and mailing of
prospectuses for such purposes.
The Portfolio will also pay the expenses connected with the execution,
recording and settlement of security transactions; fees and expenses of the
Portfolio's custodian for all services to the Portfolio, including safekeeping
of funds and securities and maintaining required books and accounts; expenses of
preparing and mailing reports to investors and to governmental offices and
commissions; expenses of meetings of investors; and the advisory fees payable to
the adviser, the investment management fees payable to the Manager.
Under the Management Agreement, DSIL's fee will be reduced to the
extent necessary to keep the aggregate annual operating expenses of the
Portfolio (excluding brokerage fees and commission, interest, taxes and other
extraordinary expenses) at no greater than 0.20% of the average daily net assets
of the Portfolio through October 22, 1998.
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<PAGE>
Pursuant to a sponsorship agreement between the Portfolio and DSIL,
DSIL pays the ordinary operating expenses of the Portfolio, except the
sponsorship fee, and excluding brokerage fees and commissions, interest, taxes
and other extraordinary expenses. KLD has entered into an expense payment
agreement with Signature pursuant to which Signature provides this expense
payment service to the Portfolio and pursuant to which Signature has agreed to
pay all of the operating expenses of the Portfolio until December 31, 1999.
Under this arrangement, Signature receives an expense payment fee from KLD,
computed and paid monthly at an annual rate equal to 0.175% of the Portfolio's
average daily net assets for its then-current fiscal year.
DEVCAP Non-Profit has agreed that it will reimburse the Fund through at
least November 30, 1998, to the extent necessary to maintain the Fund's total
operating expenses (which includes expenses of the Fund and the Portfolio) at
the annual rate of 1.75% of the Fund's average daily net assets. (See
"Management-Sponsor")
Distribution Plan and Agreement
The Trustees of the Trust have adopted a Distribution Plan (the
"Distribution Plan") with respect to the Fund in accordance with Rule 12b-1
under the 1940 Act after having concluded that there is a reasonable likelihood
that the Distribution Plan will benefit the Fund and its shareholders. As
contemplated by the Distribution Plan, the Distributor acts as agent of the Fund
in connection with the offering of shares of the Fund pursuant to a Distribution
Agreement. The Distributor acts as the principal underwriter of shares of the
Fund and bears the compensation of personnel necessary to provide such services
and all costs of travel, office expenses (including rent and overhead) and
equipment.
Until November 25, 1997, Signature served as the Fund's distributor.
CBIS Financial Services, Inc. replaced the distributor as the Distributor as of
that date.
Under the Distribution Plan, the Distributor may receive a fee from the
Trust at an annual rate not to exceed 0.25% of the Fund's average daily net
assets in anticipation of, or as reimbursement for, costs and expenses incurred
in connection with the sale of shares of the Fund, such as payments to
broker-dealers who advise shareholders regarding the purchase, sale or retention
of shares of the Fund, payments to employees of the Distributor, advertising
expenses and the expenses of printing and distributing prospectuses and reports
used for sales purposes, expenses of preparing and printing sales literature and
other distribution-related expenses. The Distributor will provide to the
Trustees of the Trust a quarterly written report of amounts expended by it under
the Distribution Plan and the purposes for which such expenditures were made.
No payments under the Distribution Plan are made to Service
Organizations, although Service Organizations may receive fees from the Trust
for their services. See "Service Organizations" below.
Description of Shares, Voting Rights and Liabilities
The Trust's Declaration of Trust permits the Trustees to issue an
unlimited number of full and fractional shares of beneficial interest (par value
$0.01 per share) and to divide or combine the shares into a greater or lesser
number of shares without thereby changing the proportionate beneficial interests
in the Trust. The Fund is presently the only series of the Trust. However, the
Trust reserves the right to create and issue additional series of shares, in
which case the shares of each series would participate equally in the dividends
and assets of the particular series. The Trust may establish additional classes
of any series of shares. For example, the Fund may offer another class of shares
that has lower annual distribution fees or shareholder servicing fees. Prior to
25
<PAGE>
offering another class of shares, the Fund would either issue a new Prospectus
and Statement of Additional Information or amend this Prospectus and the
Statement of Additional Information to reflect such issuance.
Each share of the Fund represents an equal proportionate interest in
the Fund with each other share. Shares have no preference, preemptive,
conversion or similar rights. Shares when issued are fully paid and
nonassessable, except as set forth below. Shareholders are entitled to one vote
for each share held on matters on which they are entitled to vote. The Trust is
not required to and has no current intention of holding annual meetings of
shareholders, although the Trust will hold special meetings of Fund shareholders
when, in the judgment of the Trustees of the Trust, it is necessary or desirable
to submit matters for a shareholder vote. Shares of each series are entitled to
vote separately to approve amendments to the Distribution Plan or changes in
fundamental investment policies or restrictions, but shares of all series will
vote together in the election or selection of Trustees and accountants for the
Trust. If holders of 10% or more of the Trust's outstanding shares so request, a
meeting of the Trust shareholders will be called for the purpose of voting on
the removal of a Trustee or Trustees. The Trust will assist in shareholder
communications as required by Section 16(c) of the 1940 Act.
The Trust is an entity of the type commonly known as a "Massachusetts
business trust". Under Massachusetts law, shareholders of such a business trust
may, under certain circumstances, be held personally liable as partners for its
obligations. However, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on
account of shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which both
inadequate insurance existed and the Trust itself was unable to meet its
obligations.
The Portfolio is organized as a trust under the laws of the State of
New York. The Portfolio's Declaration of Trust provides that the Fund and other
entities investing in the Portfolio (i.e., other investment companies, insurance
company separate accounts and common and commingled trust funds) will each be
liable for all obligations of the Portfolio. However, the risk of the Fund
incurring financial loss on account of such liability is limited to
circumstances in which both inadequate insurance existed and the Portfolio
itself was unable to meet its obligations. Accordingly, the Trust's Trustees
believe that neither the Fund nor its shareholders will be adversely affected by
reason of the Fund's investing in the Portfolio. Whenever the Fund is requested
to vote on a fundamental policy of the Portfolio, the Fund will hold a meeting
of its shareholders and will cast its vote as instructed by its shareholders.
Each investor in the Portfolio, including the Fund, may add to or
reduce its investment in the Portfolio on each Fund Business Day. At the close
of each such business day, the value of each investor's beneficial interest in
the Portfolio will be determined by multiplying the net asset value of the
Portfolio by the percentage, effective for that day, which represents that
investor's share of the aggregate beneficial interests in the Portfolio. Any
additions or withdrawals, which are to be effected as of the close of business
on that day, will then be effected. The investor's percentage of the aggregate
beneficial interests in the Portfolio will then be re-computed as the percentage
equal to the fraction (i) the numerator of which is the value of such investor's
investment in the Portfolio as of the close of business on such day plus or
minus, as the case may be, the amount of any additions to or withdrawals from
the investor's investment in the Portfolio effected as of the close of business
on such day, and (ii) the denominator of which is the aggregate net asset value
of the Portfolio as of the close of business on such day plus or minus, as the
case may be, the amount of the net additions to or withdrawals from the
aggregate investments in the Portfolio by all investors in the Portfolio. The
percentage so determined will then be applied to determine the value of the
investor's interest in the Portfolio as of the close of business on the
following Fund Business Day.
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<PAGE>
SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS, TRANSFER AGENT AND CUSTODIAN
Service Organizations
The Fund may also contract with various banks, trust companies (other
than Mellon Equity), broker-dealers (other than the Distributor) or other
financial organizations (collectively, "Service Organizations") to provide
administrative services for the Fund, such as maintaining shareholder accounts
and records. The Fund may pay fees to Service Organizations (which may vary
depending upon the services provided) in amounts up to an annual rate of 0.25%
of the daily net asset value of shares of the Fund owned by shareholders with
whom the Service Organization has a servicing relationship.
Some Service Organizations may impose additional or different
conditions on their clients such as requiring their clients to invest more than
the minimum initial investment specified by the Fund or charging a direct fee
for servicing. If imposed, these fees would be in addition to any amounts which
might be paid to the Service Organization by the Fund. Each Service Organization
has agreed to transmit to its clients a schedule of any such fees. Shareholders
using Service Organizations are urged to consult them regarding any such fees or
conditions.
The Glass-Steagall Act and other applicable laws, among other things,
prohibit banks from engaging in the business of underwriting, selling or
distributing securities. There is currently no precedent prohibiting banks from
performing administrative and shareholder servicing functions as Service
Organizations. However, judicial or administrative decisions or interpretations
of such laws, as well as changes in either federal or state statutes or
regulations relating to the permissible activities of banks and their
subsidiaries or affiliates, could prevent a bank Service Organization from
continuing to perform all or a part of its servicing activities. If a bank were
prohibited from so acting, its shareholder clients would be permitted to remain
shareholders of the Fund and alternative means for continuing the servicing of
such shareholders would be sought. It is not expected that shareholders would
suffer any adverse financial consequences as a result of any of these
occurrences.
Transfer Agent and Custodian
The Trust has entered into a Transfer Agency and Service Agreement with
Fundamental Shareholder Services, Inc. ("FSSI") and the Portfolio has entered
into a Transfer Agency Agreement with Investors Bank & Trust Company ("IBT"),
pursuant to which FSSI and IBT act as Transfer Agent for the Fund and the
Portfolio, respectively. Each Transfer Agent maintains an account for each
shareholder of the Fund or the Portfolio, respectively, performs other transfer
agency functions and acts as dividend disbursing agent for the Fund and the
Portfolio, respectively. Pursuant to Custodian Agreements, IBT acts as the
custodian of the Fund's assets, (i.e., cash and the Fund's interest in the
Portfolio) and as the custodian of the Portfolio's assets (the "Custodian"). The
Custodian's responsibilities include safeguarding and controlling the
Portfolio's cash and securities, handling the receipt and delivery of
securities, determining income and collecting interest on the Portfolio's
investments, maintaining books of original entry for portfolio and fund
accounting and other required books and accounts, and calculating the daily net
asset value of shares of the Portfolio. Securities held by the Portfolio may be
deposited into certain securities depositaries. The Custodian does not determine
the investment policies of the Portfolio or decide which securities the
Portfolio will buy or sell. The Portfolio may, however, invest in securities of
the Custodian and may deal with the Custodian as principal in securities
transactions. For their services, FSSI
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<PAGE>
and IBT will receive such compensation as may from time to time be agreed upon
by each of them and the Fund or the Portfolio.
---------
The Fund's Statement of Additional Information contains more detailed
information about the Fund and the Portfolio, including information related to
(i) investment policies and restrictions of the Fund and the Portfolio, (ii) the
Trustees, officers, investment adviser, investment manager, sponsor and
administrator of the Fund and the Portfolio, (iii) portfolio transactions, (iv)
the Fund's shares, including rights and liabilities of shareholders, (v)
additional performance information, including the method used to calculate yield
and total rate of return quotations of the Fund, (vi) determination of the net
asset value of shares of the Fund, and (vii) the audited financial statements of
the Fund and the Portfolio as of and for the year ended July 31, 1997.
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(THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK)
29
<PAGE>
DEVCAP Shared Return Fund
207 East Buffalo Street
Suite 400
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
(414) 271-5885
(800) 371-2655
Portfolio Investment Manager:
Domini Social Investments LLC
11 West 25th Street
New York, NY 10010
Portfolio Investment Submanager:
Mellon Equity Associates
500 Grant Street
Suite 3700
Pittsburgh, PA 15258-0001
Administrator:
Sunstone Financial Group, Inc.
207 East Buffalo Street
Suite 400
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
(414) 271-5885
Distributor:
CBIS Financial Services, Inc.
915 Harger Road
Oak Brook, Illinois 60521-1476
Custodian:
Investors Bank & Trust Company
89 South Street
Boston, MA 02111
Independent Auditors:
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
99 High Street
Boston, MA 02110
Legal Counsel:
Mayer, Brown & Platt
1675 Broadway
New York, NY 10019
Transfer Agent:
Fundamental Shareholder Services, Inc.
90 Washington Street
New York, NY 10006
(800) 371-2655
30
<PAGE>
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
November 28, 1997
DEVCAP SHARED RETURN FUND
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
1. The Trust...............................................................1
2. Investment Objective, Policies and Restrictions.........................1
3. Performance Information.................................................6
4. Determination of Net Asset Value; Valuation of Portfolio
Securities..............................................................7
5. Management of the Trust and the Portfolio...............................8
6. Independent Auditors...................................................16
7. Taxation...............................................................16
8. Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage Commissions.......................18
9. Description of Shares, Voting Rights and Liabilities...................20
10. Financial Statements...................................................21
DEVCAP TRUST
207 East Buffalo Street
Suite 400
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
(414) 271-5855
<PAGE>
This Statement of Additional Information sets forth information which
may be of interest to investors but which is not necessarily included in the
Prospectus dated November 28, 1997, as amended from time to time, for DEVCAP
Shared Return Fund. This Statement of Additional Information should be read in
conjunction with the Prospectus, a copy of which may be obtained by an investor
without charge by contacting the Fund at (800) 371-2655.
This Statement of Additional Information is NOT a prospectus and is
authorized for distribution to prospective investors only if preceded or
accompanied by an effective prospectus and should be read only in conjunction
with such prospectus.
1. THE TRUST
DEVCAP Trust (the "Trust") was organized as a business trust under the
laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, with DEVCAP Shared Return Fund (the
"Fund") established as a separate series of the Trust, on June 29, 1995. The
Fund is a no-load diversified open-end management investment company. The Trust
offers to buy back (redeem) shares of the Fund from its shareholders at any time
at net asset value. References in this Statement of Additional Information to
the "Prospectus" are to the current Prospectus of the Fund, as amended or
supplemented from time to time.
Sunstone Financial Group, Inc. ("Sunstone"), the Fund's administrator
(the "Administrator"), supervises the overall administration of the Fund. The
Board of Trustees provides broad supervision over the affairs of the Fund.
Shares of the Fund are continuously sold by CBIS Financial Services,
Inc., a subsidiary of Christian Brothers Investment Services, Inc., the Fund's
distributor ("CBIS" or "Distributor"). The minimum initial investment is $1,000,
except that the minimum initial investment when selecting the Automatic
Investment Plan is $500 and the minimum initial investment when selecting the
Individual Retirement Account is $250. An investor should obtain from the
Distributor, and should read in conjunction with the Prospectus, the materials
describing the procedures under which Fund shares may be purchased and redeemed.
The Trust seeks to achieve the investment objective of the Fund by
investing all of the Fund's investable assets in the Domini Social Index
Portfolio (the "Portfolio"), a diversified open-end management investment
company having the same investment objective as the Fund. Domini Social
Investments LLC ("DSIL") is the Portfolio's investment manager (the "Manager").
The sponsor of the Fund is Development Capital Fund ("DEVCAP Non-Profit" or the
"Sponsor"). Mellon Equity Associates ("Mellon Equity") is the Portfolio's
investment submanager (the "Submanager"). The Distributor of the Fund is CBIS.
Kinder, Lydenberg, Domini & Co., Inc. ("KLD") determines the composition of the
Domini 400 Social IndexSM ("Domini Social Index" or "DSI"). The Manager manages
the investments of the Portfolio from day to day in accordance with the
Portfolio's investment objective and policies. "DominiSM" and "Domini 400 Social
IndexSM" are service marks of KLD.
2. INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, POLICIES AND RESTRICTIONS
Investment Objective
The investment objective of the Fund is to provide its shareholders
with long-term total return (reflecting both dividend and price performance of
the Fund) which corresponds to the performance of the Domini 400 Social IndexSM.
There can, of course, be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment
objective. The investment objective of the Fund may be changed without approval
by the Fund's shareholders.
-1-
<PAGE>
Investment Policies
The Trust seeks to achieve the investment objective of the Fund by
investing all of the Fund's investable assets in the Portfolio, which has the
same investment objective as the Fund. The Trust may withdraw the Fund's
investment in the Portfolio at any time if the Board of Trustees of the Trust
determines that it is in the best interests of the Fund to do so. Upon any such
withdrawal, the Board of Trustees would consider what action might be taken,
including the investment of all the investable assets of the Fund in another
pooled investment entity having the same investment objective as the Fund, or
the retaining of an investment adviser to manage the Fund's assets in accordance
with the investment policies described below with respect to the Portfolio. The
approval of the Fund's shareholders would not be required to change any of the
Fund's investment policies.
The following supplements the information concerning the Portfolio's
investment policies contained in the Prospectus and should only be read in
conjunction therewith.
A company which is not included in the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite
Stock Price Index (the "S&P 500") may be included in the Domini Social Index
primarily in order to afford representation to an industrial sector which would
otherwise be under-represented in this index. Because of the social criteria
applied in the selection of stocks comprising the Domini Social Index, industry
sector weighting in the Domini Social Index may vary materially from the
industry weightings in other stock indices, including the S&P 500.
The Portfolio does not purchase securities which the Portfolio
believes, at the time of purchase, will be subject to exchange controls or
foreign withholding taxes; however, there can be no assurance that such laws may
not become applicable to certain of the Portfolio's investments. In the event
unforeseen exchange controls or foreign withholding taxes are imposed with
respect to any of the Portfolio's investments, the effect may be to reduce the
income received by the Portfolio on such investments.
Although neither the Fund nor the Portfolio has any current intention
to do so, the Fund and the Portfolio may invest in securities which may be
resold pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "1933 Act").
It is a fundamental policy of the Portfolio and the Fund that neither
the Portfolio nor the Fund may invest more than 25% of the total assets of the
Portfolio or the Fund, respectively, in any one industry, although the Fund will
invest all of its assets in the Portfolio, and the Portfolio may and would
invest more than 25% of its assets in an industry if stocks in that industry
were to comprise more than 25% of the Domini Social Index. Based on the current
composition of this index, this is considered highly unlikely. If the Portfolio
were to concentrate its investments in a single industry, the Portfolio and the
Fund would be more susceptible to any single economic, political or regulatory
occurrence than would be another investment company which was not so
concentrated.
Loans of Securities
The Portfolio may lend its securities to brokers, dealers and financial
institutions, provided that (1) the loan is secured continuously by collateral,
consisting of U.S. Government securities or cash or letters of credit, which is
marked to the market daily to ensure that each loan is fully collateralized at
all times; (2) the Portfolio may at any time call the loan and obtain the return
of the securities loaned within three business days; (3) the Portfolio will
receive any interest or dividends paid on the securities loaned; and (4) the
aggregate market value of securities loaned will not at any time exceed 30% of
the total assets of the Portfolio.
-2-
<PAGE>
The Portfolio will earn income for lending its securities because cash
collateral pursuant to these loans will be invested in short-term money market
instruments. Loans of securities involve a risk that the borrower may fail to
return the securities or may fail to provide additional collateral.
In connection with lending securities, the Portfolio may pay reasonable
finders, administrative and custodial fees. No such fees will be paid to any
person if it or any of its affiliates is affiliated with the Portfolio, the
Manager or the Submanager.
Although the Portfolio reserves the right to lend its securities, it
has no current intention of doing so in the foreseeable future.
Risk Factors Involved in Option Contracts
Although it has no current intention to do so, the Portfolio may in the
future enter into certain transactions in stock options for the purpose of
hedging against possible increases in the value of securities which are expected
to be purchased by the Portfolio or possible declines in the value of securities
which are expected to be sold by the Portfolio. Generally, the Portfolio would
only enter into such transactions on a short-term basis pending readjustment of
its holdings of underlying stocks.
The purchase of an option on an equity security provides the holder
with the right, but not the obligation, to purchase the underlying security, in
the case of a call option, or to sell the underlying security, in the case of a
put option, for a fixed price at any time up to a stated expiration date. The
holder is required to pay a non-refundable premium, which represents the
purchase price of the option. The holder of an option can lose the entire amount
of the premium, plus related transaction costs, but not more. Upon exercise of
the option, the holder is required to pay the purchase price of the underlying
security in the case of a call option, or deliver the security in return for the
purchase price in the case of a put option.
Prior to exercise or expiration, an option position may be terminated
only by entering into a closing purchase or sale transaction. This requires a
secondary market on the exchange on which the position was originally
established. While the Portfolio would establish an option position only if
there appears to be a liquid secondary market therefor, there can be no
assurance that such a market will exist for any particular option contract at
any specific time. In that event, it may not be possible to close out a position
held by the Portfolio, and the Portfolio could be required to purchase or sell
the instrument underlying an option, make or receive a cash settlement or meet
ongoing variation margin requirements. The inability to close out option
positions also could have an adverse impact on the Portfolio's ability
effectively to hedge its portfolio.
Each exchange on which option contracts are traded has established a
number of limitations governing the maximum number of positions which may be
held by a trader, whether acting alone or in concert with others. The Manager
does not believe that these trading and position limits would have an adverse
impact on the possible use of hedging strategies by the Portfolio.
The approval of the Fund and of the other investors in the Portfolio is
not required to change the investment objective or any of the non-fundamental
investment policies discussed above, including those concerning security
transactions.
Investment Restrictions
The Trust (on behalf of the Fund) and the Portfolio have each adopted
the following policies which may not be changed without approval by holders of a
"majority of the outstanding shares" of the Fund or the Portfolio, respectively,
which as used in this Statement of Additional Information means the vote of the
lesser of (i) 67% or more of the outstanding "voting securities" of the Fund or
the Portfolio, respectively, present at a
-3-
<PAGE>
meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding "voting securities"
of the Fund or the Portfolio, respectively, are present or represented by proxy,
or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding "voting securities" of the Fund or the
Portfolio, respectively. The term "voting securities" as used in this paragraph
has the same meaning as in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the
"1940 Act").
Except as described below, whenever the Trust is requested to vote on a
change in the investment restrictions of the Portfolio, the Trust will hold a
meeting of the shareholders of the Fund and will cast its vote proportionately
as instructed by the Fund's shareholders. However, subject to applicable
statutory and regulatory requirements, the Trust would not request a vote of
shareholders of the Fund with respect to (a) any proposal relating to the
Portfolio, which proposal, if made with respect to the Fund, would not require
the vote of the shareholders of the Fund, or (b) any proposal with respect to
the Portfolio that is identical in all material respects to a proposal that has
previously been approved by shareholders of the Fund. Any proposal submitted to
holders in the Portfolio, and that is not required to be voted on by
shareholders of the Fund, would, nevertheless, be voted on by the Trustees of
the Trust.
Neither the Fund nor the Portfolio may:
(1) borrow money, except that as a temporary measure for extraordinary
or emergency purposes either the Fund or the Portfolio may borrow an amount not
to exceed 1/3 of the current value of the net assets of the Fund or the
Portfolio, respectively, including the amount borrowed (moreover, neither the
Fund nor the Portfolio may purchase any securities at any time at which
borrowings exceed 5% of the total assets of the Fund or the Portfolio,
respectively, taken in each case at market value) (it is intended that the
Portfolio would borrow money only from banks and only to accommodate requests
for the withdrawal of all or a portion of a beneficial interest in the Portfolio
while effecting an orderly liquidation of securities);
(2) purchase any security or evidence of interest therein on margin,
except that either the Fund or the Portfolio may obtain such short-term credit
as may be necessary for the clearance of purchases and sales of securities and
except that either the Fund or the Portfolio may make deposits of initial
deposit and variation margin in connection with the purchase, ownership, holding
or sale of options;
(3) write any put or call option or any combination thereof, provided
that this shall not prevent (i) the purchase, ownership, holding or sale of
warrants where the grantor of the warrants is the issuer of the underlying
securities, or (ii) the purchase, ownership, holding or sale of options on
securities;
(4) underwrite securities issued by other persons, except that the Fund
may invest all or any portion of its assets in the Portfolio and except insofar
as either the Fund or the Portfolio may technically be deemed an underwriter
under the 1933 Act in selling a security;
(5) make loans to other persons except (a) through the lending of
securities held by either the Fund or the Portfolio and provided that any such
loans not exceed 30% of its total assets (taken in each case at market value),
or (b) through the use of repurchase agreements or the purchase of short-term
obligations and provided that not more than 10% of its net assets will be
invested in repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days; for
additional related restrictions, see paragraph (6) immediately following;
(6) invest in securities which are subject to legal or contractual
restrictions on resale (other than repurchase agreements maturing in not more
than seven days and other than securities which may be resold pursuant to Rule
144A under the 1933 Act if the Board of Trustees determines that a liquid market
exists for such securities) if, as a result thereof, more than 10% of its net
assets (taken at market value) would be so invested (including repurchase
agreements maturing in more than seven days), except that the Fund may invest
all or any portion of its assets in the Portfolio;
-4-
<PAGE>
(7) purchase or sell real estate (including limited partnership
interests but excluding securities secured by real estate or interests therein),
interests in oil, gas or mineral leases, commodities or commodity contracts in
the ordinary course of business (the Fund and Portfolio reserve the freedom of
action to hold and to sell real estate acquired as a result of the ownership of
securities by the Fund or the Portfolio);
(8) make short sales of securities or maintain a short position, unless
at all times when a short position is open the Fund or the Portfolio, as
applicable, owns an equal amount of such securities or securities convertible
into or exchangeable, without payment of any further consideration, for
securities of the same issue as, and equal in amount to, the securities sold
short, and unless not more than 5% of the Fund's or the Portfolio's, as
applicable, net assets (taken in each case at market value) is held as
collateral for such sales at any one time;
(9) issue any senior security (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act)
if such issuance is specifically prohibited by the 1940 Act or the rules and
regulations promulgated thereunder, except as appropriate to evidence a debt
incurred without violating paragraph (1) above;
(10) as to 75% of its assets, purchase securities of any issuer if such
purchase at the time thereof would cause more than 5% of the Portfolio's or the
Fund's, as applicable, assets (taken at market value) to be invested in the
securities of such issuer (other than securities or obligations issued or
guaranteed by the United States or any agency or instrumentality of the United
States), except that for purposes of this restriction the issuer of an option
shall not be deemed to be the issuer of the security or securities underlying
such contract and except that the Fund may invest all or any portion of its
assets in the Portfolio; or
(11) invest more than 25% of its assets in any one industry unless the
stocks in a single industry were to comprise more than 25% of the Domini Social
Index, in which case the Portfolio or the Fund, as applicable, will invest more
than 25% of its assets in that industry, and except that the Fund may invest all
of its assets in the Portfolio.
Non-Fundamental Restrictions
In order to comply with certain federal statutes and regulatory
policies, neither the Fund nor the Portfolio will as a matter of operating
policy:
(i) purchase the securities of any registered investment company
(except for the Fund's investment in the Portfolio) if such
purchase at the time thereof would cause more than 10% of the
total assets of the Fund or the Portfolio, respectively (taken
at the greater of cost or market value) to be invested in the
securities of such issuers or would cause more than 3% of the
outstanding voting securities of the Fund or the Portfolio,
respectively; and provided, further, that (except for the
Fund's investment in the Portfolio) the Fund and the Portfolio
shall not purchase securities issued by any open- ended
investment company; or
(ii) purchase puts, calls, straddles, spreads and any combination
thereof if the value of its aggregate investment in such
securities will exceed 5% of the Fund's or the Portfolio's
total assets at the time of such purchase.
Restrictions (i) through (ii) are not fundamental and may be changed
with respect to the Fund by the Fund without approval by the Fund's shareholders
or with respect to the Portfolio by the Portfolio without the approval of the
Fund or its other investors. The Fund will comply with the state securities laws
and regulations of all states in which it is registered.
-5-
<PAGE>
Percentage Restrictions
If a percentage restriction or rating restriction on investment or
utilization of assets set forth above or referred to in the Prospectus is
adhered to at the time an investment is made or assets are so utilized, a later
change in percentage resulting from changes in the value of the securities held
by the Fund or the Portfolio or a later change in the rating of a security held
by the Fund or the Portfolio will not be considered a violation of policy;
provided that if at any time the ratio of borrowings of the Fund to the net
asset value of the Fund exceeds the ratio permitted by Section 18(f) of the 1940
Act, the Fund will take the corrective action required by Section 18(f).
3. PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
The Trust will calculate the Fund's total rate of return for any period
by (a) dividing (i) the sum of the net asset value per share on the last day of
the period and the net asset value per share on the last day of the period of
shares purchasable with dividends and capital gains declared during such period
with respect to a share held at the beginning of such period and with respect to
shares purchased with such dividends and capital gains distributions, by (ii)
the public offering price per share (i.e., net asset value) on the first day of
such period, and (b) subtracting 1 from the result. Any annualized total rate of
return quotation will be calculated by (x) adding 1 to the period total rate of
return quotation calculated above, (y) raising such sum to a power which is
equal to 365 divided by the number of days in such period, and (z) subtracting 1
from the result.
Any current "yield" quotation of the Fund shall consist of an
annualized historical yield, carried at least to the nearest hundredth of one
percent, based on a thirty calendar day period and shall be calculated by (a)
raising to the sixth power the sum of 1 plus the quotient obtained by dividing
the Fund's net investment income earned during the period by the product of the
average daily number of shares outstanding during the period that were entitled
to receive dividends and the maximum offering price per share on the last day of
the period, (b) subtracting 1 from the result, and (c) multiplying the result by
2.
Total rate of return and yield information with respect to the Domini
Social Index 400SM will be computed in the same fashion as set forth above with
respect to the Fund, except that for purposes of this computation an investment
will be assumed to have been made in a portfolio consisting of all of the stocks
comprising the Domini Social Index 400SM weighted in accordance with the
weightings of the stocks comprising this index. Performance information with
respect to the Domini Social Index 400SM will not take into account brokerage
commission and other transaction costs which will be incurred by the Portfolio.
Historical performance information for any period or portion thereof prior to
the establishment of the Fund will be that of the Portfolio, adjusted to assume
that all charges, expenses and fees of the Fund which are presently in effect
were deducted during such periods, as permitted by applicable SEC staff
interpretations. The table that follows sets forth historical average annual
total return information for the periods indicated:
7/31/97
-------
1 Year 51.57%
5 Years 18.63%
Commencement of Investment 16.83%
operations of Portfolio* to date
-6-
<PAGE>
* Domini Social Index Portfolio commenced investing in the DSI on June 3,
1991.
4. DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE; VALUATION OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
The net asset value of each share of the Fund is determined each day on
which the NYSE is open for trading ("Fund Business Day"). (As of the date of
this Statement of Additional Information, the NYSE is open for trading every
weekday except for the following holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King,
Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor
Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day). This determination of net asset value
of shares of the Fund is made once during each such day as of the close of the
NYSE by dividing the value of the Fund's net assets (i.e., the value of its
investment in the Portfolio and any other assets less its liabilities, including
expenses payable or accrued) by the number of shares outstanding at the time the
determination is made. Purchases and redemptions will be effected at the time of
determination of net asset value next following the receipt of any purchase or
redemption order deemed to be in good order. See "Purchases and Redemptions of
Shares" in the Prospectus.
The value of the Portfolio's net assets (i.e., the value of its
securities and other assets less its liabilities, including expenses payable or
accrued) is determined at the same time and on the same day as the Fund
determines its net asset value per share. The net asset value of the Fund's
investment in the Portfolio is equal to the Fund's pro rata share of the total
investment of the Fund and of other investors in the Portfolio less the Fund's
pro rata share of the Portfolio's liabilities. Equity securities held by the
Portfolio are valued at the last sale price on the exchange on which they are
primarily traded or on the NASDAQ system for unlisted national market issues, or
at the last quoted bid price for securities in which there were no sales during
the day or for unlisted securities not reported on the NASDAQ system. If the
Portfolio purchases option contracts, such option contracts which are traded on
commodities or securities exchanges are normally valued at the settlement price
on the exchange on which they are traded. Short-term obligations with remaining
maturities of less than sixty days are valued at amortized cost, which
constitutes fair value as determined by the Board of Trustees of the Portfolio.
Portfolio securities (other than short-term obligations with remaining
maturities of less than sixty days) for which there are no such quotations or
valuations are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by or at the
direction of the Portfolio's Board of Trustees.
A determination of value used in calculating net asset value must be a
fair value determination made in good faith utilizing procedures approved by the
Portfolio's Board of Trustees. While no single standard for determining fair
value exists, as a general rule, the current fair value of a security would
appear to be the amount which the Portfolio could expect to receive upon its
current sale. Some, but not necessarily all, of the general factors which may be
considered in determining fair value include: (i) the fundamental analytical
data relating to the investment; (ii) the nature and duration of restrictions on
disposition of the securities; and (iii) an evaluation of the forces which
influence the market in which these securities are purchased and sold. Without
limiting or including all of the specific factors which may be considered in
determining fair value, some of the specific factors include: type of security,
financial statements of the issuer, cost at date of purchase, size of holding,
discount from market value, value of unrestricted securities of the same class
at the time of purchase, special reports prepared by analysts, information as to
any transactions or offers with respect to the security, existence of merger
proposals or tender offers affecting the security, price and extent of public
trading in similar securities of the issuer or comparable companies, and other
relevant matters.
Interest income on short-term obligations held by the Portfolio is
determined on the basis of interest accrued less amortization of premium.
5. MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST AND THE PORTFOLIO
The Trustees and officers of the Trust and the Portfolio and their
principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below. Their
titles may have varied during that period. Asterisks indicate those
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<PAGE>
Trustees and officers who are "interested persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act)
of the Trust or the Portfolio, as applicable. Unless otherwise indicated below,
the address of the Trust is DEVCAP Shared Return Fund, 207 East Buffalo Street,
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202.
Trustees of the Trust
STEPHEN D. CASHIN -- Trustee of the Trust; Currently Managing Director
of Modern Africa Fund Managers LLC, Vice President (Corporate Finance), Equator
Bank (from 1993 to March, 1997); Vice President (East Africa Representative),
Equator Bank (prior to 1993).
GILBERT H. CRAWFORD* -- Trustee of the Trust; Alternate Director,
PROFUND (since September, 1995); President of Development Capital Fund
(November, 1992 to June 1997); Executive Director, Seed Capital Development
Fund, Ltd. (since September, 1991); Assistant Project Director, Africa Venture
Capital Project-Harvey & Company.
DONALD CARCIERI -- Trustee of the Trust; President and Chief Executive
Officer, Cookson America, Inc. (since 1986); Director, Catholic Relief Services
Corporate Leadership Council (since 1996).
Trustees of the Portfolio
EMILY W. CARD -- 1223 Wilshire Boulevard, No. 334, Santa Monica,
California 90403; Attorney; President, the Card Group, Inc.; Trustee, Domini
Institutional Trust. Her date of birth is May 8, 1942.
AMY L. DOMINI* -- 230 Congress Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110;
Chair, President and Trustee of the Portfolio and the Domini Institutional
Trust; Manager of DSI; Officer of Kinder, Lydenberg, Domini & Co., Inc.; Private
Trustee, Loring, Wolcott & Coolidge (since 1987); Trustee, Episcopal Church
Pension Fund; Former Member, Governing Board, Interfaith Center on Corporate
Responsibility; Former Trustee, National Association Community Loan Funds. Her
date of birth is January 15, 1950.
ALLEN M. MAYES -- P.O. Box 21222, Beaumont, Texas 77720; Trustee,
Domini Institutional Trust; Retired Senior Associate General Secretary of the
General Board of Pensions of the United Methodist Church (Since 1982); Director
of Ministerial Services, Texas Annual Conference, The United Methodist Church;
Former Member of the Board of Directors of Investor Responsibility Research
Center; Member of Board of Trustees of Wiley College (Since 1969). His date of
birth is September 20, 1920.
WILLIAM C. OSBORN -- 115 Buckminster Rd., Brookline, MA 02146; Manager,
Venture Investment Management Company LLC (since 1996); Trustee, Domini
Institutional Trust; Vice President and General Manager, TravElectric Services
Corp. (from 1993 to 1995); President, Environmental Technologies Packaging
(prior to 1993); Director, Evergreen Solar, Inc. (since 1996); Director,
Conservation Services Group (since 1992). His date of birth is July 7, 1944.
KAREN PAUL -- 4050 Park Avenue, Miami, Florida 33133; Associate Dean
and Professor of Business Environment, Florida International University; Trustee
Domini Institutional Trust. Her date of birth is September 23, 1944.
TIMOTHY SMITH -- 475 Riverside Drive, New York, New York 10115;
Executive Director , Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (since 1974);
Trustee , Calvert New Africa Fund (since 1994); Trustee, Domini Institutional
Trust. His date of birth is September 15, 1943.
FREDERICK C. WILLIAMSON -- 5 Roger Williams Green, Providence, Rhode
Island 02904; Treasurer and Trustee, RIGHA (charitable foundation supporting
healthcare needs) (since 1990); Chairman,
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<PAGE>
Rhode Island Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission (since 1995);
Trustee, National Parks and Conservation Commission (since 1986); Trustee,
Domini Institutional Trust. His date of birth is September 20, 1914.
Officers of the Fund
JOSEPH ST. CLAIR--President of the Trust (September 1997); President of
Development Capital Fund (since June 1997); Director of Development Capital Fund
(since December 1994); Director of Internal Audit, Catholic Relief Services
(since May 1993); Departmental Vice-President, Alex. Brown Incorporated (prior
to 1993).
A. WILLIAM DANA -- Treasurer of the Trust (since November 1997);
Director, Development Capital Fund (since December 1994); Chief Financial
Officer, Catholic Relief Services (since 1994); Partner, Coopers & Lybrand
(prior to 1994).
NANCY E. PAXTON -- Secretary of the Trust (since October 1997); Vice
President of Sales, Development Capital Fund (since April 1996); Assistant
Secretary, Development Capital Fund (since May 1996); Project Officer,
Foundation for International Community Assistance (from Feb. 1995 to April
1996); Investment Consultant, Dean Witter (from Jan. 1994 to 1995). Completed
MIM degree, American Graduate School of International Management, Thunderbird
(from June 1992 to January 1994).
Officers of the Portfolio
PETER D. KINDER -- Vice President of the Portfolio; President of
Kinder, Lydenberg, Domini & Co., Inc., (since 1998). Mr. Kinder is married to
Ms. Domini.
CAROLE M. LAIBLE -- Secretary and Treasurer of the Portfolio (since
1997); Financial Compliance Officer of Domini Social Investments LLC (since
1997); Financial Compliance Officer, Fundamental Shareholder Services, Inc.
(from 1994-1997); Financial Compliance Officer and Secretary of investment
companies within Fundamental Family of Funds (1994-1997); General Service
Manager, McGladrey & Pullen LLP (certified public accountants) prior to 1994.
STEVEN D. LYDENBERG -- Vice President of the Portfolio; Director of
Research of Kinder, Lydenberg, Domini & Co., Inc.(since 1990);
SIGWARD M. MOSER -- Vice President of the Portfolio (since 1997);
President of Communications House International, Inc.; Director of Financial
Communications Society; Member, Domini Social Investments LLC (since 1997).
DAVID P. WIEDER -- Vice President of the Portfolio (since 1997);
Member, Domini Social Investments LLC (since 1997); President of Fundamental
Shareholder Services, Inc.
The Trustees who are not "interested persons" (the "Disinterested
Trustees") of the Trust as defined by the 1940 Act are separate from the
Disinterested Trustees of the Portfolio. Any conflict of interest between the
Trust and the Portfolio will be resolved by the Trustees of the Trust and the
Portfolio in accordance with their fiduciary obligations and in accordance with
the 1940 Act.
As of October 31, 1997, the following persons owned of record and
beneficially the percentage of outstanding shares of beneficial interest of the
Fund indicated next to their names: Catholic Relief Services 52.96%, Development
Capital Fund - 1.50% , Sisters of Mercy of the Americas - 2.88%. As of the same
date,
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<PAGE>
the officers and Trustees of the Trust and the Portfolio as a group owned less
than 1% of the Fund's outstanding shares.
The Trustees of the Trust receive no compensation for serving as
trustees of the Trust. The Trustees of the Portfolio are paid annual fees as
follows for serving as trustees of the Portfolio. The Trustees of the Trust and
the Portfolio are reimbursed for expenses incurred in connection with service as
a trustee. The following tables provide information related to compensation and
benefits paid to the Trustees of the Fund and the Portfolio for the fiscal year
ended July 31, 1997.
Fund Trustees
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Estimated
Aggregate Compensation
Compensation Pension or
from the Trust Estimated Total Retirement
and the Portfolio from the Trust Benefits Estimated
For the Fiscal for the Fiscal Accrued as Part Annual Benefits
Year Ended Year Ended of upon
July 31, 1997 July 31, 1997 Fund Expenses Retirement
------------- ------------- ------------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Stephen D. Cashin, Trustee None None None None
Gilbert H. Crawford, Trustee None None None None
Alice Tepper Marlin, Trustee a/ None None None None
Caroline L. Williams, Trustee b/ None None None None
- --------
a/ Ms. Tepper Marlin resigned as Trustee as of December 16, 1996.
b/ Ms. Williams resigned as a Trustee effective November 5, 1997.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
-10-
<PAGE>
Portfolio Trustees
Total
Compensation
from the
Aggregate Pension or Trust and the
from the Retirement Portfolio Paid to
Portfolio Compensation Estimated Trustees for the
for the Fiscal Benefits Accrued Annual Benefits Fiscal
Year Ended as Part of upon Year Ended
July 31, 1997 Fund Expenses Retirement July 31,1997
------------- ------------- ---------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Amy L. Domini,* None None None None
Chair and Trustee
Emily Card, $205 None None $205
Trustee
Karen Paul, None None None None
Trustee
William C. Osborn, $55 None None $55
Trustee
Allen M. Mayes, $2,000 None None $2,000
Trustee
Timothy Smith, $2,000 None None $2,000
Trustee
Frederick C. Williamson, $2,000 None None $2,000
Trustee
</TABLE>
MANAGER AND SUBMANAGER
DSIL provides advice to the Portfolio pursuant to a Management
Agreement (the "Management Agreement"). The services provided by the Manager
consist of furnishing continuously an investment program for the Portfolio. DSIL
will have authority to determine from time to time what securities are
purchased, sold or exchanged, and what portion of assets of the Portfolio are
held uninvested. DSIL will also perform such administrative and management tasks
as may from time to time be reasonably requested, including: (i) maintaining
office facilities and furnishing clerical services necessary for maintaining the
organization of the Portfolio and for performing administrative and management
functions; (ii) supervising the overall administration of the Portfolio,
including negotiation of contracts and fees with and monitoring of performance
and billings of the Portfolio's transfer agent, shareholder servicing agents,
custodian and other independent contractors or agents; (iii) overseeing (with
the advice of Portfolio's counsel) the preparation of and, if applicable, filing
all documents required for compliance by the Portfolio with applicable laws and
regulations, including registration statements, prospectuses and statements of
additional information, semi-annual and annual reports to shareholders, proxy
statements and tax returns; (iv) preparing agendas and supporting documents for
and minutes of meetings of Trustees, committees of Trustees and shareholders;
and (v) arranging for maintenance of the books and records of the Portfolio. The
Manager furnishes at its own expense all facilities and personnel
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necessary in connection with providing these services. The Management Agreement
will continue in effect if such continuance is specifically approved at least
annually by the Portfolio's Board of Trustees or by a majority vote of the
outstanding voting securities of the Portfolio at a meeting called for the
purpose of voting on the Management Agreement (with the vote of each investor in
the Portfolio being in proportion to the amount of their investment), and, in
either case, by a majority of the Portfolio's Trustees who are not parties to
the Management Agreement or interested persons of any such party at a meeting
called for the purpose of voting on the Management Agreement.
The Management Agreement provides that the Manager may render services
to others and may permit other investment companies in addition to the Portfolio
to use the name "Domini(sm)" or "Domini 400 Social Index(sm)" in their names.
DSIL may employ, at its own expense or may request that the Portfolio employ
(subject to the requirements of the 1940 Act) one or more subadvisors or
submanagers, subject to DSIL's supervision. Pursuant to an agreement with the
Portfolio, if DSIL ceases to be the Manager of the Portfolio, the Portfolio will
be required to discontinue the use of such service marks. The Management
Agreement provides that it shall remain in force until October 22, 1999, on
which date it will terminate unless its continuance after October 22, 1999 is
specifically approved at least annually (i) by the vote of a majority of the
Trustees of the Portfolio who are not "interested persons" of the Portfolio or
of DSIL at a meeting specifically called for the purpose of voting on such
approval, and (ii) by the Board of Trustees of the Portfolio or by vote of a
majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Portfolio. The Management
Agreement also provides that it may be terminated without penalty on not more
than 60 days' nor less than 30 days' written notice by the Portfolio when
authorized either by majority vote of the Fund and of the other investors in the
Portfolio (with the vote of each in the Portfolio being in proportion to the
amount of its investment) or by a vote of a majority of its Board of Trustees,
or by the Manager, and will automatically terminate in the event of its
assignment. The Management Agreement provides that neither the Manager nor its
personnel shall be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any
loss arising out of any investment or for any act or omission in its services to
the Portfolio, except for willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence or
reckless disregard of its or their obligations and duties under the Management
Agreement.
The Fund's Prospectus contains a description of fees payable to the
Manager for services under the Management Agreement.
DSIL is a newly formed Massachusetts limited liability company with
offices at 11 West 25th Street, 7th Floor, New York, New York 10010, and is
registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940
(the "Advisers Act"). The names of the principal owners of DSIL, their
relationship to the Portfolio and their percentage ownership of DSIL follows:
Amy L. Domini, Chairman of the Board and President of the Portfolio, is the
Manager and principal executive officer of DSIL and a 21.55% owner of DSIL. Ms.
Domini is also Chief Executive Officer, Secretary, Treasurer and 51% owner of
KLD which licenses the Domini Social Index to DSIL. Peter D. Kinder, Vice
President of the Portfolio, is a 21.25% owner of DSIL. Mr. Kinder is also
President and 19% owner of KLD. Sigward M. Moser, Vice President of the
Portfolio, is a 21.25% owner of DSIL. David P. Wieder, Vice President of the
Portfolio is a 21.25% owner of DSIL. Mr. Wieder is also President and an owner
of Fundamental Shareholder Services, Inc. ("FSSI"), a registered transfer agent
which has served as the Fund's transfer agent since 1995.
For the fiscal years ended July 31, 1994 and 1995, KLD voluntarily
waived all of its advisory fees. For the fiscal years ended July 31, 1996 and
1997, KLD received management fees of $38,150 and $46,528, respectively.
Mellon Equity manages the assets of the Portfolio pursuant to the
Investment Submanagement Agreement (the "Submanagement Agreement"). The
Submanager furnishes at its own expense all services, facilities and personnel
necessary in connection with managing the Portfolio's investments and effecting
securities transactions for the Portfolio. The Submanagement Agreement will
continue in effect if such
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continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the Portfolio's Board
of Trustees or by a majority of the outstanding voting securities in the
Portfolio at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the Submanagement
Agreement (with the vote of each investor in the Portfolio being in proportion
to the amount of its investment), and, in either case, by a majority of the
Portfolio's Trustees who are not parties to the Submanagement Agreement or
interested persons of any such party at a meeting called for the purpose of
voting on the Submanagement Agreement.
The Submanagement Agreement provides that the Submanager may render
services to others. The Submanagement Agreement is terminable without penalty
upon not more than 60 days' nor less than 30 days' written notice by the
Portfolio when authorized either by majority of the outstanding voting
securities in the Portfolio (with the vote of each investor in the Portfolio
being in proportion to the amount of its investment) or by a vote of the
majority of its Board of Trustees, or by the Manager, with the consent of the
Trustees and may be terminated by the Submanager on not less than 90 days'
written notice to the Manager and the Trustees, and will automatically terminate
in the event of its assignment.
Mellon Equity is a Pennsylvania business trust founded in 1987, which
is beneficially owned by Mellon Bank, N.A. (99% beneficial interest) and MMIP
(1% beneficial interest), a wholly owned subsidiary of Mellon Bank Corporation
("Mellon Bank"). Mellon Equity is a professional investment counseling firm that
provides investment management services to the equity and balanced pension,
public fund, and profit-sharing investment management markets, and is a
registered investment adviser under the Advisers Act. Mellon Bank's predecessor
organization managed domestic equity, tax-exempt and institutional pension
accounts since 1947. The address of Mellon Equity and each of the principal
executive officers and directors of Mellon Equity is 500 Grant Street, Suite
3700, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15258.
The Submanagement Agreement provides that neither the Submanager shall
be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss arising
out of any investment or for any act or omission in its services to the
Portfolio, except for wilful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence or
reckless disregard for its or their obligations and duties under the Management
Agreement.
The Fund's Prospectus contains a description of fees payable to the
Submanager for services under the Submanagement Agreement.
Prior to October 22, 1997, pursuant to an investment advisory agreement
(the "KLD Advisory Agreement"), KLD served as investment adviser to the
Portfolio and furnished continuously an investment program by determining the
stocks to be included in the Index. Additionally, prior to October 22, 1997,
pursuant to a management agreement (the "Mellon Equity Management Agreement"),
Mellon Equity served as investment manager and managed the assets of the
Portfolio on a daily basis. Prior to November 21, 1994, pursuant to an
investment management agreement (the "State Street Management Agreement"), State
Street Bank and Trust Company served as investment manager to the Portfolio.
Prior to October 22, 1997, pursuant to a sponsorship agreement (the "KLD
Sponsorship Agreement"), KLD furnished administrative services for the
Portfolio. Prior to November 6, 1996, pursuant to an administrative services
agreement (the "Signature Administration Agreement"), Signature served as the
administrator of the Portfolio. Prior to October 22, 1997, the aggregate
investment management and administration fees under the prior agreements with
respect to the Portfolio were equal to 0.15% of the Portfolio's average daily
net assets for its then current fiscal year.
For the fiscal year ended July 31, 1997, the Portfolio incurred $46,528
in advisory fees pursuant to the KLD Advisory Agreement, $46,528 in
administration fees pursuant to the KLD Sponsorship Agreement and $182,885 in
management fees pursuant to the Mellon Equity Management Agreement. For the
fiscal year ended July 31, 1996, the Portfolio incurred $38,150 in advisory fees
pursuant to the KLD Advisory Agreement, $38,150 in aggregate administration fees
pursuant to the Signature Administration Agreement and the KLD Sponsorship
Agreement, and $128,901 in management fees pursuant to the Mellon Equity
Management
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<PAGE>
Agreement. For the fiscal year ended July 31, 1995, KLD waived all of its fees
payable pursuant to the KLD Advisory Agreement, Signature waived all of its fees
payable pursuant to the Signature Administration Agreement and the Portfolio
incurred $10,180 in management fees pursuant to the State Street Management
Agreement and $29,409 in management fees pursuant to the Mellon Equity
Management Agreement.
Administrator
Pursuant to an Administrative Services Agreement, Sunstone provides the
Trust with general office facilities and supervises the overall administration
of the Trust , including, among other responsibilities, the negotiation of
contracts and fees with, and the monitoring of performance and billings of, the
independent contractors and agents of the Trust ; the preparation and filing of
all documents required for compliance by the Trust with applicable laws and
regulations; and arranging for the maintenance of books and records of the
Trust. The Administrator provides persons satisfactory to the Board of Trustees
of the Trust to serve as officers of the Trust. Such officers, as well as
certain other employees and Trustees of the Trust, may be directors, officers or
employees of the Administrator or its affiliates.
The Administrative Services Agreement with the Trust provides that
Sunstone may render administrative services to others. The Administrative
Services Agreement with the Trust also provides that neither the Administrator
nor its personnel shall be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or
for any act or omission in the administration or management of the Trust, except
for willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its
or their duties or by reason of reckless disregard of its or their obligations
and duties under the Trust's Administrative Services Agreement. For the period
October 19, 1995 (commencement of operations) to July 31, 1996, Signature waived
Fund expenses aggregating $375.
The Administrative Services Agreement with respect to the Portfolio
provides that DSIL may render administrative services to others. The
Administrative Services Agreement with respect to the Portfolio may be
terminated without penalty by either the Portfolio or DSIL on not less than 60
days' written notice. The Administrative Services Agreement with DSIL also
provides that neither DSIL, as the Portfolio's Administrator, nor its personnel
shall be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any act or
omission in the administration or management of the Portfolio, except for
willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its or
their duties or by reason of reckless disregard of its or their obligations and
duties under the Administrative Services Agreement.
The Fund's Prospectus contains a description of the fees payable to the
Administrator by the Trust (on behalf of the Fund), or payable to the Portfolio
Administrator by DSIL, as the case may be, under the Administrative Services
Agreements. For the fiscal years ended July 31, 1994 and 1995, the Portfolio's
Administrator voluntarily waived all of its administrative services fees from
the Portfolio. For the fiscal year ended July 31, 1996, the Portfolio's
Administrator received $38,150 in administrative fees.
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<PAGE>
Sponsor of the Portfolio
Prior to October 22, 1997, KLD served as sponsor of the Portfolio.
Pursuant to a sponsorship agreement dated November 6, 1996 KLD was responsible
for the ordinary operating expenses of the Portfolio (other than brokerage fees,
commissions, interest, taxes and extraordinary expenses) and provided the
Portfolio with administrative personnel and services necessary to operate the
Portfolio . For these services and facilities, KLD received from the Portfolio a
fee accrued daily and paid monthly at an annual rate equal to 0.20% of the
average daily net assets of the Portfolio for its then-current fiscal year. KLD
continues to determine and monitor the composition of the Domini Social Index
(which determines the composition of the Portfolio's securities), and provides
other services relating to socially responsible investments pursuant to a
license agreement between DSIL and KLD. See "Investment Objectives, Policies,
and Risk Factors" in the Prospectus. KLD received sponsorship fees of $295,633
for the period November 6, 1996 to July 31, 1997 from the Portfolio. Previously,
the sponsorship fees were waived. The Sponsorship Agreement was terminated as of
October 22, 1997.
The Trust's Trustees believe that the aggregate per share expenses of
the Fund and the Portfolio will be less than or approximately equal to the
expenses which the Fund would incur if it retained the services of an investment
adviser and an investment manager and invested directly in the types of
securities being held by the Portfolio. See "Other Information Concerning Shares
of the Fund Expenses" herein for further discussion of Fund and Portfolio
expenses.
Distribution Plan
The Trust has adopted a Distribution Plan which provides that the Trust
may pay the Distributor a fee not to exceed 0.25% per annum of the Fund's
average daily net assets in anticipation of, or as reimbursement for, expenses
incurred in connection with the sale of shares of the Fund, such as payments to
broker-dealers who advise shareholders regarding the purchase, sale or retention
of shares of the Fund, payments to employees of the Distributor, advertising
expenses and the expenses of printing and distributing prospectuses and reports
used for sales purposes, expenses of preparing and printing sales literature and
other distribution-related expenses.
The Distribution Plan will continue in effect indefinitely if such
continuance is specifically approved at least annually by a vote of both a
majority of the Trust's Trustees and a majority of the Trust's Trustees who are
not "interested persons of the Trust" and who have no direct or indirect
financial interest in the operation of the Distribution Plan or in any agreement
related to such Plan ("Qualified Trustees"). The Distributor will provide to the
Trustees of the Trust a quarterly written report of amounts expended by it under
the Distribution Plan and the purposes for which such expenditures were made.
The Distribution Plan further provides that the selection and nomination of the
Trust's Qualified Trustees shall be committed to the discretion of the
disinterested Trustees of the Trust. The Distribution Plan may be terminated at
any time by a vote of a majority of the Trust's Qualified Trustees or by a vote
of the shareholders of the Fund. The Distribution Plan may not be amended to
increase materially the amount of permitted expenses thereunder without the
approval of shareholders and may not be materially amended in any case without a
vote of the majority of both the Trust's Trustees and the Trust's Qualified
Trustees. The Distributor will preserve copies of any plan, agreement or report
made pursuant to the Distribution Plan for a period of not less than six (6)
years from the date of the Distribution Plan, and for the first two (2) years
the Distributor will preserve such copies in an easily accessible place.
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<PAGE>
Distributor
The Trust has entered into a Distribution Agreement with CBIS. Under
the Distribution Agreement, the Distributor acts as the agent of the Trust in
connection with the offering of shares of the Fund. For the period October 19,
1995 (commencement of operations) to July 31, 1996 and the year ended July 31,
1997, the Fund did not accrue or pay any distribution fees to Signature.
Transfer Agent, Custodian and Service Organizations
The Trust has entered into a Transfer Agency Agreement with Fundamental
Shareholder Services, Inc. ("FSSI") pursuant to which FSSI acts as transfer
agent for the Fund. Mr. David P. Wieder, Vice President and a principal of DSIL,
the Manager and Sponsor of the Portfolio, is an owner of, and President of FSSI.
The Trust has entered into a Custodian Agreement with Investors Bank & Trust
Company ("IBT") pursuant to which IBT acts as custodian for the Fund. The
Portfolio has also entered into a Transfer Agency Agreement with FSSI pursuant
to which FSSI acts as transfer agent for the Portfolio. The Portfolio has
entered into a Custodian Agreement with IBT pursuant to which IBT acts as
custodian for the Portfolio. For additional information, see "Transfer Agent and
Custodian" in the Prospectus.
The Fund may from time to time enter into agreements with various
banks, trust companies (other than Mellon Equity), broker-dealers (other than
CBIS) or other financial organizations to provide administrative services for
the Fund, such as maintaining shareholder accounts and records. For the period
from October 19, 1995 (commencement of operations) to July 31, 1997, the Fund
did not accrue any service organization fees. For additional information, see
"Purchases and Redemptions of Shares -- Service Organizations" in the
Prospectus.
Expenses
Pursuant to a Sponsorship Agreement, dated November 4, 1997, DEVCAP
Nonprofit will reimburse the Fund through at least November 30, 1998 to the
extent necessary to maintain the Fund's total operating expenses (which includes
the Fund's share of the Portfolio's expenses but excludes brokerage fees and
commissions, interest, taxes, and other extraordinary expenses) at an annual
rate of 1.75% of the Fund's average daily net assets. In return, DEVCAP
Non-Profit receives the proceeds from the charitable contribution program of the
Fund for its microenterprise activities.
The aforementioned limit does not cover extraordinary increases in
these expenses during the period and no longer applies in the event of a
precipitous decline in assets due to unforeseen circumstances. DEVCAP will
review its undertaking annually, however, there is no assurance that DEVCAP will
continue this reimbursement beyond the specified period, except as required by
the following sentence. DEVCAP has agreed to reimburse the Fund as necessary if
in any fiscal year the sum of the Fund's expenses exceeds the limits set by
applicable regulations .
6. INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP are the independent auditors for the Trust and
the Portfolio, providing audit services, tax return preparation, and assists
with the review of filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
7. TAXATION
Each year the Fund intends to qualify as a "regulated investment
company" under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the "Code"). Provided the Fund qualifies as a "regulated investment company"
under the Code, and distributes all of its net investment income and net
realized capital gains to shareholders in accordance with the timing
requirements imposed by the Code, the Fund will not be
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required to pay any federal income or excise taxes and will not be required to
pay Massachusetts income or excise taxes. If the Fund should fail to qualify as
a "regulated investment company" in any year, the Fund would incur a regular
corporate federal income tax upon its taxable income and would be required to
pay Massachusetts income and excise taxes. Additionally, Fund distributions
would generally be taxable as ordinary dividend income to the shareholders.
It is assumed that, (1) the Portfolio will be treated for federal
income tax purposes as a partnership and (2) for purposes of determining whether
the Fund satisfies the income and diversification requirements to maintain its
status as a regulated investment company, the Fund, as an investor in the
Portfolio, will be deemed to own a proportionate share of the Portfolio's assets
and will be deemed to be entitled to the Portfolio's income or loss attributable
to that share. The Portfolio has advised the Fund that it intends to conduct its
operations so as to enable its investors, including the Fund, to satisfy those
requirements.
Shareholders of the Fund normally will have to pay federal income
taxes, and any state or local taxes, on distributions of net investment income
and net realized capital gains from the Fund. Dividends from ordinary income and
any distributions from net short-term capital gains are taxable to shareholders
as ordinary income for federal income tax purposes, whether the distributions
are made in cash or in additional shares. A portion of the Fund's distributions
from net investment income is normally eligible for the corporate dividends
received deduction if the recipient otherwise qualifies for that deduction with
respect to its holding of Fund shares. Availability of the deduction for a
particular corporate shareholder is subject to certain limitations, and deducted
amounts may be subject to the alternative minimum tax and result in certain
basis adjustments. Distributions of net capital gains (i.e., the excess of net
long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses), whether made in
cash or in additional shares, are taxable to shareholders as long-term capital
gains for federal income tax purposes without regard to the length of time the
shareholders have held their shares.
Amounts not distributed on a timely basis in accordance with the
calendar year distribution requirement are subject to a nondeductible 4% excise
tax. To prevent imposition of the excise tax, the Fund must, and intends to,
distribute during each calendar year substantially all of its ordinary income
for that year and substantially all of its capital gain in excess of its capital
losses for that year, plus any undistributed ordinary income and capital gains
from previous years. Any Fund dividend that is declared in October, November, or
December of any calendar year, that is payable to shareholders of record in such
a month, and that is paid the following January will be treated as if received
by the shareholders on December 31 of the year in which the divided is declared.
The Fund will notify shareholders regarding the federal tax status of its
distributions after the end of each calendar year.
Any Fund distribution will have the effect of reducing the per share
net asset value of shares in the Fund by the amount of the distribution.
Shareholders purchasing shares shortly before the record date of any
distribution may thus pay the full price for the shares and then effectively
receive a portion of the purchase price back as a taxable distribution.
In general, any gain or loss realized upon a taxable disposition of
shares of the Fund by a shareholder that holds such shares as a capital asset
will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held
for more than twelve months and otherwise as a short-term capital gain or loss.
However, any loss realized upon a disposition of shares in the Fund held for six
months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any
distributions of net capital gain made with respect to those shares. Any loss
realized upon a disposition of shares may also be disallowed under rules
relating to wash sales.
The recently enacted Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 made certain changes
to the Code with respect to taxation of long term capital gains earned by
taxpayers other than a corporation. In general and subject to certain
transaction rules, the maximum tax rate for individual taxpayers on net
long-term capital gains (i.e., the excess of net long-term capital gain over net
short-term capital loss) is lowered to 20% for most assets held for
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more than 18 months at the time of disposition. Capital gains on the disposition
of assets held for more than one year and up to 18 months at the time of
disposition will be taxed as "mid-term gain" at a maximum rate of 28%. A lower
rate of 18% will apply after December 31, 2000 for assets held for more than 5
years. However, the 18% rate applies only to assets acquired after December 31,
2000 unless the taxpayer elects to treat an asset held prior to such date as
sold for fair market value on January 1, 2001. In the case of individuals whose
ordinary income is taxed at a 15% rate, the 20% rate for assets held for more
than 18 months is reduced to 10% and the 10% rate for assets held for more than
5 years is reduced to 8%. Certain aspects of the new legislation are currently
unclear, including how the reduced rates will apply to gains earned by regulated
investment companies such as the Fund. Until the Internal Revenue Service issues
some guidance, it is unclear whether or how the 20% or 10% rates will apply to
distributions of long term capital gains by the Fund.
The Trust anticipates that the Portfolio will be treated as a
partnership for federal income tax purposes. As such, the Portfolio is not
subject to federal income taxation. Instead, the Fund must take into account, in
computing its federal income tax liability, its share of the Portfolio's income,
gains, losses, deductions, credits and tax preference items, without regard to
whether it has received any cash distributions from the Portfolio. Withdrawals
by the Fund from the Portfolio generally will not result in the Fund recognizing
any gain or loss for federal income tax purposes, except that (1) gain will be
recognized to the extent that any cash distributed exceeds the basis of the
Fund's interest in the Portfolio prior to the distribution, (2) income or gain
will be realized if the withdrawal is in liquidation of the Fund's entire
interest in the Portfolio and includes a disproportionate share of any
unrealized receivables held by the Portfolio, and (3) loss will be recognized if
the distribution is in liquidation of that entire interest and consists solely
of cash and/or unrealized receivables. The basis of the Fund's interest in the
Portfolio generally equals the amount of cash and the basis of any property that
the Fund invests in the Portfolio, increased by the Fund's share of income from
the Portfolio and decreased by the Fund's share of losses from the Portfolio and
the amount of any cash distributions and the basis of any property distributed
from the Portfolio.
The Portfolio is organized as a New York trust. The Portfolio is not
subject to any income or franchise tax in the State of New York or the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The investment by the Fund in the Portfolio does
not cause the Fund to be liable for any income or franchise tax in the State of
New York.
Fund shareholders may be subject to state and local taxes on Fund
distributions to them. Shareholders are advised to consult with their tax
advisers with respect to the particular tax consequences.
8. PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE COMMISSIONS
Specific decisions to purchase or sell securities for the Portfolio are
made by a portfolio manager who is an employee of the Submanager and who is
appointed and supervised by its senior officers. Changes in the Portfolio's
investments are reviewed by its Board of Trustees. The portfolio manager of the
Portfolio may serve other clients of the Submanager in a similar capacity.
The Portfolio's primary consideration in placing securities
transactions with broker-dealers for execution is to obtain and maintain the
availability of execution at the most favorable prices and in the most effective
manner possible. The Submanager attempts to achieve this result by selecting
broker-dealers to execute transactions on behalf of the Portfolio and other
clients of the Submanager on the basis of their professional capability, the
value and quality of their brokerage services, and the level of their brokerage
commissions. In the case of securities traded in the over-the-counter market
(where no stated commissions are paid but the prices include a dealer's markup
or markdown), the Submanager normally seeks to deal directly with the primary
market makers, unless in its opinion, best execution is available elsewhere. In
the case of securities purchased from underwriters, the cost of such securities
generally includes a fixed underwriting commission or concession. From time to
time, soliciting dealer fees are available to the Submanager on the tender of
the Portfolio's
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securities in so-called tender or exchange offers. Such soliciting dealer fees
are in effect recaptured for the Portfolio by the Submanager. At present no
other recapture arrangements are in effect. Consistent with the foregoing
primary consideration, the Conduct Rules of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. and such other policies as the Trustees of the
Portfolio may determine, the Submanager may consider sales of shares of the Fund
and of securities of other investors in the Portfolio as a factor in the
selection of broker-dealers to execute the Portfolio's securities transactions.
Under the Submanagement Agreement and as permitted by Section 28(e) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Submanager may cause the Portfolio to
pay a broker-dealer acting on an agency basis which provides brokerage and
research services to the Submanager or the Manager an amount of commission for
effecting a securities transaction for the Portfolio in excess of the amount
other broker- dealers would have charged for the transaction if the Submanager
determines in good faith that the greater commission is reasonable in relation
to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by the executing
broker-dealer viewed in terms of either a particular transaction or the
Submanager's or the Manager's overall responsibilities to the Portfolio or to
its other clients. Not all of such services are useful or of value in advising
the Portfolio.
The term "brokerage and research services" includes advice as to the
value of securities, the advisability of investing in, purchasing, or selling
securities, and the availability of securities or of purchasers or sellers of
securities; furnishing analyses and reports concerning issues, industries,
securities, economic factors and trends, portfolio strategy and the performance
of accounts; and effecting securities transactions and performing functions
incidental thereto such as clearance and settlement. However, because of the
Portfolio's policy of investing in accordance with the Domini Social Index, the
Submanager and the Manager currently intend to make only a limited use of such
brokerage and research services.
Although commissions paid on every transaction will, in the judgment of
the Submanager, be reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage services
provided, commissions exceeding those which another broker might charge may be
paid to broker-dealers who were selected to execute transactions on behalf of
the Portfolio and the Submanager's or the Manager's other clients, in part for
providing advice as to the availability of securities or of purchasers or
sellers of securities and services in effecting securities transactions and
performing functions incidental thereto such as clearance and settlement.
Certain broker-dealers may be willing to furnish statistical, research and other
factual information or services to the Submanager or the Manager for no
consideration other than brokerage or underwriting commissions.
The Submanager and the Manager attempt to evaluate the quality of
research provided by brokers. The Submanager and the Manager sometimes use
evaluations resulting from this effort as a consideration in the selection of
brokers to execute portfolio transactions. However, neither the Submanager nor
the Manager is able to quantify the amount of commissions which are paid as a
result of such research because a substantial number of transactions are
effected through brokers which provide research but which are selected
principally because of their execution capabilities.
The fees that the Portfolio pays to the Submanager and the Manager will
not be reduced as a consequence of the Portfolio's receipt of brokerage and
research services. To the extent the Portfolio's securities transactions are
used to obtain brokerage and research services, the brokerage commissions paid
by the Portfolio will exceed those that might otherwise be paid for such
portfolio transactions and research, by an amount which cannot be presently
determined. Such services may be useful and of value to the Submanager or the
Manager in serving both the Portfolio and other clients and, conversely, such
services obtained by the placement of brokerage business of other clients may be
useful to the Submanager or the Manager in carrying out its obligations to the
Portfolio. While such services are not expected to reduce the expenses of the
Submanager or the Manager, the Submanager or the Manager would, through use of
the services, avoid the additional expenses which would be incurred if it should
attempt to develop comparable information through its
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own staff. For the fiscal years ended July 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997,
respectively, the Portfolio paid brokerage commissions of $15,222, $45,017 and
$101,337, respectively.
In certain instances there may be securities which are suitable for the
Portfolio as well as for one or more of the Submanager's or the Manager's other
clients. Investment decisions for the Portfolio and for the Submanager's or the
Manager's other clients are made with a view to achieving their respective
investment objectives. It may develop that a particular security is bought or
sold for only one client even though it might be held by, or bought or sold for,
other clients. Likewise, a particular security may be bought for one or more
clients when one or more clients are selling that same security. Some
simultaneous transactions are inevitable when several clients receive investment
advice from the same investment adviser, particularly when the same security is
suitable for the investment objectives of more than one client. When two or more
clients are simultaneously engaged in the purchase or sale of the same security,
the securities are allocated among clients in a manner believed to be equitable
to each. It is recognized that in some cases this system could have a
detrimental effect on the price or volume of the security as far as the
Portfolio is concerned. However, it is believed that the ability of the
Portfolio to participate in volume transactions will produce better executions
for the Portfolio.
9. DESCRIPTION OF SHARES, VOTING RIGHTS AND LIABILITIES
The Fund's Declaration of Trust permits the Fund's Board of Trustees to
issue an unlimited number of full and fractional shares of beneficial interest
(without par value) and to divide or combine the shares into a greater or lesser
number of shares without thereby changing the proportionate beneficial interests
in the Fund. Each share represents an equal proportionate interest in the Fund
with each other share. Upon liquidation or dissolution of the Fund, the Fund's
shareholders are entitled to share pro rata in the Fund's net assets available
for distribution to its shareholders. The Fund reserves the right to create and
issue a number of series of shares, in which case the shares of each series
would participate equally in the earnings, dividends and assets of the
particular series (except for any differences among classes of shares of a
series). Shares of each series would be entitled to vote separately to approve
advisory agreements or changes in investment policy, but shares of all series
may vote together in the election or selection of Trustees, principal
underwriters and accountants for the Fund. Upon liquidation or dissolution of
the Fund, the shareholders of each series would be entitled to share pro rata in
the net assets of their respective series available for distribution to
shareholders.
Shareholders are entitled to one vote for each share held. Shareholders
in the Fund do not have cumulative voting rights, and shareholders owning more
than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund may elect all of the Trustees of
the Fund if they choose to do so and in such event the other shareholders in the
Fund would not be able to elect any Trustee. The Fund is not required to hold
annual meetings of shareholders but the Fund will hold special meetings of
shareholders when in the judgment of the Fund's Trustees it is necessary or
desirable to submit matters for a shareholder vote. No material amendment may be
made to the Fund's Declaration of Trust without the affirmative vote of the
holders of a majority of its outstanding shares. Shares have no preference,
preemptive, conversion or similar rights. Shares, when issued, are fully paid
and non-assessable, except as set forth below. The Fund may enter into a merger
or consolidation, or sell all or substantially all of its assets, if approved by
the vote of the holders of two-thirds of its outstanding shares, except that if
the Trustees of the Fund recommend such sale of assets, the approval by vote of
the holders of a majority of the Fund's outstanding shares will be sufficient.
The Fund may also be terminated upon liquidation and distribution of its assets,
if approved by the vote of the holders of two-thirds of its outstanding shares.
If not so terminated, the Fund will continue indefinitely. Stock certificates
are issued only upon the written request of a shareholder.
The Fund is an entity of the type commonly known as a "Massachusetts
business trust". Under Massachusetts law, shareholders of such a business trust
may, under certain circumstances, be held personally liable as partners for its
obligations and liabilities. However, the Declaration of Trust contains an
express
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disclaimer of shareholder liability for acts or obligations of the Fund and
provides for indemnification and reimbursement of expenses out of Fund property
for any shareholder held personally liable for the obligations of the Fund. The
Declaration of Trust also provides that the Fund shall maintain appropriate
insurance (for example, fidelity bonding and errors and omissions insurance) for
the protection of the Fund, its shareholders, Trustees, officers, employees and
agents covering possible tort and other liabilities. Thus, the risk of a
shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability is
limited to circumstances in which both inadequate insurance existed and the Fund
itself was unable to meet its obligations.
The Declaration of Trust further provides that obligations of the Fund
are not binding upon the Trustees individually but only upon the property of the
Fund and that the Trustees will not be liable for any action or failure to act,
but nothing in the Declaration of Fund protects a Trustee against any liability
to which he or she would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance,
bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the
conduct of his or her office.
Each investor in the Portfolio, including the Fund, may add to or
reduce its investment in the Portfolio on each Fund Business Day. At the close
of each such business day, the value of each investor's interest in the
Portfolio will be determined by multiplying the net asset value of the Portfolio
by the percentage representing that investor's share of the aggregate beneficial
interests in the Portfolio effective for that day. Any additions or withdrawals,
which are to be effected as of the close of business on that day, will then be
effected. The investor's percentage of the aggregate beneficial interests in the
Portfolio will then be re-computed as the percentage equal to the fraction (i)
the numerator of which is the value of such investor's investment in the
Portfolio as of the close of business on such day plus or minus, as the case may
be, the amount of any additions to or withdrawals from the investor's investment
in the Portfolio effected as of the close of business on such day, and (ii) the
denominator of which is the aggregate net asset value of the Portfolio as of the
close of business on such day plus or minus, as the case may be, the amount of
the net additions to or withdrawals from the aggregate investments in the
Portfolio by all investors in the Portfolio. The percentage so determined will
then be applied to determine the value of the investor's interest in the
Portfolio as of the close of business on the following Fund Business Day.
10. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The financial statements of the Fund and the Portfolio as of, and for
the year ended, July 31, 1997 have been filed as part of the Fund's annual
report with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 30b of
the 1940 Act and Rule 30b2-1 thereunder, and are hereby incorporated herein by
reference from such annual report. A copy of such report will be provided,
without charge, to each person receiving this Statement of Additional
Information.
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