As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 14, 2013
File Nos. 333-159484 and 811-22298
 

 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549
 
FORM N-1A
 
 
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
  [X]
Pre-Effective Amendment No.      
  [   ]
Post-Effective Amendment No.    159   
  [X]
 
and/or
 
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
  [X]
Amendment No.    163   
  [X]
 
(Check appropriate box or boxes)
 
Starboard Investment Trust
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
 
116 South Franklin Street, P. O. Box 69, Rocky Mount, NC  27802
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
 
252-972-9922
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code)
 
 
Terrence O. Davis
Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC
920 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Suite 900
Washington, DC 20001
 
Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering: As soon as practicable after the effective
 
date of this Registration Statement
                                                                  
It is proposed that this filing will become effective: (check appropriate box)
 
[   ] immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
[   ] on (date) pursuant to paragraph (b)
[   ] 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
[   ] on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
[X] 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
[   ] on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485
 
 
 
 

 
 
STARBOARD INVESTMENT TRUST
 
CONTENTS OF REGISTRATION STATEMENT
 
 
This registration statement consists of the following papers and documents:
 
Cover Sheet
Contents of Registration Statement
QCI Balanced Fund
Part A – Prospectus
Part B – Statement of Additional Information
Part C – Other Information and Signature Page
Exhibit Index
Exhibits
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
PART A
 
FORM N-1A
 
PROSPECTUS
 
 
 
 
 
 
PROSPECTUS | January__, 2014
 


 
QCI Balanced Fund
A series of the Starboard Investment Trust
 


 
Institutional Class Shares (____X)
Retail Class Shares (____X)
 
 

                                                                                                
This prospectus contains information about the QCI Balanced Fund that you should know before investing.  You should read this prospectus carefully before you invest or send money, and keep it for future reference. For questions or for Shareholder Services, please call 1-800-773-3863.
 
 
Investment Advisor
 
QCI Asset Management, Inc.
40A Grove Street
Pittsford, NY 14534
 
 
 
The securities offered by this prospectus have not been approved or disapproved by the Securities and Exchange Commission, nor has the Securities and Exchange Commission passed upon the adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
 

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
 
Page
Summary
2
Principal Investment Objective, Strategies, and Risks
8
Investment Objectives
8
Principal Investment Strategies
8
Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund
10
Non-Principal Investment Policies and Risks
12
Management of the Fund
12
Investment Advisor
12
Distributor
13
Additional Information on Expenses
13
Investing in the Fund
14
Purchase Options
14
Purchase and Redemption Price
15
Buying or Selling Shares Through a Financial Intermediary
16
Purchasing Shares
16
Redeeming Shares
18
Frequent Purchases and Redemptions
21
Other Important Investment Information
24
Dividends, Distributions, and Taxes
24
Financial Highlights
24
Additional Information
Back Cover

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
SUMMARY
 
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES
 
The QCI Balanced Fund seeks to balance current income and principal conservation with the opportunity for long-term growth.
 
 
FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND
 
These tables describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.
 
Shareholder Fees
   
(fees paid directly from your investment)
   
 
Institutional
Retail
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed On Purchases  
(as a % of offering price)
None
 
None
Redemption Fee
None
None
Exchange Fee
None
None

Annual Fund Operating Expenses 1
   
 
Institutional
Retail
Management Fees
0.75%
0.75%
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees
0.00%
0.25%
Other Expenses 2
0.90%
0.90%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses 3
0.03%
0.03%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
1.68%
1.93%
   Fee Waiver and/or Expense Limitation 2
0.68%%
0.68%
    Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses
1.00%
1.25%
 
1.     Since the Fund is newly organized, “Other Expenses” are based on estimated expenses for the current fiscal year.
 
2.     The Advisor has entered into an Expense Limitation Agreement with the Fund under which it has agreed to waive or reduce its fees and to assume other expenses of the Fund, if necessary, in an amount that limits the Fund’s annual operating expenses (exclusive of interest, taxes, brokerage fees and commissions, extraordinary expenses, payments under the Rule 12b-1 distribution plan, and acquired fund fees and expenses) to not more than 1.00% of
 
 
 
 
 
2

 
 
the average daily net assets of the Fund through [___________], 2014.  The Expense Limitation Agreement may not be terminated prior to that date.  The Advisor cannot recoup from the Fund any amounts paid by the Advisor under the Expense Limitation Agreement.
 
3.     “Acquired Fund” means any investment company in which the Fund invests or has invested during the period.  Since the Fund is newly organized, “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” are based on estimated expenses for the current fiscal year.
 
Example. This example shows you the expenses you may pay over time by investing in the Fund. Since all mutual funds use the same hypothetical conditions, this example should help you compare the costs of investing in the Fund versus other mutual funds. The example assumes the following conditions:
 
·  
You invest $10,000 in the Fund for the periods shown;
·  
You reinvest all dividends and distributions;
·  
You redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods;
·  
You earn a 5% return each year; and
·  
The Fund’s operating expenses remain the same.
 
Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, the following table shows you what your costs may be under the conditions listed above.
 
QCI Balanced Fund
1 Year
3 Years
Institutional Class
 $102
$318
Retail Class
$127
$397
 
Portfolio Turnover. The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio).  A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account.  These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance.
 
 
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
 
The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.  QCI Asset Management, Inc. (the “Advisor”) seeks to achieve the Fund’s investment objective by investing in corporate, agency, and U.S. Government fixed income securities, preferred stock, common stock of primarily large and mid-capitalization issuers, and derivative securities.  Allocation to equity and fixed income securities will range from 25% to 75% of assets. The Fund may invest in these securities
 
 
 
 
3

 
 
directly or indirectly through investments in other investment companies, consisting of exchange traded funds (“ETFs”) and index funds.  The Fund will not be limited by market capitalization or sector criteria.  The Fund may hold up to 10% in cash in the normal course of business when the Fund receives dividends or distributions and has not reinvested the proceeds in a security the Advisor believes is favorable for the portfolio which may also be used to pay fees and expenses of the Fund.
 
Equity selection is based on securities analysts’ recommendations coupled with the Advisor’s fundamental research.  The Advisor’s research methodology focuses on “bottom-up” analysis of each company and issuer, reviewing specific factors such as relative valuation to other securities or sectors; financial fundamentals and relative strength; recent and historical earnings growth results; sustainable competitive advantage within markets or sectors; and strategic positioning of the company or issuer relative to its peers. The Advisor also examines “top-down” sector and industry cyclical trends.  Equity investments will consist primarily of large and mid-capitalization companies.
 
Fixed income securities will primarily consist of investment grade issues. The Fund may invest up to 10% of the portfolio in fixed income securities that are rated below investment grade by one or more Nationally Recognized Securities Rating Organizations (“NRSROs”) (commonly known as high-yield debt securities).
 
Securities are sold when, in the view of the Advisor, market valuation has approached the estimated full or fair market valuation of that security, and the remaining predicted small upside potential does not justify continuing to hold that security due to relative downside risk. A fundamental change in the prospects for a particular security or issuer may also be a primary factor for the Advisor in determining whether to sell a portfolio security.
 
The Fund’s investment policy may be changed without shareholder approval upon sixty (60) days’ prior written notice to shareholders.
 

 
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
 
The loss of your money is a principal risk of investing in the Fund.  Investments in the Fund are subject to investment risks, including the possible loss of some or the entire principal amount invested.  There can be no assurance that the Fund will be successful in meeting its investment objective.  Generally, the Fund will be subject to the following principal risks:
 
Common Stocks.   The Fund’s investments in common stocks, both directly and indirectly through the Fund’s investment in shares of other investment companies, may fluctuate in value response to many factors, including, but not limited to, the activities of the individual companies whose securities the Fund owns, general market and economic conditions, interest rates, and specific industry changes.  Such price fluctuations subject the Fund to potential losses.  During temporary or extended bear markets, the value of common stocks will decline, which could also result in losses for the Fund.
 
 
 
4

 
 
Derivative Risk. Derivative instruments, consisting of option contracts and futures, are used to hedge the Fund’s portfolio in order to reduce the impact of general market fluctuations.  The value of these investments is derived from the value of the underlying assets, interest rate, or index.  Derivative instruments involve risks different from direct investments in the underlying securities (imperfect correlation between the value of the derivative instrument and the underlying assets; risks of default by the other party to the derivative instrument; risks that the transactions may result in losses of all or in excess of any gain in the portfolio positions; and risks that the transactions may not be liquid.)
 
General Market Risk. The Fund’s net asset value and investment return will fluctuate based upon changes in the value of its portfolio securities. Certain securities held by the Fund may be worth less than the price originally paid for them, or less than they were worth at an earlier time.
 
Sector Risk.   Sector risk is the possibility that securities within the same group of industries will decline in price due to sector-specific market or economic developments.  If the Fund invests more heavily in a particular sector, the value of its shares may be especially sensitive to factors and economic risks that specifically affect that sector.  As a result, the Fund’s share price may fluctuate more widely than the value of shares of a mutual fund that invests in a broader range of industries.  Additionally, some sectors could be subject to greater government regulation than other sectors.  Therefore, changes in regulatory policies for those sectors may have a material effect on the value of securities issued by companies in those sectors.  The sectors in which the Fund may more heavily invest will vary; however, the Fund will invest less than 25% of its assets in any one industry or group of industries.
 
Large-Cap Securities Risk.   Stocks of large companies as a group can fall out of favor with the market, causing the Fund to underperform investments that have a greater focus on mid-cap or small-cap stocks. Larger, more established companies may be slow to respond to challenges and may grow more slowly than smaller companies.
 
Small-Cap and Mid-Cap Securities Risk. The Fund may invest in securities of small-cap and mid-cap companies, which involve greater volatility than investing in larger and more established companies.  Small-cap and mid-cap companies can be subject to more abrupt or erratic share price changes than larger, more established companies.  Securities of these types of companies have limited market liquidity, and their prices may be more volatile.  You should expect that the value of the Fund’s shares will be more volatile than a fund that invests exclusively in large-capitalization companies.
 
Micro-Cap Securities Risk.   Some of the small companies in which the Fund invests may be micro-cap companies.  Micro-cap stocks may offer greater opportunity for capital appreciation than the stocks of larger and more established companies; however, they also involve substantially greater risks of loss and price fluctuations.  Micro-cap companies carry additional risks because of the tendency of their earnings and revenues to be less predictable
 
 
 
 
5

 
 
(and some companies may be experiencing significant losses), their share prices to be more volatile and their markets to be less liquid than companies with larger market capitalizations.  Micro-cap companies may be newly formed or in the early stages of development, with limited product lines, markets or financial resources, and may lack management depth.  In addition, there may be less public information available about these companies.  The shares of micro-cap companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger, more established companies, which can adversely affect the pricing of these securities and the future ability to sell these securities.  Also, it may take a long time before the Fund realizes a gain, if any, on an investment in a micro-cap company.
 
Investment Advisor Risk. The Advisor’s ability to choose suitable investments has a significant impact on the ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objectives. The Advisor was formed in 1975 and became registered an investment advisor with the SEC in 1975. However, the Advisor does not have previous experience managing an investment company registered under the 1940 Act.  Accordingly, investors in the Fund bear the risk that the Advisor’s inexperience managing registered investment company may limit its effectiveness.  The experience of the portfolio manager is discussed in “Management of the Fund – Investment Advisor.”
 
New Fund Risk.   The Fund was formed in 2013.  Accordingly, investors in the Fund bear the risk that the Fund may not be successful in implementing its investment strategy, may not employ a successful investment strategy, or may fail to attract sufficient assets under management to realize economies of scale, any of which could result in the Fund being liquidated at any time without shareholder approval and at a time that may not be favorable for all shareholders.  Such a liquidation could have negative tax consequences for shareholders and will cause shareholders to incur expenses of liquidation.
 
 
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
 
Because the Fund has not been in operation for an entire calendar year, there is no Fund performance information to be presented here.  You may request a copy of the Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports, once available, at no charge by calling the Fund.
 
 
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND’S PORTFOLIO
 
The Fund’s investment advisor is QCI Asset Management, Inc. The Fund’s portfolio will be managed on a day-to-day basis by Lead Portfolio Manager H. Edward Shill, CFA and Co-Portfolio Manager Gerald Furciniti, CFA.
 
 
 
 
 
6

 
 
PURCHASE AND SALE OF FUND SHARES
 
You can purchase Fund shares directly from the Fund by mail or bank wire.  The minimum initial investment is $25,000 for the Institutional class of shares and $1,000 for the Retail class of shares. The minimum subsequent investment is $250, although the minimums may be waived or reduced in some cases.
 
Purchase orders by mail should be sent to QCI Balanced Fund, c/o Nottingham Shareholder Services, Post Office Box 4365, Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27803-0365.  Please call the Fund at 1-800-773-3863 to receive wire instructions for bank wire orders.  Investors who wish to purchase Fund shares through a broker-dealer should contact the broker-dealer directly.
 
You can redeem Fund shares directly from the Fund by mail, facsimile, telephone, and bank wire.  Redemption orders by mail should be sent to QCI Balanced Fund, c/o Nottingham Shareholder Services, Post Office Box 4365, Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27804.  Redemption orders by facsimile should be transmitted to 252-972-1908.  Please call the Fund at 1-800-773-3863 to conduct telephone transactions or to receive wire instructions for bank wire orders.  Investors who wish to redeem Fund shares through a broker-dealer should contact the broker-dealer directly.
 
 
TAX INFORMATION
 
The Fund’s distributions will generally be taxed to you as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account.  Distributions on investments made through tax deferred vehicles, such as 401(k) plans or IRAs, may be taxed later upon withdrawal of assets from those accounts.
 
 
FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARY COMPENSATION
 
If you purchase shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services.  These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment.  Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
 
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, STRATEGIES, AND RISKS
 
 
 
 
7

 
 
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
 
The QCI Balanced Fund seeks to balance current income and principal conservation with the opportunity for long-term growth.

 
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY
 
Fund investments will include corporate, agency, and U.S. Government fixed income securities, preferred stock, common stock, and derivative securities.  Allocation to equity and fixed income securities will range from 25% to 75% of assets. The Fund may invest in these securities directly or indirectly through investments in other investment companies, consisting of Exchange Traded Fund (“ETFs”) and index funds.  The Fund will not be limited by market capitalization or sector criteria.  The Fund may hold up to 10% in cash in the normal course of business when the Fund receives dividends or distributions and has not reinvested the proceeds in a security the Advisor believes is favorable for the portfolio which may also be used to pay fees and expenses of the Fund. The Fund’s investment policy may be changed without shareholder approval upon sixty (60) days’ prior written notice to shareholders.
 
Equity selection is based on securities analysts’ recommendations coupled with the Advisor’s fundamental research.  The Advisor’s research methodology focuses on “bottom-up” analysis of each company and issuer, reviewing specific factors such as relative valuation to other securities or sectors; financial fundamentals and relative strength; recent and historical earnings growth results; sustainable competitive advantage within markets or sectors; and strategic positioning of the company or issuer relative to its peers. The Advisor also examines “top-down” sector and industry cyclical trends.  Equity investments will consist primarily of large and mid capitalization companies.
 
Fixed income securities will primarily consist of investment grade issues. The Fund may invest up to 10% of the portfolio in fixed income securities that are rated below investment grade by one or more Nationally Recognized Securities Rating Organizations (“NRSROs”).
 
Securities are sold when, in the view of the Advisor, market valuation has approached the estimated full or fair market valuation of that security, and the remaining predicted small upside potential does not justify continuing to hold that security due to relative downside risk. One or more fundamental changes in the prospects for a particular security or issuer is also a primary decision point for the Advisor to sell a portfolio security.
 
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
 
The loss of your money is a principal risk of investing in the Fund.  Investments in the Fund are subject to investment risks, including the possible loss of some or the entire principal amount invested.  There can be no assurance that the Fund will be successful in meeting its investment objective.  Generally, the Fund will be subject to the following principal risks:
 
 
 
 
 
8

 
 
Common Stocks.   The Fund’s investments in common stocks, both directly and indirectly through the Fund’s investment in shares of other investment companies, may fluctuate in value response to many factors, including, but not limited to, the activities of the individual companies whose securities the Fund owns, general market and economic conditions, interest rates, and specific industry changes.  Such price fluctuations subject the Fund to potential losses.  During temporary or extended bear markets, the value of common stocks will decline, which could also result in losses for the Fund.
 
Derivative Risk. Derivative instruments, consisting of option contracts and futures, are used to hedge the Fund’s portfolio in order to reduce the impact of general market fluctuations.  The value of these investments is derived from the value of the underlying assets, interest rate, or index.  Derivative instruments involve risks different from direct investments in the underlying securities (imperfect correlation between the value of the derivative instrument and the underlying assets; risks of default by the other party to the derivative instrument; risks that the transactions may result in losses of all or in excess of any gain in the portfolio positions; and risks that the transactions may not be liquid.)
 
General Market Risk. The Fund’s net asset value and investment return will fluctuate based upon changes in the value of its portfolio securities. Certain securities held by the Fund may be worth less than the price originally paid for them, or less than they were worth at an earlier time.
 
Sector Risk.   Sector risk is the possibility that securities within the same group of industries will decline in price due to sector-specific market or economic developments.  If the Fund invests more heavily in a particular sector, the value of its shares may be especially sensitive to factors and economic risks that specifically affect that sector.  As a result, the Fund’s share price may fluctuate more widely than the value of shares of a mutual fund that invests in a broader range of industries.  Additionally, some sectors could be subject to greater government regulation than other sectors.  Therefore, changes in regulatory policies for those sectors may have a material effect on the value of securities issued by companies in those sectors.  The sectors in which the Fund may more heavily invest will vary; however, the Fund will invest less than 25% of its assets in any one industry or group of industries.
 
Large-Cap Securities Risk.   Stocks of large companies as a group can fall out of favor with the market, causing the Fund to underperform investments that have a greater focus on mid-cap or small-cap stocks. Larger, more established companies may be slow to respond to challenges and may grow more slowly than smaller companies.
 
Small-Cap and Mid-Cap Securities Risk. The Fund may invest in securities of small-cap and mid-cap companies, which involve greater volatility than investing in larger and more established companies.  Small-cap and mid-cap
 
 
 
9

 
 
companies can be subject to more abrupt or erratic share price changes than larger, more established companies.  Securities of these types of companies have limited market liquidity, and their prices may be more volatile.  You should expect that the value of the Fund’s shares will be more volatile than a fund that invests exclusively in large-capitalization companies.
 
Micro-Cap Securities Risk.   Some of the small companies in which the Fund invests may be micro-cap companies.  Micro-cap stocks may offer greater opportunity for capital appreciation than the stocks of larger and more established companies; however, they also involve substantially greater risks of loss and price fluctuations.  Micro-cap companies carry additional risks because of the tendency of their earnings and revenues to be less predictable (and some companies may be experiencing significant losses), their share prices to be more volatile and their markets to be less liquid than companies with larger market capitalizations.  Micro-cap companies may be newly formed or in the early stages of development, with limited product lines, markets or financial resources, and may lack management depth.  In addition, there may be less public information available about these companies.  The shares of micro-cap companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger, more established companies, which can adversely affect the pricing of these securities and the future ability to sell these securities.  Also, it may take a long time before the Fund realizes a gain, if any, on an investment in a micro-cap company.
 
Investment Advisor Risk. The Advisor’s ability to choose suitable investments has a significant impact on the ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objectives. The Advisor was formed in 2007 and became registered an investment advisor with the SEC in 2011. However, the Advisor does not have previous experience managing an investment company registered under the 1940 Act.  Accordingly, investors in the Fund bear the risk that the Advisor’s inexperience managing registered investment company may limit its effectiveness.  The experience of the portfolio manager is discussed in “Management of the Fund – Investment Advisor.”
 
New Fund Risk.   The Fund was formed in 2013.  Accordingly, investors in the Fund bear the risk that the Fund may not be successful in implementing its investment strategy, may not employ a successful investment strategy, or may fail to attract sufficient assets under management to realize economies of scale, any of which could result in the Fund being liquidated at any time without shareholder approval and at a time that may not be favorable for all shareholders.  Such a liquidation could have negative tax consequences for shareholders and will cause shareholders to incur expenses of liquidation.
 
 
NON-PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RISKS
 
An investment in the Fund should not be considered a complete investment program.  Whether the Fund is not an appropriate investment for an investor will depend largely on his or her financial resources and individual investment goals and objectives.  Investors who engage in short-term trading or other speculative strategies and styles will not find the Fund to be an appropriate investment vehicle if they want to invest in the Fund for a short period of time.
 
 
 
 
10

 
 
Temporary Defensive Positions.   The Fund may, from time to time, take temporary defensive positions that are inconsistent with the Fund’s principal investment strategy in an attempt to respond to adverse market, economic, political, or other conditions.  During such an unusual set of circumstances, the Fund may hold up to 100% of its portfolio in cash or cash equivalent positions.  When the Fund takes temporary defensive positions, the Fund may not be able to achieve their investment objectives.
 
Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings.    A description of the Fund’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of portfolio securities can be found in the Statement of Additional Information, which is available from the Fund or on the SEC’s web site, www.sec.gov .
 
 
 
 
 
 
11

 

 
 
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
 
INVESTMENT ADVISOR
 
The Fund’s investment advisor is QCI Asset Management, Inc., 40A Grove Street, Pittsford, NY, 14534. The Advisor was established in 1975 and it became registered in 1975 as an investment advisor with the SEC under the Investment Advisors Act of 1940, as amended. Subject to the authority of the Trustees and pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement with the Trust, the Advisor provides the Fund with a program of continuous supervision of the Fund’s assets, including developing the composition of its portfolio, and furnishes advice and recommendations with respect to investments, investment policies, and the purchase and sale of securities.  The Advisor is also responsible for the selection of broker-dealers through which the Fund executes portfolio transactions, subject to the brokerage policies established by the Trustees, and it provides certain executive personnel to the Fund.
 
Portfolio Managers. The Fund’s portfolio will be primarily managed by H. Edward Shill, CFA and co-managed by Gerald Furciniti, CFA.

Mr. Shill is the Chief Investment Officer of QCI and Lead Portfolio Manager.  He joined QCI in 1992 after having served as an analyst and portfolio manager for five years at Fleet/Norstar Investment Advisors.  He became a Principal of QCI in 1994. Mr Shill earned his Chartered Financial Analyst designation in 1989.

Mr Furciniti is Co-Portfolio Manager and Senior Equity Analyst at QCI.  He joined QCI in 2001 after having served as an analyst in the New Business Development Group of Kodak’s Health Imaging Division. Mr. Furciniti earned his Chartered Financial Analyst designation in 2004.
 
The Fund’s SAI provides additional information regarding Mr. Shill’s and Mr Furciniti’s compensation, other accounts managed by both Shill and Furciniti, and their ownership of Fund shares.

Advisor Compensation.   As full compensation for the investment advisory services provided to the Fund, the Advisor receives monthly compensation based on the Fund’s average daily net assets at the annual rate of 0.75%.
 
Disclosure Regarding Approval of Investment Advisory Contracts.   A discussion regarding the Trustees’ basis for approving the investment advisory contracts for the Fund can be found in the Fund’s semi-annual report to shareholders for the period ended [                       ], 2014.  You may obtain a copy of the semi-annual report, free of charge, upon request to the Fund.
 
 
 
 
12

 
 
DISTRIBUTOR
 
Capital Investment Group, Inc. (“Distributor”) is the principal underwriter and distributor of the Fund’s shares and serves as the Fund’s exclusive agent for the distribution of the Fund shares.  The Distributor may sell the Fund’s shares to or through qualified securities dealers or others.
 
The Fund has adopted a plan of distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“Distribution Plan”).  Pursuant to the Distribution Plan, the Fund compensates the Distributor with assets attributable to the Advisor Class Shares for services rendered and expenses borne in connection with activities primarily intended to result in the sale or the servicing of those shares (this compensation is commonly referred to as “12b-1 fees”).  These activities include, among others, reimbursement to entities for providing distribution and shareholder servicing with respect to the Fund’s shares.
 
 
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON EXPENSES
 
Other Expenses.   The Fund is obligated to pay taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, expenses on short sales, and acquired fund fees and expenses.  The Fund will be separately responsible for any extraordinary expenses, such as indemnification payments or damages awarded in litigation or settlements made.  All general Trust expenses are allocated among and charged to the assets of each separate fund series of the Trust (if any), on a basis that the Trustees deem fair and equitable, which may be on the basis of relative net assets of each series or the nature of the services performed and relative applicability to each series.
 
Estimated Expenses.   In the sections of the prospectus entitled “Summary – Fees and Expenses of the Fund” with respect to the Fund, “Other Expenses” and “Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses” sections are based on estimated expenses for the current fiscal year at an average Fund net asset level of $25 million.
 
 
 
 
13

 
 
INVESTING IN THE FUND
 
PURCHASE OPTIONS
 
The Fund offers two different classes of shares through this prospectus.  The share class available to an investor may vary depending on how the investor wishes to purchase shares of the Fund.  Each share class is sold at net asset value, represents interests in the same portfolio of investments, and has the same rights, but differs with respect to sales loads and ongoing expenses.  Set forth below is a brief description of the share classes offered through this prospectus.
 
Institutional Class Shares
 
·  
No front-end sales charge.
·  
No distribution or service plan (Rule 12b-1) fees.
·  
No contingent deferred sales charges.
·  
No redemption fee.
·  
$25,000 minimum initial investment.
 
Retail Class Shares
 
·  
No front-end sales charge.
·  
Distribution and service plan (Rule 12b-1) fees of 0.25%.
·  
No contingent deferred sales charge.
·  
No redemption fee.
·  
$1,000 minimum initial investment.
 
You must choose a share class when you purchase shares of the Fund.  If none is chosen, your investment will be made in Retail Class Shares.
 
Information regarding the Fund’s sales charges, as well as information regarding reduced sales charges and waived sales charges, and the terms and conditions for the purchase, pricing, and redemption of Fund shares is not available on the Fund’s website since the Fund’s website contains limited information.  Further information is available free of charge by calling the Fund at 1-800-773-3863.
 
The Fund may, in the Advisor’s sole discretion, accept certain accounts with less than the minimum investment.
 
 
 
 
 
14

 
 
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION PRICE
 
Determining the Fund’s Net Asset Value.   The price at which you purchase or redeem shares is based on the next calculation of net asset value (“NAV”) after an order is received, subject to the order being accepted by the Fund in good form.  An order is considered to be in good form if it includes all necessary information and documentation related to a purchase or redemption request and, if applicable, payment in full of the purchase amount.  The Fund’s NAV per share for each class of shares is calculated by dividing the value of the Fund’s total assets attributable to that class, less liabilities (including Fund expenses, which are accrued daily) attributable to that class, by the total number of outstanding shares attributable to that class.  To the extent that the Fund holds portfolio securities that are primarily listed on foreign exchanges that trade on weekends or other days when the Fund does not price shares, the NAV of the Fund’s shares may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or redeem shares.  The NAV per share for each class of shares is normally determined at 4:00 p.m. Eastern time, the time regular trading closes on the New York Stock Exchange, provided that certain options and futures contracts are priced as of 4:15 p.m. Eastern Time.  The Fund does not calculate NAV on business holidays when the New York Stock Exchange is closed.
 
The pricing and valuation of portfolio securities is determined in good faith in accordance with policies established by, and under the direction of, the Board of Trustees.  In determining the value of the Fund’s total assets, portfolio securities are generally calculated at market value by quotations from the primary market in which they are traded.  Instruments with maturities of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value.  The Fund normally uses third party pricing services to obtain market quotations.  Securities and assets for which representative market quotations are not readily available or which cannot be accurately valued using the Funds’ normal pricing procedures are valued at fair value in good faith by either a valuation committee or the Advisor in accordance with procedures established by, and under the supervision of, the Board of Trustees.  Fair value pricing may be used, for example, in situations where (i) an exchange-traded portfolio security is so thinly traded that there have been no transactions for that security over an extended period of time or the validity of a market quotation received is questionable; (ii) the exchange on which the portfolio security is principally traded closes early; or (iii) trading of the portfolio security is halted during the day and does not resume prior to the Fund’s NAV calculation.
 
Pursuant to the policies adopted by the Board of Trustees, the Advisor consults with the Fund’s administrator on a regular basis regarding the need for fair value pricing.  The Advisor is responsible for notifying the Board of Trustees (or the Fund’s valuation committee) when it believes that fair value pricing is required for a particular security.  The Fund’s policies regarding fair value pricing are intended to result in a calculation of the Fund’s NAV that fairly reflects portfolio security values as of the time of pricing.  A portfolio security’s “fair value” price may differ from the price next available for that portfolio security using the Fund’s normal pricing procedures and the fair value
 
 
 
 
15

 
 
price may differ from the price at which the security may ultimately be traded or sold.  If such fair value price differs from the price that would have been determined using the Fund’s normal pricing procedures, a shareholder may receive more or less proceeds or shares from redemptions or purchases of Fund shares, respectively, than a shareholder would have otherwise received if the security were priced using the Fund’s normal pricing procedures.  The performance of the Fund may also be affected if a portfolio security’s fair value price were to differ from the security’s price using the Fund’s normal pricing procedures.  To the extent the Fund invests in other open-end investment companies that are registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Fund’s net asset value calculations are based upon the net asset value reported by such registered open-end investment companies, and the prospectuses for these companies explain the circumstances under which they will use fair value pricing and the effects of using fair value pricing.
 
Other Matters.   Purchases and redemptions of shares of the same class by the same shareholder on the same day will be netted for the Fund.
 
 
BUYING OR SELLING SHARES
THROUGH A FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARY
 
Certain financial intermediaries have agreements with the Fund that allow them to enter purchase or redemption orders on behalf of clients and customers.  These orders will be priced at the NAV next computed after the orders are received by the financial intermediary, subject to the order being in good form.  Under this arrangement, the financial intermediary has a duty to transmit promptly to the Fund each purchase order or redemption request that the intermediary receives on the Fund’s behalf and must send your payment to the Fund by the time they price their shares on the following business day.  The Fund is not responsible for ensuring that a financial intermediary carries out its obligations.  You should look to the financial intermediary through whom you wish to invest for specific instructions on how to purchase or redeem shares of the Fund.
 
 
PURCHASING SHARES
 
Purchases can be made directly from the Fund by mail or bank wire.  The Fund has also authorized one or more brokers to receive purchase and redemption orders on its behalf and such brokers are authorized to designate other financial intermediaries to receive orders on behalf of the Fund.  Such orders will be deemed to have been received by the Fund when an authorized broker, or broker-authorized designee, receives the order, subject to the order being in good form.  The orders will be priced at the NAV next computed after the orders are received by the authorized broker, or broker-authorized designee.  Investors may also be charged a fee by a broker or agent if shares are purchased through a broker or agent.
 
 
 
 
16

 
 
The Fund reserves the right to (i) refuse to accept any request to purchase shares for any reason and (ii) suspend the offering of shares at any time.
 
Regular Mail Orders.   Payment for shares by mail must be made by check from a U.S. financial institution and payable in U.S. dollars.  Cash, money orders, and traveler’s checks will not be accepted by the Funds.  If checks are returned due to insufficient funds or other reasons, your purchase will be canceled.  You will also be responsible for any losses or expenses incurred by the Funds and their administrator and transfer agent.  The Fund will charge a $35 fee and may redeem shares of the Fund owned by the purchaser or another identically registered account in another series of the Trust to recover any such losses.  For regular mail orders, please complete the Fund Shares Application and mail it, along with a check made payable to the Fund, to:
 
QCI Balanced Fund
c/o Nottingham Shareholder Services
116 South Franklin Street
Post Office Box 4365
Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27803-0365
 
The application must contain your Social Security Number or Taxpayer Identification Number.  If you have applied for a number prior to completing your account application but you have not received your number, please indicate this on the application and include a copy of the form applying for your number.  Taxes are not withheld from distributions to U.S. investors if certain requirements of the Internal Revenue Service are met regarding the Social Security Number and Taxpayer Identification Number.
 
Bank Wire Purchases.   Purchases may also be made through bank wire orders.  To establish a new account or add to an existing account by wire, please call the Fund at 1-800-773-3863   for wire instructions and to advise the Fund of the investment, dollar amount, and the account identification number.
 
Additional Investments.   You may also add to your account by mail or wire at any time by purchasing shares at the then current net asset value.  The minimum additional investment is $100.  Before adding funds by bank wire, please call the Fund at 1-800-773-3863 for wire instructions and to advise the Fund of the investment, dollar amount, and the account identification number.  Mail orders should include, if possible, the “Invest by Mail” stub that is attached to your confirmation statement.  Otherwise, please identify your account in a letter accompanying your purchase payment.
 
Automatic Investment Plan.   The automatic investment plan enables shareholders to make regular monthly or quarterly investments in shares through automatic charges to their checking account.  With shareholder authorization and bank approval, the Fund will automatically charge the shareholder’s checking account for the amount specified ($100 minimum), which will be automatically invested in shares at the public offering price on or about the 21st day of the month.  The shareholder may change the amount of the investment or discontinue the plan at any time by writing the Fund.
 
 
 
 
17

 
 
Share Certificates.   The Fund normally does not issue share certificates.  Evidence of ownership of shares is provided through entry in the Fund’s share registry.  Investors will receive periodic account statements (and, where applicable, purchase confirmations) that will show the number of shares owned.
 
Important Information about Procedures for Opening a New Account.   Under the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (USA PATRIOT Act of 2001), the Fund is required to obtain, verify, and record information that enables the Fund to form a reasonable belief as to the identity of each customer who opens an account.  Consequently, when an investor opens an account, the Fund will ask for the investor’s name, street address, date of birth (for an individual), social security or other tax identification number (or proof that the investor has filed for such a number), and other information that will allow the Fund to identify the investor.  The Fund may also ask to see the driver’s license or other identifying documents of the investor.  An investor’s account application will not be considered “complete” and, therefore, an account will not be opened and the investor’s money will not be invested until the Fund receives this required information.  In addition, if after opening the investor’s account the Fund is unable to verify the investor’s identity after reasonable efforts, as determined by the Fund in its sole discretion, the Fund may (i) restrict further investments until the investor’s identity is verified; and (ii) close the investor’s account without notice and return the investor’s redemption proceeds to the investor.  If the Fund closes an investor’s account because the Fund could not verify the investor’s identity, the Fund will value the account in accordance with the next NAV calculated after the investor’s account is closed.  In that case, the investor’s redemption proceeds may be worth more or less than the investor’s original investment.  The Fund will not be responsible for any losses incurred due to the Fund’s inability to verify the identity of any investor opening an account.
 
 
REDEEMING SHARES
 
Regular Mail Redemptions.   Regular mail redemption requests should be addressed to:
 
QCI Balanced Fund
c/o Nottingham Shareholder Services
116 South Franklin Street
Post Office Box 4365
Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27804
 
 
 
 
18

 
 
Regular mail redemption requests should include the following:
 
(1)
Your letter of instruction specifying the share class, account number, and number of shares (or the dollar amount) to be redeemed.  This request must be signed by all registered shareholders in the exact names in which they are registered;
(2)
Any required signature guarantees (see “Signature Guarantees” below); and
(3)
Other supporting legal documents, if required in the case of estates, trusts, guardianships, custodianships, corporations, partnerships, pension or profit sharing plans, and other entities.
 
Your redemption proceeds normally will be sent to you within 7 days after receipt of your redemption request.  The Funds may delay forwarding a redemption check for recently purchased shares while the Funds determine whether the purchase payment will be honored.  Such delay (which may take up to 15 days from the date of purchase) may be reduced or avoided if the purchase is made by certified check or wire transfer.  In all cases, the NAV next determined after receipt of the request for redemption will be used in processing the redemption request.
 
Telephone and Bank Wire Redemptions.   Unless you decline the telephone transaction privileges on your account application, you may redeem shares of the Funds by telephone.  You may also redeem shares by bank wire under certain limited conditions.  The Funds will redeem shares in this manner when so requested by the shareholder only if the shareholder confirms redemption instructions in writing.
 
The Funds may rely upon confirmation of redemption requests transmitted via facsimile (FAX# 252-972-1908).  The confirmation instructions must include the following:
 
(1)
Name of Fund and share class;
(2)
Shareholder name and account number;
(3)
Number of shares or dollar amount to be redeemed;
(4)
Instructions for transmittal of redemption proceeds to the shareholder; and
(5)
Shareholder signature as it appears on the application on file with the Funds.
 
Redemption proceeds will not be distributed until written confirmation of the redemption request is received, per the instructions above.  You can choose to have redemption proceeds mailed to you at your address of record, your financial institution, or to any other authorized person, or you can have the proceeds sent by wire transfer to your financial institution ($5,000 minimum).  Redemption proceeds cannot be wired on days in which your financial institution is not open for business.  You can change your redemption instructions anytime you wish by filing a letter with your new redemption instructions with the Funds.  See “Signature Guarantees” below.
 
 
 
 
19

 
 
The Funds, in their discretion, may choose to pass through to redeeming shareholders any charges imposed by the Funds’ custodian for wire redemptions.  If this cost is passed through to redeeming shareholders by the Funds, the charge will be deducted automatically from your account by redemption of shares in your account.  Your bank or brokerage firm may also impose a charge for processing the wire.  If wire transfer of funds is impossible or impractical, the redemption proceeds will be sent by regular mail to the designated account.
 
You may redeem shares, subject to the procedures outlined above, by calling the Funds at 1-800-773-3863.  Redemption proceeds will only be sent to the financial institution account or person named in your Fund Shares Application currently on file with the Funds.  Telephone redemption privileges authorize the Funds to act on telephone instructions from any person representing him or herself to be the investor and reasonably believed by the Funds to be genuine.  The Funds will employ reasonable procedures, such as requiring a form of personal identification, to confirm that instructions are genuine.  The Funds will not be liable for any losses due to fraudulent or unauthorized instructions.  The Funds will also not be liable for following telephone instructions reasonably believed to be genuine.
 
Systematic Withdrawal Plan.   A shareholder who owns Fund shares of a particular class valued at $25,000 or more at the current offering price may establish a systematic withdrawal plan (“Systematic Withdrawal Plan”) to receive a monthly or quarterly check in a stated amount (not less than $100).  Each month or quarter, as specified, the Fund will automatically redeem sufficient shares from your account to meet the specified withdrawal amount.  The shareholder may establish this service whether dividends and distributions are reinvested in shares of the Fund or paid in cash.  Call or write the Funds for an application form.
 
Minimum Account Size.   The Trustees reserve the right to redeem involuntarily any account having a NAV of less than $10,000 (due to redemptions, exchanges, or transfers, and not due to market action) upon 30-days’ prior written notice.  If the shareholder brings his account NAV up to at least $10,000 during the notice period, the account will not be redeemed.  Redemptions from retirement accounts may be subject to federal income tax.  Shareholders may also be charged a fee by their broker or agent if shares are redeemed or transferred through their broker or agent.
 
Redemptions in Kind.   The Funds do not intend, under normal circumstances, to redeem its shares by payment in kind.  It is possible, however, that conditions may arise in the future which would, in the opinion of the Trustees, make it undesirable for the Fund to pay for all redemptions in cash.  In such cases, the Trustees may authorize payment to be made in readily marketable portfolio securities of the Fund.  Securities delivered in payment of redemptions
 
 
 
 
20

 
 
would be valued at the same value assigned to them in computing the Fund’s NAV per share.  Shareholders receiving them bear the market risks associated with the securities until they have been converted into cash and may incur brokerage costs when these securities are sold.  An irrevocable election has been filed under Rule 18f-1 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, wherein the Funds must pay redemptions in cash, rather than in kind, to any shareholder of record of the Fund who redeems during any 90-day period, the lesser of (i) $250,000 or (ii) 1% of the Fund’s NAV at the beginning of such period.  Redemption requests in excess of this limit may be satisfied in cash or in kind at the Funds’ election.
 
Signature Guarantees.   To protect your account and the Funds from fraud, signature guarantees may be required to be sure that you are the person who has authorized a change in registration or standing instructions for your account.  Signature guarantees are generally required for (i) change of registration requests; (ii) requests to establish or to change exchange privileges or telephone and bank wire redemption service other than through your initial account application; (iii) transactions where proceeds from redemptions, dividends, or distributions are sent to a financial institution; and (iv) redemption requests in excess of $50,000.  Signature guarantees are acceptable from a member bank of the Federal Reserve System, a savings and loan institution, credit union (if authorized under state law), registered broker-dealer, securities exchange, or association clearing agency and must appear on the written request for change of registration, establishment or change in exchange privileges, or redemption request.
 
Miscellaneous.   The Funds reserve the right to delay the distribution of redemption proceeds involving recently purchased shares until the check for the recently purchased shares has cleared.  The Funds may also suspend redemptions, if permitted by the Investment Company Act of 1940, for any period during which the New York Stock Exchange is closed, trading is restricted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the Securities and Exchange Commission declares that an emergency exists.  Redemptions may be suspended during other periods permitted by the Securities and Exchange Commission for the protection of the Fund’s shareholders.  During drastic economic and market changes, telephone redemption privileges may be difficult to implement.
 
 
FREQUENT PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS
 
Frequent purchases and redemptions (“Frequent Trading”) of shares of the Funds may present a number of risks to other shareholders of the Funds.  These risks may include, among other things, dilution in the value of shares of the Funds held by long-term shareholders, interference with the efficient management by the Advisor of the Funds’ portfolio holdings, and increased brokerage and administration costs.  Due to the potential of a thin market for the Funds; portfolio securities, as well as overall adverse market, economic, political, or other conditions that may affect the sale price of portfolio securities, the Funds could face untimely losses as a result of having to sell portfolio securities prematurely to meet redemptions.  Frequent Trading may also increase portfolio turnover which may result in increased capital gains taxes for shareholders of the Funds.
 
 
 
 
21

 
 
The Trustees have adopted a policy with respect to Frequent Trading that is intended to discourage such activity by shareholders of the Funds.  The Funds do not accommodate Frequent Trading.  Under the adopted policy, the Funds’ transfer agent provides a daily record of shareholder trades to the Advisor.  The Funds’ transfer agent also monitors and tests shareholder purchase and redemption orders for possible incidents of Frequent Trading.  The Advisor has the discretion to limit investments from an investor that the Advisor believes has a pattern of Frequent Trading that the Advisor considers not to be in the best interests of the other shareholders in the respective Fund by the Fund’s refusal of further purchase and/or exchange orders from such investor.  The Funds’ policy regarding Frequent Trading is to limit investments from investor accounts that purchase and redeem shares over a period of less than ten days having a redemption amount within ten percent of the purchase amount and greater than $10,000 on two or more occasions during a 60 calendar day period.  In the event such a purchase and redemption pattern occurs, an investor account and any other account with the same taxpayer identification number will be precluded from investing in the respective Fund (including investments that are part of an exchange transaction) for at least 30 calendar days after the redemption transaction.
 
The Advisor intends to apply this policy uniformly, except that the Funds may not be able to identify or determine that a specific purchase and/or redemption is part of a pattern of Frequent Trading or that a specific investor is engaged in Frequent Trading, particularly with respect to transactions made through accounts such as omnibus accounts or accounts opened through third-party financial intermediaries such as broker-dealers and banks (“Intermediary Accounts”).  Therefore, this policy is not applied to omnibus accounts or Intermediary Accounts.  Omnibus account arrangements permit multiple investors to aggregate their respective share ownership positions and to purchase, redeem, and exchange Fund shares without the identity of the particular shareholders being immediately known to the Funds.  Like omnibus accounts, Intermediary Accounts normally permit investors to purchase, redeem, and exchange Fund shares without the identity of the underlying shareholder being immediately known to the Funds.  Accordingly, the ability of the Funds to monitor and detect Frequent Trading through omnibus accounts and Intermediary Accounts is limited, and there is no guarantee that the Funds can identify shareholders who might be engaging in Frequent Trading through such accounts or curtail such trading.  In addition, the policy will not apply if the Advisor determines that a purchase and redemption pattern does not constitute Frequent Trading activity, such as inadvertent errors that result in frequent purchases and redemptions.  Inadvertent errors shall include
 
 
 
 
22

 
 
purchases and/or redemptions made unintentionally or by mistake (e.g., where an investor unintentionally or mistakenly invests in the Funds and redeems immediately after recognizing the error).  The investor shall have the burden of proving to the sole satisfaction of the Advisor that a frequent purchase and redemption pattern was a result of an inadvertent error.  In such a case, the Advisor may choose to allow further purchase and/or exchange orders from such investor account.
 
 
 
23

 
 
OTHER IMPORTANT INVESTMENT INFORMATION
 
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS, AND TAXES
 
The following information is meant as a general summary for U.S. taxpayers.  Additional tax information appears in the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information.  Shareholders should rely on their own tax advisors for advice about the particular federal, state, and local tax consequences to them of investing in the Fund.
 
The Fund will distribute most of their income and realized gains to shareholders every year.  Income dividends paid by the Fund derived from net investment income, if any, will generally be paid monthly or quarterly and capital gains distributions, if any, will be made at least annually.  Shareholders may elect to take dividends from net investment income or capital gains distributions, if any, in cash or reinvest them in additional Fund shares.  Although the Fund will not be taxed on amounts they distribute, shareholders will generally be taxed on distributions paid by the Fund, regardless of whether distributions are received in cash or are reinvested in additional Fund shares.  Distributions may be subject to state and local taxes, as well as federal taxes.
 
In general, a shareholder who sells or redeems shares will realize a capital gain or loss, which will be long-term or short-term, depending upon the shareholder’s holding period for the Fund shares.  An exchange of shares may be treated as a sale and any gain may be subject to tax.
 
As with all mutual funds, the Fund may be required to withhold U.S. federal income tax at the fourth lowest rate for taxpayers filing as unmarried individuals (presently 28%) for all taxable distributions payable to shareholders who fail to provide the Fund with their correct taxpayer identification numbers or to make required certifications, or who have been notified by the Internal Revenue Service that they are subject to backup withholding.  Backup withholding is not an additional tax; rather, it is a way in which the Internal Revenue Service ensures it will collect taxes otherwise due.  Any amounts withheld may be credited against a shareholder’s U.S. federal income tax liability.
 
Shareholders should consult with their own tax advisors to ensure that distributions and sale of Fund shares are treated appropriately on their income tax returns.
 
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 
Because the Fund is newly organized, there is no financial or performance information for the Fund in this prospectus.  You may request a copy of the Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports, once available, at no charge by calling the Fund at 1-800-773-3863.
 
 
 
 
 
24

 


 
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 

 
QCI Balanced Fund
 

More information about the Fund can be found in the Statement of Additional Information, which is incorporated by reference into this prospectus.  More information about the Fund’s investments will be available in the annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders.  The annual reports will include discussions of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Fund’s performance during its last fiscal year.
 
The Fund’s Statement of Additional Information and the annual and semi-annual reports will be available, free of charge, on the website listed below and upon request by contacting the Fund (you may also request other information about the Fund or make shareholder inquiries) as follows:
 
 
By telephone:
1-800-773-3863
 
 
By mail:
QCI Balanced Fund
c/o Nottingham Shareholder Services
116 South Franklin Street
Post Office Box 4365
Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27804
 
 
By e-mail:
shareholders@ncfunds.com
 
 
On the Internet:
www.ncfunds.com
 
Information about the Fund (including the Statement of Additional Information) can also be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C.  Inquiries on the operations of the public reference room may be made by calling the SEC at 1-202-551-8090.  Reports and other information about the Fund are available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov, and copies of this information may be obtained, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by writing the SEC’s Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549-1520.
 
Investment Company Act file number 811-22298
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
PART B

FORM N-1A
 
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
 

 
QCI Balanced Fund
Institutional Class Shares ____X
Retail Class Shares ____X
 
January __, 2014
 

 
A series of the
Starboard Investment Trust
116 South Franklin Street
Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27804
Telephone 1-800-773-3863
 

 

 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
 
Page
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT INVESTMENT POLICIES
2
INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS
12
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
14
DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST
15
MANAGEMENT AND OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS
16
ADDITIONAL PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION
27
SPECIAL SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
29
NET ASSET VALUE
29
ADDITIONAL TAX INFORMATION
30
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
32
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
33
APPENDIX A – DESCRIPTION OF RATINGS
34
APPENDIX B – PROXY VOTING POLICIES
38

 
This Statement of Additional Information is meant to be read in conjunction with the prospectus for the QCI Balanced Fund, dated the same date as this Statement of Additional Information, and is incorporated by reference in its entirety into the prospectus.  Because this Statement of Additional Information is not itself a prospectus, no investment in shares of the Fund should be made solely upon the information contained herein.  Copies of the Fund’s prospectus, annual report, and/or semi-annual report may be obtained at no charge by writing or calling the Fund at the address or phone number shown above.  Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the same meanings as in the Fund’s prospectus.
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT INVESTMENT POLICIES
 
Starboard Investment Trust (“Trust”) was organized on May 13, 2009 as a Delaware statutory trust and is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an open-end management investment company.  The QCI Balanced Fund (the “Fund”) is a separate, diversified series of the Trust.  The Fund’s investment advisor is QCI Asset Management, Inc. (the “Advisor”).  The Prospectus describes the Fund’s investment objective and principal investment strategy, as well as the principal investment risks of the Fund.  The following descriptions and policies supplement these descriptions, and also include descriptions of certain types of investments that may be made by the Fund but are not principal investment strategies of the Fund.  Attached to the Statement of Additional Information is Appendix A, which contains descriptions of the rating symbols used by nationally recognized statistical rating organizations for securities in which the Fund may invest.  Appendix B contains copies of the Trust’s Proxy Voting and Disclosure Policy and the Advisor’s Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures.
 
General Investment Risks.   All investments in securities and other financial instruments involve a risk of financial loss.  No assurance can be given that the Fund’s investment program will be successful.  Investors should carefully review the descriptions of the Fund’s investments and their risks described in the Fund’s prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information.
 
Additional Information Regarding the Fund’s Principal Strategies and Risks
 
Investment Companies.   The Fund will invest in securities of other investment companies, principally unaffiliated open-end mutual funds.  The Fund’s investments in such securities involve certain additional expenses and certain tax results, which would not be present in a direct investment in the underlying fund. Due to legal limitations, the Fund will be prevented from: (i) purchasing more than 3% of an investment company’s outstanding shares; (ii) investing more than 5% of the Fund’s assets in any single such investment company, and (iii) investing more than 10% of the Fund’s assets in investment companies overall;  unless: (a) the underlying investment company and/or the applicable Fund has received an order for exemptive relief from such limitations from the Securities and Exchange Commission; and (b) the underlying investment company and the Fund take appropriate steps to comply with any conditions in such order.  In the alternative, the Fund may rely on Section 12(d)(1)(F) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, which allows unaffiliated mutual funds to exceed the 5% limitation and the 10% limitation, provided that the offering price of the Fund does not include a sales load greater than 1.5%.  The foregoing notwithstanding, the Fund, in reliance on Rule 12d1-3 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, may impose a sales charge in excess of 1.5% where the aggregate sales loads any investor pays (i.e., the combined distribution expenses of both the acquiring fund and the acquired fund) does not exceed the limits on sales loads established by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority pursuant to NASD Rule 2830(d)(3).  Also, in the event that there is a proxy vote with respect to shares of another investment company purchased and held by the Fund under Section 12(d)(1)(F), then the Fund will either (i) vote such shares in the same proportion as the vote of all other holders of such securities; or (ii) contact its shareholders for instructions regarding how to vote the proxy.  Investments by the Fund in other investment companies entail a number of risks unique to a fund of funds structure.  These risks include the following:
 
Multiple Layers of Fees.   By investing in other investment companies indirectly through the Fund, prospective investors will directly bear the fees and expenses of the Fund’s Advisor and indirectly bear the fees and expenses of other investment companies and other investment companies’ managers as well.  As such, this multiple or duplicative layer of fees will increase the cost of investments in the Fund.
 
Lack of Transparency.   The Advisor will not be able to monitor the investment activities of the other investment companies on a continuous basis and the other investment companies may use investment strategies that differ from its past practices and are not fully disclosed to the Advisor and that involve risks that are not anticipated by the Advisor.  The Fund has no control over the risks taken by the underlying investment companies in which they invest.
 
Valuation of Investment Companies.   Although the Advisor will attempt to review the valuation procedures used by other investment companies’ managers, the Advisor will have little or no means of independently verifying valuations of the Fund’s investments in investment companies and valuations of the underlying securities held by other investment companies.  As such, the Advisor will rely significantly on valuations of other investment
 
 
 
2

 
 
companies and the securities underlying other investment companies that are reported by other investment companies’ managers.  In the event that such valuations prove to be inaccurate, the NAV of the Fund could be adversely impacted and an investor could incur a loss of investment in the Fund.
 
Illiquidity of Investments By and In Other Investment Companies.   Other investment companies may invest in securities that are not registered, are subject to legal or other restrictions on transfer, or for which no liquid market exists.  The market prices, if any, for such securities tend to be volatile and restricted securities may sell at prices that are lower than similar securities that are not subject to legal restrictions on resale.  Further, the Fund may not be able to redeem their interests in other investment companies’ securities that it has purchased in a timely manner.  If adverse market conditions were to develop during any period in which the Fund is unable to redeem interests in other investment companies, the Fund may suffer losses as a result of this illiquidity.  As such, the lack of liquidity and volatility of restricted securities held by other investment companies could adversely affect the value of the other investment companies.  Any such losses could adversely affect the value of the Fund’s investments and an investor could incur a loss of investment in the Fund.
 
Lack of Control.   Although the Fund and the Advisor will evaluate regularly other investment companies to determine whether their investment programs are consistent with the Fund’s investment objective, the Advisor will not have any control over the investments made by other investment companies.  Even though other investment companies are subject to certain constraints, the investment advisor to each such investment company may change aspects of their investment strategies at any time.  The Advisor will not have the ability to control or influence the composition of the investment portfolio of other investment companies.
 
Lack of Diversification.   There is no requirement that the underlying investments held by other investment companies be diversified.  As such, other investment companies’ managers may target or concentrate other investment companies’ investments in specific markets, sectors, or types of securities.  As a result, investments made by other investment companies are subject to greater volatility as a result of this concentration than if the other investment companies had non-concentrated and diversified portfolios of investments.  Thus, the Fund’s portfolios (and by extension the value of an investment in the Fund) may therefore be subject to greater risk than the portfolio of a similar fund with investments in diversified investment companies.
 
Use of Leverage.   The other investment companies may utilize leverage (i.e., borrowing) to acquire their underlying portfolio investments.  When other investment companies borrow money or otherwise leverage their portfolio of investments, doing so may exaggerate changes in the net asset value of the shares of the other investment companies and in the return on the other investment companies’ investments.  Borrowing will also cost other investment companies interest expense and other fees.  As such, the value of the Fund’s investments in other investment companies may be more volatile and all other risks (including the risk of loss of an investment in other investment companies) tend to be compounded or magnified.  As a result, any losses suffered by other investment companies as a result of their use of leverage could adversely affect the value of the Fund’s investments and an investor could incur a loss of investment in the Fund.
 
Equity Securities.   While the Fund will not invest directly in equity securities as a principal investment strategy, the Fund will invest in equity securities indirectly through the Fund’s investment in shares of other investment companies.  The equity portion of the Fund’s portfolio may be comprised of common stocks traded on domestic securities exchanges or on the over-the-counter market.  In addition to common stocks, the equity portion of the Fund’s portfolio may also include preferred stocks, convertible preferred stocks, and convertible bonds.  Prices of equity securities in which the Fund invests may fluctuate in response to many factors, including the activities of the individual companies issuing the equity securities, general market and economic conditions, interest rates, and specific industry changes.  Such price fluctuations subject the Fund to potential losses.  In addition, regardless of any one company’s particular prospects, a declining stock market may produce a decline in prices for all equity securities, which could also result in losses for the Fund.  Market declines may continue for an indefinite period of time, and investors should understand that during temporary or extended bear markets, the value of equity securities will decline.
 
Fixed-Income Securities.   While the Fund will not invest directly in fixed-income securities as a principal investment strategy, the Fund will invest in such securities indirectly through investments in shares of other investment companies, including government and corporate bonds, money market instruments, junk bonds, and zero-coupon bonds.  Zero-coupon bonds are purchased at a discount from their face values and accrue interest at the applicable
 
 
 
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coupon rate over a period of time.  Fixed-income securities purchased by the other investment companies in which the Fund invest may consist of obligations of any rating.  Fixed-income securities in the lowest investment grade categories have speculative characteristics, with changes in the economy or other circumstances more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the bonds to make principal and interest payments than would occur with bonds rated in higher categories.  High yield bonds are typically rated below “Baa” by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.  (“Moody’s”) or below “BBB” by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group (“S&P”) or below investment grade by other recognized rating agencies.  The Fund may invest indirectly in unrated securities through other investment companies that invest in unrated securities.  Such bonds are subject to greater market fluctuations and risk of loss of income and principal than higher rated bonds for a variety of reasons, including:
 
Sensitivity to Interest Rate and Economic Change.   The economy and interest rates affect high yield securities differently than other securities.  The prices of high yield bonds have been found to be less sensitive to interest rate changes than higher-rated investments, but more sensitive to adverse economic changes or individual corporate developments.  Also, during an economic downturn or substantial period of rising interest rates, highly leveraged issuers may experience financial stress which would adversely affect their ability to service their principal and interest obligations, to meet projected business goals, and to obtain additional financing.  If the issuer of a bond defaults, an underlying mutual fund may incur additional expenses to seek recovery.  In addition, periods of economic uncertainty and changes can be expected to result in increased volatility of market prices of high yield bonds and the Fund’s asset value.
 
Payment Expectations.   High yield bonds present certain risks based on payment expectations.  For example, high yield bonds may contain redemption and call provisions.  If an issuer exercises these provisions in a declining interest rate market, an investment company in which the Fund invests would have to replace the security with a lower yielding security, resulting in a decreased return for investors.  Conversely, a high yield bond’s value will decrease in a rising interest rate market, as will the value of the other investment companies’ assets.  If an investment company in which the Fund invests experiences unexpected net redemptions, it may be forced to sell its high yield bonds without regard to their investment merits, thereby decreasing the asset base upon which the other investment companies’ expenses can be spread and possibly reducing the other investment companies’ rate of return.
 
Liquidity and Valuation.   To the extent that there is no established retail secondary market, there may be thin trading of high yield bonds, and this may impact the ability of the investment companies in which the Fund invests to accurately value high yield bonds and may hinder their ability to dispose of the bonds.  Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may decrease the values and liquidity of high yield bonds, especially in a thinly traded market.
 
Credit Ratings.   Credit ratings evaluate the safety of principal and interest payments, not the market value risk of high yield bonds.  Also, because credit rating agencies may fail to timely change the credit ratings to reflect subsequent events, an investment company in which the Fund invests must monitor the issuers of high yield bonds in their portfolios to determine if the issuers will have sufficient cash flow and profits to meet required principal and interest payments, and to assure the bonds’ liquidity so an investment company in which the Fund invests can meet redemption requests.
 
High-yield securities are deemed speculative with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal over a long period of time.  Special tax considerations are associated with investing in high-yield securities structured as zero coupon or “pay-in-kind” securities.  The investment companies in which the Fund invests will report the interest on these securities as income even though it receives no cash interest until the security’s maturity or payment date.  The payment of principal and interest on most fixed-income securities purchased by an investment company in which the Fund invests will depend upon the ability of the issuers to meet their obligations.  An issuer’s obligations under its fixed-income securities are subject to the provisions of bankruptcy, insolvency and other laws affecting the rights and remedies of creditors, including the Federal Bankruptcy Code, and laws, if any, which may be enacted by federal or state legislatures extending the time for payment of principal or interest, or both, or imposing other constraints upon enforcement of such obligations.  The power or ability of an issuer to meet its obligations for the payment of interest on, and principal of, its fixed-income securities may be materially adversely affected by litigation or other conditions.
 
 
 
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The ratings of S&P, Moody’s and other nationally recognized rating agencies represent their opinions as to the quality of fixed-income securities.  It should be emphasized, however, that ratings are general and are not absolute standards of quality, and fixed-income securities with the same maturity, interest rate, and rating may have different yields while fixed-income securities of the same maturity and interest rate with different ratings may have the same yield.  For a more detailed description of ratings, please see Appendix A.
 
Money Market Instruments.   While the Fund will not invest directly in money market instruments as a principal investment strategy, the Fund will invest in such securities indirectly through investments in shares of other investment companies, including U.S. Government obligations or corporate debt obligations (including those subject to repurchase agreements) provided that they are eligible for purchase by such investment companies.  Money market instruments also may include Banker’s Acceptances and Certificates of Deposit of domestic branches of U.S. banks, Commercial Paper, and Variable Amount Demand Master Notes (“Master Notes”).  Banker’s Acceptances are time drafts drawn on and “accepted” by a bank.  When a bank “accepts” such a time draft, it assumes liability for its payment.  When an investment company acquires a Banker’s Acceptance, the bank that “accepted” the time draft is liable for payment of interest and principal when due.  The Banker’s Acceptance carries the full faith and credit of such bank.  A Certificate of Deposit (“CD”) is an unsecured, interest bearing debt obligation of a bank.  Commercial Paper is an unsecured, short-term debt obligation of a bank, corporation, or other borrower.  Commercial Paper maturity generally ranges from two to 270 days and is usually sold on a discounted basis rather than as an interest-bearing instrument.  Master Notes are unsecured obligations which are redeemable upon demand of the holder and which permit the investment of fluctuating amounts at varying rates of interest.
 
U.S. Government Securities and U.S. Government Agency Securities.   While the Fund will not invest directly in U.S. Government Securities and U.S. Government Agency Securities as a principal investment strategy, the Fund will invest in such securities indirectly through investments in shares of other investment companies, U.S. Government securities and U.S. Government Agency Securities include (i) U.S. Treasury notes, U.S. Treasury bonds, U.S. Treasury bills, and other U.S. Government obligations; (ii) obligations of the Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA) and other U.S. Government sponsored entities that are guaranteed by the U.S. Government; and (iii) obligations of the Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC), Federal Housing Administration (FHA), Federal Farm Credit Bank (FFCB), Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB), Student Loan Marketing Association (SLMA), The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and other U.S. Government authorities, agencies, and instrumentalities.  While obligations of some U.S. Government agencies and sponsored entities are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government (e.g. GNMA), others are not.  No assurance can be given that the U.S. Government will provide financial support to U.S. Government agencies or instrumentalities in the future since it is not obligated to do so by law.  The guarantee of the U.S. Government does not extend to the yield or value of the Fund’s shares.
 
Foreign Investment Risk.   While the Fund will not invest directly in foreign securities as a principal investment strategy, the Fund will invest in such securities indirectly through investments in shares of other investment companies.  Foreign securities and foreign currency contracts involve investment risks different from those associated with domestic securities.  Changes in foreign economies and political climates are more likely to affect the Fund than a mutual fund that invests exclusively in domestic securities.  The value of foreign currency denominated securities or foreign currency contracts is affected by the value of the local currency relative to the U.S. dollar.  There may be less government supervision of foreign markets, resulting in non-uniform accounting practices and less publicly available information about issuers of foreign currency denominated securities.  The value of foreign investments may be affected by changes in exchange control regulations, application of foreign tax laws (including withholding tax), changes in governmental administration or economic or monetary policy (in this country or abroad), or changed circumstances in dealings between nations.  In addition, foreign brokerage commissions, custody fees, and other costs of investing in foreign securities are generally higher than in the United States.  Investments in foreign issues could be affected by other factors not present in the United States, including expropriation, armed conflict, confiscatory taxation, and potential difficulties in enforcing contractual obligations.
 
Derivative Instruments.   While the Fund will not invest directly in derivative instruments as a principal investment strategy, the Fund will invest in such securities indirectly through investments in shares of other investment companies. Investments in options, futures, and other forms of financial derivatives, including foreign exchange contracts, involve risks different from direct investments in the underlying securities.  While transactions in derivatives
 
 
 
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may reduce certain risks, these transactions themselves entail certain other risks.  Unanticipated changes in interest rates, securities prices, or currency exchange rates may result in a poorer overall performance of the Fund than if it had not been exposed to derivatives transactions.  Derivatives may magnify the Fund’s gains or losses, causing it to make or lose substantially more than it invested.  The Portfolio Funds may invest in derivative instruments to the extent permissible under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and other applicable securities laws.  To the extent that the Fund invests directly in options and futures, the Fund will comply with the applicable requirements of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the guidance of no-action letters issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission, including SEC Release 10666 that require the Fund to segregate assets or otherwise “cover” its positions in a manner that limits the Fund’s risk of loss.
 
When used for hedging purposes, increases in the value of the securities held or intended to be acquired should offset any losses incurred with a derivative.  Use of derivatives for purposes other than hedging could expose the Fund to greater risks.
 
The ability to hedge securities through derivatives depends on the degree to which price movements in the underlying index or instrument correlate with price movements in the relevant securities.  In the case of poor correlation, the price of the securities being hedged may not move in the same amount, or even in the same direction as the hedging instrument.  This risk can be minimized by investing only in those contracts whose behavior is expected to resemble the portfolio securities being hedged.  However, if a prediction of interest and currency rates, market value, volatility, or other economic factors is incorrect, the use of derivative instruments may result in a loss.
 
Derivative prices can diverge from the prices of their underlying instruments, even if the characteristics of the underlying instruments are very similar to the derivative.  Listed below are some of the factors that may cause such a divergence:
 
·  
current and anticipated short-term interest rates, changes in volatility of the underlying instrument, and the time remaining until expiration of the contract;
·  
a difference between the derivatives and securities markets, including different levels of demand, how the instruments are traded, the imposition of daily price fluctuation limits or trading of an instrument stops; and
·  
differences between the derivatives, including different margin requirements, different liquidity of such markets, and the participation of speculators in such markets.
 
Derivatives based upon a narrow index of securities may present greater risk than derivatives based on a broad index. Since narrower indices are made up of a smaller number of securities, they are more susceptible to rapid and extreme price fluctuations because of changes in the value of those securities.
 
Derivatives may become illiquid (i.e., difficult to sell at a desired time and price) under a variety of market conditions:
 
·  
an exchange may suspend or limit trading in a particular derivative instrument, an entire category of derivatives, or all derivatives, which sometimes occurs because of increased market volatility;
·  
unusual or unforeseen circumstances may interrupt normal operations of an exchange;
·  
the facilities of the exchange may not be adequate to handle current trading volume;
·  
equipment failures, government intervention, insolvency of a brokerage firm or clearing house, or other occurrences may disrupt normal trading activity; or
·  
investors may lose interest in a particular derivative or category of derivatives.
 
The prices of derivatives are volatile (i.e., they may change rapidly, substantially, and unpredictably) and are influenced by a variety of factors, including:
 
·  
actual and anticipated changes in interest rates;
·  
fiscal and monetary policies; and
·  
national and international political events.
 
Most exchanges limit the amount by which the price of a derivative can change during a single trading day.  Daily trading limits establish the maximum amount that the price of a derivative may vary from the settlement price of that
 
 
 
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derivative at the end of trading on the previous day.  Once the price of a derivative reaches this value, the derivative may not trade at a price beyond that limit.  The daily limit governs only price movements during a given day and does not limit potential gains or losses.  Derivative prices have occasionally moved to the daily limit for several consecutive trading days, preventing prompt liquidation of the derivative.
 
Options.   While the Fund will not purchase and write put and call options as a principal investment strategy, the other investment companies in which the Fund invests may purchase and write put and call options on securities.  The purchase and writing of options involves certain risks.  During the option period, a call writer that holds the underlying security has, in return for the premium on the option, given up the opportunity to profit from a price increase in the underlying securities above the exercise price, but, as long as its obligation as a writer continues, has retained the risk of loss should the price of the underlying security decline.  The writer of an option has no control over the time when it may be required to fulfill its obligation as a writer of the option.  Once an option writer has received an exercise notice, it cannot effect a closing purchase transaction in order to terminate its obligation under the option and must deliver the underlying securities at the exercise price.  If a put or call option is not sold when it has remaining value, and if the market price of the underlying security, in the case of a put, remains equal to or greater than the exercise price or, in the case of a call, remains less than or equal to the exercise price, the entire investment in the option will be lost.  Also, where a put or call option on a particular security is purchased to hedge against price movements in a related security, the price of the put or call option may move more or less than the price of the related security.  There can be no assurance that a liquid market will exist when an option position is closed out.  Furthermore, if trading restrictions or suspensions are imposed on the options market, it may not be possible to close out a position.
 
To the extent that the Fund does write a call or put option, it may do so only if the option is “covered” by holding a position in the underlying securities or by other means which would permit immediate satisfaction of the Fund’s obligation as writer of the option.  A written call option creates a potential obligation to sell the underlying security.  In order to make sure that this obligation can be met, the Fund could (i) hold the security underlying the written option; (ii) hold an offsetting call option (one with a strike price that is the same or lower than the strike price of the written option); or (iii) segregate cash and liquid securities (which can be cash, U.S. Government securities, and other liquid debt or equity securities) that when added to collateral on deposit equals the market value of the underlying security.  A written put option creates a potential obligation to buy the underlying security.  In order to make sure that this obligation can be met, the Fund could (i) hold an offsetting put option (one with a strike price that is the same or higher than the strike price of the written option); or (ii) segregate cash and liquid securities that when added to collateral on deposit equals the strike price of the option.
 
Futures Contracts.   While the Fund will not invest in futures contracts as a principal investment strategy, the other investment companies in which the Fund invests may invest in futures contracts.  A futures contract is a bilateral agreement   to buy or sell a security (or deliver a cash settlement price, in the case of a contract relating to an index or otherwise not calling for physical delivery at the end of trading in the contracts) for a set price in the future.  Futures contracts are designated by boards of trade which have been designated “contracts markets” by the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).  No purchase price is paid or received when the contract is entered into.  Instead, the investment companies in which the Fund invests, upon entering into a futures contract (and to maintain the open positions in futures contracts), would be required to deposit with its custodian in a segregated account in the name of the futures broker an amount of cash, U.S. government securities, suitable money market instruments, or liquid, high-grade debt securities, known as “initial margin.”  The margin required for a particular futures contract is set by the exchange on which the contract is traded, and may be significantly modified from time to time by the exchange during the term of the contract.  Futures contracts are customarily purchased and sold on margin that may range upward from less than 5% of the value of the contract being traded.  By using futures contracts as a risk management technique, given the greater liquidity in the futures market than in the cash market, it may be possible to accomplish certain results more quickly and with lower transaction costs.
 
If the price of an open futures contract changes (by increase in the case of a sale or by decrease in the case of a purchase) so that the loss on the futures contract reaches a point at which the margin on deposit does not satisfy margin requirements, the broker will require an increase in the margin.  However, if the value of a position increases because of favorable price changes in the futures contract so that the margin deposit exceeds the required margin, the broker will pay the excess to the investment companies in which the Fund invests.  These subsequent payments, called “variation margin,” to and from the futures broker, are made on a daily basis as the price of the underlying
 
 
 
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assets fluctuates, making the long and short positions in the futures contract more or less valuable, a process known as “marking to the market.”  Investments in futures contracts are expected to earn interest income on initial and variation margin deposits.
 
The investment companies in which the Fund invests will incur brokerage fees when they purchase and sell futures contracts.  Positions taken in the futures markets are not normally held until delivery or cash settlement is required, but are instead liquidated through offsetting transactions that may result in a gain or a loss.  While futures positions taken by the investment companies in which the Fund invests will usually be liquidated in this manner, the investment companies in which the Fund invests may instead make or take delivery of underlying securities whenever it appears economically advantageous to do so.  A clearing organization associated with the exchange on which futures are traded assumes responsibility for closing out transactions and guarantees that as between the clearing members of an exchange, the sale and purchase obligations will be performed with regard to all positions that remain open at the termination of the contract.
 
In addition to the margin restrictions discussed above, transactions in futures contracts may involve the segregation of funds pursuant to requirements imposed by the Securities and Exchange Commission.  To the extent that the Fund directly holds a long position in a futures contract, it may be required to establish a segregated account  (not with a futures commission merchant or broker) containing cash or certain liquid assets equal to the purchase price of the contract (less any margin on deposit).  However, segregation of assets is not required if the Fund “covers” a long position.  For a short position in futures or forward contracts held by the Fund, those requirements may mandate the establishment of a segregated account (not with a futures commission merchant or broker) with cash or certain liquid assets that, when added to the amounts deposited as margin, equal the market value of the instruments underlying the futures contracts (but are not less than the price at which the short positions were established).
 
Swaps.   While the Fund will not invest in currency, equity, interest rate, and index swaps as a principal investment strategy, the other investment companies in which the Fund invests may invest in futures contracts.  The Fund may invest in currency, equity, interest rate, index and other swaps, which involve the exchange by an investor with another party of their respective commitments, in an attempt to obtain a particular return when it is considered desirable to do so, possibly at a lower cost than if the Fund had invested directly in the asset that yielded the desired return.  In the case of interest rate swaps, an investor may exchange with another party their respective commitments to pay or receive interest, such as an exchange of fixed rate payments for floating rate payments.  Use of swaps subjects the investor to risk of default by the counterparties.  If there is a default by the counterparty to such a transaction, there may be contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction although contractual remedies may not be sufficient in the event that the counterparty to the transaction is insolvent.  The swap market has grown substantially in recent years with a large number of banks and investment banking firms acting both as principals and agents utilizing standardized swap documentation.  As a result, the swap market has become relatively liquid in comparison with the markets for other similar instruments which are traded in the interbank market.  An investor may also enter into currency swaps or other swaps which are similar to interest rate swaps but may be surrogates for other instruments such as currency forwards or options.
 
Short Sales.   While the Fund will not short securities as a principal investment strategy, the Fund will indirectly be subject to short sales risk to the extent an investment company held by the Fund shorts securities.  A short sale is a transaction in which a party sells a security it does not own or have the right to acquire (or that it owns but does not wish to deliver) in anticipation that the market price of that security will decline.  When a party makes a short sale, the broker-dealer through which the short sale is made must borrow the security sold short and deliver it to the party purchasing the security.  The party is required to make a margin deposit in connection with such short sales; the party may have to pay a fee to borrow particular securities and will often be obligated to pay over any dividends and accrued interest on borrowed securities.  If the price of the security sold short increases between the time of the short sale and the time the party covers the short position, the party will incur a loss; conversely, if the price declines, the party will realize a capital gain.  Any gain will be decreased, and any loss increased, by the transaction costs described above.
 
Temporary Defensive Positions.   The Fund may, from time to time, take temporary defensive positions that are inconsistent with the Fund’s principal investment strategies in an attempt to respond to adverse market, economic, political, or other conditions.  During such an unusual set of circumstances, the Fund may hold up to 100% of its portfolios in cash or cash equivalent positions (e.g., money market securities, U.S. Government securities, and/or similar securities).  When the Fund takes a temporary defensive position, the Fund may not be able to achieve its investment objective.
 
 
 
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Information Regarding the Fund’s Non-Principal Strategies and Risks
 
Exchange Traded Funds.   The Fund, and the other investment companies which the Fund invests, may invest in exchange traded funds (“ETFs”).  An ETF is an investment company that holds a portfolio of common stock or bonds designed to track the performance of a securities index or sector of an index.  ETFs are traded on a securities exchange based on their market value.  An investment in an ETF generally presents the same primary risks as an investment in a conventional registered investment company (i.e., one that is not exchange traded).  In addition, all ETFs will have costs and expenses that will be passed on to the Fund and these costs and expenses will in turn increase the Fund’s expenses.  ETFs are also subject to the following risks that often do not apply to conventional investment companies: (i) the market price of the ETF’s shares may trade at a discount to the ETF’s net asset value, and as a result, ETFs may experience more price volatility than other types of portfolio investments and such volatility could negatively impact the Fund’s net asset values; (ii) an active trading market for an ETF’s shares may not develop or be maintained at a sufficient volume; (iii) trading of an ETF’s shares may be halted if the listing exchange deems such action appropriate; and (iv) ETF shares may be delisted from the exchange on which they trade, or “circuit breakers” (which are tied to large decreases in stock prices used by the exchange) may temporarily halt trading in the ETF’s stock.  ETFs are also subject to the risks of the underlying securities or sectors that the ETF is designed to track.  Finally, there may be legal limitations and other conditions imposed by rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission on the amount of the ETF shares that the Fund may acquire.
 
Repurchase Agreements.   A repurchase transaction occurs when an investor purchases a security (normally a U.S. Treasury obligation), and it then resells it to the vendor (normally a member bank of the Federal Reserve or a registered government securities dealer) and is required to deliver the security (and/or securities substituted for them under the repurchase agreement) to the vendor on an agreed upon date in the future.  The repurchase price exceeds the purchase price by an amount which reflects an agreed upon market interest rate effective for the period of time during which the repurchase agreement is in effect.  Delivery pursuant to the resale normally will occur within one to seven days of the purchase.  Repurchase agreements are considered “loans” under the Investment Company Act of 1940, collateralized by the underlying security.  The Trust has implemented procedures to monitor on a continuous basis the value of the collateral serving as security for repurchase obligations.  The Advisor will consider the creditworthiness of the vendor.  If the vendor fails to pay the agreed upon resale price on the delivery date, the Fund will retain or attempt to dispose of the collateral.  The Fund’s risk is that such default may include any decline in value of the collateral to an amount which is less than 100% of the repurchase price, any costs of disposing of such collateral, and any loss resulting from any delay in foreclosing on the collateral.  Repurchase agreements that do not provide for payment within seven days will be treated as illiquid securities.  The Fund will not invest in reverse repurchase agreements.
 
Mortgage-Backed and Asset-Backed Securities.   The Fund, and the other investment companies which the Fund invests, may invest in mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities.  Mortgage-backed securities are mortgage related securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies and instrumentalities, or issued by nongovernment entities.  Mortgage-related securities represent ownership in pools of mortgage loans assembled for sale to investors by various government agencies such as GNMA and government-related organizations such as FNMA and FHLMC, as well as by nongovernment issuers such as commercial banks, savings and loan institutions, mortgage bankers and private mortgage insurance companies.  Although certain mortgage-related securities are guaranteed by a third party or otherwise similarly secured, the market value of the security, which may fluctuate, is not so secured.  These securities differ from conventional bonds in that the principal is paid back to the investor as payments are made on the underlying mortgages in the pool.  Accordingly, the Fund will receive scheduled payments of principal and interest along with any unscheduled principal prepayments on the underlying mortgages.  Because these scheduled and unscheduled principal payments must be reinvested at prevailing interest rates, mortgage-backed securities do not provide an effective means of locking in long-term interest rates for the investor.
 
Asset-backed securities are structured like mortgage-backed securities, but instead of mortgage loans or interests in mortgage loans, the underlying assets may include such items as motor vehicle installment sales contracts or installment loan contracts, leases of various types of real and personal property, and receivables from credit card agreements and from sales of personal property.  Regular payments received on asset-backed securities include both
 
 
 
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interest and principal.  Asset-backed securities typically have no U.S. Government backing, though they are usually guaranteed up to a certain amount and time period by a letter of credit issued by a financial institution.  If the letter of credit is exhausted and the full amounts due on the underlying loans are not received because of unanticipated costs, depreciation, damage, or loss of the collateral securing the contracts, or other factors, certificate holders may experience delays in payment or losses on asset-backed securities.  Additionally, the ability of an issuer of asset-backed securities to enforce its security interest in the underlying assets may be limited.
 
If the Fund purchases a mortgage-backed or other asset-backed security at a premium, the premium may be lost if there is a decline in the market value of the security whether resulting from changes in interest rates or prepayments in the underlying collateral.  As with other interest-bearing securities, the prices of such securities are inversely affected by changes in interest rates.  Although the value of a mortgage-backed or other asset-backed security may decline when interest rates rise, the converse is not necessarily true, since in periods of declining interest rates the mortgages and loans underlying the securities are prone to prepayment, thereby shortening the average life of the security and shortening the period of time over which income at the higher rate is received.  When the interest rates are rising, the rate of prepayment tends to decrease, thereby lengthening the period of time over which income at the lower rate is received.  For these and other reasons, a mortgage-backed or other asset-backed security’s average maturity may be shortened or lengthened as a result of interest rate fluctuations and, therefore it is not possible to predict accurately the security’s return.  In addition, while the trading market for short-term mortgages and asset-backed securities is ordinarily quite liquid, in times of financial stress the trading market for these securities may become restricted.
 
Mortgage-backed securities that are issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies, or instrumentalities, are not subject to the Fund’s industry concentration restrictions because securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities are excluded from the restriction.  Privately-issued mortgage-backed securities are, however, subject to the Fund’s industry concentration restrictions.
 
Debentures.   A debenture is long-term, unsecured, debt instrument backed only by the integrity of the borrower, not by collateral, and documented by an indenture.  Governments often issue debentures, in part because they generally cannot guarantee debt with assets (government assets are public property).  The primary risk with this type of investment is that the issuer will default or go into bankruptcy.  As an unsecured creditor, in the event of default or bankruptcy, the holder of a debenture does not have a claim against any specific assets of the issuing firm, so the investor will only be paid from the issuer’s assets after the secured creditors have been paid.  The Fund may invest in all types of debentures, including corporate and government debentures.
 
Forward Commitment and When-Issued Securities.   The Fund, and the other investment companies which the Fund invests, may purchase securities on a when-issued basis or for settlement at a future date if the Fund holds sufficient assets to meet the purchase price.  In such purchase transactions, the Fund will not accrue interest on the purchased security until the actual settlement.  Similarly, if a security is sold for a forward date, the Fund will accrue the interest until the settlement of the sale.  When-issued security purchases and forward commitments have a higher degree of risk of price movement before settlement due to the extended time period between the execution and settlement of the purchase or sale.  As a result, the exposure to the counterparty of the purchase or sale is increased.  Although the Fund would generally purchase securities on a forward commitment or when-issued basis with the intention of taking delivery, the Fund may sell such a security prior to the settlement date if the Advisor feels such action is appropriate.  In such a case, the Fund could incur a short-term gain or loss.
 
Liquidity Impact of Margin and Segregation Requirements.   Although the Fund will segregate cash and liquid assets in an amount sufficient to cover its open obligations with respect to written options, futures contracts, swaps, and short sales, the segregated assets will be available to the Fund immediately upon closing out the positions, while settlement of securities transactions could take several days. However, because the Fund’s cash that may otherwise be invested would be held uninvested or invested in other liquid assets so long as the position remains open, the Fund’s returns could be diminished due to the opportunity losses of foregoing other potential investments.
 
Illiquid Investments.   The Fund may invest up to 15% of net assets in illiquid securities, which are investments that cannot be sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of business within seven days at approximately the prices at which they are valued.  This restriction is not limited to the time of purchase.  Under the supervision of the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board” or “Trustees”), the Advisor determines the liquidity of the Fund’s investments, and through reports from the Advisor, the Trustees monitor investments in illiquid instruments.  In determining the liquidity of the Fund’s investments, the Advisor may consider various factors including (i) the frequency of trades
 
 
 
10

 
 
and quotations; (ii) the number of dealers and prospective purchasers in the marketplace; (iii) dealer undertakings to make a market; (iv) the nature of the security (including any demand or tender features); and (v) the nature of the marketplace for trades (including the ability to assign or offset the Fund’s rights and obligations relating to the investment).  If through a change in values, net assets, or other circumstances, the Fund were in a position where more than 15% of its net assets were invested in illiquid securities, it would seek to take appropriate steps to protect liquidity.  Investment in illiquid securities poses risks of potential delays in resale and uncertainty in valuation.  Limitations on resale may have an adverse effect on the marketability of portfolio securities and the Fund may be unable to dispose of illiquid securities promptly or at reasonable prices.
 
Restricted Securities.   Within its limitation on investment in illiquid securities, the Fund may purchase restricted securities that generally can be sold in privately negotiated transactions, pursuant to an exemption from registration under the federal securities laws, or in a registered public offering.  Where registration is required, the Fund may be obligated to pay all or part of the registration expense and a considerable period may elapse between the time it decides to seek registration and the time the Fund may be permitted to sell a security under an effective registration statement.  If during such a period adverse market conditions were to develop, the Fund might obtain a less favorable price than prevailed when it decided to seek registration of the security.  Restricted securities that can be offered and sold to qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933 and are determined to be liquid under guidelines adopted by and subject to the supervision of the Trustees are not subject to the limitations on illiquid securities.
 
Portfolio Turnover.   Portfolio turnover is a ratio that indicates how often the securities in a mutual fund’s portfolio change during a year’s time.  Higher numbers indicate a greater number of changes, and lower numbers indicate a smaller number of changes.  The Fund may sell portfolio securities without regard to the length of time they have been held in order to take advantage of new investment opportunities or changing market conditions.  Since portfolio turnover may involve paying brokerage commissions and other transaction costs, there could be additional expenses for the Fund.  High rates of portfolio turnover could lower performance of the Fund due to increased costs and may also result in the realization of capital gains.  If the Fund realizes capital gains when they sell portfolio investments, they must generally distribute those gains to shareholders, increasing their taxable distributions.  Under normal circumstances, the anticipated portfolio turnover rate for the Fund is expected to be less than 100%.
 
Lending of Portfolio Securities.   In order to generate additional income, the Fund may lend portfolio securities in an amount up to 33% of total Fund assets to broker-dealers, major banks, or other recognized domestic institutional borrowers of securities which the Advisor has determined are creditworthy under guidelines established by the Board of Trustees.  In determining whether the Fund will lend securities, the Advisor will consider all relevant facts and circumstances.  The Fund may not lend securities to any company affiliated with the Advisor.  Each loan of securities will be collateralized by cash, securities, or equivalent collateral.  The Fund might experience a loss if the borrower defaults on the loan.
 
The borrower at all times during the loan must maintain with the Fund cash or cash equivalent collateral.  While the loan is outstanding, the borrower will pay the Fund any interest paid on the loaned securities, and the Fund may invest the cash collateral to earn additional income.  Alternatively, the Fund may receive an agreed-upon amount of interest income from the borrower who has delivered equivalent collateral.  It is anticipated that the Fund may share with the borrower some of the income received on the collateral for the loan or the Fund will be paid a premium for the loan.  Voting rights for loaned securities will typically pass to the borrower, but the Fund will retain the right to call any security in anticipation of a vote that the Advisor deems material to the security on loan.  Loans are subject to termination at the option of the Fund or the borrower at any time.  The Fund may pay reasonable administrative and custodial fees in connection with a loan, and may pay a negotiated portion of the income earned on the cash to the borrower or placing broker.  As with other extensions of credit, there are risks of delay in recovery or even loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially.
 
Securities lending involves counterparty risk, including the risk that the loaned securities may not be returned or returned in a timely manner and/or a loss of rights in the collateral if the borrower or the lending agent defaults or fails financially.  This risk will be increased if a continuation of the current downturn in the economic conditions in the United States and around the world, particularly the recent failures of several major financial services firms, causes
 
 
 
11

 
 
further declines in the securities markets and/or causes further financial instability in the borrowers or lending agents.  This risk is increased when the Fund’s loans are concentrated with a single or limited number of borrowers.  There are no limits on the number of borrowers the Fund may use, and the Fund may lend securities to only one or a small group of borrowers.  Mutual funds participating in securities lending bear the risk of loss in connection with investments of the cash collateral received from the borrowers, which do not trigger additional collateral requirements from the borrower.
 
Borrowing.   The Fund may borrow money for investment purposes, which is a form of leveraging.  Leveraging investments, by purchasing securities with borrowed money, is a speculative technique that increases investment risk while increasing investment opportunity.  Such borrowing may make the Fund’s NAV more volatile than funds that do not borrow for investment purposes because leverage magnifies changes in the Fund’s NAV and on the Fund’s investments.  Although the principal of borrowings will be fixed, the Fund’s assets may change in value during the time the borrowing is outstanding.  Leverage also creates interest expenses for the Fund.  To the extent the income derived from securities purchased with borrowed funds exceeds the interest the Fund will have to pay, the Fund’s net income will be greater than it would be if leverage were not used.  Conversely, if the income from the assets obtained with borrowed funds is not sufficient to cover the cost of leveraging, the net income of the Fund will be less than it would be if leverage were not used, and therefore the amount available for distribution to shareholders as dividends will be reduced.  The use of derivatives in connection with leverage creates the potential for significant loss.  The Fund does not intend to use leverage in excess of 5% of total assets and will not make additional investments when outstanding borrowings exceed 5% of the Fund’s total assets.  Any leveraging will comply with the applicable requirements of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the guidance of no-action letters issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Investment Company Act Release No. 10666 (Apr. 18, 1979), intended to minimize the use of leverage and the possibility that the Fund’s liabilities will exceed the value of its assets .
 
The Fund may also borrow money to meet redemptions or for other emergency purposes.  Such borrowings may be on a secured or unsecured basis at fixed or variable rates of interest.  The Investment Company Act of 1940 requires the Fund to maintain continuous asset coverage of not less than 300% with respect to all borrowings.  If such asset coverage should decline to less than 300% due to market fluctuations or other reasons, the Fund will be required to reduce the amount of its borrowings within three days (not including Sundays and holidays), and may be required to dispose of some portfolio holdings in order to reduce the Fund’s debt and restore the 300% asset coverage, even though it may be disadvantageous from an investment standpoint to dispose of assets at that time.  The Fund also may be required to maintain minimum average balances in connection with such borrowing or to pay a commitment or other fee to maintain a line of credit.  Either of these requirements would increase the cost of borrowing over the stated interest rate.
 
INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS
 
The Fund has adopted the following investment limitations, which cannot be changed without approval by holders of a majority of the outstanding voting shares of the Fund.  A “majority” for this purpose means the lesser of (i) 67% of the Fund’s outstanding shares represented in person or by proxy at a meeting at which more than 50% of its outstanding shares are represented; or (ii) more than 50% of its outstanding shares.
 
As a matter of fundamental policy, the Fund may not:
 
(1)
Issue senior securities, except as permitted by the Investment Company Act of 1940;
 
(2)
Borrow money, except to the extent permitted under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (including, without limitation, borrowing to meet redemptions).  For purposes of this investment restriction, the entry into options, forward contracts, futures contracts, including those relating to indices, and options on futures contracts or indices shall not constitute borrowing;
 
(3)
Pledge, mortgage, or hypothecate its assets, except to the extent necessary to secure permitted borrowings and to the extent related to the deposit of assets in escrow in connection with writing covered put and call options and the purchase of securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis and collateral and initial or variation margin arrangements with respect to options, forward contracts, futures contracts, including those relating to indices, and options on futures contracts or indices;
 
 
 
12

 
 
(4)
Act as an underwriter except to the extent that, in connection with the disposition of portfolio securities, the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter under certain federal securities laws;
 
(5)
Purchase or sell real estate or direct interests in real estate; provided, however, that the Fund may purchase and sell securities which are secured by real estate and securities of companies that invest or deal in real estate (including, without limitation, investments in REITs, mortgage-backed securities, and privately-held real estate funds);
 
(6)
Invest in commodities, except that the Fund may purchase and sell securities of companies that invest in commodities, options, forward contracts, futures contracts, including those relating to indices and currencies, and options on futures contracts, indices or currencies;
 
(7)
Make investments for the purpose of exercising control or management over a portfolio company;
 
(8)
Make loans, provided that the Fund may lend its portfolio securities in an amount up to 33% of total Fund assets, and provided further that, for purposes of this restriction, investment in U.S. Government obligations, short-term commercial paper, certificates of deposit, and bankers’ acceptances;
 
(9)
Concentrate its investments. The Fund’s concentration policy limits the aggregate value of holdings of a single industry or group of industries (except U.S. Government and cash items) to less than 25% of the Fund’s total assets; or
 
(10)
With respect to 75% of its total assets, the Fund may not: (i) purchase 10% or more of the outstanding voting securities of any one issuer; or (ii) purchase securities of any issuer if, as a result, 5% or more of the Fund’s total assets would be invested in that issuer’s securities.  This limitation does not apply to investments in (i) cash and cash items; (ii) securities of other registered investment companies; and (iii) obligations of the United States Government, its agencies, or instrumentalities.
 
Senior securities may include any obligation or instrument issued by a fund evidencing indebtedness. The Investment Company Act of 1940 generally prohibits funds from issuing senior securities, although it does not treat certain transactions as senior securities (“Permitted Senior Securities”), such as certain borrowings, short sales, firm commitment agreements, and standby commitments, with appropriate earmarking or segregation of assets to cover such obligations.  The Fund’s specific policies for segregation of assets are described in “Additional Information About Investment Policies” above.
 
The Fund is allowed to pledge, mortgage, or hypothecate assets up to the amounts allowable under the Investment Company Act of 1940, which presently allows the Fund to borrow from any bank (including pledging, mortgaging or hypothecating assets) in an amount up to 33 1/3% of its total assets (not including temporary borrowings not in excess of 5% of its total assets).
 
The Funds will not make additional investments in securities when outstanding borrowings exceed 5% of the Fund’s total assets.
 
For purposes of the Fund’s concentration policy, investments in other investment companies are not considered an investment in any particular industry or group of industries.  The Fund will not invest in other investment companies that are deemed to concentrate in a particular industry or group of industries.
 
With respect to the fundamental investment restrictions above (other than those involving senior securities and borrowings), if a percentage limitation is adhered to at the time of investment, a later increase or decrease in percentage resulting from any change in value or net assets will not result in a violation of such restriction (i.e., percentage limitations are determined at the time of purchase).
 
 
 
13

 
 
The Fund may invest up to 15% of net assets in illiquid securities, which are investments that cannot be sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of business within seven days at approximately the prices at which they are valued.  This restriction is not limited to the time of purchase.
 
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
 
Subject to the general supervision of the Trustees, the Advisor is responsible for, make decisions with respect to, and place orders for all purchases and sales of portfolio securities for the Fund.  The Advisor shall manage the Fund’s portfolios in accordance with the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement by and between the Advisor and the Trust on behalf of the Fund.  This agreement is described in detail under “Management and Other Service Providers.”  The Advisor serves as investment advisor for a number of client accounts, including the Fund.  Investment decisions for the Fund are made independently from those for any other series of the Trust, if any, and for any other investment companies and accounts advised or managed by the Advisor.
 
Brokerage Selection. The Fund has adopted, and the Trustees have approved, policies and procedures relating to the direction of mutual fund portfolio securities transactions to broker-dealers.  The Advisor may not give consideration to sales of shares of the Fund as a factor in selecting broker-dealers to execute portfolio securities transactions.  The Advisor may, however, place portfolio transactions with broker-dealers that promote or sell the Fund’s shares so long as such transactions are done in accordance with the policies and procedures established by the Trustees that are designed to ensure that the selection is based on the quality of the broker’s execution and not on its sales efforts.  In selecting brokers to be used in portfolio transactions, the general guiding principle is to obtain the best overall execution for each trade, which is a combination of price and execution.  With respect to execution, the Advisor considers a number of discretionary factors, including, without limitation, the actual handling of the order, the ability of the broker to settle the trade promptly and accurately, the financial standing of the broker, the ability of the broker to position stock to facilitate execution, past experience with similar trades, and other factors that may be unique to a particular order.  Recognizing the value of these discretionary factors, the Advisor may select brokers who charge a brokerage commission that is higher than the lowest commission that might otherwise be available for any given trade.
 
Under Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as well as the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Advisor is authorized to pay a brokerage commission in excess of that which another broker might have charged for effecting the same transaction, in recognition of the value of brokerage and/or research services provided by the broker.  The research received by the Advisor may include, without limitation: information on the United States and other world economies; information on specific industries, groups of securities, individual companies, and political and other relevant news developments affecting markets and specific securities; technical and quantitative information about markets; analysis of proxy proposals affecting specific companies; accounting and performance systems that allow the Advisor to determine and track investment results; and trading systems that allow the Advisor to interface electronically with brokerage firms, custodians, and other providers.  Research is received in the form of written reports, telephone contacts, personal meetings, research seminars, software programs, and access to computer databases.  In some instances, research products or services received by the Advisor may also be used for functions that are not research related (i.e. not related to the making of investment decisions).  Where a research product or service has a mixed use, the Advisor will make a reasonable allocation according to the use and will pay for the non-research function in cash using its own funds.
 
The research and investment information services described above make the views and information of individuals and research staffs of other securities firms available to the Advisor for their analysis and consideration.  These services may be useful to the Advisor in connection with advisory clients other than the Fund and not all such services may be useful to the Advisor in connection with the Fund.  Although such information may be a useful supplement to the Advisor’s own investment information in rendering services to the Fund, the value of such research and services is not expected to reduce materially the expenses of the Advisor in the performance of its services under the Investment Advisory Agreement and will not reduce the management fees payable to the Advisor by the Fund.
 
The Fund may invest in securities traded in the over-the-counter market.  In these cases, the Fund may initiate trades through brokers on an agency basis and pay a commission in connection with the transaction.  The Fund may also effect these transactions by dealing directly with the dealers who make a market in the securities involved, in which case the costs of such transactions would involve dealer spreads rather than brokerage commissions.  With respect
 
 
 
14

 
 
to securities traded only in the over-the-counter market, orders will be executed on a principal basis with primary market makers in such securities except where better prices or executions may be obtained on an agency basis or by dealing with those other than a primary market maker.
 
Normally, any fixed income portfolio transactions will be principal transactions executed in over the counter markets and will be executed on a “net” basis, which may include a dealer mark up.  With respect to securities traded only in the over the counter market, orders will be executed on a principal basis with primary market makers in such securities except where better prices or executions may be obtained on an agency basis or by dealing with other than a primary market maker.
 
The Fund may participate, if and when practicable, in bidding for the purchase of Fund securities directly from an issuer in order to take advantage of the lower purchase price available to members of a bidding group.  The Fund will engage in this practice, however, only when the Advisor, in its sole discretion, believe such practice to be otherwise in the Fund’s interest.
 
Aggregated Trades. While investment decisions for the Fund are made independently of the Advisor’s other client accounts, the other client accounts may invest in the same securities as the Fund.  To the extent permitted by law, the Advisor may aggregate the securities to be sold or purchased for the Fund with those to be sold or purchased for other investment companies or accounts in executing transactions.  When a purchase or sale of the same security is made at substantially the same time on behalf of the Fund and another investment company or account, the transaction will be averaged as to price and available investments allocated as to amount in a manner which the Advisor believes to be equitable to the Fund and such other investment company or account.  In some instances, this investment procedure may adversely affect the price paid or received by the Fund or the size of the position obtained or sold by the Fund.
 
Portfolio Turnover.   The annualized portfolio turnover rate for the Fund is calculated by dividing the lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities for the reporting period by the monthly average value of the portfolio securities owned during the reporting period.  The calculation excludes all securities whose maturities or expiration dates at the time of acquisition are one year or less.  Portfolio turnover of the Fund may vary greatly from year to year as well as within a particular year, and may be affected by cash requirements for redemption of shares and by requirements that enable the Fund to receive favorable tax treatment.  Portfolio turnover will not be a limiting factor in making Fund decisions, and the Fund may engage in short-term trading to achieve its investment objective.  High rates of portfolio turnover could lower performance of the Fund due to increased transaction costs and may also result in the realization of short-term capital gains taxed at ordinary income tax rates.
 
DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST
 
The Trust, which is a statutory trust organized under Delaware law on May 13, 2009, is an open-end management investment company.  The Trust’s Declaration of Trust (“Trust Instrument”) authorizes the Trustees to divide shares into series, each series relating to a separate portfolio of investments, and to classify and reclassify any unissued shares into one or more classes of shares of each such series.  The Trust currently consists of twenty-three series: the Fund managed by the Advisor; the Arin Large Cap Theta Fund managed by Arin Risk Advisors, LLC; the Caritas All-Cap Growth Fund managed by Goodwood Advisors, LLC; the Crescent Large Cap Macro Fund, Crescent Mid Cap Macro Fund, and Crescent Strategic Income Fund managed by Greenwood Capital Associates, LLC; ; the Rx Dynamic Growth Fund, Rx Dynamic Total Return Fund, Rx Non Traditional Fund, Rx High Income Fund, Rx Traditional Equity Fund, Rx Traditional Fixed Income Fund, Rx Tactical Rotation Fund, Rx Tax Advantaged Fund, Rx Dividend Income Fund, and Rx Premier Managers Fund, Rx Fundamental Growth Fund managed by FolioMetrix, LLC; the Matisse Discounted Closed-End Fund Strategy managed by Deschutes Portfolio Strategies; the CV Asset Allocation Fund, the Horizons West Multi-Strategy Hedged Income Fund, and the Presidio Multi-Strategy Fund managed by CV Investment Advisors, LLC; the Roumell Opportunistic Value Fund managed by Roumell Asset Management, LLC; the SCS Tactical Allocation Fund managed by Sentinel Capital Solutions, Inc.; the Sector Rotation Fund managed by Navigator Money Management, Inc.; and the Thornhill Strategic Equity Fund managed by Thornhill Securities, Inc.  Additional series and/or classes may be created from time to time.  The number of shares in the Trust shall be unlimited.  When issued for payment as described in the Fund’s prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information, shares of the Fund will be fully paid and non-assessable and shall have no preemptive or conversion rights.  The Trust normally does not issue share certificates.
 
 
 
15

 
 
In the event of a liquidation or dissolution of the Trust or an individual series, such as the Fund, shareholders of a particular series would be entitled to receive the assets available for distribution belonging to such series.  Shareholders of a series are entitled to participate equally in the net distributable assets of the particular series involved on liquidation, based on the number of shares of the series that are held by each shareholder.  If there are any assets, income, earnings, proceeds, funds, or payments, that are not readily identifiable as belonging to any particular series, the Trustees shall allocate them among any one or more of the series as they, in their sole discretion, deem fair and equitable.
 
Shareholders of all of the series of the Trust, including the Fund, will vote together and not separately on a series-by-series or class-by-class basis, except as otherwise required by law or when the Trustees determine that the matter to be voted upon affects only the interests of the shareholders of a particular series or class.  The Trust has adopted a Rule 18f-3 Multi-class Plan for certain series that contain the general characteristics of and conditions under which such series may offer multiple classes of shares.  Rule 18f-2 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 provides that any matter required to be submitted to the holders of the outstanding voting securities of an investment company such as the Trust shall not be deemed to have been effectively acted upon unless approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of each series or class affected by the matter.  A series or class is affected by a matter unless it is clear that the interests of each series or class in the matter are substantially identical or that the matter does not affect any interest of the series or class.  Under Rule 18f-2, the approval of an investment advisory agreement or any change in a fundamental investment policy would be effectively acted upon with respect to a series only if approved by a majority of the outstanding shares of such series.  However, the rule also provides that the ratification of the appointment of independent accountants, the approval of principal underwriting contracts, and the election of Trustees may be effectively acted upon by shareholders of the Trust voting together, without regard to a particular series or class.  Rights of shareholders can only be modified by a majority vote.
 
When used in the Prospectus or this Statement of Additional Information, a “majority” of shareholders means the vote of the lesser of (i) 67% of the shares of the Trust or the applicable series or class present at a meeting if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares are present in person or by proxy or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Trust or the applicable series or class.
 
Shareholders are entitled to one vote for each full share and a fractional vote for each fractional share held.  Shares have non-cumulative voting rights, which means that the holders of more than 50% of the shares voting for the election of Trustees can elect 100% of the Trustees, and in this event, the holders of the remaining shares voting will not be able to elect any Trustees.
 
The Trustees will hold office indefinitely, except that: (i) any Trustee may resign or retire, and (ii) any Trustee may be removed: (a) any time by written instrument signed by at least two-thirds of the number of Trustees prior to such removal; (b) at any meeting of shareholders of the Trust by a vote of two-thirds of the outstanding shares of the Trust; or (c) by a written declaration signed by shareholders holding not less than two-thirds of the outstanding shares of the Trust.  In case a vacancy on the Board of Trustees shall for any reason exist, the vacancy shall be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining Trustees, subject to certain restrictions under the Investment Company Act of 1940.  Otherwise, there will normally be no meeting of shareholders for the purpose of electing Trustees, and the Trust does not expect to have an annual meeting of shareholders.
 
The Trust Instrument provides that the Trustees will not be liable in any event in connection with the affairs of the Trust, except as such liability may arise from a Trustee’s bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of duties.  It also provides that all third parties shall look solely to the Trust’s property for satisfaction of claims arising in connection with the affairs of the Trust.  With the exceptions stated, the Trust Instrument provides that a Trustee or officer is entitled to be indemnified against all liability in connection with the affairs of the Trust.
 
MANAGEMENT AND OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS
 
The Trustees are responsible for the management and supervision of the Fund.  The Trustees approve all significant agreements between the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, and those companies that furnish services to the Fund;
 
 
 
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review performance of the Advisor, and the Fund; and oversee activities of the Fund.  This section of the Statement of Additional Information provides information about the persons who serve as Trustees and officers to the Trust and Fund, respectively, as well as the entities that provide services to the Fund.
 
Trustees and Officers.   Following are the Trustees and officers of the Trust, their age and address, their present position with the Trust or the Fund, and their principal occupation during the past five years.  Those Trustees who are “interested persons” (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940) by virtue of their affiliation with the Trust or the Advisor are indicated in the table.  The address of each Trustee and officer of the Trust, unless otherwise indicated, is 116 South Franklin Street, Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27804.
 
Name, Age
and Address
Position
held with
Fund or Trust
Length
of Time
 Served
Principal Occupation
During Past 5 Years
Number of
Portfolios in
Fund
Complex
 Overseen
by Trustee
Other Directorships
Held by Trustee
During Past 5 Years
Independent Trustees
Jack E. Brinson
Age: 80
Independent Trustee
Since 7/09
Retired; previously, President of Brinson Investment Co. (personal investments) and President of Brinson Chevrolet, Inc. (auto dealership).
23
Independent Trustee of Brown Capital Management Funds for its three series, DGHM Investment Trust for its two series, Gardner Lewis Investment Trust for its two series, Hillman Capital Management Investment Trust for its one series, and Tilson Investment Trust for its two series (all registered investment companies); previously, Independent Trustee of de Leon Funds Trust for its one series from 2000 to 2005, Giordano Investment Trust for its one series during 2011, and New Providence Investment Trust for its one series from inception until 2011 (all registered investment companies).
Michael G. Mosley
Age: 60
Independent Trustee
Since 7/10
Owner of Commercial Realty Services (real estate) since 2004.
23
None.
Theo H. Pitt, Jr.
Age: 77
Independent Trustee
Since 9/10
Senior Partner, Community Financial Institutions Consulting (financial consulting) since 1999; Partner, Pikar Properties (real estate) since 2001; Account Administrator, Holden Wealth Management Group of Wachovia Securities (money management firm) from 2003-2008.
23
Independent Trustee of DGHM Investment Trust for its two series, Gardner Lewis Investment Trust for its two series, Hanna Investment Trust for its one series, Hillman Capital Management Investment Trust for its one series, and World Funds Trust for its one series (all registered investment companies); previously, Independent Trustee of NCM Capital Investment Trust for its one series from 2007 to 2009, New Providence Investment Trust from 2008 to 2009, and Tilson Investment Trust for its one series from 2004 to 2009 (all registered investment companies).
 
 
 
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Name, Age
and Address
Position
held with
Fund or Trust
Length
of Time
 Served
Principal Occupation
During Past 5 Years
Number of
Portfolios in
Fund
Complex
 Overseen
by Trustee
Other Directorships
Held by Trustee
During Past 5 Years
James H. Speed, Jr.
Age: 59
Independent Trustee, Chairman
Trustee since 7/09, Chair since 5/12
President and CEO of NC Mutual Insurance Company (insurance company) since 2003; President of Speed Financial Group, Inc. (consulting and private investments) from 2000 to 2003.
23
Independent Trustee of the following Brown Capital Management Funds for its three series, Hillman Capital Management Investment Trust for its one series, and Tilson Investment Trust for its two series (all registered investment companies).  Member of Board of Directors of NC Mutual Life Insurance Company.  Member of Board of Directors of M&F Bancorp.  Previously, Independent Trustee of New Providence Investment Trust for its one series from 2009 until 2011 (registered investment company).
J. Buckley Strandberg
Age: 53
Independent Trustee
Since 7/09
President of Standard Insurance and Realty (insurance and property management) since 1982.
23
None.
Other Officers
D. Jerry Murphey
Age: 55
821 Pacific Street
Omaha, Nebraska 68108
President (FMX Funds)
Since 7/09
Manager, President, and CEO of FolioMetrix, LLC (advisor to the FMX Funds) since 2009; principal of Uptrade Research Associates, LLC (investment research) since 2009; previously, Investment Management Consultant for Prudential Investments, Wealth Management Solutions (investment management).
n/a
n/a
Julie M. Koethe
Age: 32
821 Pacific Street
Omaha, Nebraska 68108
Treasurer (FMX Funds)
Since 4/10
Chief Operating Officer of FolioMetrix, LLC (advisor to the FMX Funds) since 2010; Insurance Accounting Supervisor for Applied Underwriters (workers compensation and payroll service provider) from 2003-2010.
n/a
n/a
James C. Roumell
Age: 51
2 Wisconsin Circle
Suite 660
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
President (Roumell Opportunistic Value Fund)
Since 9/10
President of Roumell Asset Management, LLC (advisor to the Roumell Opportunistic Value Fund) since 1998.
n/a
n/a
Craig L. Lukin
Age:45
2 Wisconsin Circle
Suite 660
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Treasurer (Roumell Opportunistic Value Fund)
Since 9/10
Chief Operating Officer and Chief Compliance Officer of Roumell Asset Management, LLC since 2007; Research Analyst at Roumell Asset Management, LLC from 2003-2007; Private Equity Analyst for Dent & Company, Inc. (investment services) from 2000-2002; Corporate Value Consulting Manager for PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP (accountancy and professional services) from 1994-2000.
n/a
n/a
 
 
 
18

 
 
Name, Age
and Address
Position
held with
Fund or Trust
Length
of Time
 Served
Principal Occupation
During Past 5 Years
Number of
Portfolios in
Fund
Complex
 Overseen
by Trustee
Other Directorships
Held by Trustee
During Past 5 Years
Mark A. Grimaldi
Age: 50
1207 Route 9
Suite 10
Wappingers Falls, NY 12590
President and Treasurer (Sector Rotation Fund)
Since 4/11
President and Chief Compliance Officer of Navigator Money Management, Inc. (advisor to the Sector Rotation Fund) since 1996; Vice President of The Prestige Organization, Inc. since 1996; and Co-Fund Manager of ETF Market Opportunity Fund (formerly Navigator Fund) from 2008-2009.
n/a
n/a
Cort F. Meinelschmidt
Age: 34
38 S. Potomac Street
Suite 304
Hagerstown, MD
21740
 
President (SCS Tactical Allocation Fund)
Since 10/11
President of Sentinel Capital Solutions, Inc. (advisor to the SCS Tactical Allocation Fund) since 2011; Financial Advisor for Centra Financial Services (investment services) from 2010-2011; Financial Advisor for Edward Jones (investment services) from 2004-2010.
n/a
n/a
J. Philip Bell
Age: 59
104 Maxwell Avenue
P.O. Box 3181
Greenwood, SC 29648
President (Crescent Funds)
Since 10/11
President and Chief Compliance Officer of Greenwood Capital Associates, LLC (advisor to the Crescent Funds) since 1985.
n/a
n/a
Joseph DeSipio
Age: 47
300 Four Falls Corporate Center, Suite 200
West Conshohocken, PA 19428
President (Arin Funds)
Since 3/12
Co-Founder and Chief Market Strategist of Arin Risk Advisors, LLC (advisor to the Arin Funds) since 2009.  Previously, Investment Strategist of SEI Investment Company (financial services) from 2007 until 2009 and Director of Options Strategy Group for Evergreen Investments (investment management) from 2000 until 2007.
n/a
n/a
Lawrence Lempert
Age: 45
300 Four Falls Corporate Center, Suite 200
West Conshohocken, PA 19428
Treasurer (Arin Funds)
Since 3/12
Trading Director of Arin Risk Advisors, LLC since 2009 and Chief Compliance Officer since 2011.  Previously, managing member of Bullock Capital, LLC (securities brokerage) from 2004 through 2010.
n/a
n/a
Bryn H. Torkelson
Age: 56
4949 Meadows Road
Suite 200
Lake Oswego, OR 97035
President (Matisse Discounted Closed-End Fund Strategy)
Since 5/12
President and Chief Investment Officer of Deschutes Portfolio Strategies, LLC (advisor to the Matisse Discounted Closed-End Fund Strategy) since 2010, President of Deschutes Investment Advisors, Inc. (investment management) since 1997.
n/a
n/a
Gabriel F. Thornhill
Age: 46
336 South Congress
Suite 200
Austin, TX 78704
President and Treasurer (Thornhill Strategic Equity Fund)
Since 7/12
President and Chief Compliance Officer of Thornhill Securities, Inc. (advisor to the Thornhill Strategic Equity Fund) since 2005.
n/a
n/a
 
 
 
19

 
 
Name, Age
and Address
Position
held with
Fund or Trust
Length
of Time
 Served
Principal Occupation
During Past 5 Years
Number of
Portfolios in
Fund
Complex
 Overseen
by Trustee
Other Directorships
Held by Trustee
During Past 5 Years
Brenda A. Smith
Age: 52
300 Conshohocken State Road, Suite 200
West Conshohocken, PA 19428
 
President (Horizons West Multi-Strategy Hedged Income Fund); President and Treasurer (CV Asset Allocation Fund, and Presidio Multi-Strategy Fund)
Since 8/12
President of CV Brokerage, Inc. (broker-dealer) since 2010.  Managing Member of QCI Asset Management, Inc. (advisor to the Prophecy Alpha Trading Fund) since 2012.  Owner of BA Smith & Associates, LLC (accounting and consulting) since 1995.
n/a
n/a
Steven M. MacNamara
Age: 52
75 Glen Road
Suite G-14
Newtown, CT 06482
Treasurer (Horizons West Multi-Strategy Hedged Income Fund)
Since 7/13
Managing Member and Chief Executive Officer of Horizons West Capital Partners, LLC (advisor to the Horizons West Multi-Strategy Hedged Income Fund).
n/a
n/a
H. Edward Shill, CFA
Age: 51
40A Grove Street
Pittsford, NY 14534
President (QCI Balanced Fund)
Since 1/14
Chief Investment Officer of QCI.  Ed joined QCI Asset Management since 1994.
n/a
n/a
Gerald  Furciniti
Age: 37
40A Grove Street
Pittsford, NY 14534
Treasurer (QCI Balanced Fund)
Since 1/14
Portfolio Manager and Senior Equity Analyst at QCI Asset Management since 2001.
n/a
n/a
T. Lee Hale, Jr.
Age: 35
Chief Compliance Officer; Assistant Treasurer; Treasurer (Matisse Discounted Closed-End Fund Strategy
Since 7/09, 4/10, and 5/12
Financial Reporting Manager for The Nottingham Company (fund administrator) since 2009; previously, principal of Lee Hale Contracting (marine industry consulting).
n/a
n/a
Katherine M. Honey
Age: 40
Secretary
Since 10/13
EVP of The Nottingham Company since 2008.
n/a
n/a

 
The Board met ____ times during the twelve-month period ended October 31, 2013.  Each Trustee attended all of the Board meetings.
 
Board Structure.   The Trust’s Board of Trustees includes five independent Trustees, one of which, Mr. Speed, is Chairman of the Board of Trustees.  The Board has established several standing committees: the Audit Committee, Nominating Committee, Proxy Voting Committee, Governance Committee, and Qualified Legal Compliance Committee.  These standing committees are comprised entirely of the Independent Trustees.  Other information about these standing committees is set forth below.  The Board has determined that the Board’s structure is appropriate given the characteristics, size, and operations of the Trust.  The Board also believes that its leadership structure, including its committees, helps facilitate effective oversight of Trust management.  The Board reviews its structure annually.
 
With respect to risk oversight, the Board considers risk management issues as part of its general oversight responsibilities throughout the year.  The Board holds four regular board meetings each year during which the Board receives risk management reports and/or assessments from Trust management, the Fund’s advisor and sub-advisor, administrator, transfer agent, and distributor, and receives an annual report from the Trust’s Chief Compliance
 
 
 
20

 
 
Officer (“CCO”).  The Audit Committee also meets with the Trust’s independent registered public accounting firm on an annual basis, to discuss among other things, the internal control structure of the Trust’s financial reporting function.  When appropriate, the Board may hold special meeting or communicate directly with Trust management, the CCO, the Trust’s third party service providers, legal counsel, or independent public accountants to address matters arising between regular board meeting or needing special attention.  In addition, the Board has adopted policies and procedures for the Trust to help detect and prevent and, if necessary, correct violations of federal securities laws
 
Qualification of Trustees.   The Board has considered each Trustee’s experience, qualifications, attributes and skills in light of the Board’s function and the Trust’s business and structure, and has determined that each Trustee possesses experience, qualifications, attributes, and skills that enable the Trustee to be an effective member of the Board.
 
Mr. Brinson has experience as an investor, including his role as trustee of several other investment companies and business experience as President of a company in the business of private investing.  Mr. Mosley has had business experience as an owner of a real estate company.  Mr. Pitt has experience as an investor, including his role as trustee of several other investment companies and business experience as Senior Partner of a financial consulting company, as a Partner of a real estate partnership and as an Account Administrator for a money management firm.  Mr. Speed also has experience as an investor as trustee of several other investment companies and business experience as President and CEO of an insurance company and as President of a company in the business of consulting and private investing.  Mr. Strandberg also has investment experience as a former trustee of another investment company and business experience as President of an insurance and property management company.
 
The Board has determined that each of the Trustees’ careers and background, combined with their interpersonal skills and general understanding of financial and other matters, enable the Trustees to effectively participate in and contribute to the Board’s functions and oversight of the Trust.
 
Trustee Standing Committees.   The Trustees have established the following standing committees:
 
Audit Committee.   All of the Independent Trustees are members of the Audit Committee.  The Audit Committee oversees the Fund’s accounting and financial reporting policies and practices, reviews the results of the annual audits of the Fund’s financial statements, and interacts with the Fund’s independent auditors on behalf of all the Trustees.  The Audit Committee operates pursuant to an Audit Committee Charter and meets periodically as necessary.   The Audit Committee met four times during the twelve-month period ended September 30, 2012 .
 
Governance Committee. The Independent Trustees are the current members of the Governance Committee.  The Governance Committee assists the Board of Trustees in adopting fund governance practices and meeting certain fund governance standards.  The Governance Committee operates pursuant to a Governance Committee Charter and normally meets annually, but may also meet as often as necessary to carry out its purpose.   The Governance Committee met once during the twelve-month period ended September 30, 2012.
 
Nominating Committee.   All of the Independent Trustees are members of the Nominating Committee.  The Nominating Committee nominates, selects, and appoints independent trustees to fill vacancies on the Board of Trustees and to stand for election at meetings of the shareholders of the Trust.  The Nominating Committee meets only as necessary.  The Nominating Committee generally will not consider nominees recommended by shareholders of the Trust.   The Nominating Committee did not meet during the twelve-month period ended September 30, 2012.
 
Proxy Voting Committee.   All of the Independent Trustees are members of the Proxy Voting Committee.  The Proxy Voting Committee will determine how the Fund should vote, if called upon by the Board or the Sub-Advisor, when a matter with respect to which the Fund is entitled to vote presents a conflict between the interests of the Fund’s shareholders, on the one hand, and those of the Fund’s Sub-Advisor, principal underwriter, or an affiliated person of the Fund, its investment advisor, investment sub-advisor, or principal underwriter, on the other hand.  The Proxy Voting Committee will also review the Trust’s Proxy Voting Policy and recommend any changes to the Board as it deems
 
 
 
21

 
 
necessary or advisable.  The Proxy Voting Committee will also decide if the Fund should participate in a class action settlement, if called upon by the Sub-Advisor, in cases where a class action settlement with respect to which the Fund is eligible to participate presents a conflict between the interests of the Fund’s shareholders, on the one hand, and those of the Sub-Advisor, on the other hand.   The Proxy Voting Committee meets only as necessary and did not meet during the twelve-month period ended September 30, 2012.
 
Qualified Legal Compliance Committee.   The Independent Trustees are the current members of the Qualified Legal Compliance Committee.  The Qualified Legal Compliance Committee receives, investigates, and makes recommendations as to appropriate remedial action in connection with any report of evidence of a material violation of securities laws or breach of fiduciary duty or similar violation by the Trust, its officers, Trustees, or agents.   The Qualified Legal Compliance Committee meets only as necessary and did not meet during the twelve-month period ended September 30, 2012.
 
Beneficial Equity Ownership Information.   The table below shows for each Trustee, the amount of Fund equity securities beneficially owned by each Trustee, and the aggregate value of all investments in equity securities of the Fund complex, as of valuation date of December 31, 2012 and stated as one of the following ranges:  A = None; B = $1-$10,000; C = $10,001-$50,000; D = $50,001-$100,000; and E = over $100,000.
 
Name of
Trustee
Dollar Range of
Equity Securities in the
Fund
Aggregate Dollar Range of
 E quity Securities in All
 Registered Investment
Companies Overseen By
Trustee In Family of
Investment Companies*
Jack E. Brinson
A
A
Michael G. Mosley
A
A
Theo H. Pitt, Jr.
A
A
James H. Speed, Jr.
A
A
J. Buckley Strandberg
A
A
 
* Includes all the funds of the Trust managed by the Advisor.
 
Ownership of Securities of Advisor, Distributor, or Related Entities.   As of December 31, 2012, none of the Independent Trustees and/or their immediate family members own securities of the Advisor, Distributor, or any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Advisor, Sub-Advisor, or Distributor.
 
Compensation.   Officers of the Trust and Trustees who are interested persons of the Trust or the Advisor will receive no salary or fees from the Trust.  Independent Trustees receive $2,000 per Fund each year.  The Trust reimburses each Trustee and officers of the Trust for his or her travel and other expenses relating to attendance at such meetings.  Because the Fund has not been in operation for a full year, the following table presents the estimated compensation for each Trustee for the first full fiscal year.
 
Name of Trustee
Aggregate
 Compensation  From
the Fund
Pension or
Retirement Benefits
Accrued As Part of
 Fund Expenses
Estimated Annual Benefits Upon Retirement
Total Compensation From Fund and Fund Complex Paid to Trustees*
Jack E. Brinson
$2,000
None
None
$46,000
Michael G. Mosley
$2,000
None
None
$46,000
Theo H. Pitt, Jr.
$2,000
None
None
$46,000
James H. Speed, Jr.
$2,000
None
None
$46,000
J. Buckley Strandberg
$2,000
None
None
$46,000
 
*Each of the Trustees serves as a Trustee to all series of the Trust.
 
Codes of Ethics.   The Trust and Advisor each have adopted a code of ethics, as required under Rule 17j-1 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, which is designed to prevent affiliated persons of the Trust and Advisor from
 
 
 
22

 
 
engaging in deceptive, manipulative, or fraudulent activities in connection with securities held or to be acquired by the Fund (which securities may also be held by persons subject to each such code of ethics).  There can be no assurance that the codes will be effective in preventing such activities.  The codes permit employees and officers of the Trust and Advisor to invest in securities, subject to certain restrictions and pre-approval requirements.  In addition, the Advisor’s code requires that portfolio managers and other investment personnel report their personal securities transactions and holdings, which are reviewed for compliance with the respective code of ethics.
 
Anti-Money Laundering Program.   The Trust has adopted an anti-money laundering program, as required by applicable law, which is designed to prevent the Fund from being used for money laundering or the financing of terrorist activities.  The Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer is responsible for implementing and monitoring the operations and internal controls of the program.  Compliance officers at certain of the Fund’s service providers are also responsible for monitoring the program.  The anti-money laundering program is subject to the continuing oversight of the Trustees.
 
Proxy Voting Policies.   The Trust has adopted a proxy voting and disclosure policy that delegates to the Sub-Advisor the authority to vote proxies for the Fund, subject to oversight by the Trustees.  Copies of the Trust’s Proxy Voting and Disclosure Policy and the Advisor’s Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures are included as Appendix B to this Statement of Additional Information.  No later than August 31st of each year, the Fund will file Form N-PX stating how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30th.  Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies as set forth in its most recent filing of Form N-PX will be available (i) without charge, upon request, by calling the Fund at 1-800-773-3863; and (ii) on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov.
 
Principal Holders of Voting Securities. As of March 31, 2013, the Trustees and officers of the Trust as a group owned beneficially (i.e., had direct or indirect voting and/or investment power) none of the then outstanding shares of the Fund. On that same date, the following shareholders owned of record more than 5% of the outstanding shares of the Fund.  Except as provided below, no person is known by the Trust to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding shares of the Fund as of March 31, 2013.
 
Name and Address of
Beneficial Owner
Amount and Nature of
Beneficial Ownership
Percent
None
   
 
Investment Advisor.   Information about QCI Asset Management, Inc. and its duties and compensation as Advisor is contained in the Fund’s prospectus.  The Advisor is controlled by CV Investments, LLC, managing member, and Brenda A. Smith, Chief Compliance Officer.  The Advisor supervises the Fund’s investments pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement.  The Investment Advisory Agreement is effective for an initial two-year period and will be renewed thereafter only so long as such renewal and continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the Trustees or by vote of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities, provided the continuance is also approved by a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to the Investment Advisory Agreement or interested persons of any such party.  The Investment Advisory Agreement is terminable without penalty by the Trust on 60 calendar days’ written notice by the Trustees or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities or upon 60 calendar days’ written notice by the Advisor.  The Investment Advisory Agreement provides that it will terminate automatically in the event of its “assignment,” as such term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940.
 
The Advisor manages the Fund’s investments in accordance with the stated policies of the Fund, subject to the approval of the Trustees.  The Advisor is responsible for investment decisions, and provides the Fund with portfolio managers who are authorized by the Trustees to execute purchases and sales of securities.
 
Under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Advisor is not liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Fund in connection with the performance of such agreement, except a loss resulting from a breach of fiduciary duty with respect to the receipt of compensation for services; or a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence on the part of the Advisor in the performance of its duties; or from its reckless disregard of its duties and obligations under the Investment Advisory Agreement.
 
 
 
23

 
 
The Advisor will receive a monthly management fee equal to an annual rate of 0.75% of the Fund’s net assets.
 
Portfolio Managers.   The Fund’s portfolios will be managed on a day-to-day basis by H. Edward Shill, CFA and Gerald Furciniti, CFA.
 
Compensation.   The portfolio managers’ compensation varies with the general success of the Advisor as a firm.  The portfolio manager’s compensation is based on net revenue after all firm expenses and profit sharing.  The portfolio manager’s compensation is not directly linked to the Fund’s performance, although positive performance and growth in managed assets are factors that may contribute to the Advisor’s distributable profits and assets under management.
 
Ownership of Fund Shares.   The table below shows the amount of the Fund’s equity securities beneficially owned by each portfolio manager as of October 31, 2013 and stated as one of the following ranges: A = None; B = $1-$10,000; C = $10,001-$50,000; D = $50,001-$100,000; E = $100,001-$500,000; F = $500,001-$1,000,000; and G = over $1,000,000.
 
Name of
Portfolio Manager
Dollar Range of
Equity Securities in the Fund
H. Edward Shill, CFA
A
Gerald Furciniti, CFA
A
 
Other Accounts.   In addition to the Fund, the portfolio manager is responsible for the day-to-day management of certain other accounts.  The table below shows the number of, and total assets in, such other accounts as of October 31, 2013.
 
Accounts
Registered Investment
Companies
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
Other Accounts
Number of
Accounts
Total Assets
Number of
Accounts
Total Assets
Number of
Accounts
Total Assets
All Accounts
1272
$1,100,000,000
0
$0
0
$0
Accounts with Performance-
Based Advisory Fee
0
$0
0
$0
0
$0
 
Conflicts of Interests.   The portfolio manager’s management of “other accounts” may give rise to potential conflicts of interest in connection with their management of the Fund’s investments, on the one hand, and the investments of the other accounts, on the other.  The other accounts consist of separately managed private clients (“Other Accounts”).  The Other Accounts might have similar investment objectives as the Fund, be compared to the same index as the Fund, or otherwise hold, purchase, or sell securities that are eligible to be held, purchased, or sold by the Fund.
 
Knowledge of the Timing and Size of Fund Trades:   A potential conflict of interest may arise as a result of the portfolio manager’s day-to-day management of the Fund.  The portfolio manager knows the size and timing of trades for the Fund and the Other Accounts, and may be able to predict the market impact of Fund trades.  It is theoretically possible that the portfolio manager could use this information to the advantage of Other Accounts it manages and to the possible detriment of the Fund, or vice versa.
 
Investment Opportunities:   The Advisor provides investment supervisory services for a number of investment products that have varying investment guidelines.  The portfolio manager works across different investment products.  Differences in the compensation structures of the Advisor’s investment products may give rise to a conflict of interest by creating an incentive for the Advisor to allocate the investment opportunities it believes might be the most profitable to the client accounts where it might benefit the most from the investment gains.
 
 
 
24

 
 
Administrator.   The Trust has entered into a Fund Accounting and Administration Agreement with The Nottingham Company (“Administrator”), 116 South Franklin Street, Post Office Box 69, Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27802-0069. The Administrator performs the following services for the Funds: (i) procures on behalf of the Trust, and coordinates with the custodian and monitors the services it provides to the Funds; (ii) coordinates with and monitors any other third parties furnishing services to the Funds; (iii) provides the Funds with necessary office space, telephones and other communications facilities and personnel competent to perform administrative and clerical functions for the Funds; (iv) assists or supervises the maintenance by third parties of such books and records of the Funds as may be required by applicable federal or state law; (v) assists in the preparation of all federal, state, and local tax returns and reports of the Funds required by applicable law; (vi) assists in the preparation of and, after approval by the Trust, files and arranges for the distribution of proxy materials and periodic reports to shareholders of the Funds as required by applicable law; (vii) assists in the preparation of and, after approval by the Trust, arranges for the filing of such registration statements and other documents with the SEC and other federal and state regulatory authorities as may be required by applicable law; (viii) reviews and submits to the officers of the Trust for their approval invoices or other requests for payment of Funds expenses and instructs the Custodian to issue checks in payment thereof; and (ix) takes such other action with respect to the Funds as may be necessary in the opinion of the Administrator to perform its duties under the agreement. The Administrator will also provide certain accounting and pricing services for the Funds.
 
Compensation of the Administrator, which is based upon an administration fee on the average daily net assets of each Fund, is at the following annual rates: 0.100% of the Funds’ first $100 million, 0.080% on the next $150 million, 0.060% on the next $250 million, and 0.050% on the next $500 million, and 0.040% on average daily net assets over $1 billion, with a monthly minimum general administration fee of $2,000.  The Administrator currently receives a monthly fund accounting fee of $2,250 per Fund for accounting and recordkeeping services with an additional fee of $750 per month for each additional class of shares plus an asset-based fee of 0.01% of the net assets of each Fund. The Administrator also charges the Funds for certain costs involved with the daily valuation of investment securities and is reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses.
 
The Administrator’s responsibilities include the following services for the Fund: (i) procures on behalf of the Trust, and coordinates with, the custodian and monitors the services it provides to the Fund; (ii) coordinates with and monitors any other third parties furnishing services to the Fund; (iii) provides the Fund with necessary office space, telephones, and other communications facilities and personnel competent to perform administrative and clerical functions for the Fund; (iv) assists or supervises the maintenance by third parties of such books and records of the Fund as may be required by applicable federal or state law; (v) assists or supervises the preparation by third parties of all federal, state, and local tax returns and reports of the Fund required by applicable law; (vi) assists in the preparation and, after approval by the Trust, files and arranges for the distribution of proxy materials and periodic reports to shareholders of the Fund as required by applicable law; (vii) assists in the preparation of and, after approval by the Trust, arranges for the filing of such registration statements and other documents with the Securities and Exchange Commission and other federal and state regulatory authorities as may be required by applicable law; (viii) reviews and submits to the officers of the Trust for their approval invoices or other requests for payment of Fund expenses and instructs the custodian to issue checks in payment thereof; and (ix) takes such other action with respect to the Fund as may be necessary in the opinion of the Administrator to perform its duties under the agreement.  The Administrator will also provide certain accounting and pricing services for the Fund.
 
Transfer Agent.   The Trust has entered into a Dividend Disbursing and Transfer Agent Agreement with Nottingham Shareholder Services, LLC (“Transfer Agent”), a North Carolina limited liability company, to serve as transfer, dividend paying, and shareholder servicing agent for the Fund.  For its services, the Transfer Agent is entitled to receive compensation from the Administrator pursuant to the Administrator’s fee arrangements with the Fund.  The address of the Transfer Agent is 116 South Franklin Street, Post Office Box 4365, Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27803-0365.
 
Distributor.   The Fund will conduct a continuous offering of their securities.  Capital Investment Group, Inc. (“Distributor”), Post Office Box 32249, Raleigh, North Carolina 27622, acts as the underwriter and distributor of the Fund’s shares for the purpose of facilitating the registration of shares of the Fund under state securities laws and assisting in sales of Fund shares pursuant to a distribution agreement (“Distribution Agreement”) approved by the Trustees.  In this regard, the Distributor has agreed at its own expense to qualify as a broker-dealer under all applicable federal or state laws in those states that the Fund shall from time to time identify to the Distributor as states in
 
 
 
25

 
 
which the Fund wishes to offer its shares for sale, in order that state registrations may be maintained for the Fund.  The Distributor is a broker-dealer registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and a member in good standing of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.  The Distributor is entitled to receive an annual fee of $5,000 per Fund for performing certain recordkeeping, communication, and other administrative services for the Fund.  Such administrative services shall include, but are not limited to, the following: (i) maintaining records with respect to submissions to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, dealer discounts and brokerage fees and commissions, and selling agreements; (ii) maintaining an account with the National Securities Clearing Corporation’s Fund/SERV System for the purpose of processing account registrations, maintaining accounts, and communicating transaction data; (iii) preparing reports for the Board of Trustees as shall be reasonably requested from time to time; and (iv) performing other services for the Trust as agreed to by the Distributor and the Trust from time to time.  The Distributor and Trust agree that the services described above are of an administrative nature and such services, as well as the fee provided in connection therewith, are not, nor are they intended to be, payment for marketing and/or distribution services related to, or the promotion of, the sale of the Fund’s shares.  The Distribution Agreement may be terminated by either party upon 60-days’ prior written notice to the other party and will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.  The Distributor serves as exclusive agent for the distribution of the shares of the Fund.
 
Custodian.   UMB Bank, n.a., with its principal place of business located in Kansas City, Missouri, serves as custodian for the Fund’s assets.  The custodian acts as the depository for the Fund, safekeeps its portfolio securities, collects all income and other payments with respect to portfolio securities, disburses monies at the Fund’s request, and maintains records in connection with its duties as custodian.  For its services, the custodian is entitled to receive a monthly fee from the Administrator based on the average net assets of the Fund plus additional out-of-pocket and transaction expenses as incurred by the Fund.  The Custodian’s compensation is subject to a minimum annual amount of $5,000 for the Fund.
 
Compliance Services Administrator.   The Trust has entered into a compliance services arrangement with Nottingham Compliance Services, LLC, 116 South Franklin Street, Post Office Box 69, Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27802-0069, in which Nottingham Compliance Services, an affiliate of the Administrator, will assist the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer in preparing and updating the Trust’s compliance manual and in monitoring and testing compliance with the policies and procedures under the Trust’s compliance manual.  Fees paid to Nottingham Compliance Services for these compliance services are paid by the Administrator.
 
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.   The Trustees have selected the firm of BBD, LLP to serve as the independent registered public accounting firm for the Fund for the current fiscal year and to audit the annual financial statements of the Fund, and prepare the Fund’s federal, state, and excise tax returns.  The independent registered public accounting firm will audit the financial statements of the Fund at least once each year.  Shareholders will receive annual audited and semi-annual (unaudited) reports when published and written confirmation of all transactions in their account.  A copy of the most recent annual report will accompany the Statement of Additional Information whenever a shareholder or a prospective investor requests it.
 
Legal Counsel.   Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC serves as legal counsel to the Trust and the Fund.
 
ADDITIONAL PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION
 
Reference is made to “Purchasing Shares” and “Redeeming Shares” in the Fund’s prospectus for more information concerning how to purchase and redeem shares.  The following information supplements the information regarding share purchases and share redemptions in the Fund’s prospectus:
 
Purchases.   Shares of the Fund are offered and sold on a continuous basis and may be purchased through authorized investment dealers or directly by contacting the Distributor, or the Fund directly.  Selling dealers have the responsibility of transmitting orders promptly to the Fund.  The purchase price of shares of the Fund is based on the net asset value next determined after the order is received, subject to the order being received by the Fund in good form.  Net asset value is normally determined at the time regular trading closes on the NYSE on days the NYSE is open for regular trading, as described under “Net Asset Value.”  The net asset value per share of the Fund is not calculated on business holidays when the NYSE is closed.  An order received prior to the time regular trading closes on the NYSE will be executed at the price calculated on the date of receipt and an order received after the time regular trading closes on the NYSE will be executed at the price calculated as of that time on the next business day.
 
 
 
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The Fund reserves the right in its sole discretion to (i) suspend the offering of its shares; (ii) reject purchase orders when in the judgment of management such rejection is in the best interest of the Fund and its shareholders; and (iii) reduce or waive the minimum for initial and subsequent investments under circumstances where certain economies can be achieved in sales of Fund shares.
 
Redemptions.   The Fund may suspend redemption privileges or postpone the date of payment (i) during any period that the NYSE is closed for other than customary weekend and holiday closings, or that trading on the NYSE is restricted as determined by the Securities and Exchange Commission; (ii) during any period when an emergency exists as defined by the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission as a result of which it is not reasonably practicable for the Fund to dispose of securities owned by it, or to determine fairly the value of its assets; and (iii) for such other periods as the Securities and Exchange Commission may permit.  The Fund may also suspend or postpone the recordation of the transfer of shares upon the occurrence of any of the foregoing conditions.  Any redemption may be more or less than the shareholder’s cost depending on the market value of the securities held by the Fund.  No charge is made by the Fund for redemptions other than the possible charge for wiring redemption proceeds.
 
Involuntary Redemptions.   In addition to the situations described in the Fund’s prospectus under “Redeeming Fund Shares,” the Fund may redeem shares involuntarily to reimburse the Fund for any loss sustained by reason of the failure of a shareholder to make full payment for shares purchased by the shareholder or to collect any charge relating to a transaction effected for the benefit of a shareholder which is applicable to Fund shares as provided in the Fund’s prospectus from time to time or to close a shareholder’s account if the Fund is unable to verify the shareholder’s identity.
 
Other Information.   If an investor realizes a gain on the redemption, the reinvestment will not affect the amount of any federal capital gains tax payable on the gain.  If an investor realizes a loss on the redemption, the reinvestment may cause some or all of the loss to be disallowed as a tax deduction, depending on the number of shares purchased by reinvestment and the period of time that has elapsed after the redemption, although for tax purposes, the amount disallowed is added to the cost of the shares acquired upon the reinvestment.
 
SPECIAL SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
 
The Fund offers the following special shareholder services:
 
Regular Account.   The regular account allows for voluntary investments to be made at any time.  Available to individuals, custodians, corporations, trusts, estates, corporate retirement plans, and others, investors are free to make additions to or withdrawals from their account.  When an investor makes an initial investment in the Fund, a shareholder account is opened in accordance with the investor’s registration instructions.  Each time there is a transaction in a shareholder account, such as an additional investment or the reinvestment of a dividend or distribution, the shareholder will receive a confirm­ation statement showing the current transaction and all prior transactions in the shareholder account during the calendar year to date, along with a summary of the status of the account as of the transaction date.  As stated in the Fund’s prospectus, share certificates are normally not issued.
 
Automatic Investment Plan. The automatic investment plan enables shareholders to make regular monthly or quarterly investments in shares through automatic charges to their checking account.  With shareholder authorization and bank approval, the Administrator will automatically charge the checking account for the amount specified ($100 minimum) which will be automatically invested in shares at the public offering price on or about the 21st day of the month.  The shareholder may change the amount of the investment or discontinue the plan at any time by writing to the Fund.
 
Systematic Withdrawal Plan.   Shareholders may establish a systematic withdrawal plan (“Systematic Withdrawal Plan”).  A shareholder may receive monthly or quarterly payments, in amounts of not less than $250 per payment, by authorizing the Fund to redeem the necessary number of shares periodically (each month, or quarterly) in order to make the payments requested.  The Fund has the capability of electronically depositing the proceeds of the systematic
 
 
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withdrawal directly to the shareholders personal bank account ($5,000 minimum per bank wire).  Instructions for establishing this service are included in the Fund Shares Application or are available by calling the Fund.  If the shareholder prefers to receive his systematic withdrawal proceeds in cash, or if such proceeds are less than the $5,000 minimum for a bank wire, checks will be made payable to the designated recipient and mailed with­in seven days of the valuation date.  If the designated recipient is other than the registered shareholder, the signature of each shareholder must be guaranteed on the application (see “Redeeming Shares – Signature Guarantees” in the Fund’s prospectus).  A corporation (or partnership) must also submit a “Corporate Resolution” (or “Certification of Partnership”) indi­cat­ing the names, titles, and required number of signatures auth­orized to act on its behalf.  The application must be signed by a duly authori­zed officer and the corporate seal affixed.  No redemption fees are charged to shareholders under this plan.  Costs in conjunction with the administration of the plan are borne by the Fund.  Shareholders should be aware that such systematic withdrawals may deplete or use up entirely their initial investment and may result in real­ized long-term or short-term capital gains or losses.  The Systematic Withdrawal Plan may be terminated at any time by the Fund upon 60-days’ written notice or by a shareholder upon written notice to the Fund.  Applications and further details may be obtained by calling the Fund at 1-800-773-3863 or by writing to:
 
QCI Balanced Fund
c/o Nottingham Shareholder Services
116 South Franklin Street
Post Office Box 4365
Rocky Mount, NC 27803-0365
 
Purchases In Kind.   The Fund may accept securities in lieu of payment for the purchase of shares in the Fund.  The acceptance of such securities is at the sole discretion of the Advisor based upon the suitability of the securities accepted for inclusion as a long-term investment of the Fund, the marketability of such securities, and other factors that the Advisor may deem appropriate.  If accepted, the securities will be valued using the same criteria and methods as described in “Purchase and Redemption Price – Determining the Fund’s Net Asset Value” in the Fund’s prospectus.
 
Redemptions In-Kind. The Fund does not intend, under normal circumstances, to redeem its securities by payment in kind.  It is possible, however, that conditions may arise in the future which would, in the opinion of the Trustees, make it undesirable for the Fund to pay for all redemptions in cash.  In such case the Trustees may authorize payment to be made in readily marketable portfolio securities of the Fund.  Securities delivered in payment of redemptions would be valued at the same value assigned to them in computing the net asset value per share.  Shareholders receiving them would incur brokerage costs when these securities are sold.  An irrevocable election has been filed under Rule 18f-1 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, wherein the Fund committed to pay redemptions in cash, rather than in kind, to any shareholder of record of the Fund who redeems during any ninety day period, the lesser of (a) $250,000 or (b) one percent (1%) of the Fund’s net asset value at the beginning of such period.
 
Transfer of Registration.   To transfer shares to another owner, send a written request to the Fund at the address shown above.  Your request should include the following:  (i) the Fund name and existing account registration; (ii) signatures of the registered owners exactly as the signature appear on the account registration; (iii) the new account registration, address, social security or taxpayer identification number, and how dividends and capital gains are to be distributed; (iv) signature guarantees (See the Fund’s prospectus under the heading “Signature Guarantees”); and (v) any additional documents which are required for transfer by corporations, administrators, executors, trustees, guardians, etc.  If you have any questions about transferring shares, call or write the Fund.
 
Employees and Affiliates of the Fund.   The Fund has adopted initial investment minimums for the purpose of reducing the cost to the Fund (and consequently to the shareholders) of communicating with and servicing its shareholders.  At the discretion of the Advisor, the Fund may allow investments in the Fund with a reduced minimum initial investment from its Trustees, officers, and employees; the Advisor and certain parties related thereto; including clients of the Advisor or any sponsor, officer, committee member thereof, or the immediate family of any of them.  In addition, accounts having the same mailing address may be aggregated for purposes of the minimum investment if they consent in writing to sharing a single mailing of shareholder reports, proxy statements (but each such shareholder would receive his/her own proxy), and other Fund literature.
 
 
 
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Dealers.   The Distributor, at its expense, may provide additional compensation in addition to dealer discounts and brokerage commissions to dealers in connection with sales of shares of the Fund.  Compensation may include financial assistance to dealers in connection with conferences, sales or training programs for their employees, seminars for the public, advertising campaigns regarding the Fund, and/or other dealer-sponsored special events.  In some instances, this compensation may be made available only to certain dealers whose representatives have sold or are expected to sell a significant amount of such shares.  Compensation may include payment for travel expenses, including lodging, incurred in connection with trips taken by invited registered representatives and members of their families to locations within or outside of the United States for meetings or seminars of a business nature.  Dealers may not use sales of the Fund shares to qualify for this compensation to the extent such may be prohibited by the laws of any state or the Financial Industries Regulatory Authority or any other self-regulatory agency.  None of the aforementioned compensation is paid directly by the Fund or its shareholders although the Distributor may use a portion of the payment it receives under the Plan to pay these expenses.
 
NET ASSET VALUE
 
The net asset value and net asset value per share of the Fund normally is determined at the time regular trading closes on the NYSE (currently 4:00 p.m., New York time, Monday through Friday, provided that certain options and futures contracts trade until 4:15 p.m. Eastern Time).  The Fund’s net asset value is not calculated on business holidays when the NYSE is closed.  The NYSE generally recognizes the following holidays:  New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, President’s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.  Any other holiday recognized by the NYSE will be deemed a business holiday on which the net asset value of the Fund will not be calculated.
 
The net asset value per share of the Fund is calculated by adding the value of the Fund’s securities and other assets belonging to the Fund, subtracting the liabilities charged to the Fund, and dividing the result by the number of outstanding shares.  “Assets belonging to” the Fund consist of the consideration received upon the issuance of shares of the Fund together with all net investment income, realized gains/losses and proceeds derived from the investment thereof, including any proceeds from the sale of such investments, any funds or payments derived from any reinvestment of such proceeds, and a portion of any general assets of the Trust not belonging to a particular series of shares.  Assets belonging to the Fund are charged with the direct liabilities of the Fund and with a share of the general liabilities of the Trust, which are normally allocated in proportion to the number of or the relative net asset values of all of the Trust’s series at the time of allocation or in accordance with other allocation methods approved by the Trustees.  Subject to the provisions of the Trust Instrument determinations by the Trustees as to the direct and allocable liabilities, and the allocable portion of any general assets, with respect to the Fund are conclusive.
 
The pricing and valuation of portfolio securities is determined in good faith in accordance with procedures established by, and under the direction of, the Trustees.  Values are determined according to accepted accounting practices and all laws and regulations that apply.  Using methods approved by the Trustees, the assets of each Fund are valued as follows:
 
·  
Securities that are listed on a securities exchange are valued at the last quoted sales price at the time the valuation is made.  Price information on listed securities is taken from the exchange where the security is primarily traded by the Fund.
 
·  
Securities that are listed on an exchange and which are not traded on the valuation date are valued at the bid price.
 
·  
Unlisted securities for which market quotations are readily available are valued at the latest quoted sales price, if available, at the time of valuation, otherwise, at the latest quoted bid price.
 
·  
Temporary cash investments with maturities of 60 days or less will be valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value.
 
 
 
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·  
Securities for which no current quotations are readily available are valued at fair value as determined in good faith using methods approved by the Trustees.  Securities may be valued on the basis of prices provided by a pricing service when such prices are believed to reflect the fair market value of such securities.
 
ADDITIONAL TAX INFORMATION
 
The following summarizes certain additional tax considerations generally affecting the Fund and its shareholders that are not described in the Fund’s prospectus.  No attempt is made to present a detailed explanation of the tax treatment of the Fund or its shareholders or any particular category of shareholders.  The discussions here and in the Fund’s prospectus are not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning and are based on United States federal income tax laws that are in effect on the date hereof and which may be changed by legislative, judicial, or administrative action.  In addition, no attempt is made to address tax concerns applicable to an investor with a special tax status such as a financial institution, REIT, insurance company, regulated investment company, individual retirement account, other tax-exempt entity, dealer in securities or non-U.S. investor.  Furthermore, this discussion does not reflect possible application of the alternative minimum tax.  Unless otherwise noted, this discussion assumes the common shares are held by U.S. persons and that such shares are held as capital assets.  Investors are advised to consult their tax advisors with specific reference to their own tax situations.
 
The Fund, and any other series of the Trust, will be treated as a separate corporate entity under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Code”), and intends to qualify or remain qualified as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code.  In order to so qualify, the Fund must elect to be a regulated investment company or have made such an election for a previous year and must satisfy certain requirements relating to the amount of distributions and source of its income for a taxable year.  At least 90% of the gross income of the Fund must be derived from dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stocks, securities, or foreign currencies, and other income derived with respect to the Fund’s business of investing in such stock, securities or currencies and net income derived from an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership.  Any income derived by the Fund from a partnership (other than a qualified publicly traded partnership) or trust is treated as derived with respect to the Fund’s business of investing in stock, securities, or currencies only to the extent that such income is attributable to items of income that would have been qualifying income if realized by the Fund in the same manner as by the partnership or trust.
 
An investment company may not qualify as a regulated investment company for any taxable year unless it satisfies certain requirements with respect to the diversification of its investments at the close of each quarter of the taxable year.  In general, at least 50% of the value of its total assets must be represented by cash, cash items, government securities, securities of other regulated investment companies, and other securities which, with respect to any one issuer, do not represent more than 5% of the total assets of the Fund or more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer.  In addition, not more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s total assets may be invested in (i) the securities (other than government securities or the securities of other regulated investment companies) of any one issuer; (ii) the securities of two or more issuers (other than securities of another regulated investment company) if the issuers are controlled by the Fund and they are, pursuant to Internal Revenue Service Regulations, engaged in the same or similar or related trades or businesses; or (iii) the securities of one or more publicly traded partnerships.  The Fund intends to satisfy all requirements on an ongoing basis for continued qualification as a regulated investment company.
 
The 2003 Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act reduced the federal tax rate on most dividends paid by U.S. corporations to individuals after December 31, 2002.  Through December 31, 2012, these qualifying corporate dividends are taxable at long-term capital gains tax rates.  Some, but not all, of the dividends paid by the Fund may be taxable at the reduced long-term capital gains tax rate for individual shareholders.  If the Fund designates a dividend as qualified dividend income, it generally will be taxable to individual shareholders at the long-term capital gains tax rate, provided certain holding period requirements are met.
 
Taxable dividends paid by the Fund to corporate shareholders will be taxed at corporate income tax rates.  Corporate shareholders may be entitled to a dividends received deduction (“DRD”) for a portion of the dividends paid and designated by the Fund as qualifying for the DRD.
 
 
 
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If the Fund designates a dividend as a capital gains distribution, it generally will be taxable to shareholders as long-term capital gains, regardless of how long the shareholders have held their Fund shares or whether they received in cash or reinvested in additional shares.  All taxable dividends paid by the Fund other than those designated as qualified dividend income or capital gains distributions will be taxable as ordinary income to shareholders, whether received in cash or reinvested in additional shares.  To the extent the Fund engages in increased portfolio turnover, short-term capital gains may be realized, and any distribution resulting from such gains will be considered ordinary income for federal tax purposes.
 
Shareholders who hold Fund shares in a tax-deferred account, such as a retirement plan, generally will not have to pay tax on Fund distributions until they receive distributions from their account.
 
The Fund, and any other series of the Trust, will designate (i) any dividend of qualified dividend income as qualified dividend income; (ii) any distribution of long-term capital gains as a capital gain dividend; and (iii) any dividend eligible for the corporate DRD as such in a written notice mailed to shareholders within 60 days after the close of the Fund’s taxable year.  Shareholders should note that, upon the sale or exchange of Fund shares, if such shares have not been held for at least six months, any loss on the sale or exchange of those shares will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of the capital gain dividends received with respect to the shares.
 
To the extent that a distribution from the Fund is taxable, it is generally included in a shareholder’s gross income for the taxable year in which the shareholder receives the distribution.  However, if the Fund declares a dividend in October, November, or December but pays it in January, it will be taxable to shareholders as if the dividend was received in the year it was declared.  Every year, each shareholder will receive a statement detailing the tax status of any Fund distributions for that year.
 
A 4% nondeductible excise tax is imposed on regulated investment companies that fail to currently distribute an amount equal to specified percentages of their ordinary taxable income and capital gain net income (excess of capital gains over capital losses).  The Fund intends to make sufficient distributions or deemed distributions of its ordinary taxable income and any capital gain net income prior to the end of each calendar year to avoid liability for this excise tax.
 
If for any taxable year the Fund does not qualify for the special federal income tax treatment afforded regulated investment companies, all of its taxable income will be subject to federal income tax at regular corporate rates (without any deduction for distributions to its shareholders) at the Fund level.  In such event, dividend distributions (whether or not derived from interest on tax-exempt securities) would be taxable as qualified dividends to individual shareholders in taxable years beginning on or before December 31, 2012, to the extent of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits, and would be eligible for the DRD for corporations, provided in each case that certain holding period and other requirements are met.
 
In general, a shareholder who sells or redeems shares will realize a capital gain or loss, which will be long-term or short-term, depending upon the shareholder’s holding period for the Fund shares.  An exchange of shares may be treated as a sale and any gain may be subject to tax.
 
The Fund will be required in certain cases to withhold and remit to the U.S. Treasury a percentage equal to the fourth lowest tax rate for unmarried individuals (presently 28%) of taxable dividends or of gross proceeds realized upon sale paid to shareholders who (i) have failed to provide a correct taxpayer identification number in the manner required; (ii) are subject to back-up withholding by the Internal Revenue Service for failure to include properly on their return payments of taxable interest or dividends; or (iii) have failed to certify to the Fund that they are not subject to backup withholding when required to do so.  Back-up withholding is not an additional tax.  Any amounts withheld from payments to you may be refunded or credited against your U.S. federal income tax liability, if any, provided that the required information is furnished to the Internal Revenue Service.
 
Depending upon the extent of the Fund’s activities in states and localities in which its offices are maintained, in which its agents or independent contractors are located, or in which it is otherwise deemed to be conducting business, the Fund may be subject to the tax laws of such states or localities.  In addition, in those states and localities that have income tax laws, the treatment of the Fund and its shareholders under such laws may differ from their treatment under federal income tax laws.
 
 
 
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Dividends paid by the Fund to non-U.S. shareholders may be subject to U.S. withholding tax at the rate of 30% unless reduced by treaty (and the shareholder files a valid Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN, or other applicable form, with the Fund certifying foreign status and treaty eligibility) or the non-U.S. shareholder files an Internal Revenue Service Form W-8ECI, or other applicable form, with the Fund certifying that the investment to which the distribution relates is effectively connected to a United States trade or business of such non-U.S. shareholder (and, if certain tax treaties apply, is attributable to a United States permanent establishment maintained by such non-U.S. shareholder).  The Fund may elect not to withhold the applicable withholding tax on any distribution representing a capital gain dividend to a non-U.S. shareholder.  Special rules may apply to non-U.S. shareholders with respect to the information reporting requirements and withholding taxes and non-U.S. shareholders should consult their tax advisors with respect to the application of such reporting requirements and withholding taxes.
 
The Fund will send shareholders information each year on the tax status of dividends and distributions.  A dividend or capital gains distribu­tion paid shortly after shares have been purchased, although in effect a return of investment, is subject to federal income taxa­tion.  Dividends from net investment income, along with capital gains, will be taxable to shareholders, whether received in cash or Fund shares and no matter how long the shareholder has held Fund shares, even if they reduce the net asset value of shares below the shareholder’s cost and thus, in effect, result in a return of a part of the shareholder’s investment.
 
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
 
The Trustees have adopted a policy that governs the disclosure of portfolio holdings.  This policy is intended to ensure that such disclosure is in the best interests of the shareholders of the Fund and to address possible conflicts of interest.  Under the Fund’s policy, the Fund generally will not disclose portfolio holdings to a third party unless such information is made available to the public.  The policy provides that the Fund may disclose non-public portfolio holdings information as required by law and under other limited circumstances that are set forth in more detail below.
 
The Fund will make available to the public a complete schedule of portfolio holdings, as reported on a fiscal quarter basis.  This information is generally available within 60 days of the Fund’s fiscal quarter end and will remain available until the next fiscal quarter’s portfolio holdings report becomes available.  You may obtain a copy of these quarterly portfolio holdings reports by calling the Fund at 1-800-773-3863.  The Fund will also file these quarterly portfolio holdings reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form N-CSR or Form N-Q, as applicable.  The Fund’s Form N-CSR and Form N-Q are available on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov and may be reviewed and copied at the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC.  The first and third quarter portfolio holdings reports will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form N-Q and the second and fourth fiscal quarter portfolio holdings reports will be included with the semi-annual and annual financial statements, respectively, which are sent to shareholders and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form N-CSR.
 
To the extent that a Fund’s portfolio holdings have previously been disclosed publicly either through a filing made with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form N-CSR or Form N-Q, or by being posted to the Fund’s website, such holdings may also be disclosed to any third party that requests them.
 
Consistent with policies approved by the Board, the officers of the Fund will share non-public portfolio holdings information with the Fund’s service providers that require such information for legitimate business and Fund oversight purposes.  Recipients of non-public portfolio holdings information have a duty not to trade on that confidential information.   The Fund has not (and does not intend to) enter into any arrangement providing for the receipt of compensation or other consideration in exchange for the disclosure of non-public portfolio holdings information, other than the benefits that result to the Fund and its shareholders from providing such information, which include the publication of Fund ratings and rankings.
 
The Advisor, as well as the custodian, fund accountant and administrator, and compliance services administrator, have full daily access to the Fund’s portfolio holdings.  These service providers are subject to obligations requiring them to keep non-public portfolio holdings information confidential.  In some, but not all, cases these confidentiality obligations are established by written agreements.  The Board of Trustees has concluded that the confidentiality
 
 
 
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obligations in place for these parties are adequate to safeguard the Fund from unauthorized disclosure of non-public portfolio holdings information.  In addition, the Advisor has a code of ethics that prohibits covered persons from disclosing or trading based on non-public portfolio holdings information.
 
The Fund’s distributor, transfer agent, independent public accountants, and legal counsel have access to the Fund’s portfolio holdings on an ad hoc, as needed basis.  The distributor and transfer agent are subject to written agreements that establish confidentiality obligations with respect to the Fund’s portfolio holdings.  The independent public accountants and legal counsel are subject to professional obligations that require them to keep non-public portfolio holdings information confidential.  The Board of Trustees has concluded that the confidentiality obligations in place for these parties are adequate to safeguard the Fund from unauthorized disclosure of non-public portfolio holdings information.
 
V.G. Reed & Sons, PrintGrafix (a division of Sunbelt Graphic Systems, Inc.), Riverside Printing, Inc., and PrinterLink Communications Group, Inc. are financial printers the Fund may engage for, among other things, the printing and/or distribution of regulatory and compliance documents.  These service providers are subject to written agreements that establish confidentiality obligations with respect to the Fund’s portfolio holdings.
 
The Fund and its service providers may also provide non-public portfolio holdings information to appropriate regulatory agencies as required by applicable laws and regulations.
 
The Fund currently does not provide non-public portfolio holdings information to any other third parties.  In the future, the Advisor may establish ongoing arrangements with other third parties if the Advisor determines that the Fund has a legitimate business purpose for doing so, determines that the disclosure is in the shareholders' best interest, and the recipient is subject to a duty of confidentiality.  These parties could include, by way of example, financial data processing companies that provide automated data scanning and monitoring services for the Fund, research companies that allow the Advisor to perform attribution analysis for the Fund; and the Advisor’s proxy voting agent to assess and vote proxies on behalf of the Fund.  The Advisor is responsible for determining which other third parties have a legitimate business purpose for receiving the Fund’s portfolio holdings information.
 
The Fund’s policy regarding disclosure of portfolio holdings is subject to the continuing oversight and direction of the Trustees.  Oversight includes: (i) review and approval of the policy on disclosure of portfolio holdings as necessary, including review of the parties receiving non-public portfolio holdings information; (ii) periodic assessment of compliance in connection with a report from the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer, (iii) receipt of reports on any conflicts of interest where disclosure of information about portfolio holdings may conflict or appear to conflict with the interests of the Fund’s investment advisor, any principal underwriter for the Trust, or an affiliated person of the Trust, and (iv) receipt of reports on any known disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio holdings to unauthorized third parties.  The Fund and Advisor are obligated to report issues that arise under the policy on disclosure of portfolio holdings to the Chief Compliance Officer.  Material compliance matters are then reported to the Board of Trustees.
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
Because the Fund is newly organized, there is no financial information in this Statement of Additional Information.  You may request a copy of the Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports, once available, at no charge by calling the Fund at 1-800-773-3863.
 
 
 
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APPENDIX A –DESCRIPTION OF RATINGS
 
The Fund may acquire from time to time certain securities that meet the following minimum rating criteria (“Investment-Grade Debt Securities”) (or if not rated, of equivalent quality as determined by the Advisor).  The various ratings used by the nationally recognized securities rating services are described below.
 
A rating by a rating service represents the service’s opinion as to the credit quality of the security being rated.  However, the ratings are general and are not absolute standards of quality or guarantees as to the creditworthiness of an issuer.  Consequently, the Advisor believes that the quality of Investment-Grade Debt Securities in which the Fund may invest should be continuously reviewed and that individual analysts give different weightings to the various factors involved in credit analysis.  A rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell, or hold a security, because it does not take into account market value or suitability for a particular investor.  When a security has received a rating from more than one service, each rating is evaluated independently.  Ratings are based on current information furnished by the issuer or obtained by the rating services from other sources that they consider reliable.  Ratings may be changed, suspended, or withdrawn as a result of changes in or unavailability of such information, or for other reasons.
 
Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services.   The following summarizes the highest four ratings used by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (“S&P”), a division of McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., for bonds which are deemed to be Investment-Grade Debt Securities by the Advisor:
 
AAA – This is the highest rating assigned by S&P to a debt obligation and indicates an extremely strong capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
 
AA – Debt rated AA differs from AAA issues only in a small degree.  The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is very strong.
 
A – Debt rated A is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher-rated categories.  However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong.
 
BBB – Debt rated BBB exhibits adequate protection parameters.  However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
 
To provide more detailed indications of credit quality, the AA, A, and BBB ratings may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within these major rating categories.
 
Bonds rated BB, B, CCC, CC, and C are not considered by the Advisor to be Investment-Grade Debt Securities and are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics.  BB indicates the lowest degree of speculation and C the highest degree of speculation.  While such bonds may have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions.
 
Commercial paper rated A-1 by S&P indicates that the degree of safety regarding timely payment is strong.  Those issues determined to possess extremely strong safety characteristics are denoted A-1+.  Capacity for timely payment on commercial paper rated A-2 is satisfactory, but the relative degree of safety is not as high as for issues designated A-1.
 
The rating SP-1 is the highest rating assigned by S&P to short term notes and indicates strong capacity to pay principal and interest.  An issue determined to possess a very strong capacity to pay debt service is given a plus (+) designation.  The rating SP-2 indicates a satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the notes.  The rating SP-3 indicates a speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.
 
 
 
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Moody’s Investor Service, Inc.   The following summarizes the highest four ratings used by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) for fixed-income obligations with an original maturity of one year or more, which are deemed to be Investment-Grade Securities by the Advisor:
 
Aaa – Bond obligations rated Aaa are judged to be of the highest quality, with minimal credit risk.
 
Aa – Bond obligations rated Aa are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk.
 
A – Bond obligations rated A are considered upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk.
 
Baa – Bond obligations rated Baa are subject to moderate credit risk.  They are considered medium-grade and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics.
 
Obligations that are rated Ba, B, Caa, Ca, or C by Moody’s are not considered “Investment-Grade Debt Securities” by the Advisor.  Obligations rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements and are subject to substantial credit risk.  Obligations rated B are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk.  Obligations rated Caa are judged to be of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk.
 
Note: Moody’s appends numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 to each generic rating classification from Aa through Caa.  The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.
 
Short-Term Ratings.
 
Moody’s short-term ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers to honor short-term financial obligations.  Ratings may be assigned to issuers, short-term programs, or individual short-term debt instruments.  Such obligations generally have an original maturity not exceeding thirteen months, unless explicitly noted.
 
Moody’s employs the following designations to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers:
 
P-1 – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-1 have a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations.
 
P-2 – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-2 have a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations.
 
P-3 – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-3 have an acceptable ability to repay short-term debt obligations.
 
NP – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.
 
Note: Canadian issuers rated P-1 or P-2 have their short-term ratings enhanced by the senior-most long-term rating of the issuer, its guarantor, or support-provider.
 
US Municipal Short-Term Debt And Demand Obligation Ratings.
 
Short-Term Debt Ratings.   There are three rating categories for short-term municipal obligations that are considered investment grade.  These ratings are designated as Municipal Investment Grade (MIG) and are divided into three levels – MIG 1 through MIG 3.  In addition, those short-term obligations that are of speculative quality are designated SG, or speculative grade.  MIG ratings expire at the maturity of the obligation.
 
 
 
35

 
 
MIG 1 – This designation denotes superior credit quality.  Excellent protection is afforded by established cash flows, highly reliable liquidity support, or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing.
 
MIG 2 – This designation denotes strong credit quality.  Margins of protection are ample, although not as large as in the preceding group.
 
MIG 3 – This designation denotes acceptable credit quality.  Liquidity and cash-flow protection may be narrow, and market access for refinancing is likely to be less well-established.
 
SG – This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality.  Debt instruments in this category may lack sufficient margins of protection.
 
Demand Obligation Ratings.   In the case of variable rate demand obligations (VRDOs), a two-component rating is assigned; a long or short-term debt rating and a demand obligation rating.  The first element represents Moody’s evaluation of the degree of risk associated with scheduled principal and interest payments.  The second element represents Moody’s evaluation of the degree of risk associated with the ability to receive purchase price upon demand (“demand feature”), using a variation of the MIG rating scale, the Variable Municipal Investment Grade or VMIG rating.
 
When either the long- or short-term aspect of a VRDO is not rated, that piece is designated NR, e.g., Aaa/NR or NR/VMIG 1.
 
VMIG rating expirations are a function of each issue’s specific structural or credit features.
 
VMIG 1 – This designation denotes superior credit quality.  Excellent protection is afforded by the superior short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.
 
VMIG 2 – This designation denotes strong credit quality.  Good protection is afforded by the strong short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.
 
VMIG 3 – This designation denotes acceptable credit quality.  Adequate protection is afforded by the satisfactory short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.
 
SG – This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality.  Demand features rated in this category may be supported by a liquidity provider that does not have an investment grade short-term rating or may lack the structural and/or legal protections necessary to ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.
 
Fitch Ratings.   The following summarizes the highest four ratings used by Fitch, Inc. (“Fitch”):
 
Long-Term Ratings.
 
AAA – Highest credit quality.  The rating AAA denotes that the lowest expectation of credit risk.  They are assigned only in case of exceptionally strong capacity for timely payment of financial commitments.  This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.
 
AA – Very high credit quality.  The rating AA denotes a very low expectation of credit risk.  They indicate very strong capacity for timely payment of financial commitments.  This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.
 
 
 
36

 
 
A – High credit quality.  The rating A denotes a low expectation of credit risk.  The capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is considered strong.  This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to changes in circumstances or in economic conditions than is the case for higher rating.
 
BBB – Good credit quality.  The rating BBB indicates that there is currently a low expectation of credit risk.  The capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is considered adequate, but adverse changes in circumstances and in economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity.  This is the lowest investment grade category.
 
Long-term securities rated below BBB by Fitch are not considered by the Advisor to be investment-grade securities.  Securities rated BB and B are regarded as speculative with regard to a possible credit risk developing.  BB is considered speculative and B is considered highly speculative.  Securities rated CCC, CC, and C are regarded as a high default risk.  A rating CC indicates that default of some kind appears probable, while a rating C signals imminent default.  Securities rated DDD, D, and D indicate a default has occurred.
 
Short-Term Ratings.
 
F1 – Highest credit quality.  The rating F1 indicates the strongest capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added (+) to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature.
 
F2 – Good credit quality.  The rating F2 indicates a satisfactory capacity for timely payment of financial commitment, but the margin of safety is not as great as in the case of the higher ratings.
 
F3 – Fair credit quality.  The rating F3 indicates the capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate; however, near-term adverse changes could result in a reduction to non-investment grade.
 
B – Speculative.  The rating B indicates minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus vulnerability to near-term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.
 
Short-term rates B, C, and D by Fitch are considered by the Advisor to be below investment-grade securities.  Short-term securities rated B are considered speculative, securities rated C have a high default risk, and securities rated D denote actual or imminent payment default.
 
(+) or (-) suffixes may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories.  Such suffixes are not added to long-term ratings “AAA” category, categories below “CCC”, or short-term ratings other than “F1”.  The suffix “NR” indicates that Fitch does not publicly rate the issuer or issue in question.
 

 
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APPENDIX B – PROXY VOTING POLICIES
 
The following proxy voting policies are provided:
 
(1)
The Trust’s Proxy Voting and Disclosure Policy; and
 
(2)
The Advisor’s Proxy Voting and Disclosure Policy, including a detailed description of the Advisor’s specific proxy voting guidelines.
 
(3)
The Sub-Advisor’s Proxy Voting and Disclosure Policy, including a detailed description of the Sub-Advisor’s specific proxy voting guidelines.
 
 

 
 
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Trust’s Proxy Voting Disclosure Policy
 
The Securities and Exchange Commission has adopted rules and forms under the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the Investment Company Act of 1940 to require registered investment companies to provide disclosure about how they vote proxies for their portfolio securities.  Each series of shares of the Trust (individually and collectively referred to as the “Fund”) is required to disclose the policies and procedures used to determine how to vote proxies for portfolio securities.  The Fund is also required to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission and to make available to their shareholders the specific proxy votes cast for portfolio securities.  This policy is designed to ensure that the Fund complies with these requirements and otherwise fulfills its obligations with respect to proxy voting, disclosure, and recordkeeping.  The overall goal is to ensure that the Fund’s proxy voting is managed in an effort to act in the best interests of its shareholders.  While decisions about how to vote must be determined on a case-by-case basis, proxy voting decisions will be made considering these guidelines and following the procedures recited herein.
 
Specific Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures
 
 
A.
 
General
 
 
The Board of Trustees believes that the voting of proxies is an important part of portfolio management as it represents an opportunity for shareholders to make their voices heard and to influence the direction of a company.  The Trust and Fund are committed to voting corporate proxies in the manner that best serves the interests of the Fund’s shareholders.
 
B.
 
Delegation to Fund’s Investment Advisor
 
 
The Board of Trustees believes that the Fund’s investment advisor is in the best position to make individual voting decisions for the Fund consistent with this policy.  Therefore, subject to the oversight of the Board of Trustees, the Fund’s investment advisor is delegated the following duties:
 
 
1. 
 
To make the proxy voting decisions for the Fund; and
 
 
2.
 
 
 
To assist the Fund in disclosing the Fund’s proxy voting record as required by Rule 30b1-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, including providing the following information for each matter with respect to which the Fund was entitled to vote: (a) information identifying the matter voted on; (b) whether the matter was proposed by the issuer or by a security holder; (c) whether and how the Fund cast its vote; and (d) whether the Fund cast its vote for or against management.
 
 
The Board of Trustees, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, shall approve the Proxy Voting and Disclosure Policy of the Fund’s investment advisor as it relates to the Fund.  The Board of Trustees shall also approve any material changes to such policy no later than six (6) months after adoption by the Fund’s investment advisor.
 
C.
 
Conflicts
 
  In cases where a matter with respect to which a Fund is entitled to vote presents a conflict between the interest of the Fund’s shareholders, on the one hand, and those of the Fund’s investment advisor, principal underwriter, or an affiliated person of the Fund, its investment advisor or principal underwriter, on the other hand, the Fund shall always vote in the best interest of the Fund’s shareholders.  For purposes of this Policy, a vote shall be considered in the best interest of the Fund’s shareholders (i) when a vote is cast consistent with a specific voting policy set forth in the Proxy Voting and Disclosure Policy of the Fund’s investment advisor, provided such specific voting policy was approved by the Board of Trustees, or (ii) when a vote is cast consistent with the decision of the Trust’s Proxy Voting Committee.  In addition, provided the Fund’s investment advisor is not affiliated with the Fund’s principal underwriter or an affiliated person of the principal underwriter and neither the Fund’s principal underwriter nor an affiliated person of the principal underwriter has influenced the advisor with respect to a matter to which the Fund is entitled to vote, a vote by the advisor shall not be considered a conflict between the Fund’s shareholders and the Fund’s principal underwriter or affiliated person of the principal underwriter.
 
 
 
 
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D.
 
Other Investment Companies
 
 
To the extent the Fund invests in shares of other investment companies in accordance with the safe harbor provisions of Section 12(d)(1)(F) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Fund’s investment advisor shall vote proxies with respect to such investment company securities in the same proportion as the vote of all other holders of such securities.
 
Fund Disclosure
 
 
A. 
 
Disclosure of Fund Policies and Procedures With Respect to Voting Proxies Relating to Portfolio Securities
 
 
The Fund shall disclose this policy, or a description of the policy, to its shareholders by including it as an appendix to its Statement of Additional Information on Form N-1A.  The Fund will also notify its shareholders in the Fund’s shareholder reports that a description of this policy is available upon request, without charge, by calling a specified toll-free telephone number.  The Fund will send this description of the policy within three business days of receipt of any shareholder request, by first-class mail, or other means designed to ensure equally prompt delivery.
 
B.
 
Disclosure of the Fund’s Complete Proxy Voting Record
 
 
In accordance with Rule 30b1-4 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Fund will file Form N-PX with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than August 31 of each year, even if August 31 falls on a non-business day.  The Fund shall disclose to its shareholders on Form N-PX the Fund’s complete proxy voting record for the twelve-month period ended June 30.
 
 
The Fund shall disclose the following information on Form N-PX for each matter relating to a portfolio security considered at any shareholder meeting held during the period covered by the report and with respect to which to the Fund was entitled to vote:
 
  (i) The name of the issuer of the portfolio security;
  (ii) The exchange ticker symbol of the portfolio security (if available through reasonably practicable means);
  (iii) The Council on Uniform Security Identification Procedures (“CUSIP”) number for the portfolio security (if available through reasonably practicable means);
  (iv) The shareholder meeting date;
  (v) A brief identification of the matter voted on;
  (vi) Whether the matter was proposed by the issuer or by a security holder;
  (vii) Whether the Fund cast its vote on the matter;
  (viii) How the Fund cast its vote (e.g., for or against proposal, or abstain; for or withhold regarding election of directors); and
 
(ix)
 
Whether the Fund cast its vote for or against management.
 
 
The Fund shall make its proxy voting record available to shareholders either upon request or by making available an electronic version on or through the Fund’s website, if applicable.  If the Fund discloses its proxy voting record on or through its website, the Fund shall post the information disclosed in the Fund’s most recently filed report on Form N-PX on the website beginning the same day it files such information with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
  The Fund shall also include a statement in its annual reports, semi-annual reports, and Statement of Additional Information that information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 is available (i) without charge upon request, by calling a specified toll-free (or collect) telephone number, or (if applicable) on or through the Fund’s website at a specified internet address; and (ii) on the website of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  If the Fund discloses that its proxy voting record is available by calling a toll-free (or collect) telephone number, it shall send the information disclosed in the Fund’s most recently filed report on Form N-PX within three business days of receipt of a request for this information, by first-class mail or other means designed to ensure equally prompt delivery.
 
 
 
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Recordkeeping
 
The Trust shall keep the following records for a period of at least five years, the first two in an easily accessible place:
 
(i)  
A copy of this Policy;
(ii)  
Proxy statements received regarding the Fund’s securities;
(iii)  
Records of votes cast on behalf of the Fund; and
(iv)  
A record of each shareholder request for proxy voting information and the Fund’s response, including the date of the request, the name of the shareholder, and the date of the response.
 
The foregoing records may be kept as part of the records of the Fund’s investment advisor.
 
A Fund may rely on proxy statements filed on the SEC EDGAR system instead of keeping its own copies, and may rely on proxy statements and records of proxy votes cast by the Fund’s investment advisor that are maintained with a third party such as a proxy voting service, provided that an undertaking is obtained from the third party to provide a copy of the documents promptly upon request.
 
Proxy Voting Committee
 
A.  
General
 
The Trust’s Proxy Voting Committee shall be composed entirely of Independent Trustees and may be comprised of one or more such Independent Trustees as the Board of Trustees may, from time to time, decide.  The purpose of the Proxy Voting Committee shall be to determine how the Fund should cast its vote, if called upon by the Board of Trustees or the Fund’s investment advisor, when a matter with respect to which the Fund is entitled to vote presents a conflict between the interest of the Fund’s shareholders, on the one hand, and those of the Fund’s investment advisor, principal underwriter, or an affiliated person of the Fund, its investment advisor, or principal underwriter, on the other hand.
 
B.  
Powers and Methods of Operation
 
The Proxy Voting Committee shall have all the powers necessary to fulfill its purpose as set forth above and such other powers and perform such other duties as the Board of Trustees may, from time to time, grant or assign to the Proxy Voting Committee.  The Proxy Voting Committee shall meet at such times and places as the Proxy Voting Committee or the Board of Trustees may, from time to time, determine.  The act of a majority of the members of the Proxy Voting Committee in person, by telephone conference, or by consent in writing without a meeting shall be the act of the Proxy Voting Committee.  The Proxy Voting Committee shall have the authority to utilize Trust counsel at the expense of the Trust if necessary.  The Proxy Voting Committee shall prepare minutes of each meeting and keep such minutes with the Trust’s records.  The Proxy Voting Committee shall review this Policy and recommend any changes to the Board of Trustees as it deems necessary or advisable.
 
Other
 
This policy may be amended, from time to time, as determined by the Board of Trustees.
 

 
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QCI Asset Management, Inc.
Proxy Voting/Class Action Lawsuits
 

 
 Proxy Voting
 
  A. Statement of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures.  The Company’s proxy voting policies and procedures are designed to ensure that proxies are voted in the best interest of our clients, in accordance with our fiduciary
 
duties and SEC rule 206(4)-6 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.  Our obligation and authority to vote the proxies of our clients is established by our advisory contracts.  In addition to SEC requirements governing advisers, our proxy voting policies reflect the long-standing fiduciary standards and responsibilities for ERISA accounts set out in Department of Labor Bulletin 94-2, 29 C.F.R. 2509.94-2 (July 29, 1994).
 
 
The Company has established voting guidelines, designed to help ensure that proxy matters are conducted in the best interest of clients.  These are guidelines only and each vote is ultimately cast on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all relevant facts and circumstances at the time of the vote.  Any material conflicts of interest that may arise are resolved in the best interest of our clients.  These guidelines have been developed based on the fundamental and overriding belief that shareholder wealth maximization should be the primary focus of corporate management of publicly traded companies .
 
  B. Responsibility.  Unless the powers to vote proxies for a client is reserved to that client, the Company proxy administrator is responsible for voting proxies related to each account.  The proxy administrator will promptly
 
vote proxies in a manner consistent with the Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures stated herein.
 
 
C.
 
Procedures.  The following are the general steps to be taken to accomplish the function of voting proxies.
 
   
1.
 
Obtain Proxy.  Proxy materials are obtained from the registered owners of record (e.g. the custodian funds).
 
   
2. 
 
Match.  Each proxy received is matched to the securities to be voted.
 
   
3. 
 
Categorize.  Proxies are reviewed and categorized according to issues.
 
   
4.
 
 
Conflicts of Interest.  Any material conflict of interest between the Company’s interests and those of the client are resolved by voting the proxy in accordance with the Company’s policy of voting in the best interest of the client.
 
   
5.
 
Vote.  The proxy administrator votes the proxy(s) in accordance with the Company’s policies on each issue.
 
 
D.
 
 
Record Keeping
 
   
1.
 
Section 204.  The Company will maintain records of proxies voted.
 
   
2.
 
Contents.  Such records should include:
 
     
a.
 
Proxy statements received
 
     
b.
 
A record of each vote cast
 
      c. Any document created by the company that was material to making a decision on how to vote proxies on behalf of a client or that memorializes the basis for that decision.
 
 
 
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d.
Each written client request for proxy voting record and the Company’s response to the request.
 
   
3. 
Duration.  Proxy voting books and records should be maintained in an easily accessible place for a period of five years.
 
 
E.
 
Use of Third Party Services
   
1.
The Company utilizes the services of a Third Party (ProxyEdge) to help in performing its Proxy Voting duties in accordance with its stated policies and procedures.
 
   
2. 
ProxyEdge Instructions;
 
     
a.
Daily Maintenance (Procedure details can be found in the ProxyEdge Instruction Manual)
 
       
i. 
Data feed.
 
       
ii.
Holdings Import.
 
       
iii.
Check the following reports:  Ballots rejected, Votes rejected, Accounts rejected.
 
       
iv.
Any new accounts should be reviewed and approved for set-up.
 
     
b.
Holding Reconciliation  Reconciliation of holdings shares versus electronic shares should be done for each company.  Share discrepancies can result for the following reasons:
 
       
i.
An account is not set up in the ProxyEdge system.  When this happens the proxy administrator can manually enter the votes onto the proxy edge system.  The ballot will still need to be voted either online or through the mail.  A copy of this ballot should be faxed to ProxyEdge for set-up.  Included on the ballot should be the client name and internal account number.
 
       
ii.
Holdings were improperly imported into ProxyEdge.  When this happens simply go to the Axys system and verify that the account(s) in question do in fact hold the security reported on ProxyEdge.
 
       
iii.
If you are not able to resolve discrepancies, call the ProxyEdge representative to discuss the issue.
 
 
F.
 
Proxy Voting – Philosophies and Guidelines
 
   
1. 
General Philosophies
 
     
a.
Routine Matters/Corporate Administrative Items.  The Company will generally vote with management on routine matters related to the operation of the company and not expected to have a significant economic impact on the company and/or shareholders.
 
     
b.
Potential for Major Economic Impact.  The Company reviews and analyzes on a case-by-case basis non-routine proposals that are more likely to affect the structure and operation of the issuer and to have a greater impact on the value of the investment.
 
     
c.
Corporate Governance.  The Company reviews and considers corporate governance issues related to proxy matters and generally supports proposals that foster good corporate governance practices.
 
 
 
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d.
Special Interest Issues.  The Company considers the following factors when developing a position on special interest issues:  (i)  the long-term benefit to shareholders of promoting corporate accountability with respect to special interest issues; (ii) any economic costs and restrictions on management; and (iii)  the responsibility of the adviser to vote proxies for the greatest long-term shareholder value.
 
     
e.
Such Other Business.  Proxy ballots sometimes contain a proposal granting the board authority to “transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting.”  The Company considers the following factors when developing a position on this issue:  (i)  The board is limited in what action it may legally take with such authority;  and (ii) the adviser’s responsibility to consider actions before supporting them.
 
   
2.
Proxy Voting Guidelines
 
     
a.
Directors & Voting
 
       
i.
Voting for Directors
 
WITHHOLD VOTE for directors whose ownership is worth less than one year of compensation.  At many companies, the only proxy issue is the election of management’s nominees to the board of directors.  The crucial factor for shareholders in electing directors is determining whether management’s nominees have the incentive to serve shareholder interests, which can best be determined by comparing the value of their ownership in the company to their compensation and directors’ fees.
 
The key measure for shareholders is the number of shares owned directly by the nominee.  To compare ownership and compensation:  Determine the value of the ownership for each nominee by simply multiplying the current stock price times the number of shares owned directly by the nominee.
 

 
A separate table in the proxy statement lists the compensation of the officers of the corporation who also serve as directors.  The fee paid to directors who are not employees of the corporation is also disclosed separately in the proxy statement.
 
 
ii.  
Increase in the Number of Directors
 
VOTE AGAINST:  The authorization of managers to appoint directors to fill vacancies created by expanding the number of directors, without submitting new directors to a shareholder vote.
 
Management proposal for a  “classified board” that allows management to load a board with candidates of its choice while limiting the ability of shareholders to object.  Typically a classified board has three classes of directors, with the term of each class staggered so that only one third of the board is elected in any year.  This insulates the board and management from shareholder influence because management cannot lose control of the board in any single election.
 
 
iii.  
Cumulative Voting
 
VOTE FOR: Cumulative voting allows shareholders to “accumulate” their votes for individual director nominees.  Without cumulative voting, shareholders votes are apportioned among a slate of director nominees.  Cumulative voting allows minority shareholders true representation in board elections, which most management opposes.
 
 
iv.  
Confidential Voting Proposals
 
 
 
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VOTE FOR: Without confidential treatment of proxy votes, the proxy system allows management to identify the votes of specific shareholders.  Management can use this system to exert pressure for shareholder votes.
 
 
v.  
Imposition of Super-majority Voting Requirements
 
VOTE AGAINST: Super-majority voting requires greater shareholder support, up to 85 percent, for action that management might oppose – for example, a change of control – than for routine elections.
 
 
b.  
Employee Compensation
 
 
i.  
Establish or Amend Various Forms of Incentive Compensation Plans For Key Employees
 
VOTE FOR: Reasonable and carefully administered incentive compensation plans, including stock options and other stock purchase rights, deferred compensation plans and other forms of incentives act to attract and retain management employees and provide them with incentives to work toward better business results and higher future market values of the company securities.  This is particularly true at senior management levels.
 
VOTE AGAINST:
 
 
,  
“Golden Parachutes” or incentive plans which award substantial cash payments to key management employees in the event of the company’s acquisition.  Golden Parachutes amount to severance agreements for under- performing management that is replaced, at shareholders expense.
 
 
,  
Stock option plans that have an exercise or “strike” price below the current market price of the stock at the time the options are awarded, this amounts to a risk-free cash bonus.
 
 
,  
Incentive options including “stock depreciation rights,” which guarantee management compensation for any loss in the stock value after the options are awarded.
 
 
ii.  
Establish or Amend an Employee Savings and Stock Purchase Thrift and Investment Plan
 
VOTE FOR:  Plans of this type make available to employees significant incentives to save, and to accumulate capital and obtain dividend income that are clearly related to their individual contributions to the company’s operations.  Both loyalty and performance motivation can be stimulated by visible self-interest benefits to the employee of the future appreciation in the stock’s value.
 
 
c.  
Shareholder Proposals & Shareholder Rights
 
 
i.  
Proposals to Restrict Shareholders’ Ability to Call a Special Meeting and Take Action by Written Consent
 
VOTE AGAINST: These management initiatives are intended to eliminate features of corporate governance that give shareholders the right to take action outside of the channels traditionally controlled by management.
 
 
ii.  
Proposals to Rescind Shareholder Rights Plans or Submit them to a Shareholder Vote
 
VOTE FOR: Shareholder rights plans, which despite their name prevent shareholders from acting directly on premium offers, are commonly know as “poison pills.”  Management, however, will not use this term in a proxy statement.
 
Management’s response to poison-pills proposals is that the right plans provide the company’s board of directors with time to negotiate for the best price for shareholders and prevent “coercive” takeover tactics.  But shareholders are never given an opportunity to decide for themselves whether they require this protection.  All credible economic studies show that poison pills deter offers to shareholders and depresses stock values.
 
 
 
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iii.  
Extinguish Shareholder Preemptive Rights
 
VOTE FOR: For large companies having large, actively traded equity capitalization, an individual shareholder’s proportionate ownership is not a particularly material consideration, and increased ownership may be easily obtained by market purchases.  However, the additional expenses incurred in a rights offering of new securities, including the necessary discount under the prevailing market price, are comparatively significant.  In the long term, greater financial flexibility and reduced expenses afforded by not having preemptive rights are more in the stockholders interest than the less meaningful property right to maintain proportionate ownership.
 
 
iv.  
Shareholder Proposals Relating to Issues of Social and Moral Conscience
 
VOTE AS RECOMMENDED: Personal moral or social views should not be superimposed on clients and, therefore, votes should generally be as recommended by management on issues of this type.  Issues of social and moral conscience include the following types of proposals:
 
 
,  
Prohibit, arbitrarily restrict, or excessively increase charitable contributions;
 
 
,  
Report on employment and recruiting practices in relation to minorities;
 
 
,  
South African divestment proposals;
 
 
,  
Prohibit business dealings with communist countries.
 
 
d.  
Mergers, Reincorporating & State Laws
 
 
i.  
Reincorporating Under Laws of a Different State
 
VOTE FOR: To the extent that a change of the legal jurisdiction under which the corporation is governed is to provide more favorable conditions, reduce taxes or provide greater flexibility of corporate operations, such a change could be to the benefit of shareholders.
 
 
ii.  
Merger Consolidation of Legally Independent Companies or Subsidiaries
 
VOTE FOR:  These proposals are generally made in order to simplify corporate structures that have outlived their usefulness and to reduce costs.  These savings are generally in the shareholders’ interests.
 
 
iii.  
Opting-Out of State Anti-shareholder Laws
 
VOTE FOR: These state “anti-takeover” statutes insulate management from accountability to shareholders by sharply limiting shareholders’ ability to consider offers for their stock from outside parties.  The statute passed in Delaware, the most popular state of incorporation, requires companies to “opt-out” of the law if a proposal receives the support of a majority of outstanding shares.
 
 
iv.  
Proposals to Amend Corporate Charter to Increase the Authorized Shares or Classes of Stock
 
VOTE FOR:  In general these proposals are intended to enable the management to split the stock and to make sure that there are sufficient shares for stock options, etc.
 
 
e.  
Miscellaneous
 
 
i.  
Routine Matters
 
VOTE AS RECOMMENDED: In general the following are routine matters accepting some type of special proposal and should be vote as recommended by management:
 
 
o  
Appointment of Auditors
 
 
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o  
Stock Splits
 
 
o   
Change in date or time of annual meeting.
 
 
 
 
 
47

 
 
PART C

FORM N-1A

OTHER INFORMATION


ITEM 28.   Exhibits
 
(a)
Declaration of Trust (“Trust Instrument”). 1
(b)
By-Laws. 1
(c)
Articles III, V, and VI of the Trust Instrument, Exhibit 23(a) hereto, defines the rights of holders of the securities being registered.  (Certificates for shares are not issued.)
(d)(1)
Interim Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and CV Investment Advisors, LLC, as investment advisor for the   Caritas All-Cap Growth Fund. 32
(d)(2)
Amended Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and FolioMetrix, LLC, as investment advisor for the   Rx Dynamic Growth Fund (f/k/a FMX Growth Allocation Fund). 16
(d)(3)
Amended Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and FolioMetrix, LLC, as investment advisor for the   Rx Dynamic Total Return Fund (f/k/a FMX Total Return Fund). 16
(d)(4)
Amended Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and FolioMetrix, LLC, as investment advisor for the   Rx Non Traditional Fund, Rx High Income Fund, Rx Traditional Equity Fund, Rx Traditional Fixed Income Fund, Rx Tactical Rotation Fund, Rx Tax Advantaged Fund, Rx Dividend Income Fund, and Rx Premier Managers Fund (f/k/a the ISM Non Traditional Fund, ISM High Income Fund, ISM Strategic Equity Fund, ISM Strategic Fixed Income Fund, ISM Global Alpha Tactical Fund, ISM Tax Free Fund, ISM Dividend Income Fund, and ISM Premier Asset Management Fund, respectively). 28
(d)(5)
Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and FolioMetrix, LLC, as investment advisor for the   Rx Fundamental Growth Fund. 30
(d)(6)
Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between FolioMetrix, LLC and Forward Management, LLC, as investment sub-advisor for the   Rx Dividend Income Fund (f/k/a ISM Dividend Income Fund). 28
(d)(7)
Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between FolioMetrix, LLC and Navellier & Associates, Inc. as investment sub-advisor for the   Rx Fundamental Growth Fund. 30
(d)(8)
Interim Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and CV Investment Advisors, LLC, as investment advisor for the Presidio Multi-Strategy Fund. 33
(d)(9)
Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and Roumell Asset Management, LLC, as investment advisor for the Roumell Opportunistic Value Fund. 5
(d)(10)
Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and Navigator Money Management, Inc., as investment advisor for the Sector Rotation Fund. 7
 
 
 
 

 
 
(d)(11)
Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and Sentinel Capital Solutions, as investment advisor for the SCS Tactical Allocation Fund (f/k/a Guardian Diversified Fund). 10
(d)(12)
Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and Greenwood Capital Associates, LLC, as investment advisor for the Crescent Funds. 11
(d)(13)
Investment Advisory Agreement, as amended, between Registrant and Arin Risk Advisors, LLC, as investment advisor for the Arin Large Cap Theta Fund. 17
(d)(14)
Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and Deschutes Portfolio Strategies, Inc., as investment advisor for the Matisse Discounted Closed-End Fund Strategy. 18
(d)(15)
Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and Thornhill Securities, Inc., as investment advisor for the Thornhill Strategic Equity Fund. 19
(d)(16)
Amended Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and CV Investment Advisors, LLC, as investment advisor for the Horizons West Multi-Strategy Hedged Income Fund (formerly known as the Prophecy Alpha Trading Fund). 34
(d)(17)
Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between CV Investment Advisors, LLC and Horizons West Capital Management, LLC, as investment sub-advisor for the Horizons West Multi-Strategy Hedged Income Fund (formerly known as the Prophecy Alpha Trading Fund). 34
(d)(18)
Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and CV Investment Advisors, LLC, Inc., as investment advisor for the CV Asset Allocation Fund. 22
(d)(19)
Form of Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and CV Investment Advisors, LLC, Inc., as investment advisor for the CVU.S. High Yield Fund (formerly known as the CV Sector Rotational Fund). 35
(d)(20)
Form of Amended Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between CV Investment Advisors, LLC and Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC, as investment sub-advisor for the CV U.S. High Yield Fund (formerly known as the CV Sector Rotational Fund). 35
(d)(21)
Form of Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and QCI Asset Management, Inc., as investment advisor for the QCI Balanced Fund. 36
(e)
Distribution Agreement between the Registrant and Capital Investment Group, Inc., as distributor for each series of the Trust. 36
(f)
Not Applicable.
(g)
Custody Agreement between the Registrant, UMB Bank, n.a., and The Nottingham Company. 37
(h)(1)
Amended and Restated Fund Accounting and Administration Agreement between the Registrant and The Nottingham Company, as administrator for the Caritas All-Cap Growth Fund. 12
(h)(2)
Amended and Restated Fund Accounting and Administration Agreement between the Registrant and The Nottingham Company, as administrator for the RiskX Funds (f/k/a FMX Funds). 23
 
 
 
 

 
 
(h)(3)
Fund Accounting and Administration Agreement between the Registrant and The Nottingham Company, as administrator for the Rx Fundamental Growth Fund. 30
(h)(4)
Amended and Restated Fund Accounting and Administration Agreement between the Registrant and The Nottingham Company, as administrator for the Presidio Multi-Strategy Fund. 9
(h)(5)
Amended Fund Accounting and Administration Agreement between the Registrant and The Nottingham Company, as administrator for the Roumell Opportunistic Value Fund. 29
(h)(6)
Fund Accounting and Administration Agreement between the Registrant and The Nottingham Company, as administrator for The Sector Rotation Fund. 7
(h)(7)
Fund Accounting and Administration Agreement between the Registrant and The Nottingham Company, as administrator for the SCS Tactical Allocation Fund. 10
(h)(8)
Fund Accounting and Administration Agreement between the Registrant and The Nottingham Company, as administrator for the Crescent Funds. 11
(h)(9)
Fund Accounting and Administration Agreement between the Registrant and The Nottingham Company, as administrator for the Arin Large Cap Theta Fund. 15
(h)(10)
Amended Fund Accounting and Administration Agreement between the Registrant and The Nottingham Company, as administrator for the Matisse Discounted Closed-End Fund Strategy. 25
(h)(11)
Fund Accounting and Administration Agreement between the Registrant and The Nottingham Company, as administrator for the Thornhill Strategic Equity Fund. 19
(h)(12)
Amended Fund Accounting and Administration Agreement between the Registrant and The Nottingham Company, as administrator for the Horizons West Multi-Strategy Hedged Income Fund (formerly known as the Prophecy Alpha Trading Fund). 34
(h)(13)
Fund Accounting and Administration Agreement between the Registrant and The Nottingham Company, as administrator for the CV Asset Allocation Fund. 22
(h)(14)
Form of Amended Fund Accounting and Administration Agreement between the Registrant and The Nottingham Company, as administrator for the CV U.S. High Yield Fund (formerly known as the CV Sector Rotational Fund). 35
(h)(15)
Form of Fund Accounting and Administration Agreement between the Registrant and The Nottingham Company, as administrator for the QCI Balanced Fund. 36
(h)(16)
Dividend Disbursing and Transfer Agent Agreement between the Registrant and Nottingham Shareholder Services, LLC, as transfer agent for the Registrant. 36
(h)(17)
Expense Limitation Agreement between the Registrant and Sentinel Capital Solutions as investment advisor for the   SCS Tactical Allocation Fund. 21
(h)(18)
Expense Limitation Agreement between the Registrant and Greenwood Capital Associates, LLC, as investment advisor for the   Crescent Funds. 11
(h)(19)
Expense Limitation Agreement between the Registrant and Thornhill Securities, Inc., as investment advisor for the   Thornhill Strategic Equity Fund. 19
 
 
 
 

 
 
(h)(20)
Expense Limitation Agreement between the Registrant and FolioMetrix, LLC., as investment advisor for the   Rx Fundamental Growth Fund. 19
(h)(21)
Form of Expense Limitation Agreement between the Registrant and QCI Asset Management, Inc., as investment advisor for the   QCI Balanced Fund. 36
(h)(22)
Operating Plan between CV Investment Advisors, LLC and The Nottingham Company for the Presidio Multi-Strategy Fund. 33
(h)(23)
Amended Operating Plan between Roumell Asset Management, LLC and The Nottingham Company. 29
(h)(24)
Amended and Restated Operating Plan between FolioMetrix, LLC and The Nottingham Company. 28
(h)(25)
Operating Plan between FolioMetrix, LLC and The Nottingham Company for the Rx Fundamental Growth Fund. 30
(h)(26)
Operating Plan between Navigator Money Management, Inc. and The Nottingham Company. 7
(h)(27)
Operating Plan between CV Investment Advisors, LLC and The Nottingham Company for the Caritas All-Cap Growth Fund. 32
(h)(28)
Operating Plan between Arin Risk Advisors, LLC and The Nottingham Company. 15
(h)(29)
Amended Operating Plan between Deschutes Portfolio Strategies, LLC and The Nottingham Company. 25
(h)(30)
Amended Operating Plan between CV Investment Advisors, LLC and The Nottingham Company for the Horizons West Multi-Strategy Hedged Income Fund (formerly known as the Prophecy Alpha Trading Fund). 34
(h)(31)
Operating Plan between CV Investment Advisors, LLC and The Nottingham Company for the CV Asset Allocation Fund. 22
(h)(32)
Form of Amended Operating Plan between CV Investment Advisors, LLC and The Nottingham Company for the CV U.S. High Yield Fund (formerly known as the CV Sector Rotational Fund). 35
(i)
Opinion and Consent of counsel. 8
(j)
Consent of BBD, LLP, independent public accountants. 37
(k)
Not applicable.
(l)(1)
Initial Subscription Agreement for the Caritas All-Cap Growth Fund. 2
(l)(2)
Initial Subscription Agreement for the Rx Dynamic Growth Fund (f/k/a FMX Growth Allocation Fund) and the Rx Dynamic Total Return Fund (f/k/a FMX Total Return Fund). 3
(l)(3)
Initial Subscription Agreement for the Presidio Multi-Strategy Fund. 13
(l)(4)
Initial Subscription Agreement for the Roumell Opportunistic Value Fund. 13
 
 
 
 

 
 
(l)(5)
Initial Subscription Agreement for the SCS Tactical Allocation Fund. 14
(l)(6)
Initial Subscription Agreement for the Crescent Funds. 13
(l)(7)
Initial Subscription Agreement for the Arin Large Cap Theta Fund. 20
(l)(8)
Initial Subscription Agreement for the Rx Non Traditional Fund, Rx High Income Fund, Rx Traditional Equity Fund, Rx Traditional Fixed Income Fund, Rx Tactical Rotation Fund, Rx Tax Advantaged Fund, Rx Dividend Income Fund, and Rx Premier Managers Fund (f/k/a the (f/k/a ISM Non Traditional Fund, ISM High Income Fund, ISM Strategic Equity Fund, ISM Strategic Fixed Income Fund, ISM Global Alpha Tactical Fund, ISM Tax Free Fund, ISM Dividend Income Fund, and ISM Premier Asset Management Fund, respectively). 20
(l)(9)
Initial Subscription Agreement for the Matisse Discounted Closed-End Fund Strategy. 20
(l)(10)
Form of Initial Subscription Agreement for the Thornhill Strategic Equity Fund. 19
(l)(11)
Form of Initial Subscription Agreement for the Horizons West Multi-Strategy Hedged Income Fund (formerly known as the Prophecy Alpha Trading Fund). 31
(l)(12)
Initial Subscription Agreement for the CV Asset Allocation Fund. 26
(l)(13)
Form of Initial Subscription Agreement for the CV U.S. High Yield Fund (formerly known as the CV Sector Rotation Fund). 35
(l)(14)
Form of Initial Subscription Agreement for the QCI Balanced Fund. 36
(m)(1)
Distribution Plan under Rule 12b-1 for the Caritas All-Cap Growth Fund. 2
(m)(2)
Distribution Plan under Rule 12b-1 for the Presidio Multi-Strategy Fund. 4
(m)(3)
Amended Distribution Plan under Rule 12b-1 for the Roumell Opportunistic Value Fund. 27
(m)(4)
Distribution Plan under Rule 12b-1 for the Rx Dynamic Growth Fund (f/k/a FMX Growth Allocation Fund). 6
(m)(5)
Distribution Plan under Rule 12b-1 for the Rx Dynamic Total Return Fund (f/ka FMX Total Return Fund). 6
(m)(6)
Distribution Plan under Rule 12b-1 for the Rx Non Traditional Fund, Rx High Income Fund, Rx Traditional Equity Fund, Rx Traditional Fixed Income Fund, Rx Tactical Rotation Fund, Rx Tax Advantaged Fund, Rx Dividend Income Fund, and Rx Premier Managers Fund (f/k/a the ISM Non Traditional Fund, ISM High Income Fund, ISM Strategic Equity Fund, ISM Strategic Fixed Income Fund, ISM Global Alpha Tactical Fund, ISM Tax Free Fund, ISM Dividend Income Fund, and ISM Premier Asset Management Fund, respectively). 16
(m)(7)
Distribution Plan under Rule 12b-1 for the Rx Fundamental Growth Fund. 30
(m)(8)
Distribution Plan under Rule 12b-1 for the SCS Tactical Allocation Fund. 10
(m)(9)
Distribution Plan under Rule 12b-1 for the Crescent Funds. 11
(m)(10)
Distribution Plan under Rule 12b-1 for the Arin Large Cap Theta Fund. 15
 
 
 
 

 
 
(m)(11)
Distribution Plan under Rule 12b-1 for the Horizons West Multi-Strategy Hedged Income Fund (formerly known as the Prophecy Alpha Trading Fund). 34
(m)(12)
Distribution Plan under Rule 12b-1 for the CV U.S. High Yield Fund (formerly known as the CV Sector Rotational Fund). 35
(m)(13)
Distribution Plan under Rule 12b-1 for the Matisse Discounted Closed-End Fund Strategy. 25
(m)(14)
Distribution Plan under Rule 12b-1 for the QCI Balanced Fund. 36
(n)(1)
Amended Multiple Class Plan Pursuant to Rule 18f-3 for the Roumell Opportunistic Value Fund. 27
(n)(2)
Amended Multiple Class Plan Pursuant to Rule 18f-3 for the RiskX Funds (f/k/a FMX Funds). 30
(n)(3)
Multiple Class Plan Pursuant to Rule 18f-3 for the Crescent Funds. 11
(n)(4)
Multiple Class Plan Pursuant to Rule 18f-3 for the Arin Large Cap Theta Fund. 15
(n)(5)
Multiple Class Plan Pursuant to Rule 18f-3 for the Horizons West Multi-Strategy Hedged Income Fund (formerly known as the Prophecy Alpha Trading Fund). 34
(n)(6)
Form of Multiple Class Plan Pursuant to Rule 18f-3 for the CV U.S. High Yield Fund (formerly known as the CV Sector Rotational Fund). 35
(n)(7)
Multiple Class Plan Pursuant to Rule 18f-3 for the Matisse Discounted Closed-End Fund Strategy. 25
(n)(8)
Multiple Class Plan Pursuant to Rule 18f-3 for the QCI Balanced Fund. 36
(o)
Reserved.
(p)(1)
Code of Ethics for the Registrant. 2
(p)(2)
Code of Ethics for FolioMetrix, LLC, investment advisor to the RiskX Funds (f/k/a FMX Funds). 3
(p)(3)
Code of Ethics for Roumell Asset Management, LLC, investment advisor to the Roumell Opportunistic Value Fund. 5
(p)(4)
Code of Ethics for Navigator Money Management, Inc., investment advisor to The Sector Rotation Fund. 7
(p)(5)
Code of Ethics for Sentinel Capital Solutions, investment advisor to the SCS Tactical Allocation Fund. 10
(p)(6)
Code of Ethics for Greenwood Capital Associates, LLC, investment advisor to the Crescent Funds. 11
(p)(7)
Code of Ethics for Arin Risk Advisors, LLC, investment advisor to the Arin Large Cap Theta Fund. 15
 
 
 
 

 
 
(p)(8)
Code of Ethics for Deschutes Portfolio Strategies, Inc., investment advisor to the Matisse Discounted Closed-End Strategy. 18
(p)(9)
Code of Ethics for Thornhill Securities, Inc., investment advisor to the Thornhill Strategic Equity Fund. 19
(p)(10)
Code of Ethics for CV Investment Advisors, LLC, investment advisor to the CV Asset Allocation Fund, CV U.S. High Yield (formerly known as the CV Sector Rotational Fund), Horizons West Multi-Strategy Hedged Income Fund, Caritas All-Cap Growth Fund, and Presidio Multi-Strategy Fund. 24
(p)(11)
Code of Ethics for Horizons West Capital Partners, LLC, investment sub-advisor to the Horizons West Multi-Strategy Hedged Income Fund (formerly known as the Prophecy Alpha Trading Fund). 31
(p)(12)
Code of Ethics for Forward Management, LLC, investment sub-advisor to the Rx Dividend Income Fund (f/k/a ISM Dividend Income Fund). 23
(p13)
Code of Ethics for Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC., investment sub-advisor to the CV U.S. High Yield Fund (formerly known as the CV Sector Rotational Fund). 35
(p14)
Code of Ethics for Navellier & Associates, Inc., investment sub-advisor to the Rx Fundamental Growth Fund. 30
(p15)
Code of Ethics for QCI Asset Management, Inc., investment advisor to the QCI Balanced Fund. 36
(q)
Copy of Power of Attorney. 36
                                                          
 
 
1.  
Incorporated herein by reference to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on May 26, 2009.
2.  
Incorporated herein by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on July 24, 2009.
3.  
Incorporated herein by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 3 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on August 19, 2009.
4.  
Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on February 26, 2010.
5.  
Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 27 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on November 15, 2010.
6.  
Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 28 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on November 19, 2010.
7.  
Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 42 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on June 27, 2011.
8.  
Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 46 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on September 28, 2011.
9.  
Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 48 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on September 28, 2011.
10.  
Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 54 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on November 4, 2011.
11.  
Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 55 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on November 14, 2011.
12.  
Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 58 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on December 1, 2011.
13.  
Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on December 29, 2011.
 
 
 
 

 
 
14.  
Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 63 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on January 30, 2012.
15.  
Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 65 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on May 4, 2012.
16.  
Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 66 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on July 7, 2012.
17.  
Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on July 12, 2012.
18.  
Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 69 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on July 31, 2012.
19.  
Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 71 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on August 29, 2012.
20.  
Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 80 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on October 22, 2012.
21.  
Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 91 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on December 31, 2012.
22.  
Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 92 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on January 15, 2013.
23.  
Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 93 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on January 15, 2013.
24.  
Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 98 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on February 4, 2013.
25.  
Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 100 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on March 15, 2013.
26.  
Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 105 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on April 4, 2013.
27.  
Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 117 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on May 24, 2013.
28.  
Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 129 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on July 17, 2013.
29.  
Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 130 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on July 23, 2013.
30.  
Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 134 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on August 2, 2013.
31.  
Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 136 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on August 13, 2013.
32.  
Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 147 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on September 30, 2013.
33.  
Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 148 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on September 30, 2013.
34.  
Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 150 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on October 11, 2013.
35.  
Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 156 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on October 24, 2013.
36.  
Filed herewith.
37.   F
To be filed by amendment.

 
ITEM 29.   Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with the Registrant
 
No person is controlled by or under common control with the Registrant.
 
ITEM 30.   Indemnification
 
 
 
 

 
 
Under Delaware law, Section 3817 of the Treatment of Delaware Statutory Trusts empowers Delaware business trusts to indemnify and hold harmless any trustee or beneficial owner or other person from and against any and all claims and demands whatsoever, subject to such standards and restrictions as may be set forth in the governing instrument of the business trust.  The Registrant’s Trust Instrument contains the following provisions:
 
Article VII. Section 2.   Indemnification and Limitation of Liability .  The Trustees shall not be responsible or liable in any event for any neglect or wrong-doing of any officer, agent, employee, Advisor or Principal Underwriter of the Trust, nor shall any Trustee be responsible for the act or omission of any other Trustee, and, as provided in Section 3 of this Article VII, the Trust out of its assets shall indemnify and hold harmless each and every Trustee and officer of the Trust from and against any and all claims, demands, costs, losses, expenses, and damages whatsoever arising out of or related to such Trustee's performance of his or her duties as a Trustee or officer of the Trust; provided that nothing herein contained shall indemnify, hold harmless or protect any Trustee or officer from or against any liability to the Trust or any Shareholder 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.
 
Every note, bond, contract, instrument, certificate or undertaking and every other act or thing whatsoever issued, executed or done by or on behalf of the Trust or the Trustees or any of them in connection with the Trust shall be conclusively deemed to have been issued, executed or done only in or with respect to their or his or her capacity as Trustees or Trustee, and such Trustees or Trustee shall not be personally liable thereon.
 
Article VII. Section 3.   Indemnification.
 
(a)           Subject to the exceptions and limitations contained in Subsection (b) below:
 
    (i)           every person who is, or has been, a Trustee or an officer, employee or agent of the Trust (including any individual who serves at its request as director, officer, partner, trustee or the like of another organization in which it has any interest as a shareholder, creditor or otherwise) (“Covered Person”) shall be indemnified by the Trust or the appropriate Series to the fullest extent permitted by law against liability and against all expenses reasonably incurred or paid by him in connection with any claim, action, suit or proceeding in which he becomes involved as a party or otherwise by virtue of his being or having been a Covered Person and against amounts paid or incurred by him in the settlement thereof; and
 
         (ii)           as used herein, the words “claim,” “action,” “suit,” or “proceeding” shall apply to all claims, actions, suits or proceedings (civil, criminal or other, including appeals), actual or threatened, and the words “liability” and “expenses” shall include, without limitation, attorneys, fees, costs, judgments, amounts paid in settlement, fines, penalties and other liabilities.
 
(b)           No indemnification shall be provided hereunder to a Covered Person:
 
         (i)           who shall have been adjudicated by a court or body before which the proceeding was brought (A) to be liable to the Trust or its Shareholders by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office, or (B) not to have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that his action was in the best interest of the Trust; or
 
         (ii)           in the event the matter is not adjudicated by a court or other appropriate body, unless there has been a determination that such Covered Person did not engage in willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office: by at least a majority of those Trustees who are neither Interested Persons of the Trust nor are parties to the matter based upon a review of readily available facts (as opposed to a full trial-type inquiry); or by written opinion of independent legal counsel based upon a review of readily available facts (as opposed to a full trial-type inquiry).
 
 
 

 
 
(c)           The rights of indemnification herein provided may be insured against by policies maintained by the Trust, shall be severable, shall not be exclusive of or affect any other rights to which any Covered Person may now or hereafter be entitled, and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of a Covered Person.
 
(d)           To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, expenses incurred in defending any proceeding may be advanced by the Trust before the disposition of the proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such Covered Person that such amount will be paid over by him to the Trust or applicable Series if it is ultimately determined that he is not entitled to indemnification under this Section; provided, however, that either a majority of the Trustees who are neither Interested Persons of the Trust nor parties to the matter, or independent legal counsel in a written opinion, shall have determined, based upon a review of readily available facts (as opposed to a full trial-type inquiry) that there is reason to believe that such Covered Person will not be disqualified from indemnification under this Section.
 
(e)           Any repeal or modification of this Article VII by the Shareholders, or adoption or modification of any other provision of the Declaration or By-laws inconsistent with this Article, shall be prospective only, to the extent that such repeal, or modification would, if applied retrospectively, adversely affect any limitation on the liability of any Covered Person or indemnification available to any Covered Person with respect to any act or omission which occurred prior to such repeal, modification or adoption.
 
In addition, the Registrant has entered into Investment Advisory Agreements with its Advisors and Distribution Agreements with its Distributor.  These agreements provide indemnification for those entities and their respective affiliates.  The Advisors’ and Distributor’s personnel may serve as trustees and officers of the Trust.
 
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“Securities Act”), may be permitted to trustees, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant by the Registrant pursuant to the Trust Instrument or otherwise, the Registrant is aware that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and, therefore, is unenforceable.  In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by trustees, officers or controlling persons of the Registrant in connection with the successful defense of any act, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such trustees, officers or controlling persons in connection with the shares being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issues.
 
ITEM 31.  Business and other Connections of the Investment Advisor
 
See the section of the Prospectuses entitled “Management of the Fund – The Investment Advisor” and the section of the Statements of Additional Information entitled “Management and Other Service Providers” for the activities and affiliations of the officers and directors of the investment advisors to the Registrant.  The investment advisors provide investment advisory services to numerous institutional and individual clients in addition to the Registrant.
 
ITEM 32.  Principal Underwriter
 
(a)
Capital Investment Group, Inc. is underwriter and distributor for Arin Large Cap Theta Fund, Caritas All-Cap Growth Fund, Crescent Large Cap Macro Fund, Crescent Mid Cap Macro Fund, Crescent Strategic Income Fund, CV Asset Allocation Fund, CV U.S. High Yield Fund (formerly known as the CV Sector Rotational Fund), Hillman Focused Advantage Fund, Horizons West Multi-Strategy Hedged Income Fund (formerly known as the Prophecy Alpha Trading Fund), Matisse Discounted Closed-End Fund Strategy, Paladin Long Short Fund, Presidio Multi-Strategy Fund, QCI Balanced Fund, Roumell Opportunistic Value Fund, Rx Dynamic Growth Fund, Rx Dynamic Total Return Fund, Rx Non Traditional Fund, Rx High Income Fund, Rx Traditional Equity Fund, Rx Traditional Fixed Income Fund, Rx Tactical Rotation Fund, Rx Tax Advantaged Fund, Rx Dividend Income Fund, Rx Premier Managers Fund, Rx Fundamental Growth Fund, SCS Tactical Allocation Fund, Sector Rotation Fund, and Thornhill Strategic Equity Fund.
 
 
 

 
 
(b)
Set forth below is information concerning each director and officer of the Distributor.  The principal business address of the Distributor and each such person is 17 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, N.C. 27622, 919-831-2370.
 
(1)
(2)
(3)
 
Name
Position and Offices
With Underwriter
Positions and Offices
with Registrant
Richard K. Bryant
President
None
E.O. Edgerton, Jr.
Vice President
None
Con T. McDonald
Assistant Vice-President
None
W. Harold Eddins, Jr.
Assistant Vice-President
None
Kurt A. Dressler
Assistant Vice-President
None
Ronald L. King
Chief Compliance Officer
None
(c)
Not applicable.
 
ITEM 33.  Location of Accounts and Records
 
All account books and records not normally held by UMB Bank, n.a., the custodian to the Registrant, are held by the Registrant in the offices of The Nottingham Company, fund accountant and administrator to the Registrant; Nottingham Shareholder Services, LLC, transfer agent to the Registrant; or by each of the investment advisors to the Registrant.
 
The address of UMB Bank, n.a., is 928 Grand Boulevard, 5th Floor, Kansas City, Missouri  64106.  The address of The Nottingham Company is 116 South Franklin Street, Post Office Box 69, Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27802-0069.  The address of Nottingham Shareholder Services, LLC is 116 South Franklin Street, Post Office Box 4365, Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27803-0365.  The address for Arin Risk Advisors, LLC, investment advisor for the Arin Large Cap Theta Fund, is 300 Four Falls Corporate Center, Suite 200, West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania 19428.  T.  The address for CV Investment Advisors, LLC, investment advisor for the CV Asset Allocation Fund, CV U.S. High Yield Fund (formerly known as the CV Sector Rotational Fund), Horizons West Multi-Strategy Hedged Income Fund (formerly known as the Prophecy Alpha Trading Fund), Caritas All-Cap Growth Fund, and Presidio Multi-Strategy Fund is 300 Conshohocken State Road, Suite 200, West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania 19428.  The address of Deschutes Portfolio Strategies, Inc., investment advisor to the Matisse Discounted Closed-End Fund Strategy, is 4949 Meadows Road, Suite 200, Lake Oswego, Oregon 97035.  The address of FolioMetrix, LLC, investment advisor to the RiskX Funds (formerly known as the FMX Funds) is 821 Pacific Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68108.  The address for Greenwood Capital Associates, LLC, investment advisor for the Crescent Large Cap Macro Fund, Crescent Mid Cap Macro Fund, and Crescent Strategic Income Fund, is 104 Maxwell Avenue, Greenwood, South Carolina 29646.  The address for Horizons West Capital Partners, LLC, investment sub-advisor for the Horizons West Multi-Strategy Hedged Income Fund (formerly known as the Prophecy Alpha Trading Fund) is 75 Glen Road, Suite G-14, Newtown, Connecticut 06482.  The address for Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC, investment sub-advisor for the Brandywine CV U.S. High Yield Fund (formerly known as the CV Sector Rotational Fund) is 2929 Arch Street, 8 th Floor, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 191043.  The address for Navigator Money Management, Inc., investment advisor to The Sector Rotation Fund, is 1207 Route 9, Suite 10, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590.  .  The address for Roumell Asset Management, LLC, investment advisor to the Roumell Opportunistic Value Fund, is 2 Wisconsin Circle, Suite 660, Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815.  The address for Sentinel Capital Solutions, Inc., investment advisor to the SCS Tactical Allocation Fund, is 38 S. Potomac Street, Suite 304, Hagerstown, MD 21740. The address for Thornhill Securities, Inc., investment advisor for the Thornhill Strategic Equity Fund, is 336 S. Congress, Suite 200, Austin, Texas  78704. The address for QCI Asset Management, Inc., investment advisor for the QCI Balanced Fund, is 40A Grove Street, Pittsford, New York 14534.
 
 
 

 
 
ITEM 34.  Management Services
 
None.
 
ITEM 35.  Undertakings
 
None.
 
 
 
 

 
SIGNATURES
 

 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“Securities Act”), and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized, in the City of Rocky Mount, and State of North Carolina on this 15th  day of November, 2013.

 
STARBOARD INVESTMENT TRUST

By:            /s/ Katherine M. Honey                                            
Katherine M. Honey
               Secretary and Attorney-in-Fact

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

 
Signature
Title
Date
     
           *                    
Trustee
November 15, 2013
Jack E. Brinson
   
     
           *                    
Trustee and Chairman
November 15, 2013
James H. Speed, Jr.
   
     
           *                    
Trustee
November 15, 2013
J. Buckley Strandberg
   
     
           *                    
Trustee
November 15, 2013
Michael G. Mosley
   
     
           *                    
Trustee
November 15, 2013
Theo H. Pitt, Jr.
   
     
           *                    
President, RiskX Funds
November 15, 2013
D.J. Murphey
   
     
           *                    
Treasurer, RiskX Funds
November 15, 2013
Julie M. Koethe
   
     
           *                    
President, Roumell Opportunistic Value Fund
November 15, 2013
James C. Roumell
   
     
           *                    
Treasurer, Roumell Opportunistic Value Fund
November 15, 2013
Craig L. Lukin
   
     
           *                    
President and Treasurer,
November 15, 2013
Mark A. Grimaldi
The Sector Rotation Fund
 
     
           *                    
President and Treasurer,
November 15, 2013
Cort F. Meinelschmidt
SCS Tactical Allocation
 
     
           *                    
President, Crescent Funds
November 15, 2013
J. Philip Bell
   
     
 
 
 
 

 
 
           *                    
Treasurer, Crescent Funds
November 15, 2013
Walter B. Todd, III
   
     
           *                    
President, Arin Funds
November 15, 2013
Joseph J. DeSipio
   
     
           *                    
Treasurer, Arin Funds
November 15, 2013
Lawrence H. Lempert
   
     
           *                    
President,
November 15, 2013
Bryn H. Torkelson
Matisse Discounted Closed-End Fund Strategy
 
     
           *                    
President and Treasurer,
November 15, 2013
Gabriel F. Thornhill IV
Thornhill Strategic Equity Fund
 
     
           *                    
President,
November 15, 2013
Steven M. MacNamara
Horizons West Multi-Strategy Hedged Income Fund
 
     
           *                    
Treasurer of the CV U S. High Yield Fund, and
November 15, 2013
Brenda A. Smith
Horizons West Multi-Strategy Hedged Income Fund;
President and  Treasurer of CV Asset Allocation
Fund, Caritas All-Cap Growth Fund, and Presidio
Multi-Strategy Fund
 
     
           *                    
President of the QCI Balanced Fund
November 15, 2013
H. Edward Shill
   
     
           *                    
Treasurer of the QCI Balanced Fund
November 15, 2013
Gerald Furciniti
   
     
/s/ T. Lee Hale, Jr.
Treasurer of the Matisse Discounted Closed-End
November 15, 2013
T. Lee Hale, Jr.
Fund Strategy, Chief Compliance Officer and Assistant Treasurer of the Trust
 
     
* By: /s/  Katherine M. Honey
Dated:  November 15, 2013
 
  Katherine M. Honey
Secretary and Attorney-in-Fact
 

 

 
FORM OF
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT
 
This Investment Advisory Agreement (“Agreement”) is made and entered into effective as of October 31, 2013 by and between QCI Asset Management, Inc., a New York corporation (the “Advisor”), and the Starboard Investment Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, on behalf of the QCI Balanced Fund (the “Fund”), a series of the Trust.

WHEREAS
, the Trust is registered as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940;
 
WHEREAS , the Trust has designated the Fund as a series of interests in the Trust;
 
WHEREAS , the Advisor is registered as an investment advisor under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, and engages in the business of asset management; and
 
WHEREAS , the Trust desires to retain the Advisor to furnish investment management services to the Fund and the Advisor is willing to furnish such services;
 
NOW THEREFORE , in consideration of the promises and mutual covenants herein contained, it is agreed between the parties hereto as follows:
 
1.
Appointment. The Trust appoints the Advisor as investment advisor to the Fund, a series of the Trust, for the period and on the terms set forth in this Agreement.  The Advisor accepts such appointment and agrees to furnish the services set forth herein, for the compensation indicated in Appendix A.
 
2.
Obligations of the Advisor.   Subject to the supervision of the Trust’s Board of Trustees, the Advisor will provide a continuous investment program for the Fund.
 
 
(a)
Services.   The Advisor agrees to perform the following services for the Fund and Trust:
 
 
(i)
Manage the investment and reinvestment of the assets of the Fund;
 
 
(ii)
Continuously review, supervise, and administer the investment program of the Fund;
 
 
(iii)
Determine, in its discretion, the securities to be purchased, retained, or sold (and implement those decisions) with respect to the Fund;
 
 
(iv)
Provide the Fund and Trust with records concerning the Advisor’s activities under this Agreement which the Fund and Trust are required to maintain;
 
 
1

 
 
(v)
Render regular reports to the Trust’s trustees and officers concerning the Advisor’s discharge of the foregoing responsibilities; and
 
 
(vi)
Perform such other services as agreed by the Advisor and the Trust from time to time.
 
The Advisor shall discharge the foregoing responsibilities subject to the control of the trustees and officers of the Trust and in compliance with (i) such policies as the trustees may from time to time establish; (ii) the Fund’s objectives, policies, and limitations as set forth in its prospectus and statement of additional information, as the same may be amended from time to time; and (iii) with all applicable laws and regulations.  All services to be furnished by the Advisor under this Agreement may be furnished through the medium of any directors, officers, or employees of the Advisor or through such other parties as the Advisor may determine from time to time.
 
 
(b)
Expenses and Personnel.   The Advisor agrees, at its own expense or at the expense of one or more of its affiliates, to render its services and to provide the office space, furnishings, equipment, and personnel as may be reasonably required in the judgment of the trustees and officers of the Trust to perform the services on the terms and for the compensation provided herein.  The Advisor shall authorize and permit any of its officers, directors, and employees, who may be elected as trustees or officers of the Trust, to serve in the capacities in which they are elected.  Except to the extent expressly assumed by the Advisor herein and except to the extent required by law to be paid by the Advisor, the Trust shall pay all costs and expenses in connection with its operation.
 
 
(c)
Fund Transactions.   The Advisor is authorized to select the brokers or dealers that will execute the purchases and sales of portfolio securities for the Fund.  With respect to brokerage selection, the Advisor shall seek to obtain the best overall execution for fund transactions, which is a combination of price, quality of execution, and other factors.  The Advisor may, in its discretion, purchase and sell portfolio securities from and to brokers and dealers who provide the Advisor with brokerage, research, analysis, advice, and similar services, and the Advisor may pay to these brokers and dealers, in return for such services, a higher commission or spread than may be charged by other brokers and dealers, provided that the Advisor determines in good faith that such commission is reasonable in terms either of that particular transaction or of the overall responsibility of the Advisor to the Fund and its other clients and that the total commission paid by the Fund will be reasonable in relation to the benefits to the Fund and its other clients over the long-term.  The Advisor will promptly communicate to the officers and the trustees of the Trust such information relating to portfolio transactions as they may reasonably request.
 
 
2

 
 
(d)
Books and Records.   All books and records prepared and maintained by the Advisor for the Fund and Trust under this Agreement shall be the property of the Fund and Trust and, upon request therefor, the Advisor shall surrender to the Fund and Trust such of the books and records so requested.
 
 
(e)
Compliance Procedures.   The Advisor will, in accordance with Rule 206(4)-7 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, adopt and implement written policies and procedures reasonably designed to prevent violations of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and will provide the Trust with copies of such written policies and procedures upon request.
 
3.
Compensation.   The Trust will pay, or cause to be paid to, the Advisor and the Advisor will accept as full compensation an investment advisory fee, based upon the average daily net assets of each Fund, computed at the end of each month and payable within five business days thereafter, according to the schedule attached hereto as Appendix A.
 
4.
Status of Advisor.   The services of the Advisor to the Fund and Trust are not to be deemed exclusive, and the Advisor shall be free to render similar services to others so long as its services to the Fund and Trust are not impaired thereby; provided, however, that without providing written notice to the Trust’s Board of Trustees, the Advisor will not serve as investment advisor to any other registered investment company having a similar investment strategy to that of the Fund.  The Advisor shall be deemed to be an independent contractor and shall, unless otherwise expressly provided or authorized, have no authority to act for or represent the Trust or the Fund in any way or otherwise be deemed an agent of the Fund or Trust.  Nothing in this Agreement shall limit or restrict the right of any director, officer, or employee of the Advisor, who may also be a trustee, officer, or employee of the Trust, to engage in any other business or to devote his or her time and attention in part to the management or other aspects of any other business, whether of a similar nature or a dissimilar nature.
 
5.
Limitation of Liability; Indemnification.   The Advisor assumes no responsibility under this Agreement other than to render the services called for hereunder.  The Advisor shall not be liable for any error of judgment or for any loss suffered by the Fund or Trust in connection with the matters to which this Agreement relates, except a loss resulting from a breach of fiduciary duty with respect to receipt of compensation for services or a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence on the part of the Advisor in the performance of its duties or from reckless disregard by the Advisor of its obligations and duties under this Agreement.  It is  agreed that the Advisor shall have no responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness of the Trust’s registration statement under the Investment Company Act of 1940 or the Securities Act of 1933, except for information supplied by the Advisor for inclusion therein.  The Trust agrees to indemnify the Advisor to the full extent permitted by the Trust’s Declaration of Trust.
 
 
3

 
 
 
Any liability of the Advisor to the Fund shall not automatically impart liability on the part of the Advisor to any other series of the Trust.  The Fund shall not be liable for the obligations of any other series of the Trust, nor shall any other series of the Trust be liable for the obligations of the Fund.  The limitations of liability provided under this section are not to be construed so as to provide for limitation of liability for any liability (including liability under U.S. federal securities laws that, under certain circumstances, impose liability even on persons that act in good faith) to the extent (but only to the extent) that such limitation of liability would be in violation of applicable law, but will be construed so as to effectuate the applicable provisions of this section to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law.
 
6.
Liability of Shareholders.   Notice is hereby given that, as provided by applicable law, the obligations of or arising out of this Agreement are not binding upon any of the shareholders of the Trust individually but are binding only upon the assets and property of the Trust and that the shareholders shall be entitled, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, to the same limitation on personal liability as shareholders of private corporations for profit.
 
7.
Representations and Warranties.
 
 
(a)
The Advisor represents and warrants to the Trust as follows: (i) the Advisor is a limited liability company duly organized and in good standing under the laws of the State of Maryland and is fully authorized to enter into this Agreement and carry out its duties and obligations hereunder; and (ii) the Advisor is registered as an investment advisor with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, and shall maintain such registration in effect at all times during the term of this Agreement.
 
 
(b)
The Trust represents and warrants to the Advisor as follows: (i) the Trust has been duly organized as a statutory trust under the laws of the State of Delaware and is authorized to enter into this Agreement and carry out its terms; (ii) the Trust is registered as an investment company with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment Company Act of 1940; (iii) shares of the Fund are (or will be) registered for offer and sale to the public under the Securities Act of 1933; and (iv) such registrations will be kept in effect during the term of this Agreement.
 
 
4

 
 
8.
Notice of Change in Control.   The Advisor is obligated to notify the Trust if there is a change in control of the Advisor at least thirty days prior to the effective date of the change, or as soon as practicable in the event that thirty days’ notice is not possible.
 
9.
Duration and Termination.   This Agreement shall remain in effect for an initial term of two years from the date hereof, and from year to year thereafter provided such continuance is approved at least annually by the vote of a majority of the trustees of the Trust who are not “interested persons” (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940) of the Trust, which vote must be cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval; provided that:
 
 
(a)
The Trust may, at any time and without the payment of any penalty, terminate this Agreement upon 60 calendar days’ written notice of a decision to terminate this Agreement by (i) the Trust’s trustees; or (ii) the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund;
 
 
(b)
This Agreement shall immediately terminate in the event of its assignment (within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the rules thereunder); and
 
 
(c)
The Advisor may, at any time and without the payment of any penalty, terminate this Agreement upon 60 calendar days’ written notice to the Fund and Trust.
 
 
(d)
The terms of paragraph 5 of this Agreement shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
 
10.
Amendment of Agreement.   No provision of this Agreement may be changed, waived, discharged, or terminated orally, but only by a written instrument signed by the party against which enforcement of the change, waiver, discharge or termination is sought.  No material amendment of this Agreement shall be effective until approved by vote of the holders of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940).
 
11.
Applicable Law.   This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with, and governed by, the laws of the State of Delaware.
 
12.
Structure of Agreement.   The Trust is entering into this Agreement solely on behalf of the Fund.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing: (i) no breach of any term of this Agreement shall create a right or obligation with respect to any series of the Trust other than the Fund; (ii) under no circumstances shall the Advisor have the right to set off claims relating to the Fund by applying property of any other series of the Trust; and (iii) the business and contractual relationships created by this Agreement, consideration for entering into this Agreement, and the consequences of such relationship and consideration relate solely to the Fund.
 
 
5

 
 
 
13.
Severability.   If any provision of this Agreement shall be held or made invalid by a court decision, statute, rule, or otherwise, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby.
 
14.
Use of Names.   The Trust acknowledges that all rights to the name “QCI Balanced Fund” belong to the Advisor, and the Trust is being granted a limited license to use such words in its name, the name of its series and the name of its classes of shares.
 
15.
Miscellaneous.   The captions in this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and in no way define or limit any of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect.
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed by their officers designated below as of the day and year first above written.
 
 
STARBOARD INVESTMENT TRUST
 
By:                                                              
 
Name: James H. Speed, Jr.
 
Title:  Independent Trustee and Chairman

 
QCI ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC.
 
By:                                                                 
 
Name:                                                                            
 
Title:                                                                            
 

 
6

 
 
APPENDIX A
 
COMPENSATION SCHEDULE
 
For the services delineated in this Agreement, the Advisor shall receive an investment advisory fee equal to an annualized rate of 0.75% of the average daily net assets of the Fund.  The fee shall be calculated as of the last business day of each month based upon the average daily net assets of the Fund determined in the manner described in the Fund’s Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information.
 

 
7

 
 

 
 
 
DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
 
 
 
This AGREEMENT, dated July 16, 2009 between STARBOARD INVESTMENT TRUST , a statutory trust organized under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “Trust”) and CAPITAL INVESTMENT GROUP, INC. , a North Carolina corporation (the “Distributor”).
 
WITNESSETH:
 
WHEREAS, the Trust is engaged in business as an open-end management investment company and is so registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”); and
 
WHEREAS, the Trust is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest (“Shares”) representing interests in a series of securities and other assets, as identified in Appendix A (each a “Fund”); and
 
WHEREAS, the Trust offers the Shares of such Fund and has registered (or will register) the Shares under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“1933 Act”), pursuant to a registration statement on Form N-1A “Registration Statement”), including a prospectus “Prospectus”) and a statement of additional information(“SAI”); and
 
WHEREAS, the Trust has adopted a Plan of Distribution Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (“Distribution Plan”) with respect to Shares of certain classes of the Funds, and may enter into related agreements providing for the distribution of such Shares; and
 
WHEREAS, Distributor has agreed to act as distributor of the Shares for the term of this Agreement;
 
 
 
NOW, THEREFORE, it is agreed between the parties hereto as follows:
 
 
 
1.
 
Appointment of Distributor.
 
(a)        The Trust appoints Distributor its exclusive agent for the distribution of the Shares in jurisdictions wherein such Shares may be legally offered for sale; provided, however , that the Trust in its absolute discretion may issue Shares in connection with (i) the payment or reinvestment of dividends or distributions; (ii) any merger or consolidation of the Trust or of a Fund with any other investment company or trust or any personal holding company, or the acquisition of the assets of any such entity or another Fund of the Trust; or (iii) any offer of exchange permitted by Section 11 of the 1940 Act, or any other applicable provision.
 
(b)        Distributor accepts such appointment as exclusive agent for the distribution of the Shares and agrees that it will sell the Shares as agent for the Trust at prices determined as hereinafter provided and on the terms hereinafter set forth, all according to applicable federal and state laws and regulations and to the Trust’s Declaration of the Trust.
 
(c)        Distributor may sell Shares to or through qualified securities dealers or others. Distributor will require each dealer or other such party to conform to the provisions hereof, the Registration Statement and the Prospectus and SAI, and applicable law; and neither Distributor nor any such dealers or others shall withhold the placing of purchase orders for Shares so as to make a profit thereby.
 
(d)        Distributor shall order Shares from the Trust only to the extent that it shall have received purchase orders therefor. Distributor will not make, or authorize any dealers or others to make: (i) any short sales of Shares; or (ii) any sales of Shares to any Trustee or officer of the Trust or to any officer or director of Distributor or of any corporation or association furnishing
 
 
 
1
 
 
 
 

investment advisory, managerial, or supervisory services to the Trust, or to any such corporation or association, unless such sales are made in accordance with the then current Prospectus and SAI.
 
(e)        Distributor is not authorized by the Trust to give any information or make any representations regarding the Shares of a Fund, except such information or representations as are contained in the Registration Statement or in the current Prospectus or SAI of the applicable Fund, or in advertisements and sales literature prepared by or on behalf of the Trust for Distributor’s use.
 
(f)        Notwithstanding any provision hereof, the Trust may terminate, suspend, or withdraw the offering of Shares of any Fund whenever, in its sole discretion, it deems such action to be desirable.
 
2.           Offering Price of Shares. All Shares sold under this Agreement shall be sold at the public offering price per Share in effect at the time of the sale, as described in the then current Prospectus of the applicable Fund. The excess, if any, of the public offering price over the net asset value of the Shares sold by Distributor, as agent, shall be retained by Distributor as a commission for its services hereunder. Out of such commission Distributor may allow commissions or concessions to dealers and may allow them to others in its discretion in such amounts as Distributor shall determine from time to time. Except as may be otherwise determined by Distributor from time to time, such commissions or concessions shall be uniform to all dealers. At no time shall the Trust receive less than the full net asset value of the Shares, determined in the manner set forth in the then current Prospectus and SAI for the applicable Fund. Distributor shall also be entitled to such commissions and other fees and payments as may be authorized by the Trustees of the Trust from time to time under the Distribution Plan.
 
3.           Furnishing of Information. The Trust shall furnish to Distributor copies of any information, financial statements, and other documents that Distributor may reasonably request for use in connection with the sale of Shares under this Agreement. The Trust shall also make available a sufficient number of copies of each Fund’s current Prospectus and SAI for use by the Distributor.
 
 
 
4.
 
Fees and Expenses.
 
(a)        In addition to any commissions, fees, or payments authorized by the Trustees under the Distribution Plan, the Trust will pay or cause to be paid to the Distributor for services provided and expenses assumed by the Distributor the fee of $5,000.00 per annum per Fund. Such fee shall be paid to the Distributor in monthly installments.
 
(b)        The Trust will also pay or cause to be paid the following expenses: (i) preparation, printing, and distribution to shareholders of the Prospectus and SAI for each Fund; (ii) preparation, printing, and distribution of reports and other communications to shareholders of each Fund; (iii) registration of the Shares under the federal securities laws; (iv) qualification of the Shares for sale in certain states; (v) qualification of the Trust as a dealer or broker under state law as well as qualification of the Trust as an entity authorized to do business in certain states; (vi) maintaining facilities for the issue and transfer of Shares; (vii) supplying information, prices, and other data to be furnished by the Trust under this Agreement; (viii) certain taxes applicable to the sale or delivery of the Shares or certificates therefore, and (ix) such other compensation to the Distributor as the Trustees may authorize, from time to time, in their sole discretion.
 
(c)        Except to the extent such expenses are borne by the Trust pursuant to the Distribution Plan, Distributor will pay or cause to be paid the following expenses: (i) payments to sales representatives of the Distributor and to securities dealers and others in respect of the sale of Shares; (ii) payment of compensation to and expenses of employees of the Distributor and any of its affiliates to the extent they engage in or support distribution of the Shares or render shareholder support services not otherwise provided by the Trust’s transfer agent, administrator, or custodian, including, but not limited to, answering routine inquiries regarding each Fund, processing
 
 
 
2
 
 
 
 

shareholder transactions, and providing such other shareholder services as the Trust may reasonably request; (iii) formulation and implementation of marketing and promotional activities, including, but not limited to, direct mail promotions and television, radio, newspaper, magazine, and other mass media advertising; (iv) preparation, printing, and distribution of sales literature and of Prospectuses and SAIs and reports of the Trust for recipients other than existing shareholders of a Fund; and (v) obtaining such information, analyses, and reports with respect to marketing and promotional activities as the Trust may, from time to time, reasonably request.
 
(d)        If so requested by the Trustees in connection with the Distribution Plan, Distributor shall prepare and deliver reports to the Trustees of the Trust on a regular basis, at least quarterly, showing the expenditures with respect to any Fund pursuant to the Distribution Plan and the purposes therefor, as well as any supplemental reports as the Trustees of the Trust, from time to time, may reasonably request.
 
5.           Repurchase of Shares. Distributor as agent and for the account of the Trust may repurchase Shares offered for resale to it and redeem such Shares at their net asset value.
 
6.           Indemnification by the Trust. In absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of obligations or duties hereunder on the part of Distributor, the Trust agrees to indemnify Distributor and its officers and partners against any and all claims, demands, liabilities, and expenses that Distributor may incur under the 1933 Act, or common law or otherwise, arising out of or based upon any alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement or any Prospectus or SAI of a Fund, or in any advertisements or sales literature prepared by or on behalf of the Trust for Distributor’s use, or any omission to state a material fact therein, the omission of which makes any statement contained therein misleading, unless such statement or omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished to the Trust in connection therewith by or on behalf of Distributor. Nothing herein contained shall require the Trust to take any action contrary to any provision of its Agreement and Declaration of Trust or any applicable statute or regulation.
 
7.           Indemnification by Distributor. Distributor agrees to indemnify the Trust and its officers and Trustees against any and all claims, demands, liabilities, and expenses that the Trust may incur under the 1933 Act, or common law or otherwise, arising out of or based upon (i) any alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement or any Prospectus or SAI of any Fund, or in any advertisements or sales literature prepared by or on behalf of the Trust for Distributor’s use, or any omission to state a material fact therein, the omission of which makes any statement contained therein misleading, if such statement or omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished to the Trust in connection therewith by or on behalf of Distributor; or (ii) any act or deed of Distributor or its sales representatives, or securities dealers and others authorized to sell Shares hereunder, or their sales representatives, that has not been authorized by the Trust in any Prospectus or SAI of any Fund or by this Agreement.
 
 
 
8.
 
Term and Termination.
 
(a)        With respect to any Fund, this Agreement shall become effective upon the commencement of operations of the Fund. Unless terminated as herein provided, with respect to a Fund, this Agreement shall continue in effect for two years from the date of the Fund’s commencement of operations and, with respect to a Fund, shall continue in full force and effect for successive periods of one year thereafter, but only so long as each such continuance is approved (i) by either the Trustees of the Trust or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the applicable Fund and, in either event, (ii) by vote of a majority of the Trustees of the Trust who are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons (as defined in the 1940 Act) of any such party and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in this Agreement or in the operation of the Distribution Plan or in any agreement related thereto (“Independent Trustees”), cast at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
 
 
 
3
 
 
 
 

(b)        With respect to any Fund, this Agreement may be terminated at any time without the payment of any penalty by vote of the Trustees of the Trust or a majority of the Independent Trustees or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the applicable Fund or by Distributor, on sixty (60) days’ written notice to the other party.
 
(c)        This Agreement shall automatically terminate in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act).
 
9.           Subcontract. The Distributor may, at its expense and with the approval of the Trustees, appoint another firm or company as its sub-distributor or agent. The Distributor shall not, however, be relieved of any of its obligations under this Agreement by the appointment of such sub-distributor or agent.
 
10.         Limitation of Liability. The obligations of the Trust hereunder shall not be binding upon any of the Trustees, officers, or shareholders of the Trust personally, but shall bind only the assets and property of the Trust. The term “Starboard Investment Trust” means and refers to the Trustees from time to time serving under the Trust’s Declaration of Trust. The execution and delivery of this Agreement has been authorized by the Trustees, and this Agreement has been signed on behalf of the Trust by an authorized officer of the Trust, acting as such and not individually, and neither such authorization by such Trustees nor such execution and delivery by such officer shall be deemed to have been made by any of them individually or to impose any liability on any of them personally, but shall bind only the assets and property of the Trust as provided in the Trust’s Declaration of Trust.
 
11.          Books and Records. In compliance with the requirements of Rule 31a-3 under the 1940 Act, the Distributor agrees that all records that it maintains for the Trust are the property of the Trust and further agrees to surrender promptly to the Trust any of such records upon the Trust’s request.
 
12.         Notices. Notices of any kind to be given to the Trust hereunder by the Distributor shall be in writing and shall be duly given if mailed or delivered to Starboard Investment Trust, Attn: Secretary, 116 S. Franklin Street, Raleigh, NC 27804 or to such other address or to such individual as shall be so specified by the Trust to the Distributor. Notices of any kind to be given to the Distributor hereunder by the Trust shall be in writing and shall be duly given if mailed or delivered to Capital Investment Group, Inc., P.O. Box 4365, Rocky Mount, NC 27803, or at such other address or to such individual as shall be so specified by the Distributor to the Trust. Notices shall be effective upon delivery.
 
13.         Anti-Money Laundering. The Distributor agrees to perform such anti-money laundering (“AML”) functions with respect to the Shares as the Trust may reasonably delegate to the Distributor from time to time or as the Distributor is otherwise obligated to perform. In accordance with mutually agreed procedures, the Distributor shall use commercially reasonable efforts in carrying out such functions under the Trust’s AML program as it relates to a Fund. It is understood and agreed that shareholders of the Funds are not customers of the Distributor and the Trust and Funds retain legal responsibility under the USA PATRIOT Act for AML compliance with respect to transactions in Shares. The Distributor agrees to allow federal examiners having jurisdiction over the Funds to obtain information and records relating to the Trust’s AML program in its possession and to inspect the Distributor for purposes thereof.
 
14.         Confidentiality. The Distributor agrees, on behalf of itself and its officers, directors, agents, and employees, to treat as confidential all records and other information relating to the Trust and its prior, present, and future shareholders (“Confidential Information”) and not to use or disclose the Confidential Information for any purpose other than in performance of its responsibilities and duties under the Agreement. Notwithstanding the forgoing, the Distributor may divulge the Confidential Information (i) with the prior written consent of the Trust; (ii) when the Distributor, in good faith, believes it may be exposed to civil or criminal contempt proceedings
 
 
 
4
 
 
 
 

for failure to comply with court orders or when requested by duly constituted governmental authorities or the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority pursuant to their respective legal authority, upon prior written notice to the Trust, unless prohibited by the court order or governmental authority; (iii) to the Trust’s investment adviser(s), administrator, transfer agent, custodian, outside legal counsel, or independent public accountants, in the ordinary course of business, to the extent necessary for those service providers to perform their respective services to the Trust; (iv) to the Trust, when requested by the Trust; or (v) when requested by a shareholder, but only with respect to Confidential Information that specifically relates to such shareholder and the shareholder’s account. For purposes of this section, the following records and other information shall not be considered Confidential Information: any record or other information relating to the Trust and its prior, present, and future shareholders (a) which is or becomes publicly available through no negligent or unauthorized act or omission by the Distributor; (b) which is disseminated by the Trust in a public filing with the SEC or posted on the website of the Trust, the Funds, each Fund’s investment adviser, or any of the Funds’ other service providers for general public review; (c) which is lawfully obtained from third parties who are not under an obligation of confidentiality to the Trust or its prior, present, and future shareholders; or (d) previously known by the Distributor prior to the date of the Agreement.
 
IN WITNESS THEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the date first written above.
 
 
 
STARBOARD INVESTMENT TRUST
 
 
 
By: /s/ Jack E. Brinson
 
Print Name: Jack E. Brinson
 
Title:
 
Chairman
 
 
 
CAPITAL INVESTMENT GROUP, INC.
 
 
 
By: /s/ Richard K. Bryant
 
Print Name: Richard K. Bryant
 
Title: President
 
5
 
 
 
 

 
APPENDIX A
 
SERIES OF THE TRUST
(each a “Fund”)
Updated: October 31, 2013


1.   Arin Large Cap Theta Fund
 
2.   Goodwood SMID Cap Discovery Fund  (f/k/a Caritas All-Cap Growth Fund)
 
3.   Crescent Large Cap Macro Fund
 
4.   Crescent Strategic Income Fund
 
5.   Crescent Mid Cap Macro Fund
 
6.   CV Asset Allocation Fund
 
7.   CV U.S. High Yield Fund (f/k/a CV Sector Rotational Fund)
 
8.   Matisse Discounted Closed-End Fund Strategy
 
9.   Presidio Multi-Strategy Fund
 
10.   Horizons West Multi-Strategy Hedged Income Fund (f/k/a Prophecy Alpha Trading Fund)
 
11.   Roumell Opportunistic Value Fund
 
12.   Rx Dynamic Growth Fund
 
13.   Rx Dynamic Total Return Fund
 
14.   Rx Non Traditional Fund
 
15.   Rx High Income Fund
 
16.   Rx Traditional Equity Fund
 
17.   Rx Traditional Fixed Income Fund
 
18.   Rx Tactical Rotation Fund
 
19.   Rx Tax Advantaged Fund
 
20.   Rx Dividend Income Fund
 
21.   Rx Premier Managers Fund
 
22.   Rx Fundamental Growth Fund
 
23.   SCS Tactical Allocation Fund
 
24.   The Sector Rotation Fund
 
25.   Thornhill Strategic Equity Fund
 
26.   QCI Balanced Fund
 


 


 
6

 

 


FORM OF
FUND ACCOUNTING AND ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT
Dated: October 31, 2013
 
This Fund Accounting and Administration Agreement (“Agreement”), is entered into as of the date noted above by and between Starboard Investment Trust, a Delaware statutory trust (“Trust”), and The Nottingham Company, a North Carolina corporation (“Administrator”).
 
WHEREAS, the Trust is registered as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940;
 
WHEREAS, the Trust wishes to retain the Administrator to provide certain administrative services to the Trust in the manner and on the terms set forth therein; and
 
WHEREAS, Administrator is willing to furnish and/or arrange for such services in the manner and on the terms hereinafter set forth;
 
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants contained in this Agreement and intending to be legally bound, the Trust and Administrator agree as follows:
 
1.
Retention of the Administrator.   The Trust retains and appoints the Administrator to act as the administrator to provide or procure certain administrative and other services with respect to each fund identified on Schedule 1 (“Fund” or “Funds” as the context requires), attached hereto and made a part hereof, for the period and on the terms set forth in this Agreement.  The Administrator accepts such appointment and agrees to render the services herein set forth under the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
 
2.
Duties of Administrator.   Subject to the policies and direction of the Trust’s Board of Trustees (“Trustees”), the Administrator shall provide, or cause to be furnished by others, the fund accounting, administrative, and other services reasonably necessary for the operation of the Trust and Fund as set forth in Exhibit A , attached hereto and made a part hereof.  The Administrator shall exercise reasonable customary care in the performance of its duties under this Agreement.
 
3.              Allocation of Charges and Expenses.
 
 
a.
The Administrator.   The Administrator will furnish, at its own expense, the executive, supervisory, and clerical personnel reasonably necessary to perform its obligations under this Agreement.  Except as otherwise provided hereunder, the Administrator will also provide the items that it is obligated to provide under this Agreement.  In addition, the Administrator will pay all compensation, if any, of any officers or Trustees of the Trust who are affiliated persons of the Administrator or any affiliated corporation of the Administrator; provided, however, that unless otherwise specifically provided, the Administrator will not be obligated to pay the compensation of any employee of the Trust retained by the Trustees to perform services on behalf of the Trust.
 
 
 
b.
 
The Trust.   The Trust assumes and will pay, or cause to be paid, all other expenses of the Trust and the Fund not otherwise allocated in this Agreement, including, without limitation, the following:
 
    (i) Organizational expenses;
    (ii)  Taxes;
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
(iii)  
Brokerage fees and commissions with regard to portfolio transaction of the Fund;
 
(iv)  
Interest charges, fees, and expenses of the custodian of the Fund’s portfolio securities;
 
(v)  
Fees and expenses of the Trust’s dividend disbursing and transfer agent(s);
 
(vi)  
Administrative expenses (including, without limitation, any fees, expenses, and reimbursements payable to the Administrator under this Agreement);
 
(vii)  
Auditing and legal expenses of the Trust and the Fund;
 
(viii)  
Cost of maintenance of the Trust’s (including the Fund’s) existence as a legal entity;
 
(ix)  
Fees and expenses of Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust as that term is defined by law;
 
(x)  
Costs and expenses of Trust meetings;
 
(xi)  
Costs and expenses of initial and ongoing registration of the Fund’s shares under Federal and state securities laws;
 
(xii)  
Costs of preparing (including typesetting), printing, and mailing reports, prospectuses, statements of additional information, proxy solicitation material, and notices to existing shareholders;
 
(xiii)  
Costs of fidelity bonds and Trustees and officers/errors and omissions insurance policies;
 
(xiv)  
Investment advisory fees payable to each Fund’s investment advisor;
 
(xv)  
Litigation and other extraordinary or nonrecurring expenses involving the Trust or the Fund;
 
(xvi)  
Any actual out-of-pocket expenses of the Administrator as provided in this Agreement and as may be agreed upon from time to time; and
 
(xvii)  
Other expenses relating to the Trust not specified in this Agreement as being the responsibility of the Administrator.
 
4.             Compensation of the Administrator.
 
 
a.
Administration Fees.   For the services to be rendered, the facilities furnished, and the expenses assumed by the Administrator pursuant to this Agreement, the Trust will promptly pay (or cause the Fund to promptly pay) to the Administrator compensation as specified in Exhibit B attached hereto.  In addition, the Administrator shall be entitled to additional compensation for any special projects or services requested by the Trust, such projects and services and Administrator’s compensation in connection therewith to be mutually agreed upon in writing by the parties.
 
 
 
b.
 
Reimbursements.   The Trust will promptly reimburse the Administrator for its reasonable out-of pocket expenses in connection with the Trust’s and the Fund’s activities including, without limitation:
 
    (i)  costs of telephone services (but not telephone equipment) including, without limitation, long distance telephone and wire charges,
    (ii)  postage and delivery costs;
    (iii) cost of the printing of special forms and stationery,
    (iv) copying charges,
 
 
 
2

 
 
 
 
    (v) costs of financial publications (if any) or professional memberships (e.g. ICI membership) in connection with the Trust’s and the Fund’s activities,
    (vi) third party storage fees of the Trust’s and the Fund’s files and records, etc., and
   
(vii)  
 
 
any travel and lodging expenses incurred by officers and employees of the Administrator in connection with its services under this Agreement, including without limitation, the attendance at meetings of the Trust’s Board of Trustees.
 
 
c.
 
 
Partial Month Compensation.   If this Agreement becomes effective subsequent to the first day of the month or terminates before the last day of the month, the Administrator’s compensation for that part of the month in which this Agreement is in effect will be prorated in a manner consistent with the calculation of the fees as set forth in Subsection 4.a. above.
 
 
d.
 
 
 
Compensation from Transactions.   The Trust authorizes any entity or person associated with the Administrator that is a member of a national securities exchange to effect any transaction on the exchange for the account of the Trust which is permitted by Section 11(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 11a2-2(T) thereunder, and the Trust consents to the retention of compensation for such transactions in accordance with Rule 11a2-2(T)(a)(2)(iv) thereunder.
 
  e. Survival of Compensation Rates.   All rights of compensation under this Agreement for services performed as of the termination date will survive the termination of this Agreement.  In addition, upon a liquidation (as defined in Section 10 of this Agreement) or upon termination of this Agreement as to any Fund the Administrator shall be entitled to such other compensation as set forth in Exhibit B.
 
 
5.
Limitation of Liability of the Administrator.   The duties of the Administrator shall be confined to those expressly set forth in this Agreement, and no implied duties are assumed by or may be asserted against the Administrator.  The Administrator shall not be liable for any error of judgment, mistake of law, loss or damage suffered by the Funds in connection with any investment, or any act or omission of the Administrator in carrying out its duties under this Agreement, except a loss or damage resulting directly from willful misconduct or gross negligence on the part of the Administrator in the performance of its duties under this Agreement, or from reckless disregard by the Administrator of its obligations under this Agreement.
 
Further, in no event shall the Administrator be liable under any provision of, or in connection with, this agreement (regardless of whether a claim is based on contract, tort, or otherwise) for any damages other than actual and direct damages, and the Administrator shall have no liability for any incidental, indirect, consequential, special, or exemplary damages or losses which the Funds may incur or suffer, whether or not the likelihood or possibility of such damages was known to the Administrator in advance.
 
For purposes of this Section 5 and in Section 6 below, the term “Administrator” shall include directors, officers, employees, and other agents of the Administrator, as well as the Administrator itself.
 
 
 
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6.
Indemnification of Administrator.   Provided that the Administrator has exercised reasonable customary care in the performance of its duties under this Agreement, the Trust assumes full responsibility and will indemnify and defend the Administrator and hold it harmless from and against any and all actions, suits, and claims, whether groundless or otherwise, and from and against any and all losses, damages, costs, charges, reasonable counsel fees, and disbursements, payments, expenses, and liabilities (including reasonable investigation expenses) of every nature and character arising or occurring directly or indirectly out of Administrator’s relationship to the Trust under this Agreement or any of Administrator’s action taken or nonactions with respect to the performance of services under this Agreement; provided, however, Administrator shall not be indemnified against any liability arising out of its own willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard in the performance of its duties or its own reckless disregard of its duties or obligations under this Agreement. The indemnity and defense provisions set forth herein shall indefinitely survive the termination of this Agreement.
 
The rights hereunder shall include the right to reasonable advances of defense expenses in the event of any pending or threatened litigation with respect to which indemnification hereunder may ultimately be merited.  In order that the indemnification provision contained herein shall apply, however, it is understood that if in any case the Trust may be asked to indemnify, defend, or hold the Administrator harmless, the Trust shall be fully and promptly advised of all pertinent facts concerning the situation in question, and it is further understood that the Administrator will use all reasonable care to identify and notify the Trust promptly concerning any situation which presents or appears likely to present the probability of such a claim for indemnification against the Trust, but failure to do so in good faith will not affect the rights under this Agreement.
 
The Trust will be entitled to participate at its own expense or, if it so elects, to assume the defense of any suit brought to enforce any claims subject to this indemnity provision.  If the Trust elects to assume the defense of any such claim, the defense will be conducted by counsel chosen by the Trust and satisfactory to the Administrator, whose approval will not be unreasonably withheld.  In the event the Trust elects to assume the defense of any suit and retain counsel, the Administrator will bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel retained by it, absent a conflict of interest between the Trust and the Administrator.  In the event of a conflict between the Trust and the Administrator or if the Trust does not elect to assume the defense of a suit, the Trust shall reimburse the Administrator for the reasonable fees and expenses of any counsel retained by Administrator.
 
The Administrator may apply to the Trust at any time for instructions and may consult with the Trust’s counsel auditors with respect to any matter arising in connection with the Administrator’s duties, and the Administrator will not be liable or accountable for any action taken or omitted by it in good faith in accordance with such instructions or with the opinion of the Trust’s counsel or auditors.  Also, the Administrator will be protected in acting on any document that it reasonably believes to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper person or persons.  The Administrator will not be held to have notice of any change of authority of any officers, employee, or agent of the Trust until receipt of written notice thereof from the Trust.
 
Should the foregoing indemnification agreement be found unenforceable or that contribution is required from Administrator, then the Administrator’s aggregate contribution for all losses, claims, damages, or liabilities,
 
 
4

 
including rescission liabilities, shall not exceed the value of all fees earned by and expenses reimbursed to the Administrator pursuant to this Agreement.  No person or entity guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation shall be entitled to contribution from any person or entity who is not so guilty.
 
Performance by the Administrator of its obligations under this Agreement does not absolve or release the Trust or the Trust’s investment advisor from their fiduciary responsibilities to the Funds or the Funds’ shareholders.
 
7.
Activities of the Administrator.   The services of the Administrator rendered to the Trust are not to be deemed to be exclusive.  The Administrator is free to render such services to others and to have other businesses and interests.  It is understood that Trustees, officers, employees, or shareholders of the Trust are or may be or become interested in the Administrator, as directors, officers, employees, and shareholders or otherwise and that directors, officers, employees, and shareholders of the Administrator and its counsel are or may be or become similarly interested in the Trust, and that the Administrator may be or become interested in the Trust as a shareholder or otherwise.
 
8.
Confidentiality.   The Administrator agrees on behalf of itself and its employees to treat as confidential all records and other information relative to the Trust and its prior, present, or potential shareholders and not to use such records and information for any purpose other than performance of its responsibilities and duties under this Agreement, except after providing prior notification to and receiving approval in writing by the Trust, which approval will not be unreasonable withheld.  Notwithstanding the forgoing, the Administrator may divulge such confidential records and information where the Administrator may be exposed to civil or criminal contempt proceedings for failure to comply, when requested by duly constituted authorities, when so requested by the Trust’s investment advisor, distributor, custodian, transfer agent, outside legal counsel, or independent public accountants, or when so requested by the Trust.  For purposes of this Section 8, the following records and other information shall not be considered confidential: (a) any record or other information that is or becomes publicly available through no fault of Administrator; (b) any record and other information that is released by the Trust in a public release; (c) any record or other information that is lawfully obtained from third parties who are not under an obligation to keep such information confidential, or (d) any record or other information previously known by Administrator.
 
9.
Compliance With Governmental Rules and Regulations.   The Administrator undertakes to comply with all applicable requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Investment Company Act of 1940, and other laws, rules, and regulations of governmental authorities having jurisdiction with respect to the duties to be performed by the Administrator under this Agreement.
 
10.
Duration and Termination Of This Agreement.   This Agreement shall become effective for a period of one year.  Thereafter, this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect unless terminated by either party by giving not less than ninety (90) days’ prior written notice to the other party.  This Agreement may also be terminated at any time as follows: (i) by mutual written agreement of the parties; or (ii) for cause, by a party, in the event of willful misconduct, gross negligence, or breach of this Agreement by the other party, by giving not less than thirty (30) days’ prior written notice to the other party.
 
 
 
5

 
 
Upon termination of this Agreement, the Administrator and the Trust agree to cooperate in good faith in transferring records and other information in the Administrator’s possession and wrapping up their relationship under this Agreement in a commercially reasonable manner.  The Trust shall pay to the Administrator such compensation as may be due to the Administrator under this Agreement for services performed prior to the date of termination, including any out-of-pocket reimbursements due and payable hereunder.
 
Upon termination of this Agreement, the Administrator shall be paid the termination fee set forth on Exhibit B .  The termination fee is not a penalty, but a charge to compensate the Administrator for its services in assisting in transferring records and reports and otherwise wrapping up its services under this Agreement.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Administrator shall not be entitled to the termination fee if the Administrator elects to terminate this Agreement or the Administrator is terminated due to its willful misconduct, gross negligence, or breach of this Agreement.
 
11.
Independent Contractor.   The Administrator will, for purposes stated in this Agreement, be deemed an independent contractor and, unless otherwise expressly provided or authorized, will have no authority to act or represent the Trust in any way and will not be deemed an agent of the Trust.
 
12.
Assignment.   This Agreement shall not be assignable by either party without the written consent of the other party, such consent not to be unreasonably without held or delayed.  Notwithstanding the forgoing, the Administrator may, at its expense unless provided otherwise in the Agreement, subcontract with any entity or person concerning the provision of the services contemplated hereunder.  The Administrator shall not, however, be relieved of any of its obligations under this Agreement by the appointment of such subcontractor.  This Agreement shall be binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.
 
13.
Amendments.   This Agreement or any part hereof may be changed or waived only by an instrument in writing signed by the party against which enforcement of such change or waiver is sought.
 
14.            Books and Records.
 
 
a.
Record Maintenance.   The Administrator shall maintain customary books and records in connection with its duties as specified in this Agreement.  Any books or records required to be maintained and preserved pursuant to Rules 31a-1 and 31a-2 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 that are prepared and maintained by the Administrator on behalf of the Trust shall be the property of the Trust and will be made available to or surrendered promptly to the Trust on request.  Notwithstanding the forgoing, Administrator shall be entitled to keep copies of any books or records that Administrator may be required to retain by law or regulation.
 
Unless otherwise agreed upon by the Administrator and the Trust, the Administrator may subcontract to a third party the storage and maintenance of the Trust’s books and records and such costs and expenses shall be the responsibility of Trust.
 
In case of any request or demand for the inspection of such records by another party, the Administrator will notify the Trust and follow the Trust’s instructions as to permitting or refusing such inspection;
 
 
6

 
 
provided that the Administrator may exhibit such records as provided in Section 8 above and to any person in any case where it is advised by its counsel that it may be held liable for failure to do so, unless (in cases involving potential exposure only to civil liability) the Trust has agreed to indemnify the Administrator against such liability.
 
 
b.
Delivery of Documents.   The Trust shall provide the Administrator with the necessary documents, records, and other information in its possession or control to enable the Administrator to perform its duties and obligations under this Agreement, including without limitation, a copy of the Trust documents and any amendments thereto.
 
 
c.
Converting to Administrator’s System.   The Trust agrees to cooperate with the Administrator in converting to Administrator’s data processing system and software (“Administrator’s System”) to the extent necessary for Administrator to perform Administrator’s duties under this Agreement.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Trust acknowledges and agrees that all computer programs and procedures developed by or for Administrator to perform its duties and services under this Agreement, including without limitation Administrator’s System, are and shall remain the sole property of the Administrator.
 
15.
Definitions of Certain Terms.   The terms “interested persons” and “affiliated person,” when used in this Agreement, will have the respective meanings specified in the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the rules and regulations thereunder, subject to such exemptions as granted by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
16.
Notice.   Any notice required or permitted to be given by either party to the other party shall be in writing and will be deemed sufficient if personally delivered or sent by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, addressed by the party giving notice to the other party at following addresses (or such other address for a party as shall be specified by like notice):
 
 
 
  a.   If to Trust, at:    
         
    Starboard Investment Trust    
    Attn:  Secretary    
    116 South Franklin Street    
    Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27804    
         
    With a copy to:    
         
    QCI Asset Management, Inc.    
    Attn: H. Edward Shill, CFA    
    40A Grove Street    
    Pittsford, NY 14534    
         
  b.  If to Administrator, at:    
         
    The Nottingham Company    
    Attn:  Legal Department    
    116 South Franklin Street    
 
 
 
7

 
 
    Post Office Box 69    
    Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27802-0069    
 
17.
Governing Law.   This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of North Carolina without regard to the principles of conflict of laws, provided that nothing herein shall be construed in a manner inconsistent with the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, or any applicable rule or order of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
18.
Construction.   If any provision of this Agreement, or portion thereof, shall be determined to be void or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, then such determination shall not affect any other provision of this Agreement, or portion thereof, all of which other provisions and portions thereof shall remain in full force and effect.  If any provision of this Agreement, or portion thereof, is capable of two interpretations, one of which would render the provision, or portion thereof, void and the other which would render the provision, or portion thereof, valid, then the provision, or portion thereof, shall have the meaning which renders it valid.  In addition, the language used herein shall be deemed to be the language chosen by the parties hereto to express their mutual intent, and no rule of strict construction shall be applied against either party.
 
19.
Multiple Originals.   This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original, but such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.
 
20.
Entire Agreement.   This Agreement, including all exhibits, schedules, and attachments, comprise the entire agreement among the parties hereto with respect to subject matter hereof and supersede all other prior agreements, understandings, and letters related to this Agreement.  The headings in this Agreement have been inserted solely for ease of reference and shall not be considered in the interpretation or construction of this Agreement.
 
21.
Trust Obligation.   It is understood that this Agreement has been executed on behalf of the Trust by a trustee of the Trust in his capacity as trustee and not individually.  The obligations of this Agreement shall only be binding upon the assets and property of each Fund and shall not be binding upon any trustee, officer, or shareholder of the Trust individually.
 

 
[Signatures on Following Page]
 

 
8

 
 
[Signature Page to Fund Accounting and Administration Agreement]
 

 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused the Agreement to be duly signed as of the day and year first above written.
 

 
STARBOARD INVESTMENT TRUST
 

 
By:                                                                 
 
Name:                                                           
 
Title:                                                             
 

 
THE NOTTINGHAM COMPANY
 

 
By:                                                                 
 
Name:                                                           
 
Title:                                                             
 
 
 
9

 
 
SCHEDULE 1
Dated: October 31, 2013
 

 
The following fund(s) are covered by the Agreement:
 
1.           QCI Balanced Fund
 

 
10

 
 
EXHIBIT A
Dated: October 31, 2013
 

 
The Administrator shall provide, or cause to be provided by others, the following services:
 
1.
Accounting and Administrative Services.   The Administrator will provide the Trust with customary administrative services, regulatory reporting, fund accounting, and related portfolio accounting services, adequate office space, equipment, personnel, and facilities (including facilities for regular trustees’ meetings) for handling the affairs of the Fund(s), and such other services as the Trustees may, from time to time, reasonably request, and the Administrator may, from time to time, reasonably determine to be necessary to perform its obligations under this Agreement. In addition, at the request of the Trustees, the Administrator will make reports to the Trustees concerning the performance of its obligations hereunder.
 
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Administrator will:
 
 
a.
Calculate contractual Trust expenses and control all disbursements for the Trust, and, as appropriate, compute each Fund’s yields, total return, expense ratios, portfolio turnover rate and, if required, portfolio average dollar-weighed maturity;
 
 
b.
Assist Trust counsel with the preparation of prospectuses, statements of additional information, and registration statements;
 
 
c.
Assist in the preparation of such reports, applications, and documents (including reports regarding the sale and redemption of shares as may be required in order to comply with Federal and/or state securities laws) as may be necessary or desirable to register the Trust’s shares with state securities authorities, assist in monitoring the sale of the Trust’s shares for compliance with state securities laws, and assist in the preparation and filing with the appropriate state securities authorities the registration statements and reports for the Trust and the Trust’s shares with state securities authorities to enable the Trust to make a continuous offering of its shares;
 
 
d.
Assist in the development and preparation of communications to shareholders, including the semi-annual and annual reports to shareholders (the “Shareholder Reports”), coordinate mailing prospectuses, notices (including privacy policy notices), proxy statements, proxies, and other reports (including, without limitation, semi-annual and annual reports to shareholders) to Trust shareholders, and supervise and facilitate the solicitations of proxies solicited by the Trust for all shareholder meetings (including, without limitation, the tabulation process for shareholder meetings);
 
 
e.
Coordinate with Trust counsel the preparation and negotiation of, and administer contracts on behalf of the Trust with, among others, the Trust’s investment advisor(s), distributor(s), custodian(s), and transfer agent(s);
 
 
f.
Maintain the Trust’s general ledger and prepare the financial statements, including expense accruals and payments, determine the net asset value of the Trust’s assets and of the Trust’s shares, and coordinate with the Trust’s transfer agent(s) with respect to payment of dividends and other distributions to shareholders;
 
 
11

 
 
 
g.
Calculate performance data of the Trust and its Fund(s) for dissemination to information services covering the investment company industry;
 
 
h.
Assist in the preparation and filing of the Trust’s tax returns;
 
 
i.
Assist with the examination and review of the operations and performance of the various organizations providing services to the Trust or any Fund of the Trust, including the Trust’s investment advisor(s), distributor(s), custodian(s), transfer agent(s), outside legal counsel, and independent public accountants, and at the request of the Board of Trustees, report to the Trustees on the performance of such organizations;
 
 
j.
Assist with the layout and printing of publicly disseminated prospectuses and assist with and coordinate layout and printing of the Trust’s semi-annual and annual reports to shareholders;
 
 
k.
Provide internal legal and administrative services as reasonably requested by the Trust from time to time, including, without limitation, preparation of materials for the quarterly and annual meetings of the Board of Trustees;
 
 
l.
Assist with the design, development, and operation of the Trust;
 
 
m.
Assist in identifying individuals acceptable to the Trustees for nomination, appointment, or election as officers of the Trust, who will be responsible for the management of certain of the Trust’s affairs as determined by the Trustees;
 
 
n.
Coordinate and assist the Trust in obtaining and keeping in effect a fidelity bond and Trustees and officers/errors and omissions insurance policies for the Trust in accordance with the requirements of Rules 17g-1 and 17d-1(7) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as such bonds and policies are approved by the Trust’s Board of Trustees;
 
 
o.
Monitor and advise the Trust and its Fund(s) on its registered investment company status under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986;
 
 
p.
Perform other normal and customary administrative services and functions of the Trust and each Fund to the extent administrative services and functions are not provided to the Trust or such Fund pursuant to the Trust’s or such Fund’s investment advisory agreement, distribution agreement, custodian agreement, or transfer agent agreement or similar type of service provider agreement;
 
 
q.
Furnish advice and recommendations with respect to other aspects of the business and affairs of the Fund(s) as the Trust and the Administrator shall determine desirable; and
 
 
r.
Assist with the preparation of and file with the SEC the semi-annual and annual reports for the Trust on Form N-SAR and N-CSR and all required notices pursuant to Rule 24f-2.
 
 
12

 
 
2.
Custodian Services.   The Administrator shall procure on behalf of the Trust and the Fund(s) a custodian or custodians for the Fund(s) to provide for the safekeeping of the Fund’s assets.  Administrator shall be responsible for compensating such custodian or custodians out of Administrator’s compensation as set forth in Exhibit B of this Agreement.  Such custodian or custodians shall be subject to the approval of the Trustees.  The Trust may be a party to any foregoing agreement.
 
3.
Legal Services.   The Administrator shall procure legal counsel to the Trust and the Fund(s) to provide representation and legal services.  Administrator shall be responsible for compensating such legal counsel out of Administrator’s compensation as set forth in Exhibit B of this Agreement.  Such compensation covers only ordinary legal services and the Administrator is not responsible paying any extraordinary, special, or non-recurring expenses that arise, including, for example, services provided in connection with special meetings of the board of trustees, additions of new classes or series of shares, shareholder meetings and proxy solicitations, material changes to a Fund’s registration statement, examinations by the Securities and Exchange Commission, and litigation to which a Fund may be a party.  Legal counsel shall be subject to the approval of the Trustees.  The Trust may be a party to any foregoing agreement.
 
4.
Other Services.   The Administrator will perform other services for the Trust as agreed to by the Administrator and the Trust from time to time, including, but not limited to performing internal audit examinations, preparation of materials for special board meetings, assisting Trust counsel in the preparation of proxy materials, and assisting in the development of new Funds or Fund classes.  The Administrator shall be entitled to additional compensation for such other services.
 

 
13

 
 
Exhibit B
Dated: October 31, 2013

 
For the services delineated in the Agreement, the Administrator shall be compensated at the rates specified below.  Such compensation will be calculated and accrued daily, and paid to the Administrator monthly.  Where applicable, the fee shall be calculated based upon the average daily net assets of each Fund.  For purposes of determining the fees payable to the Administrator, the value of the net assets of a particular Fund shall be computed in the manner described in the Trust’s Declaration of Trust or the Trust’s Prospectus or Statement of Additional Information for that Fund as from time to time is in effect for computation of the value of such net assets in connection with the determination of the liquidating value of the shares of such Fund.  The fees payable hereunder shall be applied to each Fund as a whole, and not to separate classes of shares within the Fund.
 
The following fees shall be paid for each Fund:
 
 
1. Fund Accounting Fee.  
       
  Base fee:   $2,250 per month  
  Class Fee:   $500 per month for each additional class of shares  
  Asset-based fee:   Annual fee of 1 basis point  
     
2.  Administration Fee.  
       
  a.     Asset-based fee:  
       
      Net Assets     Annual Fee
       
    On the first $100 million     0.100%
    On the next $150 million 0.080%
    On the next $250 million   0.060%
    On the next $500 million 0.050%
    On the next $1 billion 0.040%
    On all assets over $2 billion  0.030%
       
  b.  Minimum asset-based fee per month: $2,000  
       
3. Out of Pocket.  
       
  a. Securities pricing:  
       
    $0.25 per equity per pricing day priced  
    $1.00 per foreign security per pricing day  
    $0.50 per U.S. Treasury  
    $1.00 per asset backed security per pricing day  
    $0.50 per corporate bond per pricing day  
    $2.00 per equity per month for corporate action  
    $2.00 per foreign security per month for corporate action  
       
  b. Blue Sky administration: $150 per registration per state per year  
       
  c.   EDGAR filings: $6 per page  
 
 
 
14

 
 
4. Domestic Custody Fee.  
       
  a. Custody administration asset-based fee:  
       
      Net Assets Annual Fee
       
    On the first $100 million   0.020%
    On all assets over $100 million 0.009%
       
  b. Transaction Fees:  
       
    $7.00 Book Entry DTC Transactions  
    $7.00 Book Entry Federal Reserve Transactions  
    $30.00 Physical Securities Transactions  
    $30.00 Options  
    $7.00 Paydowns on Mortgage Backed Securities.  
    $10.00 Fed Wire Charge on Repo Collateral in / out.  
    $10.00 Cash Wire Transfers  
       
  c. Minimum Annual Fee : $5000  
       
 
5.              Termination Fee.
 
Upon termination of this Agreement with respect to any Fund, the Administrator shall also be entitled to be paid a termination fee, at termination, equal to the compensation paid (or payable to) the Administrator for the two months immediately prior to such termination.  Said termination fee is not a penalty but an extra fee to compensate the Administrator for its service in assisting in transferring records and reports and otherwise wrapping up its services under this Agreement for such Fund.  In the event of a liquidation of any Fund, the Administrator shall also be entitled to be paid, in lieu of the foregoing termination fee, a liquidation fee equal to the compensation paid (or payable to) the Administrator for the three months immediately prior such termination.  Said liquidation fee is not a penalty but an extra fee to compensate the Administrator for its services in assisting in the winding down and liquidation the Fund.  The forgoing compensation shall be in addition to reimbursing Administrator for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection with the Administrator’s activities in effecting such termination or liquidation, including without limitation, the cost of delivering to Trust or its designee the Trust’s records and documents or copies thereof.  Administrator shall be paid said termination fee promptly upon termination of this Agreement and said liquidation fee promptly upon the liquidation of the Fund.
 

 
 
15

 

 
 
 
 
 
DIVIDEND DISBURSING AND TRANSFER AGENT AGREEMENT
THIS DIVIDEND DISBURSING AND TRANSFER AGENT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is made and entered into as of July 16, 2009 by and between STARBOARD INVESTMENT TRUST, a Delaware statutory trust (“Trust”), and NOTTINGHAM SHAREHOLDER SERVICES, LLC, a North Carolina limited liability company (“Transfer Agent”).
 
WHEREAS, the Trust is an open-end management investment company of the series type which is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“1940 Act”); and
 
WHEREAS, the Transfer Agent is in the business of providing dividend disbursing, transfer agent, and shareholder services to investment companies;
 
NOW THEREFORE, the Trust and the Transfer Agent do mutually promise and agree as follows:
 
1.          Employment. The Trust hereby employs Transfer Agent to act as dividend disbursing and transfer agent for each series of shares of the Trust listed on Schedule 1 (each a “Fund”). Transfer Agent, at its own expense, shall render the services and assume the obligations herein set forth subject to being compensated therefore as herein provided.
 
2.          Delivery of Documents. The Trust has furnished the Transfer Agent with copies properly certified or authenticated of each of the following:
 
a)           The Trust’s Declaration of Trust (“Trust Instrument”) and Certificate of Trust, as filed with the State of Delaware (such Trust Instrument, as presently in effect and as it shall from time to time be amended);
 
b)           The Trust’s By-Laws (such By-Laws, as presently in effect and as they shall from time to time be amended, are herein called the “By-Laws”);
 
c)           Resolutions of the Trust’s board of trustees (“Board of Trustees”) authorizing the appointment of the Transfer Agent and approving this Agreement; and
 
d)           The Trust’s registration statement (“Registration Statement”) on Form N-1A under the 1940 Act and under the Securities Act of 1933 as amended, (“1933 Act”), including all exhibits, relating to shares of beneficial interest of, and containing the prospectus (“Prospectus”) of, each Fund of the Trust (herein called the “Shares”) as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and all amendments thereto.
 
The Trust will also furnish the Transfer Agent with copies, properly certified or authenticated, of all amendments of or supplements to the foregoing.
 
3.          Duties of the Transfer Agent. Subject to the policies and direction of the Board of Trustees, the Transfer Agent will provide day-to-day supervision for the dividend disbursing, transfer agent, and shareholder servicing operations of each of the Trust’s Funds. Services to be provided shall be in accordance with the Trust’s organizational and registration documents as listed in paragraph 2 hereof and with the Prospectus of each Fund of the Trust. The Transfer Agent further agrees that it:
 
a)           Will conform to all applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and will, in addition, conduct its activities under this Agreement in accordance with regulations of any other federal and state agency that may now or in the future have jurisdiction over its activities;
 
 
 
 
1
 
 
 
 

b)           Will provide, at its expense, the non-executive personnel and data processing equipment and software necessary to perform the Shareholder Servicing functions shown on Exhibit A hereof; and
 
c)           Will provide all office space and general office equipment necessary for the dividend disbursing, transfer agent, and shareholder servicing activities of the Trust except as may be provided by third parties pursuant to separate agreements with the Trust.
 
Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, the Transfer Agent (including its directors, officers, employees, and agents) shall not be required to perform any of the duties of, assume any of the obligations or expenses of, or be liable for any of the acts or omissions of, any investment advisor of a Fund of the Trust or other third party subject to separate agreements with the Trust. The Transfer Agent shall not be responsible hereunder for the administration of the code of ethics of the Trust (“Code of Ethics”) which shall be under the responsibility of the investment advisors, except insofar as the Code of Ethics applies to the personnel of the Transfer Agent. It is the express intent of the parties hereto that the Transfer Agent shall not have control over or be responsible for the placement (except as specifically directed by a shareholder of the Trust), investment or reinvestment of the assets of any Fund of the Trust. The Transfer Agent may from time to time, subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees, obtain at its own expense the services of consultants or other third parties to perform part or all of its duties hereunder, and such parties may be affiliates of the Transfer Agent.
 
4.          Services Not Exclusive. The services furnished by the Transfer Agent hereunder are not to be deemed exclusive, and the Transfer Agent shall be free to furnish similar services to others so long as its services under this Agreement are not impaired thereby.
 
5.          Books and Records. In compliance with the requirements of Rule 31a-3 under the 1940 Act, the Transfer Agent hereby agrees that all records that it maintains for the Trust are the property of the Trust and further agrees to surrender promptly to the Trust any of such records upon the Trust’s request.
 
6.          Expenses. During the term of this Agreement, the Transfer Agent will furnish at its own expense its office space and the executive, supervisory, and clerical personnel reasonably necessary to perform its obligations under this Agreement. The Trust assumes and shall be responsible for all other expenses of the Trust and/or Fund(s) not otherwise allocated in this Agreement.
 
7.          Compensation. For the services provided and the expenses assumed by the Transfer Agent pursuant to this Agreement, the Trust will pay the Transfer Agent and the Transfer Agent will accept as full compensation the fees and expenses as set forth on Exhibit B attached hereto. Special projects, not included herein and requested in writing by the Board of Trustees, shall be completed by the Transfer Agent and invoiced to the Trust on terms mutually agreed upon.
 
8.          Limitation of Liability. The Transfer Agent shall not be liable for any loss, damage, or liability related to or resulting from the placement (except as specifically directed by a Shareholder of the Trust), investment, or reinvestment of assets in any Fund of the Trust or the acts or omissions of any Fund’s investment advisor or any other third party subject to separate agreements with the Trust. Further, the Transfer Agent shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss or damage suffered by the Trust in connection with the performance of this Agreement or any agreement with a third party, except a loss resulting directly from (i) a breach of fiduciary duty on the part of the Transfer Agent with respect to the receipt of compensation for services; or (ii) willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard on the part of the Transfer Agent in the performance of its duties or from reckless disregard by it of its duties under this Agreement.
 
 
 
 
2
 
 
 
 

The provisions contained in section shall survive the expiration or other termination of this Agreement, shall be deemed to include and protect the Transfer Agent and its directors, officers, employees, and agents and shall inure to the benefit of its/their respective successors, assigns, and personal representatives.
 
9.          Indemnification of Transfer Agent. Subject to the limitations set forth in this section, and provided the Transfer Agent has exercised reasonable customary care in the performance of its duties under this Agreement, the Trust shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless (from the assets of the Fund or Funds to which the conduct in question relates) the Transfer Agent against all loss, damage, and liability, including but not limited to amounts paid in satisfaction of judgments, in compromise or as fines and penalties, and expenses, including reasonable accountants’ and counsel fees, incurred by the Transfer Agent in connection with the defense or disposition of any action, suit, or other proceeding, whether civil or criminal, before any court or administrative or legislative body, related to or resulting from this Agreement or the performance of services hereunder, except with respect to any matter as to which it has been determined that the loss, damage, or liability is a direct result of (i) a breach of fiduciary duty on the part of the Transfer Agent with respect to the receipt of compensation for services; or (ii) willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard on the part of the Transfer Agent in the performance of its duties or from reckless disregard by it of its duties under this Agreement (either and both of the conduct described in clauses (i) and (ii) above being referred to hereinafter as “Disabling Conduct”). A determination that the Transfer Agent is entitled to indemnification may be made by (i) a final decision on the merits by a court or other body before whom the proceeding was brought that the Transfer Agent was not liable by reason of Disabling Conduct, (ii) dismissal of a court action or an administrative proceeding against the Transfer Agent for insufficiency of evidence of Disabling Conduct, or (iii) a reasonable determination, based upon a review of the facts, that the Transfer Agent was not liable by reason of Disabling Conduct by (a) vote of a majority of a quorum of Trustees who are neither “interested persons” of the Trust as the quoted phrase is defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act nor parties to the action, suit or other proceeding on the same or similar grounds that is then or has been pending or threatened (such quorum of such Trustees being referred to hereinafter as the “Independent Trustees”) or (b) an independent legal counsel approved by the Trustees, including a majority of Independent Trustees, (hereinafter referred to as an “independent legal counsel”) in a written opinion. Expenses, including accountants’ and counsel fees so incurred by the Transfer Agent (but excluding amounts paid in satisfaction of judgments, in compromise or as fines or penalties), shall be paid from time to time by the Fund or Funds to which the conduct in question related in advance of the final disposition of any such action, suit or proceeding; provided, that the Transfer Agent shall have undertaken to repay the amounts so paid unless it is ultimately determined that it is entitled to indemnification of such expenses under this section and if (i) the Transfer Agent shall have provided security for such undertaking, (ii) the Trust shall be insured against losses arising by reason of any lawful advances, or (iii) a majority of the Independent Trustees, or an independent legal counsel in a written opinion, shall have determined, based on a review of readily available facts (as opposed to a full trial-type inquiry), that there is reason to believe that the Transfer Agent ultimately will be entitled to indemnification hereunder.
 
As to any matter disposed of by a compromise payment by the Transfer Agent referred to in this section, pursuant to a consent decree or otherwise, no such indemnification either for said payment or for any other expenses shall be provided unless such indemnification shall be approved (i) by a majority of the Independent Trustees or (ii) by an independent legal counsel in a written opinion. Approval by the Independent Trustees pursuant to clause (i) shall not prevent the recovery from the Transfer Agent of any amount paid to the Transfer Agent in accordance with either of such clauses as indemnification of the Transfer Agent is subsequently adjudicated by a court of competent jurisdiction not to have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that the Transfer Agent’s action was in or not opposed to the best interests of the Trust or to have been liable to the Trust or its Shareholders by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties involved in its conduct under the Agreement.
 
 
 
 
3
 
 
 
 

The right of indemnification provided by this section shall not be exclusive of or affect any of the rights to which the Transfer Agent may be entitled. Nothing contained in this section shall affect any rights to indemnification to which Trustees, officers, or other personnel of the Trust, and other persons may be entitled by contract or otherwise under law, nor the power of the Trust to purchase and maintain liability insurance on behalf of any such person.
 
The Board of Trustees of the Trust shall take all such action as may be necessary and appropriate to authorize the Trust hereunder to pay the indemnification required by this section including, without limitation, to the extent needed, to determine whether the Transfer Agent is entitled to indemnification hereunder and the reasonable amount of any indemnity due it hereunder, or employ independent legal counsel for that purpose.
 
The provisions contained in section shall survive the expiration or other termination of this Agreement, shall be deemed to include and protect the Transfer Agent and its directors, officers, employees, and agents and shall inure to the benefit of its/their respective successors, assigns, and personal representatives.
 
10.        Confidentiality. The Transfer Agent agrees, on behalf of itself and its officers, directors, agents, and employees, to treat as confidential all records and other information relating to the Trust and its prior, present, and future shareholders (“Confidential Information”) and to not use or disclose the Confidential Information for any purpose other than in performance of its responsibilities and duties under the Agreement. Notwithstanding the forgoing, the Transfer Agent may divulge the Confidential Information (i) with the prior written consent of the Trust; (ii) when the Transfer Agent, in good faith, believes it may be exposed to civil or criminal contempt proceedings for failure to comply with court orders or when requested by duly constituted governmental authorities or the National Association of Securities Dealers pursuant to their respective legal authority, upon prior written notice to the Trust, unless prohibited by the court order or governmental authority; (iii) to the Trust’s investment adviser(s), administrator, distributor, custodian, outside legal counsel, or independent public accountants, in the ordinary course of business, to the extent necessary for those service providers to perform their respective services to the Trust; (iv) to the Trust, when requested by the Trust; or (v) when requested by a shareholder, but only with respect to Confidential Information that specifically relates to such shareholder and the shareholder’s account. For purposes of this section, the following records and other information shall not be considered Confidential Information: any record or other information relating to the Trust and its prior, present, and future shareholders (a) which is or becomes publicly available through no negligent or unauthorized act or omission by the Transfer Agent; (b) which is disseminated by the Trust in a public filing with the SEC or posted on the website of the Trust, the Fund, the Fund’s investment adviser, or any of the Fund’s other service providers for general public review; (c) which is lawfully obtained from third parties who are not under an obligation of confidentiality to the Trust or its prior, present, and future shareholders; or (d) previously known by the Transfer Agent prior to the date of the Agreement.
 
11.         Duration and Termination. This Agreement shall become effective as of the date hereof and shall thereafter continue in effect unless terminated as herein provided. This Agreement may be terminated by either party hereto (without penalty) at any time by giving not less than 60 days’ prior written notice to the other party hereto. Upon termination of this Agreement, the Trust shall pay to the Transfer Agent such compensation as may be due as of the date of such termination, and shall likewise reimburse the Transfer Agent for any out-of-pocket expenses and disbursements reasonably incurred by the Transfer Agent to such date.
 
12.        Amendment. This Agreement may be amended by mutual written consent of the parties. If, at any time during the existence of this Agreement, the Trust deems it necessary or advisable in the best interests of the Trust that any amendment of this Agreement be made in order to comply with the recommendations or requirements of the SEC or state regulatory agencies or other
 
 
 
 
4
 
 
 
 

governmental authority, or to obtain any advantage under state or federal laws, and shall notify the Transfer Agent of the form of Amendment which it deems necessary or advisable and the reasons therefore, and if the Transfer Agent declines to assent to such amendment, the Trust may terminate this Agreement forthwith.
 
13.        Notice. Any notice that is required to be given by the parties to each other under the terms of this Agreement shall be in writing and will be deemed sufficient if personally delivered or sent by registered or certified mailed, postage prepaid, address to the other party at the principal place of business of such party. Notices shall be effective upon delivery.
 
14.        Construction. This Agreement shall be governed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of North Carolina without regard to the principles of the conflict of laws or the choice of laws. If any provision of this Agreement, or portion thereof, shall be determined to be void or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, then such determination shall not affect any other provision of this Agreement, or portion thereof, all of which other provisions and portions thereof shall remain in full force and effect. If any provision of this Agreement, or portion thereof, is capable of two interpretations, one of which would render the provision, or portion thereof, void and the other of which would render the provision, or portion thereof, valid, then the provision, or portion thereof, shall have the meaning that renders it valid.
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be signed by their duly authorized officers effective as of the date indicated above.
 
 
 
STARBOARD INVESTMENT TRUST
 
 
 
By: /s/ Jack E. Brinson
 
Print Name: Jack E. Brinson
 
Title:
 
Chairman
 
 
 
NOTTINGHAM SHAREHOLDER SERVICES, LLC
 
 
 
By: /s/ Joy Carawan
 
Print Name: Joy Carawan
 
Title:
 
Managing Member
 
 
 
 
 
 
5
 
 
 
 

EXHIBIT A
 
Dated: July 16, 2009
 
SHAREHOLDER SERVICING FUNCTIONS
 
 
 
(1)
 
Process new accounts.
 
(2)
 
Process purchases of Fund shares, both initial and subsequent in accordance with conditions set forth in the Fund’s prospectus.
 
(3)
 
Transfer shares of capital stock to an existing account or to a new account upon receipt of required documentation in good order.
 
(4)
 
Distribute dividends and/or capital gain distributions. This includes disbursement as cash or reinvestment and to change the disbursement option at the request of shareholders.
 
(5)
 
Process exchanges between funds (process and direct purchase/redemption and initiate new account or process to existing account).
 
(6)
 
Make miscellaneous changes to records, including, but not necessarily limited to, address changes and changes in plans (such as systematic withdrawal, dividend reinvestment, etc.).
 
(7)
 
Prepare and mail a year-to-date confirmation and statement as each transaction is recorded in a shareholder account as follows: original to shareholder. Duplicate confirmations to be available on request within current year.
 
(8)
 
Handle telephone calls and correspondence in reply to shareholder requests except those items otherwise set forth herein.
 
(9)
 
Daily control and reconciliation of Fund shares.
 
(10)
 
Prepare address labels or confirmations for four reports to shareholders per year.
 
(11)
 
Mail and tabulate proxies for one Meeting of Shareholders annually, including preparation of certified shareholder list and daily report to Fund management, if required.
 
(12)
 
Prepare, with the assistance of the Trust’s accountants, and mail annual Form 1099 and 5498 to shareholders to whom dividends or distributions are paid, with a copy for the IRS.
 
(13)
 
Provide readily obtainable data that may from time to time be requested for audit purposes.
 
(14)
 
Replace lost or destroyed checks.
 
(15)
 
Continuously maintain all records for active and closed accounts according to the Investment Company Act of 1940 and regulations provided thereunder.
 
 
 
 
6
 
 
 
 

EXHIBIT B
 
Dated: July 16, 2009
 
COMPENSATION SCHEDULE
 
 
 
For the services delineated in the DIVIDEND DISBURSING AND TRANSFER AGENT AGREEMENT, the Transfer Agent shall be compensated monthly, according to the following fee schedule.
 
 
 
Shareholder servicing fee:
 
 
 
$21.00 per shareholder per year per fund
 
Minimum fee of $1,750 per month per fund, plus $500 per month for each additional class of shares.
 
In addition, the Transfer Agent shall be entitled to reimbursement of actual out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Transfer Agent on behalf of the Trust or the Fund.
 
 
 
 
 
 
7
 
 
 
 

 
SCHEDULE 1
Updated: October 31, 2013
 
SERIES OF THE TRUST
 

 
The following fund(s) are covered by the Agreement:
 
1.  
Arin Large Cap Theta Fund
 
2.  
Goodwood SMID Cap Discovery Fund  (f/k/a Caritas All-Cap Growth Fund)
 
3.  
Crescent Large Cap Macro Fund
 
4.  
Crescent Strategic Income Fund
 
5.  
Crescent Mid Cap Macro Fund
 
6.  
CV Asset Allocation Fund
 
7.  
CV U. S. High Yield Fund (f/k/a CV Sector Rotational Fund)
 
8.  
Matisse Discounted Closed-End Fund Strategy
 
9.  
Presidio Multi-Strategy Fund
 
10.  
Horizons West Multi-Strategy Hedged Income Fund (f/k/a/Prophecy Alpha Trading Fund)
 
11.  
Roumell Opportunistic Value Fund
 
12.  
Rx Dynamic Growth Fund
 
13.  
Rx Dynamic Total Return Fund
 
14.  
Rx Non Traditional Fund
 
15.  
Rx High Income Fund
 
16.  
Rx Traditional Equity Fund
 
17.  
Rx Traditional Fixed Income Fund
 
18.  
Rx Tactical Rotation Fund
 
19.  
Rx Tax Advantaged Fund
 
20.  
Rx Dividend Income Fund
 
21.  
Rx Premier Managers Fund
 
22.  
Rx Fundamental Growth Fund
 
23.  
The Sector Rotation Fund
 
24.  
SCS Tactical Allocation Fund
 
25.  
Thornhill Strategic Equity Fund
 
26.  
QCI Balanced Fund
 
FORM OF
EXPENSE LIMITATION AGREEMENT
 
This Expense Limitation Agreement (“Expense Limitation Agreement”) is made and entered into effective as October 31, 2013 by and between the Starboard Investment Trust, a Delaware statutory trust (the “Trust”), on behalf of its series portfolio, the QCI Balanced Fund (the “Fund”), and QCI Asset Management, Inc., a New York corporation (the “Advisor”).
 
WHEREAS, the Trust is a Delaware statutory trust organized under the Certificate of Trust (“Trust Instrument”) and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as an open-end management investment company; and
 
WHEREAS, the Fund is a series of the Trust; and
 
WHEREAS, the Fund and the Advisor have entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement dated July 19, 2012 (“Advisory Agreement”), pursuant to which the Advisor provides investment advisory services to the Fund; and
 
WHEREAS, the Fund and the Advisor have determined that it is appropriate and in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders to limit the expenses of the Fund, and, therefore, have entered into this Agreement, in order to maintain the Fund’s expense ratios within the Operating Expense Limit, as defined below;
 
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:
 
 
1.
 
Expense Limitation.
 
 
(a)  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Applicable Expense Limit.   To the extent that the aggregate expenses of every character, including but not limited to investment advisory fees of the Advisor (but excluding interest, taxes, brokerage commissions, borrowing costs, fees and expenses of other investment companies in which the Fund invests, other expenditures which are capitalized in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund’s business, and amounts, if any, payable pursuant to a plan adopted in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940) incurred by the Fund in any fiscal year (“Fund Operating Expenses”), exceed the Operating Expense Limit, as defined in Section 1(b) below, such excess amount (the “Excess Amount”) shall be the liability of the Advisor.  Additionally, in determining the Fund Operating Expenses, expenses that the Fund would have incurred but did not actually pay because of expense offset or brokerage/services arrangements shall be added to the aggregate expenses so as not to benefit the Advisor.
 
  (b) Operating Expense Limit.   The Fund’s maximum operating expense limit (“Operating Expense Limit”) in any year shall be 1.00% of the average daily net assets of the Fund.
 
 
 
1

 
 
 
 
(c) 
 
 
 
 
Method of Computation.   To determine the Advisor’s liability with respect to the Excess Amount, each month the Fund Operating Expenses for the Fund shall be annualized as of the last day of the month.  If the annualized Fund Operating Expenses for any month exceeds the Operating Expense Limit of the Fund, the Advisor shall first waive or reduce its investment advisory fee for such month by an amount sufficient to reduce the annualized Fund Operating Expenses to an amount no higher than the Operating Expense Limit.  If the amount of the waived or reduced investment advisory fee for any such month is insufficient to pay the Excess Amount, the Advisor shall also remit to the Fund an amount that, together with the waived or reduced investment advisory fee, is sufficient to pay such Excess Amount.
 
 
(d)
 
 
Year-End Adjustment.   If necessary, on or before the last day of the first month of each fiscal year, an adjustment payment shall be made by the appropriate party in order that the amount of the investment advisory fees waived or reduced and other payments remitted by the Advisor to the Fund with respect to the previous fiscal year shall equal the Excess Amount.
 
2. 
 
Term and Termination of Agreement.
 
 
This Agreement shall continue in effect until January 31, 2015 and shall thereafter continue in effect from year to year for successive one-year periods unless terminated as provided in this paragraph.  This Agreement may be terminated, without payment of any penalty, by: (i) the Trust at any time, so long as such action has been authorized by resolution of a majority of the Trustees who are not party to this Agreement or “interested persons” of the Trust, as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Trust; and (ii) by the Advisor upon thirty days’ prior written notice to the Trust at its principal place of business, such termination to be effective as of the close of business on the last day of the then-current one-year period.  In addition, this Agreement shall terminate with respect to the Fund upon termination of the Advisory Agreement.
 
3. 
 
Miscellaneous.
 
 
(a)  
 
Captions.   The captions in this Agreement are included for convenience only and in no other way define or delineate any provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect.
 
  (b) Interpretation.   Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to require the Trust or the Fund to take any action contrary to the Trust’s Declaration of Trust or by-laws, or any applicable statutory or regulatory requirement to which it is subject or by which it is bound, or to relieve or deprive the Trust’s Board of Trustees of its responsibility for and control of the conduct of the affairs of the Trust or the Fund.
 
 
 
2

 
 
 
(c)  
Definitions.   Any question of interpretation of any term or provision of this Agreement, including but not limited to the investment advisory fee, the computations of net asset values, and the allocation of expenses, having a counterpart in or otherwise derived from the terms and provisions of the Advisory Agreement or the Investment Company Act of 1940, shall have the same meaning as and be resolved by reference to such Advisory Agreement or the Investment Company Act of 1940.
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be signed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized as of the day and year first above written.
 
 
 

 
  STARBOARD INVESTMENT TRUST  
  On behalf of QCI Balanced Fund  
     
  By:                                                                  
     
  Name:                                                             
     
  Title:                                                               
     
  QCI ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC.  
     
  By:                                                                  
     
  Name:                                                             
     
  Title:                                                               
 
 
 
3

 
FORM OF
SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT BETWEEN
THE TRUST AND THE INVESTORS
 
QCI BALANCED FUND

A Series Of
Starboard Investment Trust
 
LETTER OF INVESTMENT INTENT
 
[DATE]
 
[NAME] (the “Purchaser”) subscribes to purchase a beneficial interest (“Interest”) of the QCI Balanced Fund (“Fund”), a series of Starboard Investment Trust, in the amount of [$] for [___] shares at net asset value of [$10.00] per share, in consideration for which the Purchaser agrees to transfer to you upon demand cash in the amount of [$].
 
The Purchaser acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Fund’s prospectus and recognizes that the Fund will not be fully operational until it commences a public offering of its shares.  Accordingly, a number of features of the Fund described in the prospectus, including, without limitation, redemption of shares upon request of shareholders, will not be available until it is fully operational.
 
The Purchaser represents and warrants as follows:
 
(1)           Purchaser is aware that no federal or state agency has made any finding or determination as to the fairness for investment, nor any recommendation nor endorsement, of the Interest;
 
(2)           Purchaser has such knowledge and experience of financial and business matters as will enable it to utilize the information made available to it in connection with the offering of the Interest to evaluate the merits and risks of the prospective investment and to make an informed investment decision;
 
(3)           Purchaser recognizes that the Fund has no financial or operating history and, further, that investment in the Fund involves certain risks and that Purchaser understands the risks related to the purchase of the Interest and acknowledges that it can bear the economic risks of such an investment for an indefinite period of time and can suffer the complete loss thereof;
 
 
 

 
(4)           Purchaser is purchasing the Interest for its own account, for investment purposes only, and not with any present intention of redemption, distribution, or resale of the Interest, either in whole or in part;
 
(5)           Any resale of the Interest, or any part thereof, may be subject to restrictions under the federal securities laws and Purchaser will not sell the Interest purchased by it without registration of the Fund under the Securities Act of 1933 or exemption therefrom;
 
(6)           Purchaser has been furnished with and has read this agreement, the prospectus, and such other documents relating to the Fund as it has requested and as have been provided to it by the Fund; and
 
(7)           Purchaser also has had the opportunity to ask questions of, and receive answers from, officers of the Fund concerning the Fund and the terms of the offering.
 

 
  By:                                                                   
  Name:                                                              
 
                                                           
 
 

 
QCI BALANCED FUND
 
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION PURSUANT TO RULE 12b-1

 
WHEREAS, Starboard Investment Trust, a statutory trust organized and existing under the laws of the state of Delaware (the “Trust”), engages in business as an open-end management investment company and is registered as such under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”);
 
WHEREAS, the Trust is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest (the “Shares”), in separate series representing the interests in separate funds of securities and other assets;
 
WHEREAS, the Trust offers a series of such Shares representing interests in the Matisse Discounted Closed-End Fund Strategy (the “Fund”) of the Trust, which Shares are classified into Institutional Class Shares and Retail Class  Shares;
 
WHEREAS, the Trust desires to adopt a Plan of Distribution (“Plan”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act with respect to the Retail A Shares of the Fund;
 
WHEREAS, the Trustees of the Trust as a whole, including the Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust (as defined in the 1940 Act) and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of this Plan or in any agreement relating hereto (the “Non-Interested Trustees”), having determined, in the exercise of reasonable business judgment and in light of their fiduciary duties under state law and under Section 36(a) and (b) of the 1940 Act, that there is a reasonable likelihood that this Plan will benefit the Fund and its shareholders, have approved this Plan and any related agreements by votes cast at a meeting held in person and called for the purpose of voting hereon and on any agreements related hereto;
 
NOW, THEREFORE, the Trust hereby adopts this Plan in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, with respect to the Retail Class Shares of the Fund, on the following terms and conditions:
 
1.
Distribution and Servicing Activities.   Subject to the supervision of the Trustees of the Trust, the Trust may, directly or indirectly, engage in any activities primarily intended to result in the sale of Retail Class  Shares of the Fund, which activities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
 
 
(a)
payments to the Trust’s distributor (the “Distributor”) and to securities dealers and others in respect of the sale of Retail Class Shares of the Fund;
 
 
(b)
payment of compensation to and expenses of personnel (including personnel of organizations with which the Trust has entered into agreements related to this Plan) who engage in or support distribution of Retail Class Shares of the Fund or who render shareholder support services not otherwise provided by the Trust's transfer agent, administrator, or custodian, including but not limited to, answering inquiries regarding the Trust, processing shareholder transactions, providing personal services and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts, providing other shareholder liaison services, responding to shareholder inquiries, providing information on shareholder investments in the Retail Class Shares of the Fund, and providing such other shareholder services as the Trust may reasonably request;
 
 
 

 
 
 
(c)
formulation and implementation of marketing and promotional activities, including, but not limited to, direct mail promotions and television, radio, newspaper, magazine and other mass media advertising;
 
 
(d)
preparation, printing, and distribution of sales literature;
 
 
(e)
preparation, printing, and distribution of prospectuses and statements of additional information and reports of the Trust for recipients other than existing shareholders of the Trust;
 
 
(f)
holding seminars and sales meetings designed to promote the distribution of Retail Class Shares;
 
 
(g)
obtaining information and providing explanations to wholesale and retail distributors of contracts regarding Fund investment objectives and policies and other information about the Fund, including the performance of the Fund;
 
 
(h)
training sales personnel regarding the Retail Class Shares of the Fund; and
 
 
(i)
obtaining such information, analyses, and reports with respect to marketing and promotional activities as the Trust may, from time to time, deem advisable.
 
The Trust is authorized to engage in the activities listed above, and in any other activities primarily intended to result in the sale of Retail Class Shares of the Fund, either directly or through other persons with which the Trust has entered into agreements related to this Plan.
 
2.
Maximum Expenditures.   The expenditures to be made by the Retail Class Shares of the Fund pursuant to this Plan and the basis upon which payment of such expenditures will be made shall be determined by the Trustees of the Trust, but in no event may such expenditures exceed an amount calculated at the rate of up to 0.25% per annum of the average daily net asset value of the Retail Class Shares of the Fund for each year or portion thereof included in the period for which the computation is being made, elapsed since the inception of this Plan to the date of such expenditures.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event may expenditures paid by the Retail Class Shares of the Fund as service fees to any person who sells the Retail Class Shares of the Fund exceed an amount calculated at the rate of 0.25% of the average annual net assets of such shares.  Payments for distribution and shareholder servicing activities may be made directly by the Trust or to other persons with which the Trust has entered into agreements related to this Plan.
 
3.             Term and Termination.
 
 
(a)
This Plan shall become effective with respect to the Retail Class Shares on the date that the Retail Class Shares commences operation.
 
 
(b)
Unless terminated as herein provided, this Plan shall continue in effect for one year from the effective date of the Plan for the Fund with respect to its Retail Class Shares and shall continue in effect for successive periods of one year thereafter, but only so long as each such continuance is specifically approved by votes of a majority of both (i) the Trustees of the Trust and (ii) the Non-Interested Trustees, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
 
 
 

 
 
 
(c)
This Plan may be terminated at any time with respect to the Fund by a vote of a majority of the Non-Interested Trustees or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Retail Class Shares of the Fund as defined in the 1940 Act.
 
4.
Approval of Related Agreements.   Any agreement of the Fund related to this Plan shall be in writing and approved in the manner provided in Section 3(b) of this Plan.
 
5.
Amendments.   No material amendment to this Plan shall be made unless: (a) it is approved in the manner provided for annual renewal of this Plan in Section 3(b) hereof; and (b) if the proposed amendment will increase materially the maximum expenditures permitted by Section 2 hereof, it is approved by a vote of the majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund.
 
6.
Selection and Nomination of Trustees.   While this Plan is in effect, the selection and nomination of the Non-Interested Trustees of the Trust shall be committed to the discretion of such Non­-Interested Trustees.
 
7.
Quarterly Reports.   The Trust’s Distributor or an officer of the Trust shall provide to the Trustees of the Trust and the Trustees shall review quarterly a written report of the amounts expended pursuant to this Plan and any related agreement and the purposes for which such expenditures were made.
 
8.
Recordkeeping.   The Trust shall preserve copies of this Plan and any related agreement and all reports made pursuant to Section 7 hereof, for a period of not less than six years from the date of this Plan.  Any such related agreement or such reports for the first two years will be maintained in an easily accessible place.
 
9.
Limitation of Liability.   Any obligations of the Trust hereunder shall not be binding upon any of the Trustees, officers or shareholders of the Trust personally, but shall bind only the assets and property of the Trust.  The term “Starboard Investment Trust” means and refers to the Trustees from time to time serving under the Trust’s Declaration of Trust (“Declaration of Trust”) as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  The execution of this Plan has been authorized by the Trustees, acting as such and not individually, and such authorization by such Trustees shall not be deemed to have been made by any of them individually or to impose any liability on any of them personally, but shall bind only the assets and property of the Trust as provided in the Trust’s Declaration of Trust.
 

 
This Plan is effective ________________, 2013, being the date the Retail Class Shares commenced operations.
 

 

 
QCI BALANCED FUND
RULE 18f-3 MULTI-CLASS PLAN
 
I.  Introduction.
 
Pursuant to Rule 18f-3 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”), this Rule 18f-3 Multi-Class Plan (“Plan”) sets forth the general characteristics of, and conditions under which the Starboard Investment Trust (“Trust”) may offer, multiple classes of shares (each a “Class of Shares” and collectively “Classes of Shares”) of the following series: QCI Balanced Fund  (the “Fund”).  In addition, the Plan sets forth the shareholder servicing arrangements, distribution arrangements, conversion features, exchange privileges, and other shareholder services of each Class of Shares in such Fund.  The Plan is intended to allow the Fund of the Trust to offer multiple Classes of Shares to the fullest extent and manner permitted by Rule 18f-3 under the 1940 Act, subject to the requirements and conditions imposed by the Rule.  This Plan may be revised or amended from time to time as provided below.
 
The Fund is authorized, as indicated below in the section “Class Arrangements,” to issue the following Classes of Shares representing interests in the Fund: Retail Class Shares and Institutional Class Shares.  Each Class of Shares of the Fund will represent interests in the same portfolio of the Fund and, except as described herein, shall have the same rights and obligations as each other Class of Shares of the Fund.  Each Class of Shares shall be subject to such investment minimums and other conditions of eligibility as are set forth in the applicable Fund’s prospectus (“Prospectus”) or statement of additional information (“Statement of Additional Information”), as amended from time to time.
 
II.  Allocation of Expenses.
 
Pursuant to Rule 18f-3 under the 1940 Act, the Trust shall allocate to each Class of Shares in the Fund (i) any fees and expenses incurred by the Trust in connection with the distribution of such Class of Shares under a distribution plan (and related agreements) adopted for such Class of Shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, and (ii) any fees and expenses incurred by the Trust under a shareholder servicing plan (and related agreements) in connection with the provision of shareholder services to the holders of such Class of Shares.  In addition, pursuant to Rule 18f-3, the Trust may allocate the following fees and expenses to a particular Class of Shares in a single Fund:
 
(i)
Transfer agency fees identified by the transfer agent as being attributable to such Class of Shares;
 
(ii)
Printing and postage expenses related to preparing and distributing materials such as shareholder reports, notices, prospectuses, reports, and proxies to current shareholders of such Class of Shares or to regulatory agencies with respect to such Class of Shares;
 
(iii)
Blue sky registration or qualification fees incurred by such Class of Shares;
 
(iv)
Securities and Exchange Commission registration fees incurred by such Class of Shares;
 
(v)
The expense of administrative and personnel services (including, but not limited to, those of a portfolio accountant or dividend paying agent charged with calculating net asset values or determining or paying dividends) as required to support the shareholders of such Class of Shares;
 
(vi)
Litigation or other legal expenses relating solely to such Class of Shares;
 
 
 

 
 
(vii)
Fees of the Trustees of the Trust incurred as a result of issues particularly relating to such Class of Shares;
 
(viii)
Independent registered public accountants’ fees relating solely to such Class of Shares; and
 
(ix)
Any additional expenses, other than advisory or custodial fees or other expenses relating to the management of the Fund’s assets, if such expenses are actually incurred in a different amount with respect to a Class of Shares that are of a different kind or to a different degree than with respect to one or more other Classes of Shares.
 
The initial determination of the class specific expenses that will be allocated by the Trust to a particular Class of Shares and any subsequent changes thereto will be reviewed by the Board of Trustees of the Trust and approved by a vote of the Trustees of the Trust, including a majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust.
 
Income, realized and unrealized capital gains and losses, and any expenses of the Fund not allocated to a particular Class of Shares of such Fund pursuant to this Plan shall be allocated to each Class of Shares of the Fund on the basis of the net asset value of that Class of Shares in relation to the net asset value of the Fund.
 
III.  Dividends.
 
Dividends paid by the Trust with respect to each Class of Shares of the Fund, to the extent any dividends are paid, will be calculated in the same manner, at the same time and will be in the same amount, except that any fees and expenses that are properly allocated to a particular Class of Shares of the Fund will be borne by that Class of Shares.
 
IV.  Voting Rights.
 
Each share (or fraction thereof) of the Fund entitles the shareholder of record to one vote (or fraction thereof).  Each Class of Shares of the Fund will vote separately as a Class of Shares with respect to:  (i) the adoption of, or material amendment to, any Rule 12b-1 distribution plan applicable to that Class of Shares, and (ii) any other matters for which voting on a Class of Shares by Class of Shares basis is required under applicable law or interpretative positions of the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
V.  Class Arrangements.
 
The following summarizes the front-end sales charges, contingent deferred sales charges, Rule 12b-1 fees, shareholder servicing fees, conversion features, exchange privileges, and other shareholder services applicable to each Class of Shares of the Fund.  Additional details regarding such fees and services are set forth in the Fund’s current Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information.
 
(i)           Retail Class Shares.
 
 
1.
Maximum Initial Sales Load (as a percentage of offering price):  None
 
 
2.
Maximum Contingent Deferred Sales Charge: None.
 
 
3.
Rule 12b-1 Distribution/Shareholder Servicing Fees:  Pursuant to a Distribution Plan adopted under Rule 12b-1, Retail Class  Shares of the Fund may pay distribution and shareholder servicing fees of up to 0.25% per annum of the average daily net assets of any such Fund attributable to such shares.
 
 
 

 
 
 
4.
Conversion Features:  None.
 
 
5.
Redemption Fee:  None.
 
 
6.
Exchange Privileges:  Retail Class  Shares of the Fund may be exchanged for Retail Class  Shares of any other series of the Trust advised by the same investment advisor at net asset value.
 
 
7.
Other Shareholder Services:  The Trust offers a Systematic Withdrawal Plan and Automatic Investment Plan to holders of Class Shares of the Fund.
 
(ii)           Institutional Class Shares.
 
 
1.
Maximum Initial Sales Load (as a percentage of offering price):  None.
 
 
2.
Maximum Contingent Deferred Sales Charge: None.
 
 
3.
Rule 12b-1 Distribution/Shareholder Servicing Fees:  None.
 
 
4.
Conversion Features:  None.
 
 
5.
Redemption Fee:  None.
 
 
6.
Exchange Privileges:  Institutional Class Shares of the Fund may be exchanged for Institutional Class Shares of any other series of the Trust advised by the same investment advisor at net asset value.
 
 
7.
Other Shareholder Services:  The Trust offers a Systematic Withdrawal Plan and Automatic Investment Plan to holders of Institutional Class Shares of the Fund.
 
VI.  Board Review.
 
The Board of Trustees of the Trust shall review this Plan as frequently as they deem necessary.  Prior to any material amendment(s) to this Plan, the Trust’s Board of Trustees, including a majority of the Trustees that are not interested persons of the Trust, shall find that the Plan, as proposed to be amended (including any proposed amendments to the method of allocating Class and/or Fund expenses), is in the best interest of each Class of Shares individually and in the Fund as a whole.  In considering whether to approve any proposed amendment(s) to the Plan, the Trustees of the Trust shall request and evaluate such information as they consider reasonably necessary to evaluate the proposed amendment(s) to the Plan.
 

 
Adopted: October 31, 2013
 


QCI Asset Management
Code of Ethics and
Standards of
Professional
Conduct
 



 
 

 
 
Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct
 
 
A. General Statement of Principals
  QCI Asset Management, Inc. (the Company) has an overarching fiduciary duty to its clients and all the firm personnel have an obligation to uphold that fundamental duty. This is vital to the firm’s reputation, which was built upon the principals of honesty, integrity, and professionalism.
 
 
B. Duty to Clients
  It is expected that all supervised and access persons conduct business with the highest level of ethical standards, keeping in mind at all times the Company’s fiduciary duties to its clients.  The Company has a duty to exercise its authority and responsibility for the benefit of its clients, to place the interest of its clients first, and to refrain from having outside interests that conflict with the interests of its clients.  The Company is committed to avoid any circumstances that might adversely affect, or appear to affect, its duty of complete loyalty to its clients.
 
 
C. Persons Covered by the Code
All supervised and access personnel are covered and expected to abide by the Code of Ethics.
 
 
Supervised Persons include:
 
 
Directors, officers, and partners of the adviser (or other persons occupying a similar status or performing similar function);
 
 
Employees of the adviser; and
 
 
Any other person who provides advice on behalf of the adviser and is subject to the adviser’s supervision and control.
 
Access Persons include any supervised person who:
 
 
has access to nonpublic information regarding any clients’ purchase or sale of securities, or nonpublic information regarding the portfolio holdings of any fund the adviser or its control affiliates manage; or
 
  is involved in making securities recommendations to clients, or has access to such recommendations that are nonpublic.
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
D.   Responsibility
 
The Chief Compliance Officer will be responsible for having each supervised person sign a written acknowledgement of their receipt of the Company’s current Code of Ethics (Code) and any amendments thereto.  A copy of such receipt will be kept in the supervised persons employment file.  Furthermore, the CCO will be responsible for maintaining and enforcing the Company’s Code, recording any violation of the Code and any actions taken as a result of any violation.
 
 
E. Securities Covered by the Code
   
 
1. 
 
 
Covered Security means any stock, bond, future, investment contract or any other instrument that is considered a “security” under the Investment Advisers Act.  The term “covered security” is very broad and includes items you might not ordinarily think of as “securities” such as:
 
   
a. 
 
Options on securities, on indexes, and on currencies;
 
   
b. 
 
All types of limited partnerships;
 
   
c.
  
 Foreign unit trusts and foreign mutual funds; and
 
   
d. 
 
Private investment funds, hedge funds, and investment clubs.
 
  2. 
Covered Security does not include:
 
   
a.  
 
Direct obligations of the U.S. government (e.g. treasury securities);
 
   
b. 
 
Bankers’ acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper, and high quality short-term debt obligations, including repurchase agreements
 
   
c. 
 
Shares issued by money market funds;
 
   
d.
 
Shares of open-end mutual funds that are not advised or sub-advised by the firm; and
 
    e.  Shares issued by unit investment trusts that are invested exclusively in one or more open-end funds, none of which are funds advised or sub-advised by the firm
 
 
F.   Standards of Business Conduct
   
 
1.
 
Compliance with Laws and Regulations. Supervised persons must comply with applicable federal securities laws.
 
   
a.
As part of this requirement, supervised persons are not permitted, in connection with the purchase or sale, directly or indirectly, of a security held or to be acquired by a client
      i. To defraud such client in any manner;
      ii.   To mislead such client, including by making a statement that omits material facts;
 
 
 

 
 
 
      iii. To engage in any act, practice or course of conduct which operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit upon such client;
      iv. To engage in any manipulative practice with respect to such client; or
     
v.
 
To engage in any manipulative practice with respect to securities, including price manipulation.
 
 
2.  
 
Confidentiality   Privacy of Client Information.  Information concerning the identity of security holdings and financial circumstances of clients is confidential.
 
   
a. 
 
 
  Firm Duties. The Company must keep all information about clients in strict confidence, including the client’s identity (unless the client consents), the client’s financial circumstances, the client’s security holdings, and advice furnished to the client by the firm.
 
   
b. 
 
 
 
Supervised Persons’ Duties. Supervised persons are prohibited from disclosing to persons outside the firm any material nonpublic information about any client, the securities investments made by the firm on behalf of a client, information about contemplated securities transactions, or information regarding the firm’s trading strategies, except as required to effectuate securities transactions on behalf of a client or for other legitimate business purposes.
 
   
c. 
 
Regulation S- P. Supervised persons must comply with the Company’s privacy policy. Refer to section V (E) of the Company policy manual for the Company Privacy Policy.
 
 
3.
 
 
Conflicts of Interest. As a fiduciary, the Company has an affirmative duty of care, loyalty, honesty, and good faith to act in the best interest of its clients. Compliance with this duty can be achieved by trying to avoid conflicts of interest and by fully disclosing all material facts concerning any conflict that does arise with respect to any client.
 
   
a.
 
 
 
Conflicts Among Clients Interests.   Conflicts of interest may arise where the firm or its supervised persons have reason to favor the interests of one client over another client (e.g., larger accounts over smaller accounts, accounts compensated by performance fees over accounts not so compensated, accounts in which employees have made material personal investments, accounts of close friends or relatives of supervised persons).  The Company prohibits inappropriate favoritism of one client over another client that would constitute a breach of fiduciary duty.
 
   
b.  
 
 
 
Personal Securities Transactions.   The Company prohibits supervised persons from using knowledge about pending or currently considered securities transactions for clients to profit personally, directly, or indirectly, as a result of such transactions, including by purchasing or selling such securities.  Refer to section IX of the Company Policy Manual for the Company policy regarding Personal Securities Transactions.  All supervised persons must strictly comply with these policies regarding personal securities transactions.
 
   
c.
Gifts and Entertainment.   Regarding gifts and entertainment:
      i.  General Statement. A conflict of interest occurs when the personal interests of employees interfere or could potentially interfere with their responsibilities to the firm and its clients. The overriding principle

 
 

 
 
 
        is that supervised persons should not accept inappropriate gifts, favors, entertainment, special accommodations, or other things of significant material value that could influence their decision-making or make them feel beholden to a person or firm.  Similarly, supervised persons should not offer gifts, favors, entertainment or other things of significant value that could be viewed as overly generous or aimed at influencing decision-making or making a client feel beholden to the firm or the supervised person.
      ii.  Cash.   No supervised person may make or accept excessive cash gifts or cash equivalents to or from a client, prospective client, or any entity that does business with or on behalf of the adviser.
     
iii.
 
 
Entertainment.   No supervised person may provide or accept extravagant or excessive entertainment to or from a client, prospective client, or any person or entity that does or seeks to do business with or on behalf of the adviser.  Supervised persons may provide or accept a business entertainment event, such as dinner or a sporting event of reasonable value.
 
 
4. 
 
 
Insider Trading . Supervised persons are prohibited from trading, either personally or on behalf of others, while in possession of material, non-public information.  Supervised persons are also prohibited from communicating material, non-public information to others.  The Company’s policies and procedures governing insider trading are detailed in Section X of the Company Policy Manual
 
 
5. 
 
Outside Activities.
 
   
a.  
 
 
Service on a Board of Directors of Public Companies. Supervised persons are prohibited from serving as directors of public companies.  Exemptions will be made only when in the best interests of the Company and its clients.
 
   
b. 
 
 
 
Service on a Board of Directors of Private Companies or Not-for-Profit organizations. Supervised persons who serve on the board of one of these organizations are required to resign from the board or abstain from the decision making process in the event that the Company is being considered for an investment management assignment by the organization or being reviewed as an incumbent on an existing engagement with the organization.
 
 
 
c.
 
 
Disclosure. Regardless of whether an activity is specifically addressed in this Code, supervised persons should disclose any personal interest that might present a conflict of interest or harm the reputation of the company.
 
 
6. 
 
 
Marketing and Promotional Activities .  Supervised persons are reminded that all oral and written statements, including those made to clients, prospective clients, their representatives, or the media, must be professional, accurate, balanced, and not misleading in any way.
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
G.
 
Administration and Enforcement of the Code.
 
 
1. 
 
Responsibility .   The Chief Compliance Officer is responsible for maintaining and enforcing the Company’s Code, recording any violation of the Code and any actions taken as a result of any violation.
 
 
2.
 
Reporting Violations .   All supervised persons are required to report violations of the Company’s Code promptly to the Chief Compliance Officer.
 
 
3. 
 
Retaliation .   Retaliation against an individual who reports a violation is prohibited and constitutes a further violation of the Code.
 
  4. 
Sanctions .   Any violation of the Code may result in any disciplinary action that the Chief Compliance Officer deems appropriate, including but not limited to a warning, fines, disgorgement, suspension, demotion, or termination of employment.  In addition to sanctions, violations may result in referral to civil or criminal authorities where appropriate.
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
Agreement to Abide by the Company’s Code of Ethics


This agreement is entered into by and between QCI Asset Management, Inc. and the employee whose name and signature is represented below.

By signing this agreement, the Employee acknowledges that:

1.  He or she has received a copy of the Company’s Code of Ethics (Code);

2.  He or she has read and understands the information contained in the Code; and
 
 
3.  He or she will abide by the Code and any subsequent amendments thereto.



 
                                                                                                                           
Employee – Please Print   Date  
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                
Signature  
 

 
 

 

                                                                                      

Agreement to Abide by Written Policies and Procedures


This agreement is entered into by and between QCI Asset Management, Inc. and the employee whose signature is represented below.

By signing this agreement, the Employee acknowledges that:

1.  He or she has received a copy of the Company’s Supervisory Policies and Procedures
     Manual including the Company’s Policy of Insider Trading;

2.  He or she has read and understands the information contained in these documents; and,
 
 
3.  He or she will abide by all rules, policies and procedures as described therein.


 
 
 
                                                                                                                           
Employee  Date  
 
 
 
 
 

 



Holdings Report

To:           Chief Compliance Officer, QCI Asset Management, Inc.


From:                                                                                              


Re:           Report of Holdings pursuant to Rule 204 of the Investment Advisers Act.

Security
Symbol
Security Type
# of Shares





















Name(s) of Institution(s) where account(s) is/are maintained in which any of the securities listed above are held:




The holdings listed above are a complete, accurate and current accounting of my holdings of covered securities as of               (no more than 45 days prior to the date of submission).

 
Signed:                                                                Date:                                                             
     
 
                               

 
 

 

 
Quarterly Personal Securities Transaction Report

To:           Chief Compliance Officer, QCI Asset Management, Inc.

From:                                                                                                 

Re:
Report of Personal Securities Transactions pursuant to Rule 204-2(a)(12) of the Investment Advisers Act.

Reporting Period:  Calendar Quarter ending                                                   
 

Date
Security
Bought/Sold
 
# of Shares
Price
Broker













  [  ]
During the above period, I have not purchased or sold any securities in my personal brokerage account or in any account in which I have a direct or indirect beneficial interest.

  [  ]
I do not currently have a personal securities brokerage account.  However, I agree to promptly notify the Compliance Officer if I open such an account so long as I am employed by QCI Asset Management.


I do hereby attest that the information contained herein is a complete, accurate and current accounting of my personal securities transactions during the above period.

 
 
 
 
Signed:                                                                                     Date:                                                             
 
 
Report Reviewd by:                                                                
 
 
Date:                                                          
 

                          
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 







 
 
 
POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
 
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that the undersigned officer and/or trustee of the Starboard Investment Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, hereby revokes all previous appointments and appoints A. Vason Hamrick and/or T. Lee Hale, Jr., with full power of substitution, true and lawful attorney of the undersigned to execute in name, place and stead of the undersigned and on behalf of the undersigned any and all amendments to the Trust’s registration statement on Form N-1A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as well as any and all registration statements on Form N-14, and to file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and any other regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the offer and sale of shares of beneficial interests of the Trust (including, without limitation, regulatory authorities in any and all states in which shares of any series of the Trust are sold), any such amendment or registration statement and any and all supplements thereto or to any prospectus or statement of additional information forming a part of the registration statement, as well as any and all exhibits and other documents necessary or desirable to the amendment or supplement process. Said attorneys, and each of them, shall have full power and authority, with full power of substitution, to do and perform in the name and on behalf of the undersigned every act whatsoever requisite or desirable to be done in the premises in any and all capacities authorized by the Board of Trustees for such persons to provide or perform with respect to the Trust, as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might or could do, the undersigned hereby ratifying and approving all such acts of such attorneys.
 
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this instrument on this 22nd day of April, 2010.
 
 
    /s/ Jack E. Brinson    
   Jack E. Brinson, Trustee and Chairman    
       
 
/s/ Meade B. Bridgers
Witness
 
Print Name: Meade B. Bridgers
 
 
 
 

 
 
POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
 
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that the undersigned officer and/or trustee of the Starboard Investment Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, hereby revokes all previous appointments and appoints A. Vason Hamrick and/or T. Lee Hale, Jr., with full power of substitution, true and lawful attorney of the undersigned to execute in name, place and stead of the undersigned and on behalf of the undersigned any and all amendments to the Trust’s registration statement on Form N-1A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as well as any and all registration statements on Form N-14, and to file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and any other regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the offer and sale of shares of beneficial interests of the Trust (including, without limitation, regulatory authorities in any and all states in which shares of any series of the Trust are sold), any such amendment or registration statement and any and all supplements thereto or to any prospectus or statement of additional information forming a part of the registration statement, as well as any and all exhibits and other documents necessary or desirable to the amendment or supplement process. Said attorneys, and each of them, shall have full power and authority, with full power of substitution, to do and perform in the name and on behalf of the undersigned every act whatsoever requisite or desirable to be done in the premises in any and all capacities authorized by the Board of Trustees for such persons to provide or perform with respect to the Trust, as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might or could do, the undersigned hereby ratifying and approving all such acts of such attorneys.
 
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this instrument on this 22nd day of April, 2010.
 
 
  /s/ James H. Speed, Jr.    
  James H. Speed, Jr., Trustee    
 
/s/ Trina Thompson-Graves
     
Witness
 
Print Name: Trina Thompson-Graves
 
 




 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
 
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that the undersigned officer and/or trustee of the Starboard Investment Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, hereby revokes all previous appointments and appoints A. Vason Hamrick and/or T. Lee Hale, Jr., with full power of substitution, true and lawful attorney of the undersigned to execute in name, place and stead of the undersigned and on behalf of the undersigned any and all amendments to the Trust’s registration statement on Form N-1A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as well as any and all registration statements on Form N-14, and to file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and any other regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the offer and sale of shares of beneficial interests of the Trust (including, without limitation, regulatory authorities in any and all states in which shares of any series of the Trust are sold), any such amendment or registration statement and any and all supplements thereto or to any prospectus or statement of additional information forming a part of the registration statement, as well as any and all exhibits and other documents necessary or desirable to the amendment or supplement process. Said attorneys, and each of them, shall have full power and authority, with full power of substitution, to do and perform in the name and on behalf of the undersigned every act whatsoever requisite or desirable to be done in the premises in any and all capacities authorized by the Board of Trustees for such persons to provide or perform with respect to the Trust, as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might or could do, the undersigned hereby ratifying and approving all such acts of such attorneys.
 
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this instrument on this 22nd day of April, 2010.
 
 
    /s/ J. Buckley Strandberg    
   J. Buckley Strandberg, Trustee    
 
/s/ Kim Bletsas
     
Witness
 
Print Name: Kim Bletsas
 
 
 

 
 
POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
 
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that the undersigned officer and/or trustee of the Starboard Investment Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, hereby revokes all previous appointments and appoints A. Vason Hamrick and/or T. Lee Hale, Jr., with full power of substitution, true and lawful attorney of the undersigned to execute in name, place and stead of the undersigned and on behalf of the undersigned any and all amendments to the Trust’s registration statement on Form N-1A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as well as any and all registration statements on Form N-14, and to file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and any other regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the offer and sale of shares of beneficial interests of the Trust (including, without limitation, regulatory authorities in any and all states in which shares of any series of the Trust are sold), any such amendment or registration statement and any and all supplements thereto or to any prospectus or statement of additional information forming a part of the registration statement, as well as any and all exhibits and other documents necessary or desirable to the amendment or supplement process. Said attorneys, and each of them, shall have full power and authority, with full power of substitution, to do and perform in the name and on behalf of the undersigned every act whatsoever requisite or desirable to be done in the premises in any and all capacities authorized by the Board of Trustees for such persons to provide or perform with respect to the Trust, as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might or could do, the undersigned hereby ratifying and approving all such acts of such attorneys.
 
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this instrument on this 9th day of July, 2010.
 
 
   /s/ Michael G. Mosley    
   Michael G. Mosley, Trustee    
 
/s/Kacee Lamberth
     
Witness
 
Print Name: Kacee Lamberth
 
 


 
 
 
 

 
 
POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
 
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that the undersigned officer and/or trustee of the Starboard Investment Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, hereby revokes all previous appointments and appoints A. Vason Hamrick and/or T. Lee Hale, Jr., with full power of substitution, true and lawful attorney of the undersigned to execute in name, place and stead of the undersigned and on behalf of the undersigned any and all amendments to the Trust’s registration statement on Form N-1A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as well as any and all registration statements on Form N-14, and to file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and any other regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the offer and sale of shares of beneficial interests of the Trust (including, without limitation, regulatory authorities in any and all states in which shares of any series of the Trust are sold), any such amendment or registration statement and any and all supplements thereto or to any prospectus or statement of additional information forming a part of the registration statement, as well as any and all exhibits and other documents necessary or desirable to the amendment or supplement process. Said attorneys, and each of them, shall have full power and authority, with full power of substitution, to do and perform in the name and on behalf of the undersigned every act whatsoever requisite or desirable to be done in the premises in any and all capacities authorized by the Board of Trustees for such persons to provide or perform with respect to the Trust, as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might or could do, the undersigned hereby ratifying and approving all such acts of such attorneys.
 
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this instrument on this 27th day of September, 2010.
 
 
    /s/ Theo H. Pitt, Jr.    
   Theo H. Pitt, Jr., Interested Trustee    
 
/s/ Deborah A. Mills
     
Witness:
 
Print Name: Deborah A. Mills
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
 
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that the undersigned officer and/or trustee of the Starboard Investment Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, hereby revokes all previous appointments and appoints A. Vason Hamrick and/or T. Lee Hale, Jr., with full power of substitution, true and lawful attorney of the undersigned to execute in name, place and stead of the undersigned and on behalf of the undersigned any and all amendments to the Trust’s registration statement on Form N-1A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as well as any and all registration statements on Form N-14, and to file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and any other regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the offer and sale of shares of beneficial interests of the Trust (including, without limitation, regulatory authorities in any and all states in which shares of any series of the Trust are sold), any such amendment or registration statement and any and all supplements thereto or to any prospectus or statement of additional information forming a part of the registration statement, as well as any and all exhibits and other documents necessary or desirable to the amendment or supplement process. Said attorneys, and each of them, shall have full power and authority, with full power of substitution, to do and perform in the name and on behalf of the undersigned every act whatsoever requisite or desirable to be done in the premises in any and all capacities authorized by the Board of Trustees for such persons to provide or perform with respect to the Trust, as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might or could do, the undersigned hereby ratifying and approving all such acts of such attorneys.
 
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this instrument on this 22nd day of April, 2010.
 
 
/s/ Celia Murphey
Witness
/s/ D. J. Murphey
D. J. "Jerry" Murphey, President
 
FMX Funds
 
Print Name: Celia Murphey
 
 



 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
 
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that the undersigned officer and/or trustee of the Starboard Investment Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, hereby revokes all previous appointments and appoints A. Vason Hamrick and/or T. Lee Hale, Jr., with full power of substitution, true and lawful attorney of the undersigned to execute in name, place and stead of the undersigned and on behalf of the undersigned any and all amendments to the Trust’s registration statement on Form N-1A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as well as any and all registration statements on Form N-14, and to file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and any other regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the offer and sale of shares of beneficial interests of the Trust (including, without limitation, regulatory authorities in any and all states in which shares of any series of the Trust are sold), any such amendment or registration statement and any and all supplements thereto or to any prospectus or statement of additional information forming a part of the registration statement, as well as any and all exhibits and other documents necessary or desirable to the amendment or supplement process. Said attorneys, and each of them, shall have full power and authority, with full power of substitution, to do and perform in the name and on behalf of the undersigned every act whatsoever requisite or desirable to be done in the premises in any and all capacities authorized by the Board of Trustees for such persons to provide or perform with respect to the Trust, as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might or could do, the undersigned hereby ratifying and approving all such acts of such attorneys.
 
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this instrument on this 22nd day of April, 2010.
 
 
/s/ Aaron Rios
Witness
/s/ Julie M. Koethe
Julie M. Koethe, Treasurer
 
FMX Funds
 
Print Name: Aaron Rios



 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
 
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that the undersigned officer and/or trustee of the Starboard Investment Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, hereby revokes all previous appointments and appoints A. Vason Hamrick and/or T. Lee Hale, Jr., with full power of substitution, true and lawful attorney of the undersigned to execute in name, place and stead of the undersigned and on behalf of the undersigned any and all amendments to the Trust’s registration statement on Form N-1A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as well as any and all registration statements on Form N-14, and to file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and any other regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the offer and sale of shares of beneficial interests of the Trust (including, without limitation, regulatory authorities in any and all states in which shares of any series of the Trust are sold), any such amendment or registration statement and any and all supplements thereto or to any prospectus or statement of additional information forming a part of the registration statement, as well as any and all exhibits and other documents necessary or desirable to the amendment or supplement process. Said attorneys, and each of them, shall have full power and authority, with full power of substitution, to do and perform in the name and on behalf of the undersigned every act whatsoever requisite or desirable to be done in the premises in any and all capacities authorized by the Board of Trustees for such persons to provide or perform with respect to the Trust, as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might or could do, the undersigned hereby ratifying and approving all such acts of such attorneys.
 
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this instrument on this 16th day of September, 2010.
 
/s/ Craig L. Lukin
Witness:
Print Name: Craig L. Lukin
/s/ James C. Roumell
James C. Roumell, President
Roumell Opportunistic Value Fund
 



 
 

 

 
POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
 
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that the undersigned officer and/or trustee of the Starboard Investment Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, hereby revokes all previous appointments and appoints A. Vason Hamrick and/or T. Lee Hale, Jr., with full power of substitution, true and lawful attorney of the undersigned to execute in name, place and stead of the undersigned and on behalf of the undersigned any and all amendments to the Trust’s registration statement on Form N-1A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as well as any and all registration statements on Form N-14, and to file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and any other regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the offer and sale of shares of beneficial interests of the Trust (including, without limitation, regulatory authorities in any and all states in which shares of any series of the Trust are sold), any such amendment or registration statement and any and all supplements thereto or to any prospectus or statement of additional information forming a part of the registration statement, as well as any and all exhibits and other documents necessary or desirable to the amendment or supplement process. Said attorneys, and each of them, shall have full power and authority, with full power of substitution, to do and perform in the name and on behalf of the undersigned every act whatsoever requisite or desirable to be done in the premises in any and all capacities authorized by the Board of Trustees for such persons to provide or perform with respect to the Trust, as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might or could do, the undersigned hereby ratifying and approving all such acts of such attorneys.
 
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this instrument on this 16th day of September, 2010.
 
/s/ James C. Roumell
Witness:
Print Name: James C. Roumell
/s/ Craig L. Lukin
Craig L. Lukin, Treasurer
Roumell Opportunistic Value Fund
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
 
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS  that the undersigned officer and/or trustee of the   Starboard Investment Trust (the “Trust”),  a Delaware statutory trust, hereby revokes  all previous appointments and appoints A. Vason Hamrick and/or T. Lee Hale, Jr., with full power of substitution, true and lawful attorney of the undersigned to execute in name, place and stead of the undersigned and on behalf of the undersigned any and all amendments to the Trust’s registration statement on Form N-1A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as well as any and all registration statements on Form N-14, and to file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and any other regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the offer and sale of shares of beneficial interests of the Trust (including, without limitation, regulatory authorities in any and all states in which shares of any series of the Trust are sold), any such amendment or registration statement and any and all supplements thereto or to any prospectus or statement of additional information forming a part of the registration statement, as well as any and all exhibits and other documents necessary or desirable to the amendment or supplement process.  Said attorneys, and each of them, shall have full power and authority, with full power of substitution, to do and perform in the name and on behalf of the undersigned every act whatsoever requisite or desirable to be done in the premises in any and all capacities authorized by the Board of Trustees for such persons to provide or perform with respect to the Trust, as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might or could do, the undersigned hereby ratifying and approving all such acts of such attorneys.
 
 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this instrument on this 16 day of June, 2011.
 
 
 
 
  /s/ Michelle Grimaldi /s/ Mark A. Grimaldi      
 Witness Mark A. Grimaldi    
 
President, Treasurer, Principal Executive Officer and
Principal Financial Officer
   
Print Name: Michelle Grimaldi 
The Sector Rotation Fund    
 
  
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
 
 
 
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that the undersigned officer and/or trustee of the Starboard Investment Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, hereby revokes all previous appointments and appoints T. Lee Hale, Jr. and/or A. Vason Hamrick, with full power of substitution, true and lawful attorney of the undersigned to execute in name, place and stead of the undersigned and on behalf of the undersigned any and all amendments to the Trust’s registration statement on Form N-1A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as well as any and all registration statements on Form N-14, and to file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and any other regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the offer and sale of shares of beneficial interest of the Trust (including, without limitation, regulatory authorities in any and all states in which shares of any series of the Trust are sold), any such amendment or registration statement and any and all supplements thereto or to any prospectus or statement of additional information forming a part of the registration statement, as well as any and all exhibits and other documents necessary or desirable to the amendment or supplement process.  Said attorneys, and each of them, shall have full power and authority, with full power of substitution, to do and perform in the name and on behalf of the undersigned every act whatsoever requisite or desirable to be done in the premises in any and all capacities authorized by the Board of Trustees for such persons to provide or perform with respect to the Trust, as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might or could do, the undersigned hereby ratifying and approving all such acts of such attorneys.
 
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this instrument on this 2nd  day of November, 2011.
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Chelsea Miller      
Witness   /s/ Cort F. Meinelschmidt    
  Cort F. Meinelschmidt    
Chelsea Miller President and Treasurer,    
Print Name SCS Tactical Allocation Fund    
       
 
 
 
                                                                         
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
 
 
 
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that the undersigned officer and/or trustee of the Starboard Investment Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, hereby revokes all previous appointments and appoints T. Lee Hale, Jr. and/or A. Vason Hamrick, with full power of substitution, true and lawful attorney of the undersigned to execute in name, place and stead of the undersigned and on behalf of the undersigned any and all amendments to the Trust’s registration statement on Form N-1A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as well as any and all registration statements on Form N-14, and to file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and any other regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the offer and sale of shares of beneficial interest of the Trust (including, without limitation, regulatory authorities in any and all states in which shares of any series of the Trust are sold), any such amendment or registration statement and any and all supplements thereto or to any prospectus or statement of additional information forming a part of the registration statement, as well as any and all exhibits and other documents necessary or desirable to the amendment or supplement process.  Said attorneys, and each of them, shall have full power and authority, with full power of substitution, to do and perform in the name and on behalf of the undersigned every act whatsoever requisite or desirable to be done in the premises in any and all capacities authorized by the Board of Trustees for such persons to provide or perform with respect to the Trust, as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might or could do, the undersigned hereby ratifying and approving all such acts of such attorneys.
 
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this instrument on this 9 day of November, 2011.
 
 
 
   
 
/s/ Valerie G. Lowery /s/ J. Philip Bell    
Witness      J. Philip Bell    
Print Name:  Valerie G. Lowery President, Crescent Funds    
 
                                                                      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
 
 
 
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that the undersigned officer and/or trustee of the Starboard Investment Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, hereby revokes all previous appointments and appoints T. Lee Hale, Jr. and/or A. Vason Hamrick, with full power of substitution, true and lawful attorney of the undersigned to execute in name, place and stead of the undersigned and on behalf of the undersigned any and all amendments to the Trust’s registration statement on Form N-1A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as well as any and all registration statements on Form N-14, and to file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and any other regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the offer and sale of shares of beneficial interest of the Trust (including, without limitation, regulatory authorities in any and all states in which shares of any series of the Trust are sold), any such amendment or registration statement and any and all supplements thereto or to any prospectus or statement of additional information forming a part of the registration statement, as well as any and all exhibits and other documents necessary or desirable to the amendment or supplement process.  Said attorneys, and each of them, shall have full power and authority, with full power of substitution, to do and perform in the name and on behalf of the undersigned every act whatsoever requisite or desirable to be done in the premises in any and all capacities authorized by the Board of Trustees for such persons to provide or perform with respect to the Trust, as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might or could do, the undersigned hereby ratifying and approving all such acts of such attorneys.
 
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this instrument on this 20th day of August, 2013.
 
 
 
 
 
  /s/ Denise H. Lollis /s/  Walter B. Todd III    
Witness  Walter B. Todd III    
Print Name:  Denise H. Lollis Treasurer, Crescent Funds    
 
 
 
                                                                          
 

 
 

 

 

 
 

 
 
POWER OF ATTORNEY

 
 

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that the undersigned officer and/or trustee of the Starboard Investment Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, hereby revokes all previous appointments and appoints T. Lee Hale, Jr. and/or A. Vason Hamrick, with full power of substitution, true and lawful attorney of the undersigned to execute in name, place and stead of the undersigned and on behalf of the undersigned any and all amendments to the Trust’s registration statement on Form N-1A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as well as any and all registration statements on Form N-14, and to file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and any other regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the offer and sale of shares of beneficial interest of the Trust (including, without limitation, regulatory authorities in any and all states in which shares of any series of the Trust are sold), any such amendment or registration statement and any and all supplements thereto or to any prospectus or statement of additional information forming a part of the registration statement, as well as any and all exhibits and other documents necessary or desirable to the amendment or supplement process (“Compliance Acts”). Said attorneys, and each of them, shall have full power and authority, with full power of substitution, to do and perform in the name and on behalf of the undersigned every act whatsoever requisite or desirable to be done in the premises in any and all capacities authorized by the Board of Trustees for such persons to provide or perform with respect Compliance Acts for or on behalf of the Trust, as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might or could do, the undersigned hereby ratifying and approving all such acts of such attorneys.  This power of attorney shall not expand authority beyond Compliance Acts with respect to the Trust.
 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this instrument on this 1st day of May, 2012.
 
 
/s/ Brenda Smith   /s/ Joseph J. DeSipio  
Witness    Joseph J. DeSipio  
Print Name:  Brenda Smith   President, Arin Funds  
 
 
 

 
POWER OF ATTORNEY
 

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that the undersigned officer and/or trustee of the Starboard Investment Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, hereby revokes all previous appointments and appoints T. Lee Hale, Jr. and/or A. Vason Hamrick, with full power of substitution, true and lawful attorney of the undersigned to execute in name, place and stead of the undersigned and on behalf of the undersigned any and all amendments to the Trust’s registration statement on Form N-1A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as well as any and all registration statements on Form N-14, and to file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and any other regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the offer and sale of shares of beneficial interest of the Trust (including, without limitation, regulatory authorities in any and all states in which shares of any series of the Trust are sold), any such amendment or registration statement and any and all supplements thereto or to any prospectus or statement of additional information forming a part of the registration statement, as well as any and all exhibits and other documents necessary or desirable to the amendment or supplement process (“Compliance Acts”). Said attorneys, and each of them, shall have full power and authority, with full power of substitution, to do and perform in the name and on behalf of the undersigned every act whatsoever requisite or desirable to be done in the premises in any and all capacities authorized by the Board of Trustees for such persons to provide or perform with respect Compliance Acts for or on behalf of the Trust, as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might or could do, the undersigned hereby ratifying and approving all such acts of such attorneys.  This power of attorney shall not expand authority beyond Compliance Acts with respect to the Trust.
 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this instrument on this 1st day of May, 2012.
 
 
/s/ Brenda Smith   /s/ Lawrence H. Lempert  
Witness    Lawrence H. Lempert  
Print Name:  Brenda Smith    Treasurer, Arin Funds  
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
POWER OF ATTORNEY
 

 
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that the undersigned officer and/or trustee of the Starboard Investment Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, hereby revokes all previous appointments and appoints T. Lee Hale, Jr. and/or A. Vason Hamrick, with full power of substitution, true and lawful attorney of the undersigned to execute in name, place and stead of the undersigned and on behalf of the undersigned any and all amendments to the Trust’s registration statement on Form N-1A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as well as any and all registration statements on Form N-14, and to file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and any other regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the offer and sale of shares of beneficial interest of the Trust (including, without limitation, regulatory authorities in any and all states in which shares of any series of the Trust are sold), any such amendment or registration statement and any and all supplements thereto or to any prospectus or statement of additional information forming a part of the registration statement, as well as any and all exhibits and other documents necessary or desirable to the amendment or supplement process.  Said attorneys, and each of them, shall have full power and authority, with full power of substitution, to do and perform in the name and on behalf of the undersigned every act whatsoever requisite or desirable to be done in the premises in any and all capacities authorized by the Board of Trustees for such persons to provide or perform with respect to the Trust, as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might or could do, the undersigned hereby ratifying and approving all such acts of such attorneys.
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this instrument on this 8th day of June 2012.
 

 
U /s/ Patricia J. Good
U/s/s/ /s/
/s/ Bryn Torkelson
Witness

Patricia J. Good
Bryn Torkelson
President
Matisse Discounted Closed-End Strategy
U Print Name
 

 
 

 

POWER OF ATTORNEY
 

 
 
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that the undersigned officer and/or trustee of the Starboard Investment Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, hereby revokes all previous appointments and appoints T. Lee Hale, Jr. and/or A. Vason Hamrick, with full power of substitution, true and lawful attorney of the undersigned to execute in name, place and stead of the undersigned and on behalf of the undersigned any and all amendments to the Trust’s registration statement on Form N-1A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as well as any and all registration statements on Form N-14, and to file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and any other regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the offer and sale of shares of beneficial interest of the Trust (including, without limitation, regulatory authorities in any and all states in which shares of any series of the Trust are sold), any such amendment or registration statement and any and all supplements thereto or to any prospectus or statement of additional information forming a part of the registration statement, as well as any and all exhibits and other documents necessary or desirable to the amendment or supplement process (“Compliance Acts”). Said attorneys, and each of them, shall have full power and authority, with full power of substitution, to do and perform in the name and on behalf of the undersigned every act whatsoever requisite or desirable to be done in the premises in any and all capacities authorized by the Board of Trustees for such persons to provide or perform with respect Compliance Acts for or on behalf of the Trust, as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might or could do, the undersigned hereby ratifying and approving all such acts of such attorneys.  This power of attorney shall not expand authority beyond Compliance Acts with respect to the Trust.

 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this instrument on this 24th day of August 2012.
 

 
/s/ Linda Arredondo
/s/ Gabriel F. Thornhill     
Witness
Gabriel F. Thornhill
President and Treasurer
 
Print Name:  Linda Arredondo
 

 
 
 

 

 
POWER OF ATTORNEY
 

 
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that the undersigned officer and/or trustee of the Starboard Investment Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, hereby revokes all previous appointments and appoints T. Lee Hale, Jr. and/or A. Vason Hamrick, with full power of substitution, true and lawful attorney of the undersigned to execute in name, place and stead of the undersigned and on behalf of the undersigned any and all amendments to the Trust’s registration statement on Form N-1A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as well as any and all registration statements on Form N-14, and to file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and any other regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the offer and sale of shares of beneficial interest of the Trust (including, without limitation, regulatory authorities in any and all states in which shares of any series of the Trust are sold), any such amendment or registration statement and any and all supplements thereto or to any prospectus or statement of additional information forming a part of the registration statement, as well as any and all exhibits and other documents necessary or desirable to the amendment or supplement process.  Said attorneys, and each of them, shall have full power and authority, with full power of substitution, to do and perform in the name and on behalf of the undersigned every act whatsoever requisite or desirable to be done in the premises in any and all capacities authorized by the Board of Trustees for such persons to provide or perform with respect to the Trust, as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might or could do, the undersigned hereby ratifying and approving all such acts of such attorneys.
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this instrument on this 30th day of September, 2013.
 

/s/ Patricia Peters
/s/ Steven M. MacNamara
Witness
Steven M. MacNamara
  President, Horizons West Multi-Strategy
Print Name: Patricia Peters
Hedged Income Fund
   

 

 

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
POWER OF ATTORNEY


KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that the undersigned officer and/or trustee of the Starboard Investment Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, hereby revokes all previous appointments and appoints A. Vason Hamrick and/or T. Lee Hale, Jr., with full power of substitution, true and lawful attorney of the undersigned to execute in name, place and stead of the undersigned and on behalf of the undersigned any and all amendments to the Trust’s registration statement on Form N-1A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as well as any and all registration statements on Form N-14, and to file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and any other regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the offer and sale of shares of beneficial interests of the Trust (including, without limitation, regulatory authorities in any and all states in which shares of any series of the Trust are sold), any such amendment or registration statement and any and all supplements thereto or to any prospectus or statement of additional information forming a part of the registration statement, as well as any and all exhibits and other documents necessary or desirable to the amendment or supplement process. Said attorneys, and each of them, shall have full power and authority, with full power of substitution, to do and perform in the name and on behalf of the undersigned every act whatsoever requisite or desirable to be done in the premises in any and all capacities authorized by the Board of Trustees for such persons to provide or perform with respect to the Trust, as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might or could do, the undersigned hereby ratifying and approving all such acts of such attorneys.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this instrument on this 24th day of September, 2013.

Witness: /s/ Sheryl A. Barbin
/s/ B renda Smith
 
Brenda A. Smith
Witness Print Name: Sheryl A. Barbin
President and Treasurer
   
CV Asset Allocation Fund
   
Caritas All-Cap Growth Fund
   
Presidio Multi-Strategy Fund
     
 
Treasurer
   
Horizons West Multi-Strategy Hedged Income Fund
   
Brandywine Global U.S. High Yield Fund
     



 
 

 


 

 
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that the undersigned officer and/or trustee of the Starboard Investment Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, hereby revokes all previous appointments and appoints T. Lee Hale, Jr. and/or Katherine M. Honey, with full power of substitution, true and lawful attorney of the undersigned to execute in name, place and stead of the undersigned and on behalf of the undersigned any and all amendments to the Trust’s registration statement on Form N-1A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as well as any and all registration statements on Form N-14, and to file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and any other regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the offer and sale of shares of beneficial interest of the Trust (including, without limitation, regulatory authorities in any and all states in which shares of any series of the Trust are sold), any such amendment or registration statement and any and all supplements thereto or to any prospectus or statement of additional information forming a part of the registration statement, as well as any and all exhibits and other documents necessary or desirable to the amendment or supplement process.  Said attorneys, and each of them, shall have full power and authority, with full power of substitution, to do and perform in the name and on behalf of the undersigned every act whatsoever requisite or desirable to be done in the premises in any and all capacities authorized by the Board of Trustees for such persons to provide or perform with respect to the Trust, as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might or could do, the undersigned hereby ratifying and approving all such acts of such attorneys.
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this instrument on this 4 th day of November 2013.
 

 
 /s/ Gerald Furciniti
Witness
/s/ H. Edward Shill
H. Edward Shill
President
QCI Balanced Fund
   
Gerald Furciniti
Witness Print Name
 

 

 
 

 
 

 
POWER OF ATTORNEY
 

 
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that the undersigned officer and/or trustee of the Starboard Investment Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, hereby revokes all previous appointments and appoints T. Lee Hale, Jr. and/or Katherine M. Honey, with full power of substitution, true and lawful attorney of the undersigned to execute in name, place and stead of the undersigned and on behalf of the undersigned any and all amendments to the Trust’s registration statement on Form N-1A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as well as any and all registration statements on Form N-14, and to file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and any other regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the offer and sale of shares of beneficial interest of the Trust (including, without limitation, regulatory authorities in any and all states in which shares of any series of the Trust are sold), any such amendment or registration statement and any and all supplements thereto or to any prospectus or statement of additional information forming a part of the registration statement, as well as any and all exhibits and other documents necessary or desirable to the amendment or supplement process.  Said attorneys, and each of them, shall have full power and authority, with full power of substitution, to do and perform in the name and on behalf of the undersigned every act whatsoever requisite or desirable to be done in the premises in any and all capacities authorized by the Board of Trustees for such persons to provide or perform with respect to the Trust, as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might or could do, the undersigned hereby ratifying and approving all such acts of such attorneys.
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this instrument on this 4 th   day of November 2013.
 
/s/ H. Edward Shill
Witness
 /s/ Gerald Furciniti
Gerald Furciniti
Treasurer
QCI Balanced Fund
   
H. Edward Shill
Witness Print Name