# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0001314414
**File Stem:** 0001580642-26-002938
**Filing Date:** 2026-5
**Character Count:** 278427
**Document Hash:** fb4b49d7fba3504a20b775a786bd7c3d
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001580642-26-002938.hdr.sgml**: 20260505

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001580642-26-002938

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: 497

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 4

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20260505

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20260505

**EFFECTIVENESS DATE**: 20260505

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** Northern Lights Fund Trust
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0001314414

**ORGANIZATION NAME:**
- **EIN:** 043023766
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 0430

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 497
- **SEC ACT:** 1933 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 333-122917
- **FILM NUMBER:** 26942073

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 225 PICTORIA DRIVE
- **STREET 2:** SUITE 450
- **CITY:** CINCINNATI
- **STATE:** OH
- **ZIP:** 45246
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 631-470-2600

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 17605 WRIGHT STREET
- **STREET 2:** SUITE 200
- **CITY:** OMAHA
- **STATE:** NE
- **ZIP:** 68130

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** Strategy Shares
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 20160223

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** Mutual Fund & Variable Insurance Trust
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 20160223

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** Northern Lights Fund Trust
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 20050121

## Series and Classes Contracts Data

### TransWestern Institutional Short Duration Government Bond Fund (Series ID: S000030560)

---

|  |  |  |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Class Name                                                     | Ticker Symbol | Class ID   |
| TransWestern Institutional Short Duration Government Bond Fund | TWSGX         | C000094762 |

---

## Series and Classes Contracts Data

### TransWestern Institutional Short Duration Government Bond Fund (Series ID: S000030560)

| Class ID   | Class Name                                                     | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000094762 | TransWestern Institutional Short Duration Government Bond Fund | TWSGX           |

![](image_001.jpg)

**Institutional Short Duration<br> Government Bond Fund**

**SYMBOL: TWSGX**

**PROSPECTUS**

April 30, 2026

 

 

 

 

*Advised by:*

TransWestern Capital Advisors

37 Bellevue Avenue

Newport, RI 02840

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(800) 997-0718

*Subadvised by:*

Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P.

One Financial Center

Boston, MA 02111

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **www.TransWesternFunds.com** | **Tel. (855) 881-2380** |

---

This Prospectus provides important information about the Fund that you should know before investing. Please read it carefully and keep it for future reference. Shares of the Fund are not deposits or obligations of any bank, are not guaranteed by any bank, and are not insured by the FDIC or any other government agency. These securities have not been approved or disapproved by the Securities and Exchange Commission nor has the Securities and Exchange Commission passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

**<u>**TABLE OF CONTENTS**</u>**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **FUND SUMMARY** | **1** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Investment Objective | 1 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fees and Expenses of the Fund | 1 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Principal Investment Strategies | 2 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Principal Investment Risks | 2 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Performance | 3 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Investment Adviser | 4 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subadviser | 4 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subadviser Portfolio Managers | 4 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares | 4 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tax Information | 4 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries | 4 |
| **ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RELATED RISKS** | **5** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Investment Objective | 5 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Principal Investment Strategies | 5 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Principal Investment Risks | 6 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Portfolio Holdings Disclosure | 7 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cybersecurity | 7 |
| **MANAGEMENT** | **8** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Investment Adviser | 8 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subadviser | 8 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Portfolio Managers | 8 |
| **HOW SHARES ARE PRICED** | **9** |
| **CREDIT UNIONS** | **9** |
| **HOW TO PURCHASE SHARES** | **10** |
| **HOW TO REDEEM SHARES** | **12** |
| **FREQUENT PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS OF FUND SHARES** | **14** |
| **TAX STATUS, DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS** | **16** |
| **DISTRIBUTION OF SHARES** | **17** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Distribution Fees | 17 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Additional Compensation to Financial Intermediaries | 17 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Householding | 17 |
| **FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS** | **18** |

---

 **<u>FUND SUMMARY</u>**

**Investment Objective:** The Fund seeks to provide income consistent with liquidity, and limited credit and interest rate risk.

**Fees and Expenses of the Fund:** The following table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Fund. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the tables and examples below.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Shareholder Fees<br> (fees paid directly from your investment)** | |
| Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases<br> (as a % of offering price) |  |
| Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load)<br> (as a % of original purchase price) |  |
| Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed <br> on Reinvested Dividends and other Distributions |  |
| Redemption Fee<br> (as a % of amount redeemed on shares held less than 30 days) | 0.25% |
| **Annual Fund Operating Expenses<br> (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)** |  |
| Management Fees | 0.45% |
| Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees | 0.10% |
| Other Expenses | <u>0.41%</u> |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | 0.96% |
| Fee Waiver and Reimbursement<sup>(1)</sup> | <u>(0.31)%</u> |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and Reimbursement | 0.65% |

---

(1) The Fund's adviser has contractually agreed to reduce fees and absorb expenses of the Fund until
at least April 30, 2027, if necessary to ensure that the Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses after fee waiver and/or reimbursement (exclusive
of any front-end or contingent deferred loads; brokerage fees and commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses; fees and expenses associated
with instruments in other collective investment vehicles or derivative instruments (including for example options and swap fees and expenses);
borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expense on securities sold short); taxes; and extraordinary expenses, such as litigation
expenses (which may include indemnification of Trust officers and Trustees and contractual indemnification of Fund service providers (other
than the adviser)) do not exceed 0.65%. This agreement may be terminated only by the Trust's Board of Trustees on 60 days'
written notice to the adviser.

***Example:*** This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.

The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based upon these assumptions your costs would be:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **<u>1 Year</u>** | **<u>3 Years</u>** | **<u>5 Years</u>** | **<u>10 Years</u>** |
| $66 | $275 | $501 | $1150 |

---

***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 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. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 205% of the average value of its portfolio.

 **Principal Investment Strategies:** The Fund limits its investments and strategy so as to qualify for investment by state and nationally chartered banks, federal savings institutions, and federal credit unions under current applicable federal regulations.

The Fund invests 100% of its assets in liquid, high-quality fixed and variable rate U.S. Government bonds, cash and cash equivalents. Under current federal banking regulations, these U.S. Government bonds would receive a risk weighting of 0% to 20% for the purpose of calculating risk-based capital requirements. The Fund intends that a bank's investment in the Fund would receive a 20% risk weighting for the purpose of this calculation.

The Fund defines U.S. Government bonds as (i) United States Treasury bills, notes, and bonds, (ii) obligations of Government Sponsored Entities ("GSEs") such as the Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA"), the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC"), the Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA"), and the Federal Home Loan Bank System ("FHLB") and (iii) mortgage-backed securities ("MBS") and collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs") that are issued by and backed by mortgage collateral guaranteed by one or more of the aforementioned GSEs.

The Fund seeks to maintain limited credit risk by restricting its investments to those rated Aaa by Moody's Investors Service ("Moody's") or AAA by Standard and Poor's Rating Group ("S&P"). In no event will the Fund purchase "whole loans," "whole loan CMOs," or non-GSE guaranteed corporate bonds or instruments.

The Fund seeks to maintain limited interest rate risk by typically maintaining average portfolio-level average effective duration within 12 months less than, or 6 months greater than, the Fund's benchmark. Since inception, the benchmark index has maintained an effective duration of 1.42 and 2.98, and the Fund has stayed within a range of 1.27 to 2.82 years, Duration is a measure of sensitivity of a security's (or fund's) price to changes in interest rates. However, individual securities are purchased without restriction as to maturity or duration. The benchmark is comprised of a 50/50 combination of the Barclays Capital Short Treasury Index (which is composed of United States Treasury securities with a remaining maturity of 1 to 12 months) and the Barclays Capital MBS Index (which is composed of adjustable and fixed-rate MBS issued by GNMA, FNMA and FHLMC).

The Fund's adviser delegates day-to-day execution of the Fund's strategy to a subadviser. The adviser retains the ability to override the subadviser's allocation of assets and its selection of specific securities if it believes an investment or allocation is not consistent with the Fund's investment guidelines. The adviser is responsible for ongoing performance evaluation and monitoring of the subadviser. The subadviser buys securities to meet the Fund's income goal and sells securities to adjust duration or to purchase other securities that the subadviser believes may perform better. The sub-adviser may engage in frequent trading of securities in managing the Fund's portfolio.

**Principal Investment Risks: *As with all mutual funds, there is the risk that you could lose money through your investment in the Fund. The Fund is not intended to be a complete investment program. Many factors affect the Fund's net asset value and performance. Shares of the Fund are not deposits or obligations of any bank, are not guaranteed by any bank, and are not insured by the FDIC or any other government agency.***

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· *Credit Risk:* U.S. Government agencies and instrumentalities may not make interest and principal
payments on securities held by the Fund, resulting in losses to the Fund. In addition, the credit quality of securities held by the Fund
may be lowered if an issuer's financial condition changes. Lower credit quality may lead to greater volatility in the price of a
security and lower liquidity making it difficult for the Fund to sell the security.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· *Fixed Income and Interest Rate Risk:* Changes in interest rates will affect the value of investments
in fixed income securities. Typically, the value of fixed income securities decline when interest rates rise.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· *Management Risk:* The subadviser's judgments about the attractiveness, value and potential
appreciation of particular security in which the Fund invests may prove to be incorrect and may not produce the desired results. Additionally,
the adviser's judgments about the potential performance of the subadviser may also prove incorrect and may not produce the desired
results.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· *Market and Geopolitical Risk:* The increasing interconnectivity between global economies and financial
markets increases the likelihood that events or conditions in one region or financial market may adversely impact issuers in a different
country, region or financial market. Securities in the Fund may underperform due to inflation (or expectations for inflation), interest rates, global demand for particular products or resources, natural disasters, pandemics, epidemics,
terrorism, international conflicts, regulatory events and governmental or quasi-governmental actions. The occurrence of global events
similar to those in recent years, such as a worldwide pandemic, terrorist attacks, natural disasters, social and political discord or
debt crises and downgrades, among others, may result in market volatility and may have long term effects on both the U.S. and global financial
markets. It is difficult to predict when similar events affecting the U.S. or global financial markets may occur, the effects that such
events may have and the duration of those effects. Any such event(s) could have a significant adverse impact on the value and risk profile
of the Fund. For example, the COVID-19 global pandemic and the aggressive responses taken by many governments, had negative impacts, and
in many cases severe negative impacts, on markets worldwide. It is not known how long any future impacts of the significant events described
above, will last, but there could be a prolonged period of global economic slowdown, which may impact your investment. Therefore, the
Fund could lose money over short periods due to short-term market movements and over longer periods during more prolonged market downturns.
During a general market downturn, multiple asset classes may be negatively affected. Changes in market conditions and interest rates can
have the same impact on all types of securities and instruments. In times of severe market disruptions, you could incur significant losses.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· *Mortgage-Backed Securities Risk:* Mortgage-backed securities are susceptible to maturity and yield
risk because borrowers in pools of securities held by the Fund are able to prepay principal due on these mortgages, particularly during
periods of declining interest rates.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· *Turnover Risk:* A higher portfolio turnover will result in higher transactional and brokerage costs.
A high portfolio turnover rate can potentially increase taxes, which can negatively impact Fund performance.

 

**Performance**

The following bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund's average annual returns compare with those of a broad-based securities market index and supplemental indexes. Past performance does not necessarily indicate how a Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information will be available at no cost by visiting www.TransWesternFunds.com or by calling (855) 881-2380.

**Performance Bar Chart for Calendar Years Ended December 31**

![](image_001.gif)

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Best Quarter: | 3.70% |
| Worst Quarter: 1<sup>st</sup> Quarter 2022 | (2.42)% |

---

 **Performance Table**

**Average Annual Total Returns**

(For period ended December 31, 2025)

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **One <br> Year** | **Five <br> Year** | **Ten<br> Years** | **Since<br> Inception** |
| Return before taxes | 5.82% | 1.51% | 1.70% | 1.61% |
| Return after taxes on distributions | 4.28% | 0.43% | 0.75% | 0.74% |
| Return after taxes on distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | 3.43% | 0.68% | 0.88% | 0.85% |
| Bloomberg Short Treasury Index<sup>(1)</sup><br> (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) | 4.31% | 3.11% | 2.21% | 1.52% |
| Bloomberg Mortgage Backed Securities Index<sup>(2)</sup> (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) | 8.58% | 0.15% | 1.59% | 2.05% |
| Blended Benchmark Index<sup>(3)</sup> | 6.44% | 1.68% | 1.93% | 1.81% |

---

(1) The Bloomberg Short Treasury Index measures the performance of United States Treasury Securities with
a remaining maturity between 1 to 12 months. The index is unmanaged and its results do not reflect the effect of sales charges, commissions,
account fees, expenses or taxes. Investors cannot invest directly in an index. Unlike the Fund's returns, however, it does not reflect
any fees or expenses.

(2) The Bloomberg Mortgage Backed Securities Index is an unmanaged market capitalization index which measures
the performance of investment grade fixed-rate mortgage-backed pass through securities of Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA"),
Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA") and Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. ("FHLMC"). Investors may not
invest in the Index directly. Unlike the Fund's returns, however, it does not reflect any fees or expenses.

(3) The Blended Benchmark Index represents a blend of the Bloomberg Short Treasury Index and the Bloomberg
Mortgage Backed Securities Index. The components of the blended benchmark return are weighted monthly and annualized for periods greater
than one year. The index is unmanaged and its results do not reflect the effect of sales charges, commissions, account fees, expenses
or taxes. Investors cannot invest directly in an index.

After-tax returns were calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs).

**Investment Adviser:** TransWestern Capital Advisors, LLC.

**Subadviser:** Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P.

**Subadviser Portfolio Managers:** Clifton V. Rowe, CFA, Christopher T. Harms and Daniel Conklin, CFA are each a Vice President of the subadviser. Mr. Rowe has served as portfolio manager of the Fund since it commenced operations in 2011. Mr. Harms has served as portfolio manager of the Fund since 2012. Mr. Conklin has served as portfolio manager of the Fund since June 2020. Each portfolio manager is primarily and jointly responsible for the day-to day management of the Fund's portfolio.

**Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares:** The minimum initial investment in the Fund is $2,000,000 and the minimum subsequent investment is $500,000. You may purchase and redeem shares of the Fund on any day that the New York Stock Exchange is open. Redemptions requests may be made by telephone and will be paid by wire transfer.

**Tax Information:** Dividends and capital gain distributions you receive from the Fund, whether you reinvest your distributions in additional Fund shares or receive them in cash, are taxable to you at either ordinary income or capital gains tax rates unless you are investing through a tax-free plan.

**Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries:** If you purchase the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies 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.

 **ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RELATED RISKS**

**Investment Objective**

The Fund seeks to provide income consistent with liquidity, and limited credit and interest rate risk. The Fund's investment objective and its 100% investment policy with respect to U.S. Government bonds and cash are each a fundamental policy and each may not be changed without shareholder approval. Fundamental policies may only be changed by the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (shares) of the Fund. For the purposes of this Prospectus, "majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund" means the vote, at an annual or special meeting of shareholders, duly called, (a) of 67% or more of the shares present at such meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares are present or represented by proxy; or (b) of more than 50% of the outstanding shares, whichever is less.

**Principal Investment Strategies**

The Fund limits its investments and strategy so as to qualify for investment by state and nationally chartered banks, federal savings institutions, and federal credit unions under current applicable federal regulations.

The Fund invests 100% of its assets in liquid, high-quality fixed and variable rate U.S. Government bonds, cash and cash equivalents. Under current federal banking regulations, these U.S. Government bonds would receive a risk weighting of 0% to 20% for the purpose of calculating risk-based capital requirements. The Fund intends that a bank's investment in the Fund would receive a 20% risk weighting for the purposes of this calculation under current and announced FDIC rules.

The Fund defines U.S. Government bonds as (i) United States Treasury bills, notes, and bonds, (ii) obligations of Government Sponsored Entities ("GSEs") such as the Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA"), the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC"), the Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA"), and the Federal Home Loan Bank System ("FHLB") and (iii) mortgage-backed securities ("MBS") and collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs") that are issued by and backed by mortgage collateral guaranteed by one or more of the aforementioned GSEs.

In no event will the Fund purchase "whole loans," "whole loan CMOs," or non-GSE guaranteed corporate bonds or instruments.

The Fund seeks to maintain limited interest rate risk by typically maintaining average portfolio-level average effective duration within 12 months less than, or 6 months greater than, the Fund's benchmark. Since inception, the benchmark index has maintained an effective duration within a range of 1.42 and 2.98, and the Fund has stayed within a range of 1.27 to 2.82 years (see chart below). Duration is a measure of the sensitivity of a security's (or a fund's) price to changes in interest rates. However, individual securities are purchased without restriction as to maturity or duration. The benchmark is comprised of a 50/50 combination of the Barclays Capital Short Treasury Index (which is composed of United States Treasury securities with a remaining maturity of 1 to 12 months) and the Barclays Capital MBS Index (which is composed of adjustable and fixed-rate MBS issued by GNMA, FNMA and FHLMC).

![](image_002.gif)

The Fund's adviser delegates day-to-day execution of the Fund's strategy to a subadviser. The adviser retains the ability to override the subadviser's allocation of assets and its selection of specific securities if it believes an investment or allocation is not consistent with the Fund's investment guidelines. The adviser is responsible for ongoing performance evaluation and monitoring of the subadviser. The subadviser may engage in frequent trading of securities in managing the Fund's portfolio.

<u>Subadviser's Security Selection Process</u>

The subadviser focuses on meeting the Fund's interest income goal while maintaining liquidity and limiting credit and interest rate risk by considering the influence of overall economic conditions on interest rates and by selecting individual bonds that it believes will enhance the Fund's income. In selecting investments for the Fund, the subadviser's research analysts work closely with the Fund's portfolio managers to develop an outlook on the economy from research generated internally, and from that produced by various other financial firms and specific forecasting services, and from economic data released by the U.S. and foreign governments as well as the Federal Reserve Bank. The analysts also conduct a thorough review of individual securities to identify what they consider attractive values in the U.S. government security marketplace through the use of quantitative tools such as internal and external systems and software. The subadviser seeks to balance opportunities for yield and price performance by combining macroeconomic analysis with individual security selection. The subadviser seeks to increase the opportunity for higher income while maintaining the greater price stability that shorter duration portfolios exhibit relative to long duration fixed income securities and portfolios.

The subadviser buys securities to meet the Fund's income goal and sells securities to adjust duration or to purchase other securities that the subadviser believes may perform better.

**Principal Investment Risks**

***Shares of the Fund are not deposits or obligations of any bank, are not guaranteed by any bank, and are not insured by the FDIC or any other government agency.***

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· *Credit Risk:* There is a risk that issuers will not make payments on securities held by the Fund,
resulting in losses to the Fund. In addition, the credit quality of securities held by the Fund may be lowered if an issuer's financial
condition changes. Lower credit quality may lead to greater volatility in the price of a security and in shares of the Fund. Lower credit
quality also may affect liquidity and make it difficult for the Fund to sell the security. Default, or the market's perception that
an issuer is likely to default, could reduce the value and liquidity of securities held by the Fund, thereby reducing the value of your
investment in Fund shares. In addition, default may cause the Fund to incur expenses in seeking recovery of principal or interest on its
portfolio holdings.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· *Fixed Income and Interest Rate Risk:* When the Fund invests in fixed income securities, the value
of your investment in the Fund will fluctuate with changes in interest rates. Typically, a rise in interest rates causes a decline in
the value of the fixed income securities owned by the Fund. In general, the market price of debt securities with longer maturities will
increase or decrease more in response to changes in interest rates than shorter-term securities. Any U.S. Federal Reserve System revisions
to its current policy of maintaining the federal funds rate at a low level and purchasing large quantities of securities issued or guaranteed
by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities on the open market to support U.S. economic recovery will have uncertain impacts
on U.S. interest rates and fixed income market volatility.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;o *Changing Fixed Income Market Conditions Risk:* When the Fund invests in fixed income securities,
the value of your investment in the Fund will decline if interest rates rise. During periods of sustained rising rates, fixed income risks
will be amplified. If the U.S. Federal Reserve's Federal Open Market Committee ("FOMC") continues to reduce its purchases
of large quantities of U.S. government and agency securities on the open market to support the economic recovery, or if the FOMC raises
the federal funds interest rate target, interest rates across the U.S. financial system may rise. However, the magnitude of rate changes
across maturities and borrower sectors is uncertain.

Rising rates tend to decrease liquidity, increase trading costs, and increase volatility, all of which make portfolio management more difficult and costly to the Fund and its shareholders. Additionally, default risk increases when issuers borrow at higher rates.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· *Management Risk:* The subadviser's judgments about the attractiveness, value and potential
appreciation of particular asset classes and securities in which the Fund invests may prove to be incorrect and may not produce the desired
results. Additionally, the adviser's judgments about the potential performance of the subadviser may also prove incorrect and may
not produce the desired results. Mutual funds and their advisers are subject to restrictions and limitations imposed by the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended, (the "1940Act") and the Internal Revenue Code that do not apply to the adviser's or
subadviser's management of individual and institutional accounts.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· *Market and Geopolitical Risk:* The increasing interconnectivity between global economies and financial
markets increases the likelihood that events or conditions in one region or financial market may adversely impact issuers in a different
country, region or financial market. Securities in the Fund may underperform due to inflation (or expectations for inflation), interest rates, global demand for particular products or resources, natural disasters, pandemics, epidemics,
terrorism, international conflicts, regulatory events and governmental or quasi-governmental actions. The occurrence of global events
similar to those in recent years, such as terrorist attacks, a worldwide pandemic, natural disasters, social and political discord or
debt crises and downgrades, among others, may result in market volatility and may have long term effects on both the U.S. and global financial
markets. It is difficult to predict when similar events affecting the U.S. or global financial markets may occur, the effects that such
events may have and the duration of those effects. Any such event(s) could have a significant adverse impact on the value and risk profile
of the Fund. For example, the COVID-19 global pandemic had negative impacts, and in many cases severe negative impacts, on markets worldwide.
It is not known how long any future impacts of the significant events described above, will last, but there could be a prolonged
period of global economic slowdown, which may impact your investment. Therefore, the Fund could lose money over short periods due to short-term
market movements and over longer periods during more prolonged market downturns. During a general market downturn, multiple asset classes
may be negatively affected. Changes in market conditions and interest rates can have the same impact on all types of securities and instruments.
In times of severe market disruptions, you could incur significant losses.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· *Mortgage-Backed Securities Risk:* Mortgage-backed securities are subject to maturity risk because
the individual mortgage loan borrowers are able to prepay principal, which is passed through to MBS investors. Consequently, MBS are subject
to both "prepayment risk" and "extension risk." Prepayment risk is the risk that, when interest rates fall, certain
types of obligations will be paid off by the obligor more quickly than originally anticipated and the Fund may have to invest the prepaid
proceeds in securities with lower yields. Extension risk is the risk that, when interest rates rise, certain obligations will be paid
off by the obligor more slowly than anticipated causing the value of these securities to fall. Even small movements in interest rates
(both increases and decreases) may quickly and significantly reduce the value of certain mortgage-backed securities. Securities subject
to prepayment risk generally offer less potential for gains when interest rates decline, and may offer a greater potential for loss when
interest rates rise. Prepayment risk as well as the risk that the structure of certain MBS may make their reaction to interest rates and
other factors difficult to predict, make their prices volatile.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· *Turnover Risk:* A higher portfolio turnover will result in higher transactional and brokerage costs.
A high portfolio turnover rate can potentially increase taxes, which can negatively impact Fund performance.

**Portfolio Holdings Disclosure:** A description of the Fund's policies regarding the release of portfolio holdings information is available in the Fund's Statement of Additional Information. Shareholders may request portfolio holdings schedules at no charge by calling (855) 881-2380.

**Cybersecurity:** The computer systems, networks and devices used by the Fund and its service providers to carry out routine business operations employ a variety of protections designed to prevent damage or interruption from computer viruses, network failures, computer and telecommunication failures, infiltration by unauthorized persons and security breaches. Despite the various protections utilized by the Fund and its service providers, systems, networks, or devices potentially can be breached. The Fund and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result of a cybersecurity breach.

Cybersecurity breaches can include unauthorized access to systems, networks, or devices; infection from computer viruses or other malicious software code; and attacks that shut down, disable, slow, or otherwise disrupt operations, business processes, or website access or functionality. Cybersecurity breaches may cause disruptions and impact the Fund's business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses; interference with the Fund's ability to calculate their net asset value ("NAV"); impediments to trading; the inability of the Fund, the adviser, and other service providers to transact business; violations of applicable privacy and other laws; regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs, or additional compliance costs; as well as the inadvertent release of confidential information.

Similar adverse consequences could result from cybersecurity breaches affecting issuers of securities in which the Fund invests; counterparties with which the Fund engages in transactions; governmental and other regulatory authorities; exchange and other financial market operators, banks, brokers, dealers, insurance companies, and other financial institutions (including financial intermediaries and service providers for the Fund's shareholders); and other parties. In addition, substantial costs may be incurred by these entities in order to prevent any cybersecurity breaches in the future.

 **<u>MANAGEMENT</u>**

**Investment Adviser:** The Fund's investment adviser is de Koning and Company, LLC, doing business as TransWestern Capital Advisors, LLC. The adviser is located at 37 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI 02840. The adviser serves institutional investors such as banks and investment companies. Subject to the oversight of the Trust's Board of Trustees, (the "Board") the adviser is responsible for managing the Fund's investments, including through the subadviser. The adviser is responsible for selecting and supervising the Fund's subadviser and assuring that investments are made according to the Fund's investment objectives, policies, and restrictions, and providing related administrative services and facilities under an investment advisory agreement between the Trust, with respect to the Fund, and the adviser.

Pursuant to an investment advisory agreement, the Fund pays the adviser, on a monthly basis, an annual advisory fee equivalent to 0.45% of the Fund's average daily net assets. In addition to investment advisory fees, the Fund pays other expenses including costs incurred in connection with the maintenance of its securities law registration, printing and mailing prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information to shareholders, certain financial accounting services, taxes or governmental fees, custodial, transfer and shareholder servicing agent costs, expenses of outside counsel and independent accountants, preparation of shareholder reports and expenses of trustee and shareholders meetings. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, the Fund paid investment advisory fees to the adviser at an annual rate of 0.14% of the average daily net assets of the Fund.

The adviser has contractually agreed to reduce its fees and to reimburse expenses, if necessary, at least until April 30, 2027, to ensure that total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver and/or reimbursement (exclusive of any front-end or contingent deferred loads; brokerage fees and commissions; acquired fund fees and expenses; fees and expenses associated with instruments in other collective investment vehicles or derivative instruments (including for example options and swap fees and expenses); borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expense on securities sold short); taxes; and extraordinary expenses, such as litigation expenses (which may include indemnification of Fund officers and Trustees and contractual indemnification of Fund service providers (other than the adviser)) will not exceed 0.65% of average daily net assets (the "Expense Limitation Agreement"). Fee waivers and expense reimbursements are subject to possible recoupment from the Fund in future years on a rolling three year basis (within the three years after the fees have been waived or reimbursed) if such recoupment can be achieved within the foregoing expense limits. A discussion regarding the basis for the Board's renewal of the investment advisory agreement is available in the Fund's semi-annual shareholder report dated June 30, 2025.

**Subadviser:** Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P. ("Loomis Sayles"), located at One Financial Center, Boston, MA 02111, serves as the subadviser to the Fund. Subject to the oversight of the Board of Trustees and the adviser, the subadviser is responsible for day-to-day execution of the Fund's strategy and management of the Fund's investment portfolio according to the Fund's investment objective, policies and restrictions. The subadviser is paid by the adviser, not the Fund. The subadviser advises institutional investors, such as investment companies and pension plans. A discussion regarding the basis for the Board's renewal of the subadvisory agreement is available in the Fund's semi-annual shareholder report dated June 30, 2025.

**Portfolio Managers**

**Christopher T. Harms.** Mr. Harms, Portfolio Manager of Loomis Sayles, joined Loomis Sayles in 2010. Mr. Harms received a BSBA from Villanova University and an MBA from Drexel University. He has 45 years of investment industry experience.

**Clifton V. Rowe, CFA.** Mr. Rowe, Portfolio Manager of Loomis Sayles, joined Loomis Sayles in 1992. Mr. Rowe received a BBA from James Madison University and an MBA from the University of Chicago. He has 33 years of investment industry experience.

**Daniel Conklin, CFA.** Mr. Conklin, Portfolio Manager of Loomis Sayles, joined Loomis Sayles in 2012. Mr. Conklin received a BS from the University of Massachusetts, Lowell and an MS in Finance from Northeastern University. He has 15 years of investment industry experience.

The Statement of Additional Information provides additional information about the portfolio managers' compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and the portfolio managers' ownership of securities in the Fund.

 **<u>HOW SHARES ARE PRICED</u>**

The NAV and offering price (NAV plus any applicable sales charges) of each class of shares is determined as of the close of the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE"), generally 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time), on each day the NYSE is open for business. NAV is computed by determining the aggregate market value of all assets of the Fund less its liabilities divided by the total number of the Fund's shares outstanding ((assets-liabilities)/number of shares=NAV). The NYSE is closed on weekends and New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The NAV takes into account the expenses and fees of the Fund, including investment advisory, administration, and distribution fees, which are accrued daily. The determination of NAV of the Fund for a particular day is applicable to all applications for the purchase of shares, as well as all requests for the redemption of shares, received by the Fund (or an authorized broker or agent, or its authorized designee) before the close of trading on the NYSE on that day.

Generally, securities are valued each day at the last quoted sales price on each security's principal exchange. Securities traded or dealt in upon one or more securities exchanges (whether domestic or foreign) for which market quotations are readily available and not subject to restrictions against resale shall be valued at the last quoted sales price on the primary exchange or, in the absence of a sale on the primary exchange, the mean between the current bid and ask prices on such exchange. Securities primarily traded in the National Association of Securities Dealers' Automated Quotation System ("NASDAQ") National Market System for which market quotations are readily available shall be valued using the NASDAQ Official Closing Price. Securities that are not traded or dealt in any securities exchange (whether domestic or foreign) and for which over-the-counter market quotations are readily available generally shall be valued at the last sale price or, in the absence of a sale, at the mean between the current bid and ask price on such over-the- counter market. Debt securities not traded on an exchange may be valued at prices supplied by a pricing agent(s) based on broker or dealer supplied valuations or matrix pricing, a method of valuing securities by reference to the value of other securities with similar characteristics, such as rating, interest rate and maturity. It is possible that the valuation determined by matrix pricing for a debt security may differ materially from the value that would be realized if the security were sold. During times of market volatility, it may be necessary for the Fund to utilize its fair value procedures to value (as described below) certain debt securities.

If market quotations are not readily available, securities will be valued at their fair market value as determined using the "fair value" procedures approved by the Board. Fair value pricing involves subjective judgments and it is possible that the fair value determined for a security may be materially different than the value that could be realized upon the sale of that security. The fair value prices can differ from market prices when they become available or when a price becomes available. The Board has designated the adviser as its "Valuation Designee" to execute these procedures. The adviser may also enlist third party consultants such as an audit firm or financial officer of a security issuer on an as-needed basis to assist in determining a security-specific fair value. The Board reviews the execution of this process and the resultant fair value prices at least quarterly to assure the process produces reliable results.

The Fund may use independent pricing services to assist in calculating the value of the Fund's securities. If events materially affecting the value of a security in the Fund's portfolio occur before the Fund prices its shares, the security will be valued at fair value. For example, if trading in a portfolio security is halted and does not resume before the Fund calculates its NAV, the adviser or sub-adviser may need to price the security using the Fund's fair value pricing guidelines. Without a fair value price, short-term traders could take advantage of the arbitrage opportunity and dilute the NAV of long-term investors. Fair valuation of the Fund's portfolio securities can serve to reduce arbitrage opportunities available to short-term traders, but there is no assurance that fair value pricing policies will prevent dilution of the Fund's NAV by short-term traders.

**<u>CREDIT UNIONS</u>**

The Fund is primarily offered to state and federally chartered banks and credit unions. Fund shares are designed to qualify as eligible investments for federally chartered credit unions pursuant to Sections 107(7), 107(8) and 107(15) of the Federal Credit Union Act, Part 703 of the NCUA Rules and Regulations and NCUA Letter Number 155. Shares of the Fund, however, may or may not qualify as eligible investments for particular state chartered credit unions. The Fund encourages each state chartered credit union to consult qualified legal counsel concerning whether the Fund is a permissible investment under applicable laws. The Fund intends to review changes in the applicable laws, rules and regulations governing eligible investments for federally chartered credit unions, and to take such action, if in the best interests of the Fund and shareholders, as may be necessary so that an investment in the Fund qualifies as an eligible investment under the Federal Credit Union Act and the regulations thereunder.

 **<u>HOW TO PURCHASE SHARES</u>**

**Rights Reserved by the Funds:** Each Fund and its agents reserve the right at any time to: (i) reject or cancel all or any part of any purchase or exchange order; (ii) modify any terms or conditions related to the purchase, redemption or exchange of shares of any Fund; (iii) reject or cancel any request to establish a Systematic Purchase Plan or Systematic Redemption Plan; (iv) modify or terminate any sales charge waivers or exceptions; and (v) suspend, change or withdraw all or any part of the offering made by this prospectus.

**Initial Purchase Methods:** To open an account, you must submit a completed New Account Application in good order. Initial investments may be funded via federal funds wire transfer, Automated Clearing House (ACH), or check drawn on a U.S. financial institution. The Fund offers its shares at the NAV next determined after an order is received in good order on a Business Day. The Fund reserves the right to reject any purchase order or payment method at its sole discretion.

**Purchasing Shares:** You may purchase shares as described below.

*Purchase by written request:* You may purchase shares of the Fund by sending a completed application form to the following address:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| ***via Regular Mail:***<br> **TransWestern Institutional<br> Short Duration Government Bond Fund**<br> c/o Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC<br> P.O. Box 46707<br> Cincinnati, OH 45246 | ***or Overnight Mail:***<br> **TransWestern Institutional<br> Short Duration Government Bond Fund**<br> c/o Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC<br> 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450<br> Cincinnati, OH 45246 |

---

Please call (855) 881-2380, or visit www.TransWesternCapital.com to obtain facsimile information. The Fund may not be available for purchase in all states.

*Purchase through Brokers:* You may invest in the Fund through brokers or agents. The brokers and agents are authorized to receive purchase and redemption orders on behalf of the Fund. Such brokers are authorized to designate other intermediaries to receive purchase and redemption orders on the fund's behalf. The Fund will be deemed to have received a purchase or redemption order when an authorized broker or its designee receives the order. The broker or agent may set their own initial and subsequent investment minimums. You may be charged a fee if you use a broker or agent to buy or redeem shares of the Fund. Finally, various servicing agents use procedures and impose restrictions that may be in addition to, or different from those applicable to investors purchasing shares directly from the Fund. You should carefully read the program materials provided to you by your servicing agent.

 

*Purchase by Wire:* If you wish to wire money to make an investment in the Fund, please call the Fund at<br> (855) 881-2380 for wiring instructions and to notify the Fund that a wire transfer is coming. The Fund will normally accept wired funds for investment on the day received if they are received by the Fund's designated bank before the close of regular trading on the NYSE. Your bank may charge you a fee for wiring same-day funds.

The USA PATRIOT Act requires financial institutions, including the Fund, to adopt certain policies and programs to prevent money-laundering activities, including procedures to verify the identity of customers opening new accounts. As requested on the Application, you should supply your full name, date of birth, social security number and permanent street address. Mailing addresses containing a P.O. Box will not be accepted. This information will assist the Fund in verifying your identity. Until such verification is made, the Fund may temporarily limit additional share purchases. In addition, the Fund may limit additional share purchases or close an account if it is unable to verify a shareholder's identity. As required by law, the Fund may employ various procedures, such as comparing the information to fraud databases or requesting additional information or documentation from you, to ensure that the information supplied by you is correct.

The Fund, however, reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to reject any application to purchase shares. Applications will not be accepted unless they are accompanied by a check drawn on a U.S. bank, thrift institution, or credit union in U.S. funds for the full amount of the shares to be purchased. After you open an account, you may purchase additional shares by sending a check together with written instructions stating the name(s) on the account and the account number, to the above address. Make all checks payable to the Fund. The Funds generally do not accept cash equivalents for the purchase of shares, including, but not limited to: cash, cashier's checks, bank official checks, certified checks, bank money orders, third-party checks (except for properly endorsed IRA transfer and rollover checks), counter checks, starter checks, traveler's checks, money orders, credit card checks, cryptocurrency, or payments drawn on non-U.S. financial institutions.

Redemptions of Shares of the Fund purchased by check may be subject to a hold period until the check has been cleared by the issuing bank. To avoid such holding periods, Shares may be purchased through a broker or by wire, as described in this section.

*Note:* If your check or electronic payment does not clear, you will be responsible for any loss or expense incurred by the Fund or its Transfer Agent, as well as any applicable fees. A $25 fee will be charged to defray bank charges and processing costs associated with the returned payment. The Fund reserves the right to redeem shares from your account to cover any unpaid amounts.

**Minimum and Additional Investment Amounts:** You can open an account with a minimum initial investment of $2,000,000 in the Fund and make additional investments to the account at any time with at least $500,000. There is no minimum investment requirement when you are buying shares by reinvesting dividends and distributions from the Fund. The Fund and the adviser reserve the right to waive any investment minimum.

**When Order is Processed:** All shares will be purchased at the NAV per share (plus applicable sales charges, if any) next determined after the Fund receives your application or request in good order. All requests received in good order by the Fund before 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) will be processed on that same day. Requests received after 4:00 p.m. will be processed on the next business day.

**Good Order:** A purchase request will be considered to be in "good order" only if it includes all of the following:<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· A completed and signed account application (for new accounts).<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· The exact dollar amount of the investment.<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· For existing accounts, the account number and the name(s) exactly as registered on the account.<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· Payment in U.S. dollars, payable to the "TransWestern Institutional Short Duration Government Bond Fund."<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· Any documentation reasonably required by the Fund or its transfer agent to verify the identity or authority of the purchaser, if applicable.<br> Requests that are incomplete, unclear, or submitted without the required documentation may be delayed or rejected. The Fund and its transfer agent are not responsible for delays or losses due to requests that are not received in good order.<br>

**Inactive Accounts:** If shareholder-initiated contact does not occur on your account within the timeframe specified by the law in your state of record, or if Fund mailings are returned as undeliverable during that timeframe, the assets of your account (shares and/or any uncashed checks) may be transferred to your last known recorded state of residence as unclaimed property, in accordance with specific state law. Investors who are residents of the state of Texas may designate a representative to receive legislatively required unclaimed property due diligence notifications. A Texas Designation of Representative Form is available for making such an election.

NOTE: If you fail to initiate such contact, your property will be escheated to your last known state of residency after which you will need to claim the property from that state.

**<u>HOW TO REDEEM SHARES</u>**

**Redeeming Shares:** All redemption requests received in good order by the Fund before 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) will be processed at that day's NAV. The Fund typically expects that it will take up to three business days following the receipt of your request to pay out redemption proceeds by check or electronic transfer. As permitted by federal law, the Fund may delay payment for up to seven calendar days.

The Fund also reserves the right to delay payment for shares recently purchased by check or via Automated Clearing House (ACH) until the payment has cleared, which may take up to 10 business days (or longer, if necessary). The Fund typically expects to pay redemptions from cash, cash equivalents, proceeds from the sale of Fund shares, any lines of credit, and then from the sale of Fund securities. These redemption payment methods will be used in regular and stressed market conditions. You may redeem all or any portion of the shares credited to your account by submitting a written request for redemption to:

*Redemptions through written request:* You may redeem all or any portion of the shares credited to your account by submitting a written request for redemption to:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| ***via Regular Mail:***<br> **TransWestern Institutional Short Duration Government Bond Fund**<br> c/o Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC<br> P.O. Box 46707<br> Cincinnati, OH 45246 | ***or Overnight Mail:***<br> **TransWestern Institutional Short Duration Government Bond Fund**<br> c/o Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC<br> 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450<br> Cincinnati, OH 45246 |

---

Please call (855) 881-2380 or visit www.TransWesternCapital.com to obtain facsimile information.

*Redemptions by Telephone:* The telephone redemption privilege is automatically available to all new accounts.<br> If you do not want the telephone redemption privilege, you must indicate this in the appropriate area on your account application or you must write to the Fund and instruct it to remove this privilege from your account.

During periods of high market activity, you may encounter higher than usual wait times. Please allow sufficient time to ensure that you will be able to complete your telephone transaction prior to market close. Neither the Fund nor its transfer agent will be held liable if you are unable to place your trade due to high call volume.

The proceeds will be wired directly to your existing account in a bank or brokerage firm in the United States as designated on your application. To redeem by telephone, call (855) 881-2380.

The Fund reserves the right to suspend the telephone redemption privileges with respect to your account if the name(s) or the address on the account has been changed within the previous 30 days. Neither the Fund, the transfer agent, nor their respective affiliates will be liable for complying with telephone instructions they reasonably believe to be genuine or for any loss, damage, cost or expenses in acting on such telephone instructions and you will be required to bear the risk of any such loss. The Fund or the transfer agent, or both, will employ reasonable procedures to determine that telephone instructions are genuine. If the Fund and/or the transfer agent do not employ these procedures, they may be liable to you for losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent instructions. These procedures may include, among others, requiring forms of personal identification prior to acting upon telephone instructions, providing written confirmation of the transactions and/or recording telephone instructions.

 

*Redemptions through Broker:* If shares of the Fund are held by a broker-dealer, financial institution or other servicing agent, you must contact that servicing agent to redeem shares of the Fund. The servicing agent may charge a fee for this service.

*Redemptions by Wire:* A fee of $15 will be charged for each wire transfer of redemption proceeds. This fee will be deducted directly from your account and is subject to change without notice. Your bank or any intermediary institution may also charge a separate fee for receiving the wire. The Fund and its transfer agent are not responsible for any delays or additional fees imposed by the receiving bank or any intermediary institution.

*Automated Clearing House (ACH) Purchase:* Shareholders may purchase shares of the Fund through the Automated Clearing House ("ACH") network from a U.S. domestic bank or other U.S. domestic financial institution. All payments must be made in U.S. dollars.

*Initial and Subsequent Purchases by ACH:* ACH may be used for both initial and subsequent investments. To establish ACH instructions, shareholders must provide the required banking information on the Account Application (or other documentation acceptable to the Fund or its transfer agent).

*Bank Account Requirements:* The designated bank account must be maintained at a U.S. domestic financial institution. The name(s) and registration on the bank account must exactly match the name(s) and registration on the Fund account. The bank account must be owned and controlled by the shareholder(s). ACH transfers initiated from a third-party bank account will not be accepted.

*Right to Reject / Good Order:* The Fund and its transfer agent reserve the right to reject any ACH purchase request that is not received in "good order." A request is in "good order" when all required information, authorizations, and documentation have been received in proper form and are acceptable to the Fund or its transfer agent.

The Fund accepts payment for shares by check, Automated Clearing House ("ACH") transfer, or wire transfer. All purchase orders are subject to acceptance by the Fund and will be executed at the next net asset value ("NAV") calculated after the order is received in good order. Payments made by check or ACH may be subject to a collection period to ensure that funds have cleared and are received in "good funds." The Fund and its Transfer Agent reserve the right to delay the disbursement of redemption or exchange proceeds from shares purchased by check or ACH for up to **10 business days** (or longer, if necessary) to allow the payment to clear.

During this period, the proceeds of newly purchased shares are not available for redemption or exchange. This policy does not apply to purchases made by wire transfer, which are generally considered good funds upon receipt. If a check or ACH payment does not clear, the purchase order will be cancelled, and the investor will be responsible for any resulting loss incurred by the Fund or its Transfer Agent, as well as any applicable fees.

**When Redemptions are Sent:** Once the Fund receives your redemption request in "good order" as described below, it will make payment by wire transfer on the next determined NAV following your redemption request. The redemption proceeds normally will be sent by mail or by wire within three business days after receipt of a request in "good order." If you purchase shares using a check and soon after request a redemption, your redemption proceeds, which are payable at the next determined NAV following the receipt your redemption request in "good order", as described below, will not be sent until the check used for your purchase has cleared your bank.

**Good Order:** A redemption request will be considered to be in "good order" only if it includes all of the following:<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· The name of the Fund and the account number<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· The exact dollar amount or number of shares to be redeemed<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· The name(s) of the registered account owner(s), exactly as they appear on the account<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· Signature(s) of all registered owner(s)<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· Any required signature guarantee or medallion signature guarantee, if applicable<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· Any documentation reasonably required by the Fund or its transfer agent to verify the identity or authority of the person(s) requesting the redemption<br> Redemption requests that are incomplete, unclear, unsigned, or submitted without the required documentation or signature guarantees may be delayed or rejected. The Fund and its transfer agent are not responsible for processing delays or losses resulting from requests not received in good order.<br>

**When You Need Medallion Signature Guarantees:** If you wish to change the bank or brokerage account that you have designated on your account, you may do so at any time by writing to the Fund with your signature guaranteed.<br> A medallion signature guarantee assures that a signature is genuine and protects you from unauthorized account transfers. You will need your signature guaranteed if:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· you request a redemption to be made payable to a person not on record with the Fund,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· you request that a redemption be mailed to an address other than that on record with the Fund,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· the proceeds of a requested redemption exceed $50,000 for any investor that is not a regulated, U.S. based
depository institution,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· any redemption is transmitted to a bank other than the bank of record, or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· your address was changed within 30 days of your redemption request.

Signatures may be guaranteed by any eligible guarantor institution (including banks, brokers and dealers, credit unions, national securities exchanges, registered securities associations, clearing agencies and savings associations). Further documentation will be required to change the designated account if shares are held by a corporation, fiduciary or other organization. The Fund reserves the right to waive any medallion signature guarantee requirement. *A notary public cannot guarantee signatures.* 

**Low Balances:** If at any time your account balance in the Fund falls below $2,000,000, the Fund may notify you that, unless the account is brought up to at least $2,000,000 within 60 days of the notice; your account could be closed. After the notice period, the Fund may redeem all of your shares and close your account by sending you a wire to the bank of record. Your account will not be closed if the account balance drops below $2,000,000 due to a decline in NAV. The Fund will not charge any redemption fee on involuntary redemptions.

**Suspension of Redemptions:** The right of redemption may be suspended or the date of payment postponed (a) when trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is restricted, as determined by applicable rules and regulations of the SEC; (b) when the NYSE is closed for other than customary weekend and holiday closings; (c) when the SEC has by order permitted such suspension; or (d) during an emergency, as determined by the SEC, as a result of which it is not reasonably practicable for the Fund to dispose of securities or to determine the value of its net assets.

**<u>FREQUENT PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS OF FUND SHARES</u>**

The Fund discourages and does not accommodate market timing. Frequent trading into and out of the Fund can harm all Fund shareholders by disrupting the Fund's investment strategies, increasing Fund expenses, decreasing tax efficiency and diluting the value of shares held by long-term shareholders. The Fund is designed for long-term investors and is not intended for market timing or other disruptive trading activities. Accordingly, the Board has approved policies that seek to curb these disruptive activities while recognizing that shareholders may have a legitimate need to adjust their Fund investments as their financial needs or circumstances change. The Fund may assess a redemption fee of 0.25% of the total redemption amount if shareholders sell their shares after holding them for less than 30 days. Additionally, the Fund currently uses several other methods to reduce the risk of market timing. These methods include:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· Committing staff to review, on a continuing basis, recent trading activity in order to identify trading
activity that may be contrary to the Fund's "Market Timing Trading Policy,"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· Rejecting or limiting specific purchase requests,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· Rejecting purchase requests from certain investors, and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· Assessing a redemption fee for short-term trading.

Though these methods involve judgments that are inherently subjective and involve some selectivity in their application, the Fund seeks to make judgments and applications that are consistent with the interests of the Fund's shareholders.

Based on the frequency of redemptions in your account, the adviser or transfer agent may in its sole discretion determine that your trading activity is detrimental to the Fund as described in the Fund's Market Timing Trading Policy and elect to reject or limit the amount, number, frequency or method for requesting future purchases or exchanges into the Fund.

The Fund reserves the right to reject or restrict purchase requests for any reason, particularly when the shareholder's trading activity suggests that the shareholder may be engaged in market timing or other disruptive trading activities. Neither the Fund, nor the adviser, or subadviser will, be liable for any losses resulting from rejected purchase orders. The adviser may also bar an investor who has violated these policies (and the investor's financial adviser) from opening new accounts with the Fund.

Although the Fund attempts to limit disruptive trading activities, some investors may use a variety of strategies to hide their identities and their trading practices. There can be no guarantee that the Fund will be able to identify or limit these activities.

**Lost Shareholders, Inactive Accounts and Unclaimed Property:** Unclaimed property laws may require the Fund or its transfer agent to transfer the assets of accounts that are considered abandoned, inactive, or lost (due to returned mail) to the appropriate state authority. An account may be deemed unclaimed if the shareholder has not initiated any contact or transaction within a time period specified by applicable state law.

Before any transfer to the state is made, the Fund or its transfer agent will send a due diligence notice to the shareholder, if legislatively required.

In some cases, this process is referred to as escheatment, and shareholders may be required to reclaim the assets from the applicable state's unclaimed property office. Some states may also require the liquidation of shares prior to escheatment, and shareholders may only be entitled to receive the cash value at the time of sale.

For retirement accounts, such escheatment may be treated as a taxable distribution, and federal and/or state income tax withholding may apply.

To help avoid escheatment, shareholders should maintain current contact information and periodically initiate contact with the Fund or its transfer agent. Examples of shareholder-initiated contact include written correspondence, telephone inquiries, or initiating a transaction in the account.

In accordance with Texas law, residents of the state of Texas may designate a representative to receive legislatively required unclaimed property due diligence notifications. A Texas Designation of Representative Form is available for making such an election.

**Account Statements and Transaction Confirmations:** You will receive periodic account statements summarizing all account activity, including purchases, redemptions, exchanges, and any reinvested dividends or capital gains. Additionally, a transaction confirmation will be sent for each financial transaction that occurs in your account, except for those taking place on a recurring basis, such as through an automatic investment plan or for dividend and capital gain distributions. For recurring transactions, the details will appear on your periodic account statement, serving as confirmation for such activity.

It is your responsibility to carefully review all transaction confirmations and account statements for accuracy immediately upon receipt. You must contact the Fund or its Transfer Agent in writing or by telephone promptly within 60 days of the date of the statement or confirmation that first reflects the disputed item. If you fail to provide timely notification within this<br> 60-day period, you will be deemed to have ratified all account activity set forth therein, and the Fund and its agents will not be liable for any losses that may result from your failure to report the issue.

**Uncashed Checks and Automatic Dividend and Capital Gain Reinvestment:** If you elect to receive your dividend and capital gain distributions via check, ACH, or wire, and the distribution amount is $50 or less, then the amount will be automatically reinvested as additional shares into your account.

For non-retirement and non-educational accounts, any dividend and capital gain distributions sent by check which are not cashed within 180 days will be reinvested into your account at the current day's NAV. When reinvested, those amounts are subject to market risk like any other investment.

Your distribution option will automatically be converted to having all dividends and capital gain distributions reinvested into your account as additional shares if any of the following occur:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. Postal or other delivery service is unable to deliver mail or checks to the address of record thereby designating your account as "lost";

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. Dividends and capital gain distributions checks are not cashed within 180 days; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. Bank account of record is no longer valid.

For non-retirement and non-educational accounts, redemption proceeds sent by check which are not cashed within 180 days will be reinvested into your account at the current day's NAV. When reinvested, redemption proceeds are subject to market risk like any other investment.

 **<u>TAX STATUS, DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS</u>**

Any sale or exchange of the Fund's shares may generate tax liability (unless you are a tax-exempt investor). When you redeem your shares you may realize a taxable gain or loss. This is measured by the difference between the proceeds of the sale and the tax basis for the shares you sold. (To aid in computing your tax basis, you generally should retain your account statements for the period that you hold shares in the Fund.)

The Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its net investment income monthly and net capital gains annually in December. Both distributions will be reinvested in shares of the Fund unless you elect to receive cash. Dividends from net investment income (including any excess of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss) are taxable to investors as ordinary income, while distributions of net capital gain (the excess of net long-term capital gain over net<br> short-term capital loss) are generally taxable as long-term capital gain, regardless of your holding period for the shares. Any dividends or capital gain distributions you receive from the Fund will normally be taxable to you when made, regardless of whether you reinvest dividends or capital gain distributions or receive them in cash. Certain dividends or distributions declared in October, November or December will be taxed to shareholders as if received in December if they are paid during the following January. Each year the Fund will inform you of the amount and type of your distributions.

Your redemptions, including exchanges, may result in a capital gain or loss for federal tax purposes. A capital gain or loss on your investment is the difference between the cost of your shares, including any sales charges, and the amount you receive when you sell them. The Fund is required to report cost basis information to the IRS and to shareholders on Form 1099-B for redemptions of "covered shares," which are generally shares acquired on or after January 1, 2012.

The Fund's default cost basis calculation method is **Average Cost.** This method will be applied to your account unless you affirmatively elect a different IRS-accepted method, such as First-In, First-Out (FIFO) or Specific Share Identification. You may make this election for future transactions by providing written instructions, contacting Shareholder Services at (855) 881-2380, or through your online account portal, where available.

Please note that, in accordance with IRS regulations, the cost basis method elected for the first redemption of covered shares cannot be changed after the settlement of the redemption. The cost basis method you select may have significant tax implications. The Fund is not authorized to provide tax advice. We strongly recommend you consult your tax advisor to determine which method is most suitable for your individual circumstances.

On the account application, you will be asked to certify that your social security number or taxpayer identification number is correct and that you are not subject to backup withholding for failing to report income to the IRS. If you are subject to backup withholding or you did not certify your taxpayer identification number, the IRS requires the Fund to withhold a percentage of any dividend, redemption or exchange proceeds. The Fund reserves the right to reject any application that does not include a certified social security or taxpayer identification number. If you do not have a social security number, you should indicate on the purchase form that your application to obtain a number is pending. The Fund is required to withhold taxes if a number is not delivered to the Fund within seven days.

This summary is not intended to be and should not be construed to be legal or tax advice. You should consult your own tax advisors to determine the tax consequences of owning the Fund's shares.

 **<u>DISTRIBUTION OF SHARES</u>**

**Distribution Fees:** The Trust, with respect to the Fund, has adopted the Trust's Master Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plan ("Plan"), pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act which allows the Fund to pay the Fund's adviser an annual fee for distribution and shareholder servicing expenses of up to 0.10% of the Fund's average daily net assets.

The adviser and other entities are paid pursuant to the Plan for services provided and the expenses borne by the adviser and others in the distribution of Fund shares, including the payment of commissions for sales of the shares and incentive compensation to and expenses of dealers and others who engage in or support distribution of shares or who service shareholder accounts, including overhead and telephone expenses; printing and distribution of prospectuses and reports used in connection with the offering of the Fund's shares to other than current shareholders; and preparation, printing and distribution of sales literature and advertising materials. In addition, the adviser or other entities may utilize fees paid pursuant to the Plan to compensate dealers or other entities for their opportunity costs in advancing such amounts, which compensation would be in the form of a carrying charge on any un-reimbursed expenses.

You should be aware that if you hold your shares for a substantial period of time, you may indirectly pay more than the economic equivalent of the maximum front-end sales charge allowed by FINRA due to the recurring nature of distribution (12b-1) fees.

**Additional Compensation to Financial Intermediaries:** The adviser and its affiliates may each, at its own expense and out of its own legitimate profits, provide additional cash payments to financial intermediaries who sell shares of the Fund. Financial intermediaries include brokers, financial planners, banks, insurance companies, retirement or 401(k) plan administrators and others. These payments are generally made to financial intermediaries that provide shareholder or administrative services, or marketing support. Marketing support may include access to sales meetings, sales representatives and financial intermediary management representatives, inclusion of the Fund on a sales list, including a preferred or select sales list, or other sales programs. These payments also may be made as an expense reimbursement in cases where the financial intermediary provides shareholder services to Fund shareholders. The Fund's adviser may, from time to time, provide promotional incentives, including reallowance and/or payment of up to the entire sales charge, to certain investment firms. Such incentives may, at the adviser's discretion, be limited to investment firms who allow their individual selling representatives to participate in such additional commissions.

**Householding:** To reduce expenses, the Fund mails only one copy of the Prospectus and each annual and semi-annual report to those addresses shared by two or more accounts. If you wish to receive individual copies of these documents, please call the Fund at (855) 881-2380 on days when the Fund is open for business or contact your financial institution. The Fund will begin sending you individual copies thirty days after receiving your request.

 **<u>FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS</u>**

The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the Fund's financial performance for the past 5 years. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). The information for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 has been audited by Cohen & Company, Ltd., independent registered public accounting firm to the Fund, whose report, along with the Fund's financial statements, are included in the Fund's December 31, 2025 annual report, which is available upon request. The Fund's financial highlights for the years ended December 31, 2022, and prior, were audited by other auditors.

Per Share Data and Ratios for a Share of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Year

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year Ended**<br>**December 31,**<br>**2025** | **Year Ended**<br>**December 31,**<br>**2024** | **Year Ended**<br>**December 31,**<br>**2023** | **Year Ended**<br>**December 31,**<br>**2022** | **Year Ended**<br>**December 31,**<br>**2021** |
| **Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year** | $9.09 | $9.16 | $9.10 | $9.72 | $9.82 |
| Income/(loss) from investment operations: |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net investment income<sup>(1)</sup> | 0.32 | 0.33 | 0.29 | 0.10 | 0.01 |
| Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) <br> on investments | 0.20 | (0.04) | 0.10 | (0.57) | (0.08) |
| Total from investment operations | 0.52 | 0.29 | 0.39 | (0.47) | (0.07) |
| Less distributions from: |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net investment income | (0.33) | (0.36) | (0.33) | (0.15) | (0.03) |
| Total from distributions | (0.33) | (0.36) | (0.33) | (0.15) | (0.03) |
| **Net Asset Value, End of Year** | $9.28 | $9.09 | $9.16 | $9.10 | $9.72 |
| **Total return<sup>(2)</sup>** | 5.82% | 3.24% | 4.40% | (4.82)% | (0.72)% |
| Net assets, end of year (000s) | $73877 | $74336 | $83780 | $88994 | $325544 |
| Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets | 0.96% | 0.85% | 0.85% | 0.74% | 0.70% |
| Ratio of net expenses to average net assets | 0.65% | 0.65% | 0.65% | 0.65% | 0.64%<sup>(4)</sup> |
| Ratio of net investment income to <br> average net assets | 3.45% | 3.66% | 3.24% | 1.05% | 0.11% |
| Portfolio Turnover Rate | 205% | 208% | 222% | 218%<sup>(3)</sup> | 317%<sup>(3)</sup> |

---

(1) Per share amounts calculated using the average share method, which appropriately presents the per share
data for the year.

(2) Total returns shown are historical in nature and assume changes in share price, reinvestment of dividends,
and capital gain distributions, if any, and exclude the effect of applicable sales loads. Had the Advisor not waived a portion of its
fees, total returns would have been lower.

(3) The portfolio turnover rate excludes dollar roll transactions for the years ended December 31, 2022 and
December 31, 2021. If these were included in the calculation the turnover percentage would be 237%, and 320%, respectively. The Fund had
no dollar rolls for the years ended December 31, 2023, December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2025.

(4) During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Advisor voluntarily waived a portion of the advisory fee.
Without this waiver, the net expense ratio would have been 0.65%.

**TRANSWESTERN INSTITUTIONAL SHORT DURATION GOVERNMENT BOND FUND**

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Adviser** | **TransWestern Capital Advisors, LLC**<br> 37 Bellevue Avenue<br> Newport, RI 02840 | **Custodian** | **U.S. Bank, N.A.**<br> 60 Livingston Ave.<br> St. Paul, MN 55107 |
| **Subadviser** | **Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P.**<br> One Financial Center<br> Boston, MA 02111 | **Legal<br> Counsel** | **Thompson Hine LLP**<br> 41 South High Street, Suite 1700<br> Columbus, OH 43215 |
| **Independent<br> Registered Public<br> Accounting Firm** | **Cohen & Company, Ltd.**<br> 1350 Euclid Ave., Suite 800<br> Cleveland, OH 44115 | **Transfer<br> Agent** | **Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC**<br> 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450<br> Cincinnati, OH 45246 |

---

Additional information about the Fund is included in the Fund's Statement of Additional Information dated April 30, 2026 (the "SAI"). The SAI is incorporated into this Prospectus by reference (i.e., legally made a part of this Prospectus). The SAI provides more details about the Fund's policies and management. Additional information about the Fund's investments is also available in the Fund's Annual and Semi-Annual Financial Statements to Shareholders. In the Fund's Annual [Financial Statements](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1314414/000158064225001563/transwestern_n-csr.htm), you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Fund's performance during its last fiscal year.

To obtain a free copy of the SAI and the Annual and Semi-Annual Financial Statements to Shareholders, or other information about the Fund, or to make shareholder inquiries about the Fund, please call (855) 881-2380 or visit www.TransWesternCapital.com. You may also write to:

**TransWestern Institutional Short Duration Government Bond Fund**

c/o Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC

**Regular/Express Mail** 

P.O. Box 46707

Cincinnati, OH 45246

**or overnight to** 

225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450

Cincinnati, OH 45246

Reports and other information about the Fund are available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC's Internet site at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of the information may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following E-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov.

Investment Company Act File #811-21720

TransWestern

Institutional Short Duration Government Bond Fund

*A Series of Northern Lights Fund Trust*

SYMBOL: TWSGX

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

April 30, 2026

This Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") is not a prospectus and should be read in conjunction with the prospectus of the TransWestern Institutional Short Duration Government Bond Fund (the "Fund") dated April 30, 2026. The Fund's prospectus is hereby incorporated by reference, which means it is legally part of this document. You can obtain copies of the Fund's prospectus, annual or semi-annual financial statements without charge by contacting the Fund's Transfer Agent, Ultimus Fund Services, LLC, 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246 or by calling 1-855-881-2380. You may also obtain a prospectus by visiting the Fund's website at www.TransWesternCapital.com.

**TABLE OF CONTENTS** 

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **THE FUND** | **1** |
| **TYPES OF INVESTMENTS** | **2** |
| **INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS** | **7** |
| **POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS** | **9** |
| **MANAGEMENT** | **11** |
| **CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS** | **18** |
| **INVESTMENT ADVISER** | **19** |
| **SUB-ADVISER** | **22** |
| **PORTFOLIO MANAGERS** | **23** |
| **ALLOCATION OF PORTFOLIO BROKERAGE** | **26** |
| **PORTFOLIO TURNOVER** | **27** |
| **OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS** | **27** |
| **DESCRIPTION OF SHARES** | **30** |
| **ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING PROGRAM** | **32** |
| **PURCHASE, REDEMPTION AND PRICING OF SHARES** | **33** |
| **TAX STATUS** | **38** |
| **INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM** | **43** |
| **LEGAL COUNSEL** | **43** |
| **FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** | **43** |
| **APPENDIX A –SUB-ADVISER'S PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES** | **44** |

---

**THE FUND**

The Fund is a series of Northern Lights Fund Trust, a Delaware statutory trust organized on January 19, 2005 (the "Trust"). The Trust is registered as an open-end management investment company. The Trust is governed by its Board of Trustees (the "Board" or "Trustees").

The Fund may issue an unlimited number of shares, in classes, of beneficial interest. All shares of the Fund have equal rights and privileges within their respective class. Each share of the Fund is entitled to one vote on all matters as to which shares are entitled to vote by class or without distinction as to class. In addition, each share of the Fund is entitled to participate equally, by class, with other shares (i) in dividends and distributions declared by the Fund and (ii) on liquidation to its proportionate share of the assets remaining after satisfaction of outstanding liabilities. Shares of the Fund are fully paid, non-assessable and fully transferable when issued and have no pre-emptive, conversion or exchange rights. Fractional shares have proportionately the same rights, including voting rights, as are provided for a full share.

The Fund is a diversified series of the Trust offering one class of shares. TransWestern Capital Advisors (the "Adviser") is the Fund's investment adviser and Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P. ("Sub-adviser") is the Fund's Sub-adviser. The Fund's investment objective, restrictions and policies are more fully described here and in the Prospectus. The Board may start other series and offer shares of a new fund under the Trust at any time. The Board may classify and reclassify the shares of the Fund into additional classes at a future date.

Under the Trust's Agreement and Declaration of Trust, each Trustee will continue in office until the termination of the Trust or his/her earlier death, incapacity, resignation or removal. Shareholders can remove a Trustee to the extent provided by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act") and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. Vacancies may be filled by a majority of the remaining Trustees, except insofar as the 1940 Act may require the election by shareholders. As a result, normally no annual or regular meetings of shareholders will be held unless matters arise requiring a vote of shareholders under the Agreement and Declaration of Trust or the 1940 Act.

**TYPES OF INVESTMENTS**

The investment objective of the Fund and a description of its principal investment strategies are set forth under "Risk/Return Summary" in the Prospectus. The Fund's investment objective is "fundamental" and may not be changed without the approval of a majority of its outstanding voting securities.

The following information describes securities in which the Fund may invest.

<u>Fixed Income Debt Securities</u>

Yields on fixed income securities (also commonly referred to as bills, notes and/or bonds) are dependent on a variety of factors, including the general conditions of the money market and other fixed income securities markets, the size of a particular offering, the maturity of the obligation and the rating of the issue. An investment in the Fund will be subjected to risk even if all fixed income securities in the Fund's portfolio are paid in full at maturity. All fixed income securities, including U.S. Government securities, can change in value when there is a change in interest rates or the issuer's actual or perceived creditworthiness or ability to meet its obligations.

There is normally an inverse relationship between the market value of securities sensitive to prevailing interest rates and actual changes in interest rates. In other words, an increase in interest rates produces a decrease in market value. The longer the remaining maturity (and duration) of a security, the greater will be the effect of interest rate changes on the market value of that security. Changes in the ability of an issuer to make payments of interest and principal and in the market's perception of an issuer's creditworthiness will also affect the market value of the debt securities of that issuer. Obligations of issuers of fixed income securities are subject to the provisions of bankruptcy, insolvency, and other laws affecting the rights and remedies of creditors, such as the Federal Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1978. Changes in the ability of an issuer to make payments of interest and principal and in the market's perception of an issuer's creditworthiness will also affect the market value of the debt securities of that issuer. The possibility exists, therefore, that, the ability of any issuer to pay, when due, the principal of and interest on its debt securities may become impaired.

The following describes some of the risks associated with fixed income debt securities:

*Interest Rate Risk.* Debt securities have varying levels of sensitivity to changes in interest rates. In general, the price of a debt security can fall when interest rates rise and can rise when interest rates fall. Securities with longer maturities and mortgage securities can be more sensitive to interest rate changes although they usually offer higher yields to compensate investors for the greater risks. The longer the maturity of the security, the greater the impact a change in interest rates could have on the security's price. In addition, short-term and long-term interest rates do not necessarily move in the same amount or the same direction. Short-term securities tend to react to changes in short-term interest rates and long-term securities tend to react to changes in long-term interest rates.

*Credit Risk.* Fixed income securities may have speculative characteristics and changes in economic conditions or other circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of issuers to make principal or interest payments, as compared to issuers of more highly rated securities.

*Extension Risk.* The Fund is subject to the risk that an issuer will exercise its right to pay principal on an obligation held by the Fund (such as mortgage-backed securities) later than expected. This may happen when there is a rise in interest rates. These events may lengthen the duration (i.e. interest rate sensitivity) and potentially reduce the value of these securities.

 

*Prepayment Risk.* Certain types of debt securities, such as mortgage-backed securities, have yield and maturity characteristics corresponding to underlying assets. Unlike traditional debt securities, which may pay a fixed rate of interest until maturity when the entire principal amount comes due, payments on certain mortgage-backed securities may include both interest and a partial payment of principal. Besides the scheduled repayment of principal, payments of principal may result from the voluntary prepayment, refinancing, or foreclosure of the underlying mortgage loans.

Securities subject to prepayment are less effective than other types of securities as a means of "locking in" attractive long-term interest rates. One reason is the need to reinvest prepayments of principal; another is the possibility of significant unscheduled prepayments resulting from declines in interest rates. These prepayments would have to be reinvested at lower rates. As a result, these securities may have less potential for capital appreciation during periods of declining interest rates than other securities of comparable maturities, although they may have a similar risk of decline in market value during periods of rising interest rates. Prepayments may also significantly shorten the effective maturities of these securities, especially during periods of declining interest rates. Conversely, during periods of rising interest rates, a reduction in prepayments may increase the effective maturities of these securities, subjecting them to a greater risk of decline in market value in response to rising interest rates than traditional debt securities, and, therefore, potentially increasing the volatility of the Fund.

At times, some of the mortgage-backed securities in which the Fund may invest will have higher than market interest rates and therefore will be purchased at a premium above their par value. Prepayments may cause losses in securities purchased at a premium, as unscheduled prepayments, which are made at par, will cause the Fund to experience a loss equal to any unamortized premium.

<u>United States Government Obligations</u>

These consist of various types of marketable securities issued by the United States Treasury, i.e., bills, notes and bonds. Such securities are direct obligations of the United States government and differ mainly in the length of their maturity. Treasury bills, the most frequently issued marketable government security, have a maturity of up to one year and are issued on a discount basis. The Fund may also invest in Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities ("TIPS"). TIPS are special types of treasury bonds that were created in order to offer bond investors protection from inflation. The values of the TIPS are automatically adjusted to the

inflation rate as measured by the Consumer Price Index ("CPI"). If the CPI goes up by half a percent, the value of the bond (the TIPS) would also go up by half a percent. If the CPI falls, the value of the bond does not fall because the government guarantees that the original investment will stay the same. TIPS decline in value when real interest rates rise. However, in certain interest rate environments, such as when real interest rates are rising faster than nominal interest rates, TIPS may experience greater losses than other fixed income securities with similar duration.

<u>United States Government Agency</u> 

These consist of debt securities issued by agencies and instrumentalities of the United States government, including the various types of instruments currently outstanding or which may be offered in the future. Agencies include, among others, the Federal Housing Administration, Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA"), Farmer's Home Administration, Export-Import Bank of the United States, Maritime Administration, and General Services Administration. Instrumentalities include, for example, each of the Federal Home Loan Banks, the National Bank for Cooperatives, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC" or "Freddie Mac"), the Farm Credit Banks, the Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA" or "Fannie Mae"), and the United States Postal Service. These securities are either: (i) backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government (e.g., United States Treasury Bills); (ii) guaranteed by the United States Treasury (e.g., GNMA mortgage-backed securities); (iii) supported by the issuing agency's or instrumentality's right to borrow from the United States Treasury (e.g., FNMA Discount Notes); or (iv) supported only by the issuing agency's or instrumentality's own credit (e.g., Tennessee Valley Authority).

On September 7, 2008, the U.S. Treasury Department and the Federal Housing Finance Authority (the "FHFA") announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac had been placed into conservatorship, a statutory process designed to stabilize a troubled institution with the objective of returning the entity to normal business operations. The U.S. Treasury Department and the FHFA at the same time established a secured lending facility and a Secured Stock Purchase Agreement with both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to ensure that each entity had the ability to fulfill its financial obligations. The FHFA announced that it does not anticipate any disruption in pattern of payments or ongoing business operations of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.

Government-related guarantors (i.e., not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government) include FNMA and FHLMC. FNMA is a government-sponsored corporation owned entirely by private stockholders. It is subject to general regulation by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. FNMA purchases conventional (i.e., not insured or guaranteed by any government agency) residential mortgages from a list of approved seller/servicers which include state and federally chartered savings and loan associations, mutual savings banks, commercial banks and credit unions and mortgage bankers. Pass-through securities issued by FNMA are guaranteed as to timely payment of principal and interest by FNMA but are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government.

<u>Mortgage Pass-Through Securities</u>

Interests in pools of mortgage pass-through securities differ from other forms of debt securities (which normally provide periodic payments of interest in fixed amounts and the payment of principal in a lump sum at maturity or on specified call dates). Instead, mortgage pass-through securities provide monthly payments consisting of both interest and principal payments. In effect, these payments are a "pass-through" of the monthly payments made by the individual borrowers on the underlying residential mortgage loans, net of any fees paid to the issuer or guarantor of such securities. Unscheduled payments of principal may be made if the underlying mortgage loans are repaid or refinanced or the underlying properties are foreclosed, thereby shortening the securities' weighted average life. Some mortgage pass-through securities (such as securities guaranteed by GNMA) are described as "modified pass-through securities." These securities entitle the holder to receive all interest and principal payments owed on the mortgage pool, net of certain fees, on the scheduled payment dates regardless of whether the mortgagor actually makes the payment.

The principal governmental guarantor of mortgage pass-through securities is GNMA. GNMA is authorized to guarantee, with the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury, the timely payment of principal and interest on securities issued by lending institutions approved by GNMA (such as savings and loan institutions, commercial banks and mortgage bankers) and backed by pools of mortgage loans. These mortgage loans are either insured by the Federal Housing Administration or guaranteed by the Veterans Administration. A "pool" or group of such mortgage loans is assembled and after being approved by GNMA, is offered to investors through securities dealers.

Government-related guarantors of mortgage pass-through securities (i.e., not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury) include FNMA and FHLMC. FNMA is a government-sponsored corporation owned entirely by private stockholders. It is subject to general regulation by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. FNMA purchases conventional (i.e., not insured or guaranteed by any government agency) residential mortgages from a list of approved sellers/servicers which include state and federally chartered savings and loan associations, mutual savings banks, commercial banks and credit unions and mortgage

bankers. Mortgage pass-through securities issued by FNMA are guaranteed as to timely payment of principal and interest by FNMA but are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury.

<u>Resets.</u> The interest rates paid on the Adjustable Rate Mortgage Securities ("ARMs") in which the Fund may invest generally are readjusted or reset at intervals of one year or less to an increment over some predetermined interest rate index. There are two main categories of indices: those based on U.S. Treasury securities and those derived from a calculated measure, such as a cost of funds index or a moving average of mortgage rates. Commonly utilized indices include the one-year and five-year constant maturity Treasury Note rates, the three-month Treasury Bill rate, the 180-day Treasury Bill rate, rates on longer-term Treasury securities, the National Median Cost of Funds, the one-month or three-month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), the prime rate of a specific bank, or commercial paper rates. Some indices, such as the one-year constant maturity Treasury Note rate, closely mirror changes in market interest rate levels. Others tend to lag changes in market rate levels and tend to be somewhat less volatile.

<u>Caps and Floors.</u> The underlying mortgages which collateralize the ARMs in which the Fund invests will frequently have caps and floors which limit the maximum amount by which the loan rate to the residential borrower may change up or down: (1) per reset or adjustment interval, and (2) over the life of the loan. Some residential mortgage loans restrict periodic adjustments by limiting changes in the borrower's monthly principal and interest payments rather than limiting interest rate changes. These payment caps may result in negative amortization. The value of mortgage securities in which the Fund invests may be affected if market interest rates rise or fall faster and farther than the allowable caps or floors on the underlying residential mortgage loans. Additionally, even though the interest rates on the underlying residential mortgages are adjustable, amortization and prepayments may occur, thereby causing the effective maturities of the mortgage securities in which the Fund invests to be shorter than the maturities stated in the underlying mortgages.

<u>When-Issued, Forward Commitments and Delayed Settlements</u>

The Fund may purchase and sell securities on a when-issued, forward commitment or delayed settlement basis. In this event, the Custodian (as defined under the section entitled "Custodian") will segregate liquid assets equal to the amount of the commitment in a separate account. Normally, the Custodian will set aside portfolio securities to satisfy a purchase commitment. In such a case, the Fund may be required subsequently to segregate additional assets in order to assure that the value of the account remains equal to the amount of the Fund's commitment. It may be expected that the Fund's net assets will fluctuate to a greater degree when it sets aside portfolio securities to cover such purchase commitments than when it sets aside cash.

The Fund does not intend to engage in these transactions for speculative purposes but only in furtherance of its investment objectives. Because the Fund will segregate liquid assets to satisfy its purchase commitments in the manner described, the Fund's liquidity and the ability of the Adviser to manage them may be affected in the event the Fund's forward commitments, commitments to purchase when-issued securities and delayed settlements ever exceeded 15% of the value of its net assets.

The Fund will purchase securities on a when-issued, forward commitment or delayed settlement basis only with the intention of completing the transaction. If deemed advisable as a matter of investment strategy, however, the Fund may dispose of or renegotiate a commitment after it is entered into, and may sell securities it has committed to purchase before those securities are delivered to the Fund on the settlement date. In these cases the Fund may realize a taxable capital gain or loss. When the Fund engages in when-issued, forward commitment and delayed settlement transactions, it relies on the other party to consummate the trade. Failure of such party to do so may result in the Fund incurring a loss or missing an opportunity to obtain a price credited to be advantageous.

The market value of the securities underlying a when-issued purchase, forward commitment to purchase securities, or a delayed settlement and any subsequent fluctuations in their market value is taken into account when determining the market value of the Fund starting on the day the Fund agrees to purchase the securities. The Fund does not earn interest on the securities it has committed to purchase until it has paid for and delivered on the settlement date.

**INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS**

The Fund has adopted the following investment restrictions that may not be changed without approval by a "majority of the outstanding shares" of the Fund which, as used in this SAI, means the vote of the lesser of (a) 67% or more of the shares of the Fund represented at a meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund are present or represented by proxy, or (b) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. <u>Borrowing Money</u>. The Fund will not borrow money, except: (a) from a bank, provided that immediately after such borrowing there is an asset coverage of 300% for all borrowings of the Fund; or (b) from a bank or other persons for temporary purposes only, provided that such temporary borrowings are in an amount not exceeding 5% of the Fund's total assets at the time when the borrowing is made.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. <u>Senior Securities</u>. The Fund will not issue senior securities. This limitation is not applicable to activities that may be deemed to involve the issuance or sale of a senior security by the Fund, provided that the Fund's engagement in such activities is consistent with or permitted by the 1940 Act, as amended, the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder or interpretations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") or its staff.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. <u>Underwriting</u>. The Fund will not act as underwriter of securities issued by other persons. This limitation is not applicable to the extent that, in connection with the disposition of

portfolio securities (including restricted securities), the Fund may be deemed an underwriter under certain federal securities laws.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. <u>Real Estate</u>. The Fund will not purchase or sell real estate. This limitation is not applicable to investments in marketable securities that are secured by or represent interests in real estate.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5. <u>Commodities</u>. The Fund will not purchase or sell commodities unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other investments.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6. <u>Loans</u>. The Fund will not make loans to other persons, except: (a) by loaning portfolio securities; (b) by engaging in repurchase agreements; or (c) by purchasing nonpublicly offered debt securities. For purposes of this limitation, the term "loans" shall not include the purchase of a portion of an issue of publicly distributed bonds, debentures or other securities.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7. <u>Concentration</u>. The Fund will not invest 25% or more of its total assets in a particular industry or group of industries. This limitation is not applicable to investments in obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies and instrumentalities or repurchase agreements with respect thereto.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8. <u>Investment Objective</u>. The Fund seeks to provide income consistent with liquidity, and limited credit and interest rate risk.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9. <u>Government Bond Investment Policy</u>. The Fund invests 100% of its assets in liquid, high-quality fixed and variable rate U.S. government bonds, as defined in the Fund's prospectus and cash and cash equivalents.

**THE FOLLOWING ARE ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS OF THE FUND. THE FOLLOWING RESTRICTIONS ARE DESIGNATED AS NON-FUNDAMENTAL AND MAY BE CHANGED BY THE BOARD OF THE TRUST WITHOUT THE APPROVAL OF SHAREHOLDERS.** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. <u>Pledging</u>. The Fund will not mortgage, pledge, hypothecate or in any manner transfer, as security for indebtedness, any assets of the Fund except as may be necessary in connection with borrowings described in limitation (1) above. Margin deposits, security interests, liens and collateral arrangements with respect to transactions involving permitted investments and techniques are not deemed to be a mortgage, pledge or hypothecation of assets for purposes of this limitation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. <u>Borrowing</u>. The Fund will not purchase any security while borrowings representing more than one third of its total assets are outstanding.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. <u>Margin Purchases</u>. The Fund will not purchase securities or evidences of interest thereon on "margin." This limitation is not applicable to short-term credit obtained by the Fund for the clearance of purchases and sales or redemption of securities, or to arrangements with respect to transactions involving other permitted investment techniques.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. <u>Illiquid Investments</u>. The Fund will not invest 15% or more of its net assets in securities for which there are legal or contractual restrictions on resale and other illiquid securities.

If a restriction on the Fund's investments is adhered to at the time an investment is made, a subsequent change in the percentage of Fund assets invested in certain securities or other instruments, or change in average duration of the Fund's investment portfolio, resulting from changes in the value of the Fund's total assets, will not be considered a violation of the restriction; provided, however, that the asset coverage requirement applicable to borrowings shall be maintained in the manner contemplated by applicable law.

**POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS** 

The Trust has adopted policies and procedures that govern the disclosure of the Fund's portfolio holdings. These policies and procedures are designed to ensure that such disclosure is in the best interests of Fund shareholders.

The Fund may disclose its portfolio holdings by mailing a quarterly report to its shareholders. In addition, the Fund will disclose its portfolio holdings reports on Forms N-CSR and Form N-PORT by two months after the end of each quarter/semi-annual period.

The Fund may choose to make available to rating agencies such as Lipper, Morningstar or Bloomberg earlier and more frequently on a confidential basis.

Under limited circumstances, as described below, the Fund's portfolio holdings may be disclosed to, or known by, certain third parties in advance of their filing with the SEC on Form N-CSR or Form N-PORT. In each case, a determination has been made that such advance disclosure is supported by a legitimate business purpose and that the recipient is subject to a duty to keep the information confidential and not to trade on any material, non-public information.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· **The Adviser and Sub-adviser.** Personnel of the Adviser and Sub-adviser, including personnel
responsible for managing the Fund's portfolio, may have full daily access to Fund portfolio holdings because that information is necessary
in order for the Adviser and Sub-adviser to provide management, administrative, and investment services to the Fund. As required
for purposes of analyzing the impact of existing and future market changes on the prices, availability, demand and liquidity of such securities,
as well as for the assistance of portfolio manager in the trading of such securities, Adviser and Sub-adviser personnel may also release
and discuss certain portfolio holdings with various broker-dealers.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· **Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC.** Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC is the transfer agent, fund accountant
and administrator for the Fund; therefore, its personnel have full daily access to the Fund's portfolio holdings because that information
is necessary in order for them to provide the agreed-upon services for the Trust.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· **U.S. Bank, National Association.** U.S. Bank, National Association is the custodian for the Fund;
therefore, its personnel have full daily access to the Fund's portfolio holdings since that information is necessary in order for
them to provide the agreed-upon services for the Trust.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· **Cohen & Company, Ltd.** Cohen & Company, Ltd. is the Fund's Independent Registered
Public Accounting Firm; therefore, its personnel have access to the Fund's portfolio holdings in connection with auditing of the
Fund's annual financial statements and providing assistance and consultation in connection with SEC filings.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· **Thompson Hine LLP.** Thompson Hine LLP is counsel to the Trust; therefore, its personnel have
access to the Fund's portfolio holdings in connection with the review of the Fund's annual and semi-annual financial statements and SEC
filings.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· **Counsel to the Trust's Independent Trustees.** Counsel to the Trust's Independent Trustees
and its personnel have access to the Fund's portfolio holdings in connection with the review of the Fund's annual and semi-annual financial
statements and SEC filings.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· **Derivatives Risk Consultant:** The Trust has engaged a derivatives risk consultant ("Consultant")
to consult with the Board , and the Adviser , regarding the effectiveness of derivatives risk management. The Consultant therefore may
have access to the Fund's portfolio holdings in order to provide such services to the Trust.

**Additions to List of Approved Recipients.** The Trust's Chief Compliance Officer is the person responsible, and whose prior approval is required, for any disclosure of the Fund's portfolio securities at any time or to any persons other than those described above. In such cases, the recipient must have a legitimate business need for the information and must be subject to a duty to keep the information confidential. There are no ongoing arrangements in place with respect to the disclosure of portfolio holdings. In no event shall the Fund, the Adviser or any other party receive any direct or indirect compensation in connection with the disclosure of information about the Fund's portfolio holdings.

**Compliance with Portfolio Holdings Disclosure Procedures.** The Trust's Chief Compliance Officer will report periodically to the Board with respect to compliance with the Fund's portfolio holdings disclosure procedures, and from time to time will provide the Board any updates to the portfolio holdings disclosure policies and procedures.

There is no assurance that the Trust's policies on disclosure of portfolio holdings will protect the Fund from the potential misuse of holdings information by individuals or firms in possession of that information.

**MANAGEMENT**

The business of the Trust is managed under the direction of the Board in accordance with the Agreement and Declaration of Trust and the Trust's By-laws (the "Governing Documents"), which have been filed with the SEC and are available upon request. The Board consists of six (6) individuals, all of whom are not "interested persons" (as defined under the 1940 Act) of the Trust and the Adviser ("Independent Trustees"). Pursuant to the Governing Documents, the Trustees shall elect officers including a President, a Secretary, a Treasurer, a Principal Executive Officer and a Principal Accounting Officer. The Board retains the power to conduct, operate and carry on the business of the Trust and has the power to incur and pay any expenses, which, in the opinion of the Board, are necessary or incidental to carry out any of the Trust's purposes. The Trustees, officers, employees and agents of the Trust, when acting in such capacities, shall not be subject to any personal liability except for his or her own bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard of his or her duties.

**Board Leadership Structure** 

The Trust is led by Anthony Hertl, an Independent Trustee, who has served as the Chairman of the Board since July 2013. The Board is comprised of Mr. Hertl and five (5) additional Independent Trustees. Additionally, under certain 1940 Act governance guidelines that apply to the Trust, the Independent Trustees will meet in executive session, at least quarterly. Under the Governing Documents, the Chairman of the Board is responsible for (a) presiding at Board meetings, (b) calling special meetings on an as-needed basis, (c) execution and administration of Trust policies including (i) setting the agendas for Board meetings and (ii) providing information to Board members in advance of each Board meeting and between Board meetings. Generally, the Trust believes it best to have a non-executive Chairman of the Board, who together with the President (principal executive officer), are seen by its shareholders, business partners and other stakeholders as providing strong leadership. The Trust believes that its Chairman, the independent chair of the Audit Committee, and, as an entity, the full Board, provide effective leadership that is in the best interests of the Trust, its Funds and each shareholder.

**Board Risk Oversight** 

The Board has a standing independent Audit Committee with a separate chair, Mark H. Taylor. The Board is responsible for overseeing risk management, and the full Board regularly engages in discussions of risk management and receives compliance reports that inform its oversight of risk management from its Chief Compliance Officer at quarterly meetings and on an ad hoc basis, when and if necessary. The Audit Committee considers financial and reporting risk within its area of responsibilities. Generally, the Board believes that its oversight of material risks is adequately maintained through the compliance reporting chain where the Chief Compliance Officer is primary recipient and communicator of such risk -related information.

**Trustee Qualifications** 

Generally, the Trust believes that each Trustee is competent to serve because of their individual overall merits including: (i) experience, (ii) qualifications, (iii) attributes and (iv) skills.

Anthony J. Hertl has over 20 years of business experience in the financial services industry and related fields including serving as chair of the finance committee for the Borough of Interlaken, New Jersey and Vice President-Finance and Administration of Marymount College, holds a Certified Public Accountant designation, serves or has served as a member of other mutual fund boards outside of the group of Funds managed by the Adviser (the "Fund Complex") and possesses a strong understanding of the regulatory framework under which investment companies must operate based on his years of service to this Board and other fund boards.

Gary W. Lanzen has over 20 years of business experience in the financial services industry, holds a Master's degree in Education Administration, is a Certified Financial Planner, serves as a member of two other mutual fund boards outside of the Fund Complex and possesses a strong understanding of the regulatory framework under which investment companies must operate based on his years of service to this Board and other mutual fund boards.

Mark H. Taylor holds PhD, Masters and Bachelors degrees in Accountancy, is a licensed Certified Public Accountant and has over 30 years of academic and professional experience in the accounting and auditing fields, all of which make him particularly qualified to chair the Trust's Audit Committee. Dr. Taylor is the Director of the Lynn Pippenger School of Accountancy at the Muma College of Business at the University of South Florida and served a three-year term as President of the American Accounting Association (AAA) (President-Elect 2022-2023, President 2023-2024; Past President 2024-2025). Dr. Taylor previously served as AAA Vice President-Finance, and as President of the Auditing Section of the AAA. Dr. Taylor serves as a member of three other mutual fund boards within the Northern Lights Fund Complex. He served a three-year term on the AICPA's Auditing Standards Board (2010-2012) and previously completed a fellowship in the Professional Practice Group of the Office of the Chief Accountant at the headquarters of the United States Securities Exchange Commission. Dr. Taylor is a member of two research teams that have received grants from the Center for Audit Quality to study how accounting firms' tone-at-the top messaging impacts audit performance and how auditors manage the process of auditing fair value measurements and other complex estimates in financial statements. Dr. Taylor has published extensively in leading academic accounting journals, has teaching interests in corporate governance and accounting policy as well as auditing and assurance services at the graduate and undergraduate levels, and possesses a strong understanding of the regulatory framework under which investment companies operate.

John V. Palancia has over 30 years of business experience in financial services industry including serving as the Director of Futures Operations for Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc. ("Merrill Lynch"). Mr. Palancia holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics. He also possesses a strong understanding of risk management, balance sheet analysis and the regulatory framework under which regulated financial entities must operate based on service to

Merrill Lynch. Additionally, he is well versed in the regulatory framework under which investment companies must operate and serves as a member of three other fund boards.

Mark D. Gersten has more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, having served in executive roles at AllianceBernstein LP and holding key industry positions at Prudential-Bache Securities and PriceWaterhouseCoopers. He also serves as a member of two other mutual fund boards outside of the Fund Complex. Mr. Gersten is a certified public accountant and holds an MBA in accounting. Like other Trustees, his experience has given him a strong understanding of the regulatory framework under which companies operate.

Mark S. Garbin has more than 30 years of experience in corporate balance sheet and income statement risk management for large asset managers, serving as Managing Principal of Coherent Capital Management LLC since 2007. Mr. Garbin has extensive derivatives experience and has provided consulting services to alternative asset managers. He is both a Chartered Financial Analyst and Professional Risk Manager charterholder and holds advanced degrees in international business. The Trust does not believe any one factor is determinative in assessing a Trustee's qualifications, but that the collective experience of each Trustee makes them each highly qualified.

The Trustees and the executive officers of the Trust are listed below with their present positions with the Trust and principal occupations over at least the last five years. The business address of each Trustee and Officer is 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246. All correspondence to the Trustees and Officers should be directed to c/o Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, P.O Box 46707, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246.

 ****

***Independent Trustees***

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name, Address and Year of Birth** | **Position/Term of Office\*** | **Principal Occupation During the Past Five Years** | **Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex\*\* Overseen by Trustee** | **Other Directorships held by Trustee During the Past Five Years** | **Other Directorships held by Trustee During the Past Five Years** |
| Mark Garbin<br> Born in 1951 | Trustee<br> Since 2013 | Managing Principal, Coherent Capital Management LLC<br> (since 2007). | 1 | 1 | Northern Lights Fund Trust (for series not affiliated with the Funds since 2013); Two Roads Shared Trust (since 2012); Forethought Variable Insurance Trust (since 2013); Northern Lights Variable Trust (since 2013); Carlyle Tactical Private Credit Fund (since March 2018); Caryle Credit Income Fund (September 2023); Independent Director OHA CLO Enhanced Equity II Genpar LLP (since June 2021); Caryle Credit Income Fund (since July 2023); and iDirect Private Markets Fund (2014-2025). |

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Mark D. Gersten<br> Born in 1950 | Trustee<br> Since 2013 | Independent Consultant<br> (since 2012). | 1 | Northern Lights Fund Trust (for series not affiliated with the Funds since 2013); Northern Lights Variable Trust (since 2013); Two Roads Shared Trust (since 2012); iDirect Private Markets Fund (since 2014); previously, Ramius Archview Credit; TPG Private Markets Fund (since 2025); iDirect Multi-Strategy Fund, LLC (since 2025); Morgan Stanley Private Markets and Alternatives Fund (since 2025) Distressed Fund (2015-2017); and Schroder Global Series Trust (2012 to 2017). |
| Anthony J. Hertl<br> Born in 1950 | Trustee<br> Since 2005; Chairman of the Board<br> since 2013 | Retired, previously held several positions in a major Wall Street firm including Capital Markets Controller, Director of Global Taxation, and CFO of the Specialty Finance Group.<br>| 1 | Northern Lights Fund Trust (for series not affiliated with the Funds since 2005); Northern Lights Variable Trust (since 2006); Alternative Strategies Fund (since 2010); Satuit Capital Management Trust (2007-2019).<br>|
| Gary W. Lanzen<br> Born in 1954 | Trustee<br> Since 2005 | Retired (since 2012). Formerly, Founder, President, and Chief Investment Officer, Orizon Investment Counsel, Inc.<br> (2000-2012). | 1 | Northern Lights Fund Trust (for series not affiliated with the Funds since 2005) Northern Lights Variable Trust (since 2006); AdvisorOne Funds (since 2003); Alternative Strategies Fund (2010-2025); and previously, CLA Strategic Allocation Fund (2014-2015).<br>|
| John V. Palancia<br> Born in 1954 | Trustee<br> Since 2011 | Retired (since 2011). Formerly, Director of Futures Operations, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc. (1975-2011). | 1 | Northern Lights Fund Trust (for series not affiliated with the Funds since 2011); Northern Lights Fund Trust III (since February 2012); Northern Lights Variable Trust (since 2011); and Alternative Strategies Fund (2012-2025). |

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Mark H. Taylor<br> Born in 1964 | Trustee<br> Since 2007; Chairman of the Audit Committee since 2013 | PhD (Accounting), CPA; Professor and Director, Lynn Pippenger School of Accountancy, Muma College of Business, University of South Florida (2019 – present); Professor and Department of Accountancy Chair, Case Western Reserve University (2009-2019); President, American Accounting Association (AAA) since August 2022 (President-Elect 2022-2023, President 2023-2024; Past President 2024-2025). AAA Vice President-Finance (2017-2020); President, Auditing Section of the AAA; Member, AICPA Auditing Standards Board (2009-2012); Academic Fellow, Office of the Chief Accountant, United States Securities Exchange Commission (2005-2006); Center for Audit Quality research grants (2014, 2012).<sub>1</sub> | Northern Lights Fund Trust (for series not affiliated with the Funds since 2007); Northern Lights Fund Trust III (since 2012); Northern Lights Variable Trust (since 2007); and Alternative Strategies Fund (2010-2025). |

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***<br> Officers***

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name, Address and Year of Birth** | **Position/Term of Office\*** | **Principal Occupation During the Past Five Years** | **Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex\*\* Overseen by Trustee** | **Other Directorships held by Trustee During the Past Five Years** |
| Kevin E. Wolf<br> Born in 1969 | President, Principal Executive Officer<br> Since June 2017<br>| Executive Vice President, Head of Client Strategies (since 2025); Executive Vice President, Head of Fund Administration, and Product; Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (2020-April 2025); Vice President of The Ultimus Group, LLC (since 2019); Executive Vice President, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (2019-2020); President, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (2012-2019); Treasurer of the Trust (2006-June 2017).<br>| N/A | N/A |

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Timothy Burdick<br> Born in 1986 | Vice President<br> Since November 2023 | Vice President and Senior Managing Counsel, Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (since 2023); Vice President and Managing Counsel, Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (2022-2023); Assistant Vice President and Counsel, Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (2019-2022).<br>| N/A |
| James Colantino<br> Born in 1969 | Treasurer, Principal Accounting Officer<br> Since June 2017 | Senior Vice President Fund Administration, Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (since 2020);<br> Senior Vice President Fund Administration, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (2012-2020); Assistant Treasurer of the Trust (2006-June 2017).<br>| N/A |
| Stephanie Shearer <br> Born in 1979 | Secretary<br> Since February 2017 | Assistant Secretary of the Trust (2012-February 2017);<br> Director, Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (since 2024); Associate Director, Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (2022- 2024); Manager of Legal Administration, Ultimus Fund Solutions (2020-2022); Manager of Legal Administration, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (2018-2020); Senior Paralegal, Gemini Fund Services, LLC<br> (2013 - 2018).<br>| N/A |
| Michael J. Nanosky<br> Born in 1966 | Chief Compliance Officer<br> Since January 2021<br>| Chief Compliance Officer, of the Trust<br> (since January 2021);<br> Vice President-Senior Compliance Officer, NLCS (since 2020); Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer for Williamsburg Investment Trust (2020-current);<br> Senior Vice President- Chief Compliance Officer, PNC Funds (2014-2019).<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp;N/A |

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\*The term of office for each Trustee and officer listed above will continue indefinitely until the individual resigns or is removed.

\*\*As of February 28, 2026, the Trust was comprised of 66 active funds managed by unaffiliated investment advisers. The term "Fund Complex" applies only to the Fund in the Trust advised by the Fund's Adviser. The Fund does not hold itself out as related to any other series within the Trust that is not advised by the Fund's Adviser.

***<u>Board Committees</u>***

<u>Audit Committee</u>

The Board has an Audit Committee that consists of Independent Trustees. The Audit Committee's responsibilities include: (i) recommending to the Board the selection, retention or termination of the Trust's independent auditors; (ii) reviewing with the independent auditors the scope, performance and anticipated cost of their audit; (iii) discussing with the independent auditors certain matters relating to the Trust's financial statements, including any adjustment to such financial statements recommended by such independent auditors, or any other results of any audit; (iv) reviewing on a periodic basis a formal written statement from the independent auditors with respect to their independence, discussing with the independent auditors any relationships or services disclosed in the statement that may impact the objectivity and independence of the Trust's independent auditors and recommending that the Board take appropriate action in response thereto to satisfy itself of the auditor's independence; and (v) considering the comments of the independent auditors and management's responses thereto with respect to the quality and adequacy of the Trust's accounting and financial reporting policies and practices and internal controls. The Audit Committee operates pursuant to an Audit Committee Charter. The Audit Committee is responsible for seeking and reviewing nominee candidates for consideration as Independent Trustees as is from time to time considered necessary or appropriate. The Audit Committee generally will not consider shareholder nominees. The Audit Committee is also responsible for reviewing and setting Independent Trustee compensation from time to time when considered necessary or appropriate. During the past fiscal year, the Audit Committee held eleven meetings.

***<u>Compensation</u>***

As of January 1, 2025, each Trustee who is not affiliated with the Trust or an investment adviser to any series of the Trust will receive a quarterly fee of $51,250, allocated among each of the various portfolios comprising the Trust and Northern Lights Variable Trust (together, the "Trusts"), a separate registrant that shares a common board with the Trust, for his attendance at the regularly scheduled meetings of the Board, to be paid in advance of each calendar quarter, as well as reimbursement for any reasonable expenses incurred. In addition to which, the Chairman of the Board receives a quarterly fee of $13,750 and the Audit Committee Chairman receives a quarterly fee of $10,000.

Prior to January 1, 2025, each Trustee who was not affiliated with the Trusts or an investment adviser to any series of the Trusts received a quarterly fee of $50,000, allocated among each of the various portfolios comprising the Trusts. In addition to the quarterly fees and reimbursements, the Chairman of the Board previously received a quarterly fee of $13,750 and the Audit Committee Chairman receives a quarterly fee of $10,000.

Additionally, in the event a meeting of the Board other than its regularly scheduled meetings (a "Special Meeting") is required, each Independent Trustee will receive a fee of $2,500 per Special Meeting, as well as reimbursement for any reasonable expenses incurred, to be paid by the relevant series of the Trust or its investment adviser depending on the circumstances necessitating the Special Meeting.

The table below details the amount of compensation the Trustees received from the Trust during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025. Each Independent Trustee attended all quarterly meetings during the period. The Trust does not have a bonus, profit sharing, pension or retirement plan.

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Name and Position** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**TransWestern Institutional Short Duration Government Bond Fund** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Pension or Retirement Benefits Accrued as Part of Funds Expenses** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Estimated Annual Benefits Upon Retirement** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Total Compensation from Fund Complex\* Paid to Directors** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Anthony J. Hertl | $2.922.07 |  |  | $2.922.07 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Gary Lanzen | $2460.69 |  |  | $2460.69 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mark H. Taylor | $2614.49 |  |  | $2614.49 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;John V. Palancia | $2460.69 |  |  | $2460.69 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mark D. Gersten | $2460.69 |  |  | $2460.69 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mark Garbin | $2460.69 |  |  | $2460.69 |

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\*The term "Fund Complex" includes the series of Trusts that are advised by the Adviser.

<u>Trustee Ownership</u>

The following table indicates the dollar range of equity securities that each Trustee beneficially owned in the Fund as of December 31, 2025.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| <br> **Name of Trustee** | **Dollar Range of Equity Securities in the Fund** | **Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity Securities in All Registered Investment Companies Overseen by Trustee in Family of Investment Companies** |
| Anthony J. Hertl |  |  |
| Gary Lanzen |  |  |
| John V. Palancia |  |  |
| Mark Taylor |  |  |
| Mark D. Gersten |  |  |
| Mark Garbin |  | $50001-$100000 |

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**Management Ownership**

As of April 2, 2026, the Trustees and officers, as a group, owned less than 1.00% of the Fund's outstanding shares and less than 1.00% of the Fund Complex's outstanding shares.

**CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS**

A principal shareholder is any person who owns of record or beneficially 5% or more of the outstanding shares of a fund. A control person is one who owns beneficially or through controlled companies more than 25% of the voting securities of a company or acknowledges the existence of control.

As of March 31, 2026, the following shareholders of record owned 5% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name & Address** | **Shares** | **Percentage of Fund** |
| Crest Forest Realty Corp<br> 71-02 Forest Avenue<br> Ridgewood, NY 11385<br>| 6270822 | 78.48% |
| First National Bank of Hugo<br> Randy C Younger Auth Agent<br> Shelly V Lofdahl Auth Agent<br> PO Box 158<br> Hugo, CO 80821-0158<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp;492902 | &nbsp;&nbsp;6.17% |
| First Bank and Trust Co<br> PO Box 147<br> Minden, NE 68959<br>| 703018 | 8.80% |

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**INVESTMENT ADVISER**

The Adviser of the Fund is de Koning and Company, LLC, doing business as TransWestern Capital Advisors, located at 37 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI 02840. Subject to the oversight and direction of the Trustees, the Adviser (directly or through the Sub-adviser) manages the Fund's securities and investments in accordance with the Fund's stated investment objectives, policies and restrictions, makes investment decisions and places orders to purchase and sell securities on behalf of the Fund. The Adviser provides investment advice to institutional investors such as banks and the Fund. The fee paid to the Adviser is governed by an investment advisory agreement (the "Advisory Agreement") between the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, and the Adviser. Kendrik de Koning is deemed to control the Adviser by virtue of his ownership of a majority of its interests.

Under the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser, under the oversight of the Board, agrees (directly or through the Sub-adviser) to invest the assets of the Fund in accordance with applicable law and the investment objective, policies and restrictions set forth in the Fund's current Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information, and subject to such further limitations as the Trust may from time to time impose by written notice to the Adviser. The Adviser shall act as the investment adviser to the Fund and, as such shall (directly or through the Sub-adviser) (i) obtain and evaluate such information relating to the economy, industries, business, securities markets and securities as it may deem necessary or useful in discharging its responsibilities here under, (ii) formulate a continuing program for the investment of the assets of the Fund in a manner consistent with its investment objective, policies and restrictions, and (iii) determine from time to time securities to be purchased, sold or retained by the Fund, and implement those decisions, including the selection of entities with or through which such purchases or sales are to be effected; provided, that the Adviser (directly or through the Sub-adviser) will place orders pursuant to its investment determinations either directly with the

issuer or with a broker or dealer, and if with a broker or dealer, (a) will attempt to obtain the best price and execution of its orders, and (b) may nevertheless in its discretion purchase and sell portfolio securities from and to brokers who provide the Adviser with research, analysis, advice and similar services and pay such brokers in return a higher commission or spread than may be charged by other brokers. The Adviser also provides the Fund with all necessary office facilities and personnel for servicing the Fund's investments, compensates all officers, Trustees and employees of the Trust who are officers, directors or employees of the Adviser, and all personnel of the Fund or the Adviser performing services relating to research, statistical and investment activities. The Advisory Agreement was initially approved by the Board, including by a majority of the Independent Trustees, at a meeting held on November 3, 2010 and was most recently renewed at a meeting held on December 17, 2025.

In addition, the Adviser, directly subject to the oversight of the Board, provides the management and administrative services necessary for the operation of the Fund. These services include providing facilities for maintaining the Trust's organization; supervising relations with custodians, transfer and pricing agents, accountants, underwriters and other persons dealing with the Fund; preparing all general shareholder communications and conducting shareholder relations; maintaining the Fund's records and the registration of the Fund's shares under federal securities laws and making necessary filings under state securities laws; developing management and shareholder services for the Fund; and furnishing reports, evaluations and analyses on a variety of subjects to the Trustees.

The following table sets forth the annual management fee rate payable by the Fund to the Adviser pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, expressed as a percentage of the Fund's average daily net assets:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Total<br> Management Fee** |
| TransWestern Institutional Short Duration<br> Government Bond Fund | 0.45% |

---

The Adviser has contractually agreed to reduce its fees and to reimburse expenses, if necessary, at least until April 30, 2027, to ensure that total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver and/or reimbursement (exclusive of any front-end or contingent deferred loads; brokerage fees and commissions; acquired fund fees and expenses; fees and expenses associated with instruments in other collective investment vehicles or derivative instruments (including for example options and swap fees and expenses); borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expense on securities sold short); taxes; and extraordinary expenses, such as litigation expenses (which may include indemnification of Fund officers and Trustees, and contractual indemnification of Fund service providers (other than the Adviser))), such that net annual fund operating expenses of the Fund do not exceed the percentages in the table below. Waiver/reimbursement is subject to possible recoupment from the Fund in future years on a rolling three-year basis (within three years after fees/expenses have been waived or reimbursed) if such recoupment can be achieved within the foregoing expense limits. No reimbursement amount will be paid to the Adviser in any fiscal quarter unless the Board has determined in

advance that a reimbursement is in the best interest of the Fund and its shareholders. Fee waiver and reimbursement arrangements can decrease the Fund's expenses and increase its performance.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Expense Cap** | **Minimum Duration** |
| TransWestern Institutional Short Duration Government Bond Fund | 0.65% | April 30, 2027 |

---

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, the Fund accrued $337,016 in advisory fees, of which $230,247 was waived by the Adviser. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, the Fund accrued $378,852 in advisory fees, of which $166,086 was waived by the Adviser. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, the Fund accrued $394,007 in advisory fees, of which $175,104 was waived by the Adviser. Expenses not expressly assumed by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement are paid by the Fund. Under the terms of the Advisory Agreement, the Fund is responsible for the payment of the following expenses among others: (a) the fees payable to the Adviser, (b) the fees and expenses of Trustees who are not affiliated persons of the Adviser (c) the fees and certain expenses of the Custodian (as defined under the section entitled "Custodian") and Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent (as defined under the section entitled "Transfer Agent"), including the cost of maintaining certain required records of the Fund and of pricing the Fund's shares, (d) the charges and expenses of legal counsel and independent accountants for the Fund, (e) brokerage commissions and any issue or transfer taxes chargeable to the Fund in connection with its securities transactions, (f) all taxes and corporate fees payable by the Fund to governmental agencies, (g) the fees of any trade association of which the Fund may be a member, (h) the cost of share certificates representing shares of the Fund, (i) the cost of fidelity and liability insurance, (j) the fees and expenses involved in registering and maintaining registration of the Fund and of its shares with the SEC, qualifying its shares under state securities laws, including the preparation and printing of the Fund's registration statements and prospectuses for such purposes, (k) all expenses of shareholders and Trustees' meetings (including travel expenses of trustees and officers of the Trust who are directors, officers or employees of the Adviser) and of preparing, printing and mailing reports, proxy statements and prospectuses to shareholders in the amount necessary for distribution to the shareholders, and (l) litigation and indemnification expenses and other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Trust's business.

The Advisory Agreement continued in effect for two (2) years initially and thereafter shall continue from year to year provided such continuance is approved at least annually by (a) a vote of the majority of the Independent Trustees, cast in person at a meeting specifically called for the purpose of voting on such approval and by (b) the majority vote of either all of the Trustees or the vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund. The Advisory Agreement may be terminated without penalty on 60 days' written notice by a vote of a majority of the Trustees or by the Adviser, or by holders of a majority of that Fund's outstanding shares. The Advisory Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.

**SUB-ADVISER**

Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P., located at One Financial Center, Boston, MA 02111, serves as Sub-adviser to the Fund. Subject to the authority of the Board and oversight by the Adviser, the Sub-adviser is responsible for day-to-day execution of the Fund's strategy and management of the Fund's investment portfolio according to the Fund's investment objective, policies and restrictions. The Sub-adviser is paid by the Adviser, not the Fund. The Sub-adviser advises institutional investors, such as investment companies and pension plans. Loomis, Sayles & Company, Incorporated is deemed to control the Sub-adviser by virtue of its status as general partner of the Sub-adviser. Additionally, the Sub-adviser is a Delaware limited partnership. The Sub-adviser's sole general partner, Loomis, Sayles & Company, Inc. is directly owned by Natixis Investment Managers, LLC. ("Natixis LLC"). Natixis LLC is an indirect subsidiary of Natixis Investment Managers, an international asset management group based in Paris, France, that is in turn owned by Natixis, a French investment banking and financial services firm. Natixis is wholly-owned by BPCE, France's second largest banking group. BPCE is owned by banks comprising two autonomous and complementary retail banking networks consisting of the Caisse d'Epargne regional savings banks and the Banque Populaire regional cooperative banks. The registered address of Natixis is 30, avenue Pierre Mendès France, 75013 Paris, France. The registered address of BPCE is 50, avenue Pierre Mendès France, 75013 Paris, France.

The Sub-Advisory Agreement provides that it will terminate in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act). The Sub-Advisory Agreement may be terminated by the Trust, the Adviser, or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, upon written notice to the Sub-adviser, or by the Sub-adviser upon at least 60 days' written notice. The Sub-Advisory Agreement provides that it will continue in effect for a period of more than one year from its execution only so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually in accordance with the requirements of the 1940 Act.

A discussion regarding the basis for the Board renewal of the Sub-advisory Agreement is available in the Fund's semi-annual shareholder report dated June 30, 2025.

***<u>Codes of Ethics</u>***

The Trust, the Adviser and the Sub-adviser each have adopted codes of ethics under Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act that governs the personal securities transactions of their board members, officers and employees who may have access to current trading information of the Trust. Under the Trust's Code, the Trustees are permitted to invest in securities that may also be purchased by the Fund.

In addition, the Trust has adopted a code of ethics, which applies only to the Trust's executive officers to ensure that these officers promote professional conduct in the practice of corporate governance and management. The purpose behind these guidelines is to promote i) honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships; ii) full, fair, accurate, timely, and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that a registrant files with, or submits to, the SEC and in other public communications made by the Fund; iii) compliance with applicable governmental laws, rule and regulations; iv) the prompt internal reporting of violations of this

Code to an appropriate person or persons identified in the Code; and v) accountability for adherence to the Code.

***<u>Proxy Voting Policies</u>***

The Board has adopted Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures ("Policies") on behalf of the Trust, which delegate the responsibility for voting proxies of securities held by the Fund to the Sub-adviser subject to the Board's continuing oversight. The Policies require that the Sub-adviser vote proxies received in a manner consistent with the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders. The Policies also require the Adviser (or Sub-adviser) to present to the Board, at least annually, the Sub-adviser's Proxy Voting Policies and a record of each proxy voted by the Sub-adviser) on behalf of a Fund, including a report on the resolution of all proxies identified by the Sub-adviser as involving a conflict of interest. A copy of the Sub-adviser's Proxy Voting Policies is attached hereto as Appendix A.

*More information*. Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities held by the Fund during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 will be available (1) without charge, upon request, by calling the Fund 1-855-881-2380; or sending an email to fulfillment@ultimusfundsolutions.com (2) on or through the Funds' website at www.TransWesternCapital.com; and (3) on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov. In addition, a copy of the Fund's proxy voting policies and procedures are also available by calling 1-855-881-2380 and will be sent within three business days of receipt of a request.

**PORTFOLIO MANAGERS** 

The Fund's portfolio managers are Clifton V. Rowe, Christopher T. Harms and Daniel Conklin. As of December 31, 2025, the portfolio managers were responsible for the management of the following types of accounts:

**Total Other Accounts Managed**

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| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Portfolio Manager | Registered Investment Company Accounts | Assets Managed<br> ($ billions)<br>| Pooled<br> Investment<br> Vehicle<br> Accounts | Assets Managed<br> ($ billions)<br>| Other<br> Accounts | Assets Managed<br> ($ billions)<br>|
| Clifton V. Rowe | 9\* | $10.41\* | 9 | $10.69 | 201 | $31.03 |
| Christopher T. Harms | 9\* | $10.41\* | 9 | $10.69 | 387 | $31.70 |
| Daniel Conklin | 9\* | $10.41\* | 9 | $10.69 | 197 | $31.04 |

---

\*Excludes the Fund's assets.

**Other Accounts Managed Subject to Performance-Based Fees**

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Portfolio Manager | Registered Investment Company Accounts | Assets<br> Managed<br> ($ millions) | Pooled<br> Investment<br> Vehicle<br> Accounts | Assets<br> Managed<br> ($ millions) | Other<br> Accounts | Assets Managed<br> ($ millions) |
| Clifton V. Rowe | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
| Christopher T. Harms | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
| Daniel Conklin | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |

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***Conflicts of Interest***

 ****

Conflicts of interest may arise in the allocation of investment opportunities and the allocation of aggregated orders among the Funds and other accounts managed by the Portfolio Managers. A Portfolio Manager potentially could give favorable treatment to some accounts for a variety of reasons, including favoring larger accounts, accounts that pay higher fees, accounts that pay performance-based fees, accounts of affiliated companies and accounts in which the Portfolio Manager has an interest. In addition, due to differences in the investment strategies or restrictions among the Fund(s) and a Portfolio Manager's other accounts, the Portfolio Manager may take action with respect to another account that differs from the action taken with respect to the Fund(s). Although such favorable treatment could lead to more favorable investment opportunities or allocations for some accounts and may appear to create additional conflicts of interest for the Portfolio Manager in the allocation of management time and resources, the Sub-adviser strives to ensure that Portfolio Managers endeavor to exercise their discretion in a manner that is equitable to all interested persons. Furthermore, the Sub-adviser makes investment decisions for all accounts (including institutional accounts, mutual funds, hedge funds and affiliated accounts) based on each account's investment objective, investment guidelines and restrictions, the availability of other comparable investment opportunities and the Sub-adviser's desire to treat all accounts fairly and equitably over time. The Sub-adviser maintains Trade Aggregation and Allocation Policies and Procedures to mitigate the effects of these potential conflicts as well as other types of conflicts of interest. However, there is no guarantee that such procedures will detect each and every situation where a conflict arises or that the Sub-adviser will treat all accounts identically. Conflicts of interest also arise to the extent a Portfolio Manager short sells a stock or otherwise takes a short position in one client account but holds that stock long in other accounts, including the Fund(s), or sells a stock for some accounts while buying the stock for others, and through the use of "soft dollar arrangements," which are discussed in the Sub-adviser's Brokerage Allocation Policies and Procedures and the Sub-adviser's Trade Aggregation and Allocation Policies and Procedures.

***Compensation***

 ****

The Sub-adviser believes that Portfolio Manager compensation should be driven primarily by the delivery of consistent and superior long-term performance for its clients. Although Portfolio Manager compensation is not directly tied to assets under management, a Portfolio Manager's base salary and/or bonus potential may reflect the amount of assets for which the manager is responsible relative to other Portfolio Managers. The annual bonus is incentive-based and generally represents a significant multiple of base salary. The bonus is based on three factors: investment performance, profit growth of the firm, and personal conduct. Investment performance is the primary component of the annual bonus and generally represents at least 60% of the total for fixed-income managers. The other factors are used to determine the remainder of the annual incentive bonus, subject to the discretion of the firm's Chief Investment Officer ("CIO") and senior management. The firm's CIO and senior management evaluate these other factors annually.

The investment performance component of the annual incentive bonus depends primarily on investment performance against benchmark and/or against peers within similar disciplines. The

score is based upon the product's institutional composite performance; however, adjustments may be made if there is significant dispersion among the returns of the composite and accounts not included in the composite. For most products, the product investment score compares the product's rolling three year performance over the past nine quarters (a five year view) against both a benchmark and a peer group established by the CIO. The scoring rewards both the aggregate excess performance of the product against a benchmark and the product's relative rank within a peer group. In addition, for fixed income products, the performance score rewards for the consistency of that outperformance and is enhanced if over the past five years it has kept its rolling three-year performance ahead of its benchmark. Portfolio Managers working on several product teams receive a final score based on the relative revenue weight of each product.

Portfolio Managers may also participate in the three segments of the long-term incentive program. The amount of the awards for each segment are dependent upon role, industry experience, team and firm profitability, and/or investment performance.

***General***

 ****

The core elements of the Sub-adviser compensation plan include a base salary, an annual incentive bonus, and, for senior investor and leadership roles, a long-term incentive bonus. The base salary is a fixed amount based on a combination of factors, including industry experience, firm experience, job performance and market considerations. The annual incentive bonus and long term incentive bonus is driven by a variety of factors depending upon the specific role. Factors include investment performance, individual performance, team and Firm profitability, role, and industry experience. Both the annual and long term bonus have a deferral component. The Sub-adviser has developed and implemented three long-term incentive plan segments to attract and retain investment talent.

For the senior-most investment roles, a Long Term Incentive Plan provides annual grants relative to the role, and includes a post retirement payment feature to incentivize effective succession management. Participation is contingent upon signing an award agreement, which includes a non-compete covenant. The second and third Long Term Incentive Plans are constructed to create mid- term alignment for key positions, including a two year deferral feature. The second plan is role based, and the third is team based which is more specifically dependent upon team profitability and/or investment performance.

In addition, the Sub-adviser also offers a profit sharing plan for all employees and a defined benefit plan for employees who joined the firm prior to May 3, 2003. The profit sharing contribution to the retirement plan of each employee is based on a percentage of base salary (up to a maximum amount). The defined benefit plan is based on years of service and base compensation (up to a maximum amount).

In addition, portfolio managers may also participate in the Sub-adviser deferred compensation plan which requires all the Sub-adviser employees to defer 50% of their annual bonus if in excess of a certain dollar amount, except for those the Sub-adviser employees who will be age 61 or older on the date the bonus is awarded. These amounts are deferred over a two year period with 50% being paid out one year from the bonus anniversary date and the second

50% being paid out two years from the bonus anniversary date. These deferrals are deposited into an investment account on the Sub-adviser employee's behalf, but the employee must be with the Sub-adviser on the vesting dates in order to receive the deferred bonus.

*Ownership.* 

The following table shows the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by the portfolio managers in the Fund as of December 31, 2025.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Name of Portfolio Manager** | **Dollar Range of Equity Securities in the Fund** |
| Clifton V. Rowe | None |
| Christopher T. Harms | None |
| Daniel Conklin | None |

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**ALLOCATION OF PORTFOLIO BROKERAGE**

Specific decisions to purchase or sell securities for the Fund are made by the portfolio managers, who are employees of the Sub-adviser. The Sub-adviser is authorized by the Trustees to allocate the orders placed by it on behalf of the Fund to brokers or dealers who may, but need not, provide research or statistical material or other services to the Fund or the Sub-adviser for the Fund's use. Such allocation is to be in such amounts and proportions as the Sub-adviser may determine.

In selecting a broker or dealer to execute each particular transaction, the Sub-adviser will take the following into consideration:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· the best net price available;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· the reliability, integrity and financial condition of the broker or dealer;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· the size of and difficulty in executing the order; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· the value of the expected contribution of the broker or dealer to the investment performance of the Fund on a continuing basis.

Brokers or dealers executing a portfolio transaction on behalf of the Fund may receive a commission in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for executing the transaction if the Sub-adviser determines in good faith that such commission is reasonable in relation to the value of brokerage, research and other services provided to the Fund. In allocating portfolio brokerage, the Sub-adviser may select brokers or dealers who also provide brokerage, research and other services to other accounts over which the Sub-adviser exercises investment discretion. Some of the services received as the result of Fund transactions may primarily benefit accounts other than the Fund's, while services received as the result of portfolio transactions effected on behalf of those other accounts may primarily benefit the Fund.

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, the Fund paid brokerage commissions of $0. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, the Fund paid brokerage commissions of $0. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, the Fund paid brokerage commissions of $0.

**PORTFOLIO TURNOVER**

The Fund's portfolio turnover rate is calculated by dividing the lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities for the fiscal year by the monthly average of the value of the portfolio securities owned by the Fund during the fiscal year. The calculation excludes from both the numerator and the denominator securities with maturities at the time of acquisition of one year or less. High portfolio turnover involves correspondingly greater brokerage commissions and other transaction costs, which will be borne directly by the Fund. A 100% turnover rate would occur if all of the Fund's portfolio securities were replaced once within a one-year period. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 208%. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 205%.

**OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS**

**Fund Administration, Fund Accounting and Transfer Agent Services**

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC ("UFS"), which has its principal office at 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246, serves as administrator, fund accountant and transfer agent for the Fund pursuant to a Fund Services Agreement (the "Agreement") with the Trust and subject to the supervision of the Board. UFS is primarily in the business of providing administrative, fund accounting and transfer agent services to retail and institutional mutual funds. UFS may also provide persons to serve as officers of the Fund. Such officers may be directors, officers or employees of UFS or its affiliates.

UFS may recommend the engagement of certain service providers, such as trading sub-advisors, securities lending agents and other service providers, to the Trust and advisers and sub-advisers of Funds in the Trust. UFS may receive a referral or revenue sharing fee from such service providers in connection with such engagements. Any agreement between the Trust and such service providers is subject to the approval of the Trustees.

Effective February 1, 2019, NorthStar Financial Services Group, LLC, the parent company of Gemini Fund Services, LLC and its affiliated companies including Northern Lights Distributors, LLC and Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC (collectively, the "Gemini Companies"), sold its interest in the Gemini Companies to a third party private equity firm that contemporaneously acquired Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (an independent mutual fund administration firm) and its affiliates (collectively, the "Ultimus Companies"). As a result of these separate transactions, the Gemini Companies and the Ultimus Companies are now indirectly owned through a common parent entity, The Ultimus Group, LLC.

The Agreement became effective on June 22, 2011 and remained in effect for two years from the applicable effective date for the Fund, and continues in effect for successive twelve-month periods provided that such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by a majority of the Board. The Agreement is terminable by the Board or UFS on 90 days' written notice and may be assigned by either party, provided that the Trust may not assign this

agreement without the prior written consent of UFS. The Agreement provides that UFS shall be without liability for any action reasonably taken or omitted pursuant to the Agreement.

Under the Agreement, UFS performs administrative services, including: (1) monitoring the performance of administrative and professional services rendered to the Trust by others service providers; (2) monitoring Fund holdings and operations for post-trade compliance with the Fund's registration statement and applicable laws and rules; (3) preparing and coordinating the printing of semi-annual and annual financial statements and tailored shareholder reports; (4) preparing selected management reports for performance and compliance analyses; (5) preparing and disseminating materials for and attending and participating in meetings of the Board; (6) determining income and capital gains available for distribution and calculating distributions required to meet regulatory, income, and excise tax requirements; (7) reviewing the Trust's federal, state, and local tax returns as prepared and signed by the Trust's independent public accountants; (8) preparing and maintaining the Trust's operating expense budget to determine proper expense accruals to be charged to each Fund to calculate its daily net asset value; (9) assisting in and monitoring the preparation, filing, printing and where applicable, dissemination to shareholders of amendments to the Trust's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, periodic reports to the Trustees, shareholders and the SEC, notices pursuant to Rule 24f-2, proxy materials and reports to the SEC on Forms N-CEN, N-CSR, N-PORT and N-PX; (10) coordinating the Trust's audits and examinations by assisting each Fund's independent public accountants; (11) determining, in consultation with others, the jurisdictions in which shares of the Trust shall be registered or qualified for sale and facilitating such registration or qualification; (12) monitoring sales of shares and ensure that the shares are properly and duly registered with the SEC; (13) monitoring the calculation of performance data for the Fund; (14) preparing, or cause to be prepared, expense and financial reports; (15) preparing authorizations for the payment of Trust expenses and pay, from Trust assets, all bills of the Trust; (16) providing information typically supplied in the investment company industry to companies that track or report price, performance or other information with respect to investment companies; (17) upon request, assisting each Fund in the evaluation and selection of other service providers, such as independent public accountants, printers, EDGAR providers and proxy solicitors (such parties may be affiliates of UFS) and (18) performing other services, recordkeeping and assistance relating to the affairs of the Trust as the Trust may, from time to time, reasonably request.

For the administrative services rendered to the Fund by UFS, the Fund pays UFS the greater of an annual minimum fee or an asset based fee, which scales downward based upon net assets. The Fund also pays UFS for any out-of-pocket expenses. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, the Fund paid $91,191 for administrative fees. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, the Fund paid $98,684 for administrative fees. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, the Fund paid $102,260 for administrative fees.

UFS also provides the Fund with accounting services, including: (i) computing Net asset Value ("NAV"); (ii) maintaining security ledgers and books and records as required by the 1940 Act; (iii) producing the Fund's listing of portfolio securities and general ledger reports; (iv) reconciliation of accounting records; (v) calculating yield and total return for the Fund; (vi) maintaining of certain books and records described in Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act, and

reconciliation of account information and balances among the Fund's custodian and Adviser; and (vii) monitoring and evaluating daily income and expense accruals, and sales and redemptions of shares of the Fund.

For the fund accounting services rendered to the Fund under the Agreement, the Fund pays UFS the greater of an annual fee or an asset based fee, which scales downward based upon net assets. The Fund also pays UFS for any out-of-pocket expenses. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, the Fund paid $30,689 for fund accounting fees. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, the Fund paid $18,353 for fund accounting fees. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, the Fund paid $38,393 for fund accounting fees.

UFS also acts as transfer, dividend disbursing, and shareholder servicing agent for the Fund pursuant to the Agreement. Under the Agreement, UFS is responsible for administering and performing transfer agent functions, dividend distribution, shareholder administration, and maintaining necessary records in accordance with applicable rules and regulations.

For the transfer agent services rendered to the Fund under the Agreement, the Fund pays UFS the greater of an annual minimum fee or an asset based fee, which scales downward based upon net assets. The Fund also pays UFS for any out-of-pocket expenses. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, the Fund paid $25,506 for transfer agency fees. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, the Fund paid $25,393 for transfer agency fees. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, the Fund paid $28,792 for transfer agency fees.

<u>Custodian</u>

U.S Bank, N.A., (the "Custodian"), 60 Livingston Ave. St. Paul, MN 55107-1419 serves as the custodian of the Fund's assets pursuant to a custody agreement by and between the Custodian and the Trust on behalf of the Fund (the "Custodian Agreement"). The Custodian's responsibilities include safeguarding and controlling the Fund's cash and securities, handling the receipt and delivery of securities, and collecting interest and dividends on the Fund's investments. Pursuant to the Custody Agreement, the Custodian also maintains original entry documents and books of record and general ledgers; posts cash receipts and disbursements; and records purchases and sales based upon communications from the Adviser. The Fund may employ foreign sub-custodians that are approved by the Board to hold foreign assets.

<u>Compliance Services</u> 

Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC ("NLCS"), 4221 North 203<sup>rd</sup> Street, Suite 100, Elkhorn, NE 68022, an affiliate of UFS and the Distributor, provides a Chief Compliance Officer to the Trust as well as related compliance services pursuant to a consulting agreement between NLCS and the Trust. NLCS's compliance services consist primarily of reviewing and assessing the policies and procedures of the Trust and its service providers pertaining to compliance with applicable federal securities laws, including Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act. For the compliance services rendered to the Fund, the Fund pays NLCS an annual fixed fee and an asset based fee, which scales downward based upon the Fund's net assets. The Fund also pays NLCS for any out-of-pocket expenses. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, the Fund paid $29,931 for compliance service fees. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, the Fund

paid $28,925 for compliance service fees. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, the Fund paid $33,694 for compliance service fees.

**DESCRIPTION OF SHARES**

Each share of beneficial interest of the Trust has one vote in the election of Trustees. Cumulative voting is not authorized for the Trust. This means that the holders of more than 50% of the shares voting for the election of Trustees can elect 100% of the Trustees if they choose to do so, and, in that event, the holders of the remaining shares will be unable to elect any Trustees.

Shareholders of the Trust and any other future series of the Trust will vote in the aggregate and not by series except as otherwise required by law or when the Board determines that the matter to be voted upon affects only the interest of the shareholders of a particular series. Matters such as ratification of the independent public accountants and election of Trustees are not subject to separate voting requirements and may be acted upon by shareholders of the Trust voting without regard to series.

The Trust is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest. Each share has equal dividend, distribution and liquidation rights. There are no conversion or preemptive rights applicable to any shares of the Fund. All shares issued are fully paid and non-assessable.

<u>12b-1 Plan</u>

The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, has adopted the Trust's Master Distribution Plan and Shareholder Servicing pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (the "Plan") pursuant to which the Fund is authorized to pay the Adviser, as compensation for Adviser's combined account maintenance and distribution fee at the rate of 0.10%, on an annualized basis of the average net assets attributable to shares of the Fund. Such fees are to be paid by the Fund monthly, or at such other intervals as the Board shall determine. Such fees shall be based upon the Fund's average daily net assets during the preceding month, and shall be calculated and accrued daily. The Fund may pay fees to the Adviser at a lesser rate, as agreed upon by the Board and the Adviser. The Rule 12b-1 Plan authorizes payments to the Adviser as compensation for providing account maintenance services to Fund shareholders, including arranging for certain securities dealers or brokers, administrators and others ("Recipients") to provide these services and paying compensation for these services. The Fund will bear its own costs of distribution with respect to its shares.

The services to be provided by Recipients may include, but are not limited to, the following: assisting in the offering and sale of Fund shares and in other aspects of the marketing of the shares to clients or prospective clients of the respective recipients; answering routine inquiries concerning the Fund; assisting in the establishment and maintenance of accounts or sub-accounts in the Fund and in processing purchase and redemption transactions; and providing such other information and services to investors in shares of the Fund as the Adviser or the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, may reasonably request. The distribution services shall also include any advertising and marketing services provided by or arranged by the Adviser with respect to the

Fund. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, the Fund paid $87,557 in distribution related fees pursuant to the Plan. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, the Fund paid $84,189 in distribution related fees pursuant to the Plan. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, the Fund paid $74,892 in distribution related fees pursuant to the Plan.

**12b-1 Expenditures Paid by Fund**

**Shares During the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2025**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | **Total Dollars Allocated** |
| Advertising/Marketing | $37930 |
| Printing/Postage | $1821 |
| Payment to distributor |  |
| Payment to dealers | $35141 |
| Compensation to sales personnel |  |
| Other |  |
| **Total** | **$74892** |

---

**12b-1 Expenditures Paid by Fund**

**Shares During the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2024**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | **Total Dollars Allocated** |
| Advertising/Marketing | $27119 |
| Printing/Postage | $3012 |
| Payment to distributor |  |
| Payment to dealers | $54058 |
| Compensation to sales personnel |  |
| Other |  |
| **Total** | **$84189** |

---

**12b-1 Expenditures Paid by Fund**

**Shares During the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2023**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | **Total Dollars Allocated** |
| Advertising/Marketing | $20305 |
| Printing/Postage | $2062 |
| Payment to distributor |  |
| Payment to dealers | $65190 |
| Compensation to sales personnel |  |
| Other |  |
| **Total** | **$87557** |

---

The Adviser is required to provide a written report, at least quarterly to the Board, specifying in reasonable detail the amounts expended pursuant to the Rule 12b-1 Plan and the purposes for which such expenditures were made. Further, the Adviser will inform the Board of any Rule 12b-1 fees to be paid by the Adviser to Recipients.

The Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount of the Adviser's compensation to be paid by the Fund, unless such amendment is approved by the vote of a

majority of the outstanding voting securities of the affected class of a Fund (as defined in the 1940 Act). All material amendments must be approved by a majority of the Board and a majority of the Trustees of the Fund who are not "interested persons" of the Fund as defined in the 1940 Act, and do not have a direct or indirect financial interest in the operations of the Plan or any agreements related to it (the "Rule 12b-1 Trustees") by votes cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on a Rule 12b-1 Plan. During the term of the Plan, the selection and nomination of non-interested Trustees of the Trust will be committed to the discretion of current non-interested Trustees. The Trust will preserve copies of the Plan, any related agreements, and all reports, for a period of not less than six years from the date of such document and for at least the first two years in an easily accessible place.

Any agreement related to the Plan will be in writing and provide that: (a) it may be terminated by the Trust or the applicable Fund at any time upon sixty days' written notice, without the payment of any penalty, by vote of a majority of the respective Rule 12b-1 Trustees, or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Trust or the Fund; (b) it will automatically terminate in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act); and (c) it will continue in effect for a period of more than one year from the date of its execution or adoption only so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by a majority of the Board and a majority of the Rule 12b-1 Trustees by votes cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such agreement.

**ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING PROGRAM**

The Trust has established an Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Program (the "Program") as required by Section 352 the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 ("USA PATRIOT Act"). To ensure compliance with this law, the Trust's Program is written and has been approved the Board . The Program provides for the development of policies, procedures and internal controls reasonably designed to prevent money laundering, the designation of an anti-money laundering compliance officer who is responsible for implementing and monitoring the Program, an ongoing anti-money laundering training for appropriate persons and an independent audit function to determine the effectiveness of the Program.

Procedures to implement the Program include, but are not limited to, determining that the Transfer Agent has established reasonable anti-money laundering procedures, have reported suspicious and/or fraudulent activity and have completed thorough reviews of all new opening account applications. The Trust will not transact business with any person or entity whose identity cannot be adequately verified under the provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act.

As a result of the Program, the Trust may be required to "freeze" the account of a shareholder if the shareholder appears to be involved in suspicious activity or if certain account information matches information on government lists of known terrorists or other suspicious persons, or the Trust may be required to transfer the account or proceeds of the account to a governmental agency.

**PURCHASE, REDEMPTION AND PRICING OF SHARES**

<u>Calculation of Share Price</u>

As indicated in the Prospectus under the heading "How Shares are Priced", the NAV of the Fund's shares is determined by dividing the total value of the Fund's portfolio investments and other assets, less any liabilities, by the total number of shares outstanding of the Fund.

Generally, the Fund's domestic securities (including underlying ETFs which hold portfolio securities primarily listed on foreign (non-U.S.) exchanges) are valued each day at the last quoted sales price on each security's primary exchange. Securities traded or dealt in upon one or more securities exchanges for which market quotations are readily available and not subject to restrictions against resale shall be valued at the last quoted sales price on the primary exchange or, in the absence of a sale on the primary exchange, at the mean between the current bid and ask prices on such exchange. Securities primarily traded in the National Association of Securities Dealers' Automated Quotation System ("NASDAQ") National Market System for which market quotations are readily available shall be valued using the NASDAQ Official Closing Price. If market quotations are not readily available, securities will be valued at their fair market value as determined in good faith by the Adviser committee in accordance with procedures approved by the Board and as further described below. Securities that are not traded or dealt in any securities exchange (whether domestic or foreign) and for which over-the-counter market quotations are readily available generally shall be valued at the last sale price or, in the absence of a sale, at the mean between the current bid and ask price on such over-the- counter market.

Certain securities or investments for which daily market quotes are not readily available may be valued, pursuant to guidelines established by the Board, with reference to other securities or indices. Debt securities not traded on an exchange may be valued at prices supplied by a pricing agent(s) based on broker or dealer supplied valuations or matrix pricing, a method of valuing securities by reference to the value of other securities with similar characteristics, such as rating, interest rate and maturity. Short-term investments having a maturity of 60 days or less may be generally valued at amortized cost. Other securities for which market quotes are not readily available are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Board or persons acting at their direction. Swap agreements and other derivatives are generally valued daily based upon quotations from market makers or by a pricing service in accordance with the valuation procedures approved by the Board.

Under certain circumstances, the Fund may use an independent pricing service to calculate the fair market value of foreign equity securities on a daily basis by applying valuation factors to the last sale price or the mean price as noted above. The fair market values supplied by the independent pricing service will generally reflect market trading that occurs after the close of the applicable foreign markets of comparable securities or the value of other instruments that have a strong correlation to the fair-valued securities. The independent pricing service will also take into account the current relevant currency exchange rate. A security that is fair valued may be valued at a price higher or lower than actual market quotations or the value determined by other funds using their own fair valuation procedures. Because foreign securities may trade on

days when Fund shares are not priced, the value of securities held by the Fund can change on days when Fund shares cannot be redeemed or purchased. In the event that a foreign security's market quotations are not readily available or are deemed unreliable (for reasons other than because the foreign exchange on which it trades closed before the Fund's calculation of NAV), the security will be valued at its fair market value as determined in good faith by the Fund's Adviser in accordance with procedures approved by the Board as discussed below. Without fair valuation, it is possible that short-term traders could take advantage of the arbitrage opportunity and dilute the NAV of long-term investors. Fair valuation of the Fund's portfolio securities can serve to reduce arbitrage opportunities available to short-term traders, but there is no assurance that it will prevent dilution of the Fund's NAV by short-term traders. In addition, because the Fund may invest in underlying ETFs which hold portfolio securities primarily listed on foreign (non-U.S.) exchanges, and these exchanges may trade on weekends or other days when the underlying ETFs do not price their shares, the value of these portfolio securities may change on days when you may not be able to buy or sell Fund shares.

Investments initially valued in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are converted to U.S. dollars using exchange rates obtained from pricing services. As a result, the NAV of the Fund's shares may be affected by changes in the value of currencies in relation to the U.S. dollar. The value of securities traded in markets outside the United States or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar may be affected significantly on a day that the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is closed and an investor is not able to purchase, redeem or exchange shares.

Fund shares are valued at the close of regular trading on the NYSE (normally 4:00 p.m., Eastern time) (the "NYSE Close") on each day that the NYSE is open. For purposes of calculating the NAV, the Fund normally uses pricing data for domestic equity securities received shortly after the NYSE Close and does not normally take into account trading, clearances or settlements that take place after the NYSE Close. Domestic fixed income and foreign securities are normally priced using data reflecting the earlier closing of the principal markets for those securities. Information that becomes known to the Fund or its agents after the NAV has been calculated on a particular day will not generally be used to retroactively adjust the price of the security or the NAV determined earlier that day.

When market quotations are insufficient or not readily available, the Fund may value securities at fair value or estimate their value as determined in good faith by the Board or its designees, pursuant to procedures approved by the Board. Fair valuation may also be used by the Board if extraordinary events occur after the close of the relevant market but prior to the NYSE Close.

The Fund may hold temporarily illiquid securities, for which market quotations are not readily available or are determined to be unreliable. These securities will be valued at their fair market value as determined using the "fair value" procedures approved by the Board. The Board has the designated the Adviser as its "Valuation Designee" to execute these procedures. The Adviser may also enlist third party consultants such as an audit firm or financial officer of a security issuer on an as-needed basis to assist in determining a security-specific fair value. The Board reviews and ratifies the execution of this process and the resultant fair value prices at least quarterly to ensure the process produces reliable results.

<u>Valuation Process</u>. Fair value determinations are required for the following securities: (i) securities for which market quotations are insufficient or not readily available on a particular business day (including securities for which there is a short and temporary lapse in the provision of a price by the regular pricing source), (ii) securities for which, in the judgment of the Adviser or Sub-adviser, the prices or values available do not represent the fair value of the instrument. Factors which may cause the Adviser or Sub-adviser to make such a judgment include, but are not limited to, the following: only a bid price or an asked price is available; the spread between bid and asked prices is substantial; the frequency of sales; the thinness of the market; the size of reported trades; and actions of the securities markets, such as the suspension or limitation of trading; (iii) securities determined to be illiquid; (iv) securities with respect to which an event that will affect the value thereof has occurred (a "significant event") since the closing prices were established on the principal exchange on which they are traded, but prior to the Fund's calculation of its net asset value. Specifically, interests in commodity pools or managed futures pools are valued on a daily basis by reference to the closing market prices of each futures contract or other asset held by a pool, as adjusted for pool expenses. Restricted or illiquid securities, such as private placements or non-traded securities are valued via inputs from the Adviser or Sub-adviser valuation based upon the current bid for the security from two or more independent dealers or other parties reasonably familiar with the facts and circumstances of the security (who should take into consideration all relevant factors as may be appropriate under the circumstances). If the Adviser or Sub-adviser is unable to obtain a current bid from such independent dealers or other independent parties, the Adviser shall determine the fair value of such security using the following factors: (i) the type of security; (ii) the cost at date of purchase; (iii) the size and nature of the Fund's holdings; (iv) the discount from market value of unrestricted securities of the same class at the time of purchase and subsequent thereto; (v) information as to any transactions or offers with respect to the security; (vi) the nature and duration of restrictions on disposition of the security and the existence of any registration rights; (vii) how the yield of the security compares to similar securities of companies of similar or equal creditworthiness; (viii) the level of recent trades of similar or comparable securities; (ix) the liquidity characteristics of the security; (x) current market conditions; and (xi) the market value of any securities into which the security is convertible or exchangeable.

<u>Standards For Fair Value Determinations</u>. As a general principle, the fair value of a security is the amount that a Fund might reasonably expect to realize upon its current sale. The Trust has adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Codification Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures ("ASC 820"). In accordance with ASC 820, fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive upon selling an investment in a timely transaction to an independent buyer in the principal or most advantageous market of the investment. ASC 820 establishes a three-tier hierarchy to maximize the use of observable market data and minimize the use of unobservable inputs and to establish classification of fair value measurements for disclosure purposes. Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk, for example, the risk inherent in a particular valuation technique used to measure fair value including such a pricing model and/or the risk inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique. Inputs may be observable or unobservable. Observable inputs are inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the reporting entity's own assumptions about the assumptions market

participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, developed based on the best information available under the circumstances.

Various inputs are used in determining the value of each Fund's investments relating to ASC 820. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below.

Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.

Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)

Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs (including a Fund's own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

The Adviser takes into account the relevant factors and surrounding circumstances, which may include: (i) the nature and pricing history (if any) of the security; (ii) whether any dealer quotations for the security are available; (iii) possible valuation methodologies that could be used to determine the fair value of the security; (iv) the recommendation of a portfolio manager of the Fund with respect to the valuation of the security; (v) whether the same or similar securities are held by other Funds managed by the Adviser (or Sub-adviser) or other Funds and the method used to price the security in those Funds; (vi) the extent to which the fair value to be determined for the security will result from the use of data or formulae produced by independent third parties and (vii) the liquidity or illiquidity of the market for the security.

<u>Board Determination</u>. The Board meets at least quarterly to consider the valuations provided by the Adviser and to ratify the valuations for the applicable securities. The Board considers the reports provided by the Adviser, including follow up studies of subsequent market-provided prices when available, in reviewing and determining in good faith the fair value of the applicable portfolio securities.

The Trust expects that the NYSE will be closed on the following holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, , Memorial Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

<u>Purchase of Shares</u> 

Orders for shares received by the Fund in good order prior to the close of business on the NYSE on each day during such periods that the NYSE is open for trading are priced at NAV per share or offering price (NAV plus a sales charge, if applicable) computed as of the close of the regular session of trading on the NYSE. Orders received in good order after the close of the NYSE, or on a day it is not open for trading, are priced at the close of such NYSE on the next day on which it is open for trading at the next determined NAV or offering price per share.

<u>Notice to Texas Shareholders</u>

Under section 72.1021(a) of the Texas Property Code, initial investors in a Fund who are Texas residents may designate a representative to receive notices of abandoned property in connection with Fund shares. Texas shareholders who wish to appoint a representative should notify the Trust's Transfer Agent by writing to the address below to obtain a form for providing written notice to the Trust:

TransWestern Institutional Short Duration Government Bond Fund

c/o Ultimus Fund Services, LLC

Regular/Express Mail

P.O. Box 46707

Cincinnati, OH 45246

or overnight to

225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450

Cincinnati, OH 45246

<u>Redemption of Shares</u> 

The Fund will redeem all or any portion of a shareholder's shares in the Fund when requested in accordance with the procedures set forth in the "Redemptions" section of the Prospectus. Under the 1940 Act, a shareholder's right to redeem shares and to receive payment therefore may be suspended at times:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) when the NYSE is closed, other than customary weekend and holiday closings;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) when trading on that exchange is restricted for any reason;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) when an emergency exists as a result of which disposal by the Fund of securities owned by it is not reasonably
practicable or it is not reasonably practicable for the Fund fairly to determine the value of its net assets, provided that applicable
rules and regulations of the SEC (or any succeeding governmental authority) will govern as to whether the conditions prescribed in (b)
or (c) exist; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) when the SEC by order permits a suspension of the right to redemption or a postponement of the date of
payment on redemption.

In case of suspension of the right of redemption, payment of a redemption request will be made based on the NAV next determined after the termination of the suspension.

The Fund may purchase shares of Underlying Funds which charge a redemption fee to shareholders (such as the Fund) that redeem shares of the Underlying Fund within a certain period of time (such as one year). The fee is payable to the Underlying Fund. Accordingly, if the Fund were to invest in an Underlying Fund and incur a redemption fee as a result of redeeming shares in such Underlying Fund, the Fund would bear such redemption fee. The Fund will not, however, invest in shares of an Underlying Fund that is sold with a contingent deferred sales load.

Supporting documents in addition to those listed under "Redemptions" in the Prospectus will be required from executors, administrators, Trustees, or if redemption is requested by

someone other than the shareholder of record. Such documents include, but are not restricted to, stock powers, Trust instruments, certificates of death, appointments as executor, certificates of corporate authority and waiver of tax required in some states when settling estates.

<u>Redemption Fee</u>

The Fund will deduct a 0.25% redemption fee on your redemption amount if you sell your shares after holding them for less than 30 days. Shares held the longest amount of time will be treated as being redeemed first and shares held the shortest amount of time as being redeemed last. Shares held for 30 days or more are not subject to the 0.25% fee. Redemption fees are paid to the Fund directly and are designed to offset costs associated with fluctuations in Fund asset levels and cash flow caused by short-term shareholder trading.

*Waivers of Redemption Fees:* The Fund has elected not to impose the redemption fee for:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· redemptions and exchanges of Fund shares acquired through the reinvestment of dividends and distributions;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· certain types of redemptions and exchanges of Fund shares owned through participant-directed retirement plans;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· redemptions or exchanges in discretionary asset allocation, fee based or wrap programs ("wrap programs") that are initiated by the sponsor/financial adviser as part of a periodic rebalancing;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· redemptions or exchanges in a fee based or wrap program that are made as a result of a full withdrawal from the wrap program or as part of a systematic withdrawal plan;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· involuntary redemptions, such as those resulting from a shareholder's failure to maintain a minimum investment in the Fund, or to pay shareholder fees; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· other types of redemptions as the Adviser or the Trust may determine in special situations and approved by the Fund's or the Adviser's Chief Compliance Officer.

**TAX STATUS**

The following discussion is general in nature and should not be regarded as an exhaustive presentation of all possible tax ramifications. All shareholders should consult a qualified tax adviser regarding their investment in the Fund.

The Fund intends to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Tax Code"), which requires compliance with certain requirements concerning the sources of its income, diversification of its assets, and the amount and timing of its distributions to shareholders. Such qualification does not involve supervision of management or investment practices or policies by any government agency or bureau. By so qualifying, the Fund should not be subject to federal income or excise tax on its net investment income or net capital gain, which are distributed to shareholders in accordance with the applicable timing requirements. Net investment income and net capital gain of the Fund will be computed in accordance with Section 852 of the Tax Code.

Net investment income is made up of dividends and interest less expenses. Net capital gain for a fiscal year is computed by taking into account any capital loss carryforward of the

Fund. Capital losses incurred in tax years beginning after December 22, 2010 may now be carried forward indefinitely and retain the character of the original loss. Under previously enacted laws, capital losses could be carried forward to offset any capital gains for only eight years, and carried forward as short-term capital losses, irrespective of the character of the original loss. Capital loss carry forwards are available to offset future realized capital gains. To the extent that these carry forwards are used to offset future capital gains it is probable that the amount offset will not be distributed to shareholders.

At December 31, 2025, the Fund had capital loss carry forwards for federal income tax purposes available to offset future capital gains as follows:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Non-Expiring**<br>**Short-Term** | **Non-Expiring**<br>**Long-Term** | **Total** | **CLCF Utilized** |
| $10125775 | $21372600 | $31498375 | $14901 |

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The Fund intends to distribute all of its net investment income, any excess of net short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses, and any excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses in accordance with the timing requirements imposed by the Code and therefore should not be required to pay any federal income or excise taxes. Distributions of net investment income and net capital gain will be made after the end of each fiscal year, and no later than December 31 of each year. Both types of distributions will be in shares of the Fund unless a shareholder elects to receive cash.

To be treated as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Tax Code, the Fund must also (a) derive at least 90% of its gross income from dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities loans, net income from certain publicly traded partnerships and gains from the sale or other disposition of securities or foreign currencies, or other income derived with respect to the business of investing in such securities or currencies, and (b) diversify its holding so that, at the end of each fiscal quarter, (i) at least 50% of the market value of the Fund's assets is represented by cash, U.S. government securities and securities of other regulated investment companies, and other securities (for purposes of this calculation, generally limited in respect of any one issuer, to an amount not greater than 5% of the market value of the Fund's assets and 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer) and (ii) not more than 25% of the value of its assets is invested in the securities of (other than U.S. government securities or the securities of other regulated investment companies) any one issuer, two or more issuers which the Fund controls and which are determined to be engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses, or the securities of certain publicly traded partnerships.

If the Fund fails to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M in any fiscal year, it will be treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes. As such the Fund would be required to pay income taxes on its net investment income and net realized capital gains, if any, at the rates generally applicable to corporations. Shareholders of the Fund generally would not be liable for income tax on the Fund's net investment income or net realized capital gains in their individual capacities. Distributions to shareholders, whether from the Fund's net investment income or net realized capital gains, would be treated as taxable dividends to the extent of current or accumulated earnings and profits of the Fund.

The Fund is subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax on certain undistributed amounts of ordinary income and capital gain under a prescribed formula contained in Section 4982 of the Tax Code. The formula requires payment to shareholders during a calendar year of distributions representing at least 98% of the Fund's ordinary income for the calendar year and at least 98.2% of its capital gain net income (i.e., the excess of its capital gains over capital losses) realized during the one-year period ending October 31 during such year plus 100% of any income that was neither distributed nor taxed to the Fund during the preceding calendar year. Under ordinary circumstances, the Fund expects to time its distributions so as to avoid liability for this tax.

The following discussion of tax consequences is for the general information of shareholders that are subject to tax. Shareholders that are IRAs or other qualified retirement plans are exempt from income taxation under the Tax Code.

Distributions of taxable net investment income and the excess of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss are taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. In most cases the Fund will hold shares in Underlying Funds for less than 12 months, such that its sales of such shares from time to time will not qualify as long-term capital gains for those investors who hold shares of the Fund in taxable accounts.

Distributions of net capital gain ("capital gain dividends") generally are taxable to shareholders as short-term capital gain; regardless of the length of time the shares of the Trust have been held by such shareholders.

For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012, certain U.S. shareholders, including individuals and estates and trusts, will be subject to an additional 3.8% Medicare tax on all or a portion of their "net investment income," which should include dividends from the Fund and net gains from the disposition of shares of the Fund. U.S. Shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisers regarding the implications of the additional Medicare tax resulting from an investment in the Fund.

Redemption of Fund shares by a shareholder will result in the recognition of taxable gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized and the shareholder's tax basis in his or her Fund shares. Such gain or loss is treated as a capital gain or loss if the shares are held as capital assets. However, any loss realized upon the redemption of shares within six months from the date of their purchase will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any amounts treated as capital gain dividends during such six-month period. All or a portion of any loss realized upon the redemption of shares may be disallowed to the extent shares are purchased (including shares acquired by means of reinvested dividends) within 30 days before or after such redemption.

Distributions of taxable net investment income and net capital gain will be taxable as described above, whether received in additional cash or shares. Shareholders electing to reinvest distributions in the form of additional shares will have a cost basis for federal income tax purposes in each share so received equal to the net asset value of a share on the reinvestment date.

All distributions of taxable net investment income and net capital gain, whether received in shares or in cash, must be reported by each taxable shareholder on his or her federal income tax return. Dividends or distributions declared in October, November or December as of a record date in such a month, if any, will be deemed to have been received by shareholders on December 31, if paid during January of the following year. Redemptions of shares may result in tax consequences (gain or loss) to the shareholder and are also subject to these reporting requirements.

Under the Tax Code, the Fund will be required to report to the Internal Revenue Service all distributions of taxable income and capital gains as well as gross proceeds from the redemption or exchange of Fund shares, except in the case of certain exempt shareholders. Under the backup withholding provisions of Section 3406 of the Tax Code, distributions of taxable net investment income and net capital gain and proceeds from the redemption or exchange of the shares of a regulated investment company may be subject to withholding of federal income tax in the case of non-exempt shareholders who fail to furnish the investment company with their taxpayer identification numbers and with required certifications regarding their status under the federal income tax law, or if the Fund is notified by the IRS or a broker that withholding is required due to an incorrect TIN or a previous failure to report taxable interest or dividends. If the withholding provisions are applicable, any such distributions and proceeds, whether taken in cash or reinvested in additional shares, will be reduced by the amounts required to be withheld.

Payments to a shareholder that is either a foreign financial institution ("FFI") or a non-financial foreign entity ("NFFE") within the meaning of the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act ("FATCA") may be subject to a generally nonrefundable 30% withholding tax on: (a) income dividends paid by a Fund after June 30, 2014 and (b) certain capital gain distributions and the proceeds arising from the sale of Fund shares paid by the Fund after December 31, 2016. FATCA withholding tax generally can be avoided: (a) by an FFI, subject to any applicable intergovernmental agreement or other exemption, if it enters into a valid agreement with the IRS to, among other requirements, report required information about certain direct and indirect ownership of foreign financial accounts held by U.S. persons with the FFI and (b) by an NFFE, if it: (i) certifies that it has no substantial U.S. persons as owners or (ii) if it does have such owners, reports information relating to them. A Fund may disclose the information that it receives from its shareholders to the IRS, non-U.S. taxing authorities or other parties as necessary to comply with FATCA. Withholding also may be required if a foreign entity that is a shareholder of a Fund fails to provide the Fund with appropriate certifications or other documentation concerning its status under FATCA.

<u>Original Issue Discount and Pay-In-Kind Securities</u>

Current federal tax law requires the holder of a U.S. Treasury or other fixed income zero coupon security to accrue as income each year a portion of the discount at which the security was purchased, even though the holder receives no interest payment in cash on the security during the year. In addition, pay-in-kind securities will give rise to income, which is required to be distributed and is taxable even though the Fund holding the security receives no interest payment in cash on the security during the year.

Some of the debt securities (with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance) that may be acquired by the Fund may be treated as debt securities that are issued originally at a discount. Generally, the amount of the original issue discount ("OID") is treated as interest income and is included in income over the term of the debt security, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, usually when the debt security matures.

Some of the debt securities (with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance) that may be acquired by the Fund in the secondary market may be treated as having market discount. Generally, any gain recognized on the disposition of, and any partial payment of principal on, a debt security having market discount is treated as ordinary income to the extent the gain, or principal payment, does not exceed the "accrued market discount" on such debt security. Market discount generally accrues in equal daily installments. The Fund may make one or more of the elections applicable to debt securities having market discount, which could affect the character and timing of recognition of income.

Some debt securities (with a fixed maturity date of one year or less from the date of issuance) that may be acquired by the Fund may be treated as having acquisition discount, or OID in the case of certain types of debt securities. Generally, the Fund will be required to include the acquisition discount, or OID, in income over the term of the debt security, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, usually when the debt security matures. The Fund may make one or more of the elections applicable to debt securities having OID, which could affect the character and timing of recognition of income.

If the Fund holds the foregoing kinds of securities, it may be required to pay out as an income distribution each year an amount that is greater than the total amount of cash interest the Fund actually received. Such distributions may be made from the cash assets of the Fund or by liquidation of portfolio securities, if necessary (including when it is not advantageous to do so). The Fund may realize gains or losses from such liquidations. In the event the Fund realizes net capital gains from such transactions, its shareholders may receive a larger capital gain distribution, if any, than they would in the absence of such transactions.

Shareholders of the Fund may be subject to state and local taxes on distributions received from the Fund and on redemptions of the Fund's shares.

A brief explanation of the form and character of the distribution accompany each distribution. In January of each year the Fund issues to each shareholder a statement of the federal income tax status of all distributions.

Shareholders should consult their tax advisers about the application of federal, state and local and foreign tax law in light of their particular situation.

**INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cohen & Company, Ltd., located at 1350 Euclid Ave., Suite 800 Cleveland, OH 44115 serves as the Fund's independent registered public accounting firm. Its services include auditing of the Fund's financial statements. Cohen & Co Advisory, LLC, an affiliate of Cohen & Company, Ltd., provides tax services as requested.

**LEGAL COUNSEL**

Thompson Hine LLP, 41 South High Street, Suite 1700, Columbus, OH 43215 serves as the Trust's legal counsel.

**FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**

The financial statements and report of the independent registered public accounting firm required to be included in this SAI are hereby incorporated by reference to the Financial Statements the Fund for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025. You can obtain a copy of the [Financial Statements](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1314414/000158064226001654/0001580642-26-001654-index.htm) without charge by calling the Fund at 1-855-881-2380.

**APPENDIX A**

**<u>Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P.</u>**

1. GENERAL

**A.** **Introduction.** 

Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P. ("Loomis Sayles") will vote proxies of the securities held in its clients' portfolios on behalf of each client that has delegated proxy voting authority to Loomis Sayles as investment adviser. Loomis Sayles has adopted and implemented these policies and procedures ("Proxy Voting Procedures") to ensure that, where it has voting authority, proxy matters are handled in the best interests of clients, in accordance with Loomis Sayles' fiduciary duty, and all applicable law and regulations. The Proxy Voting Procedures, as implemented by the Loomis Sayles Proxy Committee (as described below), are intended to support good corporate governance, including those corporate practices that address environmental and social issues ("ESG Matters"), in all cases with the objective of protecting shareholder interests and maximizing shareholder value.

Loomis Sayles uses the services of third parties (each a "Proxy Voting Service" and collectively the "Proxy Voting Services"), to provide research, analysis and voting recommendations and to administer the process of voting proxies for those clients for which Loomis Sayles has voting authority. Any reference in these Proxy Voting Procedures to a "Proxy Voting Service" is a reference either to the Proxy Voting Service that provides research, analysis and voting recommendations to Loomis Sayles or to the Proxy Voting Service that administers the process of voting proxies for Loomis Sayles or to both, as the context may require. Loomis Sayles will generally follow its express policy with input from the Proxy Voting Service that provides research, analysis and voting recommendations to Loomis Sayles unless the Proxy Committee determines that the client's best interests are served by voting otherwise.

**B.** **General Guidelines.** 

The following guidelines will apply when voting proxies on behalf of accounts for which Loomis Sayles has voting authority.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**1. Client's Best Interests.** The Proxy Voting Procedures are designed and implemented in a way that is reasonably expected to ensure that proxy matters are conducted in the best interests of clients. When considering the best interests of clients, Loomis Sayles has determined that this means the best investment interest of its clients as shareholders of the issuer. To protect its clients' best interests, Loomis Sayles has integrated the consideration of ESG Matters into its investment process. The Proxy Voting Procedures are intended to reflect the impact of these factors in cases where they are material to the growth and sustainability of an issuer. Loomis Sayles has established its Proxy Voting Procedures to assist it in making its proxy voting decisions with a view toward enhancing the value of its clients' interests in an issuer over the period during which it expects its

clients to hold their investments. Loomis Sayles will vote against proposals that it believes could adversely impact the current or future market value of the issuer's securities during the expected holding period. Loomis Sayles also believes that protecting the best interests of clients requires the consideration of potential material impacts of proxy proposals associated with ESG Matters.

For the avoidance of doubt, and notwithstanding any other provisions of these Proxy Voting Procedures, in all instances in which Loomis Sayles votes proxies on behalf of clients that are employee benefit plans subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"), Loomis Sayles (a) will act solely in accordance with the economic interest of the plan and its participants and beneficiaries, and (b) will not subordinate the interests of the participants and beneficiaries in their retirement income or financial benefits under the plan to any other objective, or promote non-pecuniary benefits or goals unrelated to those financial interests of the plan's participants and beneficiaries.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**2. Client Proxy Voting Policies.** Rather than delegating proxy voting authority to Loomis Sayles, a client may (a) retain the authority to vote proxies on securities in its account; (b) delegate voting authority to another party; or (c) instruct Loomis Sayles to vote proxies according to a policy that differs from the Proxy Voting Procedures. Loomis Sayles will honor any of these instructions if the instruction is agreed to in writing by Loomis Sayles in its investment management agreement with the client. If Loomis Sayles incurs additional costs or expenses in following any such instruction, it may request payment for such additional costs or expenses from the client.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**3. Stated Policies.** In the interest of consistency in voting proxies on behalf of its clients where appropriate, Loomis Sayles has adopted policies that identify issues where Loomis Sayles will (a) generally vote in favor of a proposal; (b) generally vote against a proposal; (c) generally vote as recommended by the Proxy Voting Service; and (d) specifically consider its vote for or against a proposal. However, these policies are guidelines and each vote may be cast differently than the stated policy, taking into consideration all relevant facts and circumstances at the time of the vote. In certain cases where the recommendation of the Proxy Voting Service and the recommendation of the issuer's management are the same, the vote will generally be cast as recommended and will not be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Proxy Committee. In cases where the portfolio manager of an account that holds voting securities of an issuer or the analyst covering the issuer or its securities recommends a vote, the proposal(s) will be voted according to these recommendations after a review for any potential conflicts of interest is conducted and will not be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Proxy Committee. There may be situations where Loomis Sayles casts split votes despite the stated policies. For example, Loomis Sayles may cast a split vote when different clients may be invested in strategies with different investment objectives, or when different clients may have different economic interests in the outcome of a particular proposal. Loomis Sayles also may cast a split vote on a particular proposal when its investment teams have differing views regarding the impact of the proposal on their clients' investment interests.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**4. Abstentions and Other Exceptions.** Loomis Sayles' general policy is to vote rather than abstain from voting on issues presented, unless the Proxy Committee determines, pursuant to its best judgment, that the client's best interests require abstention. However, in the following circumstances Loomis Sayles may not vote a client's proxy:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· The Proxy Committee has concluded that voting would have no meaningful, identifiable economic benefit
to the client as a shareholder, such as when the security is no longer held in the client's portfolio or when the value of the portfolio
holding is insignificant.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· The Proxy Committee has concluded that the costs of or disadvantages resulting from voting outweigh the
economic benefits of voting. For example, in some non-US jurisdictions, the sale of securities voted may be legally or practically prohibited
or subject to some restrictions for some period of time, usually between the record and meeting dates ("share blocking").
 Loomis Sayles believes that the loss of investment flexibility resulting from share blocking generally outweighs the benefit to
be gained by voting. Information about share blocking is often incomplete or contradictory. Loomis Sayles relies on the client's
custodian and on its Proxy Voting Service to identify share blocking jurisdictions. To the extent such information is wrong, Loomis Sayles
could fail to vote shares that could have been voted without loss of investment flexibility, or could vote shares and then be prevented
from engaging in a potentially beneficial portfolio transaction.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· Administrative requirements for voting proxies in certain foreign jurisdictions (which may be imposed
a single time or may be periodic), such as providing a power of attorney to the client's local sub-custodian, cannot be fulfilled
due to timing of the requirement, or the costs required to fulfill the administrative requirements appear to outweigh the benefits to
the client of voting the proxy.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· The client, as of the record date, has loaned the securities to which the proxy relates and Loomis Sayles
has concluded that it is not in the best interest of the client to recall the loan or is unable to recall the loan in order to vote the
securities [1](#note_ftn1) .

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· The client so directs Loomis Sayles.

The Proxy Committee will generally vote against, rather than abstain from voting on, ballot issues where the issuer does not provide sufficient information to make an informed decision. In addition, there may be instances where Loomis Sayles is not able to vote proxies on a client's behalf, such as when ballot delivery instructions have not been processed by a client's custodian, when the Proxy Voting Service has not received a ballot for a client's account (e.g., in cases where the client's shares have been loaned to a third party), when proxy materials are not available in English, and under other circumstances beyond Loomis Sayles' control.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**5. Oversight.** All issues presented for shareholder vote are subject to the oversight of the Proxy Committee, either directly or by application of this policy. All non-routine issues will generally be considered directly by the Proxy Committee and, when necessary, the investment professionals responsible for an account holding the security, and will be voted in the best investment interests of the client. All routine "for" and "against" issues will be voted according to this policy unless special factors require that they be considered by the Proxy Committee and, when necessary, the investment professionals responsible for an account holding the security.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**6. Availability of Procedures.** Loomis Sayles publishes these Proxy Voting Procedures, as updated from time to time, on its public website, www.loomissayles.com, and includes a description of its Proxy Voting Procedures in Part 2A of its Form ADV. Upon request, Loomis Sayles also provides clients with a copy of its Proxy Voting Procedures.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**7. Disclosure of Vote.** Loomis Sayles makes certain disclosures regarding its voting of proxies in the aggregate (not specific as to clients) on its website, www.loomissayles.com. For mutual funds that it manages, Loomis Sayles is required by law to make certain disclosures regarding its voting of proxies annually. This information is also available on the Loomis Sayles website. Additionally, Loomis Sayles will, upon request by a client, provide information about how each proxy was voted with respect to the securities in that client's account. Loomis Sayles' policy is not to disclose a client's proxy voting records to third parties except as required by applicable law and regulations.

**C.** **Proxy Committee.** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**1. Proxy Committee.** Loomis Sayles has established a Proxy Committee. The Proxy Committee is composed of senior representatives from firm investment teams and the members of Legal and Compliance Department, and other employees of Loomis Sayles as needed. In the event that any member is unable to participate in a meeting of the Proxy Committee, he or she may designate another individual to act on his or her behalf. A vacancy in the Proxy Committee is filled by the prior member's successor in position at Loomis Sayles or a person of equivalent experience. Each portfolio manager of an account that holds voting securities of an issuer or the analyst covering the issuer or its securities may be an ad hoc member of the Proxy Committee in connection with voting proxies of that issuer. Voting determinations made by the Proxy Committee generally will be memorialized electronically (e.g., by email).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**2. Duties.** The Proxy Committee's specific responsibilities include the following:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a. developing, authorizing, implementing and updating the Proxy Voting Procedures, including:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) annually reviewing the Proxy Voting Procedures to ensure consistency with internal policies and regulatory agency policies, including determining the continuing adequacy of the Proxy Voting Procedures to confirm that they have been formulated reasonably and implemented effectively, including whether they

continue to be reasonably designed to ensure that proxy votes are cast in clients' best interest,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) annually reviewing existing voting guidelines and developing of additional voting guidelines to assist in the review of proxy proposals, and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) annually reviewing the proxy voting process and addressing any general issues that relate to proxy voting;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b. overseeing the proxy voting process, including:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) overseeing the vote on proposals according to the predetermined policies in the voting guidelines,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) directing the vote on proposals where there is reason not to vote according to the predetermined policies in the voting guidelines or where proposals require special consideration,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) consulting with the portfolio managers and analysts for the accounts holding the security when necessary or appropriate, and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) periodically sampling or engaging an outside party to sample proxy votes to ensure they comply with the Proxy Voting Procedures and are cast in accordance with the clients' best interests;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c. engaging and overseeing third-party vendors that materially assist Loomis Sayles with respect to proxy voting, such as the Proxy Voting Services, including:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) determining and periodically reassessing whether, as relevant, the Proxy Voting Service has the capacity and competency to adequately analyze proxy issues by considering:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) the adequacy and quality of the Proxy Voting Service's staffing, personnel and technology,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) whether the Proxy Voting Service has adequately disclosed its methodologies in formulating voting recommendations, such that Loomis Sayles can understand the factors underlying the Proxy Voting Service's voting recommendations,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) the robustness of the Proxy Voting Service's policies and procedures regarding its ability to ensure that its recommendations are based on current, materially complete and accurate information, and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) the Proxy Voting Service's policies and procedures regarding how it identifies and addresses conflicts of interest, including whether the

Proxy Voting Service's policies and procedures provide for adequate disclosure of its actual and potential conflicts of interest with respect to the services it provides to Loomis Sayles.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) providing ongoing oversight of the Proxy Voting Services to ensure that proxies continue to be voted in the best interests of clients and in accordance with these Proxy Voting Procedures and the determinations and directions of the Proxy Committee,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) receiving and reviewing updates from the Proxy Voting Services regarding relevant business changes or changes to the Proxy Voting Services' conflict policies and procedures, and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) in the event that the Proxy Committee becomes aware that a recommendation of the Proxy Voting Service was based on a material factual error (including materially inaccurate or incomplete information): investigating the error, considering the nature of the error and the related recommendation, and determining whether the Proxy Voting Service has taken reasonable steps to reduce the likelihood of similar errors in the future; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;d. further developing and/or modifying these Proxy Voting Procedures as otherwise appropriate or necessary.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**3. Standards.**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a. When determining the vote of any proposal for which it has responsibility, the Proxy Committee shall vote in the client's best interests as described in section 1(B)(1) above. In the event a client believes that its other interests require a different vote, Loomis Sayles shall vote as the client instructs if the instructions are provided as required in section 1(B)(2) above.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b. When determining the vote on any proposal, the Proxy Committee shall not consider any benefit to Loomis Sayles, any of its affiliates, any of its or their clients or service providers, other than benefits to the owner of the securities to be voted.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c. If Loomis Sayles becomes aware of additional information relevant to the voting of a shareholder meeting after a vote has been entered but before the applicable voting deadline has passed, it will consider whether or not such information impacts the vote determination entered, and if necessary, use reasonable efforts to change the vote instruction.

**D.** **Conflicts of Interest.** 

Loomis Sayles has established policies and procedures to ensure that proxy votes are voted in its clients' best interests and are not affected by any possible conflicts of interest. First, except in certain limited instances, Loomis Sayles votes in accordance with its pre-determined policies set forth in these Proxy Voting Procedures. Second, where these Proxy

Voting Procedures allow for discretion, Loomis Sayles will generally consider the recommendations of the Proxy Voting Service in making its voting decisions. However, if the Proxy Committee determines that the Proxy Voting Service's recommendation is not in the best interests of the firm's clients, then the Proxy Committee may use its discretion to vote against the Proxy Voting Service's recommendation, but only after taking the following steps: (1) conducting a review for any material conflict of interest Loomis Sayles may have, and (2) if any material conflict is found to exist, excluding anyone at Loomis Sayles who is subject to that conflict of interest from participating in the voting decision in any way. However, if deemed necessary or appropriate by the Proxy Committee after full disclosure of any conflict, that person may provide information, opinions or recommendations on any proposal to the Proxy Committee. In such event, prior to directing any vote, the Proxy Committee will make reasonable efforts to obtain and consider information, opinions and recommendations from or about the opposing position.

**E.** **Recordkeeping.** 

Proxy voting books and records are maintained in an easily accessible place for a period of five years, the first two in an appropriate office of Loomis Sayles.

2. PROXY VOTING

**A.** **Introduction** 

Loomis Sayles has established certain specific guidelines intended to achieve the objective of the Proxy Voting Procedures: to support good corporate governance, including ESG Matters, in all cases with the objective of protecting shareholder interests and maximizing shareholder value.

**B.** **Board of Directors** 

Loomis Sayles believes that an issuer's independent, qualified board of directors is the foundation of good corporate governance. Loomis Sayles supports proxy proposals that reflect the prudent exercise of the board's obligation to provide leadership and guidance to management in fulfilling its obligations to its shareholders. As an example, it may be prudent not to disqualify a director from serving on a board if they participated in affiliated transactions if all measures of independence and good corporate governance were met.

<u>Annual Election of Directors:</u> Vote for proposals to repeal classified boards and to elect all directors annually.

<u>Chairman and CEO are Separate Positions:</u> Vote for proposals that require the positions of chairman and CEO to be held by different persons.

<u>Director and Officer Indemnification and Liability Protection:</u> 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. Vote against proposals concerning director and officer indemnification and liability protection that limit
or eliminate entirely director and officer liability for monetary damages for violating the duty of care, or that would expand coverage
beyond legal expenses to acts such as gross negligence that are more serious violations of fiduciary obligations than mere carelessness.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B. Vote for only those proposals that provide such expanded coverage in cases when a director's or officer's
legal defense was unsuccessful if (i) the director or officer was found to have acted in good faith and in a manner that the director
or officer reasonably believed was in the best interests of the company, and (ii) if the director's or officer's legal expenses
only would be covered.

<u>Director Nominees in Contested Elections:</u> Votes in a contested election of directors or a "vote no" campaign must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, considering the following factors: (1) long-term financial performance of the issuer relative to its industry; management's track record; (2) background to the proxy contest; qualifications of director nominees (both slates); (3) evaluation of what each side is offering shareholders as well as the likelihood that the proposed objectives and goals can be met; and (4) stock ownership positions.

<u>Director Nominees in Uncontested Elections:</u> 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. Vote for proposals involving routine matters such as election of directors, provided that at least two-thirds
of the directors would be independent, as determined by the Proxy Voting Service, and affiliated or inside nominees do not serve on any
key board committee, defined as the Audit, Compensation, Nominating and/or Governance Committees.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B. Vote against nominees that are CFOs of the subject company. Generally, vote against nominees that the
Proxy Voting Service has identified as not acting in the best interests of shareholders (e.g., due to over-boarding, risk management failures,
a lack of diversity, etc.). Vote against nominees that have attended less than 75% of board and committee meetings, unless a reasonable
cause (e.g., health or family emergency) for the absence is noted and accepted by the Proxy Voting Service and the board. Vote against
affiliated or inside nominees who serve on a key board committee (as defined above). Vote against affiliated and inside nominees if less
than two-thirds of the board would be independent. Vote against Governance or Nominating Committee members if both the following are true:
a) there is no independent lead or presiding director; and b) the position of CEO and

chairman are not held by separate individuals. Generally, vote against Audit Committee members if auditor ratification is not proposed, except in cases involving: (i) investment company board members, who are not required to submit auditor ratification for shareholder approval pursuant to Investment Company Act of 1940 rules; or (ii) any other issuer that is not required by law or regulation to submit a proposal ratifying the auditor selection. Vote against Compensation Committee members when Loomis Sayles or the Proxy Voting Service recommends a vote against the issuer's "say on pay" advisory vote.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;C. Generally, vote against all members of a board committee and not just the chairman or a representative
thereof in situations where the Proxy Voting Service finds that the board committee has not acted in the best interests of shareholders.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;D. Vote as recommended by the Proxy Voting Service when directors are being elected as a slate and not individually.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;E. When electing directors for any foreign-domiciled issuer to which the Proxy Voting Service believes it
is reasonable to apply U.S. governance standards, we generally will vote in accordance with our policies set forth in (A) through (D)
above. When electing directors for other foreign-domiciled issuers, a recommendation of the Proxy Voting Service will generally be followed
in lieu of the above stipulations.

<u>Independent Audit, Compensation and Nominating and/or Governance Committees:</u> Vote for proposals requesting that the board Audit, Compensation and/or Nominating and/or Governance Committees include independent directors exclusively.

<u>Independent Board Chairman:</u>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. Vote for shareholder proposals that generally request the board to adopt a policy requiring its chairman
to be "independent" (based on some reasonable definition of that term) with respect to any issuer whose enterprise value is,
according to the Proxy Voting Service, greater than or equal to $10 billion.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B. Vote such proposals on a case-by-case basis when, according to the Proxy Voting Service, the issuer's
enterprise value is less than $10 billion.

<u>Multiple Directorships:</u> Generally vote against a director nominee who serves as an executive officer of any public company while serving on more than two total public company boards and any other director nominee who serves on more than five total public company boards, unless a convincing argument to vote for that nominee is made by the Proxy Voting Service, in which case, the recommendation of the Proxy Voting Service will generally be followed.

<u>Staggered Director Elections:</u> Vote against proposals to classify or stagger the board.

<u>Stock Ownership Requirements:</u> Generally vote against shareholder proposals requiring directors to own a minimum amount of company stock in order to qualify as a director, or to remain on the board.

<u>Term of Office:</u> Vote against shareholder proposals to limit the tenure of outside directors.

**C.** **Ratification of Auditor** 

Loomis Sayles generally supports proposals for the selection or ratification of independent auditors, subject to consideration of various factors such as independence and reasonableness of fees.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. Generally vote for proposals to ratify auditors.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B. Vote against ratification of auditors where an auditor has a financial interest in or association with
the company, and is therefore not independent; or there is reason to believe that the independent auditor has rendered an opinion which
is neither accurate nor indicative of the company's financial position.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;C. In general, if non-audit fees amount to 35% or more of total fees paid to a company's auditor we will
vote against ratification and against the members of the Audit Committee unless the Proxy Voting Service states that the fees were disclosed
and determined to be reasonable. In such instances, the recommendation of the Proxy Voting service will generally be followed.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;D. Vote against ratification of auditors and vote against members of the Audit Committee where it is known
that an auditor has negotiated an alternative dispute resolution procedure.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;E. Vote against ratification of auditors if the Proxy Voting Service indicates that a vote for the ratification
of auditors it is not in the best long term interest of shareholders.

**D. Remuneration and Benefits**

Loomis Sayles believes that an issuer's compensation and benefit plans must be designed to ensure the alignment of executives' and employees' interests with those of its shareholders.

<u>401(k) Employee Benefit Plans:</u> Vote for proposals to implement a 401(k) savings plan for employees.

<u>Compensation Plans:</u> Proposals with respect to compensation plans generally will be voted as recommended by the Proxy Voting Service.

<u>Compensation in the Event of a Change in Control:</u> Votes on proposals regarding executive compensation in the event of a change in control of the issuer will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

<u>Director Related Compensation:</u> Vote proposals relating to director compensation that are required by and comply with applicable laws (domestic or foreign) or listing requirements governing the issuer, as recommended by the Proxy Voting Service.

<u>Employee Stock Ownership Plans ("ESOPs"):</u> Vote for proposals that request shareholder approval in order to implement an ESOP or to increase authorized shares for existing ESOPs, except in cases when the number of shares allocated to the ESOP is "excessive" (i.e., generally greater than five percent of outstanding shares), in which case the recommendation of the Proxy Voting Service will generally be followed.

<u>Golden Coffins:</u> Review on a case-by-case basis all proposals relating to the obligation of an issuer to provide remuneration or awards to survivors of executives payable upon such executive's death.

<u>Golden and Tin Parachutes:</u> 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. Vote for shareholder proposals to have golden (top management) and tin (all employees) parachutes submitted
for shareholder ratification.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B. Review on a case-by-case basis all proposals to ratify or cancel golden or tin parachutes.

<u>OBRA (Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act)-Related Compensation Proposals:</u> 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. Vote for proposals to amend shareholder-approved plans to include administrative features or place a cap
on the annual grants any one participant may receive to comply with the provisions of Section 162(m) of OBRA.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B. Vote for amendments to add performance goals to existing compensation plans to comply with the provisions
of Section 162(m) of OBRA.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;C. Vote for cash or cash-and-stock bonus plans to exempt the compensation from taxes under the provisions
of Section 162(m) of OBRA.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;D. Votes on amendments to existing plans to increase shares reserved and to qualify the plan for favorable
tax treatment under the provisions of Section 162(m) should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

<u>Shareholder Proposals to Limit Executive and Director Pay Including Executive Compensation Advisory Resolutions ("Say on Pay"):</u> 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. Generally, vote for shareholder proposals that seek additional disclosure of executive and director pay
information.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B. Review on a case-by-case basis (1) all shareholder proposals that seek to limit executive and director
pay and (2) all advisory resolutions on executive pay other than shareholder resolutions to permit such advisory resolutions.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;C. Vote against proposals to link all executive or director variable compensation to performance goals.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;D. Vote for an annual review of executive compensation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;E. Non-binding advisory votes on executive compensation will be voted as recommended by the Proxy Voting Service.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;F. For foreign domiciled issuers where a non-binding advisory vote on executive compensation is proposed concurrently with a binding vote on executive compensation, and the recommendation of the Proxy Voting Service is the same for each proposal, a vote will be entered as recommended by the Proxy Voting Service.

<u>Share Retention by Executives:</u> Generally vote against shareholder proposals requiring executives to retain shares of the issuer for fixed periods unless the board and the Proxy Voting Service recommend voting in favor of the proposal.

<u>Stock Option Plans:</u> A recommendation of the Proxy Voting Service will generally be followed using the following as a guide:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. Vote against stock option plans which expressly permit repricing of underwater options.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B. Vote against proposals to make all stock options performance based.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;C. Vote against stock option plans that could result in an earnings dilution above the company specific cap
considered by the Proxy Voting Service.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;D. Vote for proposals that request expensing of stock options.

**E. Capital Structure Management Issues**

<u>Adjustments to Par Value of Common Stock:</u> Vote for management proposals to reduce the par value of common stock.

<u>Authority to Issue Shares:</u> Vote for proposals by boards to authorize the issuance of shares (with or without preemptive rights) to the extent the size of the proposed issuance in proportion to the issuer's issued ordinary share capital is consistent with industry standards and the recommendations of the issuer's board and the Proxy Voting Service are in agreement. Proposals that do not meet the above criteria will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

<u>Blank Check Preferred Authorization</u>:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. Vote for proposals to create blank check preferred stock in cases when the company expressly states that
the stock will not be used as a takeover defense or carry superior voting rights, and expressly states conversion, dividend, distribution
and other rights.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B. Vote for shareholder proposals to have blank check preferred stock placements, other than those shares
issued for the purpose of raising capital or making acquisitions in the normal course of business, submitted for shareholder ratification.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;C. Review proposals to increase the number of authorized blank check preferred shares on a case-by-case basis.

<u>Common Stock Authorization:</u> Vote against proposed common stock authorizations that increase the existing authorization by more than 100% unless a clear need for the excess shares is presented by the company. A recommendation of the Proxy Voting Service will generally be followed.

<u>Greenshoe Options (French issuers only):</u> Vote for proposals by boards of French issuers in favor of greenshoe options that grant the issuer the flexibility to increase an over-subscribed securities issuance by up to 15% so long as such increase takes place on the same terms and within thirty days of the initial issuance, provided that the recommendation of the issuer's board and the Proxy Voting Service are in agreement. Proposals that do not meet the above criteria will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

<u>Reverse Stock Splits:</u> Vote for management proposals to reduce the number of outstanding shares available through a reverse stock split.

<u>Share Cancellation Programs:</u> Vote for management proposals to reduce share capital by means of cancelling outstanding shares held in the issuer's treasury.

<u>Share Repurchase Programs:</u> Vote for management proposals to institute open-market share repurchase plans in which all shareholders may participate on equal terms.

<u>Stock Distributions, Splits and Dividends:</u> Generally vote for management proposals to increase common share authorization, provided that the increase in authorized shares following the split or dividend is not greater than 100 percent of existing authorized shares.

**F. Mergers, Asset Sales and Other Special Transactions**

Proposals for transactions that have the potential to affect the ownership interests and/or voting rights of the issuer's shareholders, such as mergers, asset sales and corporate or debt restructuring, will be considered on a case-by-case basis, based on (1) whether the best economic result is being created for shareholders, (2) what changes in corporate governance will occur, (3) what impact they will have on shareholder rights, (4) whether the proposed transaction has strategic merit for the issuer, and (5) other factors as noted in each section below, if any.

<u>Asset Sales:</u> Votes on asset sales will be determined on a case-by-case basis after considering the impact on the balance sheet/working capital, value received for the asset, and potential elimination of inefficiencies.

<u>Conversion of Debt Instruments:</u> Votes on the conversion of debt instruments will be considered on a case-by-case basis after the recommendation of the relevant Loomis Sayles equity or fixed income analyst is obtained.

<u>Corporate Restructuring:</u> Votes on corporate restructuring proposals, including minority squeeze-outs, leveraged buyouts, spin-offs, liquidations, and asset sales will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

<u>Debt Restructurings:</u> Review on a case-by-case basis proposals to increase common and/or preferred shares and to issue shares as part of a debt-restructuring plan. Consider the following issues:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. Dilution - How much will ownership interest of existing shareholders be reduced, and how extreme will
dilution to any future earnings be?

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B. Change in Control - Will the transaction result in a change in control of the company?

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;C. Bankruptcy – Loomis Sayles' Corporate Actions Department is responsible for consents related
to bankruptcies and debt holder consents related to restructurings.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;D. Potential Conflicts of Interest – For example, clients may own securities at different levels of the capital structure; in such cases, Loomis Sayles will exercise voting or consent rights for each such client based on that client's best interests, which may differ from the interests of other clients.

<u>Delisting a Security:</u> Proposals to delist a security from an exchange will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

<u>Fair Price Provisions:</u> 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. Vote for fair price proposals, as long as the shareholder vote requirement embedded in the provision is no more than a majority of disinterested shares.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B. Vote for shareholder proposals to lower the shareholder vote requirement in existing fair price provisions.

<u>Greenmail:</u>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. Vote for proposals to adopt anti-greenmail charter or bylaw amendments or otherwise restrict a company's
ability to make greenmail payments.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B. Review anti-greenmail proposals on a case-by-case basis when they are bundled with other charter or bylaw
amendments.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;C. Vote for proposals to eliminate an anti-greenmail bylaw if the recommendations of management and the Proxy
Voting Service are in agreement. If they are not in agreement, review and vote such proposals on a case-by-case basis.

<u>Liquidations:</u> Proposals on liquidations will be voted on a case-by-case basis after reviewing relevant factors including but not necessarily limited to management's efforts to pursue other alternatives, the appraisal value of assets, and the compensation plan for executives managing the liquidation.

<u>Mergers and Acquisitions:</u> Votes on mergers and acquisitions should be considered on a case-by-case basis, generally taking into account relevant factors including but not necessarily limited to: anticipated financial and operating benefits; offer price (cost vs. premium); prospects of the combined companies; how the deal was negotiated; golden parachutes; financial benefits to current management; and changes in corporate governance and their impact on shareholder rights.

<u>Poison Pills:</u>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. Vote for shareholder proposals that ask a company to submit its poison pill for shareholder ratification.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B. Review on a case-by-case basis shareholder proposals to redeem a company's poison pill.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;C. Review on a case-by-case basis management proposals to ratify a poison pill.

<u>Reincorporation Provisions:</u> Proposals to change a company's domicile will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

<u>Right to Adjourn:</u> Vote for the right to adjourn in conjunction with a vote for a merger or acquisition or other proposal, and vote against the right to adjourn in conjunction with a vote against a merger or acquisition or other proposal.

<u>Spin-offs:</u> Votes on spin-offs will be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on relevant factors including but not necessarily limited to the tax and regulatory advantages, planned use of sale proceeds, market focus, and managerial incentives.

<u>Tender Offer Defenses:</u> Proposals concerning tender offer defenses will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

**G. Shareholder Rights**

Loomis Sayles believes that issuers have a fundamental obligation to protect the rights of their shareholders. Pursuant to its fiduciary duty to vote shares in the best interests of its clients, Loomis Sayles considers proposals relating to shareholder rights based on whether and how they affect and protect those rights.

<u>Appraisal Rights:</u> Vote for proposals to restore, or provide shareholders with, rights of appraisal.

<u>Bundled Proposals:</u> Review on a case-by-case basis bundled or "conditioned" proxy proposals. In the case of items that are conditioned upon each other, examine the benefits and costs of the packaged items. In instances when the joint effect of the conditioned items is not in shareholders' best interests, vote against the proposals. If the combined effect is positive, support such proposals.

<u>Confidential Voting:</u> Vote for shareholder proposals that request corporations to adopt confidential voting, use independent tabulators and use independent inspectors of election as long as the proposals include clauses for proxy contests as follows: in the case of a contested election, management should be permitted to request that the dissident group honor its confidential voting policy. If the dissidents agree, the policy remains in place. If the dissidents do not agree, the confidential voting policy is waived. Vote for management proposals to adopt confidential voting.

<u>Counting Abstentions:</u> Votes on proposals regarding counting abstentions when calculating vote proposal outcomes will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

<u>Cumulative Voting:</u> Vote for proposals to permit cumulative voting, except where the issuer already has in place a policy of majority voting.

<u>Equal Access:</u> Vote for shareholder proposals that would allow significant company shareholders equal access to management's proxy material in order to evaluate and propose voting recommendations on proxy proposals and director nominees, and in order to nominate their own candidates to the board.

<u>Exclusive Forum Provisions:</u> Vote against proposals mandating an exclusive forum for any shareholder lawsuits. Vote against the members of the issuer's Governance Committee in the event of a proposal mandating an exclusive forum without shareholder approval.

<u>Independent Proxy:</u> Vote for proposals to elect an independent proxy to serve as a voting proxy at shareholder meetings.

<u>Majority Voting:</u> Vote for proposals to permit majority rather than plurality or cumulative voting for the election of directors/trustees.

<u>Preemptive Rights:</u> Votes with respect to preemptive rights generally will be voted as recommended by the Proxy Voting Service subject to the Common Stock Authorization requirements above.

<u>Proxy Access:</u> A recommendation of the Proxy Voting Service will generally be followed with regard to proposals intended to grant shareholders the right to place nominees for director on the issuer's proxy ballot ("Proxy Access"). Vote for such proposals when they require the nominating shareholder(s) to hold, in aggregate, at least 3% of the voting shares

of the issuer for at least three years, and be allowed to nominate up to 25% of the nominees. All other proposals relating to Proxy Access will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

<u>Shareholder Ability to Alter the Size of the Board:</u> 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. Vote for proposals that seek to fix the size of the board.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B. Vote against proposals that give management the ability to alter the size of the board without shareholder
approval.

<u>Shareholder Ability to Remove Directors:</u> 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. Vote against proposals that provide that directors may be removed only for cause.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B. Vote against proposals that provide that only continuing directors may elect replacements to fill board
vacancies.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;C. Vote for proposals to restore shareholder ability to remove directors with or without cause and proposals that permit shareholders to elect directors to fill board vacancies.

<u>Shareholder Advisory Committees:</u> Proposals to establish a shareholder advisory committee will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

<u>Shareholder Rights Regarding Special Meetings:</u> 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. Vote for proposals that set a threshold of 10% of the outstanding voting stock as a minimum percentage
allowable to call a special meeting of shareholders. Vote against proposals that increase or decrease the threshold from 10%.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B. Vote against proposals to restrict or prohibit shareholder ability to call special meetings.

<u>Supermajority Shareholder Voting Requirements:</u> Vote for all proposals to replace supermajority shareholder voting requirements with simple majority shareholder voting requirements, subject to applicable laws and regulations. Vote against management proposals to require a supermajority shareholder vote to approve charter and bylaw amendments.

<u>Unequal Voting Rights:</u> 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. Vote against dual class exchange offers and dual class recapitalizations.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B. Vote on a case-by-case basis on proposals to eliminate an existing dual class voting structure.

<u>Written Consent:</u> Vote for proposals regarding the right to act by written consent when the Proxy Voting Service recommends a vote for the proposal. Proposals regarding the right to

act by written consent where the Proxy Voting Service recommends a vote against will be sent to the Proxy Committee for determination. Generally vote against proposals to restrict or prohibit shareholder ability to take action by written consent.

**H. Environmental and Social Matters**

Loomis Sayles has a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of its clients.

Loomis Sayles believes good corporate governance, including those practices that address ESG Matters, is essential to the effective management of a company's financial, litigation and reputation risk, the maximization of its long-term economic performance and sustainability, and the protection of its shareholders' best interests, including the maximization of shareholder value.

Proposals on environmental and social matters cover a wide range of issues, including environmental and energy practices and their impacts, labor matters, diversity and human rights. These proposals may be voted as recommended by the Proxy Voting Service or may, in the determination of the Proxy Committee, be reviewed on a case-by-case basis if the Proxy Committee believes that a particular proposal (i) could have a material impact on an industry or the growth and sustainability of an issuer; (ii) is appropriate for the issuer and the cost to implement would not be excessive; (iii) is appropriate for the issuer in light of various factors such as reputational damage or litigation risk; or (iv) is otherwise appropriate for the issuer.

Loomis Sayles will consider whether such proposals are likely to enhance the value of the client's investments after taking into account the costs involved, pursuant to its fiduciary duty to its clients.

Climate Reporting: Generally vote for proposals requesting the issuer produce a report, at reasonable expense, on the issuer's climate policies. A recommendation against such proposals by the Proxy Voting Service will be considered by the Proxy Committee.

Workplace Diversity Reporting: Generally vote for proposals requesting the issuer produce a report, at reasonable expense, on the issuer's workforce diversity or equity policies and/or performance. A recommendation against such proposals by the Proxy Voting Service will be considered by the Proxy Committee.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**I. General Corporate Governance**

Loomis Sayles has a fiduciary duty to its clients with regard to proxy voting matters, including routine proposals that do not present controversial issues. The impact of proxy proposals on its clients' rights as shareholders must be evaluated along with their potential economic benefits.

<u>Changing Corporate Name:</u> Vote for management proposals to change the corporate name.

<u>Charitable and Political Contributions and Lobbying Expenditures</u>: Votes on proposals regarding charitable contributions, political contributions, and lobbying expenditures, should be considered on a case-by-case basis. Proposals of UK issuers concerning political contributions will be voted for if the issuer states that (a) it does not intend to make any political donations or incur any expenditures in respect to any political party in the EU; and (b) the proposal is submitted to ensure that the issuer does not inadvertently breach the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 and sections 366 and 367 of the Companies Act 2006.

<u>Delivery of Electronic Proxy Materials:</u> Vote for proposals to allow electronic delivery of proxy materials to shareholders.

<u>Disclosure of Prior Government Service:</u> Review on a case-by-case basis all proposals to disclose a list of employees previously employed in a governmental capacity.

<u>Financial Statements:</u> Generally, proposals to accept and/or approve the delivery of audited financial statements shall be voted as recommended by the Proxy Voting Service. In certain non-US jurisdictions where local regulations and/or market practices do not require the release of audited financial statements in advance of custodian vote deadlines (e.g., Korea), and the Proxy Voting Service has not identified any issues with the company's past financial statements or the audit procedures used, then Loomis Sayles shall vote for such proposals.

<u>Non-Material Miscellaneous Bookkeeping Proposals:</u> A recommendation of the Proxy Voting Service will generally be followed regarding miscellaneous bookkeeping proposals of a non-material nature.

Ratification of Board and/or Management Acts: Generally, proposals concerning the ratification or approval of the acts of the board of directors and/or management of the issuer for the past fiscal year shall be voted as recommended by the Proxy Voting Service.

<u>Reimbursement of Proxy Contest Defenses:</u> Generally, proposals concerning all proxy contest defense cost reimbursements should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

<u>Reimbursement of Proxy Solicitation Expenses:</u> Proposals to provide reimbursement for dissidents waging a proxy contest should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

<u>State Takeover Statutes:</u> Review on a case-by-case basis proposals to opt in or out of state takeover statutes (including control share acquisition statutes, control share cash-out statutes, freeze out provisions, fair price provisions, stakeholder laws, poison pill endorsements, severance pay and labor contract provisions, anti-greenmail provisions, and disgorgement provisions).

<u>Technical Amendments to By-Laws:</u> A recommendation of the Proxy Voting Service will generally be followed regarding technical or housekeeping amendments to by-laws or articles designed to bring the by-laws or articles into line with current regulations and/or laws.

<u>Transaction of Other Business:</u> Vote against proposals asking for authority to transact open-ended other business without any information provided by the issuer at the time of voting.

<u>Transition Manager Ballots:</u> Any ballot received by Loomis Sayles for a security that was held for a client by a Transition Manager prior to Loomis Sayles' management of the client's holdings will be considered on a case-by case basis by the Proxy Committee (without the input of any Loomis Sayles analyst or portfolio manager) if such security is no longer held in the client's account with Loomis Sayles.

**J. Investment Company Matters**

<u>Election of Investment Company Trustees:</u> Vote for nominees who oversee fewer than 60 investment company portfolios. Vote against nominees who oversee 60 or more investment company portfolios that invest in substantially different asset classes (e.g., if the applicable portfolios include both fixed income funds and equity funds). Vote on a case-by-case basis for or against nominees who oversee 60 or more investment company portfolios that invest in substantially similar asset classes (e.g., if the applicable portfolios include only fixed income funds or only equity funds). These policies will be followed with respect to funds advised by Loomis Sayles and its affiliates, as well as funds for which Loomis Sayles acts as subadviser and other third parties.

<u>Mutual Fund Distribution Agreements:</u> Votes on mutual fund distribution agreements should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

<u>Investment Company Fundamental Investment Restrictions:</u> Votes on amendments to an investment company's fundamental investment restrictions should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

<u>Investment Company Investment Advisory Agreements:</u> Votes on investment company investment advisory agreements should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

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[1](#note_ftnref1) Loomis Sayles does not engage in securities lending. However, some clients do opt to lend securities, availing themselves of their custodians' services.