Exhibit (h)(2)
FORUM FUNDS
FORM OF ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT made as of the 19th day of June, 1997, as amended December 5,
1997, by and between Forum Funds, a Delaware business trust, with its principal
office and place of business at Two Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxx 00000 (the
"Trust"), and Forum Administrative Services, Limited Liability Company, a
Delaware limited liability company with its principal office and place of
business at Xxx Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxx 00000 ("Forum").
WHEREAS, the Trust is registered under the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), as an open-end management investment company
and may issue its shares of beneficial interest, no par value (the "Shares"), in
separate series and classes; and
WHEREAS, the Trust offers shares in various series as listed in
Appendix A hereto (each such series, together with all other series subsequently
established by the Trust and made subject to this Agreement in accordance with
Section 6, being herein referred to as a "Fund," and collectively as the
"Funds") and the Trust may in the future offer shares of various classes of each
Fund as listed in Appendix A hereto (each such class together with all other
classes subsequently established by the Trust in a Fund being herein referred to
as a "Class," and collectively as the "Classes");
WHEREAS, the Trust desires that Forum perform certain administrative
services for each Fund and Class thereof and Forum is willing to provide those
services on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement;
NOW THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual covenants and
agreements contained herein, the Trust and Forum hereby agree as follows:
SECTION 1. APPOINTMENT; DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS
(a) The Trust hereby appoints Forum, and Forum hereby agrees, to act as
administrator of the Trust for the period and on the terms set forth in this
Agreement.
(b) In connection therewith, the Trust has delivered to Forum copies of
(i) the Trust's Trust Instrument and Bylaws (collectively, as amended from time
to time, "Organic Documents"), (ii) the Trust's Registration Statement and all
amendments thereto filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
("SEC") pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities
Act"), or the 1940 Act (the "Registration Statement"), (iii) the Trust's current
Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information of each Fund (collectively,
as currently in effect and as amended or supplemented, the "Prospectus"), (iv)
each current plan of distribution or similar document adopted by the Trust under
Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act ("Plan") and each
current shareholder service plan or similar document adopted by the Trust
("Service Plan"), and (iv) all procedures adopted by the Trust with respect to
the Funds (i.e., repurchase agreement procedures), and shall promptly furnish
Forum with all amendments of or supplements to the foregoing. The Trust shall
deliver to Forum a certified copy of the resolution of the Board of Trustees of
the Trust (the "Board") appointing Forum and authorizing the execution and
delivery of this Agreement.
SECTION 2. DUTIES OF FORUM AND THE TRUST
(a) Subject to the direction and control of the Board, Forum shall
manage all aspects of the Trust's operations with respect to the Funds except
those that are the responsibility of Forum Advisors, Inc., any other investment
adviser or investment subadviser to a Fund or the Funds (collectively, the
"Adviser") or any other service provider hired by the Trust, all in such manner
and to such extent as may be authorized by the Board.
(b) With respect to the Trust or each Fund, as applicable, Forum shall:
(i) at the Trust's expense, provide the Trust with, or arrange for the
provision of, the services of persons competent to perform such legal,
administrative and clerical functions not otherwise described in this
Section 2(b) as are necessary to provide effective operation of the
Trust;
(ii) oversee (A) the preparation and maintenance by the Adviser and the
Trust's custodian, transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent and fund
accountant in such form, for such periods and in such locations as may
be required by applicable United States law, of all documents and
records relating to the operation of the Trust required to be prepared
or maintained by the Trust or its agents pursuant to applicable law;
(B) the reconciliation of account information and balances among the
Adviser and the Trust's custodian, transfer agent, dividend disbursing
agent and fund accountant; (C) the transmission of purchase and
redemption orders for Shares; (D) the notification to the Adviser of
available funds for investment; and (E) the performance of fund
accounting, including the calculation of the net asset value of the
Shares;
(iii) oversee the performance of administrative and professional
services rendered to the Trust by others, including its custodian,
transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent as well as legal,
auditing, shareholder servicing and other services performed for the
Funds;
(iv) file or oversee the filing of each document required to be
filed by the Trust in either written or, if required, electronic
format (e.g., electronic data gathering analysis and retrieval system
or "XXXXX") with the SEC;
(v) assist in and oversee the preparation, filing and printing and
the periodic updating of the Registration Statement and Prospectuses;
(vi) oversee the preparation and filing of the Trust's tax returns;
(vii) oversee the preparation of financial statements and related
reports to the Trust's shareholders, the SEC and state and other
securities administrators;
(xiii) assist in and oversee the preparation and printing of proxy and
information statements and any other communications to shareholders;
(ix) provide the Trust with adequate general office space and
facilities and provide persons suitable to the Board to serve as
officers of the Trust;
(x) assist the Advisers in monitoring Fund holdings for compliance
with Prospectus investment restrictions and assist in preparation of
periodic compliance reports;
(xi) prepare, file and maintain the Trust's Organic Documents and
minutes of meetings of Trustees, Board committees and shareholders;
(xii) with the cooperation of the Trust's counsel, Advisers, the
officers of the Trust and other relevant parties, prepare and
disseminate materials for meetings of the Board;
(xiii) maintain the Trust's existence and good standing under
applicable state law;
(xiv) monitor sales of Shares, ensure that the Shares are properly and
duly registered with the SEC and register, or prepare applicable
filings with respect to, the Shares with the various state and other
securities commissions;
(xv) oversee the calculation of performance data for dissemination to
information services covering the investment company industry, for
sales literature of the Trust and other appropriate purposes;
(xvi) oversee the determination of the amount of and supervise the
declaration of dividends and other distributions to shareholders as
necessary to, among other things, maintain the qualification of each
Fund as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and prepare and distribute to
appropriate parties notices announcing the declaration of dividends and
other distributions to shareholders;
(xvii) advise the Trust and the Board on matters concerning the Trust
and its affairs;
(xviii) calculate, review and account for Fund expenses and report on
Fund expenses on a periodic basis;
(xix) authorize the payment of Trust expenses and pay, from Trust
assets, all bills of the Trust;
(xx) prepare Fund budgets, pro-forma financial statements, expense
and profit/loss projections and fee waiver/expense reimbursement
projections on a periodic basis;
(xxi) prepare financial statement expense information;
(xxii) assist the Trust in the selection of other service providers,
such as independent accountants, law firms and proxy solicitors; and
(xxii) perform such other recordkeeping, reporting and other tasks as
may be specified from time to time in the procedures adopted by the
Board; provided, that Forum need not begin performing any such task
except upon 65 days' notice and pursuant to mutually acceptable
compensation agreements.
(c) Forum shall provide such other services and assistance relating to
the affairs of the Trust as the Trust or an Adviser may, from time to time,
reasonably request pursuant to mutually acceptable compensation agreements.
(d) Forum shall maintain records relating to its services, such as
journals, ledger accounts and other records, as are required to be maintained
under the 1940 Act and Rule 31a-1 thereunder. The books and records pertaining
to the Trust that are in possession of Forum shall be the property of the Trust.
The Trust, or the Trust's authorized representatives, shall have access to such
books and records at all times during Forum's normal business hours. Upon the
reasonable request of the Trust, copies of any such books and records shall be
provided promptly by Forum to the Trust or the Trust's authorized
representatives. In the event the Trust designates a successor that assumes any
of Forum's obligations hereunder, Forum shall, at the expense and direction of
the Trust, transfer to such successor all relevant books, records and other data
established or maintained by Forum under this Agreement.
(e) Nothing contained herein shall be construed to require Forum to
perform any service that could cause Forum to be deemed an investment adviser
for purposes of the 1940 Act or the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended,
or that could cause a Fund to act in contravention of the Fund's Prospectus or
any provision of the 1940 Act. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein,
the Trust assumes all responsibility for ensuring that the Trust complies with
all applicable requirements of the Securities Act, the 1940 Act and any laws,
rules and regulations of governmental authorities with jurisdiction over the
Trust. All references to any law in this Agreement shall be deemed to include
reference to the applicable rules and regulations promulgated under authority of
the law and all official interpretations of such law or rules or regulations.
(f) In order for Forum to perform the services required by this Section
2, the Trust (i) shall cause all service providers to the Trust to furnish any
and all information to Forum, and assist Forum as may be required and (ii) shall
ensure that Forum has access to all records and documents maintained by the
Trust or any service provider to the Trust.
SECTION 3. STANDARD OF CARE AND RELIANCE
(a) Forum shall be under no duty to take any action except as
specifically set forth herein or as may be specifically agreed to by Forum in
writing. Forum shall use its best judgment and efforts in rendering the services
described in this Agreement. Forum shall not be liable to the Trust or any of
the Trust's shareholders for any action or inaction of Forum relating to any
event whatsoever in the absence of bad faith, willful misfeasance or gross
negligence in the performance of Forum's duties or obligations under this
Agreement or by reason of Forum's reckless disregard of its duties and
obligations under this Agreement.
(b) The Trust agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Forum, its
employees, agents, directors, officers and managers and any person who controls
Forum within the meaning of section 15 of the Securities Act or section 20 of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, ("Forum Indemnitees") against
and from any and all claims, demands, actions, suits, judgments, liabilities,
losses, damages, costs, charges, reasonable counsel fees and other expenses of
every nature and character arising out of or in any way related to Forum's
actions taken or failures to act with respect to a Fund that are consistent with
the standard of care set forth in Section 3(a) or based, if applicable, on good
faith reliance upon an item described in Section 3(d)(a "Claim"). The Trust
shall not be required to indemnify any Forum Indemnitee if, prior to confessing
any Claim against the Forum Indemnitee, Forum or the Forum Indemnitee does not
give the Trust written notice of and reasonable opportunity to defend against
the claim in its own name or in the name of the Forum Indemnitee.
(c) Forum agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Trust, its
employees, agents, trustees and officers against and from any and all claims,
demands, actions, suits, judgments, liabilities, losses, damages, costs,
charges, reasonable counsel fees and other expenses of every nature and
character arising out of Forum's actions taken or failures to act with respect
to a Fund that are not consistent with the standard of care set forth in Section
3(a). Forum shall not be required to indemnify the Trust if, prior to confessing
any Claim against the Trust, the Trust does not give Forum written notice of and
reasonable opportunity to defend against the claim in its own name or in the
name of the Trust.
(d) A Forum Indemnitee shall not be liable for any action taken or
failure to act in good faith reliance upon:
(i) the advice of the Trust or of counsel, who may be counsel to the
Trust or counsel to Forum, and upon statements of accountants, brokers
and other persons
reasonably believed in good faith by Forum to be expert in the matters upon
which they are consulted;
(ii) any oral instruction which it receives and which it reasonably
believes in good faith was transmitted by the person or persons
authorized by the Board to give such oral instruction. Forum shall have
no duty or obligation to make any inquiry or effort of certification of
such oral instruction;
(iii) any written instruction or certified copy of any resolution of
the Board, and Forum may rely upon the genuineness of any such document
or copy thereof reasonably believed in good faith by Forum to have been
validly executed; or
(iv) any signature, instruction, request, letter of transmittal,
certificate, opinion of counsel, statement, instrument, report, notice,
consent, order, or other document reasonably believed in good faith by
Forum to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the Trust
or other proper party or parties;
and no Forum Indemnitee shall be under any duty or obligation to inquire into
the validity or invalidity or authority or lack thereof of any statement, oral
or written instruction, resolution, signature, request, letter of transmittal,
certificate, opinion of counsel, instrument, report, notice, consent, order, or
any other document or instrument which Forum reasonably believes in good faith
to be genuine.
(e) Forum shall not be liable for the errors of other service providers
to the Trust, including the errors of pricing services (other than to pursue all
reasonable claims against the pricing service based on the pricing services'
standard contracts entered into by Forum) and errors in information provided by
an investment adviser (including prices and pricing formulas and the untimely
transmission of trade information), custodian or transfer agent to the Trust.
SECTION 4. COMPENSATION AND EXPENSES
(a) In consideration of the administrative services provided by Forum
pursuant to this Agreement, the Trust shall pay Forum, with respect to each
Portfolio, the fees set forth in Appendix B hereto. These fees shall be accrued
by the Trust daily and shall be payable monthly in arrears on the first day of
each calendar month for services performed under this Agreement during the prior
calendar month. Any of the legal services identified in Appendix C hereto may be
provided to the Trust by personnel of the Legal Department of Forum, subject to
satisfaction of the conditions contained in Section 7(c) to the consents and
waivers by the Trust and Forum of any general conflict of interest existing as a
result of the provision of those services. Forum shall not charge the Trust for
providing the legal services identified in Appendix B, except for those matters
designated as Special Legal Services, as to which Forum may charge, and, subject
to review and approval by the Chairman of the Audit Committee or Trust Counsel,
the Trust shall pay, an additional amount as reimbursement of the cost to Forum
of providing the Special Legal Services. Reimbursement shall be payable monthly
in arrears on the first
day of each calendar month for services performed under this Agreement during
the prior calendar month. Nothing in this Agreement shall require Forum to
provide any of the services listed in Appendix C, and each of those services may
be performed by an outside vendor if appropriate in the judgment of Forum or the
Trust.
If fees begin to accrue in the middle of a month or if this Agreement
terminates before the end of any month, all fees for the period from that date
to the end of that month or from the beginning of that month to the date of
termination, as the case may be, shall be prorated according to the proportion
that the period bears to the full month in which the effectiveness or
termination occurs. Upon the termination of this Agreement with respect to a
Fund, the Trust shall pay to Forum such compensation as shall be payable prior
to the effective date of termination.
(b) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, Forum
and its affiliated persons may receive compensation or reimbursement from the
Trust with respect to (i) the provision of services on behalf of the Funds in
accordance with any Plan or Service Plan, (ii) the provision of shareholder
support or other services, (iii) service as a trustee or officer of the Trust
and (iv) services to the Trust, which may include the types of services
described in this Agreement, with respect to the creation of any Fund and the
start-up of the Fund's operations.
(c) The Trust shall be responsible for and assumes the obligation for
payment of all of its expenses, including: (a) the fee payable under this
Agreement; (b) the fees payable to each Adviser under an agreement between the
Adviser and the Trust; (c) expenses of issue, repurchase and redemption of
Shares; (d) interest charges, taxes and brokerage fees and commissions; (e)
premiums of insurance for the Trust, its trustees and officers and fidelity bond
premiums; (f) fees, interest charges and expenses of third parties, including
the Trust's independent accountant, custodian, transfer agent, dividend
disbursing agent and fund accountant; (g) fees of pricing, interest, dividend,
credit and other reporting services; (h) costs of membership in trade
associations; (i) telecommunications expenses; (j) funds transmission expenses;
(k) auditing, legal and compliance expenses; (l) costs of forming the Trust and
maintaining its existence; (m) costs of preparing, filing and printing the
Trust's Prospectuses, subscription application forms and shareholder reports and
other communications and delivering them to existing shareholders, whether of
record or beneficial; (n) expenses of meetings of shareholders and proxy
solicitations therefor; (o) costs of maintaining books of original entry for
portfolio and fund accounting and other required books and accounts, of
calculating the net asset value of Shares and of preparing tax returns; (p)
costs of reproduction, stationery, supplies and postage; (q) fees and expenses
of the Trust's trustees; (r) compensation of the Trust's officers and employees
and costs of other personnel (who may be employees of the Adviser, Forum or
their respective affiliated persons) performing services for the Trust; (s)
costs of Board, Board committee, shareholder and other corporate meetings; (t)
SEC registration fees and related expenses; (u) state, territory or foreign
securities laws registration fees and related expenses; and (v) all fees and
expenses paid by the Trust in accordance with any Plan or Service Plan or
agreement related to similar manners.
(d) Should the Trust exercise its right to terminate this Agreement,
the Trust, on behalf of the applicable Fund, shall reimburse Forum for all
out-of-pocket expenses and employee time (at 150% of salary) associated with the
copying and movement of records and material to any successor person and
providing assistance to any successor person in the establishment of the
accounts and records necessary to carry out the successor's responsibilities.
SECTION 5. EFFECTIVENESS, DURATION, TERMINATION AND ASSIGNMENT
(a) This Agreement shall become effective with respect to each Fund on
the date on which the Trust's Registration Statement relating to the Shares of
the Fund becomes effective. Upon effectiveness of this Agreement, it shall
supersede all previous agreements between the parties hereto covering the
subject matter hereof insofar as such Agreement may have been deemed to relate
to the Funds.
(b) This Agreement shall continue in effect with respect to a Fund
until terminated; provided, that continuance is specifically approved at least
annually (i) by the Board or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting
securities of the Fund and (ii) by a vote of a majority of Trustees of the Trust
who are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons of any such party
(other than as Trustees of the Trust).
(c) This Agreement may be terminated with respect to a Fund at any
time, without the payment of any penalty (i) by the Board on 60 days' written
notice to Forum or (ii) by Forum on 60 days' written notice to the Trust. The
obligations of Sections 3 and 4 shall survive any termination of this Agreement.
(d) This Agreement and the rights and duties under this Agreement
otherwise shall not be assignable by either Forum or the Trust except by the
specific written consent of the other party. All terms and provisions of this
Agreement shall be binding upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by
the respective successors and assigns of the parties hereto.
SECTION 6. ADDITIONAL FUNDS AND CLASSES
In the event that the Trust establishes one or more series of Shares or
one or more classes of Shares after the effectiveness of this Agreement, such
series of Shares or classes of Shares, as the case may be, shall become Funds
and Classes under this Agreement. Forum or the Trust may elect not to make any
such series or classes subject to this Agreement.
SECTION 7. CONFIDENTIALITY. Forum agrees to treat all records and
other information related to the Trust as proprietary information of the Trust
and, on behalf of itself and its employees, to keep confidential all such
information, except that Forum may
(a) prepare or assist in the preparation of periodic reports to
shareholders and regulatory bodies such as the SEC;
(b) provide information typically supplied in the investment company
industry to companies that track or report price, performance or other
information regarding investment companies; and
(c) without limiting the generality of the Sections 7(a) and (b), the
Trust acknowledges that certain legal services may be provided to it by lawyers
who are employed by Forum or its affiliates and who render services to Forum and
its affiliates. A lawyer who provides such services to the Trust, and any lawyer
who supervises such lawyer, although employed generally by Forum or its
affiliates, will have a direct professional attorney-client relationship with
the Trust. Those services for which such a direct relationship will exist are
listed in Appendix C hereto. Provided (i) Forum agrees with any attorney
performing legal services for the Trust to not direct the professional judgment
of the attorney in performing those legal services and (ii) the attorney agrees
to disclose to the Chairman of the Audit Committee or to Trust counsel any
circumstance in which a legal service the attorney proposes to provide relates
to a matter in which the Trust and Forum or the Trust and any other investment
company to which the attorney is providing legal services have divergent legal
or economic interests, each of Forum and the Trust hereby consents to the
simultaneous representation by the attorney of both Forum and the Trust and
waives any general conflict of interest existing in such simultaneous
representation, and the Trust agrees that, in the event the attorney ceases to
represent the Trust, whether at the request of the Trust or otherwise, the
attorney may continue thereafter to represent Forum, and the Trust expressly
consents to such continued representation.
SECTION 8. FORCE MAJEURE
Forum shall not be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in
performance of its obligations under this Agreement arising out of or caused,
directly or indirectly, by circumstances beyond its reasonable control
including, without limitation, acts of civil or military authority, national
emergencies, labor difficulties, fire, mechanical breakdowns, flood or
catastrophe, acts of God, insurrection, war, riots or failure of the mails,
transportation, communication or power supply. In addition, to the extent
Forum's obligations hereunder are to oversee or monitor the activities of third
parties, Forum shall not be liable for any failure or delay in the performance
of Forum's duties caused, directly or indirectly, by the failure or delay of
such third parties in performing their respective duties or cooperating
reasonably and in a timely manner with Forum.
SECTION 9. ACTIVITIES OF FORUM
(a) Except to the extent necessary to perform Forum's obligations under
this Agreement, nothing herein shall be deemed to limit or restrict Forum's
right, or the right of any of Forum's managers, officers or employees who also
may be a trustee, officer or
employee of the Trust, or persons who are otherwise affiliated persons of the
Trust to engage in any other business or to devote time and attention to the
management or other aspects of any other business, whether of a similar or
dissimilar nature, or to render services of any kind to any other corporation,
trust, firm, individual or association.
(b) Forum may subcontract any or all of its responsibilities pursuant
to this Agreement to one or more corporations, trusts, firms, individuals or
associations, which may be affiliated persons of Forum, who agree to comply with
the terms of this Agreement; provided, that any such subcontracting shall not
relieve Forum of its responsibilities hereunder. Forum may pay those persons for
their services, but no such payment will increase Forum's compensation from the
Trust.
(c) Without limiting the generality of the Sections 9(a) and (b), the
trust acknowledges that certain legal services may be rendered to it by lawyers
who are employed by Forum or its affiliates and who render services to Forum and
its affiliates. A lawyer who renders such services to the Trust, and any lawyer
who supervises such lawyer, although employed generally by Forum or its
affiliates, will have a direct professional attorney/client relationship with
the Trust. Those services for which such a direct relationship will exist are
listed in Appendix C hereto. Each of Forum and the Trust hereby consents to the
simultaneous representation by such lawyers of both Forum and the Trust, and
waives any conflict of interest existing in such simultaneous representation.
Furthermore, the Trust agrees that, in the event such lawyer ceases to represent
the Trust, whether at the request of the Trust or otherwise, the lawyer may
continue thereafter to represent Forum, and the Trust expressly consents to such
continued representation.
SECTION 10. COOPERATION WITH INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
Forum shall cooperate, if applicable, with each Fund's independent
public accountants and shall take reasonable action to make all necessary
information available to the accountants for the performance of the accountants'
duties.
SECTION 11. SERVICE DAYS
Nothing contained in this Agreement is intended to or shall require
Forum, in any capacity under this Agreement, to perform any functions or duties
on any day other than a business day of the Trust or of a Fund. Functions or
duties normally scheduled to be performed on any day which is not a business day
of the Trust or of a Fund shall be performed on, and as of, the next business
day, unless otherwise required by law.
SECTION 12. LIMITATION OF SHAREHOLDER AND TRUSTEE LIABILITY
The trustees of the Trust and the shareholders of each Fund shall not
be liable for any obligations of the Trust or of the Funds under this Agreement,
and Forum agrees that, in asserting any rights or claims under this Agreement,
it shall look only to the assets and
property of the Trust or the Fund to which Forum's rights or claims relate in
settlement of such rights or claims, and not to the trustees of the Trust or the
shareholders of the Funds.
SECTION 13. MISCELLANEOUS
(a) Neither party to this Agreement shall be liable to the other party
for consequential damages under any provision of this Agreement.
(b) Except for Appendix A to add new Funds and Classes in accordance
with Section 6, no provisions of this Agreement may be amended or modified in
any manner except by a written agreement properly authorized and executed by
both parties hereto.
(c) This Agreement shall be governed by, and the provisions of this
Agreement shall be construed and interpreted under and in accordance with, the
laws of the State of Delaware.
(d) This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties
hereto and supersedes any prior agreement with respect to the subject matter
hereof, whether oral or written.
(e) This Agreement may be executed by the parties hereto on any number
of counterparts, and all of the counterparts taken together shall be deemed to
constitute one and the same instrument.
(f) If any part, term or provision of this Agreement is held to be
illegal, in conflict with any law or otherwise invalid, the remaining portion or
portions shall be considered severable and not be affected, and the rights and
obligations of the parties shall be construed and enforced as if the Agreement
did not contain the particular part, term or provision held to be illegal or
invalid.
(g) Section headings in this Agreement are included for convenience
only and are not to be used to construe or interpret this Agreement.
(h) Notices, requests, instructions and communications received by the
parties at their respective principal places of business, or at such other
address as a party may have designated in writing, shall be deemed to have been
properly given.
(i) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the parties
agree that the assets and liabilities of each Fund of the Trust are separate and
distinct from the assets and liabilities of each other Fund and that no Fund
shall be liable or shall be charged for any debt, obligation or liability of any
other Fund, whether arising under this Agreement or otherwise.
(j) No affiliated person, employee, agent, director, officer or manager
of Forum shall be liable at law or in equity for Forum's obligations under this
Agreement.
(k) Each of the undersigned warrants and represents that they have full
power and authority to sign this Agreement on behalf of the party indicated and
that their signature will bind the party indicated to the terms hereof and each
party hereto warrants and represents that this Agreement, when executed and
delivered, will constitute a legal, valid and binding obligation of the party,
enforceable against the party in accordance with its terms, subject to
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general
application affecting the rights and remedies of creditors and secured parties.
(l) The terms "vote of a majority of the outstanding voting
securities," "interested person," and "affiliated person" shall have the
meanings ascribed thereto in the 1940 Act.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
executed in their names and on their behalf by and through their duly authorized
officers, as of the day and year first above written.
FORUM FUNDS
By:/s/ Xxxx X. Xxxxxx
Xxxx X. Xxxxxx
Vice President, Assistant Treasurer
and Assistant Secretary
FORUM ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES, LIMITED
LIABILITY COMPANY
By: Forum Advisors, Inc., as Manager
By:/s/ Xxxx X. Xxxxxx
Xxxx X. Xxxxxx
President
FORUM FUNDS
ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT
APPENDIX A
FUNDS AND CLASSES OF THE TRUST
FEBRUARY 12, 2001
Austin Global Equity Fund
BrownIA Equity Growth Fund
BrownIA Small-Cap Growth Fund
BrownIA Maryland Bond Fund
Equity Index Fund
Investors Bond Fund
Maine TaxSaver Bond Fund
Xxxxxxxxxxxx Growth Value Fund
New Hampshire TaxSaver Bond Fund
Payson Balanced Fund
Payson Value Fund
Polaris Global Value Fund
Shaker Fund
TaxSaver Bond Fund
The Advocacy Fund
Xxxxxxx Xxxxx Growth Fund
INVESTOR SHARES:
Daily Assets Treasury Obligations Fund
Daily Assets Government Fund
Daily Assets Government Obligations Fund
Daily Assets Cash Fund
Daily Assets Municipal Fund
INSTITUTIONAL SHARES:
Daily Assets Treasury Obligations Fund
Daily Assets Government Fund
Daily Assets Government Obligations Fund
Daily Assets Cash Fund
Daily Assets Municipal Fund
INSTITUTIONAL SERVICE SHARES:
Daily Assets Treasury Obligations Fund
Daily Assets Government Fund
Daily Assets Government Obligations Fund
Daily Assets Cash Fund
Daily Assets Municipal Fund
FORUM FUNDS
ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT
APPENDIX B
FEES AND EXPENSES
FEBRUARY 12, 2001
(i) ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE FEES
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------
Fee as a % of the Annual Average
Fund Daily Net Assets of Each Fund
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------
Shaker Fund 0.20% plus $24,000 per year
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------
FORUM FUNDS
ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT
APPENDIX B
FEES AND EXPENSES
FEBRUARY 12, 2001
(i) ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE FEES
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------
Fee as a % of the Annual Average
Fund Daily Net Assets of Each Fund
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------
Xxxxxxx Xxxxx Growth Fund 0.10% plus $24,000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------
FORUM FUNDS
ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT
APPENDIX B
FEES AND EXPENSES
February 12, 2001
(I) ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE FEES
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------
Fee as a % of the Annual Average
Fund Daily Net Assets of Each Fund
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------
Investors Bond Fund 0.20%
Investors High Grade Bond Fund
TaxSaver Bond Fund
Maine TaxSaver Bond Fund
New Hampshire TaxSaver Bond Fund
Payson Balanced Fund
Payson Value Fund
Equity Index Fund
Investors Equity Fund
Investors Growth Fund
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------
(II) OTHER SERVICES
Service Provided Fee
Preparation and filing of a document with the SEC in electronic format $200 plus (i) $5/text page and
(ii) $15/tabular page
Legal services Approximate cost to Forum as agreed to
from time to time
Legal Opinions for Section 24 Filings $1,000
FORUM FUNDS
ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT
APPENDIX B
FEES AND EXPENSES
FEBRUARY 12, 2001
(I) ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE FEES
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------
Fee as a % of the Annual Average
Fund Daily Net Assets of Each Fund
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------
Austin Global Equity Fund 0.25%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------
(II) OTHER SERVICES
Service Provided Fee
Preparation and filing of a document with the SEC in electronic format $200 plus (i) $5/text page and
(ii) $15/tabular page
Legal services Approximate cost to Forum as agreed to
from time to time
Legal Opinions for Section 24 Filings $1,000
FORUM FUNDS
ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT
APPENDIX B
FEES AND EXPENSES
FEBRUARY 12, 2000
(I) ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE FEES
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------
Fee as a % of the Annual Average
Fund Daily Net Assets of Each Class of the Fund
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------
Daily Assets Government Fund 0.05%
Daily Assets Cash Fund
Daily Assets Government Obligations Fund
Daily Assets Municipal Fund
Daily Assets Treasury Obligations Fund
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------
(II) OTHER SERVICES
Service Provided Fee
Preparation and filing of a document with the SEC in electronic format $200 plus (i) $5/text page and
(ii) $15/tabular page
Legal services Approximate cost to Forum as agreed to
from time to time
Legal Opinions for Section 24 Filings $1,000
FORUM FUNDS
ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT
APPENDIX B
FEES AND EXPENSES
FEBRUARY 12, 2001
(I) ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE FEES
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------
Fee as a % of the Annual Average
Fund Daily Net Assets of Each Fund
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------
Polaris Global Value Fund 0.10% of the first $150 million,
0.05% over $150 million
$40,000 annual minimum
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------
(II) OTHER SERVICES
Service Provided Fee
Preparation and filing of a document with the SEC in electronic format $200 plus (i) $5/text page and
(ii) $15/tabular page
Legal services Approximate cost to Forum as agreed to
from time to time
Legal Opinions for Section 24 Filings $1,000
FORUM FUNDS
ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT
APPENDIX B
FEES AND EXPENSES
FEBRUARY 12, 2000
(I) ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE FEES
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------
Fee as a % of the Annual Average
Fund Daily Net Assets of Each Fund
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------
BrownIA Small-Cap Growth Fund 0.10% of the first $100 million, 0.075%
BrownIA Equity Growth Fund of the remaining assets
BrownIA Maryland Bond Fund
(subject to a $40,000 minimum)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------
(II) OTHER SERVICES
Service Provided Fee
Special Legal services Approximate cost to Forum as agreed to
from time to time
FORUM FUNDS
ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT
APPENDIX B
FEES AND EXPENSES
FEBRUARY 12, 2001
(I) ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE FEES
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------
Fee as a % of the Annual Average
Fund Daily Net Assets of Each Fund
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------
Xxxxxxxxxxxx Growth Equity Fund Growth Value Fund 0.15% of the first $100
million; 0.10% thereafter (subject to a
$25,000 annual minimum fee)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------
(II) OTHER SERVICES
Service Provided Fee
Special Legal services Approximate cost to Forum as agreed to
from time to time
FORUM FUNDS
ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT
APPENDIX B
FEES AND EXPENSES
FEBRUARY 12, 2000
(I) ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE FEES
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------
Fee as a % of the Annual Average
Fund Daily Net Assets of Each Fund
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------
The Advocacy Fund 0.05% of the first $ billion
(subject to a $25,000 annual minimum fee)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------
(II) OTHER SERVICES
Service Provided Fee
Special Legal services Approximate cost to Forum as agreed to
from time to time
- 12 -
Exhibit (h)(4)
FORUM FUNDS
FORM OF FUND ACCOUNTING AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT made as of the 19th day of June, 1997, as amended December 5,
1997, by and between Forum Funds, a Delaware business trust, with its principal
office and place of business at Two Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxx 00000 (the
"Trust"), and Forum Accounting Services, Limited Liability Company, a Delaware
limited liability company with its principal office and place of business at Xxx
Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxx 00000 ("Forum").
WHEREAS, the Trust is registered under the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), as an open-end management investment company
and may issue its shares of beneficial interest, no par value (the "Shares"), in
separate series and classes; and
WHEREAS, the Trust offers shares in various series as listed in
Appendix A hereto (each such series, together with all other series subsequently
established by the Trust and made subject to this Agreement in accordance with
Section 6, being herein referred to as a "Fund," and collectively as the
"Funds") and the Trust may in the future offer shares of various classes of each
Fund as listed in Appendix A hereto (each such class together with all other
classes subsequently established by the Trust in a Fund being herein referred to
as a "Class," and collectively as the "Classes");
WHEREAS, the Trust desires that Forum perform certain fund accounting
services for each Fund and Class thereof and Forum is willing to provide those
services on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement;
NOW THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual covenants and
agreements contained herein, the Trust and Forum hereby agree as follows:
SECTION 1. APPOINTMENT; DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS
(a) The Trust hereby appoints Forum, and Forum hereby agrees, to act as
fund accountant of the Trust for the period and on the terms set forth in this
Agreement.
(b) In connection therewith, the Trust has delivered to Forum copies of
(i) the Trust's Trust Instrument and Bylaws (collectively, as amended from time
to time, "Organic Documents"), (ii) the Trust's Registration Statement and all
amendments thereto filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
("SEC") pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities
Act"), or the 1940 Act (the "Registration Statement"), (iii) the Trust's current
Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information of each Fund (collectively,
as currently in effect and as amended or supplemented, the "Prospectus") and
(iv) all procedures adopted by the Trust with respect to the Funds (i.e.,
repurchase agreement procedures), and shall promptly furnish
Forum with all amendments of or supplements to the foregoing. The Trust shall
deliver to Forum a certified copy of the resolution of the Board of Trustees of
the Trust (the "Board") appointing Forum and authorizing the execution and
delivery of this Agreement.
SECTION 2. DUTIES OF FORUM
(a) Forum and the Trust's administrator, Forum Administrative Services,
LLC, (the "Administrator"), may from time to time adopt such procedures as they
agree upon to implement the terms of this Section. With respect to each Fund,
Forum shall perform the following services:
(i) calculate the net asset value per share with the frequency
prescribed in each Fund's then-current Prospectus;
(ii) calculate each item of income, expense, deduction, credit, gain
and loss, if any, as required by the Trust and in conformance with
generally accepted accounting practice ("GAAP"), the SEC's Regulation
S-X (or any successor regulation) and the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended (or any successor laws)(the "Code");
(iii) maintain each Fund's general ledger and record all income,
expenses, capital share activity and security transactions of each
Fund;
(iv) calculate the yield, effective yield, tax equivalent yield and
total return for each Fund, and each Class thereof, as applicable, and
such other measure of performance as may be agreed upon between the
parties hereto;
(v) provide the Trust and such other persons as the Administrator may
direct with the following reports (A) a current security position
report, (B) a summary report of transactions and pending maturities
(including the principal, cost, and accrued interest on each portfolio
security in maturity date order), and (C) a current cash position and
projection report;
(vi) prepare and record, as of each time when the net asset value of a
Fund is calculated or as otherwise directed by the Trust, either (A) a
valuation of the assets of the Fund (unless otherwise specified in or
in accordance with this Agreement, based upon the use of outside
services normally used and contracted for this purpose by Forum in the
case of securities for which information and market price or yield
quotations are readily available and based upon evaluations conducted
in accordance with the Trust's instructions in the case of all other
assets) or (B) a calculation confirming that the market value of the
Fund's assets does not deviate from the amortized cost value of those
assets by more than a specified percentage;
(vii) make such adjustments over such periods as Forum deems necessary
to reflect over-accruals or under-accruals of estimated expenses or
income;
(viii) request any necessary information from the Administrator and the
Trust's transfer agent and distributor in order to prepare, and
prepare, the Trust's Form N-SAR;
(ix) provide appropriate records to assist the Trust's independent
accountants and, upon approval of the Trust or the Administrator, any
regulatory body in any requested review of the Trust's books and
records maintained by Forum;
(x) prepare semi-annual financial statements and oversee the production
of the semi-annual financial statements and any related report to the
Trust's shareholders prepared by the Trust or its investment advisers;
(xi) file the Funds' semi-annual financial statements with the SEC or
ensure that the Funds' semi-annual financial statements are filed with
the SEC;
(xii) provide information typically supplied in the investment company
industry to companies that track or report price, performance or other
information with respect to investment companies;
(xiii) provide the Trust or Administrator with the data requested by
the Administrator that is required to update the Trust's registration
statement;
(xiv) provide the Trust or independent accountants with all information
requested with respect to the preparation of the Trust's income, excise
and other tax returns;
(xv) prepare or prepare, execute and file all Federal income and excise
tax returns and state income and other tax returns, including any
extensions or amendments, each as agreed between the Trust and Forum;
(xvi) produce quarterly compliance reports for investment advisers to
the Trust and the Board and provide information to the Administrator,
investment advisers to the Trust and other appropriate persons with
respect to questions of Fund compliance;
(xvii) determine the amount of distributions to shareholders as
necessary to, among other things, maintain the qualification of each
Fund as a regulated investment company under the Code, and prepare and
distribute to appropriate parties notices announcing the declaration of
dividends and other distributions to shareholders;
(xviii) transmit to and receive from each Fund's transfer agent
appropriate data to on a daily basis and daily reconcile Shares
outstanding and other data with the transfer agent;
(xiv) periodically reconcile all appropriate data with each Fund's
custodian;
(xv) verify investment trade tickets when received from an investment
adviser and maintain individual ledgers and historical tax lots for
each security; and
(xvi) perform such other recordkeeping, reporting and other tasks as
may be specified from time to time in the procedures adopted by the
Board; provided, that Forum need not begin performing any such task
except upon 65 days' notice and pursuant to mutually acceptable
compensation agreements.
(b) Forum shall prepare and maintain on behalf of the Trust the
following books and records of each Fund, and each Class thereof, pursuant to
Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act (the "Rule"):
(i) Journals containing an itemized daily record in detail of all
purchases and sales of securities, all receipts and disbursements of
cash and all other debits and credits, as required by subsection (b)(1)
of the Rule;
(ii) Journals and auxiliary ledgers reflecting all asset, liability,
reserve, capital, income and expense accounts, as required by
subsection (b)(2) of the Rule (but not including the ledgers required
by subsection (b)(2)(iv);
(iii) A record of each brokerage order given by or on behalf of the
Trust for, or in connection with, the purchase or sale of securities,
and all other portfolio purchases or sales, as required by subsections
(b)(5) and (b)(6) of the Rule;
(iv) A record of all options, if any, in which the Trust has any direct
or indirect interest or which the Trust has granted or guaranteed and a
record of any contractual commitments to purchase, sell, receive or
deliver any property as required by subsection (b)(7) of the Rule;
(v) A monthly trial balance of all ledger accounts (except shareholder
accounts) as required by subsection (b)(8) of the Rule; and
(vi) Other records required by the Rule or any successor rule or
pursuant to interpretations thereof to be kept by open-end management
investment companies, but limited to those provisions of the Rule
applicable to portfolio transactions and as agreed upon between the
parties hereto.
(c) The books and records maintained pursuant to Section 2(b) shall be
prepared and maintained in such form, for such periods and in such locations as
may be required by the 1940 Act. The books and records pertaining to the Trust
that are in
possession of Forum shall be the property of the Trust. The Trust, or the
Trust's authorized representatives, shall have access to such books and records
at all times during Forum's normal business hours. Upon the reasonable request
of the Trust or the Administrator, copies of any such books and records shall be
provided promptly by Forum to the Trust or the Trust's authorized
representatives at the Trust's expense. In the event the Trust designates a
successor that shall assume any of Forum's obligations hereunder, Forum shall,
at the expense and direction of the Trust, transfer to such successor all
relevant books, records and other data established or maintained by Forum under
this Agreement.
(d) In case of any requests or demands for the inspection of the
records of the Trust maintained by Forum, Forum will endeavor to notify the
Trust and to secure instructions from an authorized officer of the Trust as to
such inspection. Forum shall abide by the Trust's instructions for granting or
denying the inspection; provided, however, that Forum may grant the inspection
without instructions if Forum is advised by counsel to Forum that failure to do
so will result in liability to Forum.
SECTION 3. STANDARD OF CARE; RELIANCE
(a) Forum shall be under no duty to take any action except as
specifically set forth herein or as may be specifically agreed to by Forum in
writing. Forum shall use its best judgment and efforts in rendering the services
described in this Agreement. Forum shall not be liable to the Trust or any of
the Trust's shareholders for any action or inaction of Forum relating to any
event whatsoever in the absence of bad faith, willful misfeasance or gross
negligence in the performance of Forum's duties or obligations under this
Agreement or by reason of Forum's reckless disregard of its duties and
obligations under this Agreement.
(b) The Trust agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Forum, its
employees, agents, directors, officers and managers and any person who controls
Forum within the meaning of section 15 of the Securities Act or section 20 of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, ("Forum Indemnitees") against
and from any and all claims, demands, actions, suits, judgments, liabilities,
losses, damages, costs, charges, reasonable counsel fees and other expenses of
every nature and character arising out of or in any way related to Forum's
actions taken or failures to act with respect to a Fund that are consistent with
the standard of care set forth in Section 3(a) or based, if applicable, on good
faith reliance upon an item described in Section 3(c)(a "Claim"). The Trust
shall not be required to indemnify any Forum Indemnitee if, prior to confessing
any Claim against the Forum Indemnitee, Forum or the Forum Indemnitee does not
give the Trust written notice of and reasonable opportunity to defend against
the claim in its own name or in the name of the Forum Indemnitee.
(c) A Forum Indemnitee shall not be liable for any action taken or
failure to act in good faith reliance upon:
(i) the advice of the Trust or of counsel, who may be counsel to the
Trust or counsel to Forum;
(ii) any oral instruction which it receives and which it reasonably
believes in good faith was transmitted by the person or persons
authorized by the Board to give such oral instruction (Forum shall have
no duty or obligation to make any inquiry or effort of certification of
such oral instruction.);
(iii) any written instruction or certified copy of any resolution of
the Board, and Forum may rely upon the genuineness of any such document
or copy thereof reasonably believed in good faith by Forum to have been
validly executed; or
(iv) any signature, instruction, request, letter of transmittal,
certificate, opinion of counsel, statement, instrument, report, notice,
consent, order, or other document reasonably believed in good faith by
Forum to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the Trust
or other proper party or parties;
and no Forum Indemnitee shall be under any duty or obligation to inquire into
the validity or invalidity or authority or lack thereof of any statement, oral
or written instruction, resolution, signature, request, letter of transmittal,
certificate, opinion of counsel, instrument, report, notice, consent, order, or
any other document or instrument which Forum reasonably believes in good faith
to be genuine.
(d) Forum shall not be liable for the errors of other service providers
to the Trust, including the errors of pricing services (other than to pursue all
reasonable claims against the pricing service based on the pricing services'
standard contracts entered into by Forum) and errors in information provided by
an investment adviser (including prices and pricing formulas and the untimely
transmission of trade information), custodian or transfer agent to the Trust.
(e) With respect to Funds which do not value their assets in accordance
with Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in
this Agreement, Forum shall not be liable to the Trust or any shareholder of the
Trust for (i) any loss to the Trust if an NAV Difference for which Forum would
otherwise be liable under this Agreement is less than or equal to 0.001 (1/10 of
1%) or (ii) any loss to a shareholder of the Trust if the NAV Difference for
which Forum would otherwise be liable under this Agreement is less than or equal
to 0.005 (1/2 of 1%) or if the loss in the shareholder's account with the Trust
is less than or equal to $10. Any loss for which Forum is determined to be
liable hereunder shall be reduced by the amount of gain which inures to
shareholders, whether to be collected by the Trust or not.
(f) For purposes of this Agreement, (i) the NAV Difference shall mean
the difference between the NAV at which a shareholder purchase or redemption
should have been effected ("Recalculated NAV") and the NAV at which the purchase
or redemption is effected, divided by the Recalculated NAV, (ii) NAV Differences
and any Forum liability therefrom are to be calculated each time a Fund's (or
class's) NAV is calculated,
(iii) in calculating any NAV Difference for which Forum would otherwise be
liable under this Agreement for a particular NAV error, Fund losses and gains
shall be netted and (iv) in calculating any NAV Difference for which Forum would
otherwise be liable under this Agreement for a particular NAV error that
continues for a period covering more than one NAV determination, Fund losses and
gains for the period shall be netted.
(g) Nothing contained herein shall be construed to require Forum to
perform any service that could cause Forum to be deemed an investment adviser
for purposes of the 1940 Act or the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended,
or that could cause a Portfolio to act in contravention of a Portfolio's
Offering Document or any provision of the 1940 Act. Except as otherwise
specifically provided herein, the Trust assumes all responsibility for ensuring
that the Trust complies with all applicable requirements of the Securities Act,
the 1940 Act and any laws, rules and regulations of governmental authorities
with jurisdiction over the Trust. All references to any law in this Agreement
shall be deemed to include reference to the applicable rules and regulations
promulgated under authority of the law and all official interpretations of such
law or rules or regulations.
SECTION 4. COMPENSATION AND EXPENSES
(a) In consideration of the services provided by Forum pursuant to this
Agreement, the Trust shall pay Forum, with respect to each Fund, the fees set
forth in Clause (i) of Appendix B hereto. In consideration of the services
provided by Forum to begin the operations of a new Fund, the Trust shall pay
Forum, with respect to each Fund, the fees set forth in clause (ii) of Appendix
B hereto. In consideration of additional services provided by Forum to perform
certain functions, the Trust shall pay Forum, with respect to each Fund the fees
set forth in clause (iii) of Appendix B hereto. Nothing in this Agreement shall
require Forum to perform any of the services listed in Section 2(a)(xiv) and
clause (iii) of Appendix B hereto, as such services may be performed by the
Fund's independent accountant if appropriate.
All fees payable hereunder shall be accrued daily by the Trust. The
fees payable for the services listed in clauses (i) and (iii) of Appendix B
hereto shall be payable monthly in advance on the first day of each calendar
month for services to be performed during the following calendar month. The fees
payable for the services listed in clause (ii) and for all reimbursements as
described in Section 4(b) shall be payable monthly in arrears on the first day
of each calendar month (the first day of the calendar month after the Fund
commences operations in the case of the fees listed in clause (ii) of Appendix B
hereto) for services performed during the prior calendar month. If fees payable
for the services listed in clause (i) begin to accrue in the middle of a month
or if this Agreement terminates before the end of any month, all fees for the
period from that date to the end of that month or from the beginning of that
month to the date of termination, as the case may be, shall be prorated
according to the proportion that the period bears to the full month in which the
effectiveness or termination occurs. Upon the termination of this Agreement with
respect to a Fund, the Trust shall pay to Forum such compensation as shall be
payable prior to the effective date of termination.
(b) In connection with the services provided by Forum pursuant to this
Agreement, the Trust, on behalf of each Fund, agrees to reimburse Forum for the
expenses set forth in Clause (iv) of Appendix B hereto. In addition, the Trust,
on behalf of the applicable Fund, shall reimburse Forum for all expenses and
employee time (at 150% of salary) attributable to any review of the Trust's
accounts and records by the Trust's independent accountants or any regulatory
body outside of routine and normal periodic reviews. Should the Trust exercise
its right to terminate this Agreement, the Trust, on behalf of the applicable
Fund, shall reimburse Forum for all out-of-pocket expenses and employee time (at
150% of salary) associated with the copying and movement of records and material
to any successor person and providing assistance to any successor person in the
establishment of the accounts and records necessary to carry out the successor's
responsibilities.
(d) Forum may, with respect to questions of law relating to its
services hereunder, apply to and obtain the advice and opinion of counsel to the
Trust or counsel to Forum. The costs of any such advice or opinion shall be
borne by the Trust.
SECTION 5. EFFECTIVENESS, DURATION, TERMINATION AND ASSIGNMENT
(a) This Agreement shall become effective with respect to each Fund or
Class on the later of the date on which the Trust's Registration Statement
relating to the Shares of the Fund or Class becomes effective or the date of the
commencement of operations of the Fund or Class. Upon effectiveness of this
Agreement, it shall supersede all previous agreements between the parties hereto
covering the subject matter hereof insofar as such Agreement may have been
deemed to relate to the Funds.
(b) This Agreement shall continue in effect with respect to a Fund
until terminated; provided, that continuance is specifically approved at least
annually (i) by the Board or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting
securities of the Fund and (ii) by a vote of a majority of Trustees of the Trust
who are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons of any such party
(other than as Trustees of the Trust).
(c) This Agreement may be terminated with respect to a Fund at any
time, without the payment of any penalty (i) by the Board on 60 days' written
notice to Forum or (ii) by Forum on 60 days' written notice to the Trust. The
obligations of Sections 3 and 4 shall survive any termination of this Agreement.
(d) This Agreement and the rights and duties under this Agreement
otherwise shall not be assignable by either Forum or the Trust except by the
specific written consent of the other party. All terms and provisions of this
Agreement shall be binding upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by
the respective successors and assigns of the parties hereto.
SECTION 6. ADDITIONAL FUNDS AND CLASSES
In the event that the Trust establishes one or more series of Shares or
one or more classes of Shares after the effectiveness of this Agreement, such
series of Shares or classes of Shares, as the case may be, shall become Funds
and Classes under this Agreement. Forum or the Trust may elect not to make any
such series or classes subject to this Agreement.
SECTION 7. CONFIDENTIALITY. Forum agrees to treat all records and
other information related to the Trust as proprietary information of the
Trust and, on behalf of itself and its employees, to keep confidential all such
information, except that Forum may
(a) prepare or assist in the preparation of periodic reports to
shareholders and regulatory bodies such as the SEC;
(b) provide information typically supplied in the investment company
industry to companies that track or report price, performance or other
information regarding investment companies; and
(c) release such other information as approved in writing by the Trust,
which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld and may not be withheld where
Forum may be exposed to civil or criminal contempt proceedings for failure to
release the information, when requested to divulge such information by duly
constituted authorities or when so requested by the Trust.
SECTION 8. FORCE MAJEURE
Forum shall not be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in
performance of its obligations under this Agreement arising out of or caused,
directly or indirectly, by circumstances beyond its reasonable control
including, without limitation, acts of civil or military authority, national
emergencies, labor difficulties, fire, mechanical breakdowns, flood or
catastrophe, acts of God, insurrection, war, riots or failure of the mails,
transportation, communication or power supply. In addition, to the extent
Forum's obligations hereunder are to oversee or monitor the activities of third
parties, Forum shall not be liable for any failure or delay in the performance
of Forum's duties caused, directly or indirectly, by the failure or delay of
such third parties in performing their respective duties or cooperating
reasonably and in a timely manner with Forum.
SECTION 9. ACTIVITIES OF FORUM
(a) Except to the extent necessary to perform Forum's obligations under
this Agreement, nothing herein shall be deemed to limit or restrict Forum's
right, or the right of any of Forum's managers, officers or employees who also
may be a trustee, officer or employee of the Trust, or persons who are otherwise
affiliated persons of the Trust to engage in any other business or to devote
time and attention to the management or other
aspects of any other business, whether of a similar or dissimilar nature, or to
render services of any kind to any other corporation, trust, firm, individual or
association.
(b) Forum may subcontract any or all of its responsibilities pursuant
to this Agreement to one or more corporations, trusts, firms, individuals or
associations, which may be affiliated persons of Forum, who agree to comply with
the terms of this Agreement; provided, that any such subcontracting shall not
relieve Forum of its responsibilities hereunder. Forum may pay those persons for
their services, but no such payment will increase Forum's compensation from the
Trust.
SECTION 10. COOPERATION WITH INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
Forum shall cooperate, if applicable, with each Fund's independent
public accountants and shall take reasonable action to make all necessary
information available to the accountants for the performance of the accountants'
duties.
SECTION 11. SERVICE DAYS
Nothing contained in this Agreement is intended to or shall require
Forum, in any capacity under this Agreement, to perform any functions or duties
on any day other than a business day of the Trust or of a Fund. Functions or
duties normally scheduled to be performed on any day which is not a business day
of the Trust or of a Fund shall be performed on, and as of, the next business
day, unless otherwise required by law.
SECTION 12. LIMITATION OF SHAREHOLDER AND TRUSTEE LIABILITY
The trustees of the Trust and the shareholders of each Fund shall not
be liable for any obligations of the Trust or of the Funds under this Agreement,
and Forum agrees that, in asserting any rights or claims under this Agreement,
it shall look only to the assets and property of the Trust or the Fund to which
Forum's rights or claims relate in settlement of such rights or claims, and not
to the trustees of the Trust or the shareholders of the Funds.
SECTION 13. MISCELLANEOUS
(a) Neither party to this Agreement shall be liable to the other party
for consequential damages under any provision of this Agreement.
(b) Except for Appendix A to add new Funds and Classes in accordance
with Section 6, no provisions of this Agreement may be amended or modified in
any manner except by a written agreement properly authorized and executed by
both parties hereto.
(c) This Agreement shall be governed by, and the provisions of this
Agreement shall be construed and interpreted under and in accordance with, the
laws of the State of Delaware.
(d) This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties
hereto and supersedes any prior agreement with respect to the subject matter
hereof, whether oral or written.
(e) This Agreement may be executed by the parties hereto on any number
of counterparts, and all of the counterparts taken together shall be deemed to
constitute one and the same instrument.
(f) If any part, term or provision of this Agreement is held to be
illegal, in conflict with any law or otherwise invalid, the remaining portion or
portions shall be considered severable and not be affected, and the rights and
obligations of the parties shall be construed and enforced as if the Agreement
did not contain the particular part, term or provision held to be illegal or
invalid.
(g) Section headings in this Agreement are included for convenience
only and are not to be used to construe or interpret this Agreement.
(h) Notices, requests, instructions and communications received by the
parties at their respective principal places of business, or at such other
address as a party may have designated in writing, shall be deemed to have been
properly given.
(i) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the parties
agree that the assets and liabilities of each Fund of the Trust are separate and
distinct from the assets and liabilities of each other Fund and that no Fund
shall be liable or shall be charged for any debt, obligation or liability of any
other Fund, whether arising under this Agreement or otherwise.
(j) No affiliated person, employee, agent, director, officer or manager
of Forum shall be liable at law or in equity for Forum's obligations under this
Agreement.
(k) Each of the undersigned warrants and represents that they have full
power and authority to sign this Agreement on behalf of the party indicated and
that their signature will bind the party indicated to the terms hereof and each
party hereto warrants and represents that this Agreement, when executed and
delivered, will constitute a legal, valid and binding obligation of the party,
enforceable against the party in accordance with its terms, subject to
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general
application affecting the rights and remedies of creditors and secured parties.
(l) The terms "vote of a majority of the outstanding voting
securities," "interested person" and "affiliated person" shall have the meanings
ascribed thereto in the 1940 Act.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
executed in their names and on their behalf by and through their duly authorized
officers, as of the day and year first above written.
FORUM FUNDS
By:/s/Xxxx X. Xxxxxx
Xxxx X. Xxxxxx
Vice President, Assistant Treasurer
and Assistant Secretary
FORUM ACCOUNTING SERVICES, LIMITED
LIABILITY COMPANY
By: Forum Advisors, Inc., as Manager
By:/s/Xxxx X. Xxxxxx
Xxxx X. Xxxxxx
President
FORUM FUNDS
FUND ACCOUNTING AGREEMENT
APPENDIX A
FUNDS AND CLASSES OF THE TRUST
AS OF FEBRUARY 12, 2001
Austin Global Equity Fund
BrownIA Equity Growth Fund
BrownIA Small-Cap Growth Fund
BrownIA Maryland Bond Fund
Equity Index Fund
Investors Bond Fund
Maine TaxSaver Bond Fund
Xxxxxxxxxxxx Growth Value Fund
New Hampshire TaxSaver Bond Fund
Payson Balanced Fund
Payson Value Fund
Polaris Global Value Fund
Shaker Fund
TaxSaver Bond Fund
The Advocacy Fund
Xxxxxxx Xxxxx Growth Fund
INVESTOR SHARES
Daily Assets Treasury Obligations Fund
Daily Assets Government Obligations Fund
Daily Assets Government Fund
Daily Assets Cash Fund
Daily Assets Municipal Fund
INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
Daily Assets Treasury Obligations Fund
Daily Assets Government Obligations Fund
Daily Assets Government Fund
Daily Assets Cash Fund
Daily Assets Municipal Fund
INSTITUTIONAL SERVICE SHARES
Daily Assets Treasury Obligations Fund
Daily Assets Government Obligations Fund
Daily Assets Government Fund
Daily Assets Cash Fund
Daily Assets Municipal Fund
FORUM FUNDS
FUND ACCOUNTING AGREEMENT
FORUM FUNDS
FUND ACCOUNTING AGREEMENT
APPENDIX B
FEES AND EXPENSES
(I) BASE FEE
Standard Fee
Fee per Fund................................................................... $3,000/month
Fee for each additional Class of the Fund above one............................ $1,000/month
Plus additional surcharges for each of:
(i) Portfolios with asset levels exceeding $100 million................... $500/month
Portfolios with asset levels exceeding $250 million................... $1000/month
Portfolios with asset levels exceeding $500 million................... $1,500/month
Portfolios with asset levels exceeding $1,000 million................. $2,000/month
(ii) Portfolios requiring international custody............................ $1,000/month
(iii) Portfolios with more than 30 international positions ................. $1,000/month
(iv) Tax free money market Funds........................................... $1,000/month
(v) Portfolios with more than 25% of net assets invested in
asset backed securities............................................... $1,000/month
Portfolios with more than 50% of net assets invested in
asset backed securities............................................... $2,000/month
(vii) Portfolios with more than 100 security positions...................... $1,000/month
(viii) Portfolios with a monthly portfolio turnover rate of 10%
or greater............................................................ $1,000/month
Standard Fee per Feeder Gateway Fund (a Fund operating pursuant to
Section 12(d)(1)(E) of the 0000 Xxx)
Standard Fee per Fund.......................................................... $1,000/month
Standard Fee per Fund that invests in more than one security................... $2,000/month
Fee for each additional Class of a Fund above one.............................. $1,000/month
Additional surcharges do not apply
Standard Fee per Fund of Funds Gateway Fund (a Fund operating pursuant
to Section 12(d)(1)(H) of the 1940 Act or a similar structure)
Standard Fee per Fund.......................................................... $2,000/month
Fee for each additional Class of a Fund above one.............................. $1,000/month
Plus additional surcharges as described above if the Fund invests
in securities other than investment companies (calculated as if the
securities were the Fund's only assets)
Note 1: Surcharges are determined based upon the total assets, security
positions or other factors as of the end of the prior
month and on the portfolio turnover rate for the prior month.
Portfolio turnover rate shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in SEC
Form N-1A.
Note 2: The rates set forth above shall remain fixed through December
31, 1997. On January 1, 1998, and on each successive January 1, the
rates may be adjusted automatically by Forum without action of the
Trust to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index for the preceding
calendar year, as published by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of
Labor Statistics. Forum shall notify the Trust each year of the new
rates, if applicable.
Note 3: Accounting Fees for BrownIA Small-Cap Growth Fund, BrownIA
Growth Equity Fund, and BrownIA MAryland Bond Fund are the same as
above except for the following:
Standard Fee per Fund......................................................$3,000/month
Surcharge for Fund with asset levels exceeding $250 million................$1,000/month
Surcharge for Fund with assets levels exceeding $500 million........$1,500/month
Surcharge for a Fund with more than 50% of its net assets
invested in asset backed securities.......................................$2,000/month
Note 4: Accounting Fees for Shaker Fund are the same as above except
for the following:
Standard Fee per Fund......................................................$57,000/year plus 0.01%
of the Fund's average
daily net assets.
Note 5: Accounting Fees for Xxxxxxx Xxxxx Growth Fund are the same as
above except for the following:
Standard Fee per Fund......................................................$42,000/year plus 0.01%
of the Fund's average
daily net assets.
(II) START-UP FEE
Fund Start-Up Fee .........................................................$2,000
(III) OTHER SERVICES (payable in equal installments monthly)
1998 Fiscal Years (1997 Excise Tax for March and May Year Ends)
Preparation of tax returns: (i) state income, (ii) Federal income
and (iii) Federal excise, including extensions and amendments
Money Funds (Standard) $1,800/fiscal period/Fund
Money Funds (Feeder Gateway Fund) $1,200/fiscal period/Fund
Other Funds (Standard) $2,200/fiscal period/Fund
Other Funds (Feeder Gateway Fund) $2,200/fiscal period/Fund
Other Funds (Fund of Funds Gateway Fund) $2,200/fiscal period/Fund
Preparation of tax returns: (i) state income and (ii) Federal
income; and preparation, execution and filing of tax returns:
(i) Federal excise, including extensions and amendments
Money Funds (Standard) $2,400/fiscal period/Fund
Money Funds (Feeder Gateway Fund) $1,800/fiscal period/Fund
Other Funds (Standard) $2,900/fiscal period/Fund
Other Funds (Feeder Gateway Fund) $2,900/fiscal period/Fund
Other Funds (Fund of Funds Gateway Fund) $2,900/fiscal period/Fund
Preparation, execution and filing of of tax returns: (i) state income,
(ii) Federal income and (iii) Federal excise, including extensions
and amendments
Money Funds (Standard) $3,000/fiscal period/Fund
Money Funds (Feeder Gateway Fund) $2,000/fiscal period/Fund
Other Funds (Standard) $4,500/fiscal period/Fund
Other Funds (Feeder Gateway Fund) $4,000/fiscal period/Fund
Other Funds (Fund of Funds Gateway Fund) $4,000/fiscal period/Fund
1999 Fiscal Years (1998 Excise Tax for March and May Year Ends)
Preparation of tax returns: (i) state income, (ii) Federal income
and (iii) Federal excise, including extensions and amendments
Money Funds (Standard) $1,750/fiscal period/Fund
Money Funds (Feeder Gateway Fund) $1,250/fiscal period/Fund
Other Funds (Standard) $2,200/fiscal period/Fund
Other Funds (Feeder Gateway Fund) $2,200/fiscal period/Fund
Other Funds (Fund of Funds Gateway Fund) $2,200/fiscal period/Fund
Preparation of tax returns: (i) state income and (ii) Federal
income; and preparation, execution and filing of tax returns:
(i) Federal excise, including extensions and amendments
Money Funds (Standard) $2,400/fiscal period/Fund
Money Funds (Feeder Gateway Fund) $1,900/fiscal period/Fund
Other Funds (Standard) $2,900/fiscal period/Fund
Other Funds (Feeder Gateway Fund) $2,900/fiscal period/Fund
Other Funds (Fund of Funds Gateway Fund) $2,900/fiscal period/Fund
Preparation, execution and filing of of tax returns: (i) state income,
(ii) Federal income and (iii) Federal excise, including extensions
and amendments
Money Funds (Standard) $3,000/fiscal period/Fund
Money Funds (Feeder Gateway Fund) $2,250/fiscal period/Fund
Other Funds (Standard) $4,600/fiscal period/Fund
Other Funds (Feeder Gateway Fund) $4,000/fiscal period/Fund
Other Funds (Fund of Funds Gateway Fund) $4,000/fiscal period/Fund
(IV) OUT-OF-POCKET AND RELATED EXPENSES
The Trust, on behalf of the applicable Fund, shall reimburse Forum for
all out-of-pocket and ancillary expenses in providing the services
described in this Agreement, including but not limited to the cost of
(or appropriate share of the cost of): (i) pricing, paydown, corporate
action, credit and other reporting services, (ii) taxes, (iii) postage
and delivery services, (iv) telephone services, (v) electronic or
facsimile transmission services, (vi) reproduction, (vii) printing and
distributing financial statements, (xiii) microfilm and microfiche and
(ix) Trust record storage and retention fees. In addition, any other
expenses incurred by Forum at the request or with the consent of the
Trust, will be reimbursed by the Trust on behalf of the applicable
Fund.
Exhibit (h)(6)
FORUM FUNDS
FORM OF TRANSFER AGENCY AND SERVICES AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT made as of the 19 day of May, 1998, by and between Forum
Funds, a Delaware Business Trust, with its principal office and place of
business at Two Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxx 00000 (the "Trust"), and Forum
Shareholder Services, LLC, a corporation organized under the laws of the State
of Delaware its principal office and place of business at Xxx Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx,
Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxx 00000 ("Forum").
WHEREAS, the Trust is authorized to issue shares in separate series,
with each such series representing interests in a separate portfolio of
securities and other assets, and is authorized to divide those series into
separate classes; and
WHEREAS, the Trust offers shares in various series as listed in
Appendix A hereto (each such series, together with all other series subsequently
established by the Trust and made subject to this Agreement in accordance with
Section 13, being herein referred to as a "Fund," and collectively as the
"Funds") and the Trust offers shares of various classes of each Fund as listed
in Appendix A hereto (each such class together with all other classes
subsequently established by the Trust in a Fund being herein referred to as a
"Class," and collectively as the "Classes"); and
WHEREAS, the Trust on behalf of the Funds desires to appoint Forum as
its transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent and Forum desires to accept
such appointment;
NOW THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual covenants and
agreements contained herein, the Trust and Forum hereby agree as follows:
SECTION 1. APPOINTMENT; DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS
(a) Appointment. The Trust, on behalf of the Funds, hereby appoints
Forum to act as, and Forum agrees to act as, (i) transfer agent for the
authorized and issued shares of beneficial interest of the Trust representing
interests in each of the respective Funds and Classes thereof ("Shares"), (ii)
dividend disbursing agent and (iii) agent in connection with any accumulation,
open-account or similar plans provided to the registered owners of shares of any
of the Funds ("Shareholders") and set out in the currently effective
prospectuses and statements of additional information (collectively
"prospectus") of the applicable Fund, including, without limitation, any
periodic investment plan or periodic withdrawal program.
(b) Document Delivery. The Trust has delivered to Forum copies of (i)
the Trust's Trust Instrument and Bylaws (collectively, as amended from time to
time, "Organic Documents"), (ii) the Trust's Registration Statement and all
amendments thereto filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
("SEC") pursuant to the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended ("1940 Act")(the "Registration Statement"),
(iii) the Trust's current Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information of
each Fund (collectively, as currently in effect and as amended or supplemented,
the "Prospectus"), (iv) each current plan of distribution or similar document
adopted by the Trust under Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act ("Plan") and each
current shareholder service plan or similar document adopted by the Trust
("Service Plan"), and (v) all procedures adopted by the Trust with respect to
the Funds (i.e., repurchase agreement procedures), and shall promptly furnish
Forum with all amendments of or supplements to the foregoing. The Trust shall
deliver to Forum a certified copy of the resolution of the Board of Trustees of
the Trust (the "Board") appointing Forum and authorizing the execution and
delivery of this Agreement.
SECTION 2. DUTIES OF FORUM
(a)Services. Forum agrees that in accordance with procedures established
from time to time by agreement between the Trust on behalf of each of the Funds,
as applicable, and Forum, Forum will perform the following services:
(i)provide the services of a transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent
and, as relevant, agent in connection with accumulation, open-account
or similar plans (including without limitation any periodic investment
plan or periodic withdrawal program) that are customary for open-end
management investment companies including: (A) maintaining all
Shareholder accounts, (B) preparing Shareholder meeting lists, (C)
mailing proxies to Shareholders, (D) mailing Shareholder reports and
prospectuses to current Shareholders, (E) withholding taxes on U.S.
resident and non-resident alien accounts, (F) preparing and filing U.S.
Treasury Department Forms 1099 and other appropriate forms required by
federal authorities with respect to distributions for Shareholders, (G)
preparing and mailing confirmation forms and statements of account to
Shareholders for all purchases and redemptions of Shares and other
confirmable transactions in Shareholder accounts, (H) preparing and
mailing activity statements for Shareholders, and (I) providing
Shareholder account information;
(ii) receive for acceptance orders for the purchase of Shares and
promptly deliver payment and appropriate documentation therefor to the
custodian of the applicable Fund (the "Custodian") or, in the case of
Fund's operating in a master-feeder or fund of funds structure, to the
transfer agent or interestholder recordkeeper for the master portfolios
in which the Fund invests;
(iii) pursuant to purchase orders, issue the appropriate number of
Shares and hold such Shares in the appropriate Shareholder account;
(iv) receive for acceptance redemption requests and deliver the
appropriate documentation therefor to the Custodian or, in the case of
Fund's operating in a
master-feeder or fund of funds structure, to the transfer agent or
interestholder recordkeeper for the master portfolios in which the
Fund invests;
(v) as and when it receives monies paid to it by the Custodian with
respect to any redemption, pay the redemption proceeds as required by
the prospectus pursuant to which the redeemed Shares were offered and
as instructed by the redeeming Shareholders;
(vi) effect transfers of Shares upon receipt of appropriate
instructions from Shareholders;
(vii) prepare and transmit to Shareholders (or credit the appropriate
Shareholder accounts) payments for all distributions declared by the
Trust with respect to Shares;
(viii) issue share certificates and replacement share certificates for
those share certificates alleged to have been lost, stolen, or
destroyed upon receipt by Forum of indemnification satisfactory to
Forum and protecting Forum and the Trust and, at the option of Forum,
issue replacement certificates in place of mutilated share certificates
upon presentation thereof without requiring indemnification;
(ix) receive from Shareholders or debit Shareholder accounts for sales
commissions, including contingent deferred, deferred and other sales
charges, and service fees (i.e., wire redemption charges) and prepare
and transmit payments to underwriters, selected dealers and others for
commissions and service fees received;
(x) track shareholder accounts by financial intermediary source and
otherwise as requested by the Trust and provide periodic reporting to
the Trust or its administrator or other agent;
(xi) maintain records of account for and provide reports and
statements to the Trust and Shareholders as to the foregoing;
(xii) record the issuance of Shares of the Trust and maintain pursuant
to Rule 17Ad-10(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended ("1934 Act") a record of the total number of Shares of the
Trust, each Fund and each Class thereof, that are authorized, based
upon data provided to it by the Trust, and are issued and outstanding
and provide the Trust on a regular basis a report of the total number
of Shares that are authorized and the total number of Shares that are
issued and outstanding; and
(xiii) provide a system which will enable the Trust to calculate the
total number of Shares of each Fund and Class thereof sold in each
State.
(b) Other Services. Forum shall provide the following additional
services on behalf of the Trust and such other services agreed to in
writing by the Trust and Forum:
(i) monitor and make appropriate filings with respect to the
escheatment laws of the various states and territories of the United
States; and
(ii) receive and tabulate proxy votes/oversee the activities of proxy
solicitation firms and coordinate the tabulation of proxy and
shareholder meeting votes.
(c) Blue Sky Matters. The Trust or its administrator or other agent (i)
shall identify to Forum in writing those transactions and assets to be treated
as exempt from reporting for each state and territory of the United States and
for each foreign jurisdiction (collectively "States") and (ii) shall monitor the
sales activity with respect to Shareholders domiciled or resident in each State.
The responsibility of Forum for the Trust's State registration status is solely
limited to the reporting of transactions to the Trust, and Forum shall have no
obligation, when recording the issuance of Shares, to monitor the issuance of
such Shares or to take cognizance of any laws relating to the issue or sale of
such Shares, which functions shall be the sole responsibility of the Trust or
its administrator or other agent.
(d) Safekeeping. Forum shall establish and maintain facilities and
procedures reasonably acceptable to the Trust for the safekeeping, control,
preparation and use of share certificates, check forms, and facsimile signature
imprinting devices. Forum shall establish and maintain facilities and procedures
reasonably acceptable to the Trust for safekeeping of all records maintained by
Forum pursuant to this Agreement.
(e) Cooperation With Accountants. Forum shall cooperate with each
Fund's independent public accountants and shall take reasonable action to make
all necessary information available to the accountants for the performance of
the accountants' duties.
(f) Responsibility for Compliance With Law. Except with respect to
Forum's duties as set forth in this Section 2 and except as otherwise
specifically provided herein, the Trust assumes all responsibility for ensuring
that the Trust complies with all applicable requirements of the Securities Act,
the 1940 Act and any laws, rules and regulations of governmental authorities
with jurisdiction over the Trust. All references to any law in this Agreement
shall be deemed to include reference to the applicable rules and regulations
promulgated under authority of the law and all official interpretations of such
law or rules or regulations.
SECTION 3. RECORDKEEPING
(a) Predecessor Records. Prior to the commencement of Forum's
responsibilities under this Agreement, if applicable, the Trust shall deliver or
cause to be delivered over to Forum (i) an accurate list of Shareholders of the
Trust, showing each Shareholder's address of record, number of Shares owned and
whether such Shares are represented by outstanding share certificates and (ii)
all Shareholder records, files, and
other materials necessary or appropriate for proper performance of the functions
assumed by Forum under this Agreement (collectively referred to as the
"Materials"). The Trust shall on behalf of each applicable Fund or Class
indemnify and hold Forum harmless from and against any and all losses, damages,
costs, charges, counsel fees, payments, expenses and liability arising out of or
attributable to any error, omission, inaccuracy or other deficiency of the
Materials, or out of the failure of the Trust to provide any portion of the
Materials or to provide any information in the Trust's possession or control
reasonably needed by Forum to perform the services described in this Agreement.
(b) Recordkeeping. Forum shall keep records relating to the services to
be performed under this Agreement, in the form and manner as it may deem
advisable and as required by applicable law. To the extent required by Section
31 of the 1940 Act, and the rules thereunder, Forum agrees that all such records
prepared or maintained by Forum relating to the services to be performed by
Forum under this Agreement are the property of the Trust and will be preserved,
maintained and made available in accordance with Section 31 of the 1940 Act and
the rules thereunder, and will be surrendered promptly to the Trust on and in
accordance with the Trust's request. The Trust and the Trust's authorized
representatives shall have access to Forum's records relating to the services to
be performed under this Agreement at all times during Forum's normal business
hours. Upon the reasonable request of the Trust, copies of any such records
shall be provided promptly by Forum to the Trust or the Trust's authorized
representatives.
(c) Confidentiality of Records. Forum and the Trust agree that all
books, records, information, and data pertaining to the business of the other
party which are exchanged or received pursuant to the negotiation or the
carrying out of this Agreement shall remain confidential, and shall not be
voluntarily disclosed to any other person, except as may be required by law.
(d) Inspection of Records by Others. In case of any requests or demands
for the inspection of the Shareholder records of the Trust, Forum will endeavor
to notify the Trust and to secure instructions from an authorized officer of the
Trust as to such inspection. Forum shall abide by the Trust's instructions for
granting or denying the inspection; provided, however, that Forum may grant the
inspection without instructions if Forum is advised by counsel to Forum that
failure to do so will result in liability to Forum.
SECTION 4. ISSUANCE AND TRANSFER OF SHARES
(a) Issuance of Shares. Forum shall make original issues of Shares of
each Fund and Class thereof in accordance with the Trust's then current
prospectus only upon receipt of (i) instructions requesting the issuance, (ii) a
certified copy of a resolution of the Board authorizing the issuance, (iii)
necessary funds for the payment of any original issue tax applicable to such
Shares, and (iv) an opinion of the Trust's counsel as to the legality and
validity of the issuance, which opinion may provide that it is contingent upon
the filing by the Trust of an appropriate notice with the SEC, as required by
Section 24 of the 1940 Act or the rules thereunder. If the opinion described in
(iv) above is contingent
upon a filing under Section 24 of the 1940 Act, the Trust shall indemnify Forum
for any liability arising from the failure of the Trust to comply with that
section or the rules thereunder.
(b) Transfer of Shares. Transfers of Shares of each Fund and Class
thereof shall be registered on the Shareholder records maintained by Forum. In
registering transfers of Shares, Forum may rely upon the Uniform Commercial Code
as in effect in the State of Delaware or any other statutes that, in the opinion
of Forum's counsel, protect Forum and the Trust from liability arising from (i)
not requiring complete documentation, (ii) registering a transfer without an
adverse claim inquiry, (iii) delaying registration for purposes of such inquiry
or (iv) refusing registration whenever an adverse claim requires such refusal.
As Transfer Agent, Forum will be responsible for delivery to the transferor and
transferee of such documentation as is required by the Uniform Commercial Code.
SECTION 5. SHARE CERTIFICATES
(a) Certificates. The Trust shall furnish to Forum a supply of blank
share certificates of each Fund and Class thereof and, from time to time, will
renew such supply upon Forum's request. Blank share certificates shall be signed
manually or by facsimile signatures of officers of the Trust authorized to sign
by the Organic Documents of the Trust and, if required by the Organic Documents,
shall bear the Trust's seal or a facsimile thereof. Unless otherwise directed by
the Trust, Forum may issue or register Share certificates reflecting the manual
or facsimile signature of an officer who has died, resigned or been removed by
the Trust.
(b) Endorsement; Transportation. New Share certificates shall be issued
by Forum upon surrender of outstanding Share certificates in the form deemed by
Forum to be properly endorsed for transfer and satisfactory evidence of
compliance with all applicable laws relating to the payment or collection of
taxes. Forum shall forward Share certificates in "non-negotiable" form by
first-class or registered mail, or by whatever means Forum deems equally
reliable and expeditious. Forum shall not mail Share certificates in
"negotiable" form unless requested in writing by the Trust and fully indemnified
by the Trust to Forum's satisfaction.
(c) Non-Issuance of Certificates. In the event that the Trust informs
Forum that any Fund or Class thereof does not issue share certificates, Forum
shall not issue any such share certificates and the provisions of this Agreement
relating to share certificates shall not be applicable with respect to those
Funds or Classes thereof.
SECTION 6. SHARE PURCHASES; ELIGIBILITY TO RECEIVE DISTRIBUTIONS
(a) Purchase Orders. Shares shall be issued in accordance with the
terms of a Fund's or Class' prospectus after Forum or its agent receives either:
(i) (A) an instruction directing investment in a Fund or Class, (B) a
check (other than a third party check) or a wire or other electronic
payment in the amount designated in the instruction and (C), in the
case of an initial purchase, a completed account application; or
(ii) the information required for purchases pursuant to a selected
dealer agreement, processing organization agreement, or a similar
contract with a financial intermediary.
(b) Distribution Eligibility. Shares issued in a Fund after
receipt of a completed purchase order shall be eligible to receive distributions
of the Fund at the time specified in the prospectus pursuant to which the Shares
are offered.
(c) Determination of Federal Funds. Shareholder payments shall be
considered Federal Funds no later than on the day indicated below unless other
times are noted in the prospectus of the applicable Class or Fund:
(i) for a wire received, at the time of the receipt of the wire;
(ii) for a check drawn on a member bank of the Federal Reserve System,
on the second Fund Business Day following receipt of the check; and
(iv) for a check drawn on an institution that is not a member of the
Federal Reserve System, at such time as Forum is credited with Federal
Funds with respect to that check.
SECTION 7. FEES AND EXPENSES
(a) Fees. For the services provided by Forum pursuant to this
Agreement, the Trust, on behalf of each Fund, agrees to pay Forum the fees set
forth in Clauses (i) and (ii) of Appendix B hereto. Fees will begin to accrue
for each Fund on the latter of the date of this Agreement or the date of
commencement of operations of the Fund. If fees begin to accrue in the middle of
a month or if this Agreement terminates before the end of any month, all fees
for the period from that date to the end of that month or from the beginning of
that month to the date of termination, as the case may be, shall be prorated
according to the proportion that the period bears to the full month in which the
effectiveness or termination occurs. Upon the termination of this Agreement with
respect to a Fund, the Trust shall pay to Forum such compensation as shall be
payable prior to the effective date of termination.
(b) Expenses. In connection with the services provided by Forum
pursuant to this Agreement, the Trust, on behalf of each Fund, agrees to
reimburse Forum for the expenses set forth in Appendix B hereto. In addition,
the Trust, on behalf of the applicable Fund, shall reimburse Forum for all
expenses and employee time (at 150% of salary) attributable to any review of the
Trust's accounts and records by the Trust's independent accountants or any
regulatory body outside of routine and normal periodic
reviews. Should the Trust exercise its right to terminate this Agreement, the
Trust, on behalf of the applicable Fund, shall reimburse Forum for all
out-of-pocket expenses and employee time (at 150% of salary) associated with the
copying and movement of records and material to any successor person and
providing assistance to any successor person in the establishment of the
accounts and records necessary to carry out the successor's responsibilities.
(c) Payment. All fees and reimbursements are payable in arrears on a
monthly basis and the Trust, on behalf of the applicable Fund, agrees to pay all
fees and reimbursable expenses within five (5) business days following receipt`
of the respective billing notice.
SECTION 8. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
(a) Representations and Warranties of Forum. Forum represents and
warrants to the Trust that:
(i) It is a corporation duly organized and existing and in good
standing under the laws of the State of Delaware.
(ii) It is duly qualified to carry on its business in the State of
Maine.
(iii) It is empowered under applicable laws and by its Article of
Incorporation and Bylaws to enter into this Agreement and perform its
duties under this Agreement.
(iv) All requisite corporate proceedings have been taken to authorize
it to enter into this Agreement and perform its duties under this
Agreement.
(v) It has access to the necessary facilities, equipment, and
personnel to perform its duties and obligations under this Agreement.
(vi) This Agreement, when executed and delivered, will constitute a
legal, valid and binding obligation of Forum, enforceable against Forum
in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general application
affecting the rights and remedies of creditors and secured parties.
(vii) It is registered as a transfer agent under Xxxxxxx 00X xx xxx
0000 Xxx.
(x) Representations and Warranties of the Trust. The Trust
represents and warrants to Forum that:
(i) It is a business trust duly organized and existing and in good
standing under the laws of Delaware.
(ii) It is empowered under applicable laws and by its Organic Documents
to enter into this Agreement and perform its duties under this
Agreement.
(iii) All requisite corporate proceedings have been taken to authorize
it to enter into this Agreement and perform its duties under this
Agreement.
(iv) It is an open-end management investment company registered under
the 1940 Act.
(v) This Agreement, when executed and delivered, will constitute a
legal, valid and binding obligation of the Trust, enforceable against
the Trust in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general
application affecting the rights and remedies of creditors and secured
parties.
(vi) A registration statement under the Securities Act is currently
effective and will remain effective, and appropriate State securities
law filings have been made and will continue to be made, with respect
to all Shares of the Funds and Classes of the Trust being offered for
sale.
SECTION 9. PROPRIETARY INFORMATION
(a) Proprietary Information of Forum. The Trust acknowledges that the
databases, computer programs, screen formats, report formats, interactive design
techniques, and documentation manuals maintained by Forum on databases under the
control and ownership of Forum or a third party constitute copyrighted, trade
secret, or other proprietary information (collectively, "Proprietary
Information") of substantial value to Forum or the third party. The Trust agrees
to treat all Proprietary Information as proprietary to Forum and further agrees
that it shall not divulge any Proprietary Information to any person or
organization except as may be provided under this Agreement.
(b) Proprietary Information of the Trust. Forum acknowledges that the
Shareholder list and all information related to Shareholders furnished to Forum
by the Trust or by a Shareholder in connection with this Agreement
(collectively, "Customer Data") constitute proprietary information of
substantial value to the Trust. In no event shall Proprietary Information be
deemed Customer Data. Forum agrees to treat all Customer Data as proprietary to
the Trust and further agrees that it shall not divulge any Customer Data to any
person or organization except as may be provided under this Agreement or as may
be directed by the Trust.
SECTION 10. INDEMNIFICATION
(a) Indemnification of Forum. Forum shall not be responsible for, and
the Trust shall on behalf of each applicable Fund or Class thereof indemnify and
hold Forum
harmless from and against, any and all losses, damages, costs, charges,
reasonable counsel fees, payments, expenses and liability arising out of or
attributable to:
(i) all actions of Forum or its agents or subcontractors required to be
taken pursuant to this Agreement, provided that such actions are taken
in good faith and without gross negligence or willful misconduct;
(ii) the Trust's lack of good faith or the Trust's gross negligence
or willful misconduct;
(iii) the reliance on or use by Forum or its agents or subcontractors
of information, records, documents or services which have been
prepared, maintained or performed by the Trust or any other person or
firm on behalf of the Trust, including but not limited to any previous
transfer agent or registrar;
(iv) the reasonable reliance on, or the carrying out by Forum or its
agents or subcontractors of, any instructions or requests of the Trust
on behalf of the applicable Fund; and
(v) the offer or sale of Shares in violation of any requirement under
the Federal securities laws or regulations or the securities laws or
regulations of any State that such Shares be registered in such State
or in violation of any stop order or other determination or ruling by
any federal agency or any State with respect to the offer or sale of
such Shares in such State.
(b) Indemnification of Trust. Forum shall indemnify and hold the Trust
and each Fund or Class thereof harmless from and against any and all losses,
damages, costs, charges, reasonable counsel fees, payments, expenses and
liability arising out of or attributed to any action or failure or omission to
act by Forum as a result of Forum's lack of good faith, gross negligence or
willful misconduct with respect to the services performed under or in connection
with this Agreement.
(c) Reliance. At any time Forum may apply to any officer of the Trust
for instructions, and may consult with legal counsel to the Trust or to Forum
with respect to any matter arising in connection with the services to be
performed by Forum under this Agreement, and Forum and its agents or
subcontractors shall not be liable and shall be indemnified by the Trust on
behalf of the applicable Fund for any action taken or omitted by it in
reasonable reliance upon such instructions or upon the advice of such counsel.
Forum, its agents and subcontractors shall be protected and indemnified in
acting upon (i) any paper or document furnished by or on behalf of the Trust,
reasonably believed by Forum to be genuine and to have been signed by the proper
person or persons, (ii) any instruction, information, data, records or documents
provided Forum or its agents or subcontractors by machine readable input, telex,
CRT data entry or other similar means authorized by the Trust, and (iii) any
authorization, instruction, approval, item or set of data, or information of any
kind transmitted to Forum in person or by telephone, vocal telegram or other
electronic means, reasonably believed by Forum to be genuine and to
have been given by the proper person or persons. Forum shall not be held to have
notice of any change of authority of any person, until receipt of written notice
thereof from the Trust. Forum, its agents and subcontractors shall also be
protected and indemnified in recognizing share certificates which are reasonably
believed to bear the proper manual or facsimile signatures of the officers of
the Trust, and the proper countersignature of any former transfer agent or
former registrar or of a co-transfer agent or co-registrar of the Trust.
(d) Reliance on Electronic Instructions. If the Trust has the ability
to originate electronic instructions to Forum in order to (i) effect the
transfer or movement of cash or Shares or (ii) transmit Shareholder information
or other information, then in such event Forum shall be entitled to rely on the
validity and authenticity of such instruction without undertaking any further
inquiry as long as such instruction is undertaken in conformity with security
procedures established by Forum from time to time.
(e) Use of Fund/SERV and Networking. The Trust has authorized or in the
future may authorize Forum to act as a "Mutual Fund Services Member" for the
Trust or various Funds. Fund/SERV and Networking are services sponsored by the
National Securities Clearing Corporation ("NSCC") and as used herein have the
meanings as set forth in the then current edition of NSCC Rules and Procedures
published by NSCC or such other similar publication as may exist from time to
time. The Trust shall indemnify and hold Forum harmless from and against any and
all losses, damages, costs, charges, reasonable counsel fees, payments, expenses
and liability arising directly or indirectly out of or attributed to any action
or failure or omission to act by NSCC.
(f) Notification of Claims. In order that the indemnification
provisions contained in this Section shall apply, upon the assertion of a claim
for which either party may be required to indemnify the other, the party seeking
indemnification shall promptly notify the other party of such assertion, and
shall keep the other party advised with respect to all developments concerning
such claim. The party who may be required to indemnify shall have the option to
participate with the party seeking indemnification in the defense of such claim
or to defend against said claim in its own name or in the name of the other
party. The party seeking indemnification shall in no case confess any claim or
make any compromise in any case in which the other party may be required to
indemnify it except with the other party's prior written consent.
SECTION 11. EFFECTIVENESS, DURATION AND TERMINATION
(a) Effectiveness. This Agreement shall become effective with respect
to each Fund or Class on December 1, 1997. Upon effectiveness of this Agreement,
it shall supersede all previous agreements between the parties hereto covering
the subject matter hereof insofar as such Agreement may have been deemed to
relate to the Funds.
(b) Duration. This Agreement shall continue in effect with respect to a
Fund until terminated; provided, that continuance is specifically approved at
least annually (i)
by the Board or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of
the Fund and (ii) by a vote of a majority of Trustees of the Trust who are not
parties to this Agreement or interested persons of any such party (other than as
Trustees of the Trust).
(c) Termination. This Agreement may be terminated with respect to a
Fund at any time, without the payment of any penalty (i) by the Board on 60
days' written notice to Forum or (ii) by Forum on 60 days' written notice to the
Trust. Any termination shall be effective as of the date specified in the
notice. Upon notice of termination of this Agreement by either party, Forum
shall promptly transfer to the successor transfer agent the original or copies
of all books and records maintained by Forum under this Agreement including, in
the case of records maintained on computer systems, copies of such records in
machine-readable form, and shall cooperate with, and provide reasonable
assistance to, the successor transfer agent in the establishment of the books
and records necessary to carry out the successor transfer agent's
responsibilities.
(d) Survival. The obligations of Sections 7, 9 and 10 shall survive
any termination of this Agreement.
SECTION 12. ADDITIONAL FUNDS AND CLASSES. In the event that the Trust
establishes one or more series of Shares or one or more classes of Shares after
the effectiveness of this Agreement, such series of Shares or classes of Shares,
as the case may be, shall become Funds and Classes under this Agreement. Forum
or the Trust may elect not to make and such series or classes subject to this
Agreement.
SECTION 13. ASSIGNMENT. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement,
neither this Agreement nor any rights or obligations under this Agreement may be
assigned by either party without the written consent of the other party. This
Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties and
their respective permitted successors and assigns. Forum may, without further
consent on the part of the Trust, subcontract for the performance hereof with
any entity, including affiliated persons of Forum; provided however, that Forum
shall be as fully responsible to the Trust for the acts and omissions of any
subcontractor as Forum is for its own acts and omissions.
SECTION 14. FORCE MAJEURE. Forum shall not be responsible or liable for
any failure or delay in performance of its obligations under this Agreement
arising out of or caused, directly or indirectly, by circumstances beyond its
reasonable control including, without limitation, acts of civil or military
authority, national emergencies, labor difficulties, fire, mechanical
breakdowns, flood or catastrophe, acts of God, insurrection, war, riots or
failure of the mails or any transportation medium, communication system or power
supply.
SECTION 15. LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY OF THE TRUSTEES AND SHAREHOLDERS,
OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES AND AGENTS. The trustees of the Trust and the shareholders
of each Fund shall not be liable for any obligations of the Trust or of the
Funds under this Agreement, and Forum agrees that, in asserting any
rights or claims under this Agreement, it shall look only to the assets and
property of the Trust or the Fund to which Forum's rights or claims relate in
settlement of such rights or claims, and not to the trustees of the Trust or the
shareholders of the Funds.
SECTION 16. TAXES. Forum shall not be liable for any taxes, assessments
or governmental charges that may be levied or assessed on any basis whatsoever
in connection with the Trust or any Shareholder or any purchase of Shares,
excluding taxes assessed against Forum for compensation received by it under
this Agreement.
SECTION 17. MISCELLANEOUS
(a) No Consequential Damages. Neither party to this Agreement shall be
liable to the other party for consequential damages under any provision of this
Agreement.
(b) Amendments. No provisions of this Agreement may be amended or
modified in any manner except by a written agreement properly authorized and
executed by both parties hereto.
(c) Choice of Law. This Agreement shall be construed and the
provisions thereof interpreted under and in accordance with the laws of the
State of Delaware.
(d) Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement
between the parties hereto and supersedes any prior agreement with respect to
the subject matter hereof whether oral or written.
(e) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed by the parties
hereto on any number of counterparts, and all of the counterparts taken
together shall be deemed to constitute one and the same instrument.
(f) Severability. If any part, term or provision of this Agreement is
held to be illegal, in conflict with any law or otherwise invalid, the remaining
portion or portions shall be considered severable and not be affected, and the
rights and obligations of the parties shall be construed and enforced as if the
Agreement did not contain the particular part, term or provision held to be
illegal or invalid.
(g) Headings. Section and paragraph headings in this Agreement are
included for convenience only and are not to be used to construe or interpret
this Agreement.
(h) Notices. Notices, requests, instructions and communications
received by the parties at their respective principal addresses, or at such
other address as a party may have designated in writing, shall be deemed to have
been properly given.
(i) Business Days. Nothing contained in this Agreement is intended to
or shall require Forum, in any capacity hereunder, to perform any functions or
duties on any day other than a Fund Business Day. Functions or duties normally
scheduled to be
performed on any day which is not a Fund Business Day shall be performed on, and
as of, the next Fund Business Day, unless otherwise required by law.
(j) Distinction of Funds. Notwithstanding any other provision of this
Agreement, the parties agree that the assets and liabilities of each Fund of the
Trust are separate and distinct from the assets and liabilities of each other
Fund and that no Fund shall be liable or shall be charged for any debt,
obligation or liability of any other Fund, whether arising under this Agreement
or otherwise.
(k) Nonliability of Affiliates. No affiliated person (as that term is
defined in the 1940 Act), employee, agent, director, officer or manager of Forum
shall be liable at law or in equity for Forum's obligations under this
Agreement.
(l) Representation of Signatories. Each of the undersigned expressly
warrants and represents that they have full power and authority to sign this
Agreement on behalf of the party indicated and that their signature will bind
the party indicated to the terms hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
executed in their names and on their behalf by and through their duly authorized
persons, as of the day and year first above written.
FORUM FUNDS
By: /s/ Xxxx X. Xxxxxx
Xxxx X. Xxxxxx, President
FORUM SHAREHOLDER SERVICES, LLC
By: /s/ Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx
Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx, Secretary
FORUM FUNDS
TRANSFER AGENCY AND SERVICE AGREEMENT
APPENDIX A
FUNDS AND CLASSES
AS OF FEBRUARY 12, 2001
Austin Global Value Fund
BrownIA Growth Equity Fund
BrownIA Small-Cap Growth Fund
BrownIA Maryland Bond Fund
Equity Index Fund
Investors Bond Fund
Maine TaxSaver Bond Fund
Xxxxxxxxxxxx Growth Value Fund
New Hampshire TaxSaver Bond Fund
Payson Balanced Fund
Payson Value Fund
Polaris Global Value Fund
Shaker Fund
Taxsaver Bond Fund
The Advocacy Fund
Xxxxxxx Xxxxx Growth Fund
INVESTOR SHARES
Daily Assets Treasury Obligations Fund
Daily Assets Government Fund
Daily Assets Government Obligations Fund
Daily Assets Cash Fund
Daily Assets Municipal Fund
INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
Daily Assets Treasury Obligations Fund
Daily Assets Government Obligations Fund
Daily Assets Government Fund
Daily Assets Cash Fund
Daily Assets Municipal Fund
FORUM FUNDS
TRANSFGER AGENCY AGREEMENT
APPENDIX A (CONTINUED)
FUNDS AND CLASSES OF THE TRUST
FEBRUARY 12, 2001
INSTITUTIONAL SERVICE SHARES
Daily Assets Treasury Obligations Fund
Daily Assets Government Obligations Fund
Daily Assets Government Fund
Daily Assets Cash Fund
Daily Assets Municipal Fund
FORUM FUNDS
TRANSFER AGENCY AGREEMENT
APPENDIX B
I. FEES
Transfer Agency Fee as % of the
Average
Fund Daily Net Assets of the Fund
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TaxSaver Bond Fund
Maine TaxSaver Bond Fund 0.25% per year plus $12,000 per year and
New Hampshire TaxSaver Bond Fund annual shareholder account fees of $18.00
Investors Bond Fund per shareholder account
Investors High Grade Bond Fund
Investors Growth Fund
Payson Balanced Fund
Payson Value Fund
Investors Equity Fund
Equity Index Fund
INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
Daily Assets Treasury Obligations Fund 0.05% per year plus $12,000 per year and
Daily Assets Government Fund annual shareholder account fees of $18.00
Daily Assets Government Obligations Fund per shareholder account
Daily Assets Cash Fund
Daily Assets Municipal Fund
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INSTITUTIONAL SERVICE SHARES
Daily Assets Treasury Obligations Fund 0.10% per year plus $12,000 per year and
Daily Assets Government Fund annual shareholder account fees of $18.00
Daily Assets Government Obligations Fund per shareholder account
Daily Assets Cash Fund
Daily Assets Municipal Fund
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FORUM FUNDS
TRANSFER AGENCY AGREEMENT
APPENDIX B
I. FEES (CONTINUED)
Transfer Agency Fee as % of the Average
Fund Daily Net Assets of the Fund
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTOR SHARES
Daily Assets Treasury Obligations Fund
Daily Assets Govenment Fund
Daily Assets Government Obligations Fund
Daily Assets Cash Fund
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Assets Municipal Fund 0.25% per year plus $12,000 per year and annual shareholder account fees
of $18.00 per shareholder account
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Austin Global Equity Fund $12,000 per year plus $25 per shareholder account
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Polaris Global Value Fund $24,000 per year plus annual shareholder account
fees of $25 per shareholder account
------------------------------------------------------------------------
BrownIA Growth Equity Fund $2,000/month per Fund (where there is only one Fund); $1,500/month
BrownIA Small-Cap Growth Fund (where there are two or more related Funds); $1,000/month for each
Xxxxx IA Maryland TaxSaver Bond Fund additional Class of a Fund above one; Shareholder account fees of $25
per account per year for open accounts and $5 per account per year for
closed accounts.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xxxxxxxxxxxx Growth Value Fund $18,000 per year plus annual shareholder account fees
of $18.00 per shareholder account.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Advocacy Fund $24,000 per year plus annual shareholder account fees
of $24.00 per shareholder account.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shaker Fund $30,000 per year plus annual Shareholder account fee
of $24.00 per shareholder account
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xxxxxxx Xxxxx Growth Fund $30,000 per year plus annual Shareholder account fee
of $24.00 per shareholder account
(II) OUT-OF-POCKET AND RELATED EXPENSES
The Trust, on behalf of the applicable Fund, shall reimburse Forum for all
out-of-pocket and ancillary expenses in providing the services
described in this Agreement, including but not limited to the cost of
(or appropriate share of the cost of): (i) statement, confirmation,
envelope and stationary stock, (ii) share certificates, (iii) printing
of checks and drafts, (iv) postage, (v) telecommunications, (vi) NSCC
Mutual Fund Service Member fees and expenses, (vii) outside proxy
solicitors and tabulators, (viii) proxy solicitation fees and (ix)
microfilm and microfiche. In addition, any other expenses incurred by
Forum at the request or with the consent of the Trust, will be
reimbursed by the Trust on behalf of the applicable Fund.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Trust shall not be required to
reimburse Forum for Forum's out-of-pocket costs relating to banking
services (DDA account, wire and ACH, check and draft clearing and lock
box fees and charges).
As amended and approved by the Board of Trustees of Forum Funds on November 14,
2000.
Exhibit (h)(11)
FORUM FUNDS
FORM OF SHAREHOLDER SERVICE PLAN
___________, 2001
This Shareholder Services Plan (the "Plan") is adopted by Forum Funds
(the "Trust") with respect to the shares of beneficial interest ("Shares") of
each fund of the Trust or class thereof identified in Appendix A hereto (each a
"Fund," collectively the "Funds").
SECTION 1. APPOINTMENT
In consideration of the services provided by Forum Administrative
Services, LLC ("Forum") to the Trust as described herein, the Trust hereby
appoints Forum as agent to perform the services for the period and on the terms
set forth in this Plan. Forum accepts such appointment and agrees to furnish the
services described herein, in return for the compensation specified in Section 3
of this Plan. Forum agrees to comply with all relevant provisions of the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Act"), and the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and applicable rules and regulations
thereunder in performing the services described herein.
SECTION 2. SERVICE ACTIVITIES
Forum shall perform, or arrange for the performance of, certain
activities relating to the servicing and maintenance of shareholder accounts not
otherwise provided by each Fund's transfer agent ("Shareholder Servicing
Activities"). Shareholder Servicing Activities shall include one or more of the
following: (a) establishing and maintaining accounts and records for
shareholders of a Fund; (b) answering client inquiries regarding the manner in
which purchases, exchanges and redemptions of shares of the Trust may be
effected and other matters pertaining to the Trust's services; (c) providing
necessary personnel and facilities to establish and maintain client accounts and
records; (d) assisting clients in arranging for processing purchase, exchange
and redemption transactions; (e) arranging for the wiring of funds; (f)
guaranteeing shareholder signatures in connection with redemption orders and
transfers and changes in shareholder-designated accounts; (g) integrating
periodic statements with other shareholder transactions; and (h) providing such
other related services as the shareholder may request.
SECTION 3. COMPENSATION
As compensation for Forum's Shareholder Servicing Activities, the Trust
shall pay Forum, with respect to each Fund, a fee at an annual rate as list in
Appendix A (the "Payments"). The Payments shall be accrued daily and paid
monthly. A Fund shall not directly or indirectly pay any amounts, whether
Payments or otherwise, that exceed any applicable limits imposed by law or the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
SECTION 4. SERVICE AGREEMENTS
Forum is authorized to enter into shareholder service agreements
("Servicing Agreements") with financial institutions or other persons who
provide Shareholder Servicing Activities to the Funds ("Service Providers").
Forum may pay any or all amounts of the Payments to the Service Providers for
Shareholder Service Activities. To the extent practicable, each such Servicing
Agreement shall contain a representation by the Service Provider that any
compensation payable to the Service Provider in connection with the investment
in a Fund of the assets of its customers (i) will be disclosed by the Service
Provider to its customers if required by law, (ii) will be authorized by its
customers if customer authorization is required, and (iii) will not result in an
excessive fee to the Service Provider.
SECTION 5. REVIEW AND RECORDS
(a) Forum shall prepare and furnish to the Board of Trustees of the
Trust (the "Board"), and the Board shall review at least quarterly, written
reports setting forth all amounts expended under the Plan by Forum and
identifying the activities for which the expenditures were made.
(b) The Trust shall preserve copies of the Plan, each agreement related
to the Plan and each report prepared and furnished pursuant to this Section.
SECTION 6. EFFECTIVENESS, AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION
With respect to each Fund:
(a) This Plan shall become effective on the date indicated in Appendix
A and, upon its effectiveness, shall supersede all previous Plans covering the
Fund regarding the subject matter hereof.
(b) Any material amendment to the Plan shall be effective only upon
approval of the Board, including a majority of the Trustees who are not
interested persons of the Trust (the "Disinterested Trustees").
(c) The Plan may be terminated without penalty at any time (1) by vote
of a majority of the Board and a majority of the Disinterested Trustees or (2)
by Forum.
SECTION 7. LIMITATION OF SHAREHOLDER AND TRUSTEE LIABILITY
The Trustees of the Trust and the shareholders of each Fund shall not
be liable for any obligations of the Trust or of the Funds under the Plan, and
Forum agrees that, in asserting any rights or claims under this Plan, it shall
look only to the assets and property of the Trust or the Fund to which Forum's
rights or claims relate in settlement of such rights or claims, and not to the
Trustees of the Trust or the shareholders of the Funds.
2
SECTION 8. MISCELLANEOUS
(a) With the exception of Appendix A, no provision of this Plan may be
amended or modified in any manner except by a written agreement properly
authorized and executed by both parties hereto and, if required by the Act, by a
vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of any Fund thereby
affected.
(b) No amendment to this Plan or the termination of this Plan with
respect to a Fund shall affect this Plan as it pertains to any other Fund, nor
shall any such amendment require the vote of the shareholders of any other Fund.
(c) Neither party to this Plan shall be liable to the other party for
consequential damages under any provision of this Plan.
(d) This Plan shall be governed by, and the provisions of this Plan
shall be construed and interpreted under and in accordance with, the laws of the
State of Delaware.
(e) This Plan constitutes the entire agreement between the parties
hereto and supersedes any prior agreement with respect to the subject matter
hereof, whether oral or written.
(f) This Plan may be executed by the parties hereto in any number of
counterparts, and all of the counterparts taken together shall be deemed to
constitute one and the same instrument.
(g) If any part, term or provision of this Plan is held to be illegal,
in conflict with any law or otherwise invalid, the remaining portion or portions
shall be considered severable and not be affected, and the rights and
obligations of the parties shall be construed and enforced as if the Plan did
not contain the particular part, term or provision held to be illegal or
invalid. This Plan shall be construed as if drafted jointly by both Forum and
Trust and no presumptions shall arise favoring any party by virtue of authorship
of any provision of this Plan.
(h) Section headings in this Plan are included for convenience only and
are not to be used to construe or interpret this Plan.
(i) Notices, requests, instructions and communications received by the
parties at their respective principal places of business, or at such other
address as a party may have designated in writing, shall be deemed to have been
properly given.
(j) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan, the parties agree
that the assets and liabilities of each Fund of the Trust are separate and
distinct from the assets and liabilities of each other Fund and that no Fund
shall be liable or shall be charged for any debt, obligation or liability of any
other Fund, whether arising under this Plan or otherwise.
(k) Nothing contained in this Plan is intended to or shall require
Forum, in any capacity hereunder, to perform any functions or duties on any day
other than a Fund business
3
day. Functions or duties normally scheduled to be performed on any day which is
not a Fund business day shall be performed on, and as of, the next Fund business
day, unless otherwise required by law.
(l) No affiliated person, employee, agent, director, officer or manager
of Forum shall be liable at law or in equity for Forum's obligations under this
Plan.
(m) Each of the undersigned warrants and represents that they have
full power and authority to sign this Plan on behalf of the party indicated and
that their signature will bind the party indicated to the terms hereof and each
party hereto warrants and represents that this Plan, when executed and
delivered, will constitute a legal, valid and binding obligation of the party,
enforceable against the party in accordance with its terms, subject to
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general
application affecting the rights and remedies of creditors and secured parties.
(n) The terms "vote of a majority of the outstanding voting
securities," "interested person," and "affilia xxx person." shall have the
meanings ascribed thereto in the 1940 Act.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Plan to be executed by
their officers designated below as of the day first above written.
FORUM FUNDS
----------------------------------
Xxxx X. Xxxxxx, President
FORUM ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES, LLC
----------------------------------
Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx, Director
4
FORUM FUNDS
SHAREHOLDER SERVICE PLAN
Appendix A
Fund/Class Date Subject to Plan Payments (as a % of average net assets)
---------- -------------------- ---------------------------------------
Shaker Fund March 30, 2001 Up to 0.25% of the Fund; Any Payments
shall be limited to amounts paid by Forum
to Service Providers with respect to the
Fund.
A-1
