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Exhibit 99.g
CUSTODY AGREEMENT
DATED MAY 26, 2000
BETWEEN
UMB BANK, N.A.
AND
THE PRAIRIE FUND
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
1. Appointment of Custodian 1
2. Definitions 1
(a) Securities 1
(b) Assets 1
(c) Instructions and Special Instructions 1
3. Delivery of Corporate Documents 2
4. Powers and Duties of Custodian and Domestic Subcustodian 2
(a) Safekeeping 3
(b) Manner of Holding Securities 3
(c) Free Delivery of Assets 4
(d) Exchange of Securities 4
(e) Purchases of Assets 4
(f) Sales of Assets 5
(g) Options 5
(h) Futures Contracts 6
(i) Segregated Accounts 6
(j) Depositary Receipts 6
(k) Corporate Actions, Put Bonds, Called Bonds, Etc. 6
(l) Interest Bearing Deposits 7
(m) Foreign Exchange Transactions 7
(n) Pledges or Loans of Securities 8
(o) Stock Dividends, Rights, Etc. 8
(p) Routine Dealings 8
(q) Collections 8
(r) Bank Accounts 9
(s) Dividends, Distributions and Redemptions 9
(t) Proceeds from Shares Sold 9
(u) Proxies and Notices; Compliance with the Shareholders
Communication Act of 1985 9
(v) Books and Records 9
(w) Opinion of Fund's Independent Certified Public Accountants 10
(x) Reports by Independent Certified Public Accountants 10
(y) Bills and Others Disbursements 10
5. Subcustodians 10
(a) Domestic Subcustodians 10
(b) Foreign Subcustodians 10
(c) Interim Subcustodians 11
(d) Special Subcustodians 11
(e) Termination of a Subcustodian 11
(f) Certification Regarding Foreign Subcustodians 12
6. Standard of Care 12
(a) General Standard of Care 12
(b) Actions Prohibited by Applicable Law, Events Beyond Custodian's Control, Armed
Conflict, Sovereign Risk, etc. 12
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(c) Liability for Past Records 12
(d) Advice of Counsel 12
(e) Advice of the Fund and Others 12
(f) Instructions Appearing to be Genuine 13
(g) Exceptions from Liability 13
7. Liability of the Custodian for Actions of Others 13
(a) Domestic Subcustodians 13
(b) Liability for Acts and Omissions of Foreign Subcustodians 13
(c) Securities Systems, Interim Subcustodians, Special Subcustodians, Securities 13
Depositories and Clearing Agencies
(d) Defaults or Insolvency's of Brokers, Banks, Etc. 14
(e) Reimbursement of Expenses 14
8. Indemnification 14
(a) Indemnification by Fund 14
(b) Indemnification by Custodian 14
9. Advances 14
10. Liens 15
11. Compensation 15
12. Powers of Attorney 15
13. Termination and Assignment 15
14. Additional Funds 16
15. Notices 16
16. Miscellaneous 16
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CUSTODY AGREEMENT
This agreement made as of this 26th day of May, 2000, between UMB Bank,
n.a., a national banking association with its principal place of business
located in Kansas City, Missouri (hereinafter "Custodian"), and each of the
Funds listed on Appendix B hereof, together with such additional Funds which
shall be made parties to this Agreement by the execution of Appendix B hereto
(individually, a "Fund" and collectively, the "Funds").
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, each Fund is registered as an open-end management investment
company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended; and
WHEREAS, each Fund desires to appoint Custodian as its custodian for
the custody of Assets (as hereinafter defined) owned by such Fund which Assets
are to be held in such accounts as such Fund may establish from time to time;
and
WHEREAS, Custodian is willing to accept such appointment on the terms
and conditions hereof.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises contained
herein, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, mutually covenant and
agree as follows:
1. APPOINTMENT OF CUSTODIAN.
Each Fund hereby constitutes and appoints the Custodian as custodian of
Assets belonging to each such Fund which have been or may be from time to time
deposited with the Custodian. Custodian accepts such appointment as a custodian
and agrees to perform the duties and responsibilities of Custodian as set forth
herein on the conditions set forth herein.
2. DEFINITIONS.
For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the
meanings so indicated:
(a) "Security" or "Securities" shall mean stocks, bonds, bills, rights,
script, warrants, interim certificates and all negotiable or nonnegotiable paper
commonly known as Securities and other instruments or obligations.
(b) "Assets" shall mean Securities, monies and other property held by
the Custodian for the benefit of a Fund.
(c)(1) "Instructions", as used herein, shall mean: (i) a tested telex,
a written (including, without limitation, facsimile transmission) request,
direction, instruction or certification signed or initialed by or on behalf of a
Fund by an Authorized Person; (ii) a telephonic or other oral communication from
a person the Custodian reasonably believes to be an Authorized Person; or (iii)
a communication effected directly between an electro-mechanical or electronic
device or system (including, without limitation, computers) on behalf of a Fund.
Instructions in the form of oral communications shall be confirmed by the
appropriate Fund by tested telex or in writing in the manner set forth in clause
(i) above, but the lack of such confirmation shall in no way affect any action
taken by the Custodian in reliance upon such oral Instructions prior to the
Custodian's receipt of such confirmation. Each Fund authorizes the Custodian to
record any and all telephonic or other oral Instructions communicated to the
Custodian.
(c)(2) "Special Instructions", as used herein, shall mean Instructions
countersigned or confirmed in writing by the Treasurer or any Assistant
Treasurer of a Fund or any other person designated by the Treasurer of such Fund
in writing, which countersignature or confirmation shall be included on the same
instrument containing the Instructions or on a separate instrument relating
thereto.
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(c)(3) Instructions and Special Instructions shall be delivered to the
Custodian at the address and/or telephone, facsimile transmission or telex
number agreed upon from time to time by the Custodian and each Fund.
(c)(4) Where appropriate, Instructions and Special Instructions shall
be continuing instructions.
3. DELIVERY OF CORPORATE DOCUMENTS.
Each of the parties to this Agreement represents that its execution
does not violate any of the provisions of its respective charter, articles of
incorporation, articles of association or bylaws and all required corporate
action to authorize the execution and delivery of this Agreement has been taken.
Each Fund has furnished the Custodian with copies, properly certified
or authenticated, with all amendments or supplements thereto, of the following
documents:
(a) Certificate of Incorporation (or equivalent document) of the
Fund as in effect on the date hereof;
(b) By-Laws of the Fund as in effect on the date hereof;
(c) Resolutions of the Board of Directors of the Fund appointing
the Custodian and approving the form of this Agreement; and
(d) The Fund's current prospectus and statements of additional
information.
Each Fund shall promptly furnish the Custodian with copies of any
updates, amendments or supplements to the foregoing documents.
In addition, each Fund has delivered or will promptly deliver to the
Custodian, copies of the Resolution(s) of its Board of Directors or Trustees and
all amendments or supplements thereto, properly certified or authenticated,
designating certain officers or employees of each such Fund who will have
continuing authority to certify to the Custodian: (a) the names, titles,
signatures and scope of authority of all persons authorized to give Instructions
or any other notice, request, direction, instruction, certificate or instrument
on behalf of each Fund, and (b) the names, titles and signatures of those
persons authorized to countersign or confirm Special Instructions on behalf of
each Fund (in both cases collectively, the "Authorized Persons" and
individually, an "Authorized Person"). Such Resolutions and certificates may be
accepted and relied upon by the Custodian as conclusive evidence of the facts
set forth therein and shall be considered to be in full force and effect until
delivery to the Custodian of a similar Resolution or certificate to the
contrary. Upon delivery of a certificate which deletes or does not include the
name(s) of a person previously authorized to give Instructions or to countersign
or confirm Special Instructions, such persons shall no longer be considered an
Authorized Person authorized to give Instructions or to countersign or confirm
Special Instructions. Unless the certificate specifically requires that the
approval of anyone else will first have been obtained, the Custodian will be
under no obligation to inquire into the right of the person giving such
Instructions or Special Instructions to do so. Notwithstanding any of the
foregoing, no Instructions or Special Instructions received by the Custodian
from a Fund will be deemed to authorize or permit any director, trustee,
officer, employee, or agent of such Fund to withdraw any of the Assets of such
Fund upon the mere receipt of such authorization, Special Instructions or
Instructions from such director, trustee, officer, employee or agent.
4. POWERS AND DUTIES OF CUSTODIAN AND DOMESTIC SUBCUSTODIAN.
Except for Assets held by any Subcustodian appointed pursuant to
Sections 5(b), (c), or (d) of this Agreement, the Custodian shall have and
perform the powers and duties hereinafter set forth in this Section 4. For
purposes of this Section 4 all references to powers and duties of the
"Custodian" shall also refer to any Domestic Subcustodian appointed pursuant to
Section 5(a).
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(a) Safekeeping.
The Custodian will keep safely the Assets of each Fund which are
delivered to it from time to time. The Custodian shall not be responsible for
any property of a Fund held or received by such Fund and not delivered to the
Custodian.
(b) Manner of Holding Securities.
(1) The Custodian shall at all times hold Securities of each
Fund either: (i) by physical possession of the share certificates or other
instruments representing such Securities in registered or bearer form; or (ii)
in book-entry form by a Securities System (as hereinafter defined) in accordance
with the provisions of sub-paragraph (3) below.
(2) The Custodian may hold registrable portfolio Securities
which have been delivered to it in physical form, by registering the same in the
name of the appropriate Fund or its nominee, or in the name of the Custodian or
its nominee, for whose actions such Fund and Custodian, respectively, shall be
fully responsible. Upon the receipt of Instructions, the Custodian shall hold
such Securities in street certificate form, so called, with or without any
indication of fiduciary capacity. However, unless it receives Instructions to
the contrary, the Custodian will register all such portfolio Securities in the
name of the Custodian's authorized nominee. All such Securities shall be held in
an account of the Custodian containing only assets of the appropriate Fund or
only assets held by the Custodian as a fiduciary, provided that the records of
the Custodian shall indicate at all times the Fund or other customer for which
such Securities are held in such accounts and the respective interests therein.
(3) The Custodian may deposit and/or maintain domestic
Securities owned by a Fund in, and each Fund hereby approves use of: (a) The
Depository Trust Company; (b) The Participants Trust Company; and (c) any
book-entry system as provided in (i) Subpart O of Treasury Circular Xx. 000, 00
XXX 306.115, (ii) Subpart B of Treasury Circular Public Debt Series Xx. 00-00,
00 XXX 350.2, or (iii) the book-entry regulations of federal agencies
substantially in the form of 31 CFR 306.115. Upon the receipt of Special
Instructions, the Custodian may deposit and/or maintain domestic Securities
owned by a Fund in any other domestic clearing agency registered with the
Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") under Section 17A of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (or as may otherwise be authorized by the SEC to serve in
the capacity of depository or clearing agent for the Securities or other assets
of investment companies) which acts as a Securities depository. Each of the
foregoing shall be referred to in this Agreement as a "Securities System", and
all such Securities Systems shall be listed on the attached Appendix A. Use of a
Securities System shall be in accordance with applicable Federal Reserve Board
and SEC rules and regulations, if any, and subject to the following provisions:
(i) The Custodian may deposit the Securities directly or
through one or more agents or Subcustodians which are also qualified to act as
custodians for investment companies.
(ii) The Custodian shall deposit and/or maintain the
Securities in a Securities System, provided that such Securities are represented
in an account ("Account") of the Custodian in the Securities System that
includes only assets held by the Custodian as a fiduciary, custodian or
otherwise for customers.
(iii) The books and records of the Custodian shall at all
times identify those Securities belonging to any one or more Funds which are
maintained in a Securities System.
(iv) The Custodian shall pay for Securities purchased for the
account of a Fund only upon (a) receipt of advice from the Securities System
that such Securities have been transferred to the Account of the Custodian in
accordance with the rules of the Securities System, and (b) the making of an
entry on the records of the Custodian to reflect such payment and transfer for
the account of such Fund. The Custodian shall transfer Securities sold for the
account of a Fund only upon (a) receipt of advice from the Securities System
that payment for such Securities has been transferred to the Account of the
Custodian in accordance with the rules of the Securities System, and (b) the
making of an entry on the records of the Custodian to reflect such transfer and
payment for the account of such Fund. Copies of all advices from the Securities
System relating to transfers of Securities for the
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account of a Fund shall be maintained for such Fund by the Custodian. The
Custodian shall deliver to a Fund on the next succeeding business day daily
transaction reports that shall include each day's transactions in the Securities
System for the account of such Fund. Such transaction reports shall be delivered
to such Fund or any agent designated by such Fund pursuant to Instructions, by
computer or in such other manner as such Fund and Custodian may agree.
(v) The Custodian shall, if requested by a Fund pursuant to
Instructions, provide such Fund with reports obtained by the Custodian or any
Subcustodian with respect to a Securities System's accounting system, internal
accounting control and procedures for safeguarding Securities deposited in the
Securities System.
(vi) Upon receipt of Special Instructions, the Custodian shall
terminate the use of any Securities System on behalf of a Fund as promptly as
practicable and shall take all actions reasonably practicable to safeguard the
Securities of such Fund maintained with such Securities System.
(c) Free Delivery of Assets.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement and except as
provided in Section 3 hereof, the Custodian, upon receipt of Special
Instructions, will undertake to make free delivery of Assets, provided such
Assets are on hand and available, in connection with a Fund's transactions and
to transfer such Assets to such broker, dealer, Subcustodian, bank, agent,
Securities System or otherwise as specified in such Special Instructions.
(d) Exchange of Securities.
Upon receipt of Instructions, the Custodian will exchange portfolio
Securities held by it for a Fund for other Securities or cash paid in connection
with any reorganization, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, or conversion
of convertible Securities, and will deposit any such Securities in accordance
with the terms of any reorganization or protective plan.
Without Instructions, the Custodian is authorized to exchange
Securities held by it in temporary form for Securities in definitive form, to
surrender Securities for transfer into a name or nominee name as permitted in
Section 4(b)(2), to effect an exchange of shares in a stock split or when the
par value of the stock is changed, to sell any fractional shares, and, upon
receiving payment therefor, to surrender bonds or other Securities held by it at
maturity or call.
(e) Purchases of Assets.
(1) Securities Purchases. In accordance with Instructions,
the Custodian shall, with respect to a purchase of Securities, pay for such
Securities out of monies held for a Fund's account for which the purchase was
made, but only insofar as monies are available therein for such purpose, and
receive the portfolio Securities so purchased. Unless the Custodian has received
Special Instructions to the contrary, such payment will be made only upon
receipt of Securities by the Custodian, a clearing corporation of a national
Securities exchange of which the Custodian is a member, or a Securities System
in accordance with the provisions of Section 4(b)(3) hereof. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, upon receipt of Instructions: (i) in connection with a repurchase
agreement, the Custodian may release funds to a Securities System prior to the
receipt of advice from the Securities System that the Securities underlying such
repurchase agreement have been transferred by book-entry into the Account
maintained with such Securities System by the Custodian, provided that the
Custodian's instructions to the Securities System require that the Securities
System may make payment of such funds to the other party to the repurchase
agreement only upon transfer by book-entry of the Securities underlying the
repurchase agreement into such Account; (ii) in the case of Interest Bearing
Deposits, currency deposits, and other deposits, foreign exchange transactions,
futures contracts or options, pursuant to Sections 4(g), 4(h), 4(l), and 4(m)
hereof, the Custodian may make payment therefor before receipt of an advice of
transaction; and (iii) in the case of Securities as to which payment for the
Security and receipt of the instrument evidencing the Security are under
generally accepted trade practice or the terms of the instrument representing
the Security expected to take place in different locations or through separate
parties, such as commercial paper which is indexed to foreign currency exchange
rates, derivatives and similar Securities, the
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Custodian may make payment for such Securities prior to delivery thereof in
accordance with such generally accepted trade practice or the terms of the
instrument representing such Security.
(2) Other Assets Purchased. Upon receipt of Instructions and
except as otherwise provided herein, the Custodian shall pay for and receive
other Assets for the account of a Fund as provided in Instructions.
(f) Sales of Assets.
(1) Securities Sold. In accordance with Instructions, the
Custodian will, with respect to a sale, deliver or cause to be delivered the
Securities thus designated as sold to the broker or other person specified in
the Instructions relating to such sale. Unless the Custodian has received
Special Instructions to the contrary, such delivery shall be made only upon
receipt of payment therefor in the form of: (a) cash, certified check, bank
cashier's check, bank credit, or bank wire transfer; (b) credit to the account
of the Custodian with a clearing corporation of a national Securities exchange
of which the Custodian is a member; or (c) credit to the Account of the
Custodian with a Securities System, in accordance with the provisions of Section
4(b)(3) hereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Securities held in physical form
may be delivered and paid for in accordance with "street delivery custom" to a
broker or its clearing agent, against delivery to the Custodian of a receipt for
such Securities, provided that the Custodian shall have taken reasonable steps
to ensure prompt collection of the payment for, or return of, such Securities by
the broker or its clearing agent, and provided further that the Custodian shall
not be responsible for the selection of or the failure or inability to perform
of such broker or its clearing agent or for any related loss arising from
delivery or custody of such Securities prior to receiving payment therefor.
(2) Other Assets Sold. Upon receipt of Instructions and except
as otherwise provided herein, the Custodian shall receive payment for and
deliver other Assets for the account of a Fund as provided in Instructions.
(g) Options.
(1) Upon receipt of Instructions relating to the purchase of
an option or sale of a covered call option, the Custodian shall: (a) receive and
retain confirmations or other documents, if any, evidencing the purchase or
writing of the option by a Fund; (b) if the transaction involves the sale of a
covered call option, deposit and maintain in a segregated account the Securities
(either physically or by book-entry in a Securities System) subject to the
covered call option written on behalf of such Fund; and (c) pay, release and/or
transfer such Securities, cash or other Assets in accordance with any notices or
other communications evidencing the expiration, termination or exercise of such
options which are furnished to the Custodian by the Options Clearing Corporation
(the "OCC"), the securities or options exchanges on which such options were
traded, or such other organization as may be responsible for handling such
option transactions.
(2) Upon receipt of Instructions relating to the sale of a
naked option (including stock index and commodity options), the Custodian, the
appropriate Fund and the broker-dealer shall enter into an agreement to comply
with the rules of the OCC or of any registered national securities exchange or
similar organizations(s). Pursuant to that agreement and such Fund's
Instructions, the Custodian shall: (a) receive and retain confirmations or other
documents, if any, evidencing the writing of the option; (b) deposit and
maintain in a segregated account, Securities (either physically or by book-entry
in a Securities System), cash and/or other Assets; and (c) pay, release and/or
transfer such Securities, cash or other Assets in accordance with any such
agreement and with any notices or other communications evidencing the
expiration, termination or exercise of such option which are furnished to the
Custodian by the OCC, the securities or options exchanges on which such options
were traded, or such other organization as may be responsible for handling such
option transactions. The appropriate Fund and the broker-dealer shall be
responsible for determining the quality and quantity of assets held in any
segregated account established in compliance with applicable margin maintenance
requirements and the performance of other terms of any option contract.
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(h) Futures Contracts.
Upon receipt of Instructions, the Custodian shall enter into a futures
margin procedural agreement among the appropriate Fund, the Custodian and the
designated futures commission merchant (a "Procedural Agreement"). Under the
Procedural Agreement the Custodian shall: (a) receive and retain confirmations,
if any, evidencing the purchase or sale of a futures contract or an option on a
futures contract by such Fund; (b) deposit and maintain in a segregated account
cash, Securities and/or other Assets designated as initial, maintenance or
variation "margin" deposits intended to secure such Fund's performance of its
obligations under any futures contracts purchased or sold, or any options on
futures contracts written by such Fund, in accordance with the provisions of any
Procedural Agreement designed to comply with the provisions of the Commodity
Futures Trading Commission and/or any commodity exchange or contract market
(such as the Chicago Board of Trade), or any similar organization(s), regarding
such margin deposits; and (c) release Assets from and/or transfer Assets into
such margin accounts only in accordance with any such Procedural Agreements. The
appropriate Fund and such futures commission merchant shall be responsible for
determining the type and amount of Assets held in the segregated account or paid
to the broker-dealer in compliance with applicable margin maintenance
requirements and the performance of any futures contract or option on a futures
contract in accordance with its terms.
(i) Segregated Accounts.
Upon receipt of Instructions, the Custodian shall establish and
maintain on its books a segregated account or accounts for and on behalf of a
Fund, into which account or accounts may be transferred Assets of such Fund,
including Securities maintained by the Custodian in a Securities System pursuant
to Paragraph (b)(3) of this Section 4, said account or accounts to be maintained
(i) for the purposes set forth in Sections 4(g), 4(h) and 4(n) and (ii) for the
purpose of compliance by such Fund with the procedures required by the SEC
Investment Company Act Release Number 10666 or any subsequent release or
releases relating to the maintenance of segregated accounts by registered
investment companies, or (iii) for such other purposes as may be set forth, from
time to time, in Special Instructions. The Custodian shall not be responsible
for the determination of the type or amount of Assets to be held in any
segregated account referred to in this paragraph, or for compliance by the Fund
with required procedures noted in (ii) above.
(j) Depositary Receipts.
Upon receipt of Instructions, the Custodian shall surrender or cause to
be surrendered Securities to the depositary used for such Securities by an
issuer of American Depositary Receipts or International Depositary Receipts
(hereinafter referred to, collectively, as "ADRs"), against a written receipt
therefor adequately describing such Securities and written evidence satisfactory
to the organization surrendering the same that the depositary has acknowledged
receipt of instructions to issue ADRs with respect to such Securities in the
name of the Custodian or a nominee of the Custodian, for delivery in accordance
with such instructions.
Upon receipt of Instructions, the Custodian shall surrender or cause to
be surrendered ADRs to the issuer thereof, against a written receipt therefor
adequately describing the ADRs surrendered and written evidence satisfactory to
the organization surrendering the same that the issuer of the ADRs has
acknowledged receipt of instructions to cause its depository to deliver the
Securities underlying such ADRs in accordance with such instructions.
(k) Corporate Actions, Put Bonds, Called Bonds, Etc.
Upon receipt of Instructions, the Custodian shall: (a) deliver
warrants, puts, calls, rights or similar Securities to the issuer or trustee
thereof (or to the agent of such issuer or trustee) for the purpose of exercise
or sale, provided that the new Securities, cash or other Assets, if any,
acquired as a result of such actions are to be delivered to the Custodian; and
(b) deposit Securities upon invitations for tenders thereof, provided that the
consideration for such Securities is to be paid or delivered to the Custodian,
or the tendered Securities are to be returned to the Custodian.
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Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the
Custodian shall take all necessary action, unless otherwise directed to the
contrary in Instructions, to comply with the terms of all mandatory or
compulsory exchanges, calls, tenders, redemptions, or similar rights of security
ownership, and shall notify the appropriate Fund of such action in writing by
facsimile transmission or in such other manner as such Fund and Custodian may
agree in writing.
The Fund agrees that if it gives an Instruction for the performance of
an act on the last permissible date of a period established by any optional
offer or on the last permissible date for the performance of such act, the Fund
shall hold the Bank harmless from any adverse consequences in connection with
acting upon or failing to act upon such Instructions.
(l) Interest Bearing Deposits.
Upon receipt of Instructions directing the Custodian to purchase
interest bearing fixed term and call deposits (hereinafter referred to,
collectively, as "Interest Bearing Deposits") for the account of a Fund, the
Custodian shall purchase such Interest Bearing Deposits in the name of such Fund
with such banks or trust companies, including the Custodian, any Subcustodian or
any subsidiary or affiliate of the Custodian (hereinafter referred to as
"Banking Institutions"), and in such amounts as such Fund may direct pursuant to
Instructions. Such Interest Bearing Deposits may be denominated in U.S. dollars
or other currencies, as such Fund may determine and direct pursuant to
Instructions. The responsibilities of the Custodian to a Fund for Interest
Bearing Deposits issued by the Custodian shall be that of a U.S. bank for a
similar deposit. With respect to Interest Bearing Deposits other than those
issued by the Custodian, (a) the Custodian shall be responsible for the
collection of income and the transmission of cash to and from such accounts; and
(b) the Custodian shall have no duty with respect to the selection of the
Banking Institution or for the failure of such Banking Institution to pay upon
demand.
(m) Foreign Exchange Transactions.
(l) Each Fund hereby appoints the Custodian as its agent in
the execution of all currency exchange transactions. The Custodian agrees to
provide exchange rate and U.S. Dollar information, in writing, to the Funds.
Such information shall be supplied by the Custodian at least by the business day
prior to the value date of the foreign exchange transaction, provided that the
Custodian receives the request for such information at least two business days
prior to the value date of the transaction.
(2) Upon receipt of Instructions, the Custodian shall settle
foreign exchange contracts or options to purchase and sell foreign currencies
for spot and future delivery on behalf of and for the account of a Fund with
such currency brokers or Banking Institutions as such Fund may determine and
direct pursuant to Instructions. If, in its Instructions, a Fund does not direct
the Custodian to utilize a particular currency broker or Banking Institution,
the Custodian is authorized to select such currency broker or Banking
Institution as it deems appropriate to execute the Fund's foreign currency
transaction.
(3) Each Fund accepts full responsibility for its use of third
party foreign exchange brokers and for execution of said foreign exchange
contracts and understands that the Fund shall be responsible for any and all
costs and interest charges which may be incurred as a result of the failure or
delay of its third party broker to deliver foreign exchange. The Custodian shall
have no responsibility or liability with respect to the selection of the
currency brokers or Banking Institutions with which a Fund deals or the
performance of such brokers or Banking Institutions.
(4) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein,
upon receipt of Instructions the Custodian may, in connection with a foreign
exchange contract, make free outgoing payments of cash in the form of U.S.
Dollars or foreign currency prior to receipt of confirmation of such foreign
exchange contract or confirmation that the countervalue currency completing such
contract has been delivered or received.
(5) The Custodian shall not be obligated to enter into foreign
exchange transactions as principal. However, if the Custodian has made available
to a Fund its services as a principal in foreign exchange transactions
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and subject to any separate agreement between the parties relating to such
transactions, the Custodian shall enter into foreign exchange contracts or
options to purchase and sell foreign currencies for spot and future delivery on
behalf of and for the account of the Fund, with the Custodian as principal.
(n) Pledges or Loans of Securities.
(1) Upon receipt of Instructions from a Fund, the Custodian
will release or cause to be released Securities held in custody to the pledgees
designated in such Instructions by way of pledge or hypothecation to secure
loans incurred by such Fund with various lenders including but not limited to
UMB Bank, n.a.; provided, however, that the Securities shall be released only
upon payment to the Custodian of the monies borrowed, except that in cases where
additional collateral is required to secure existing borrowings, further
Securities may be released or delivered, or caused to be released or delivered
for that purpose upon receipt of Instructions. Upon receipt of Instructions, the
Custodian will pay, but only from funds available for such purpose, any such
loan upon re-delivery to it of the Securities pledged or hypothecated therefor
and upon surrender of the note or notes evidencing such loan. In lieu of
delivering collateral to a pledgee, the Custodian, on the receipt of
Instructions, shall transfer the pledged Securities to a segregated account for
the benefit of the pledgee.
(2) Upon receipt of Special Instructions, and execution of a
separate Securities Lending Agreement, the Custodian will release Securities
held in custody to the borrower designated in such Instructions and may, except
as otherwise provided below, deliver such Securities prior to the receipt of
collateral, if any, for such borrowing, provided that, in case of loans of
Securities held by a Securities System that are secured by cash collateral, the
Custodian's instructions to the Securities System shall require that the
Securities System deliver the Securities of the appropriate Fund to the borrower
thereof only upon receipt of the collateral for such borrowing. The Custodian
shall have no responsibility or liability for any loss arising from the delivery
of Securities prior to the receipt of collateral. Upon receipt of Instructions
and the loaned Securities, the Custodian will release the collateral to the
borrower.
(o) Stock Dividends, Rights, Etc.
The Custodian shall receive and collect all stock dividends, rights,
and other items of like nature and, upon receipt of Instructions, take action
with respect to the same as directed in such Instructions.
(p) Routine Dealings.
The Custodian will, in general, attend to all routine and mechanical
matters in accordance with industry standards in connection with the sale,
exchange, substitution, purchase, transfer, or other dealings with Securities or
other property of each Fund except as may be otherwise provided in this
Agreement or directed from time to time by Instructions from any particular
Fund. The Custodian may also make payments to itself or others from the Assets
for disbursements and out-of-pocket expenses incidental to handling Securities
or other similar items relating to its duties under this Agreement, provided
that all such payments shall be accounted for to the appropriate Fund.
(q) Collections.
The Custodian shall (a) collect amounts due and payable to each Fund
with respect to portfolio Securities and other Assets; (b) promptly credit to
the account of each Fund all income and other payments relating to portfolio
Securities and other Assets held by the Custodian hereunder upon Custodian's
receipt of such income or payments or as otherwise agreed in writing by the
Custodian and any particular Fund; (c) promptly endorse and deliver any
instruments required to effect such collection; and (d) promptly execute
ownership and other certificates and affidavits for all federal, state, local
and foreign tax purposes in connection with receipt of income or other payments
with respect to portfolio Securities and other Assets, or in connection with the
transfer of such Securities or other Assets; provided, however, that with
respect to portfolio Securities registered in so-called street name, or physical
Securities with variable interest rates, the Custodian shall use its best
efforts to collect amounts due and payable to any such Fund. The Custodian shall
notify a Fund in writing by facsimile transmission or in such other manner as
such Fund and Custodian may agree in writing if any amount payable with respect
to portfolio Securities
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or other Assets is not received by the Custodian when due. The Custodian shall
not be responsible for the collection of amounts due and payable with respect to
portfolio Securities or other Assets that are in default.
(r) Bank Accounts.
Upon Instructions, the Custodian shall open and operate a bank account
or accounts on the books of the Custodian; provided that such bank account(s)
shall be in the name of the Custodian or a nominee thereof, for the account of
one or more Funds, and shall be subject only to draft or order of the Custodian.
The responsibilities of the Custodian to any one or more such Funds for deposits
accepted on the Custodian's books shall be that of a U.S. bank for a similar
deposit.
(s) Dividends, Distributions and Redemptions.
To enable each Fund to pay dividends or other distributions to
shareholders of each such Fund and to make payment to shareholders who have
requested repurchase or redemption of their shares of each such Fund
(collectively, the "Shares"), the Custodian shall release cash or Securities
insofar as available. In the case of cash, the Custodian shall, upon the receipt
of Instructions, transfer such funds by check or wire transfer to any account at
any bank or trust company designated by each such Fund in such Instructions. In
the case of Securities, the Custodian shall, upon the receipt of Special
Instructions, make such transfer to any entity or account designated by each
such Fund in such Special Instructions.
(t) Proceeds from Shares Sold.
The Custodian shall receive funds representing cash payments received
for shares issued or sold from time to time by each Fund, and shall credit such
funds to the account of the appropriate Fund. The Custodian shall promptly
notify the appropriate Fund of Custodian's receipt of cash in payment for shares
issued by such Fund by facsimile transmission or in such other manner as such
Fund and the Custodian shall agree. Upon receipt of Instructions, the Custodian
shall: (a) deliver all federal funds received by the Custodian in payment for
shares as may be set forth in such Instructions and at a time agreed upon
between the Custodian and such Fund; and (b) make federal funds available to a
Fund as of specified times agreed upon from time to time by such Fund and the
Custodian, in the amount of checks received in payment for shares which are
deposited to the accounts of such Fund.
(u) Proxies and Notices; Compliance with the Shareholders
Communication Act of 1985.
The Custodian shall promptly deliver or cause to be delivered to the
appropriate Fund all forms of proxies, all notices of meetings, and any other
notices or announcements affecting or relating to Securities owned by such Fund
that are received by the Custodian, any Subcustodian, or any nominee of either
of them, and, upon receipt of Instructions, the Custodian shall execute and
deliver, or cause such Subcustodian or nominee to execute and deliver, such
proxies or other authorizations as may be required. Except as directed pursuant
to Instructions, neither the Custodian nor any Subcustodian or nominee shall
vote upon any such Securities, or execute any proxy to vote thereon, or give any
consent or take any other action with respect thereto.
The Custodian will not release the identity of any Fund to an issuer
which requests such information pursuant to the Shareholder Communications Act
of 1985 for the specific purpose of direct communications between such issuer
and any such Fund unless a particular Fund directs the Custodian otherwise in
writing.
(v) Books and Records.
The Custodian shall maintain such records relating to its activities
under this Agreement as are required to be maintained by Rule 31a-1 under the
Investment Company Act of 1940 ("xxx 0000 Xxx") and to preserve them for the
periods prescribed in Rule 31a-2 under the 1940 Act. These records shall be open
for inspection by duly authorized officers, employees or agents (including
independent public accountants) of the appropriate Fund during normal business
hours of the Custodian.
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The Custodian shall provide accountings relating to its activities
under this Agreement as shall be agreed upon by each Fund and the Custodian.
(w) Opinion of Fund's Independent Certified Public Accountants.
The Custodian shall take all reasonable action as each Fund may request
to obtain from year to year favorable opinions from each such Fund's independent
certified public accountants with respect to the Custodian's activities
hereunder and in connection with the preparation of each such Fund's periodic
reports to the SEC and with respect to any other requirements of the SEC.
(x) Reports by Independent Certified Public Accountants.
At the request of a Fund, the Custodian shall deliver to such Fund a
written report prepared by the Custodian's independent certified public
accountants with respect to the services provided by the Custodian under this
Agreement, including, without limitation, the Custodian's accounting system,
internal accounting control and procedures for safeguarding cash, Securities and
other Assets, including cash, Securities and other Assets deposited and/or
maintained in a Securities System or with a Subcustodian. Such report shall be
of sufficient scope and in sufficient detail as may reasonably be required by
such Fund and as may reasonably be obtained by the Custodian.
(y) Bills and Other Disbursements.
Upon receipt of Instructions, the Custodian shall pay, or cause to be
paid, all bills, statements, or other obligations of a Fund.
5. SUBCUSTODIANS.
From time to time, in accordance with the relevant provisions of this
Agreement, the Custodian may appoint one or more Domestic Subcustodians, Foreign
Subcustodians, Special Subcustodians, or Interim Subcustodians (as each are
hereinafter defined) to act on behalf of any one or more Funds. A Domestic
Subcustodian, in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, may also
appoint a Foreign Subcustodian, Special Subcustodian, or Interim Subcustodian to
act on behalf of any one or more Funds. For purposes of this Agreement, all
Domestic Subcustodians, Foreign Subcustodians, Special Subcustodians and Interim
Subcustodians shall be referred to collectively as "Subcustodians".
(a) Domestic Subcustodians.
The Custodian may, at any time and from time to time, appoint any bank
as defined in Section 2(a)(5) of the 1940 Act or any trust company or other
entity, any of which meet the requirements of a custodian under Section 17(f) of
the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, to act for the Custodian
on behalf of any one or more Funds as a subcustodian for purposes of holding
Assets of such Fund(s) and performing other functions of the Custodian within
the United States (a "Domestic Subcustodian"). Each Fund shall approve in
writing the appointment of the proposed Domestic Subcustodian; and the
Custodian's appointment of any such Domestic Subcustodian shall not be effective
without such prior written approval of the Fund(s). Each such duly approved
Domestic Subcustodian shall be listed on Appendix A attached hereto, as it may
be amended, from time to time.
(b) Foreign Subcustodians.
The Custodian may at any time appoint, or cause a Domestic Subcustodian
to appoint, any bank, trust company or other entity meeting the requirements of
an "eligible foreign custodian" under Section 17(f) of the 1940 Act and the
rules and regulations thereunder to act for the Custodian on behalf of any one
or more Funds as a subcustodian or sub-subcustodian (if appointed by a Domestic
Subcustodian) for purposes of holding Assets of the Fund(s) and performing other
functions of the Custodian in countries other than the United States of America
(hereinafter referred to as a "Foreign Subcustodian" in the context of either a
subcustodian or a sub-subcustodian);
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provided that the Custodian shall have obtained written confirmation from each
Fund of the approval of the Board of Directors or other governing body of each
such Fund (which approval may be withheld in the sole discretion of such Board
of Directors or other governing body or entity) with respect to (i) the identity
of any proposed Foreign Subcustodian (including branch designation), (ii) the
country or countries in which, and the securities depositories or clearing
agencies (hereinafter "Securities Depositories and Clearing Agencies"), if any,
through which, the Custodian or any proposed Foreign Subcustodian is authorized
to hold Securities and other Assets of each such Fund, and (iii) the form and
terms of the subcustodian agreement to be entered into with such proposed
Foreign Subcustodian. Each such duly approved Foreign Subcustodian and the
countries where and the Securities Depositories and Clearing Agencies through
which they may hold Securities and other Assets of the Fund(s) shall be listed
on Appendix A attached hereto, as it may be amended, from time to time. Each
Fund shall be responsible for informing the Custodian sufficiently in advance of
a proposed investment which is to be held in a country in which no Foreign
Subcustodian is authorized to act, in order that there shall be sufficient time
for the Custodian, or any Domestic Subcustodian, to effect the appropriate
arrangements with a proposed Foreign Subcustodian, including obtaining approval
as provided in this Section 5(b). In connection with the appointment of any
Foreign Subcustodian, the Custodian shall, or shall cause the Domestic
Subcustodian to, enter into a subcustodian agreement with the Foreign
Subcustodian in form and substance approved by each such Fund. The Custodian
shall not consent to the amendment of, and shall cause any Domestic Subcustodian
not to consent to the amendment of, any agreement entered into with a Foreign
Subcustodian, which materially affects any Fund's rights under such agreement,
except upon prior written approval of such Fund pursuant to Special
Instructions.
(c) Interim Subcustodians.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that a Fund shall invest in
an Asset to be held in a country in which no Foreign Subcustodian is authorized
to act, the Custodian shall notify such Fund in writing by facsimile
transmission or in such other manner as such Fund and the Custodian shall agree
in writing of the unavailability of an approved Foreign Subcustodian in such
country; and upon the receipt of Special Instructions from such Fund, the
Custodian shall, or shall cause its Domestic Subcustodian to, appoint or approve
an entity (referred to herein as an "Interim Subcustodian") designated in such
Special Instructions to hold such Security or other Asset.
(d) Special Subcustodians.
Upon receipt of Special Instructions, the Custodian shall, on behalf of
a Fund, appoint one or more banks, trust companies or other entities designated
in such Special Instructions to act for the Custodian on behalf of such Fund as
a subcustodian for purposes of: (i) effecting third-party repurchase
transactions with banks, brokers, dealers or other entities through the use of a
common custodian or subcustodian; (ii) providing depository and clearing agency
services with respect to certain variable rate demand note Securities, (iii)
providing depository and clearing agency services with respect to dollar
denominated Securities, and (iv) effecting any other transactions designated by
such Fund in such Special Instructions. Each such designated subcustodian
(hereinafter referred to as a "Special Subcustodian") shall be listed on
Appendix A attached hereto, as it may be amended from time to time. In
connection with the appointment of any Special Subcustodian, the Custodian shall
enter into a subcustodian agreement with the Special Subcustodian in form and
substance approved by the appropriate Fund in Special Instructions. The
Custodian shall not amend any subcustodian agreement entered into with a Special
Subcustodian, or waive any rights under such agreement, except upon prior
approval pursuant to Special Instructions.
(e) Termination of a Subcustodian.
The Custodian may, at any time in its discretion upon notification to
the appropriate Fund(s), terminate any Subcustodian of such Fund(s) in
accordance with the termination provisions under the applicable subcustodian
agreement, and upon the receipt of Special Instructions, the Custodian will
terminate any Subcustodian in accordance with the termination provisions under
the applicable subcustodian agreement. The Custodian will promptly provide a
copy of any notice sent or received concerning the termination of a Subcustodian
to the Fund(s) and the Fund's Administrator.
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(f) Certification Regarding Foreign Subcustodians.
Upon request of a Fund, the Custodian shall deliver to such Fund a
certificate stating: (i) the identity of each Foreign Subcustodian then acting
on behalf of the Custodian; (ii) the countries in which and the Securities
Depositories and Clearing Agencies through which each such Foreign Subcustodian
is then holding cash, Securities and other Assets of such Fund; and (iii) such
other information as may be requested by such Fund, and as the Custodian shall
be reasonably able to obtain, to evidence compliance with rules and regulations
under the 1940 Act.
6. STANDARD OF CARE.
(a) General Standard of Care.
The Custodian shall be liable to a Fund for all losses, damages and
reasonable costs and expenses suffered or incurred by such Fund resulting from
the negligence or willful misfeasance of the Custodian; provided, however, in no
event shall the Custodian be liable for special, indirect or consequential
damages arising under or in connection with this Agreement.
(b) Actions Prohibited by Applicable Law, Events Beyond
Custodian's Control, Sovereign Risk, Etc.
In no event shall the Custodian or any Domestic Subcustodian incur
liability hereunder (i) if the Custodian or any Subcustodian or Securities
System, or any subcustodian, Securities System, Securities Depository or
Clearing Agency utilized by the Custodian or any such Subcustodian, or any
nominee of the Custodian or any Subcustodian (individually, a "Person") is
prevented, forbidden or delayed from performing, or omits to perform, any act or
thing which this Agreement provides shall be performed or omitted to be
performed, by reason of: (a) any provision of any present or future law or
regulation or order of the United States of America, or any state thereof, or of
any foreign country, or political subdivision thereof or of any court of
competent jurisdiction (and neither the Custodian nor any other Person shall be
obligated to take any action contrary thereto); or (b) any event beyond the
control of the Custodian or other Person such as armed conflict, riots, strikes,
lockouts, labor disputes, equipment or transmission failures, natural disasters,
or failure of the mails, transportation, communications or power supply; or (ii)
for any loss, damage, cost or expense resulting from "Sovereign Risk." A
"Sovereign Risk" shall mean nationalization, expropriation, currency
devaluation, revaluation or fluctuation, confiscation, seizure, cancellation,
destruction or similar action by any governmental authority, de facto or de
jure; or enactment, promulgation, imposition or enforcement by any such
governmental authority of currency restrictions, exchange controls, taxes,
levies or other charges affecting a Fund's Assets; or acts of armed conflict,
terrorism, insurrection or revolution; or any other act or event beyond the
Custodian's or such other Person's control.
(c) Liability for Past Records.
Neither the Custodian nor any Domestic Subcustodian shall have any
liability in respect of any loss, damage or expense suffered by a Fund, insofar
as such loss, damage or expense arises from the performance of the Custodian or
any Domestic Subcustodian in reliance upon records that were maintained for such
Fund by entities other than the Custodian or any Domestic Subcustodian prior to
the Custodian's employment hereunder.
(d) Advice of Counsel.
The Custodian and all Domestic Subcustodians shall be entitled to
receive and act upon advice of counsel of its own choosing on all matters. The
Custodian and all Domestic Subcustodians shall be without liability for any
actions taken or omitted in good faith pursuant to the advice of counsel.
(e) Advice of the Fund and Others.
The Custodian and any Domestic Subcustodian may rely upon the advice of
any Fund and upon statements of such Fund's accountants and other persons
believed by it in good faith to be expert in matters upon which they are
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consulted, and neither the Custodian nor any Domestic Subcustodian shall be
liable for any actions taken or omitted, in good faith, pursuant to such advice
or statements.
(f) Instructions Appearing to be Genuine.
The Custodian and all Domestic Subcustodians shall be fully protected
and indemnified in acting as a custodian hereunder upon any Resolutions of the
Board of Directors or Trustees, Instructions, Special Instructions, advice,
notice, request, consent, certificate, instrument or paper appearing to it to be
genuine and to have been properly executed and shall, unless otherwise
specifically provided herein, be entitled to receive as conclusive proof of any
fact or matter required to be ascertained from any Fund hereunder a certificate
signed by any officer of such Fund authorized to countersign or confirm Special
Instructions.
(g) Exceptions from Liability.
Without limiting the generality of any other provisions hereof, neither
the Custodian nor any Domestic Subcustodian shall be under any duty or
obligation to inquire into, nor be liable for:
(i) the validity of the issue of any Securities purchased by
or for any Fund, the legality of the purchase thereof or evidence of ownership
required to be received by any such Fund, or the propriety of the decision to
purchase or amount paid therefor;
(ii) the legality of the sale of any Securities by or for any
Fund, or the propriety of the amount for which the same were sold; or
(iii) any other expenditures, encumbrances of Securities,
borrowings or similar actions with respect to any Fund's Assets;
and may, until notified to the contrary, presume that all Instructions or
Special Instructions received by it are not in conflict with or in any way
contrary to any provisions of any such Fund's Declaration of Trust, Partnership
Agreement, Articles of Incorporation or By-Laws or votes or proceedings of the
shareholders, trustees, partners or directors of any such Fund, or any such
Fund's currently effective Registration Statement on file with the SEC.
7. LIABILITY OF THE CUSTODIAN FOR ACTIONS OF OTHERS.
(a) Domestic Subcustodians
The Custodian shall be liable for the acts or omissions of any Domestic
Subcustodian to the same extent as if such actions or omissions were performed
by the Custodian itself.
(b) Liability for Acts and Omissions of Foreign Subcustodians.
The Custodian shall be liable to a Fund for any loss or damage to such
Fund caused by or resulting from the acts or omissions of any Foreign
Subcustodian to the extent that, under the terms set forth in the subcustodian
agreement between the Custodian or a Domestic Subcustodian and such Foreign
Subcustodian, the Foreign Subcustodian has failed to perform in accordance with
the standard of conduct imposed under such subcustodian agreement and the
Custodian or Domestic Subcustodian recovers from the Foreign Subcustodian under
the applicable subcustodian agreement.
(c) Securities Systems, Interim Subcustodians, Special
Subcustodians, Securities Depositories and Clearing Agencies.
The Custodian shall not be liable to any Fund for any loss, damage or
expense suffered or incurred by such Fund resulting from or occasioned by the
actions or omissions of a Securities System, Interim Subcustodian, Special
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Subcustodian, or Securities Depository and Clearing Agency unless such loss,
damage or expense is caused by, or results from, the negligence or willful
misfeasance of the Custodian.
(d) Defaults or Insolvency's of Brokers, Banks, Etc.
The Custodian shall not be liable for any loss, damage or expense
suffered or incurred by any Fund resulting from or occasioned by the actions,
omissions, neglects, defaults or insolvency of any broker, bank, trust company
or any other person with whom the Custodian may deal (other than any of such
entities acting as a Subcustodian, Securities System or Securities Depository
and Clearing Agency, for whose actions the liability of the Custodian is set out
elsewhere in this Agreement) unless such loss, damage or expense is caused by,
or results from, the negligence or willful misfeasance of the Custodian.
(e) Reimbursement of Expenses.
Each Fund agrees to reimburse the Custodian for all reasonable
out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Custodian in connection with this
Agreement, but excluding salaries and usual overhead expenses.
8. INDEMNIFICATION.
(a) Indemnification by Fund.
Subject to the limitations set forth in this Agreement, each Fund
agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Custodian and its nominees from all
losses, damages and expenses (including attorneys' fees) suffered or incurred by
the Custodian or its nominee caused by or arising from actions taken by the
Custodian, its employees or agents in the performance of its duties and
obligations under this Agreement, including, but not limited to, any
indemnification obligations undertaken by the Custodian under any relevant
subcustodian agreement; provided, however, that such indemnity shall not apply
to the extent the Custodian is liable under Sections 6 or 7 hereof.
If any Fund requires the Custodian to take any action with respect to
Securities, which action involves the payment of money or which may, in the
opinion of the Custodian, result in the Custodian or its nominee assigned to
such Fund being liable for the payment of money or incurring liability of some
other form, such Fund, as a prerequisite to requiring the Custodian to take such
action, shall provide indemnity to the Custodian in an amount and form
reasonably satisfactory to it.
(b) Indemnification by Custodian.
Subject to the limitations set forth in this Agreement and in addition
to the obligations provided in Sections 6 and 7, the Custodian agrees to
indemnify and hold harmless each Fund from all losses, damages and expenses
suffered or incurred by each such Fund caused by the negligence or willful
misfeasance of the Custodian.
9. ADVANCES.
In the event that, pursuant to Instructions, the Custodian or any
Subcustodian, Securities System, or Securities Depository or Clearing Agency
acting either directly or indirectly under agreement with the Custodian (each of
which for purposes of this Section 9 shall be referred to as "Custodian"), makes
any payment or transfer of funds on behalf of any Fund as to which there would
be, at the close of business on the date of such payment or transfer,
insufficient funds held by the Custodian on behalf of any such Fund, the
Custodian may, in its discretion without further Instructions, provide an
advance ("Advance") to any such Fund in an amount sufficient to allow the
completion of the transaction by reason of which such payment or transfer of
funds is to be made. In addition, in the event the Custodian is directed by
Instructions to make any payment or transfer of funds on behalf of any Fund as
to which it is subsequently determined that such Fund has overdrawn its cash
account with the Custodian as of the close of business on the date of such
payment or transfer, said overdraft shall constitute an Advance. Any Advance
shall be payable by the Fund on behalf of which the Advance was made on demand
by Custodian, unless otherwise agreed by such Fund and the Custodian, and shall
accrue interest from the date of the Advance to the date
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of payment by such Fund to the Custodian at a rate agreed upon in writing from
time to time by the Custodian and such Fund. It is understood that any
transaction in respect of which the Custodian shall have made an Advance,
including but not limited to a foreign exchange contract or transaction in
respect of which the Custodian is not acting as a principal, is for the account
of and at the risk of the Fund on behalf of which the Advance was made, and not,
by reason of such Advance, deemed to be a transaction undertaken by the
Custodian for its own account and risk. The Custodian and each of the Funds
which are parties to this Agreement acknowledge that the purpose of Advances is
to finance temporarily the purchase or sale of Securities for prompt delivery in
accordance with the settlement terms of such transactions or to meet emergency
expenses not reasonably foreseeable by a Fund. The Custodian shall promptly
notify the appropriate Fund of any Advance. Such notification shall be sent by
facsimile transmission or in such other manner as such Fund and the Custodian
may agree.
10. LIENS.
The Bank shall have a lien on the Property in the Custody Account to
secure payment of fees and expenses for the services rendered under this
Agreement. If the Bank advances cash or securities to the Fund for any purpose
or in the event that the Bank or its nominee shall incur or be assessed any
taxes, charges, expenses, assessments, claims or liabilities in connection with
the performance of its duties hereunder, except such as may arise from its or
its nominee's negligent action, negligent failure to act or willful misconduct,
any Property at any time held for the Custody Account shall be security therefor
and the Fund hereby grants a security interest therein to the Bank. The Fund
shall promptly reimburse the Bank for any such advance of cash or securities or
any such taxes, charges, expenses, assessments, claims or liabilities upon
request for payment, but should the Fund fail to so reimburse the Bank, the Bank
shall be entitled to dispose of such Property to the extent necessary to obtain
reimbursement. The Bank shall be entitled to debit any account of the Fund with
the Bank including, without limitation, the Custody Account, in connection with
any such advance and any interest on such advance as the Bank deems reasonable.
11. COMPENSATION.
Each Fund will pay to the Custodian such compensation as is agreed to
in writing by the Custodian and each such Fund from time to time. Such
compensation, together with all amounts for which the Custodian is to be
reimbursed in accordance with Section 7(e), shall be billed to each such Fund
and paid in cash to the Custodian.
12. POWERS OF ATTORNEY.
Upon request, each Fund shall deliver to the Custodian such proxies,
powers of attorney or other instruments as may be reasonable and necessary or
desirable in connection with the performance by the Custodian or any
Subcustodian of their respective obligations under this Agreement or any
applicable subcustodian agreement.
13. TERMINATION AND ASSIGNMENT.
Any Fund or the Custodian may terminate this Agreement by notice in
writing, delivered or mailed, postage prepaid (certified mail, return receipt
requested) to the other not less than 90 days prior to the date upon which such
termination shall take effect. Upon termination of this Agreement, the
appropriate Fund shall pay to the Custodian such fees as may be due the
Custodian hereunder as well as its reimbursable disbursements, costs and
expenses paid or incurred. Upon termination of this Agreement, the Custodian
shall deliver, at the terminating party's expense, all Assets held by it
hereunder to the appropriate Fund or as otherwise designated by such Fund by
Special Instructions. Upon such delivery, the Custodian shall have no further
obligations or liabilities under this Agreement except as to the final
resolution of matters relating to activity occurring prior to the effective date
of termination.
Notwithstanding the notice period specified in this section, the
Custodian will be deemed to be in default of this Agreement, and the Agreement
will terminate immediately, if the Custodian fails to satisfy the requirements
of Section 17(f) of the Investment Company Act of 1940; the Custodian enters
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation receivership; the Custodian becomes
insolvent or makes a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; if a
petition in bankruptcy is filed by the Custodian or such petition is filed
against the Custodian and not opposed by the Custodian; or if a receiver or
someone acting in that capacity (permanent or temporary) of the Custodian's
assets
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or property, or any part thereof, is appointed by any court of competent
jurisdiction; or if proceedings for a composition with creditors under the
applicable law of any jurisdiction should be instituted by or against the
Custodian; or if a final judgment remains unsatisfied or of record for thirty
(30) days or longer (unless a supersedeas bond is filed or other steps taken to
stay effectively the enforcement of such judgment in the relevant jurisdiction);
or if the Custodian is dissolved; or if execution is levied against a material
portion of the Custodian's property or business; or if suit to foreclose any
lien or mortgage against the premises or equipment of the Custodian is
instituted against the Custodian and not dismissed within thirty (30) days; or
if the real or personal property of the Custodian shall be sold after levy
thereupon by any sheriff, marshal, constable or equivalent government authority.
This Agreement may not be assigned by the Custodian or any Fund without
the respective consent of the other, duly authorized by a resolution by its
Board of Directors or Trustees.
14. ADDITIONAL FUNDS.
An additional Fund or Funds may become a party to this Agreement after
the date hereof by an instrument in writing to such effect signed by such Fund
or Funds and the Custodian. If this Agreement is terminated as to one or more of
the Funds (but less than all of the Funds) or if an additional Fund or Funds
shall become a party to this Agreement, there shall be delivered to each party
an Appendix B or an amended Appendix B, signed by each of the additional Funds
(if any) and each of the remaining Funds as well as the Custodian, deleting or
adding such Fund or Funds, as the case may be. The termination of this Agreement
as to less than all of the Funds shall not affect the obligations of the
Custodian and the remaining Funds hereunder as set forth on the signature page
hereto and in Appendix B as revised from time to time.
15. NOTICES.
As to each Fund, notices, requests, instructions and other writings
delivered to The Prairie Fund, 0000 Xxxxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxx 000, Xxxxx Xxxxx,
Xxxxxxx 00000 and Mutual Shareholder Services, 0000 Xxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx
0000, Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxx 00000, postage prepaid, or to such other address as any
particular Fund may have designated to the Custodian in writing, shall be deemed
to have been properly delivered or given to a Fund.
Notices, requests, instructions and other writings delivered to the
Securities Administration department of the Custodian at its office at 000 Xxxxx
Xxxx., 00xx Xxxxx, Xxxx: Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000, or mailed
postage prepaid, to the Custodian's Securities Administration department, Post
Office Box 226, Attn: Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000, or to such
other addresses as the Custodian may have designated to each Fund in writing,
shall be deemed to have been properly delivered or given to the Custodian
hereunder; provided, however, that procedures for the delivery of Instructions
and Special Instructions shall be governed by Section 2(c) hereof.
16. MISCELLANEOUS.
(a) This Agreement is executed and delivered in the State of Missouri
and shall be governed by the laws of such state.
(b) All of the terms and provisions of this Agreement shall be binding
upon, and inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by the respective
successors and assigns of the parties hereto.
(c) No provisions of this Agreement may be amended, modified or waived,
in any manner except in writing, properly executed by both parties hereto;
provided, however, Appendix A may be amended from time to time as Domestic
Subcustodians, Foreign Subcustodians, Special Subcustodians, and Securities
Depositories and Clearing Agencies are approved or terminated according to the
terms of this Agreement.
(d) The captions in this Agreement are included for convenience of
reference only, and in no way define or delimit any of the provisions hereof or
otherwise affect their construction or effect.
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(e) This Agreement shall be effective as of the date of execution
hereof.
(f) This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in two or more
counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original, but all of which
together will constitute one and the same instrument.
(g) The following terms are defined terms within the meaning of this
Agreement, and the definitions thereof are found in the following sections of
the Agreement:
Term Section
---- -------
Account 4(b)(3)(ii)
ADR'S 4(j)
Advance 9
Assets 2(b)
Authorized Person 3
Banking Institution 4(1)
Domestic Subcustodian 5(a)
Foreign Subcustodian 5(b)
Instruction 2(c)(1)
Interim Subcustodian 5(c)
Interest Bearing Deposit 4(1)
Liens 10
OCC 4(g)(1)
Person 6(b)
Procedural Agreement 4(h)
SEC 4(b)(3)
Securities 2(a)
Securities Depositories and Clearing Agencies 5(b)
Securities System 4(b)(3)
Shares 4(s)
Sovereign Risk 6(b)
Special Instruction 2(c)(2)
Special Subcustodian 5(d)
Subcustodian 5
1940 Act 4(v)
(h) If any part, term or provision of this Agreement is held to be
illegal, in conflict with any law or otherwise invalid by any court of competent
jurisdiction, the remaining portion or portions shall be considered severable
and shall not be affected, and the rights and obligations of the parties shall
be construed and enforced as if this Agreement did not contain the particular
part, term or provision held to be illegal or invalid.
(i) This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding and agreement
of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof, and accordingly
supersedes, as of the effective date of this Agreement, any custodian agreement
heretofore in effect between the Fund and the Custodian.
[Signatures follow on next page]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Custody
Agreement to be executed by their respective duly authorized officers.
THE PRAIRIE FUND
Attest: /s/ By: /s/ Xx. Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx
----------------------- -----------------------------
Name: Xx. Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx
---------------------------
Title: President
--------------------------
Date: May 26, 2000
--------------------------
UMB BANK, N.A.
Attest: /s/ By: /s/ Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
----------------------- -----------------------------
Name: Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
---------------------------
Title: Senior Vice President
--------------------------
Date: May 26, 2000
---------------------------
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APPENDIX A
CUSTODY AGREEMENT
DOMESTIC SUBCUSTODIANS:
Xxxxx Brothers Xxxxxxxx & Co. (Foreign Securities Only)
SECURITIES SYSTEMS:
Federal Book Entry
Depository Trust Company
Participant Trust Company
SPECIAL SUBCUSTODIANS:
SECURITIES DEPOSITORIES
COUNTRIES FOREIGN SUBCUSTODIANS CLEARING AGENCIES
--------- --------------------- -----------------
Euroclear
THE PRAIRIE FUND UMB BANK, N.A.
By: /s/ Xx. Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx By: /s/ Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
----------------------------- ------------------------------
Name: Xx. Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx Name: Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
--------------------------- ----------------------------
Title: President Title: Senior Vice President
-------------------------- ---------------------------
Date: May 26, 2000 Date: May 26, 2000
--------------------------- ----------------------------
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00
XXXXXXXX X
CUSTODY AGREEMENT
The following open-end management investment companies ("Funds") are
hereby made parties to the Custody Agreement dated May 26, 2000, with UMB Bank,
n.a. ("Custodian") and The Prairie Fund, and agree to be bound by all the terms
and conditions contained in said Agreement:
THE PRAIRIE FUND
THE PRAIRIE FUND
Attest: /s/ By: /s/ Xx. Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx
----------------------- -----------------------------
Name: Xx. Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx
---------------------------
Title: President
--------------------------
Date: May 26, 2000
--------------------------
UMB BANK, N.A.
Attest: /s/ By: /s/ Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
----------------------- -----------------------------
Name: Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
---------------------------
Title: Senior Vice President
--------------------------
Date: May 26, 2000
---------------------------
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