STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Matisse Funds

Deschutes Portfolio Strategy, LLC
dba Matisse Capital

15350 SW Sequoia Parkway, Suite 260
Portland, Oregon 97224
 
Matisse Discounted Closed-End Fund Strategy
Institutional Class Shares MDCEX
 
 
Matisse Discounted Bond CEF Strategy
Institutional Class Shares MDFIX
 
August 1, 2024

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

Table of Contents

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT INVESTMENT POLICIES  2
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This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) is meant to be read in conjunction with the prospectus for the Matisse Discounted Closed-End Fund Strategy and Matisse Discounted Bond CEF Strategy, dated August 1, 2024, as amended or supplemented from time to time (the “Prospectus”) and is incorporated by reference in its entirety into the Prospectus. Because this SAI is not itself a prospectus, no investment in shares of the Funds (“Shares”) should be made solely upon the information contained herein. The Funds’ financial statements and accompanying notes that appear in the Funds’ annual and semi-annual reports are incorporated by reference into this SAI. Copies of the Prospectus, annual report, and/or semi-annual report may be obtained at no charge by writing or calling the Funds at the address or phone number shown above or online at https://fundinfopages.com/MDCEX and https://fundinfopages.com/MDFIX. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the same meanings as in the Prospectus.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Starboard Investment Trust (“Trust”) was organized on May 13, 2009, as a Delaware statutory trust and is authorized to have multiple series or portfolios. The Trust is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Trust currently consists of 8 separate series. This SAI relates to the Matisse Discounted Closed End Fund Strategy and Matisse Discounted Bond CEF Strategy (the “Funds” or each a “Fund”) each of which is a separate, diversified series of the Trust.  The Fund’s investment advisor is Deschutes Portfolio Strategy, LLC dba Matisse Capital (the “Advisor”). The Prospectus described the Funds’ investment objectives and principal investment strategies, as well as the principal investment risks of the Funds.
This SAI describes the financial history, management and operation of the Funds, as well as the Funds’ investment objective and policies. It should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus.
Investments in the Funds are not:
Deposits or obligations of any bank;
Guaranteed or endorsed by any bank; or
Federally insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board or any other federal agency.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT INVESTMENT POLICIES
The Prospectus describes the Funds’ investment objective and principal investment strategies, as well as the principal investment risks of the Funds.  All investments in securities and other financial instruments involve a risk of financial loss. No assurance can be given that the Funds’ investment program will be successful.  Investors should carefully review the descriptions of the Funds’ principal investments and their risks described in the Prospectus and this SAI.
The following descriptions and policies supplement the descriptions in the Prospectus and include descriptions of certain types of investments that may be made by the Funds but are not principal investment strategies of the Funds. Unless otherwise noted, the investments described below may be made by the Funds directly or indirectly through their investments in other investment companies. Attached to this SAI is Appendix A, which contains descriptions of the rating symbols used by nationally recognized statistical rating organizations for securities in which the Funds may invest. Appendix B contains a copy of the Advisor’s Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures.
General Investment Risks.  All investments in securities and other financial instruments involve a risk of financial loss.  No assurance can be given that the Funds’ investment program will be successful.  Investors should carefully review the descriptions of the Funds’ principal investments and their risks described in the Prospectus and this SAI.
Additional Information Regarding the Fund’s Principal Strategies and Risks
Investment Companies.  The Fund may invest in the securities of other investment companies (including money market funds). Under the 1940 Act, the Fund’s investment in investment companies is limited to, subject to certain exceptions: (i) 3% of the total outstanding voting stock of any one investment company, (ii) 5% of the Fund’s total assets with respect to any one investment company, and (iii) 10% of the Fund’s total assets of investment companies in the aggregate.  Investments by the Funds in other investment companies entail a number of risks unique to a fund of funds structure.  These risks include the following:
Multiple Layers of Fees.  By investing in other investment companies indirectly through the Funds, prospective investors will directly bear the fees and expenses of the Funds’ Advisor and indirectly bear the fees and expenses of other investment companies and other investment companies’ managers as well.  As such, this multiple or duplicative layer of fees will increase the cost of investments in the Funds.
Lack of Transparency.  The Advisor will not be able to monitor the investment activities of the other investment companies on a continuous basis and the other investment companies may use investment strategies that differ from its past practices and are not fully disclosed to the Advisor and that involve risks that are not anticipated by the Advisor.  The Funds have no control over the risks taken by the underlying investment companies in which they invest.
Valuation of Investment Companies.  Although the Advisor will attempt to review the valuation procedures used by other investment companies’ managers, the Advisor will have little or no means of independently verifying valuations of the Funds’ investments in investment companies and valuations of the underlying securities held by other investment companies. As such, the Advisor will rely significantly on valuations of other investment companies and the securities underlying other investment companies that are reported by other investment companies’ managers.  In the event that such valuations prove to be inaccurate, the net asset value (“NAV”) of the Funds could be adversely impacted and an investor could incur a loss of investment in the Funds.
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Illiquidity of Investments by and In Other Investment Companies.  Other investment companies may invest in securities that are not registered, are subject to legal or other restrictions on transfer, or for which no liquid market exists.  The market prices, if any, for such securities tend to be volatile and restricted securities may sell at prices that are lower than similar securities that are not subject to legal restrictions on resale. Further, the Funds may not be able to redeem their interests in other investment companies’ securities that it has purchased in a timely manner. If adverse market conditions were to develop during any period in which the Funds are unable to redeem interests in other investment companies, the Funds may suffer losses as a result of this illiquidity. As such, the lack of liquidity and volatility of restricted securities held by other investment companies could adversely affect the value of the other investment companies.  Any such losses could adversely affect the value of the Funds’ investments and an investor could incur a loss of investment in the Funds.
Lack of Control.  Although the Funds and the Advisor will evaluate regularly other investment companies to determine whether their investment programs are consistent with the Funds’ investment objective, the Advisor will not have any control over the investments made by other investment companies. Even though other investment companies are subject to certain constraints, the investment advisor to each such investment company may change aspects of their investment strategies at any time.  The Advisor will not have the ability to control or influence the composition of the investment portfolio of other investment companies.
Lack of Diversification.  There is no requirement that the underlying investments held by other investment companies be diversified. As such, other investment companies’ managers may target or concentrate other investment companies’ investments in specific markets, sectors, or types of securities.  As a result, investments made by other investment companies are subject to greater volatility as a result of this concentration than if the other investment companies had non-concentrated and diversified portfolios of investments. Thus, the Funds’ portfolios (and by extension the value of an investment in the Funds) may therefore be subject to greater risk than the portfolio of a similar fund with investments in diversified investment companies.
Use of Leverage.  The other investment companies may utilize leverage (i.e., borrowing) to acquire their underlying portfolio investments. When other investment companies borrow money or otherwise leverage their portfolio of investments, doing so may exaggerate changes in the NAV of the shares of the other investment companies and in the return on the other investment companies’ investments. Borrowing will also cost other investment companies interest expense and other fees. As such, the value of the Funds’ investments in other investment companies may be more volatile and all other risks (including the risk of loss of an investment in other investment companies) tend to be compounded or magnified.  As a result, any losses suffered by other investment companies as a result of their use of leverage could adversely affect the value of the Fund’s investments and an investor could incur a loss of investment in the Funds.
Fixed-Income Securities.  The Fund will invest indirectly in fixed-income securities, through its investments in shares of closed-end funds. These securities may include government and corporate bonds, mortgage bonds, convertible or preferred securities, loans, money market instruments, high yield securities or “junk bonds” and zero-coupon bonds.  Zero-coupon bonds are purchased at a discount from their face values and accrue interest at the applicable coupon rate over a period of time.  Fixed-income securities purchased by the closed-end funds may consist of obligations of any rating.  Fixed-income securities in the lowest investment grade categories have speculative characteristics, with changes in the economy or other circumstances more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the bonds to make principal and interest payments than would occur with bonds rated in higher categories.  High yield bonds are typically rated below “Baa” by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.  (“Moody’s”) or below “BBB” by S&P Global Ratings (“S&P”) or below investment grade by other recognized rating agencies.  The Fund may also invest indirectly in unrated securities through closed-end funds that invest in unrated securities under certain circumstances.  Such bonds are subject to greater market fluctuations and risk of loss of income and principal than higher rated bonds for a variety of reasons, including:
Sensitivity to Interest Rate and Economic Change.  The economy and interest rates affect high yield securities differently than other securities.  For example, the prices of high yield bonds have been found to be less sensitive to interest rate changes than higher-rated investments, but more sensitive to adverse economic changes or individual corporate developments.  Also, during an economic downturn or substantial period of rising interest rates, highly leveraged issuers may experience financial stress which would adversely affect their ability to service their principal and interest obligations, to meet projected business goals, and to obtain additional financing.  If the issuer of a bond defaults, an underlying mutual fund may incur additional expenses to seek recovery.  In addition, periods of economic uncertainty and changes can be expected to result in increased volatility or market prices of high yield bonds and the fund’s asset values.
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Payment Expectations.  High yield bonds present certain risks based on payment expectations.  For example, high yield bonds may contain redemption and call provisions.  If an issuer exercises these provisions in a declining interest rate market, the Fund or an investment company in which the Fund invests would have to replace the security with a lower yielding security, resulting in a decreased return for investors.  Conversely, a high yield bond’s value will decrease in a rising interest rate market, as will the value of the Fund’s or other investment company’s assets. If the Fund or an investment company in which the Fund invests experiences unexpected net redemptions, it may be forced to sell its high yield bonds without regard to their investment merits, thereby decreasing the asset base upon which the expenses of the Fund or other investment company in which the Fund invests can be spread and possibly reducing the rate of return of the fund or other investment company in which the Fund invests.
Liquidity and Valuation.  To the extent that there is no established retail secondary market, there may be thin trading of high yield bonds, and this may impact a fund’s ability to accurately value high yield bonds and may hinder a fund’s ability to dispose of the bonds.  Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may decrease the values and liquidity of high yield bonds, especially in a thinly traded market.
Credit Ratings.  Credit ratings evaluate the safety of principal and interest payments, not the market value risk of high yield bonds.  Also, because credit rating agencies may fail to timely change the credit ratings to reflect subsequent events, The Fund or an investment company in which the Fund invests must monitor the issuers of high yield bonds in their portfolios to determine if the issuers will have sufficient cash flow and profits to meet required principal and interest payments, and to assure the bonds’ liquidity so the Fund or an investment company in which the Fund invests can meet redemption requests.
High-yield securities are deemed speculative with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal over a long period of time.  Special tax considerations are associated with investing in high-yield securities structured as zero coupon or “pay-in-kind"” securities.  The Fund or an investment company in which the Fund invests will report the interest on these securities as income even though it receives no cash interest until the security’s maturity or payment date.  The payment of principal and interest on most fixed-income securities purchased by a fund will depend upon the ability of the issuers to meet their obligations. An issuer’s obligations under its fixed-income securities are subject to the provisions of bankruptcy, insolvency and other laws affecting the rights and remedies of creditors, such as the Federal Bankruptcy Code, and laws, if any, which may be enacted by federal or state legislatures extending the time for payment of principal or interest, or both, or imposing other constraints upon enforcement of such obligations.  The power or ability of an issuer to meet its obligations for the payment of interest on, and principal of, its fixed-income securities may be materially adversely affected by litigation or other conditions.
The ratings of S&P, Moody’s and other nationally recognized rating agencies represent their opinions as to the quality of fixed-income securities.  It should be emphasized, however, that ratings are general and are not absolute standards of quality, and fixed-income securities with the same maturity, interest rate, and rating may have different yields while fixed-income securities of the same maturity and interest rate with different ratings may have the same yield.  For a more detailed description of ratings, please see Appendix A.
Derivative Instruments.  The Fund may invest directly or indirectly in derivatives through its investment in other investment companies that use derivative instruments. When other investment companies in which the Funds invest, enter into short sales, options, futures, and other forms of financial derivatives specifically described below, the investments involve risks different from direct investments in the underlying securities. While transactions in derivatives may reduce certain risks, these transactions themselves entail certain other risks.  Unanticipated changes in interest rates, securities prices, or currency exchange rates may result in a poorer overall performance of the funds than if they had not entered into any derivatives transactions.  Derivatives may magnify the funds gains or losses, causing it to make or lose substantially more than it invested.
If a fund uses derivative instruments, such fund must comply with the applicable requirements of the 1940 Act. The Fund has no specific limit on the amount it invests in derivatives, directly or indirectly.
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When used for hedging purposes, increases in the value of the securities a fund holds or intends to acquire should offset any losses incurred with a derivative. Purchasing derivatives for purposes other than hedging could expose a fund to greater risks.
A fund’s ability to hedge securities through derivatives depends on the degree to which price movements in the underlying index or instrument correlate with price movements in the relevant securities. In the case of poor correlation, the price of the securities a fund is hedging may not move in the same amount, or even in the same direction as the hedging instrument.  A fund will try to minimize this risk by investing only in those contracts whose behavior it expects to resemble with the portfolio securities it is trying to hedge. However, if a fund’s prediction of interest and currency rates, market value, volatility, or other economic factors is incorrect, a fund may lose money, or may not make as much money as it expected.
Derivative prices can diverge from the prices of their underlying instruments, even if the characteristics of the underlying instruments are very similar to the derivative.  Listed below are some of the factors that may cause such a divergence:
current and anticipated short-term interest rates, changes in volatility of the underlying instrument, and the time remaining until expiration of the contract;
a difference between the derivatives and securities markets, including different levels of demand, how the instruments are traded, the imposition of daily price fluctuation limits or trading of an instrument stops; and
differences between the derivatives, including different margin requirements, different liquidity of such markets, and the participation of speculators in such markets.
Derivatives based upon a narrow index of securities may present greater risk than derivatives based on a broad index. Since narrower indices are made up of a smaller number of securities, they are more susceptible to rapid and extreme price fluctuations because of changes in the value of those securities.
While currency futures and options values are expected to correlate with exchange rates, they may not reflect other factors that affect the value of the investments of the funds. A currency hedge should protect a yen-denominated security from a decline in the yen but will not protect the funds against a price decline resulting from deterioration in the issuer’s creditworthiness.  Because the value of the funds’ foreign-denominated investments changes in response to many factors other than exchange rates, it may not be possible to match the amount of currency options and futures to the value of the funds’ investments precisely over time.
Before a futures contract or option is exercised or expires, the funds can terminate it only by entering into a closing purchase or sale transaction.  Moreover, the funds may close out a futures contract only on the exchange the contract was initially traded.  If there is no secondary market for the contract, or the market is illiquid, the funds may not be able to close out a position.  In an illiquid market, the funds may:
have to sell securities to meet its daily margin requirements at a time when it is disadvantageous to do so;
have to purchase or sell the instrument underlying the contract;
not be able to hedge its investments; and
not be able to realize profits or limit its losses.
Derivatives may become illiquid (i.e., difficult to sell at a desired time and price) under a variety of market conditions:
an exchange may suspend or limit trading in a particular derivative instrument, an entire category of derivatives, or all derivatives, which sometimes occurs because of increased market volatility;
unusual or unforeseen circumstances may interrupt normal operations of an exchange;
the facilities of the exchange may not be adequate to handle current trading volume;
equipment failures, government intervention, insolvency of a brokerage firm or clearing house, or other occurrences may disrupt normal trading activity; or
investors may lose interest in a particular derivative or category of derivatives.
If an investment advisor incorrectly predicts securities market and interest rate trends, the funds may lose money by investing in derivatives.  If the funds were to write a call option based on the investment advisor’s expectation that the price of the underlying security would fall, but the price were to rise instead, the funds could be required to sell the security upon exercise at a price below the current market price. Similarly, if the funds were to write a put option based on the advisor’s expectation that the price of the underlying security would rise, but the price were to fall instead, the funds could be required to purchase the security upon exercise at a price higher than the current market price.
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Because of the low margin deposits required upon the opening of a derivative position, such transactions involve an extremely high degree of leverage. Consequently, a relatively small price movement in a derivative may result in an immediate and substantial loss (as well as gain) to the funds and they may lose more than it originally invested in the derivative.
If the price of a futures contract changes adversely, the funds may have to sell securities at a time when it is disadvantageous to do so to meet its minimum daily margin requirement.  The funds may lose margin deposits if a broker with whom they have an open futures contract or related option becomes insolvent or declares bankruptcy.
The prices of derivatives are volatile (i.e., they may change rapidly, substantially, and unpredictably) and are influenced by a variety of factors, including:
actual and anticipated changes in interest rates;
fiscal and monetary policies; and
national and international political events.
Most exchanges limit the amount by which the price of a derivative can change during a single trading day.  Daily trading limits establish the maximum amount that the price of a derivative may vary from the settlement price of that derivative at the end of trading on the previous day.  Once the price of a derivative reaches this value, the funds may not trade that derivative at a price beyond that limit. The daily limit governs only price movements during a given day and does not limit potential gains or losses.  Derivative prices have occasionally moved to the daily limit for several consecutive trading days, preventing prompt liquidation of the derivative.
Government Regulation of Derivatives. It is possible that government regulation of various types of derivative instruments, including futures and swap agreements, may limit or prevent a fund from using such instruments as a part of its investment strategy, and could ultimately prevent a fund from being able to achieve its investment objective. It is impossible to predict fully the effects of legislation and regulation in this area, but the effects could be substantial and adverse.
The futures markets are subject to comprehensive statutes, regulations, and margin requirements. The SEC, the Commodities Futures Trading Commission, and the exchanges are authorized to take extraordinary actions in the event of a market emergency, including, for example, the implementation or reduction of speculative position limits, the implementation of higher margin requirements, the establishment of daily price limits, and the suspension of trading.
The regulation of swaps and futures transactions in the U.S., the European Union, and other jurisdictions is a rapidly changing area of law and is subject to modification by government and judicial action. There is a possibility of future regulatory changes altering, perhaps to a material extent, the nature of an investment in a fund or the ability of a fund to continue to implement its investment strategies.
Under recently adopted rules and regulations, transactions in some types of swaps (including interest rate swaps and credit default swaps on North American and European indices) are required to be centrally cleared, and additional types of swaps may be required to be centrally cleared in the future. In a transaction involving those swaps (“cleared derivatives”), a fund’s counterparty is a clearing house, rather than a bank or broker. In cleared derivatives transactions, a fund will make payments (including margin payments) to and receive payments from a clearing house through its accounts at clearing members. Clearing members guarantee performance of their clients’ obligations to the clearing house.
In addition, U.S. regulators, the European Union, and certain other jurisdictions have adopted minimum margin and capital requirements for uncleared over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives transactions. It is expected that these regulations will have a material impact on a fund’s use of uncleared derivatives. These rules will impose minimum margin requirements on derivatives transactions between a fund and its swap counterparties and may increase the amount of margin a fund is required to provide. They will impose regulatory requirements on the timing of transferring margin, which may accelerate a fund’s current margin process. They will also effectively require changes to typical derivatives margin documentation. It is expected that a fund will become subject to variation margin requirements under such rules in 2017 and initial margin requirements under such rules in 2020. Such requirements could increase the amount of margin a fund needs to provide in connection with uncleared derivatives transactions and, therefore, make such transactions more expensive.

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Funds investing in derivatives must comply with Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act, which provides for the regulation of a registered investment company’s use of derivatives and certain related instruments. Among other things, Rule 18f-4 limits a fund’s derivatives exposure through a value-at-risk test and requires the adoption and implementation of a derivatives risk management program for certain derivatives users. Subject to certain conditions, limited derivatives users (as defined in Rule 18f-4), however, would not be subject to the full requirements of Rule 18f-4. Rule 18f-4 could restrict the Fund’s abilities to engage in certain derivatives transactions and/or increase the costs of such derivatives transactions.
Money Market Instruments.  Money market instruments include U.S. Government obligations or corporate debt obligations (including those subject to repurchase agreements). Money market instruments also may include banker’s acceptances and certificates of deposit of domestic branches of U.S. banks, commercial paper, and variable amount demand master notes (“Master Notes”). Banker’s acceptances are time drafts drawn on and “accepted” by a bank. When a bank “accepts” such a time draft, it assumes liability for its payment. When an investment company acquires a banker’s acceptance, the bank that “accepted” the time draft is liable for payment of interest and principal when due. The banker’s acceptance carries the full faith and credit of such bank.  A certificate of deposit (“CD”) is an unsecured, interest bearing debt obligation of a bank. Commercial paper is an unsecured, short-term debt obligation of a bank, corporation, or other borrower. Commercial paper maturity generally ranges from two to 270 days and is usually sold on a discounted basis rather than as an interest-bearing instrument. Master Notes are unsecured obligations which are redeemable upon demand of the holder and which permit the investment of fluctuating amounts at varying rates of interest.
Foreign Investment Risk.  Foreign securities and foreign currency contracts involve investment risks different from those associated with domestic securities.  Changes in foreign economies and political climates are more likely to affect the Funds than a mutual fund that invests exclusively in domestic securities.  The value of foreign currency denominated securities or foreign currency contracts is affected by the value of the local currency relative to the U.S. dollar.  There may be less government supervision of foreign markets, resulting in non-uniform accounting practices and less publicly available information about issuers of foreign currency denominated securities.  The value of foreign investments may be affected by changes in exchange control regulations, application of foreign tax laws (including withholding tax), changes in governmental administration or economic or monetary policy (in this country or abroad) or changed circumstances in dealings between nations.  In addition, foreign brokerage commissions, custody fees, and other costs of investing in foreign securities are generally higher than in the United States.  Investments in foreign issues could be affected by other factors not present in the United States, including expropriation, armed conflict, confiscatory taxation, and potential difficulties in enforcing contractual obligations.
Uncertainties surrounding the sovereign debt of a number of European Union (EU) countries and the viability of the EU have disrupted and may in the future disrupt markets in the United States and around the world. If one or more countries leave the EU or the EU dissolves, the world’s securities markets likely will be significantly disrupted. In June 2016, the United Kingdom approved a referendum to leave the EU, commonly referred to as “Brexit.” There is significant market uncertainty regarding Brexit’s ramifications, and the range and potential implications of possible political, regulatory, economic, and market outcomes are difficult to predict. Political and military events, including the military crises in Ukraine and the Middle East, and nationalist unrest in Europe, also may cause market disruptions.
U.S. Government Securities.  Closed-end funds owned by the Fund may invest in U.S. Government securities, defined to be (i) U.S. Treasury notes, U.S. Treasury bonds, U.S. Treasury bills, and other U.S. Government obligations; (ii) obligations of the Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA) and other U.S. Government sponsored entities that are guaranteed by the U.S. Government; and (iii) obligations of the Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC), Federal Housing Administration (FHA), Federal Farm Credit Bank (FFCB), Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB), Student Loan Marketing Association (SLMA), The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and other U.S. Government authorities, agencies, and instrumentalities.  While obligations of some U.S. Government sponsored entities are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government (e.g. GNMA), others are not.  No assurance can be given that the U.S. Government will provide financial support to U.S. Government agencies or instrumentalities in the future since it is not obligated to do so by law.  The guarantee of the U.S. Government does not extend to the yield or value of the Shares.
Debentures.  A debenture is long-term, unsecured debt instrument backed only by the integrity of the borrower, not by collateral, and documented by an indenture.  Governments often issue debentures, in part because they generally cannot guarantee debt with assets (government assets are public property).  The primary risk with this type of investment is that the issuer will default or go into bankruptcy.  As an unsecured creditor, in the event of default or bankruptcy, the holder of a debenture does not have a claim against any specific assets of the issuing firm, so the investor will only be paid from the issuer’s assets after the secured creditors have been paid.  A closed-end fund owned by the Fund may invest in all types of debentures, including corporate and government debentures.
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Borrowing.  The Funds may borrow money for investment purposes, which is a form of leveraging. Leveraging investments, by purchasing securities with borrowed money, is a speculative technique that increases investment risk while increasing investment opportunity.  Such borrowing may make the Funds’ NAV more volatile than funds that do not borrow for investment purposes because leverage magnifies changes in the Fund’s NAV and on the Fund’s investments.  Although the principal of borrowings will be fixed, the Funds’ assets may change in value during the time the borrowing is outstanding.  Leverage also creates interest expenses for the Fund.  To the extent the income derived from securities purchased with borrowed funds exceeds the interest the Funds will have to pay, the Funds’ net income will be greater than it would be if leverage were not used. Conversely, if the income from the assets obtained with borrowed funds is not sufficient to cover the cost of leveraging, the net income of the Funds will be less than it would be if leverage were not used, and therefore the amount available for distribution to shareholders as dividends will be reduced.  The use of derivatives in connection with leverage creates the potential for significant loss. Any leveraging will comply with the applicable requirements of the 1940 Act.
The Funds may also borrow money to meet redemptions or for other emergency purposes.  Such borrowings may be on a secured or unsecured basis at fixed or variable rates of interest.  The 1940 Act requires the Funds to maintain continuous asset coverage of not less than 300% with respect to all borrowings.  If such asset coverage should decline to less than 300% due to market fluctuations or other reasons, the Funds may be required to dispose of some of its portfolio holdings within three days in order to reduce the Funds’ debt and restore the 300% asset coverage, even though it may be disadvantageous from an investment standpoint to dispose of assets at that time.  The Funds also may be required to maintain minimum average balances in connection with such borrowing or to pay a commitment or other fee to maintain a line of credit.  Either of these requirements would increase the cost of borrowing over the stated interest rate.
Portfolio Turnover.  Portfolio turnover is a ratio that indicates how often the securities in a mutual fund’s portfolio change during a year’s time.  Higher numbers indicate a greater number of changes, and lower numbers indicate a smaller number of changes. The Funds may sell portfolio securities without regard to the length of time they have been held in order to take advantage of new investment opportunities or changing market conditions. Since portfolio turnover may involve paying brokerage commissions and other transaction costs, there could be additional expenses for the Funds.  High rates of portfolio turnover could lower performance of the Funds due to increased costs and may also result in the realization of capital gains. If the Funds realizes capital gains when they sell portfolio investments, they must generally distribute those gains to shareholders, increasing their taxable distributions.
Temporary Defensive Positions.  The Fund may, from time to time, take temporary defensive positions that are inconsistent with the Fund’s principal investment strategies in an attempt to respond to adverse market, economic, political, or other conditions.  During such an unusual set of circumstances, the Fund may hold up to 100% of its portfolios in cash or cash equivalent positions (e.g., money market securities, U.S. Government securities, and/or similar securities).  When the Fund takes a temporary defensive position, the Fund may not be able to achieve its investment objective.
Information Regarding the Fund’s Non-Principal Strategies and Risks
Exchange Traded Funds.  ETFs are traded on a securities exchange based on their market value.  An investment in an ETF generally presents the same primary risks as an investment in a conventional registered investment company (i.e., one that is not exchange traded).  In addition, all ETFs will have costs and expenses that will be passed on to the Funds, which will in turn increase the Funds’ expenses. ETFs are also subject to the following risks that often do not apply to conventional investment companies: (i) the market price of the ETF’s shares may trade at a discount to the ETF’s net asset value, and as a result, ETFs may experience more price volatility than other types of portfolio investments and which could negatively impact the Funds’ net asset values; (ii) an active trading market for an ETF’s shares may not develop or be maintained at a sufficient volume; (iii) trading of an ETF’s shares may be halted if the listing exchange deems such action appropriate; and (iv) ETF shares may be delisted from the exchange on which they trade, or “circuit breakers” (which are tied to large decreases in stock prices used by the exchange) may temporarily halt trading in the ETF’s stock.  ETFs are also subject to the risks of the underlying securities the ETF holds.  Finally, there may be legal limitations and other conditions imposed by rules of the SEC on the amount of the ETF shares that the Funds may acquire.
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Equity Securities. The equity portion of the Funds’ portfolio may be comprised of common stocks traded on domestic securities exchanges or on the over-the-counter market.  In addition to common stocks, the equity portion of the Funds’ portfolio may also include preferred stocks, convertible preferred stocks, and convertible bonds.  Prices of equity securities in which the Funds invest (either directly or indirectly through the Funds’ investment in shares of other investment companies) may fluctuate in response to many factors, including, but not limited to, the activities of the individual companies whose securities the Funds own, general market and economic conditions, interest rates, and specific industry changes. Such price fluctuations subject the Funds to potential losses.  In addition, regardless of any one company’s prospects, a declining stock market may produce a decline in prices for all equity securities, which could also result in losses for the Funds.  Market declines may continue for an indefinite period, and investors should understand that during temporary or extended bear markets, the value of equity securities will decline.
Options.  While the Funds generally hold put and call options indirectly through the holdings of the funds in which they invest, the Fund may also purchase and write put and call options on securities directly. The purchase and writing of options involves certain risks.  During the option period, a call writer that holds the underlying security has, in return for the premium on the option, given up the opportunity to profit from a price increase in the underlying securities above the exercise price, but, as long as its obligation as a writer continues, has retained the risk of loss should the price of the underlying security decline. The writer of an option has no control over the time when it may be required to fulfill its obligation as a writer of the option.  Once an option writer has received an exercise notice, it cannot affect a closing purchase transaction in order to terminate its obligation under the option and must deliver the underlying securities at the exercise price. If a put or call option purchased by a fund is not sold when it has remaining value, and if the market price of the underlying security, in the case of a put, remains equal to or greater than the exercise price or, in the case of a call, remains less than or equal to the exercise price, a fund will lose its entire investment in the option.  Also, where a put or call option on a particular security is purchased to hedge against price movements in a related security, the price of the put or call option may move more or less than the price of the related security.  There can be no assurance that a liquid market will exist when a fund seeks to close out an option position. Furthermore, if trading restrictions or suspensions are imposed on the options market, a fund may be unable to close out a position.  To the extent that a fund invests in options, such fund will comply with the applicable requirements of the 1940 Act and the guidance of no-action letters issued by the SEC, including Investment Company Act Release No. 10666 (Apr. 18, 1979).
Futures Contracts.  While the Funds do not intend to invest in futures directly, they may indirectly hold futures through the holdings of the funds in which they invests. A futures contract is a bilateral agreement to buy or sell a security (or deliver a cash settlement price, in the case of a contract relating to an index or otherwise not calling for physical delivery at the end of trading in the contracts) for a set price in the future.  Futures contracts are designated by boards of trade that have been designated “contracts markets” by the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).  No purchase price is paid or received when the contract is entered into.  Instead, a fund, upon entering into a futures contract (and to maintain a fund’s open positions in futures contracts), would be required to deposit with its custodian in a segregated account in the name of the futures broker an amount of cash, U.S. Government securities, suitable money market instruments, or liquid, high-grade debt securities, known as “initial margin.”  The margin required for a particular futures contract is set by the exchange on which the contract is traded and may be significantly modified from time to time by the exchange during the term of the contract.  Futures contracts are customarily purchased and sold on margin that may range upward from less than 5% of the value of the contract being traded.  By using futures contracts as a risk management technique, given the greater liquidity in the futures market than in the cash market, it may be possible to accomplish certain results more quickly and with lower transaction costs.
If the price of an open futures contract changes (by increase in the case of a sale or by decrease in the case of a purchase) such that the loss on the futures contract reaches a point at which the margin on deposit does not satisfy margin requirements, the broker will require an increase in the margin. However, if the value of a position increases because of favorable price changes in the futures contract such that the margin deposit exceeds the required margin, the broker will pay the excess to a fund. These subsequent payments, called “variation margin,” to and from the futures broker, are made on a daily basis as the price of the underlying assets fluctuates, making the long and short positions in the futures contract more or less valuable, a process known as “marking to the market.”  A fund is expected to earn interest income on initial and variation margin deposits.
A fund will incur brokerage fees when it purchases and sells futures contracts. Positions taken in the futures markets are not normally held until delivery or cash settlement is required but are instead liquidated through offsetting transactions that may result in a gain or a loss.  While futures positions taken by a fund will usually be liquidated in this manner, a fund may instead make or take delivery of underlying securities whenever it appears economically advantageous for a fund to do so.  A clearing organization associated with the exchange on which futures are traded assumes responsibility for closing out transactions and guarantees that as between the clearing members of an exchange, the sale and purchase obligations will be performed with regard to all positions that remain open at the termination of the contract.
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In addition to the margin restrictions discussed above, transactions in futures contracts may involve the segregation of Funds pursuant to requirements imposed by the SEC. Under those requirements, where a fund has a long position in a futures contract, it may be required to establish a segregated account (not with a futures commission merchant or broker) containing cash or certain liquid assets equal to the purchase price of the contract (less any margin on deposit).  However, segregation of assets is not required if a fund “covers” a long position. For a short position in futures or forward contracts held by a fund, those requirements may mandate the establishment of a segregated account (not with a futures commission merchant or broker) with cash or certain liquid assets that, when added to the amounts deposited as margin, equal the market value of the instruments underlying the futures contracts (but are not less than the price at which the short positions were established).
Short Sales.  While the Funds do not intend to engage in short sales directly, the funds in which they invest may engage in short sales.  A short sale is a transaction in which a party sells a security it does not own or have the right to acquire (or that it owns but does not wish to deliver) in anticipation that the market price of that security will decline.  When a party makes a short sale, the broker-dealer through which the short sale is made must borrow the security sold short and deliver it to the party purchasing the security.  The party is required to make a margin deposit in connection with such short sales; the party may have to pay a fee to borrow particular securities and will often be obligated to pay over any dividends and accrued interest on borrowed securities.
If the price of the security sold short increases between the time of the short sale and the time the party covers the short position, the party will incur a loss; conversely, if the price declines, the party will realize a capital gain.  Any gain will be decreased, and any loss increased, by the transaction costs described above.  The successful use of short selling may be adversely affected by imperfect correlation between movements in the price of the security sold short and the securities being hedged.
If a party does sell “short”, the party will comply with current guidance from the staff of the SEC regarding asset coverage requirements, including Investment Company Act Release No. 10666 (Apr. 18, 1979).  In particular, the party will take measures to ensure its obligation to purchase the security in the future will be met, including (i) holding the security sold short; (ii) holding an offsetting call option (one with a strike price that is the same or lower than the price at which the security was sold short); or (iii) segregating liquid assets (which can be cash, U.S. Government securities, and other liquid debt or equity securities) on the party’s books or in a segregated account at the party’s custodian in an amount sufficient to cover the current value of the securities to be replaced as well as any dividends, interest, and transaction costs due to the broker-dealer lender.  In determining the amount to be segregated, any securities that have been sold short by the party will be marked to market daily.  To the extent the market price of the securities sold short increases and more assets are required to meet the party’s short sale obligations, additional assets will be segregated to ensure adequate coverage of the party’s short position obligations.  If the party does not have the assets to cover a short sale, then the party’s potential losses on the short will be unlimited because the security’s price may appreciate indefinitely.
Swaps. While the Funds do not intend to invest in swaps directly, they may indirectly hold swaps through the holdings of the funds in which they invest. Swaps may include currency, equity, interest rate, index and other swaps, which involve the exchange by an investor with another party of their respective commitments, in an attempt to obtain a particular return when it is considered desirable to do so, possibly at a lower cost than if a fund had invested directly in the asset that yielded the desired return.  In the case of interest rate swaps, an investor may exchange with another party their respective commitments to pay or receive interest, such as an exchange of fixed rate payments for floating rate payments. Use of swaps subjects the investor to risk of default by the counterparties. If there is a default by the counterparty to such a transaction, there may be contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction although contractual remedies may not be sufficient in the event that the counterparty to the transaction is insolvent. The swap market has grown substantially in recent years with a large number of banks and investment banking firms acting both as principals and agents utilizing standardized swap documentation. As a result, the swap market has become relatively liquid in comparison with the markets for other similar instruments which are traded in the interbank market.  An investor may also enter into currency swaps or other swaps which are similar to interest rate swaps but may be surrogates for other instruments such as currency forwards or options.
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Forward Commitment and When-Issued Securities.  While the Funds do not intend to purchase securities on a when-issued basis for settlement at a future date directly, they may indirectly engage in such transactions through the holdings of the funds in which they invest. A Fund may purchase securities on a when-issued basis or for settlement at a future date if a fund holds sufficient assets to meet the purchase price.  In such purchase transactions, a Fund will not accrue interest on the purchased security until the actual settlement. Similarly, if a security is sold for a forward date, a fund will accrue the interest until the settlement of the sale. When-issued security purchases and forward commitments have a higher degree of risk of price movement before settlement due to the extended time period between the execution and settlement of the purchase or sale.  As a result, the exposure to the counterparty of the purchase or sale is increased.  Although a Fund would generally purchase securities on a forward commitment or when-issued basis with the intention of taking delivery, a Fund may sell such a security prior to the settlement date if the Advisor feels such action is appropriate.  In such a case, a fund could incur a short-term gain or loss.
Repurchase Agreements.  While the Funds do not intend to enter into repurchase agreements directly, they may indirectly engage in such transactions through the holdings of the funds in which they invest. A repurchase transaction occurs when an investor purchases a security (normally a U.S. Treasury obligation), and then resells it to the vendor (normally a member bank of the Federal Reserve or a registered government securities dealer) and is required to deliver the security (and/or securities substituted for them under the repurchase agreement) to the vendor on an agreed upon date in the future.  The repurchase price exceeds the purchase price by an amount which reflects an agreed upon market interest rate effective for the period of time during which the repurchase agreement is in effect.  Delivery pursuant to the resale normally will occur within one to seven days of the purchase. Repurchase agreements are considered “loans” under the 1940 Act, collateralized by the underlying security. The Trust has implemented procedures to monitor on a continuous basis the value of the collateral serving as security for repurchase obligations. The Advisor will consider the creditworthiness of the vendor.  If the vendor fails to pay the agreed upon resale price on the delivery date, a fund will retain or attempt to dispose of the collateral.  A fund’s risk is that such default may include any decline in value of the collateral to an amount which is less than 100% of the repurchase price, any costs of disposing of such collateral, and any loss resulting from any delay in foreclosing on the collateral. Repurchase agreements that do not provide for payment within seven days will be treated as illiquid securities.
Reverse Repurchase Agreements. A reverse repurchase agreement has the characteristics of a secured borrowing and creates leverage. In a reverse repurchase transaction, a fund sells a portfolio instrument to another person, such as a financial institution or broker/dealer, in return for cash. At the same time, a fund agrees to repurchase the instrument at an agreed-upon time and at a price that is greater than the amount of cash that the fund received when it sold the instrument, representing the equivalent of an interest payment by the fund for the use of the cash. During the term of the transaction, a fund will continue to receive any principal and interest payments (or the equivalent thereof) on the underlying instruments.

A fund may engage in reverse repurchase agreements as a means of raising cash to satisfy redemption requests or for other temporary or emergency purposes or in order to raise additional cash to be invested by the fund’s portfolio managers in other securities or instruments in an effort to increase the fund’s investment returns.
During the term of the transaction, a fund will remain at risk for any fluctuations in the market value of the instruments subject to the reverse repurchase agreement as if it had not entered into the transaction. When a fund reinvests the proceeds of a reverse repurchase agreement in other securities, the fund will bear the risk that the market value of the securities in which the proceeds are invested goes down and is insufficient to satisfy the fund’s obligations under the reverse repurchase agreement. Like other leveraging risks, this makes the value of an investment in a fund more volatile and increases the fund’s overall investment exposure. This could also result in the fund having to dispose of investments at inopportune times and at disadvantageous amounts. In addition, if a fund’s return on its investment of the proceeds of the reverse repurchase agreement does not equal or exceed the implied interest that it is obligated to pay under the reverse repurchase agreement, engaging in the transaction will lower the fund’s return.
When a fund enters into a reverse repurchase agreement, it is subject to the risk that the buyer under the agreement may file for bankruptcy, become insolvent, or otherwise default on its obligations to the fund. In the event of a default by the counterparty, there may be delays, costs and risks of loss involved in a fund’s exercising its rights under the agreement, or those rights may be limited by other contractual agreements or obligations or by applicable law.

In addition, a fund may be unable to sell the instruments subject to the reverse repurchase agreement at a time when it would be advantageous to do so, or may be required to liquidate portfolio securities at a time when it would be disadvantageous to do so in order to make payments with respect to its obligations under a reverse repurchase agreement. This could adversely affect a fund’s strategy and result in losses.

Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act permits a fund to enter into reverse repurchase agreements and similar financing transactions (e.g., recourse and non-recourse tender option bonds, borrowed bonds) notwithstanding the limitation on the issuance of senior securities in Section 18 of the 1940 Act, provided that the fund either (i) complies with the 300% asset coverage ratio with respect to such transactions and any other borrowings in the aggregate, or (ii) treats such transactions as “derivatives transactions” under Rule 18f-4. 
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Illiquid Investments.  The Funds may invest up to 15% of net assets in illiquid securities, which are investments that the Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment.  This restriction is not limited to the time of purchase.  Under the supervision of the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board” or “Trustees”), the Advisor determines the liquidity of the Funds’ investments, and through reports from the Advisor, the Trustees monitor investments in illiquid instruments.  In determining the liquidity of the Funds’ investments, the Advisor may consider various factors including (i) the frequency of trades and quotations; (ii) the number of dealers and prospective purchasers in the marketplace; (iii) dealer undertakings to make a market; (iv) the nature of the security (including any demand or tender features); and (v) the nature of the marketplace for trades (including the ability to assign or offset the Funds’ rights and obligations relating to the investment). If through a change in values, net assets, or other circumstances, the Funds were in a position where more than 15% of their net assets were invested in illiquid securities, they would seek to take appropriate steps to protect liquidity. Investment in illiquid securities poses risks of potential delays in resale and uncertainty in valuation.  Limitations on resale may have an adverse effect on the marketability of portfolio securities and the Funds may be unable to dispose of illiquid securities promptly or at reasonable prices.
Restricted Securities.  Within its limitation on investment in illiquid securities, the Funds may purchase restricted securities that generally can be sold in privately negotiated transactions, pursuant to an exemption from registration under the federal securities laws, or in a registered public offering.  Where registration is required, the Funds may be obligated to pay all or part of the registration expense and a considerable period may elapse between the time it decides to seek registration and the time the Funds may be permitted to sell a security under an effective registration statement. If during such a period adverse market conditions were to develop, the Funds might obtain a less favorable price than prevailed when it decided to seek registration of the security. Restricted securities that can be offered and sold to qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933 and are determined to be liquid under guidelines adopted by and subject to the supervision of the Trustees are not subject to the limitations on illiquid securities.
Lending of Portfolio Securities.  In order to generate additional income, the Funds may lend portfolio securities in an amount up to 33% of total fund assets to broker-dealers, major banks, or other recognized domestic institutional borrowers of securities which the Advisor has determined are creditworthy under guidelines established by the Board of Trustees.  In determining whether the Funds will lend securities, the Advisor will consider all relevant facts and circumstances. The Funds may not lend securities to any company affiliated with the Advisor. Each loan of securities will be collateralized by cash, U.S. Government securities, or standby letters of credit not issued by the Funds’ bank lending agent. The Funds might experience a loss if the borrower defaults on the loan.
The borrower at all times during the loan must maintain with the Funds cash or cash equivalent collateral. While the loan is outstanding, the borrower will pay the Funds any interest paid on the loaned securities, and the Funds may invest the cash collateral to earn additional income. Alternatively, the Funds may receive an agreed-upon amount of interest income from the borrower who has delivered equivalent collateral. It is anticipated that the Funds may share with the borrower some of the income received on the collateral for the loan or the Funds will be paid a premium for the loan.  Voting rights for loaned securities will typically pass to the borrower, but the Funds will retain the right to call any security in anticipation of a vote that the Advisor deems material to the security on loan. Loans are subject to termination at the option of the Funds or the borrower at any time. The Funds may pay reasonable administrative and custodial fees in connection with a loan and may pay a negotiated portion of the income earned on the cash to the borrower or placing broker.  As with other extensions of credit, there are risks of delay in recovery or even loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially.
Securities lending involves counterparty risk, including the risk that the loaned securities may not be returned or returned in a timely manner and/or a loss of rights in the collateral if the borrower or the lending agent defaults or fails financially. This risk will be increased if a continuation of the current downturn in the economic conditions in the United States and around the world, particularly the recent failures of several major financial services firms, causes further declines in the securities markets and/or causes further financial instability in the borrowers or lending agents. This risk is increased when the Funds’ loans are concentrated with a single or limited number of borrowers.  There are no limits on the number of borrowers the Funds may use, and the Funds may lend securities to only one or a small group of borrowers. Mutual funds participating in securities lending bear the risk of loss in connection with investments of the cash collateral received from the borrowers, which do not trigger additional collateral requirements from the borrower.
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Temporary Defensive Positions.  The Funds may, from time to time, take temporary defensive positions that are inconsistent with the Funds’ principal investment strategies in an attempt to respond to adverse market, economic, political, or other conditions. During such an unusual set of circumstances, the Funds may hold up to 100% of its portfolios in cash or cash equivalent positions (e.g., money market securities, U.S. Government securities, and/or similar securities). When the Funds take a temporary defensive position, the Funds may not be able to achieve their investment objective.
INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS
Fundamental Investment Restrictions. The following investment restrictions have been adopted by the Board with respect to the Funds. Except as otherwise stated, these investment restrictions are fundamental policies, which cannot be changed without the approval of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund.  A vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Funds is defined in the 1940 Act as the lesser of (i) 67% or more of the voting securities present at a shareholder meeting if the holder or more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund are present or represented by proxy; or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Funds.
As a matter of fundamental policy, the Funds may not:
(1)
Issue senior securities, except as permitted by the 1940 Act;
(2)
Borrow money, except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act (including, without limitation, borrowing to meet redemptions).  For purposes of this investment restriction, the entry into options, forward contracts, futures contracts, including those relating to indices, and options on futures contracts or indices shall not constitute borrowing;
(3)
Pledge, mortgage, or hypothecate its assets, except to the extent necessary to secure permitted borrowings and to the extent related to the deposit of assets in escrow in connection with writing covered put and call options and the purchase of securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis and collateral and initial or variation margin arrangements with respect to options, forward contracts, futures contracts, including those relating to indices, and options on futures contracts or indices;
(4)
Act as an underwriter except to the extent that, in connection with the disposition of portfolio securities, the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter under certain federal securities laws;
(5)
Purchase or sell real estate or direct interests in real estate; provided, however, that the Funds may purchase and sell securities which are secured by real estate and securities of companies that invest or deal in real estate (including, without limitation, investments in real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), mortgage-backed securities, and privately-held real estate funds);
(6)
Invest in commodities, except that the Funds may purchase and sell securities of companies that invest in commodities, options, forward contracts, futures contracts, including those relating to indices and currencies, and options on futures contracts, indices or currencies;
(7)
Make investments for the purpose of exercising control or management over a portfolio company;
(8)
Make loans, provided that the Funds may lend its portfolio securities in an amount up to 33% of total fund assets, and provided further that, for purposes of this restriction, investment in U.S. Government obligations, short-term commercial paper, certificates of deposit, and bankers’ acceptances;
(9)
Concentrate its investments. The Funds’ concentration policy limits the aggregate value of holdings of a single industry or group of industries (except U.S. Government and cash items) to less than 25% of a Fund’s total assets; or
(10)
With respect to 75% of its total assets: (i) purchase 10% or more of the outstanding voting securities of any one issuer; or (ii) purchase securities of any issuer if, as a result, 5% or more of a Fund’s total assets would be invested in that issuer’s securities.  This limitation does not apply to investments in (i) cash and cash items; (ii) securities of other registered investment companies; and (iii) obligations of the United States Government, its agencies, or instrumentalities.
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Senior securities may include any obligation or instrument issued by a fund evidencing indebtedness. The 1940 Act generally prohibits funds from issuing senior securities, although it does not treat certain transactions as senior securities (“Permitted Senior Securities”), such as certain borrowings, short sales, firm commitment agreements, and standby commitments, with appropriate earmarking or segregation of assets to cover such obligations.
The Funds are allowed to pledge, mortgage, or hypothecate assets up to the amounts allowable under the 1940 Act, which presently allows the Funds to borrow from any bank (including pledging, mortgaging or hypothecating assets) in an amount up to 33 1/3% of its total assets (not including temporary borrowings not in excess of 5% of its total assets).
With respect to the fundamental policy relating to borrowing money above, the 1940 Act permits a Fund to borrow money in amounts of up to one-third of the Fund’s total assets from banks for any purpose, and to borrow up to 5% of the Fund’s total assets from banks or other lenders for temporary purposes (the Fund’s total assets include the amounts being borrowed). To limit the risks attendant to borrowing, the 1940 Act requires the Fund to maintain at all times an “asset coverage” of at least 300% of the amount of its borrowings. Asset coverage means the ratio that the value of the Fund’s total assets (including amounts borrowed), minus liabilities other than borrowings, bears to the aggregate amount of all borrowings. In accordance with Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act, when a Fund engages in reverse repurchase agreements and similar financing transactions, the Fund may either (i) maintain asset coverage of at least 300% with respect to such transactions and any other borrowings in the aggregate, or (ii) treat such transactions as “derivative transactions” under Rule 18f-4 and comply with Rule 18f-4 with respect to such transactions.
For purposes of the Funds’ concentration policy, if a Fund invests in one or more investment companies, that Fund will examine the holdings of such investment companies to ensure that a Fund is not indirectly concentrating its investments in a particular industry. In determining the exposure of a Fund to a particular industry for purposes of the fundamental investment restriction on concentration, tat Fund currently uses Standard & Poor’s Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) in order to classify industries. 
With respect to the fundamental investment restrictions above (other than those involving Permitted Senior Securities and borrowings), if a percentage limitation is adhered to at the time of investment, a later increase or decrease in percentage resulting from any change in value or net assets will not result in a violation of such restriction (i.e., percentage limitations are determined at the time of purchase).
The Funds principally invests in unaffiliated closed-end investment companies.  Neither the Funds nor the Advisor will have control or influence over the activities of such investment companies.  While other investment companies are subject to certain constraints of the 1940 Act, the investment limitations of the other investment companies in which the Funds invest, with the exception of policies on concentration, may differ from those of the Funds.
Non-Fundamental Policies. The following investment policies are not fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval.
The Matisse Discounted Closed-End Fund Strategy has adopted a non-fundamental investment policy in accordance with Rule 35d-1 under the 1940 Act to invest, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of the value of its net assets, plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes, in discounted closed-end funds.

The Matisse Discounted Bond CEF Strategy has adopted a non-fundamental investment policy in accordance with Rule 35d-1 under the 1940 Act to invest, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of the value of its net assets, plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes, in discounted closed-end funds that primarily invest in bonds.
The Funds will look to the underlying closed-end funds’ investment objective and principal investment strategies to determine compliance with Rule 35d-1. If, subsequent to an investment, the 80% requirement is no longer met, a Fund’s future investments will be made in a manner that will bring the Fund into compliance with this policy.
Each Fund may invest up to 15% of net assets in illiquid investments, which are investments that the Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment. This restriction is not limited to the time of purchase.

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PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
Subject to the policies established by the Board, the Advisor makes decisions with respect to, and places orders for all purchases and sales of portfolio securities for the Funds. The Advisor shall manage the Funds’ portfolios in accordance with the terms of the investment advisory agreements by and between the Advisor and the Trust on behalf of the Funds (“Advisory Agreements”), which is described in detail under “Management and Other Service Providers – Investment Advisor.”  The Advisor serves as investment advisor for a number of client accounts, including the Funds.  Investment decisions for the Fund are made independently from those for any other series of the Trust, if any, and for any other investment companies and accounts advised or managed by the Advisor.
Brokerage Selection. The Board has adopted, and the Trustees have approved, policies and procedures relating to the direction of mutual fund portfolio securities transactions to broker-dealers. The Advisor may not give consideration to sales of Shares as a factor in selecting broker-dealers to execute portfolio securities transactions. The Advisor may, however, place portfolio transactions with broker-dealers that promote or sell the Shares so long as such transactions are done in accordance with the policies and procedures established by the Trustees that are designed to ensure that the selection is based on the quality of the broker’s execution and not on its sales efforts. In selecting brokers to be used in portfolio transactions, the Advisor’s general guiding principle is to obtain the best overall execution for each trade, which is a combination of price and execution. With respect to execution, the Advisor considers a number of discretionary factors, including, without limitation, the actual handling of the order, the ability of the broker to settle the trade promptly and accurately, the financial standing of the broker, the ability of the broker to position stock to facilitate execution, the Advisor’s past experience with similar trades, and other factors that may be unique to a particular order. Recognizing the value of these discretionary factors, the Advisor may select brokers who charge a brokerage commission that is higher than the lowest commission that might otherwise be available for any given trade.
Under Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Advisory Agreement, the Advisor is authorized to pay a brokerage commission in excess of that which another broker might have charged for effecting the same transaction, in recognition of the value of brokerage and/or research services provided by the broker.  The research received by the Advisor may include, without limitation: information on the United States and other world economies; information on specific industries, groups of securities, individual companies, and political and other relevant news developments affecting markets and specific securities; technical and quantitative information about markets; analysis of proxy proposals affecting specific companies; accounting and performance systems that allow the Advisor to determine and track investment results; and trading systems that allow the Advisor to interface electronically with brokerage firms, custodians, and other providers. Research is received in the form of written reports, telephone contacts, personal meetings, research seminars, software programs, and access to computer databases.  In some instances, research products or services received by the Advisor may also be used by the Advisor for functions that are not research related (i.e. not related to the making of investment decisions).  Where a research product or service has a mixed use, the Advisor will make a reasonable allocation according to the use and will pay for the non-research function in cash using its own funds.
The research and investment information services described above make available to the Advisor for its analysis and consideration the views and information of individuals and research staffs of other securities firms. These services may be useful to the Advisor in connection with advisory clients other than the Funds and not all such services may be useful to the Advisor in connection with the Funds.  Although such information may be a useful supplement to the Advisor’s own investment information in rendering services to the Funds, the value of such research and services is not expected to reduce materially the expenses of the Advisor in the performance of its services under the Advisory Agreements and will not reduce the management fees payable to the Advisor by the Funds.
The Funds may invest in securities traded in the over-the-counter market.  In these cases, the Funds may initiate trades through brokers on an agency basis and pay a commission in connection with the transaction. The Funds may also effect these transactions by dealing directly with the dealers who make a market in the securities involved, in which case the costs of such transactions would involve dealer spreads rather than brokerage commissions.  With respect to securities traded only in the over-the-counter market, orders will be executed on a principal basis with primary market makers in such securities except where better prices or executions may be obtained on an agency basis or by dealing with those other than a primary market maker.
The Funds’ fixed income portfolio transactions may be executed through broker-dealers on an agency basis or be principal transactions executed in over the counter markets on a “net” basis, which may include a dealer mark up. Where possible, the Advisor will deal directly with the broker-dealers who make a market in the securities involved except in those circumstances where better prices and execution are available elsewhere. Such broker-dealers usually act as principal for their own account.
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The Funds may participate, if and when practicable, in bidding for the purchase of fund securities directly from an issuer in order to take advantage of the lower purchase price available to members of a bidding group. The Funds will engage in this practice, however, only when the Advisor, in their sole discretion, believe such practice to be otherwise in the Funds’ interest.
The following shows the aggregate amount of broker commissions paid by each Fund during the three most recent fiscal years, as applicable.
Fund
2024
2023
2022
Matisse Discounted Closed-End Fund Strategy
$54,553
$31,760
$290,726
Matisse Discounted Bond CEF Strategy
$86,040
$80,843
$35,531
1. Inception Date of the Matisse Discounted Bond CEF Strategy is April 30, 2020.
The increase in brokerage commission for the Matisse Discounted Closed-End Fund Strategy for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, from the prior fiscal year was due to a slight increase in average fund size and an increase in the number of transaction opportunities (attractive discounts at which to purchase and sell) identified by the Advisor. The increase in brokerage commission for the Matisse Discounted Bond CEF Strategy for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, from the prior fiscal year was due to an increase in average fund size. For both funds, per-share commission rates remained approximately the same.
Aggregated Trades. While investment decisions for the Fund are made independently of the Advisor’s other client accounts, the Advisor’s other client accounts may invest in the same securities as the Funds.  To the extent permitted by law, the Advisor may aggregate the securities to be sold or purchased for the Funds with those to be sold or purchased for other investment companies or accounts in executing transactions.  When a purchase or sale of the same security is made at substantially the same time on behalf of the Funds and another investment company or account, the transaction will be averaged as to price and available investments allocated as to amount in a manner which the Advisor believes to be equitable to the Funds and such other investment company or account.  In some instances, this investment procedure may adversely affect the price paid or received by the Funds or the size of the position obtained or sold by the Funds.
Portfolio Turnover.  The annualized portfolio turnover rate for the Funds is calculated by dividing the lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities for the fiscal year by the monthly average value of the portfolio securities owned during the fiscal year.  The calculation excludes all securities whose maturities or expiration dates at the time of acquisition are one year or less. Portfolio turnover of the Funds may vary greatly from year to year as well as within a particular year and may be affected by cash requirements for redemption of Shares and by requirements that enable the Funds to receive favorable tax treatment. Portfolio turnover will not be a limiting factor in making fund decisions, and the Funds may engage in short-term trading to achieve its investment objectives.  High rates of portfolio turnover could lower the performance of the Funds due to increased transaction costs and may also result in the realization of short-term capital gains taxed at ordinary income tax rates.
The portfolio turnover rate for each Fund over the last two years, ended March 31, is set forth below.
Fund
2024
2023
Matisse Discounted Closed-End Fund Strategy
54.53%
29.50%
Matisse Discounted Bond CEF Strategy
53.67%
57.99%

DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST
The Trust, which is a statutory trust organized under Delaware law on May 13, 2009, is an open-end management investment company. The Trust’s Declaration of Trust (“Trust Instrument”) authorizes the Trustees to divide shares into series, each series relating to a separate portfolio of investments, and to classify and reclassify any unissued shares into one or more classes of shares of each such series. The Trust currently consists of 8 series. Additional series and/or classes may be created from time to time. The number of shares in each series of the Trust shall be unlimited. When issued for payment as described in the Fund’s Prospectus and this SAI, Shares will be fully paid and non-assessable and shall have no preemptive or conversion rights.  The Trust does not issue share certificates.
In the event of a liquidation or dissolution of the Trust or an individual series, such as the Funds, shareholders of a particular series would be entitled to receive the assets available for distribution belonging to such series.  Shareholders of a series are entitled to participate equally in the net distributable assets of the particular series involved on liquidation, based on the number of shares of the series that are held by each shareholder.  If there are any assets, income, earnings, proceeds, funds, or payments that are not readily identifiable as belonging to any particular series, the Trustees shall allocate them among any one or more of the series as they, in their sole discretion, deem fair and equitable.
16

Shareholders of all of the series of the Trust, including the Funds, will vote together and not separately on a series-by-series or class-by-class basis, except as otherwise required by law or when the Trustees determine that the matter to be voted upon affects only the interests of the shareholders of a particular series or class.  The Trust has adopted a Rule 18f-3 Multi-class Plan for certain series that contain the general characteristics of and conditions under which such series may offer multiple classes of Shares.  Rule 18f-2 under the 1940 Act provides that any matter required to be submitted to the holders of the outstanding voting securities of an investment company such as the Trust shall not be deemed to have been effectively acted upon unless approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares affected by the matter.  A series or class is affected by a matter unless it is clear that the interests of each series or class in the matter are substantially identical or that the matter does not affect any interest of the series or class.  Under Rule 18f-2, the approval of an investment advisory agreement or any change in a fundamental investment policy would be effectively acted upon with respect to a series only if approved by a majority of the outstanding Shares of such series. However, the rule also provides that the ratification of the appointment of independent accountants, the approval of principal underwriting contracts, and the election of Trustees may be effectively acted upon by shareholders of the Trust voting together, without regard to a particular series or class.  Rights of shareholders can only be modified by a majority vote.
When used in the Prospectus or this SAI, a “majority” of shareholders means the vote of the lesser of (i) 67% of the shares of the Trust or the applicable series or class present at a meeting if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares are present in person or by proxy or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Trust or the applicable series or class.
Shareholders are entitled to one vote for each full share and a fractional vote for each fractional share held.  Shares have non-cumulative voting rights, which means that the holders of more than 50% of the shares voting for the election of Trustees can elect 100% of the Trustees, and in this event, the holders of the remaining shares voting will not be able to elect any Trustees.
The Trustees will hold office indefinitely, except that: (i) any Trustee may resign or retire, and (ii) any Trustee may be removed: (a) any time by written instrument signed by at least two-thirds of the number of Trustees prior to such removal; (b) at any meeting of shareholders of the Trust by a vote of two-thirds of the outstanding shares of the Trust; or (c) by a written declaration signed by shareholders holding not less than two-thirds of the outstanding shares of the Trust.  In case a vacancy on the Board of Trustees shall for any reason exist, the vacancy shall be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining Trustees, subject to certain restrictions under the 1940 Act.  Otherwise, there will normally be no meeting of shareholders for the purpose of electing Trustees, and the Trust does not expect to have an annual meeting of shareholders.
The Trust Instrument provides that the Trustees will not be liable in any event in connection with the affairs of the Trust, except as such liability may arise from a Trustee’s bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of duties.  It also provides that all third parties shall look solely to the Trust’s property for satisfaction of claims arising in connection with the affairs of the Trust.  With the exceptions stated, the Trust Instrument provides that a Trustee or officer is entitled to be indemnified against all liability in connection with the affairs of the Trust.
MANAGEMENT AND OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS
The Trust is governed by the Board, which is responsible for the management and supervision of the Funds.  The Trustees meet periodically throughout the year to review contractual arrangements with companies furnish services to the Funds; review performance of the Advisor and the Funds; and oversee activities of the Funds.  This section of the SAI provides information about the persons who serve as Trustees and officers to the Trust as well as the entities that provide services to the Funds.
Trustees and Officers.  Following are the Trustees and officers of the Trust, their age and address, their present position with the Trust or the Funds, and their principal occupation during the past five years. The Trustees in the following table who are not “interested” persons of the Trust within the meaning of the 1940 Act (“Independent Trustees”) are indicated as such. The address of each Trustee and officer of the Trust, unless otherwise indicated, is 116 South Franklin Street, Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27804.
17

 
Name and
Date of Birth
 
 
Position
held with

Funds or
Trust
 
 
Length
of Time
Served
 
 
Principal Occupation
During
Past 5
Years
 
 
Number of Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen
by Trustee
 
 
Other Directorships
Held by Trustee
During Past 5 Years
 
 
Independent Trustees
 
 
James H. Speed, Jr.
(06/1953)
 
 
Chairman and Independent Trustee
 
 
Trustee since 7/09, Chair since 5/12
 
 
Retired Executive/Private Investor
 
 
8
 
Independent Trustee of the Brown Capital Management Mutual Funds for all its series from 2001 to present, Centaur Mutual Funds Trust for all its series from 2009 to present, WST Investment Trust for all its series from 2013 to present, and Chesapeake Investment Trust for all its series from 2016 to present (all registered investment companies), and WST Investment Trust for all its series (all registered investment companies) from 2013 to present. Member of Board of Directors of Communities in Schools of N.C. from 2001 to present. Member of Board of Directors of Investors Title Company from 2010 to present. Member of Board of Directors of AAA Carolinas/Auto Club Group from 2011 to present. Previously, Independent Trustee of the Hillman Capital Management Trust from 2009 to 2021. Previously, Independent Trustee of the Leeward Investment Trust from 2018 to 2020.
 
Theo H. Pitt, Jr.
(04/1936)
 
 
Independent Trustee
 
 
Since 9/10
 
 
Senior Partner, Community Financial Institutions Consulting (financial consulting) since 1999.
 
 
8
 
 
Independent Trustee of Hillman Capital Management Investment Trust for all its series from 2000 to present, , Chesapeake Investment Trust for all its series from 2002 to present, World Funds Trust for all its series from 2013 to present, ETF Opportunities Trust for all its series from 2019 to present, and Kingdom Parallel Income Trust for all its series from 2022 to present (all registered investment companies). Senior Partner of Community Financial Institutions Consulting from 1997 to present. Previously, Independent Trustee of the Leeward Investment Trust from 2011 to 2021.
 
 
J. Buckley Strandberg
(03/1960)
 
 
Independent Trustee
 
 
Since 7/09
 
 
President of Standard Insurance and Realty since 1982.
 
 
8
 
 
None.
 

 
Name and
Date of Birth
 
 
Position held with
Funds or Trust
 
 
Length
of Time
Served
 
 
Principal Occupation
During Past 5 Years
 
 
Officers
 
 
Katherine M. Honey
(09/1973)
 
 
President and Principal Executive Officer
 
 
Since 05/15
 
 
President of The Nottingham Company since 2018.
 
Peter McCabe
(09/1972)
 
 
Treasurer, Principal Accounting Officer, and Principal Financial Officer
 
 
Since 05/23
 
 
Chief Operating Officer, The Nottingham Company since 2008.
 
Tracie A. Coop
(12/1976)
 
Secretary
 
 
Since 12/19
 
 
General Counsel, The Nottingham Company since 2019.
 
 
Andrea M. Knoth
(09/1983)
 
 
Chief Compliance Officer
 
 
Since 06/2022
 
 
Director of Compliance, The Nottingham Company since 2022. Formerly, Senior Fund Compliance Administrator, Ultimus Fund Solutions from 2019 to 2022.
 


18

Qualification of Trustees.  The Board believes that each Trustee’s experience, qualifications, attributes or skills on an individual basis and in combination with those of the other Trustees on the Board lead to the conclusion that the Board possesses the requisite skills and attributes to carry out its oversight responsibilities with respect to the Trust. The Board believes that its Trustees’ ability to review, critically evaluate, question, and discuss information provided to them, to interact effectively with the Advisor, other service providers, counsel and independent auditors, and to exercise effective business judgment in the performance of its duties, support this conclusion. The Board also has considered the following experience, qualifications, attributes and/or skills, among others, of its members, as applicable, in reaching its conclusion: (i) such person’s business and professional experience and accomplishments, including prior experience in the financial services and investment management fields or on other boards; (ii) such person’s ability to work effectively with the other members of the Board; (iii) how the individual’s skills, experiences, and attributes would contribute to an appropriate mix of relevant skills and experience on the Board; (iv) such person’s character and integrity; (v) such person’s willingness to serve and willingness and ability to commit the time necessary to perform the duties of a Trustee; and (vi) as to each Trustee his status as an Independent Trustee.
In addition, the following specific experience, qualifications, attributes and/or skills were considered in respect of the listed Trustee.
Mr. Pitt has experience as an investor, including his role as trustee of several other investment companies and business experience as senior partner of a financial consulting company, as a partner of a real estate partnership and as an account administrator for a money management firm. Mr. Speed also has experience as an investor as trustee of several other investment companies and business experience as president and chief executive officer of an insurance company and as president of a company in the business of consulting and private investing. Mr. Strandberg also has investment experience as a former trustee of another investment company and business experience as president of an insurance and property management company.
The Board has determined that each of the Trustees’ careers and background, combined with their interpersonal skills and general understanding of financial and other matters, enable the Trustees to effectively participate in and contribute to the Board’s functions and oversight of the Trust. References to the qualifications, attributes, and skills of Trustees are pursuant to requirements of the SEC, do not constitute holding out the Board or any Trustee as having any special expertise or experience, and shall not impose any greater responsibility on any such person or on the Board by reason thereof.
Board Structure.  The Board currently consists of three Trustees, all of whom are Independent. Mr. Speed, Jr., serves as the Independent Chairman of the Board. The Board has established several standing committees: Audit Committee, Nominating Committee, Fair Valuation Committee, Governance Committee, and Qualified Legal Compliance Committee.  These standing committees are comprised entirely of the Independent Trustees. Other information about these standing committees is set forth below. The Board has determined that the Board’s structure is appropriate given the characteristics, size, and operations of the Trust. The Board also believes that its leadership structure, including its committees, helps facilitate effective oversight of Trust management. The Board reviews its structure annually.
With respect to risk oversight, the Board considers risk management issues as part of its general oversight responsibilities throughout the year. The Board holds four regular board meetings each year during which the Board receives risk management reports and/or assessments from Trust management, the Funds’ advisor, administrator, transfer agent, and distributor, and receives an annual report from the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”).  The Audit Committee also meets with the Trust’s independent registered public accounting firm on an annual basis, to discuss among other things, the internal control structure of the Trust’s financial reporting function. When appropriate, the Board may hold special meeting or communicate directly with Trust management, the CCO, the Trust’s third-party service providers, legal counsel, or independent public accountants to address matters arising between regular board meeting or needing special attention. In addition, the Board has adopted policies and procedures for the Trust to help detect and prevent and, if necessary, correct violations of federal securities laws.
The Board met six times during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024.
Trustee Standing Committees.  The Trustees have established the following standing committees:
Audit Committee.  All of the Independent Trustees are members of the Audit Committee.  The Audit Committee oversees the Funds’ accounting and financial reporting policies and practices, reviews the results of the annual audits of the Funds’ financial statements, and interacts with the Funds’ independent auditors on behalf of all the Trustees.  The Audit Committee met ten times during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024.
19

Fair Valuation Committee.  An Independent Trustee and a representative of the advisor are members of the Fair Valuation Committee. The Fair Valuation Committee oversees the valuation designee who has the authority to determine the fair value of specific securities under the methods established by the adopted Guidelines for Valuing Portfolio Securities. The Fair Valuation Committee meets only as necessary. The Fair Valuation Committee did not meet during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024.
Governance Committee. The Independent Trustees are the current members of the Governance Committee.  The Governance Committee assists the Board in adopting fund governance practices and meeting certain fund governance standards. The Governance Committee also nominates, selects, and appoints Independent Trustees to fill vacancies on the Board of Trustees and to stand for election at meetings of the shareholders of the Trust. The Governance Committee generally will not consider nominees recommended by shareholders of the Trust. The Governance Committee operates pursuant to a Governance Committee Charter and normally meets annually but may also meet as often as necessary to carry out its purpose.  The Governance Committee met once during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024.
Qualified Legal Compliance Committee.  The Independent Trustees are the current members of the Qualified Legal Compliance Committee. The Qualified Legal Compliance Committee receives, investigates, and makes recommendations as to appropriate remedial action in connection with any report of evidence of a material violation of securities laws or breach of fiduciary duty or similar violation by the Trust, its officers, Trustees, or agents.  The Qualified Legal Compliance Committee meets only as necessary and met four times during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024.
Beneficial Equity Ownership Information.  The table below sets forth, as of December 31, 2023, the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by each Trustee in the Funds, and the aggregate dollar range of equity securities in the Fund complex.
A = None; B = $1-$10,000; C = $10,001-$50,000; D = $50,001-$100,000; and E = over $100,000.
 
 
Name of Trustee
 
 
 
Fund
 
 
Dollar Range of Equity Securities in the Fund
 
 
Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity Securities in All Funds Overseen or to be Overseen by Trustee in Family of Investment Companies
 
James H. Speed, Jr.
Matisse Discounted Closed-End Fund Strategy
A
 
Matisse Discounted Bond CEF Strategy
A
 
   
A
Theo H. Pitt, Jr.
Matisse Discounted Closed-End Fund Strategy
A
 
Matisse Discounted Bond CEF Strategy
A
 
   
A
J. Buckley Strandberg
Matisse Discounted Closed-End Fund Strategy
A
 
Matisse Discounted Bond CEF Strategy
A
 
   
A

Ownership of Securities of Advisor, Distributor, or Related Entities.  As of December 31, 2023, none of the Independent Trustees and/or their immediate family members own securities of the Advisor, Capital Investment Group, Inc. (the “Distributor”), or any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Advisor or Distributor.
Compensation.  Officers of the Trust and Trustees who are interested persons of the Trust or the Advisor will receive no salary or fees from the Trust.  Independent Trustees receive $2,400 per series of the Trust each year, and they may receive up to an additional $500 per meeting attended, $200 per committee meeting attended, and $1,000 per special meeting attended. This amount may be paid pro rata in the event that a series closes during the fiscal year. The Trust reimburses each Trustee and officers of the Trust for his or her travel and other expenses relating to attendance at such meetings. Each of the Trustees serves as a Trustee to all series of the Trust, including the Fund. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, the Trustees received the amounts set forth in the following table for services to the Fund and the Fund Complex.
20

 
Name of Trustee
 
 
Aggregate Compensation from Matisse Discounted Closed-End Fund Strategy
 
 
Aggregate Compensation from Matisse Discounted Bond CEF Strategy
 
 
Pension or Retirement Benefits Accrued as Part of Fund Expenses
 
 
Estimated Annual Benefits Upon Retirement
 
 
Total Compensation from Fund and Fund Complex Paid to Trustees
 
 
Theo H. Pitt, Jr.
 
 
$2,931.65
 
 
$2,931.65
 
 
None
 
 
None
 
 
$27,200
 
 
James H. Speed, Jr.
 
 
$2,931.65
 
 
$2,931.65
 
 
None
 
 
None
 
 
$27,200
 
 
J. Buckley Strandberg
 
 
$2,931.65
 
 
$2,931.65
 
 
None
 
 
None
 
 
$27,200
 
Codes of Ethics.  The Trust, Advisor, and Distributor each have adopted a code of ethics, as required under Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act, which is designed to prevent affiliated persons of the Trust, Advisor, and Distributor from engaging in deceptive, manipulative, or fraudulent activities in connection with securities held or to be acquired by the Fund (which securities may also be held by persons subject to each such code of ethics).  There can be no assurance that the codes will be effective in preventing such activities.  The codes permit employees and officers of the Trust, Advisor, and Distributor to invest in securities held by the Funds, subject to certain restrictions and pre-approval requirements. In addition, the Advisor’s code requires that portfolio managers and other investment personnel of the Advisor report their personal securities transactions and holdings, which are reviewed for compliance with the Trust’s and Advisor’s codes of ethics.
Anti-Money Laundering Program.  The Trust has adopted an anti-money laundering program, as required by applicable law, which is designed to prevent the Funds from being used for money laundering or the financing of terrorist activities. The Trust’s CCO is responsible for implementing and monitoring the operations and internal controls of the program. Compliance officers at certain of the Funds’ service providers are also responsible for monitoring the program. The anti-money laundering program is subject to the continuing oversight of the Trustees.
Proxy Voting Policies.  The Trust has adopted a proxy voting and disclosure policy that delegates to the Advisor the authority to vote proxies for the Funds, subject to oversight by the Board.  A copy of the Advisor’s Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures is included as Appendix B to this SAI.  No later than August 31st of each year, the Funds will file Form N-PX stating how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30th. Information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available (i) without charge, upon request, by calling the Funds at 1-800-773-3863; and (ii) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.
Principal Holders of Voting Securities.  As of June 30, 2024, the Trustees and officers of the Trust as a group owned beneficially (i.e., had direct or indirect voting and/or investment power) none of the then outstanding Shares. As of June 30, 2024, to the Trust’s knowledge, the following shareholders owned of record or beneficially 5% or more of the outstanding Shares. Shareholders owning 25% or more of outstanding Shares may be in control and may be able to affect the outcome of certain matters presented for a vote of Shareholders.
 
Matisse Discounted Closed-End Fund Strategy
Institutional Class Shares
 
 
Name and Address of Owner
 
 
Percentage of Ownership
 
 
Type of Ownership
 
 
Charles Schwab & Co, Inc.
101 Montgomery Street
San Francisco, CA 94104
 
 

73.23%
 
 

Record1
 
 
 
Matisse Discounted Bond CEF Strategy
Institutional Class Shares
 
 
Name and Address of Owner
 
 
Percentage of Ownership
 
 
Type of Ownership
 
 
Charles Schwab & Co, Inc.
101 Montgomery Street
San Francisco, CA 94104
 
 

79.06%
 
 

Record1
 

1.
The Fund believes that such entity does not have a beneficial ownership interest in such Shares.
21

Investment Advisor.  Deschutes Portfolio Strategy, LLC dba Matisse Capital, located at 15350 SW Sequoia Parkway, Suite 260, Portland, OR 97224 serves as the investment advisor to the Funds pursuant to the investment advisory agreements between the Trust, on behalf of the Funds, and Deschutes Portfolio Strategy, LLC. The Advisor is controlled by Bryn H. Torkelson, as trustee of The Bryn H. Torkelson and Janice A. Torkelson Revocable Living Trust. Bryn H. Torkelson also serves as president and manager of the Advisor. The Advisor supervises the Funds’ investments pursuant to the Advisory Agreements. The Advisory Agreements are effective for an initial two-year period and will be renewed thereafter only so long as such renewal and continuance is specifically approved at least annually: (i) by the Board or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Funds; and (ii) by vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. The Advisory Agreements are terminable without penalty by the Trust by a vote of the Board or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities upon 60 calendar days’ written notice or by the Advisor upon 60 calendar days’ written notice. The Advisory Agreements provide that they will terminate automatically in the event of its “assignment,” as such term is defined in the 1940 Act.
The Advisor manages the Funds’ investments in accordance with the stated policies of the Funds, subject to oversight by the Board.  The Advisor is responsible for investment decisions and provides the Funds with portfolio managers who are authorized to execute purchases and sales of securities.
Under the Advisory Agreements, the Advisor is not liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Funds in connection with the performance of such agreement, except a loss resulting from a breach of fiduciary duty with respect to the receipt of compensation for services; or a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence on the part of the Advisor in the performance of its duties; or from its reckless disregard of its duties and obligations under the Advisory Agreements.
For its investment advisory services to the Funds, the Advisor is paid a management fee by the Funds, based on a percentage of the Funds’ daily net assets, at an annual rate set forth in the chart below.
The following chart shows the current advisory fee rate for each Fund as of the date of this SAI:

Fund
 
Advisory Fee Rate
 
Matisse Discounted Closed-End Fund Strategy
0.95%
Matisse Discounted Bond CEF Strategy
0.65%

The following chart shows the total dollar amount that each Fund paid to Deschutes Portfolio Strategy, LLC dba Matisse Capital, during the last three fiscal years.


Fund
Fiscal Year Ended
March 31, 2024
Fiscal Year Ended
March 31, 2023
Fiscal Year Ended
March 31, 2022
Advisory
Fees
Fees
Waived
Advisory
Fees
Fees
Waived
Advisory
Fees
Fees
Waived
Matisse Discounted Closed-End Fund Strategy1
$391,599
$141,473
$383,417
$134,954
$2,738,443
--
Matisse Discounted Bond CEF Strategy2
$296,038
$131,808
$256,958
$103,067
$212,673
$117,389
1. Effective August 1, 2024, the advisory fee payable to the Advisor by the Fund decreased from 0.99% to 0.95% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.  Effective August 1, 2024, the Advisor’s contractual agreement to limit the Fund’s expenses to 1.25% expired and was not renewed.
2. Effective August 1, 2024, the advisory fee payable to the Advisor by the Fund decreased from 0.70% to 0.65% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.  Effective August 1, 2024, the Advisor’s contractual agreement to limit the Fund’s expenses to 0.99% expired and was not renewed.
Portfolio Managers.  The Funds’ portfolios will be managed on a day-to-day basis by Bryn Torkelson and Eric Boughton, CFA.
Compensation.  The compensation of each member of the portfolio management team varies with the general success of the Advisor as a firm. Compensation consists of a fixed annual salary, and typically additional remuneration based on the Advisor’s assets under management.  Compensation is not directly linked to the Funds’ performance, although positive performance and growth in managed assets are factors that may contribute to the Advisor’s distributable profits and assets under management.
22

Ownership of Fund Shares.  The table below shows the amount of the Funds’ equity securities beneficially owned by each member of the portfolio management team as of March 31, 2024, and stated as one of the following ranges: A = None; B = $1-$10,000; C = $10,001-$50,000; D = $50,001-$100,000; E = $100,001-$500,000; F = $500,001-$1,000,000; and G = over $1,000,000.
 

Portfolio Manager
 
 

Fund
 
 
Dollar Range of
Equity Securities in the Fund
 
 
Bryn Torkelson
 
 
Matisse Discounted Closed-End Fund Strategy
 
 
G
 
 
 
Matisse Discounted Bond CEF Strategy
 
 
F
 
 
Eric Boughton
 
 
Matisse Discounted Closed-End Fund Strategy
 
 
E
 
 
 
Matisse Discounted Bond CEF Strategy
 
 
E
 
Other Accounts.  In addition to the Funds, the portfolio management team is responsible for the day-to-day management of certain other accounts.  The table below shows the number of, and total assets in, such other accounts as of March 31, 2024.
Portfolio
Management Team
Registered Investment Companies
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
Other Accounts
Number of Accounts
Total Assets
Number of Accounts
Total Assets
Number of Accounts
Total Assets
All Accounts
Bryn Torkelson
0
$0
1
$600,000
36
$327.3M
Eric Boughton
0
$0
0
$0
1
$27.4M
Accounts with Performance-Based Advisory Fee
Bryn Torkelson
0
$0
0
$0
0
$0
Eric Boughton
0
$0
0
$0
0
$0
Conflicts of Interests. The management of “other accounts” by the portfolio management team may give rise to potential conflicts of interest in connection with their management of the Funds’ investments, on the one hand, and the investments of the other accounts, on the other. The other accounts consist of separately managed private clients (“Other Accounts”). The Other Accounts might have similar investment objectives as the Funds, be compared to the same index as the Funds, or otherwise hold, purchase, or sell securities that are eligible to be held, purchased, or sold by the Funds.
Knowledge of the Timing and Size of Fund Trades:  A potential conflict of interest may arise as a result of the portfolio manager’s day-to-day management of the Funds. The portfolio manager knows the size and timing of trades for the Funds and the Other Accounts and may be able to predict the market impact of fund trades.  It is theoretically possible that the portfolio manager could use this information to the advantage of Other Accounts it manages and to the possible detriment of the Funds, or vice versa.
Investment Opportunities: The Advisor provides investment supervisory services for a number of investment products that have varying investment guidelines.  The portfolio manager works across different investment products.  Differences in the compensation structures of the Advisor’s investment products may give rise to a conflict of interest by creating an incentive for the Advisor to allocate the investment opportunities it believes might be the most profitable to the client accounts where it might benefit the most from the investment gains.
Administrator. The Trust has entered into the Fund Accounting and Administration Agreement with The Nottingham Company (“Administrator”), located at 116 South Franklin Street, Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27804.  The Administrator assists the Trust in the performance of its administrative responsibilities to the Funds, coordinates and pays for the services of each vendor and the operating expense to the Funds, and provides the Funds with certain administrative, fund accounting, and compliance services.
The following shows the total dollar amounts that each Fund paid to the Administrator for the last three fiscal years:
Fund
2024
2023
2022
Matisse Discounted Closed-End Fund Strategy
$50,844
$78,427
$245,393
Matisse Discounted Bond CEF Strategy
$51,114
$76,034
$34,765
*Fund’s inception date is April 30, 2020.
23

Transfer Agent.  The Trust has entered into a Dividend Disbursing and Transfer Agent Agreement with Nottingham Shareholder Services, LLC (“Transfer Agent”), a North Carolina limited liability company, to serve as transfer, dividend paying, and shareholder servicing agent for the Funds. The address of the Transfer Agent is 116 South Franklin Street, Post Office Box 4365, Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27803-0365.
Distributor.  The Funds will conduct a continuous offering of their securities. Capital Investment Group, Inc. (“Distributor”), located at 100 E Six Forks Road, Suite 200, Raleigh, North Carolina 27609, acts as the underwriter and distributor of Shares for the purpose of facilitating the registration of Shares under state securities laws and assisting in sales of Shares pursuant to a distribution agreement (“Distribution Agreement”) between the Trust, on behalf of the Funds, and the Distributor. In this regard, the Distributor has agreed at its own expense to qualify as a broker-dealer under all applicable federal or state laws in those states that the Funds shall from time to time identify to the Distributor as states in which the Funds wish to offer their Shares for sale, in order that state registrations may be maintained for the Funds.  The Distributor is a broker-dealer registered with the SEC and a member in good standing of the FINRA. The Distributor is entitled to receive an annual fee of $6,500 for performing certain recordkeeping, communication, and other administrative services for the Funds. Such administrative services shall include, but are not limited to, the following: (i) maintaining records with respect to submissions to the FINRA, dealer discounts and brokerage fees and commissions, and selling agreements; (ii) maintaining an account with the National Securities Clearing Corporation’s Fund/SERV System for the purpose of processing account registrations, maintaining accounts, and communicating transaction data; (iii) preparing reports for the Board as shall be reasonably requested from time to time; and (iv) performing other services for the Trust as agreed to by the Distributor and the Trust from time to time.  The Distributor and Trust agree that the services described above are of an administrative nature and such services, as well as the fee provided in connection therewith, are not, nor are they intended to be, payment for marketing and/or distribution services related to, or the promotion of, the sale of the Shares.  The Distribution Agreement may be terminated by either party upon 60-days’ prior written notice to the other party and will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.  The Distributor serves as exclusive agent for the distribution of the Shares.
The Distributor for the Funds received the following commissions and other compensation during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024:
 


Fund
 
 
Net Underwriting
Discounts and
Commissions
 
 

Compensation
on Redemptions
and Repurchases
 
 


Brokerage
Commissions
 
 


Other
Compensation
 
 
Matisse Discounted Closed-End Fund Strategy
 
 
$0
 
 
$0
 
 
$0
 
 
$6,500
 
 
Matisse Discounted Bond CEF Strategy
 
 
$0
 
 
$0
 
 
$0
 
 
$6,500
 
Custodian.  UMB Bank, n.a., with its principal place of business located at 1010 Grand Boulevard, Kansas City, Missouri 64106, serves as custodian for the Funds’ assets. The custodian acts as the depository for the Funds, safekeeps its portfolio securities, collects all income and other payments with respect to portfolio securities, disburses monies at the Funds’ request, and maintains records in connection with its duties as custodian.  For its services, the custodian is entitled to receive a monthly fee from the Administrator based on the average net assets of the Funds plus additional out-of-pocket and transaction expenses as incurred by the Funds.
Compliance Services Administrator. The Trust has entered into a compliance services arrangement with The Nottingham Company, located at 116 S. Franklin Street, Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27802. The Trust’s CCO will prepare and update the Trust’s compliance manual and monitor and test compliance with the policies and procedures under the Trust’s compliance manual.
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.  Tait, Weller & Baker, LLP located at 20 S 16th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19102serves as the independent registered public accounting firm for the Funds. The independent registered public accounting firm conducts an annual audit of the Funds’ financial statements, and prepares the Funds’ federal, state, and excise tax returns. Shareholders will receive annual audited and semi-annual (unaudited) reports when published and written confirmation of all transactions in their account. A copy of the most recent annual report will accompany the SAI whenever a shareholder or a prospective investor requests it.
Legal Counsel.  DLA Piper, LLP serves as legal counsel to the Trust and the Funds.
24

ADDITIONAL PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION
Reference is made to “Purchasing Shares” and “Redeeming Shares” in the Prospectus for more information concerning how to purchase and redeem Shares. The following information supplements the information regarding share purchases and share redemptions in the Prospectus:
Purchases.  Shares are offered and sold on a continuous basis and may be purchased through authorized investment dealers or directly by contacting the Distributor, or the Funds directly. Selling dealers have the responsibility of transmitting orders promptly to the Funds. The purchase price of Shares is based on the NAV next determined after the order is received, subject to the order being received by the Funds in good form.  NAV is normally determined at the close of regular trading on the NYSE on days the NYSE is open for trading, as described under “Net Asset Value”. The NAV per share of the Funds is not calculated on days on which the NYSE is closed for holidays.  An order received prior to the close of the NYSE will be executed at the price calculated on the date of receipt and an order received after the time regular trading closes on the New York Stock Exchange will be executed at the price calculated as of that time on the next business day.
The Funds reserve the right in their sole discretion to: (i) suspend the offering of their Shares; (ii) reject purchase orders when in the judgment of management such rejection is in the best interest of the Funds and their shareholders; and (iii) reduce or waive the minimum for initial and subsequent investments under circumstances where certain economies can be achieved in sales of Shares.
The minimum initial investment in the Funds is $1,000, and the minimum for additional investments is $100 and is subject to change at any time.
Redemptions.  The Funds may suspend redemption privileges or postpone the date of payment (i) during any period that the New York Stock Exchange is closed for other than customary weekend and holiday closings, or that trading on the New York Stock Exchange is restricted as determined by the SEC; (ii) during any period when an emergency exists as defined by the rules of the SEC as a result of which it is not reasonably practicable for the Funds to dispose of securities owned by it, or to determine fairly the value of its assets; and (iii) for such other periods as the SEC may permit. The Funds may also suspend or postpone the recordation of the transfer of Shares upon the occurrence of any of the foregoing conditions.  Any redemption may be more or less than the shareholder’s cost depending on the market value of the securities held by the Funds.  No charge is made by the Funds for redemptions other than the possible charge for wiring redemption proceeds.
Involuntary Redemptions.  In addition to the situations described in the Prospectus under “Redeeming Fund Shares,” the Funds may redeem Shares involuntarily to reimburse the Funds for any loss sustained by reason of the failure of a shareholder to make full payment for Shares purchased by the shareholder or to collect any charge relating to a transaction effected for the benefit of a shareholder which is applicable to Shares as provided in the Prospectus from time to time or to close a shareholder’s account if the Funds are unable to verify the shareholder’s identity.
Other Information.  If an investor realizes a gain on the redemption, the reinvestment will not affect the amount of any federal capital gains tax payable on the gain.  If an investor realizes a loss on the redemption, the reinvestment may cause some or all of the loss to be disallowed as a tax deduction, depending on the number of Shares purchased by reinvestment and the period of time that has elapsed after the redemption, although for tax purposes, the amount disallowed is added to the cost of the Shares acquired upon the reinvestment.

SPECIAL SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
The Fund offers the following special shareholder services:
Regular Account. The regular account allows for voluntary investments to be made at any time. Available to individuals, custodians, corporations, trusts, estates, corporate retirement plans, and others, investors are free to make additions to or withdrawals from their account. When an investor makes an initial investment in the Funds, a shareholder account is opened in accordance with the investor’s registration instructions. Each time there is a transaction in a shareholder account, such as an additional investment or the reinvestment of a dividend or distribution, the shareholder will receive a confirm-ation statement showing the current transaction and all prior transactions in the shareholder account during the calendar year to date, along with a summary of the status of the account as of the transaction date. As stated in the Prospectus, share certificates are normally not issued.
25

Automatic Investment Plan. The automatic investment plan enables shareholders to make regular monthly or quarterly investments in Shares through automatic charges to their checking account. With shareholder authorization and bank approval, the Administrator will automatically charge the checking account for the amount specified ($100 minimum) which will be automatically invested in Shares at the NAV on or about the 21st day of the month. The shareholder may change the amount of the investment or discontinue the plan at any time by writing to the Funds.
Systematic Withdrawal Plan.  Shareholders owning Shares with a value of $5,000 or more may establish a systematic withdrawal plan (“Systematic Withdrawal Plan”). A shareholder may receive monthly or quarterly payments, in amounts of not less than $100 per payment, by authorizing the Funds to redeem the necessary number of Shares periodically (each month, or quarterly) in order to make the payments requested. The Funds have the capability of electronically depositing the proceeds of the systematic withdrawal directly to the shareholders personal bank account ($5,000 minimum per bank wire). Instructions for establishing this service are included in the Shares Application or are available by calling the Funds.  If the shareholder prefers to receive his or her systematic withdrawal proceeds in cash, or if such proceeds are less than the $5,000 minimum for a bank wire, checks will be made payable to the designated recipient and mailed with-in seven days of the valuation date. If the designated recipient is other than the registered shareholder, the signature of each shareholder must be guaranteed on the application (see “Redeeming Shares – Signature Guarantees” in the Prospectus). A corporation (or partnership) must also submit a “Corporate Resolution” (or “Certification of Partnership”) indi-cat-ing the names, titles, and required number of signatures auth-orized to act on its behalf.  The application must be signed by a duly authori-zed officer and the corporate seal affixed.  Costs in conjunction with the administration of the plan are borne by the Funds. Shareholders should be aware that such systematic withdrawals may deplete or use up entirely their initial investment and may result in real-ized long-term or short-term capital gains or losses. The Systematic Withdrawal Plan may be terminated at any time by the Funds upon 60-days’ written notice or by a shareholder upon written notice to the Funds. Applications and further details may be obtained by calling the Funds at 1-800-773-3863 or by writing to:
Matisse Funds
[Fund Name]
c/o Nottingham Shareholder Services
Post Office Box 4365
Rocky Mount, NC 27803-0365
Purchases In Kind.  The Funds may accept securities in lieu of payment for the purchase of Shares.  The acceptance of such securities is at the sole discretion of the Advisor based upon the suitability of the securities accepted for inclusion as a long-term investment of the Funds, the marketability of such securities, and other factors that the Advisor may deem appropriate. If accepted, the securities will be valued using the same criteria and methods as described in “Purchase and Redemption Price – Determining the Fund’s Net Asset Value” in the Prospectus.
Redemptions In-Kind. The Funds do not intend, under normal circumstances, to redeem their securities by payment in kind.  It is possible, however, that conditions may arise in the future which would, in the opinion of the Trustees, make it undesirable for the Funds to pay for all redemptions in cash. In such case the Trustees may authorize payment to be made in readily marketable portfolio securities of the Funds. The securities will be chosen by the Funds, may be either pro rata payment of each of the securities held by the Funds or a representative sample of securities, and will be valued at the same value assigned to them in computing the NAV per share. Shareholders receiving them would incur brokerage costs when these securities are sold. An irrevocable election has been filed under Rule 18f‑1 of the 1940 Act, wherein the Funds committed to pay redemptions in cash, rather than in kind, to any shareholder of record of the Funds who redeems during any 90-day period, the lesser of (a) $250,000 or (b) one percent (1%) of the Funds’ NAV at the beginning of such period.
Transfer of Registration.  To transfer Shares to another owner, send a written request to the Funds at the address shown above. Your request should include the following: (i) the Fund name and existing account registration; (ii) signatures of the registered owners exactly as the signature appear on the account registration; (iii) the new account registration, address, social security or taxpayer identification number, and how dividends and capital gains are to be distributed; (iv) signature guarantees (See the Prospectus under the heading “Signature Guarantees”); and (v) any additional documents which are required for transfer by corporations, administrators, executors, trustees, guardians, etc.  If you have any questions about transferring Shares, call or write the Funds.
26

Employees and Affiliates of the Fund.  The Funds have adopted initial investment minimums for the purpose of reducing the cost to the Funds (and consequently to the shareholders) of communicating with and servicing its shareholders. At the discretion of the Advisor, the Funds may allow investments in the Funds with a reduced minimum initial investment from its Trustees, officers, and employees; the Advisor and certain parties related thereto; including clients of the Advisor or any sponsor, officer, committee member thereof, or the immediate family of any of them. In addition, accounts having the same mailing address may be aggregated for purposes of the minimum investment if they consent in writing to sharing a single mailing of shareholder reports, proxy statements (but each such shareholder would receive his/her own proxy), and other Fund literature.
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
The Board has adopted a policy that governs the disclosure of portfolio holdings. This policy is intended to ensure that such disclosure is in the best interests of the shareholders of the Funds and to address possible conflicts of interest.  Under the Funds’ policy, the Funds generally will not disclose the Funds’ portfolio holdings to a third party unless such information is made available to the public.  The policy provides that the Funds may disclose non-public portfolio holdings information as required by law and under other limited circumstances that are set forth in more detail below.
The Funds will generally make portfolio holdings information available to the public at https://fundinfopages.com/MDCEX for the Matisse Discounted Closed-End Fund Strategy and https://fundinfopages.com/MDFIX for the Matisse Discounted Bond CEF Strategy, including the complete portfolio holdings from the previous day as reported on a monthly basis. This information is generally available within ten days of the month end and will remain available until the next month’s portfolio holdings report becomes available. You may obtain a copy of these monthly portfolio holdings reports by calling the Funds at 1-800-773-3863. The Funds will also file these quarterly portfolio holdings reports with the SEC on Form N-CSR or Form N-PORT, as applicable. The Funds’ Form N-CSR and Form N-PORT are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec. The first and third quarter portfolio holdings reports will be filed with the SEC on Form N-Q and the second and fourth fiscal quarter portfolio holdings reports will be included with the semi-annual and annual financial statements, respectively, which are sent to shareholders and filed with the SEC on Form N-CSR.
To the extent that the Funds’ portfolio holdings have previously been disclosed publicly either through a filing made with the SEC on Form N-CSR or Form N-PORT, such holdings may also be disclosed to any third party that requests them.
Consistent with policies approved by the Board of Trustees, the officers of the Funds will share non-public portfolio holdings information with the Funds’ service providers that require such information for legitimate business and Fund oversight purposes. Recipients of non-public portfolio holdings information have a duty not to trade on that confidential information. The Funds have not (and does not intend to) enter into any arrangement providing for the receipt of compensation or other consideration in exchange for the disclosure of non-public portfolio holdings information, other than the benefits that result to the Funds and their shareholders from providing such information, which include the publication of Funds’ ratings and rankings.
The Advisor, as well as the custodian, fund accountant and Administrator, and CCO, have full daily access to the Funds’ portfolio holdings. These service providers are subject to obligations requiring them to keep non-public portfolio holdings information confidential. In some, but not all, cases these confidentiality obligations are established by written agreements. The Board of Trustees has concluded that the confidentiality obligations in place for these parties are adequate to safeguard the Funds from unauthorized disclosure of non-public portfolio holdings information.  In addition, the Advisor has a code of ethics that prohibits covered persons from disclosing or trading based on non-public portfolio holdings information.
The Funds’ distributor, transfer agent, independent public accountants, and legal counsel have access to the Funds’ portfolio holdings on an ad hoc, as needed basis.  The distributor and transfer agent are subject to written agreements that establish confidentiality obligations with respect to the Funds’ portfolio holdings. The independent public accountants and legal counsel are subject to professional obligations that require them to keep non-public portfolio holdings information confidential.  The Board has concluded that the confidentiality obligations in place for these parties are adequate to safeguard the Funds from unauthorized disclosure of non-public portfolio holdings information.
Broadridge ICS, V.G. Reed & Sons, PrintGrafix (a division of Sunbelt Graphic Systems, Inc.), Riverside Printing, Inc., and PrinterLink Communications Group, Inc. are financial printers the Funds may engage for, among other things, the printing and/or distribution of regulatory and compliance documents.  These service providers are subject to written agreements that establish confidentiality obligations with respect to the Funds’ portfolio holdings.
The Funds and their service providers may also provide non-public portfolio holdings information to appropriate regulatory agencies as required by applicable laws and regulations.
27

The Funds currently do not provide non-public portfolio holdings information to any other third parties.  In the future, the Advisor may establish ongoing arrangements with other third parties if the Advisor determines that the Funds have a legitimate business purpose for doing so, determines that the disclosure is in the shareholders' best interest, and the recipient is subject to a duty of confidentiality.  These parties could include, by way of example, financial data processing companies that provide automated data scanning and monitoring services for the Fund, research companies that allow the Advisor to perform attribution analysis for the Funds; and the Advisor’s proxy voting agent to assess and vote proxies on behalf of the Funds.  The Advisor is responsible for determining which other third parties have a legitimate business purpose for receiving the Fund’s portfolio holdings information.
The Funds’ policy regarding disclosure of portfolio holdings is subject to the continuing oversight and direction of the Board. Oversight includes: (i) review and approval of the policy on disclosure of portfolio holdings as necessary, including review of the parties receiving non-public portfolio holdings information; (ii) periodic assessment of compliance in connection with a report from the Trust’s CCO, (iii) receipt of reports on any conflicts of interest where disclosure of information about portfolio holdings may conflict or appear to conflict with the interests of the Funds’ investment advisor, any principal underwriter for the Trust or an affiliated person of the Trust, and (iv) receipt of reports on any known disclosure of the Funds’ portfolio holdings to unauthorized third parties. The Funds and Advisor are obligated to report issues that arise under the policy on disclosure of portfolio holdings to the CCO. Material compliance matters must be reported to the Board of Trustees.
NET ASSET VALUE
The NAV of the Funds is determined at the close of regular trading on the NYSE (normally 4:00 p.m.). The Fund’s NAV is not calculated on the days on which the NYSE is closed. The NYSE generally recognizes the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, President’s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. The days on which these holidays are observed and any other holiday recognized by the NYSE will be deemed a business holiday on which the NAV of the Funds will not be calculated.
The NAV per share of the Funds is calculated separately by adding the value of the Funds’ securities and other assets belonging to the Funds, subtracting the liabilities charged to the Funds, and dividing the result by the number of outstanding Shares.  “Assets belonging to” the Funds consist of the consideration received upon the issuance of Shares together with all net investment income, realized gains/losses and proceeds derived from the investment thereof, including any proceeds from the sale of such investments, any funds or payments derived from any reinvestment of such proceeds, and a portion of any general assets of the Trust not belonging to a particular series of Shares.  Assets belonging to the Funds are charged with the direct liabilities of the Funds and with a share of the general liabilities of the Trust, which are normally allocated in proportion to the number of or the relative NAVs of all of the Trust’s series at the time of allocation or in accordance with other allocation methods approved by the Trustees.  Subject to the provisions of the Trust Instrument, determinations by the Trustees as to the direct and allocable liabilities, and the allocable portion of any general assets, with respect to the Funds and the classes of the Funds are conclusive.
The pricing and valuation of portfolio securities is determined in good faith in accordance with procedures established by, and under the direction of, the Trustees. Values are determined according to generally accepted accounting practices and all laws and regulations that apply.  Using methods approved by the Trustees, the assets of the Funds are valued as follows:
Securities that are listed on a securities exchange are valued at the last quoted sales price provided by a third-party pricing service at the time the valuation is made.  Price information on listed securities is taken from the exchange where the security is primarily traded by the Funds.
Securities that are listed on an exchange and which are not traded on the valuation date are valued at the bid price.
Unlisted securities for which market quotations are readily available are valued at the latest quoted sales price, if available, at the time of valuation, otherwise, at the latest quoted bid price.
Foreign securities listed on foreign exchanges are valued with quotations from the primary market in which they are traded and are translated from the local currency into U.S. dollars using current exchange rates.
Temporary cash investments with maturities of 60 days or less will be valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value.
Securities for which no current quotations are readily available are valued at fair value as determined in good faith using methods approved by the Trustees.  Securities may be valued on the basis of prices provided by a pricing service when such prices are believed to reflect the fair market value of such securities.
28

ADDITIONAL TAX INFORMATION
The following summarizes certain additional tax considerations generally affecting the Funds and their shareholders that are not described in the Prospectus. No attempt is made to present a detailed explanation of the tax treatment of the Funds or their shareholders or any particular category of shareholders. The discussions here and in the Prospectus are not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning and are based on United States federal income tax laws that are in effect on the date hereof and which may be changed by legislative, judicial, or administrative action. In addition, no attempt is made to address tax concerns applicable to an investor with a special tax status such as a financial institution, REIT, insurance company, regulated investment company, individual retirement account, other tax-exempt entity, dealer in securities or non-U.S. investor. Furthermore, this discussion does not reflect possible application of the alternative minimum tax. Unless otherwise noted, this discussion assumes the common shares are held by U.S. persons and that such shares are held as capital assets. Investors are advised to consult their tax advisors with specific reference to their own tax situations.
The Funds, and any other series of the Trust, will be treated as a separate corporate entity under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Code”), and intends to qualify or remain qualified as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code.  In order to so qualify, the Funds must elect to be a regulated investment company or have made such an election for a previous year and must satisfy certain requirements relating to the amount of distributions and source of its income for a taxable year.  At least 90% of the gross income of the Funds must be derived from dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stocks, securities, or foreign currencies, and other income derived with respect to the Funds’ business of investing in such stock, securities or currencies and net income derived from an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership.  Any income derived by the Funds from a partnership (other than a qualified publicly traded partnership) or trust is treated as derived with respect to the Funds’ business of investing in stock, securities, or currencies only to the extent that such income is attributable to items of income that would have been qualifying income if realized by the Funds in the same manner as by the partnership or trust.
An investment company may not qualify as a regulated investment company for any taxable year unless it satisfies certain requirements with respect to the diversification of its investments at the close of each quarter of the taxable year.  In general, at least 50% of the value of its total assets must be represented by cash, cash items, government securities, securities of other regulated investment companies, and other securities which, with respect to any one issuer, do not represent more than 5% of the total assets of the Funds or more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer.  In addition, not more than 25% of the value of the Funds’ total assets may be invested in (i) the securities (other than government securities or the securities of other regulated investment companies) of any one issuer; (ii) the securities of two or more issuers (other than securities of another regulated investment company) if the issuers are controlled by the Funds and they are, pursuant to Internal Revenue Service Regulations, engaged in the same or similar or related trades or businesses; or (iii) the securities of one or more publicly traded partnerships.  The Funds intend to satisfy all requirements on an ongoing basis for continued qualification as a regulated investment company.
Some, but not all, of the dividends paid by the Funds may be taxable at the reduced long-term capital gains tax rate for individual shareholders.  If the Funds designate a dividend as qualified dividend income, it generally will be taxable to individual shareholders at the long-term capital gains tax rate, provided certain holding period requirements are met.
Taxable dividends paid by the Funds to corporate shareholders will be taxed at corporate income tax rates.  Corporate shareholders may be entitled to a dividends received deduction (“DRD”) for a portion of the dividends paid and designated by the Funds as qualifying for the DRD.
If the Funds designate a dividend as a capital gains distribution, it generally will be taxable to shareholders as long-term capital gains, regardless of how long the shareholders have held their Shares or whether they received in cash or reinvested in additional Shares.  All taxable dividends paid by the Funds other than those designated as qualified dividend income or capital gains distributions will be taxable as ordinary income to shareholders, whether received in cash or reinvested in additional Shares.  To the extent the Funds engage in increased portfolio turnover, short-term capital gains may be realized, and any distribution resulting from such gains will be considered ordinary income for federal tax purposes. The Funds’ net realized capital gains from securities transactions will be distributed only after reducing such gains by the amount of any available capital loss carryforwards. Capital losses may be carried forward indefinitely and retain the character of the original loss. Capital loss carryforwards are available to offset future realized capital gains. To the extent that these carryforwards are used to offset future capital gains it is probable that the amount offset will not be distributed to shareholders. As of March 31, 2024, the Funds had the following capital loss carryforwards.
29

 

Fund
 
 
Short-Term Capital Loss Carryforward
 
 
Long-Term Capital Loss Carryforward
 
 

Total
 
 
Matisse Discounted Bond CEF Strategy
 
 
$0
 
 
$2,733,194
 
 
$2,733,194
 
 
Matisse Discounted Closed-End Fund Strategy
 
 
$0
 
 
$2,273,077
 
 
$2,273,077
 
Certain individuals, estates, and trusts must pay a 3.8% Medicare surtax on “net investment income” including, among other things, dividends, and proceeds of sale in respect of securities like the Shares, subject to certain exceptions. Prospective investors should consult with their own tax advisors regarding the effect, if any, of this surtax on their ownership and disposition of the Shares.
Shareholders who hold Shares in a tax-deferred account, such as a retirement plan, generally will not have to pay tax on Fund distributions until they receive distributions from their account.
The Funds, and any other series of the Trust, will designate (i) any dividend of qualified dividend income as qualified dividend income; (ii) any distribution of long-term capital gains as a capital gain dividend; and (iii) any dividend eligible for the corporate DRD as such in a written notice mailed to shareholders within 60 days after the close of the Funds’ taxable year. Shareholders should note that, upon the sale or exchange of Shares, if such Shares have not been held for at least six months, any loss on the sale or exchange of those Shares will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of the capital gain dividends received with respect to the Shares.
To the extent that a distribution from the Funds is taxable, it is generally included in a shareholder’s gross income for the taxable year in which the shareholder receives the distribution. However, if the Fund declares a dividend in October, November, or December but pays it in January, it will be taxable to shareholders as if the dividend was received in the year it was declared.  Every year, each shareholder will receive a statement detailing the tax status of any Fund distributions for that year.
A 4% nondeductible excise tax is imposed on regulated investment companies that fail to currently distribute an amount equal to specified percentages of their ordinary taxable income and capital gain net income (excess of capital gains over capital losses). The Funds intend to make sufficient distributions or deemed distributions of its ordinary taxable income and any capital gain net income prior to the end of each calendar year to avoid liability for this excise tax.
If for any taxable year the Funds do not qualify for the special federal income tax treatment afforded regulated investment companies, all of its taxable income will be subject to federal income tax at regular corporate rates (without any deduction for distributions to its shareholders) at the Fund level.  In such event, dividend distributions (whether or not derived from interest on tax-exempt securities) would be taxable as qualified dividends to individual shareholders, to the extent of the Funds’ current and accumulated earnings and profits, and would be eligible for the DRD for corporations, provided in each case that certain holding period and other requirements are met.
In general, a shareholder who sells or redeems Shares will realize a capital gain or loss, which will be long-term or short-term, depending upon the shareholder’s holding period for the Shares.  An exchange of Shares may be treated as a sale and any gain may be subject to tax.
The Funds will be required in certain cases to withhold and remit to the U.S. Treasury a percentage of taxable dividends or of gross proceeds realized upon sale paid to shareholders who (i) have failed to provide a correct taxpayer identification number in the manner required; (ii) are subject to back-up withholding by the Internal Revenue Service for failure to include properly on their return payments of taxable interest or dividends; or (iii) have failed to certify to the Funds that they are not subject to backup withholding when required to do so.  Back-up withholding is not an additional tax.  Any amounts withheld from payments to you may be refunded or credited against your U.S. federal income tax liability, if any, provided that the required information is furnished to the Internal Revenue Service.
Depending upon the extent of the Funds’ activities in states and localities in which its offices are maintained, in which its agents or independent contractors are located, or in which it is otherwise deemed to be conducting business, the Funds may be subject to the tax laws of such states or localities.  In addition, in those states and localities that have income tax laws, the treatment of the Funds and their shareholders under such laws may differ from their treatment under federal income tax laws.
30

Dividends paid by the Funds to non-U.S. shareholders may be subject to U.S. withholding tax unless reduced by treaty (and the shareholder files a valid Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN, or other applicable form, with the Funds certifying foreign status and treaty eligibility) or the non-U.S. shareholder files an Internal Revenue Service Form W-8ECI, or other applicable form, with the Funds certifying that the investment to which the distribution relates is effectively connected to a United States trade or business of such non-U.S. shareholder (and, if certain tax treaties apply, is attributable to a United States permanent establishment maintained by such non-U.S. shareholder).  The Funds may elect not to withhold the applicable withholding tax on any distribution representing a capital gain dividend to a non-U.S. shareholder. Special rules may apply to non-U.S. shareholders with respect to the information reporting requirements and withholding taxes and non-U.S. shareholders should consult their tax advisors with respect to the application of such reporting requirements and withholding taxes.
The Funds will send shareholders information each year on the tax status of dividends and distributions.  A dividend or capital gains distribu-tion paid shortly after Shares have been purchased, although in effect a return of investment, is subject to federal income taxa-tion. Dividends from net investment income, along with capital gains, will be taxable to shareholders, whether received in cash or Shares and no matter how long the shareholder has held Shares, even if they reduce the NAV of Shares below the shareholder’s cost and thus, in effect, result in a return of a part of the shareholder’s investment.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The audited financial statements of the Funds for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, including the financial highlights appearing in the Annual Report to shareholders, are incorporated by reference and made a part of this document.  You may request a copy of the Funds’ annual and semi-annual reports at no charge by calling the Funds at 1-800-773-3863.
31

APPENDIX A –DESCRIPTION OF RATINGS
The Fund may acquire from time-to-time certain securities that meet the following minimum rating criteria (“Investment-Grade Debt Securities”) (or if not rated, of equivalent quality as determined by the Advisor).  The various ratings used by the nationally recognized securities rating services are described below.
A rating by a rating service represents the service’s opinion as to the credit quality of the security being rated.  However, the ratings are general and are not absolute standards of quality or guarantees as to the creditworthiness of an issuer.  Consequently, the Advisor believes that the quality of Investment-Grade Debt Securities in which the Fund may invest should be continuously reviewed and that individual analysts give different weightings to the various factors involved in credit analysis.  A rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell, or hold a security, because it does not take into account market value or suitability for a particular investor.  When a security has received a rating from more than one service, each rating is evaluated independently.  Ratings are based on current information furnished by the issuer or obtained by the rating services from other sources that they consider reliable.  Ratings may be changed, suspended, or withdrawn as a result of changes in or unavailability of such information, or for other reasons.
Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services.  The following summarizes the highest four ratings used by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (“S&P”), a division of McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., for bonds which are deemed to be Investment-Grade Debt Securities by the Advisor:
AAA – This is the highest rating assigned by S&P to a debt obligation and indicates an extremely strong capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
AA – Debt rated AA differs from AAA issues only in a small degree.  The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is very strong.
A – Debt rated A is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher-rated categories.  However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong.
BBB – Debt rated BBB exhibits adequate protection parameters.  However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
To provide more detailed indications of credit quality, the AA, A, and BBB ratings may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within these major rating categories.
Bonds rated BB, B, CCC, CC, and C are not considered by the Advisor to be Investment-Grade Debt Securities and are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics.  BB indicates the lowest degree of speculation and C the highest degree of speculation.  While such bonds may have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions.
Commercial paper rated A‑1 by S&P indicates that the degree of safety regarding timely payment is strong.  Those issues determined to possess extremely strong safety characteristics are denoted A‑1+.  Capacity for timely payment on commercial paper rated A‑2 is satisfactory, but the relative degree of safety is not as high as for issues designated A‑1.
The rating SP‑1 is the highest rating assigned by S&P to short term notes and indicates strong capacity to pay principal and interest.  An issue determined to possess a very strong capacity to pay debt service is given a plus (+) designation.  The rating SP‑2 indicates a satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the notes.  The rating SP-3 indicates a speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.
Moody’s Investor Service, Inc.  The following summarizes the highest four ratings used by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) for fixed-income obligations with an original maturity of one year or more, which are deemed to be Investment-Grade Securities by the Advisor:
Aaa – Bond obligations rated Aaa are judged to be of the highest quality, with minimal credit risk.
Aa – Bond obligations rated Aa are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk.
A – Bond obligations rated A are considered upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk.
Baa – Bond obligations rated Baa are subject to moderate credit risk.  They are considered medium-grade and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics.
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Obligations that are rated Ba, B, Caa, Ca, or C by Moody’s are not considered “Investment-Grade Debt Securities” by the Advisor.  Obligations rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements and are subject to substantial credit risk.  Obligations rated B are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk.  Obligations rated Caa are judged to be of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk.
Note: Moody’s appends numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 to each generic rating classification from Aa through Caa.  The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.
Short-Term Ratings.
Moody’s short-term ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers to honor short-term financial obligations.  Ratings may be assigned to issuers, short-term programs, or individual short-term debt instruments.  Such obligations generally have an original maturity not exceeding thirteen months, unless explicitly noted.
Moody’s employs the following designations to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers:
P-1 – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-1 have a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations.
P-2 – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-2 have a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations.
P-3 – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-3 have an acceptable ability to repay short-term debt obligations.
NP – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.
Note: Canadian issuers rated P-1 or P-2 have their short-term ratings enhanced by the senior-most long-term rating of the issuer, its guarantor, or support-provider.
US Municipal Short-Term Debt And Demand Obligation Ratings.
Short-Term Debt Ratings.  There are three rating categories for short-term municipal obligations that are considered investment grade.  These ratings are designated as Municipal Investment Grade (MIG) and are divided into three levels – MIG 1 through MIG 3.  In addition, those short-term obligations that are of speculative quality are designated SG, or speculative grade.  MIG ratings expire at the maturity of the obligation.
MIG 1 – This designation denotes superior credit quality.  Excellent protection is afforded by established cash flows, highly reliable liquidity support, or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing.
MIG 2 – This designation denotes strong credit quality.  Margins of protection are ample, although not as large as in the preceding group.
MIG 3 – This designation denotes acceptable credit quality.  Liquidity and cash-flow protection may be narrow, and market access for refinancing is likely to be less well-established.
SG – This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality.  Debt instruments in this category may lack sufficient margins of protection.
Demand Obligation Ratings.  In the case of variable rate demand obligations (VRDOs), a two-component rating is assigned; a long or short-term debt rating and a demand obligation rating.  The first element represents Moody’s evaluation of the degree of risk associated with scheduled principal and interest payments.  The second element represents Moody’s evaluation of the degree of risk associated with the ability to receive purchase price upon demand (“demand feature”), using a variation of the MIG rating scale, the Variable Municipal Investment Grade or VMIG rating.
When either the long- or short-term aspect of a VRDO is not rated, that piece is designated NR, e.g., Aaa/NR or NR/VMIG 1.
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VMIG rating expirations are a function of each issue’s specific structural or credit features.
VMIG 1 – This designation denotes superior credit quality.  Excellent protection is afforded by the superior short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.
VMIG 2 – This designation denotes strong credit quality.  Good protection is afforded by the strong short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.
VMIG 3 – This designation denotes acceptable credit quality.  Adequate protection is afforded by the satisfactory short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.
SG – This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality.  Demand features rated in this category may be supported by a liquidity provider that does not have an investment grade short-term rating or may lack the structural and/or legal protections necessary to ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.
Fitch Ratings. The following summarizes the highest four ratings used by Fitch, Inc. (“Fitch”):
Long-Term Ratings.
AAA – Highest credit quality.  The rating AAA denotes that the lowest expectation of credit risk.  They are assigned only in case of exceptionally strong capacity for timely payment of financial commitments.  This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.
AA – Very high credit quality.  The rating AA denotes a very low expectation of credit risk.  They indicate very strong capacity for timely payment of financial commitments.  This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.
A – High credit quality.  The rating A denotes a low expectation of credit risk.  The capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is considered strong.  This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to changes in circumstances or in economic conditions than is the case for higher rating.
BBB – Good credit quality.  The rating BBB indicates that there is currently a low expectation of credit risk.  The capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is considered adequate, but adverse changes in circumstances and in economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity.  This is the lowest investment grade category.
Long-term securities rated below BBB by Fitch are not considered by the Advisor to be investment-grade securities.  Securities rated BB and B are regarded as speculative with regard to a possible credit risk developing.  BB is considered speculative and B is considered highly speculative.  Securities rated CCC, CC, and C are regarded as a high default risk.  A rating CC indicates that default of some kind appears probable, while a rating C signals imminent default.  Securities rated DDD, D, and D indicate a default has occurred.
Short-Term Ratings.
F1 – Highest credit quality.  The rating F1 indicates the strongest capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added (+) to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature.
F2 – Good credit quality.  The rating F2 indicates a satisfactory capacity for timely payment of financial commitment, but the margin of safety is not as great as in the case of the higher ratings.
F3 – Fair credit quality.  The rating F3 indicates the capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate; however, near-term adverse changes could result in a reduction to non-investment grade.
B – Speculative.  The rating B indicates minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus vulnerability to near-term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.
Short-term rates B, C, and D by Fitch are considered by the Advisor to be below investment-grade securities.  Short-term securities rated B are considered speculative, securities rated C have a high default risk, and securities rated D denote actual or imminent payment default.
(+) or (-) suffixes may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories.  Such suffixes are not added to long-term ratings “AAA” category, categories below “CCC”, or short-term ratings other than “F1”.  The suffix “NR” indicates that Fitch does not publicly rate the issuer or issue in question.


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


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Matisse Capital
Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures
Background:  Rule 206(4)-6 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 requires a registered investment adviser to maintain written voting policies and procedures if it exercises voting authority with respect to client securities.  These policies and procedures must be reasonably designed to ensure that the investment adviser votes client securities in the best interest of clients.  The procedures must describe how the investment adviser addresses material conflicts that may arise between the interests of the adviser and those of its clients.  The rule also requires that an investment adviser describe its proxy voting policies and procedures, furnish a copy of the policies and procedures to a requesting client, and disclose to clients how they may obtain information about how the investment adviser voted the client's securities.
Sections 20(c) and 20(d) of the Investment Company Act – Prohibition on purchase of securities knowingly resulting in cross-ownership or circular ownership.  When applicable, with respect to the Adviser’s registered investment company clients, no such registered investment company shall purchase any voting security if, to the knowledge of such registered company, cross-ownership or circular ownership exists, or after such acquisition will exist, between such registered company and the issuer of such security. Cross-ownership shall be deemed to exist between two companies when each of such companies beneficially owns more than 3% of the outstanding voting securities of the other company. Circular ownership shall be deemed to exist between two companies if such companies are included within a group of three or more companies, each of which:
beneficially owns more than 3% of the outstanding voting securities of one or more other companies of the group; and
has more than 3% of its own outstanding voting securities beneficially owned by another company, or by each of two or more other companies, of the group.
Duty to eliminate existing cross-ownership or circular ownership.  If cross-ownership or circular ownership between a registered investment company and any other company or companies comes into existence upon the purchase by a registered investment company of the securities of another company, it shall be the duty of such registered company, within one year after it first knows of the existence of such cross-ownership or circular ownership, to eliminate the same.
Policy:  Proxy voting is an important right of shareholders, and reasonable care and diligence must be undertaken to ensure that such rights are properly and timely exercised.  For clients for which we have agreed to vote such proxies, we will generally vote proxies related to securities held in our clients’ portfolios in the best interest of our clients.  A client may reserve to itself the right to vote proxies.  Our authority to vote the proxies of certain clients is established by advisory contracts or comparable documents.
Reflecting a basic investment philosophy that good management is shareholder focused, proxy votes will generally be cast in support of management on routine corporate matters and in support of any management proposal that is plainly in the interest of all shareholders.  Specifically, proxy votes generally will be cast in favor of proposals that:
maintain or increase shareholder rights generally.
maintain or strengthen the shared interests of stockholders and management;
increase shareholder value; and
Proxy votes will generally be cast against proposals having the opposite effect of the above interests.  Where we perceive that a management proposal, if approved, would tend to limit or reduce the market value of the company’s securities, we will generally vote against it.  We believe that means for ensuring management accountability to shareholders, in the rare cases where the means are threatened, must not be compromised.
We generally support shareholder rights and recapitalization measures undertaken unilaterally by boards of directors properly exercising their responsibilities and authority, unless such measures could have the effect of reducing shareholder rights or potential shareholder value.
We believe that proposals addressing strictly social or political issues may not be relevant to the goal of maximizing the return on Funds under our management.  We will generally vote against such proposals, but will consider supporting proposals that seek to protect shareholder rights or minimize risks to shareholder value.
We may delegate our responsibilities under this policy to a third party, provided that we retain final authority and fiduciary responsibility for proxy voting.  If we so delegate our responsibilities, we shall monitor the delegate’s compliance with this policy.
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Proxies for Mutual Fund Clients.  If a client is a mutual fund except as noted below, Matisse Capital will vote the client’s proxies on any proposal (including the election of directors) in a manner which Matisse Capital reasonably determines is likely to favorably impact the discount of such investment company’s market price as compared to its net asset value.  For example:
-We will generally vote against directors who act in their own interests, or in the management company’s interest, as opposed to the interest of shareholders.
-We will generally vote in favor of any proposal to liquidate or open-end a closed-end fund holding.
-We will generally vote in favor of any proposal to conduct tender offers or share repurchases at discounts to NAV.
-We will generally vote against any proposal that would have the effect of diluting an investment company’s net asset value, even if such a proposal is deemed by the management company to be beneficial in some other way.
Special Considerations for Fund of Funds. Matisse Capital advises certain mutual funds i.e. Registered Investment Companies (“RICs”), including “Fund of Funds” that invest in other RICs in excess of the limitations of Sections 12(d)(1)(A), 12(d)(1)(B) and 12(d)(1)(C) of the 1940 Act if such a Fund of Fund is relying on Rule 12d1-4 under the 1940 Act for an exemption from the limitations above. Rule 12d1-4 provides that when the acquiring fund and its advisory group holds more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of an acquired fund that is a registered closed-end management investment company, each of those holders will vote its securities in the same portion as the vote of all other holders of such securities (“Mirror Voting”). Rule 12d1-4 also requires an agreement between the acquiring fund and the acquired fund. These agreements may include similar Mirror Voting requirements.
In such cases, if an underlying investment of a Fund of Funds has a shareholder meeting or proxy vote, we will vote and/or advise any Fund of Funds to vote its shares of the underlying investment in the same proportion as the votes of other shareholders of the underlying investment (mirror voting), whenever possible, or contact its shareholders for instructions regarding how to vote the proxy (pass through voting).  This may be achieved through direct agreements with the administrator or investment advisor of the underlying investment, or through a proxy intermediary.  In cases where mirror voting and/or pass through voting are not possible or impractical, we may abstain from voting.  Although rare, there is a possibility where Matisse Capital determines a need to vote proxies using pass-through voting instead of mirror voting.  However, prior to taking such action, as required, we will seek and obtain the prior approval of the Board of Directors of any Fund of Funds, and then seek instruction from the shareholders of the Fund of Funds.
Proxy Voting Procedures.  To implement our proxy voting policies, we have developed the following procedures for voting proxies:
Upon receipt of a proxy, the relevant materials and the proxy are submitted to our designated proxy voting manager. The proxy voting manager will then vote the proxy in accordance with this policy. For any proxy proposal not clearly addressed by this policy, the proxy voting manager will consult with an officer of our firm before voting the proxy.
The proxy voting manager shall be responsible for reviewing the relevant materials, proxy proposals, or proxy proposal summaries. The review shall take into consideration what vote is in the best interests of clients and the provisions of the proxy voting policies above. The proxy voting manager will then vote the proxies.
The proxy voting manager shall be responsible for maintaining copies of relevant materials, proxy proposal, or proposal summary, actual vote, or other information required to be maintained for a proxy vote under Rule 204-2 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.
With respect to proxy votes on topics deemed, in the opinion of the proxy voting manager, to be controversial or particularly sensitive, the proxy voting manager will provide a written explanation for the proxy vote which will be maintained with the record of the actual vote in our files.
In the event that the proxy voting manager is unavailable to vote a proxy, then an officer of our firm shall perform the proxy voting manager’s duties with respect to such proxy in accordance with the policies and procedures detailed above.
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In cases where we are aware of a conflict between the interests of a client and the interests of our firm or an affiliated person of our firm (e.g., a portfolio holding is a client or an affiliate of a client of our firm), we will take the following steps:
1.
Vote matters that are specifically covered by this policy (e.g., matters where the vote is strictly dictated by this policy and not in our discretion) in accordance with this policy;
2.
For other matters, either contact the client for instructions with respect to how to vote the proxy or engage an independent third-party to determine how the proxy should be voted.
We may abstain from voting a proxy if we conclude that the effect on shareholders’ economic interests or the value of the portfolio holding is indeterminable or insignificant.  For example, we will sometimes abstain from voting proxies in an uncontested directors’ election.
Clients may contact us in writing to obtain information about how we voted proxies with respect to their securities and to request a copy of this policy.
Recordkeeping.  We will maintain certain records required by applicable law in connection with proxy voting activities and shall provide proxy voting information to a client for which we are responsible for voting proxies upon written request.  We shall keep the following records in an easily accessible place for a period of at least five years, the first two years in our offices:
A copy of this policy;
Proxy statements received regarding securities;
Records of each vote cast on behalf of clients;
Any documents prepared by us that were material to making a proxy voting decision or that memorialized the basis for a voting decision; and
Records of client requests for proxy voting information.
Responsible Party: President, Portfolio Manager and Chief Compliance Officer






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