Membership

Through its annual major issues conferences, regional seminars, issue meetings, website, newsletters, and other activities, the Forum provides mutual fund independent directors with the tools and information necessary to stay abreast of current topics and issues. The Forum's programs and services are designed to enhance the ability of investment company independent directors to discharge their fiduciary obligations.

Membership in the Forum is limited to the independent directors of boards of U.S. registered investment companies. The Forum's membership currently includes the independent directors of fund complexes of all sizes. Each member group has a seat on the Forum's Steering Committee, giving members the opportunity to participate on a regular basis in the planning of Forum activities and the formulation of Forum policy positions.

The Forum's membership dues schedule is scaled to the amount of assets of each participating group of funds under the management of a common adviser. Payment of the amounts specified in the dues schedule (see below) entitles all of the independent directors in the fund group to membership in the Forum. For independent directors who serve on multiple boards of funds under common management, the Forum suggests that their dues and Forum related expenses be apportioned among the funds in the complex in a fair and reasonable manner. 

The Forum has received a favorable interpretive letter from the SEC staff agreeing that funds may pay the Forum related dues and expenses of their independent directors without violating Investment Company Act prohibitions against joint arrangements. Click here to read the No-Action Letter.

To join the Forum, please email us the completed MFDF Membership Application. If you would like more information or need assistance with the application, please contact the Forum's staff via email or at 202.507.4488.

Dues Schedule