Aspiration Redwood (REDWX) N-CSRSCertified semi-annual shareholder report (management investment company)

The Aspiration Redwood Fund (the “Fund”) is a series of the Aspiration Funds (the “Trust”). The Trust was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on October 16, 2013 and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company.

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Fund.  The policies are in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).  The Fund follows the accounting and reporting guidance in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification 946 “Financial Services – Investment Companies.”

The Fund uses the accrual method of accounting for financial reporting purposes.

The net asset value (“NAV”) per share of each class of a Fund is determined by dividing the Fund’s net assets attributable to each class by the number of shares issued and outstanding of that class on each day the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open for trading. The Fund has one class of beneficial interests as of March 31, 2022.

Equity securities are generally valued by using market quotations but may be valued on the basis of prices furnished by a pricing service when it is determined that such prices accurately reflect the fair market value of such securities. Securities that are traded on any stock exchange or on the NASDAQ over-the-counter market are generally valued by the pricing service at the last quoted sale price. Lacking a last sale price, an equity security is generally valued by the pricing service at its last available quotation. When (i) market quotations are not readily available, (ii) the market quotation or the price provided by the pricing service does not accurately reflect the current market value, (iii) restricted or illiquid securities are being valued, or (iv) an event occurs after the close of trading (but prior to the time the Funds’ NAV is calculated) that materially affects fair value, securities are valued as determined in good faith by the, Fair Value Committee established by the Board of Trustees in conformity with policies adopted by and subject to review of the Board of Trustees. Fixed income securities, including short-term investments with maturities of less than 61 days when acquired, are normally valued on the basis of prices obtained from independent third-party pricing services approved by the Board of Trustees, which are generally determined with consideration given to institutional bid and last sale prices and take into account securities prices, yield, maturity, call features, ratings, institutional sized trading in similar groups of securities  and developments related to specific securities.  If the Sub-Advisor decides that a price provided by the pricing service does not accurately reflect the fair market value of the securities, when prices are not readily available from a pricing service, or when restricted or illiquid securities are being valued, securities are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Fair Value Committee, in conformity with guidelines adopted by and subject to review of the Board of Trustees.

The Fund may invest in portfolios of open-end investment companies (the “Underlying Funds”). The Underlying Funds value securities in their portfolios for which market quotations are readily available at their market values (generally the last reported sale price) and all other securities and assets at their fair value to the methods established by the board of directors of the Underlying Funds.  Open-ended funds are valued at their respective net asset values as reported by such investment companies.

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of the Fund's investments.  These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:

The availability of observable inputs can vary from security to security and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including, for example, the type of security, whether the security is new and not yet established in the marketplace, the liquidity of markets, and other characteristics particular to the security. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3.

The inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls in its entirety, is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The following table summarizes the inputs as of March 31, 2022 for the Fund’s investments measured at fair value:

* Refer to the Schedule of Investments for a breakdown by sector.

(a) There were no Level 3 investments during the fiscal period ended March 31, 2022.

The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing in companies based on various financial factors and fundamental sustainability factors such as the environmental, social, and governance performance of such companies.  The Fund invests in equity securities that trade on U.S. securities markets, which may include securities of non-U.S. issuers as well as securities of U.S. issuers.  The equity securities in which the Fund invests include, but are not limited to, dividend-paying securities, common stock, preferred stock, equity securities of REITS, shares of investment companies, convertible securities, warrants, and rights. The Fund may purchase equity securities in an IPO provided that the investment is consistent with the Fund’s investment strategy. The Fund may, but is not required to, use exchange-traded derivative instruments for risk management purposes or as part of the Fund’s investment strategies.

Generally, derivatives are financial contracts with value dependent upon, or derived from, the value of an underlying asset, reference rate, or index, and may relate to stocks, bonds, interest rates, currencies or currency exchange rates, and related indexes. The derivatives in which the Fund may invest include futures and forward currency agreements. These derivatives may be used for risk management purposes to manage or adjust the risk profile of the Fund. Futures on currencies and forward currency agreements may also be used to hedge against a specific currency. In addition, futures on indices may be used for investment (non-hedging) purposes to earn income; to enhance returns; to replace more traditional direct investments; or to obtain exposure to certain markets.  The principal risks of investing in the Fund include: management risk, market risk, equity securities risk, focused investment risk, derivatives risk, convertible securities risk, limited capitalization risk, portfolio turnover risk, IPOs risk, foreign investment risk, futures risk, leverage risk associated with financial instruments, investment company risk, REITS risk, temporary defensive positions risk, and cybersecurity risk.  The Fund held no derivatives as of and for the fiscal period ended March 31, 2022.

The impact of the coronavirus (“COVID-19”) outbreak on the financial results of the Fund will depend on future developments, including the duration and spread of the outbreak and related advisories and restrictions. The coronavirus outbreak has resulted in, among other consequences, the closing of borders, the imposition of travel restrictions, enhanced health screenings, the need for accelerated acute healthcare service preparation and delivery, disruptions and delays in healthcare services, quarantines and “shelter at home” orders, restrictions on gatherings of people, event and service cancellations, business closures, disruptions to supply chains and customer activity, lower consumer demand, as well as general heightened uncertainty. This outbreak has led and is likely to continue to lead to disruptions in the worldwide economy, particularly with respect to economies of nations where the novel coronavirus has arisen and also the global markets. This outbreak and any future outbreaks could have a further adverse impact on the global economy in general. As of the date of this report, it is impossible to determine the scope of this outbreak, or any future outbreaks, or its full potential impact on the Fund and the issuers in which it invests. Moreover, reasonable expectations about any of the risks to which the Fund is subject could prove inaccurate.

Investment transactions are accounted for as of the date purchased or sold (trade date).  Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Realized gains and losses are determined on the identified cost basis, which is the same basis used for Federal income tax purposes.

The Fund bears expenses incurred specifically on its behalf as well as a portion of Trust level expenses, which are allocated according to methods reviewed by the Board of Trustees (“Trustees”). Currently, the Fund is the only fund of the Trust and therefore bears all of the Trust level expenses.

The Fund may declare and distribute dividends from net investment income (if any) annually.  Distributions from capital gains (if any) are generally declared and distributed annually.  Dividends and distributions to shareholders are recorded on ex-date.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in the net assets from operations during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

No provision for income taxes is included in the accompanying financial statements, as the Fund intends to distribute to shareholders all taxable investment income and realized gains and otherwise comply with Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies.

Under the Fund’s investment advisory agreement, Aspiration Fund Adviser, LLC (the “Advisor”) receives an annual advisory fee of 0.00% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.  In other words, the Advisor does not charge any management fees with respect to the Fund. Only clients of the Advisor may invest in the Fund. These advisory clients must establish an advisory relationship and open an individual advisory account with the Advisor before investing in the Fund.  The Advisor does not impose a set fee to manage the individual advisory accounts.  Instead, advisory clients can pay the Advisor a fee in the amount they believe is fair to manage their individual advisory accounts.

The Advisor has entered into a contractual agreement (the “Expense Limitation Agreement”) with the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, under which it has agreed to waive or reduce its fees and to assume other expenses of the Fund, if necessary, in amounts that limit the Fund’s total operating expenses (other than brokerage fees and commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses, fees and expenses associated with investments in other collective investment vehicles or derivative instruments, borrowing costs, taxes, or extraordinary expenses, such as litigation and indemnification expenses) to not more than 0.50% of the average daily net assets of the Fund for the current fiscal year.  The current term of the Expense Limitation Agreement remains in effect until January 31, 2023.  While there can be no assurance that the Expense Limitation Agreement will continue after that date, it is expected to continue from year-to-year thereafter.

Reimbursements and waivers of expenses by the Advisor are subject to recoupment for a period not to exceed 3 years from the date on which the waiver or reimbursement was made by the Advisor, provided the annual expense ratio does not exceed 0.50%.  Please refer to the table below for a breakdown of the reimbursements and recoupment periods.

UBS Asset Management (Americas) Inc. (the “Sub-Advisor”) is responsible for management of the Fund’s investment portfolio according to the Fund’s investment objective, policies, and restrictions.  The Sub-Advisor is subject to the authority of the Board of Trustees and oversight by the Advisor.  The Sub-Advisor is entitled to receive an annual sub-advisory fee, paid by the Advisor – not the Fund – for advisory services provided to the Fund, according to a formula.

The Nottingham Company serves as the Fund’s Administrator (the “Administrator”).  The Fund pays a monthly fee to the Administrator based upon the average daily net assets of the Fund and subject to a minimum of $2,000 per month.  The Fund incurred $73,176 of fees by the Administrator for the fiscal period ended March 31, 2022.

The Nottingham Company serves as the Fund’s Fund Accounting Services Provider.  Under the terms of the Fund Accounting and Administration Agreement, the Fund Accounting Service Provider calculates the daily net asset value per share and maintains the financial books and records for the Fund.  The Fund incurred $20,890 of fees by The Nottingham Company for the fiscal period ended March 31, 2022.

Foreside Compliance Consulting provides services as the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer.  Foreside Compliance Consulting is entitled to receive customary fees from the Fund for their services pursuant to the Compliance Services agreement with the Fund.  The Fund incurred $6,370 in compliance fees for fiscal period ended March 31, 2022.

UMB Bank, N.A. provides services as the Fund’s custodian.  For its services, the Custodian is entitled to receive compensation from the Fund pursuant to the Custodian’s fee arrangements with the Fund.  The Fund paid $57,291 in custody fees for the fiscal period ended March 31, 2022.

Nottingham Shareholder Services, LLC (“Transfer Agent”), an affiliate of The Nottingham Company, serves as transfer, dividend paying, and shareholder servicing agent for the Fund.  For its services, the Transfer Agent is entitled to receive compensation from the Fund pursuant to the Transfer Agent’s fee arrangements with the Fund.  The Fund paid $298,003 to the Transfer Agent for the fiscal period ended March 31, 2022.

Aspiration Financial, LLC (the "Distributor") serves as the Fund's principal underwriter and distributor. For its services, the Distributor is entitled to receive compensation from the Fund pursuant to the Distributor’s fee arrangements with the Fund.  For the fiscal period ended March 31, 2022, the Distributor had not yet received any fees.

As of March 31, 2022, certain officers of the Trust were also officers of the Administrator.  Certain Trustees and an officer are also officers of the Advisor.

The Trustees, including a majority of the Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust as defined in the 1940 Act and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in such plan or in any agreement related to such plan, adopted a distribution plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act (the “Plan”).  The 1940 Act regulates the manner in which a regulated investment company may assume expenses of distributing and promoting the sales of its shares and servicing of its shareholder accounts.  The Plan provides that the Fund may incur certain expenses, which may not exceed 0.25% per annum of the average daily net assets of the Investor Class Shares for each year elapsed subsequent to adoption of the Plan, for payment to the Distributor and related offering costs.  For the fiscal period ended March 31, 2022, $3,003 in distribution and service fees were incurred by the Fund.

For the fiscal period ended March 31, 2022, the aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities (excluding short-term securities) were as follows:

Distributions are determined in accordance with Federal income tax regulations, which differ from GAAP, and, therefore, may differ significantly in amount or character from net investment income and realized gains for financial reporting purposes.  Financial reporting records are adjusted for permanent book/tax differences to reflect tax character but are not adjusted for temporary differences.  There were no such reclassifications as of March 31, 2022.

Management reviewed the Fund’s tax positions taken on federal income tax returns for the open tax years ended September 30, 2018 through September 30, 2021, and during the fiscal period ended March 31, 2022, and determined the Fund does not have a liability for uncertain tax positions.  The Fund recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense in the Statement of Operations.  During the fiscal period ended March 31, 2022, the Fund did not incur any interest or penalties.

The Fund identifies its major tax jurisdictions as U.S. Federal and the State of California where the Trust makes significant investments.

Distributions during the fiscal year/period ended March 31, 2022 and September 30, 2021 were characterized for tax purposes as follows:

At March 31, 2022, the tax-basis cost of investments and components of distributable earnings were as follows:

The beneficial ownership, either directly or indirectly, of 25% or more of the voting securities of a fund creates a presumption of control of a fund, under Section 2(a)(9) of the Investment Company Act of 1940.  As of March 31, 2022, there were no control persons of the Fund.

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its officers and Trustees are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Fund.  In addition, in the normal course of business, the Trust entered into contracts with its service providers, on behalf of the Fund, and others that provide for general indemnifications.  The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund.  The Fund expects risk of loss to be remote.

In accordance with GAAP, management has evaluated the need for disclosures and/or adjustments resulting from subsequent events through the date of issuance of these financial statements.  Management has concluded there are no additional matters, other than those noted above, requiring recognition or disclosure.

A copy of the policies and procedures used to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities of the Fund is included as Appendix A to the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information and is available, without charge, upon request, by calling 800-683-8529, and on the website of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) at http://www.sec.gov.  Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available (1) without charge, upon request, by calling the Fund at the number above and (2) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-PORT.  The Fund’s Form N-PORT is available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.  You may also obtain copies without charge, upon request, by calling the Fund at 800-683-8529.

We are required to advise you within 60 days of the Fund’s fiscal year-end regarding federal tax status of certain distributions received by shareholders during each fiscal year.  The following information is provided for the Fund’s fiscal period ended March 31, 2022.

During the fiscal period ended March 31, 2022, the Fund paid $11,195,210 in income distributions and $3,309,003 in long-term capital gain distributions.

Dividend and distributions received by retirement plans such as IRAs, Keogh-type plans, and 403(b) plans need not be reported as taxable income.  However, many retirement plans may need this information for their annual information meeting.

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees, and other Fund expenses. This Example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

The Example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period from October 1, 2021 through March 31, 2022.

Actual Expenses – The first line of the table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (e.g., an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes – The second line of the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.