https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/822632/000119312521054198/d22411d497.htm497 1 d22411d497.htm WILLIAM BLAIR FUNDS
WILLIAM BLAIR FUNDS
WILLIAM BLAIR SMALL-MID CAP VALUE FUND
Supplement to the Summary Prospectus, Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information dated May 1, 2020, as Supplemented
Upon recommendation of the Adviser, the Board of Trustees of William Blair Funds (the “Trust”) determined that it was in the best interests of the William Blair Small-Mid Cap Value Fund (the “Fund”) to redeem all the shares of the Fund on or before April 15, 2021 (the “Liquidation Date”), and then terminate the Fund. Shareholder approval of the Liquidation is not required.
Alternatives. At any time prior to the Liquidation Date, the Fund’s shareholders may redeem all or a portion of their shares or exchange their Fund shares for shares in the corresponding class of another fund of the Trust pursuant to procedures set forth in the William Blair Funds’ Prospectus. If you wish to exchange your shares into another fund of the Trust, or would like to request additional copies of the Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information for the Trust including other funds for which you may exchange your shares of the Funds, please call William Blair Funds Shareholder Services or your William Blair client representative at the following numbers:
For Class N and Class I Shares
Call: 1-800-635-2886
(In Massachusetts 1-800-635-2840)
For Class R6 Shares
Call: 1-800-742-7272
If you are invested in the Fund through a financial intermediary, please contact that financial intermediary if you have any questions.
Liquidation of Assets. The Fund will depart from its stated investment objective and policies as it liquidates holdings in preparation for the distribution of assets to investors. During this time, the Fund may hold more cash, cash equivalents or other short-term investments than normal, which may prevent the Fund from meeting its stated investment objective. Any shares of the Fund that have not been redeemed or exchanged prior to the Liquidation Date will be redeemed automatically at their net asset value per share on the Liquidation Date.
Dated: February 24, 2021
William Blair Funds
150 North Riverside Plaza
Chicago, Illinois 60606
Please retain this supplement for future reference.
