Allspring Global Dividend Fund Seeks Shareholder Approval for New Trustee

TL;DR

**EOD's board is shuffling, but it's a routine election; expect stability, not fireworks, as they re-elect two and add one new trustee.**

AI Summary

The Allspring Global Dividend Opportunity Fund (EOD) filed a DEF 14A on December 31, 2025, to announce its Annual Meeting of Shareholders on February 2, 2026, where shareholders will vote to elect three Class I Trustees. The Board of Trustees, which consists of nine Independent Trustees, unanimously recommends voting for the re-election of Mr. Isaiah Harris, Jr. and Ms. Olivia Mitchell, and the election of Ms. Cindy Miller, who was appointed to the Board effective January 1, 2026. As of November 28, 2025, the Fund had 43,065,913 Shares outstanding, with Advisors Asset Management, LLC owning 2,270,411 Shares, representing 5.272% beneficial ownership. The Fund will bear the proxy solicitation costs, estimated at approximately $4,071, paid to Computershare Fund Services. Trustees' equity ownership in the Fund is generally low, with Mr. Harris and Ms. Mitchell holding $1-$10,000, while Ms. Miller holds $0 as of October 31, 2025. The staggered terms for Trustees, with Class I serving until 2029, are designed to promote stability and limit control acquisition. Mr. Harris is expected to retire by December 31, 2027, and Ms. Mitchell by December 31, 2028.

Why It Matters

This DEF 14A filing is crucial for investors as it outlines the upcoming election of three Class I Trustees, including a new appointment, Cindy Miller, to the Allspring Global Dividend Opportunity Fund's Board. The Board's composition directly influences governance, strategic oversight, and ultimately, fund performance, impacting investor returns. The staggered terms for Trustees, while promoting stability, could also make it harder for activist investors to quickly gain control, potentially affecting competitive dynamics within the closed-end fund space. For employees and customers, a stable and experienced board ensures consistent management and adherence to the fund's dividend opportunity strategy.

Risk Assessment

Risk Level: low — The risk level is low because the filing primarily concerns routine trustee elections and appointments, with the Board unanimously recommending the nominees. There are no indications of contentious proposals, significant changes in fund strategy, or material financial risks disclosed in this proxy statement. The staggered board terms also contribute to governance stability.

Analyst Insight

Investors should review the qualifications of the nominated Trustees, particularly Ms. Cindy Miller, to ensure alignment with their investment objectives and governance expectations. While the Board recommends approval, shareholders should exercise their voting rights by February 2, 2026, to support strong, independent oversight of the Fund.

Key Numbers

• 43,065,913 — Shares outstanding (As of November 28, 2025, entitled to vote)
• 2,270,411 — Shares owned by Advisors Asset Management, LLC (Represents 5.272% of outstanding shares as of November 28, 2025)
• 5.272% — Percentage owned by Advisors Asset Management, LLC (Beneficial ownership as of November 28, 2025)
• $4,071 — Proxy solicitation fee (Estimated cost to be borne by the Fund for Computershare Fund Services)
• 3 — Number of Trustees to be elected (Three Class I Trustees for the term indicated)
• 9 — Total number of Independent Trustees (Board composition effective January 1, 2026)
• February 2, 2026 — Date of Annual Meeting of Shareholders (Meeting to be held at 1:00 p.m. Eastern time)
• November 28, 2025 — Record date for voting (Shareholders of record on this date are entitled to vote)
• 33 1/3% — Quorum requirement (Percentage of shares required for transaction of business at the Meeting)
• $1-$10,000 — Dollar range of equity securities in the Fund (Owned by Isaiah Harris, Jr. and Olivia S. Mitchell as of October 31, 2025)

Key Players & Entities

• ALLSPRING GLOBAL DIVIDEND OPPORTUNITY FUND (company) — Registrant for DEF 14A filing
• Advisors Asset Management, LLC (company) — Beneficial owner of 5.272% of outstanding shares
• Isaiah Harris, Jr. (person) — Nominee Trustee for Class I, serving since 2009
• Olivia Mitchell (person) — Nominee Trustee for Class I, serving since 2006
• Cindy Miller (person) — New Nominee Trustee for Class I, effective January 1, 2026
• Computershare Fund Services (company) — Proxy solicitor for the Fund
• R. Matthew Prasse (person) — Secretary of the Board of Trustees
• SEC (regulator) — Securities and Exchange Commission
• Allspring Funds Management, LLC (company) — Fund's investment adviser
• Allspring Global Investments, LLC (company) — Fund's sub-adviser

Forward-Looking Statements

• The nominated Class I Trustees will be elected at the Annual Meeting. (Allspring Global Dividend Opportunity Fund) — high confidence, target: June 18, 2024

FAQ

Risk Factors

• 1940 Act Compliance [medium — regulatory]: The Fund operates under the Investment Company Act of 1940, which imposes specific regulations on investment companies. Compliance with these regulations, including those related to governance and shareholder voting, is crucial. Failure to adhere to these rules could result in regulatory scrutiny or penalties.
• Proxy Solicitation Process [low — operational]: The Fund relies on Computershare Fund Services for proxy solicitation, with an estimated cost of $4,071. Any disruptions or inefficiencies in this process could impact the timely and effective communication with shareholders and the outcome of shareholder votes.
• Low Trustee Equity Ownership [low — financial]: As of October 31, 2025, the equity ownership of Trustees Mr. Harris and Ms. Mitchell in the Fund was in the $1-$10,000 range, and Ms. Miller held $0. This low level of personal investment may raise questions about alignment of interests with shareholders, although their fiduciary duties remain paramount.
• Staggered Trustee Terms [medium — operational]: The Fund employs a staggered board structure for its Trustees, with Class I Trustees serving until 2029. This structure is designed to promote stability and limit hostile takeovers, but it also means that shareholders have limited ability to effect immediate changes in board composition.

Industry Context

The Allspring Global Dividend Opportunity Fund operates within the competitive landscape of actively managed equity funds, specifically those focused on dividend-paying stocks. This segment of the asset management industry is characterized by a strong emphasis on income generation and capital appreciation, attracting investors seeking regular payouts. Trends include a growing demand for yield in a low-interest-rate environment and increasing scrutiny on fund fees and performance.

Regulatory Implications

As a registered investment company, the Fund is subject to the Investment Company Act of 1940 and other SEC regulations. Key implications include strict rules on governance, shareholder communications, and fiduciary duties of Trustees. The upcoming election of Trustees is a core governance activity mandated by these regulations.

What Investors Should Do

1. Review the proxy statement carefully to understand the qualifications of the nominees for Trustee.
2. Vote your shares by the deadline, either by mail, telephone, or internet, to ensure your voice is heard.
3. Consider the Board's unanimous recommendation to vote FOR the election of Mr. Isaiah Harris, Jr., Ms. Olivia Mitchell, and Ms. Cindy Miller.
4. Note that abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted as votes against the proposals, so actively voting is important.

Key Dates

• 2025-11-28: Record Date for Voting — Shareholders of record on this date are entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.
• 2025-12-31: Filing of DEF 14A — The definitive proxy statement was filed, providing shareholders with information for the upcoming annual meeting.
• 2026-01-01: Ms. Cindy Miller Appointed Trustee — Ms. Miller's appointment to the Board, effective this date, precedes her potential election at the Annual Meeting.
• 2026-02-02: Annual Meeting of Shareholders — Shareholders will vote on the election of three Class I Trustees and other business.
• 2027-12-31: Expected Retirement of Mr. Isaiah Harris, Jr. — Indicates a planned transition in Board membership.
• 2028-12-31: Expected Retirement of Ms. Olivia Mitchell — Indicates a planned transition in Board membership.

Glossary

DEF 14A

A Definitive Proxy Statement filed with the SEC by a company to solicit shareholder votes for an upcoming meeting. (This document contains the official notice of the Annual Meeting and details on the proposals to be voted upon, including the election of Trustees.)

Independent Trustee

A member of the Board of Trustees who is not an 'interested person' as defined by the Investment Company Act of 1940. (The Fund's Board consists of nine Independent Trustees, ensuring a majority of directors are free from conflicts of interest.)

Quorum

The minimum number of shareholders or shares required to be present at a meeting for business to be legally transacted. (A quorum of 33 1/3% of the Fund's shares is required for the Annual Meeting to conduct business.)

Broker Non-Vote

Shares held by a broker or nominee for which voting instructions have not been received from the beneficial owner and the broker does not have discretionary voting power. (Broker non-votes count towards quorum but are treated as a vote against the proposal, impacting the outcome of shareholder votes.)

Plurality Vote

A voting system where the candidate who receives the most votes is elected, even if they do not receive a majority of the votes cast. (This is the voting standard required for the election of Trustees at the Annual Meeting.)

Investment Company Act of 1940

A U.S. federal law that regulates the organization and operation of companies, including mutual funds, that engage in investing, reinvesting, and trading in securities. (This Act defines terms like 'interested person' and 'Independent Trustee' and sets governance standards for the Fund.)

Year-Over-Year Comparison

This filing is an annual proxy statement for the election of Trustees and does not contain financial performance metrics for comparison against a prior year's filing. The key information relates to the upcoming shareholder meeting, trustee nominations, and shareholder voting procedures, rather than a review of the Fund's financial results.

Key Financial Figures

• $4,071 — Shareholders for a fee of approximately $4,071. This fee will be borne by the Fund.
• $1 — Nominee Trustees Isaiah Harris, Jr. $1-$10,000 Over $100,000 Cindy Miller
• $10,000 — inee Trustees Isaiah Harris, Jr. $1-$10,000 Over $100,000 Cindy Miller 1 $0
• $100,000 — Isaiah Harris, Jr. $1-$10,000 Over $100,000 Cindy Miller 1 $0 $0 Olivia S.
• $0 — ,000 Over $100,000 Cindy Miller 1 $0 $0 Olivia S. Mitchell $1-$10,000
• $10,001 — endent Trustees William R. Ebsworth $10,001-$50,000 Over $100,000 Jane A. Freem
• $50,000 — rustees William R. Ebsworth $10,001-$50,000 Over $100,000 Jane A. Freeman $1-
• $100,000 B — James G. Polisson $1-$10,000 Over $100,000 Brian S. Shlissel 1 $0 $0 Pamela Wh

Filing Documents

• eodproxy.htm (DEF 14A) — 408KB
• image1.jpg (GRAPHIC) — 62KB
• image2.gif (GRAPHIC) — 1KB
• image3.gif (GRAPHIC) — 1KB
• 0001386067-25-000008.txt ( ) — 499KB

From the Filing

DEF 14A 1 eodproxy.htm DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENTS SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(A) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 Filed by the Registrant [X] Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ] Check the Appropriate Box:       [ ] Preliminary Proxy Statement [ ] Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) [X] Definitive Proxy Statement [ ] Definitive Additional Materials [ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12 ALLSPRING GLOBAL DIVIDEND OPPORTUNITY FUND (Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter) Payment of filing fee (check the appropriate box):       [ X ] [ ] No fee required. Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.   (a) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:   (b) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:   (c) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):   (d) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:   (e) Total fee paid: [ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary material [ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.   (a) Amount Previously Paid: ______________   (b) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: ____   (c) Filing Party: ______________________   (d) Date Filed: _______________________     ALLSPRING GLOBAL DIVIDEND OPPORTUNITY FUND 1415 Vantage Park Drive, 3rd Floor, Charlotte, North Carolina 28203 NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON FEBRUARY 2, 2026 Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “Meeting”) of the Allspring Global Dividend Opportunity Fund (the “Fund”) will be held at 101 Seaport Boulevard, 11th Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02210 on February 2, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Eastern time, for the following purposes:   1. To elect three Trustees to the Board of Trustees of the Fund to serve for the term indicated herein and until their successors shall have been duly elected and qualified; and   2. To transact such other business as may properly come before the Meeting or any adjournments thereof.   Shareholders of record at the close of business on November 28, 2025, will be entitled to vote at the Meeting to the extent described in the accompanying proxy statement. If you cannot attend the Meeting in person, you also have the option to attend the Meeting telephonically. It is hoped that you will attend the Meeting in person or telephonically, but if you cannot do so, please complete and sign the enclosed proxy card and return it in the accompanying envelope as promptly as possible or vote by telephone or Internet. Any shareholder attending the Meeting can vote at that time even though a proxy may have already been designated by the shareholder. Instructions for the proper execution of the proxy card, as well as instructions on how to vote by telephone and Internet, are set forth at the end of the proxy statement. If you wish to attend the Meeting in person or telephonically, please call the Fund’s proxy solicitor, Computershare Fund Services, at 866-989-5570 for further instructions. THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE FUND UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR THE ELECTION OF EACH NOMINEE AS A TRUSTEE. By Order of the Board of Trustees, R. Matthew Prasse Secretary December 31, 2025       ALLSPRING GLOBAL DIVIDEND OPPORTUNITY FUND PROXY STATEMENT This proxy statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies by and on behalf of the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of the Allspring Global Dividend Opportunity Fund (the “Fund”) for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “Meeting”) to be held at 101 Seaport Boulevard, 11th Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02210 on February 2, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Eastern time. If you cannot attend the Meeting in person, you also have the option to attend the Meeting telephonically. If you wish to participate in the Meeting, you may submit the proxy card included with this proxy statement by mail, vote by telephone or Internet, or attend the Meeting in person or telephonically. (See “Instructions for Executing Proxy Card” at the end of this proxy statement for voting instructions.) If you wish to attend the Meeting in person or telephonically, please call the Fund’s proxy solicitor, Computershare Fund Services, at 866-989-5570

View Full Filing

View this DEF 14A filing on SEC EDGAR