Exhibit (17)(a)

CDC NVEST BALANCED FUND                          PROXY SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF
                                                                        TRUSTEES
                                                    PROXY FOR SPECIAL MEETING OF
                                                   SHAREHOLDERS ON JUNE 17, 2003

The undersigned hereby appoints John E. Pelletier, Nicholas H. Palmerino and
Coleen Downs Dinneen and each of them separately, proxies with full power of
substitution to each, and hereby authorizes them to represent and to vote, as
designated on the reverse side, at the Special Meeting of Shareholders of CDC
Nvest Balanced Fund (the "Fund"), on June 17, 2003 at 2 pm. Eastern time, and
any adjournments thereof, all of the shares of the Fund that the undersigned
would be entitled to vote if personally present.

                                 -----------------------------------------------
                                 Date

                                 NOTE: Please sign exactly as your name appears
                                 on this proxy card. All joint owners should
                                 sign. When signing as executor, administrator,
                                 attorney, trustee or guardian or as custodian
                                 for a minor, please give full title as such. If
                                 a corporation, please sign in full corporate
                                 name and indicate the signer's office. If a
                                 partner, sign in the partnership name.

                                 -----------------------------------------------
                                 Signature(s) (if held jointly)

            Please fold and detach card at perforation before mailing



THIS PROXY WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED HEREIN BY
THE UNDERSIGNED SHAREHOLDER. IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED
FOR THE PROPOSAL.

In their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business
as may properly come before the Meeting and any adjournments thereof. The
Trustees recommend a vote FOR the proposal.

              Please vote by filling in the appropriate box below.

Approval of the acquisition of the CDC Nvest Balanced Fund by the CDC Nvest
Growth and Income Fund (see pages [ ] in the Prospectus/Proxy Statement).

                            FOR      AGAINST    ABSTAIN
                            [_]        [_]         [_]