Accessing the Opportunities Fund

Review the Opportunities Fund Guidelines to confirm your activity is eligible for funding. Applications for the Opportunities Fund will be accepted only during two access periods, fall and spring. You must request reimbursements during the first access period following the activity.

Speak with your Macaulay Advisor about your academic goals before you submit an application or commit to any one program and/or activity.

Please select the appropriate checklist below for your requested activity. Upload the completed and signed checklist with your supporting documents on your application.

• Study Abroad/Study Away
• Internship/Research/Fieldwork

Pass the Opportunities Fund Quiz

It’s not difficult!

Fill out the Opportunities Fund Application. Be sure to complete all relevant tasks as indicated on the checklist. Your Macaulay Advisor may set earlier deadlines for you to submit draft statement of justifications in order to advise you more effectively. Click here for sample statements of justification.

The application will guide you through the process of uploading the statement of justification and relevant documentation.

Click submit to have your application reviewed by your Macaulay Advisor during an official access period.

Be on the lookout for emails from your advisor throughout the application review process.

Direct deposit is a fast, convenient and secure way of receiving your financial aid, scholarships and Opportunities Fund award. Without direct deposit, a check lost in the mail will take 6-8 weeks to reissue. Click here for more info on how to sign up.  If you prefer to receive a check, make sure your mailing address is up to date on CUNYfirst.

Payments are made as funds become available. If approved, we cannot guarantee payments will be made in time for payment deadlines or before the activity takes place.  Please consider these out-of-pocket costs before making program deposits and/or purchasing items.

Keep in mind that your financial aid budget determines how much federal, state, city, and scholarship money you can receive in any given year based on your cost of attendance. If the approved Opportunities Fund exceeds this federally regulated budget, your award may be reduced or canceled.

After receiving funding, you may be required to provide us with additional documents. Access the receipts submission form via the Opportunities Fund Application and click  “Submit Receipts.”