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MFCNS Funding Options

Overview of available MFCNS Funding Options for Experiential Opportunities

Below is a brief summary of the leadership funding available to Meinig Scholars. For full details on all funding options, please visit our Benefits page. 

  • Leadership Support Account: Up to $3,500 for full-time (6-8+ weeks or around 280 hours) leadership-related summer experiences or summer internships. Pro-rated funding is available for shorter opportunities.
  • CCO Empowerment Funds: Transportation costs associated with volunteering at organizations within the local/Ithaca community (limited to $200/semester), non-program-specific conferences, or values-aligned experiences.
  • Leadership Project Funding: Up to $500/semester for structured leadership initiatives not tied to an internship.

Note: Pre-approval is required for all funding.  Post-Experience write-ups are required after any funded experience.

Leadership Support Account

Eligibility

  • Must be a full-time undergraduate in good standing with the MFCNS program.
  • Freshmen are not eligible to use funds during the summer after their first year but can apply for winter and/or spring break opportunities.
  • Experiences in which academic credit is earned are not eligible for funding.

Funding Timelines and Usage

  • Internships: Summer only.
  • Leadership Experiences: Winter, spring, or summer break.
  • Covered costs include: Housing, transportation, food, utilities, visas, immunizations, and limited misc. expenses.

Application Deadlines

  • Winter Break: December 15
  • Spring Break: March 1
  • Summer: May 30

Before Applying

Students must:

  • Complete the Support Account Information Canvas course. Students are not required to complete this course before applying for project supply funding.
  • Speak with the program director if there are any questions (recommended).
    • Secure a confirmed experience (not based on a potential opportunity). Not sure where to find an opportunity? Look for experiences on the MFCNS emails, or visit your college’s Career Services office to find opportunities.
  • Prepare the following:
    • Location, dates, and supervisor contact (email required for endorsement form).
    • Full budget (housing, food, travel, etc.).
    • Health insurance verification (especially for international sites).
    • Visa and immunization information (if applicable).

Submitting the Application

After Submission

  • Students are responsible for endorsement follow-up (completed by the experience supervisor)
  • Students can track the application status in the system
  • The program director will inform the student of the application decision
  • Approval is at the program director’s discretion
  • A post-experience application is due within 2 weeks of completion of the internship/experience

CCO Empowerment Funds 

For experiences that may not fully align with the MFCNS leadership funding guidelines but still reflect the Cornell Commitment’s core values of leadership, service, or research.

  • Examples:
    • Local volunteer transportation (up to $200/semester).
    • Conferences outside your program’s scope.
    • Service or leadership events not covered by the Support Account.
    • Experiences in which academic credit can be earned are not eligible for funding.
    • Experiences in which students receive wages are not eligible for funding. 

Submitting the Application

Leadership Project Funding and Post-Project Forms

Students may apply for up to $500/semester to support a student-initiated leadership activity.

Receiving Funds

Important Notes:

  • Funding may impact financial aid or federal loan/work-study eligibility.
  • Cornell will typically report funds to the IRS.
  • For any tax related questions, consult your tax preparer/advisor.
  • For financial aid questions, contact finaid@cornell.edu

Start Your Application

FAQS

What should my leadership experience include?

The leadership experience must be an opportunity where students are actively doing something to engage in an organization or community and making a measurable difference.

What qualifies as a full-time experience?

Experiences must be at least 6-8 weeks/35-40 hours per week (totaling approximately 280 hours) to be considered for full-time funding.

Are freshmen eligible to use funding over the summer between their freshman and sophomore year?

No. However, freshmen may apply for funding for winter or spring breaks during their first year.

Can I use my support account funding for credit-bearing experiences?

The Meinig program does not typically fund credit-bearing leadership experiences. If you have specific questions related to a credit-bearing leadership experience, please reach out to Kristine DeLuca with any questions.

Can I use my support account funding for conferences?

Funding for conferences is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. To be eligible, the conference must have a direct connection to leadership, and students must submit a conference schedule when applying. Professional or career-focused conferences are not eligible for support account funding but may be eligible for CCO Empowerment funds.

Can I use my support account funding for projects?

Students can access up to $500 per semester to support special projects to start a new leadership activity. The funding cannot be used to offset expenses for an established program or organization. To apply for project funding, submit the Leadership Project Funding Form.

What if I’m traveling internationally?

An ITART petition is required for travel to destinations considered to be elevated risk destinations, which will be automatically trigger an International Travel Advisory Response Team (ITART) petition process. Applicants will be instructed to go to travelregistry.cornell.edu to enter international travel information. Students are responsible for understanding and following complex border restrictions and entry and re-entry requirements. Travel insurance is strongly encouraged.

Contact Information
Contact Kristine DeLuca at kd15@cornell.edu before making purchases or committing funds.
Funds are limited and not guaranteed. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis.