# SFO Funding Awards ## SFO Funding Awards Resources ![People walking across a wooden bridge over a small cascading stream surrounded by lush green forest.](/sites/g/files/omnuum12266/files/styles/hwp_21_9__1920x825/public/2025-11/SFO_WEBSITE_HERO_042D881F-00D9-4576-9624-C40C475A0452_Alex%20Gong.jpeg?itok=hmW1b_bf) ## expand\_more ## Accepting Your SFO Award ### Notification Funded students will receive a notification via email. Follow the instructions in the email to accept or decline your award. ### Award terms and conditions - **One award per summer.** You may only accept funding for one summer experience per the [Harvard College Summer Funding Policy](https://oue.fas.harvard.edu/experiential-learning/summer-funding/). - **Not transferable.** You cannot move your SFO award from one experience to another experience. - **Changes need approval.** If any part of your experience changes (organization, type, format, location, duration, etc.), you must notify SFO and obtain approval to keep your funding. Otherwise, your award may be rescinded. - **Binding commitment.** Once you accept an award from any Harvard office, it is final. You will automatically be removed from consideration for other Harvard-funded opportunities, even if you have already applied. ## Receiving Your SFO Award If you accept a funding offer from SFO, you will need to set up a payment method, either Direct Deposit or Buy2Pay. Open all sections Close all sections ### Direct Deposit Instructions expand\_more If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and have a U.S. checking or savings account, you are eligible to receive refunds by direct deposit. A bank routing number and account number are needed to enroll. Enroll by following [Student Financial Service’s direct deposit enrollment instructions](https://sfs.harvard.edu/how-to#directdeposit). #### Need help finding your routing or account numbers? **Online or Mobile Banking** 1. Log into your bank’s online banking website or mobile app. 2. Look for sections like “Account Details,” “Account Information,” or “Settings” within the app. 3. Your routing and account numbers will often be displayed here. **Paper Check** 1. Find a personal check for the account you need numbers for. 2. Look at the sequence of numbers on the bottom of the check. 3. Routing number is the first nine-digit number on the left. 4. Account number is the set of numbers following the routing number. You should contact your bank if you need assistance. ### Buy-To-Pay (B2P) Instructions expand\_more If you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, SFO will reach out to you directly to set up B2P as your payment method. ## Fulfilling Pre-departure Requirements If you accept SFO funding for an in-person or hybrid internship outside the U.S., you **must complete all** [**pre-departure requirements**](https://www.globalsupport.harvard.edu/travel/pre-departure-support/policies-requirements/student-requirements) **before funds can be disbursed.** SFO will provide a separate upload link for submitting requirements; do not upload forms to the Pre-Departure Portal. [### Read the Harvard College International Travel Policy ](https://www.globalsupport.harvard.edu/travel/pre-departure-support/policies-requirements/harvard-college-travel-policy)Required [### Check your destination's travel risk rating ](https://www.globalsupport.harvard.edu/travel/risk-ratings)Required Check your destination’s [travel risk rating](https://www.globalsupport.harvard.edu/travel/risk-ratings). - Travel is not allowed to [“high” risk countries](https://www.globalsupport.harvard.edu/travel/risk-ratings) or regions. - If traveling to an “elevated” risk country/region: - Complete the [online travel safety questionnaire](https://www.globalsupport.harvard.edu/travel/pre-departure-support/forms-checklists/travel-safety-questionnaire). - Attend an [elevated-risk orientation this spring](https://www.globalsupport.harvard.edu/news-events/pre-departure-orientations-elevated-risk-locations). [### Sign and submit the travel waiver and release form ](https://www.globalsupport.harvard.edu/travel/pre-departure-support/forms-checklists#travel-waiver)Required Sign and submit the [travel waiver and release form](https://www.globalsupport.harvard.edu/travel/pre-departure-support/forms-checklists#travel-waiver). - Use “College Students – Research or Study” if traveling to a **low** or **moderate risk** destination. - Use “College Students – Research or Study in Elevated Risk Destinations” if traveling to an **elevated risk** destination. - All fields must be filled out (SFO will provide upload link). [### Submit Health Clearance ](https://www.globalsupport.harvard.edu/travel/pre-departure-support/forms-checklists#health-clearance-packet)Required - Upload the [Harvard College Health Clearance packet](https://www.globalsupport.harvard.edu/travel/pre-departure-support/forms-checklists#health-clearance-packet) to the HUHS patient portal no more than 90 days prior to your departure and no later than Thursday, May 7, 2026. - Once cleared by HUHS, submit a screenshot of the clearance message to SFO (upload link will be provided). [### Watch the GSS Online Pre-departure Orientation ](https://trainingportal.harvard.edu/Saba/Web_spf/NA1PRD0068/app/me/learningeventdetail/cours000000000028683;spf-url=common%2Fledetail%2Fcours000000000028683)Required Watch the [GSS Online Pre-departure Orientation](https://trainingportal.harvard.edu/Saba/Web_spf/NA1PRD0068/app/me/learningeventdetail/cours000000000028683;spf-url=common%2Fledetail%2Fcours000000000028683). - Save the certificate of completion. - Upload the certificate of completion (SFO will provide upload link). ## Submitting Your Reflection Report If you accept an SFO award, you must: - Submit a reflection report about your summer experience. - Complete the SFO funding survey. - Provide a photo that may be shared with donors or used in SFO communications or marketing. ### Deadline All materials are due before fall classes begin. ### Important - If you do not submit your reflection report and funding survey on time, your full award will be rescinded and you will be required to repay SFO. - Contact SFO if you have questions or concerns about writing your report or sharing a photo. ## Questions? Contact the Summer Funding Opportunities Office (SFO) team at . [ Send an email arrow\_circle\_right ](mailto:summerfunding@fas.harvard.edu)