Only open to OppNet Fellows who meet the Eligibility Requirements. 

🚨 Funding Application for Summer 2027 is open🚨 

Priority Deadline: May 1, 2027 

• What do I do if I do not have a Social Security Number?

  • • Please email Career Success (careersuccess@opportunitynetwork.org) so the team can make sure your funding can still be processed.

• What if I don’t have a bank account?

  • • You can provide the bank information of a parent/guardian for the funds to be sent to them or you can choose to receive a paper check in the mail. We also encourage you to consider opening a bank account! You can learn more about how to open a bank account here.

• How soon after I submit the forms can I expect to receive my funding?

  • • Firstly, the Finance Team at OppNet is only composed of only 2 people. It will take them some time to process all of the funding requests that come from all OppNet teams. Please be patient, as they are doing their best! 

    • Secondly, it will take anywhere from 4-14 days after you submit your documents for your funding to arrive in your account (if direct deposit) or mailbox (if paper check).

• What is a W-9 and why do I need to fill one out? 

  • • W-9 forms are a way for the IRS to estimate what taxes will be owed by independent contractors or freelancers who provide labor or services to a business. Employers who work with independent contractors must provide them with a W-9 form to fill out before starting work if the anticipated compensation will be greater than $2000. You will need to fill out a W-9 form if you:

      • Are classified as an independent contractor or “freelancer.”

      • Are not a full-time employee of the business.

      • Will be paid more than $2000 for work provided to the business.

• Whose information goes on the W-9?

  • • The W-9 form should be filled out with your information, not someone else’s. For more information about W-9s, please see here.

• Will this summer opportunity grant have any implications on my taxes? What do I need to know? 

  • • If you receive more than $2000 from OppNet, you will receive a 1099-MISC form, which is a form used when an entity that is not your employer – in this case, OppNet – gives or pays you money. When it’s time to file taxes, you use the 1099-MISC form to help figure out what kind of income and how much income you received. You’ll report that income in different places on your tax return. It’s important to note that receiving a 1099-MISC tax form doesn’t automatically mean you owe taxes on that money (for example, you might have deductions that offset the income), but you still need to reference the form when you file taxes. Read more about the 1099-MISC form here.

    • My parents claim me on their taxes: If someone else claims you on their taxes (e.g., parent or guardians) then the compensation that you receive from OppNet should be used to prepare their taxes. If you received less than $2000 for the calendar year, then you will receive an email statement that shows your total compensation. This statement is produced by OppNet and is not submitted to the IRS. If you received $2000 or more, then you will receive a 1099 at the end of January. The 1099 is official IRS paperwork that is sent to both you as well as the IRS. By law, your parents are required to report the income, regardless of the amount received. Your parents should speak with their tax professional for tax advice.

    • I do my own taxes: If you received less than $2000 for the calendar year, then you will receive an email statement that shows your total compensation. This statement is produced by OppNet and is not submitted to the IRS. If you received $2000 or more, then you will receive a 1099 at the end of January. The 1099 is official IRS paperwork that is sent to both you as well as the IRS. By law, you are required to report any income received, regardless of the amount. Please talk to your tax professional for tax advice.

• What does "calendar year" mean?

  • • Typically, in organizations, you may hear of two types of years: calendar year or fiscal year. The calendar year always means January through December. The fiscal year is specific to an organization. A fiscal year spans twelve months and corresponds with an organization's financial reporting periods. Fiscal years are an important concern for accounting purposes because they are involved in federal tax filings, budgeting, and financial statements. At OppNet, our fiscal year is September through August. For tax purposes, everything is based on the calendar year and not the fiscal year.