A Reel Orb visit is curriculum-aligned educational programming. That means it qualifies for funding sources a typical assembly can't touch.
The Reel Orb does not provide or administer funding. This page points you to programs your school, PTO, or community partners can pursue. Any Title funding requires your district program coordinator's final approval. We're glad to help you make the case.
Start here · Federal
Federal funds: Title I and Title IV-A.
Two federal ESSA streams can pay for a Reel Orb visit. Title I serves schools with low-income students; Title IV-A serves every district. Most schools qualify for at least one, and both run through your district's federal programs coordinator.
Title I, Part A · Qualifying schools
Title I helps qualifying schools expand learning opportunities for their students. Schools running schoolwide programs can put it toward enrichment that benefits every student in the building.
Tied to academic need
Connected to your Title I plan
The program connects to identified academic goals: standards-aligned content with measurable learning objectives.
Supplement, not supplant
Adds to what you offer
It adds to what your school already provides rather than replacing existing programming.
Educational, not recreational
An allowable use
Educational performances and field-trip-style experiences are explicitly allowable uses, and this program is built curriculum-first.
Title IV, Part A · Every district
Title IV-A (Student Support and Academic Enrichment) gives all students access to a well-rounded education: science, geography, the arts, and programs that combine subjects. A curriculum-aligned dome experience is a textbook example.
Every district has it
A guaranteed allocation
Every district that receives Title I also receives a Title IV-A allocation, a minimum of $10,000 per district.
The 20% set-aside
Earmarked for programs like this
Districts receiving $30,000 or more must direct at least 20% specifically to well-rounded education activities.
For all students
Not limited by income
Unlike Title I, it isn't limited to low-income students; it enriches education for every student, at every school.
Many schools set aside funds for Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and Social Emotional Learning (SEL). The Reel Orb is not a behavior curriculum, but a shared, whole-school experience fits how these budgets are often spent.
A shared experience
Builds belonging
A whole-school event where every student shares the same moment of wonder, the kind of positive climate these frameworks are built around.
A schoolwide reward
Tied to your PBIS goals
Many schools use a schoolwide incentive to recognize progress toward PBIS goals, and a Reel Orb day is a memorable one.
A federal hook
Title IV-A, Safe and Healthy Students
Title IV-A's second set-aside funds school-climate and SEL activities, a possible source alongside your own PBIS or SEL line.
The Reel Orb is an enrichment experience, not an SEL intervention. Schools use climate and reward budgets for events like this one, and your coordinator can confirm what fits.
Beyond formula funds, your school, PTO, or community partner can apply for grants that a single Reel Orb visit fits inside.
$250 to $5,000
Walmart Spark Good Local Grants
Local Walmart stores, Sam's Clubs, and distribution centers award cash grants to schools, PTOs with 501(c)(3) status, and community groups. The range covers a two-hour, half-day, or full-day program, so one grant can fund an entire visit. Applications open in three cycles a year, so allow a few weeks of lead time. Program guidelines.
State directory
Michigan Department of Education Grants
The state's grants directory, refreshed every weekday, lists the federal, state, and endowment funding streams Michigan districts can access. A grant coordinator applies federal dollars like Title IV, Part A toward STEM enrichment such as a Reel Orb visit. MDE grants directory.
More ways to fund · State & local
State, local, and community.
PTO and PTA budgets
Independent enrichment budgets, often the fastest path from interest to a booked date.
District enrichment funds
General and enrichment budgets at the district level; your principal or curriculum director will know what's available.
Foundations and sponsors
Local education foundations and community business sponsorships regularly fund whole-school experiences.