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Authority lets Players Club of Swarthmore repurpose $10,000 grant after elevator project proved costlier
Summary
The board approved an amended motion allowing Players Club of Swarthmore to use its previously awarded $10,000 for one of three alternatives or for general operating support after the planned elevator retrofit proved more expensive than expected.
The Delaware County Interactive Gaming Revenue Authority voted Sept. 18 to allow Players Club of Swarthmore (PCS) to change the use of a $10,000 grant that had been awarded for a limited-use elevator. The board approved an amended motion giving PCS flexibility to apply the award to one of three alternatives presented by the theatre or to general operating support for the organization.
Why it matters: the original award — granted Oct. 23, 2024 — was intended for purchase and installation of a limited-use elevator to provide access to a secondary stage. PCS returned to the authority after planning work revealed construction costs far exceeded the $10,000 award. Allowing the organization to reallocate the funds preserves the authority’s policy goal of supporting access and public programming while acknowledging the limits of a small capital award for a retrofit.
What the board decided: members considered whether approving a change of purpose would set an undesirable precedent. A friendly amendment to the original motion — offered on the floor and accepted — explicitly authorized PCS to use the previously awarded funds for any of the three alternatives PCS supplied in its written materials or for general operating support that furthers access to performances. The amended motion carried by voice vote.
Discussion highlights: authority members noted the high cost of elevator retrofits and the difficulty a $10,000 award would have in completing such a project; others cautioned against opening a broad pathway for applicants to convert project funds to unrestricted support in future cycles. Members also acknowledged that much of the authority’s regular grant portfolio is general operating support for nonprofits and that exceptions exist for capital or equipment awards.
Implementation: staff were directed to update the PCS grant file to reflect the approved flexibility and to include standard post-award reporting requirements. County Council approval remains a required step before funds are disbursed.
Ending: The amendment preserves the authority’s support for local arts organizations while allowing PCS to apply funds in a way that will be usable and consistent with the organization’s accessibility goals.
