State arts agencies devote significant dollars to general operating support grants—funds that cultural organizations can use flexibly to serve their communities and cover essential administrative and personnel costs. But operating support grants can be hard to get. Systemic barriers can make it challenging for some organizations—especially BIPOC organizations and rural groups—to secure operating funds. This session will explore ways that state arts agencies are tackling this problem. Join us to hear from three agencies that are changing their funding policies or practices to achieve greater equity and make funding more accessible. Speakers include Pennsylvania Council on the Arts Executive Director Karl Blischke, North Carolina Arts Council Deputy Director Tamara Holmes Brothers, and Rhode Island State Council on the Arts Organizations Programs Director Todd Trebour. NASAA Chief Program and Planning Officer Kelly Barsdate moderates.