The UPSTART Program is the signature capacity building program of the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities. UPSTART assists established DC-based arts and humanities nonprofit organizations with significant programmatic functions that face operational and infrastructure challenges and financial limitations that prevent organizational and programmatic sustainability.
| Name | Ward | Award Amount |
| 826DC | 1 | $50,000 |
| Congressional Chorus | 2 | $50,000 |
| Critical Exposure | 1 | $50,000 |
| DC Youth Orchestra Program | 6 | $50,000 |
| Environmental Film Festival in the Nation's Capital | 2 | $50,000 |
| Heurich House Foundation | 2 | $50,000 |
| Life Pieces To Masterpieces | 7 | $50,000 |
| Spooky Action Theater Company | 2 | $50,000 |
| Washington Bach Consort | 2 | $50,000 |
| Total | $450,000 |