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 | Amount |
| Capital Fringe Inc., | 5 | $50,000 |
| Dance Institute of Washington Inc | 1 | $50,000 |
| Federal City Performing Arts Association, Inc. | 6 | $50,000 |
| Split This Rock, Inc. | 2 | $50,000 |
| The MusicianShip, DC | 3 | $50,000 |
| Theater Alliance of Washington DC | 8 | $50,000 |
| Washington Project for the Arts, Inc. | 1 | $50,000 |
| Young Playwrights' Theater | 1 | $50,000 |
| Total | $400,000 |
FY18 UPSTART (UPS) Grantees (click here)