UPCAP

What UPCAP does

UPCAP (Upper Peninsula Commission For Area Progress) is a regional non-profit Commission established in 1961 by the U.P. County Boards of Commissioners, headquartered in Escanaba, Michigan, and operating across all 15 counties of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It was designated in 1974 as the Region XI Area Agency on Aging under the Older Americans Act, giving it federally mandated regional authority over aging services, and it also functions as the Administrative Agent or Secretary for three quasi-governmental bodies: the U.P. Association of County Commissioners (since 1970), the U.P. 9-1-1 Authority (since 2008), and the U.P. State Fair Authority (since 2009).

UPCAP delivers a portfolio of community-service programs coordinated through a 24/7 U.P. 2-1-1 Call Center intake hub. Core offerings include caregiver support (Powerful Tools for Caregivers, Savvy Caregiver, Dementia Caregiving Series, BRI Care Consultation, Trualta), long-term care programs (UPCAP Care Management, MIChoice Waiver, Nursing Facility Transition, Long-Term Care Ombudsman), health and wellness programming (A Matter of Balance, PATH, Walk With Ease), food security (U.P. Food as Medicine and U.P. Fresh Food Access Program), disease-specific work (UPDN/UPDON diabetes coalition), housing management of 10 HUD/Rural Development apartment complexes, conflict resolution (U.P. Mediation and Resolution Services, Special Education Mediation Services), and insurance/counseling navigation (MI Options / SHIP). The technology stack is operational rather than differentiated — Squarespace CMS, Zoom, Eventbrite, Michigan 211's directory, MI Resolve (court-innovations), and Trualta — with no AI/ML components.

The revenue model is grant-and-fee-based: federal and state grants (OAA via MDHHS Bureau of Aging Community Living and Supports, IDEA via Michigan Office of Special Education, USDA via Food Bank Council of Michigan), foundation grants (Superior Health Foundation), housing rental income under HUD/RD regulations, mediation user fees (starting ~$30/session), UPACC conference sponsorships ($200–$1,000 tiers), donations via PayPal, and Administrative Agent fiscal fees. Most direct services to U.P. residents are provided at no cost. UPCAP employs 11–50 staff and operates a Board of Directors with county-commissioner representation.

Name

UPCAP

Legal name

Upper Peninsula Commission For Area Progress

Website

https://upcap.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1961

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

UPCAP is a 1961-established non-profit Commission serving all 15 counties of Michigan's Upper Peninsula as the Region XI Area Agency on Aging, delivering aging, caregiver, long-term care, housing, food-security, mediation, and 2-1-1 information-and-referral services funded primarily by federal and state grants.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Aging and Community Social Services

NAICS

Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120), Continuing Care Retirement Communities and Assisted Living Facilities for the Elderly (62331), Administration of Housing Programs (925110), Administration of Public Health Programs (923120), Continuing Care Retirement Communities and Assisted Living Facilities for the Elderly (6233)

SIC

Services-Nursing & Personal Care Facilities (8050), Services-To Dwellings & Other Buildings (7340), Non-Operating Establishments (9995)

akta.pro primary industry

Elder Services & Aging Support (BPAGAEAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Care Navigation & Service Coordination (Medical, Social, Community) (HSABAIAB), Independent Living with Supportive Services (Light ADL/IADL Support) (HLADAAAE), Licensed CNA/HHA Staffing & Credentialed Placement (HSABAMAH), Local Public Health & Human Services Administration (BPAIACAK)

Keywords

• Aging services
• Caregiver support
• Affordable housing
• Information referral
• Community mediation

Headquarters

HQ city

Escanaba

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices13 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Federal & State Government Grants: UPCAP is funded through federal grants (Older Americans Act, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act via Michigan Office of Special Education), state appropriations (Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Bureau of Aging, Community Living, and Supports — ACLS Bureau), and federal-state pass-through programs (USDA, Michigan Department of Education via Food Bank Council of Michigan).
2. Foundation Grants: Grant funding from foundations such as the Superior Health Foundation of Marquette County, which funds the U.P. Food as Medicine program. UPCAP also administers the Upper Peninsula Veterans Assistance Fund via a grant from the State of Michigan.
3. Donations: Voluntary donations accepted via a PayPal donate button on the UPCAP website.
4. Housing Rental Income: UPCAP manages affordable multi-family and senior housing apartment projects (Bluffs Edge, Grand Marais, Lakeshore Heights, Les Cheneaux, Meadowbrook, Mill Trace, North Dickinson, Riverview Heights, Westwood, Willow Grove) across the Upper Peninsula, with rent received under HUD and Rural Development regulations.
5. Mediation Service Fees: User fees for mediation services, with mediation costs running as low as $30 per session (variable by service). Special Education Mediation services (SEMS) are provided at no cost under federal IDEA funding.
6. Administrative Agent / Fiscal Sponsorship Fees: UPCAP serves as Secretary and Administrative Agent for the U.P. 9-1-1 Authority (since 2008), the U.P. State Fair Authority (since 2009), and the U.P. Association of County Commissioners (UPACC, since 1970), providing administrative services under Michigan's Urban Cooperation Act.
7. Conference Sponsorship Revenue: UPACC conferences generate sponsorship revenue from tiers including Dinner Sponsor ($1,000), Breakfast Sponsor ($750), Network/Break Sponsor ($750), Hospitality ($750), Vendor Fee ($250 + $50/additional person), and Non-Commissioner Registration Fee ($200).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

UPCAP is a non-profit Commission that delivers aging, caregiver support, long-term care, disability, food security, affordable housing, mediation, and diabetes education services to all 15 counties of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, anchored by a 24/7 U.P. 2-1-1 Call Center and the U.P. Area Agency on Aging (Region XI) designation since 1974. It also acts as Administrative Agent for three regional public authorities (UPACC since 1970, U.P. 9-1-1 Authority since 2008, U.P. State Fair Authority since 2009).

Product overview

UPCAP is structured as a portfolio of community-services programs rather than a single unified software product. Its offering is a platform-plus-modules architecture centered on the U.P. Area Agency on Aging (UPAAA) umbrella and the 2-1-1 Call Center as the front-door, with multiple distinct programs/modules attached to it: caregiver services (U.P. Caregiver Connection, Powerful Tools for Caregivers, Savvy Caregiver, Dementia Caregiving Series, BRI Care Consultation, REST), long-term care programs (UPCAP Care Management, MIChoice Waiver, Nursing Facility Transition, U.P. Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program), health & wellness (A Matter of Balance, PATH programs, Walk With Ease), food access (U.P. Food as Medicine, U.P. Fresh Food Access), disease-specific programming (UPDN/UPDON), housing (Affordable Multifamily & Senior Housing), information & referral (U.P. 2-1-1 Call Center), conflict resolution (U.P. Mediation and Resolution Services, SEMS), counseling/insurance navigation (MI Options / SHIP), and administrative-agency roles for the U.P. 9-1-1 Authority, U.P. State Fair Authority, and UPACC. These modules are coordinated under a single central office in Escanaba and reached through the dial-2-1-1 hub.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• U.P. Area Agency on Aging (UPAAA): Region XI Area Agency on Aging for Michigan's Upper Peninsula, designated in 1974, providing advocacy and services for older adults.
• U.P. 2-1-1
• U.P. Caregiver Connection
• U.P. Food as Medicine (UPFAM)
• U.P. Fresh Food Access Program
• U.P. Association of County Commissioners (UPACC)
• U.P. 9-1-1 Authority
• Upper Peninsula State Fair Authority
• Upper Peninsula Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
• Upper Peninsula Diabetes Network (UPDN/UPDON)
• U.P. Mediation and Resolution Services
• Special Education Mediation Services (SEMS)
• MI Options
• Aging & Disability Resource Collaborative (ADRC)
• Upper Peninsula Veterans Assistance Fund
• UPCAP Conflict Resolution Program
• UPCAP Care Management

Products and services

• U.P. Area Agency on Aging (UPAAA) Region XI Area Agency on Aging designated in 1974; UPCAP acts as the regional coordinating body, advocate, and focal point for aging services for older adults across all 15 Upper Peninsula counties. Funds and coordinates community-based services for seniors through an annual funding proposal process (Doing Business with UPCAP).

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• U.P. State Fair AuthorityflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2009UPCAP serves as the Administrative Agent of the U.P. State Fair Authority under Michigan's Urban Cooperative Act. The Authority includes all 15 UP counties and the Hannahville Tribe, and supports the U.P. State Fair's mission to provide a venue for agriculture and industrial pursuits. UPCAP has held this role since 2009.
• U.P. 9-1-1 AuthorityflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2008UPCAP serves as the Secretary and Administrative Agent of the U.P. 9-1-1 Authority (created under Michigan's Urban Cooperation Act). The Authority coordinates and provides 911 emergency call answering and dispatching across all 15 UP counties. UPCAP has held this role since 2008.
• U.P. Association of County Commissioners (UPACC)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1970UPCAP has been the Administrative Agent for UPACC since 1970. UPACC represents all 15 counties of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, advocating on behalf of counties on issues impacting their constituents and communities. UPCAP serves as the Secretary. UPCAP also presents at the semi-annual conferences.
• Superior Alliance for Independent Living (SAIL)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUPCAP and SAIL have joined forces in the Upper Peninsula to create a strong Aging & Disability Resource Collaborative (ADRC). SAIL staff cross-train with UPCAP staff to coordinate and streamline access to long-term care supports across the UP. UPCAP and SAIL also co-staff the Nursing Facility Transition Program.
• Food Bank Council of Michigan (FBCM)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUPCAP partnered with the Food Bank Council of Michigan to create the U.P. Fresh Food Access Program, designed to increase access to locally sourced fresh and healthy foods for economically challenged and food insecure residents. The program runs May through September 30, 2026. FBCM is the grantee of the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) and the USDA.
• Upper Peninsula Power Company (UPPCO)coreTechnology or IntegrationUPPCO partnered with the U.P. 2-1-1 Call Center and Michigan 211 to develop the Self-Service Utility Program Screening Tool — connecting UPPCO customers to the most appropriate utility assistance programs in 211's directory of community programs.
• Michigan 211coreTechnology or IntegrationMichigan 211 partnered with UPCAP's U.P. 2-1-1 Call Center and UPPCO to develop the Self-Service Utility Program Screening Tool. Michigan 211 also hosts the directory search service referenced by the U.P. 2-1-1 Call Center.
• Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging (BRI)coreTechnology or IntegrationUPCAP delivers the BRI Care Consultation evidence-based care-coaching program for caregivers, developed by the Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging. Trained Care Consultants offer telephone, email, or mail-based support to family caregivers across the Upper Peninsula.
• Arthritis FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUPCAP delivers the Arthritis Foundation Walk With Ease Program in the Upper Peninsula — a 6-week self-guided walking program. UPCAP also lists the Arthritis Foundation as a partner for the Diabetes & Arthritis link education.
• Savvy Caregiver Program (national evidence-based program)coreTechnology or IntegrationUPCAP delivers the nationally recognized Savvy Caregiver program — an evidence-based dementia family caregiver training program proven to decrease caregiver distress, burden, and depression. UPCAP runs 6-week online cohorts.
• Powerful Tools for Caregivers (national program)coreTechnology or IntegrationUPCAP delivers the nationally recognized Powerful Tools for Caregivers (PTC) 6-week educational program, brought to the Upper Peninsula through the UPAAA/UPCAP with no charge to participants for the six-week, 1.5 hours per week training or materials provided.
• Michigan Area Agencies on Aging (PATH partner network)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUPCAP is teaming with other State of Michigan Area Agencies on Aging to offer PATH (Personal Action Towards Health) health and wellness programs virtually online — using the #agingwellinMichigan branding — allowing UP residents to join workshops hosted by other agencies statewide.
• AcrisureminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAcrisure co-sponsors the UPACC 2026 Spring Conference along with UPCAP (sponsor logo appears alongside UPCAP logo).
• Northern Michigan UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUPCAP and Northern Michigan University co-host UPDON Coalition Meetings at the NMU Northern Center in Marquette, MI.
• Island Resort and Casino (Harris, MI)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUPCAP's Long Term Care Ombudsman Program and UPDON host their annual conferences at the Island Resort and Casino in Harris, MI (W 399 U.S. 2).
• Hannahville Indian Community (Hannahville Tribe)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Hannahville Tribe, together with the 15 UP counties, created the U.P. State Fair Authority under Michigan's Urban Cooperative Act. UPCAP serves as the Authority's Administrative Agent.
• Michigan Association of Counties (MAC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUPCAP presents at UPACC conferences on behalf of MAC topics including ARPA funding, broadband, opioid settlements, and statewide housing plans. UPCAP co-presents 2023 MAC presentation.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• AARP Foundation: National nonprofit affiliated with AARP that addresses hunger, income, isolation, and caregiver support for older adults. Comparable to UPCAP's caregiver and aging services portfolio as a national broad incumbent, though AARP operates at significantly greater scale.
• Senior Services of America: Multi-state operator of senior living, assisted living, and memory care communities. Comparable to UPCAP in elderly services focus but operates as a for-profit broad incumbent across multiple states, in contrast to UPCAP's regional non-profit model.
• Meals on Wheels America: National organization supporting senior nutrition through congregate and home-delivered meals. Comparable to UPCAP's congregate/home-delivered meals programming but at national scale as a broad incumbent.
• Alzheimer's Association: National voluntary health organization supporting dementia caregivers and patients. Comparable to UPCAP's Dementia Caregiving Series, Savvy Caregiver, and U.P. Caregiver Connection as a national broad incumbent in dementia caregiver support.

Direct peers

• Detroit Area Agency on Aging (DAAA): Region 1A Area Agency on Aging serving Detroit and surrounding counties. Direct peer to UPCAP in that both operate as Michigan-designated Area Agencies on Aging with Older Americans Act funding, caregiver support, and long-term care programming.
• Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan: Michigan-designated Area Agency on Aging serving a multi-county western Michigan region. Direct peer to UPCAP — comparable AAA structure, funding streams (OAA, MIChoice Waiver), and program portfolio including caregiver support and care management.
• Valley Area Agency on Aging: Region IV Area Agency on Aging serving Genesee, Lapeer, and Shiawassee counties in Michigan. Direct peer with matching AAA mandate, in-home services, caregiver programs, and Medicare/Medicaid counseling under the same Michigan DHHS framework as UPCAP.
• Region 2 Area Agency on Aging (Northwest Michigan): Northwest Michigan regional AAA serving 10 counties. Direct peer to UPCAP given parallel rural-serving AAA mandate, caregiver programming, and MIChoice Waiver administration under Michigan DHHS.

Regional players

• Michigan 211: Statewide 2-1-1 information and referral network serving all of Michigan. Comparable to UPCAP's U.P. 2-1-1 Call Center — UPCAP operates as Michigan 211's U.P. regional hub, making it both a partner and a regional counterpart.

Others

• N4A (National Association of Area Agencies on Aging): National trade association representing the U.S. network of Area Agencies on Aging. Comparable as the national-level counterpart to UPCAP's role within Michigan's AAA network, though it operates as an industry body rather than a service provider.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/upcapservices
• Xx.com/UPCAPServices

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Subsidiaries16 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about UPCAP