Submit Applications for Community Cool Places Grants (Australia)

The Community Cool Places Grants, offered by the City of Melbourne, support community organisations in creating safe, accessible, air-conditioned spaces where people can seek relief during extreme heat events. Eligible applicants can receive up to $7,000 excluding GST to operate cool places that provide hydration, heat safety information, community connection, and support for vulnerable residents during periods of high temperatures.

About Community Cool Places Grants

The Community Cool Places Grants programme helps local organisations establish and operate indoor cooling spaces that protect communities from extreme heat risks.

The initiative responds to increasing heat-related challenges by providing residents with accessible locations where they can:

Escape dangerous temperatures.
Stay hydrated.
Access heat safety information.
Connect with community members.
Receive support during extreme heat events.

The programme is designed to strengthen community resilience, reduce heat exposure, and improve inclusion during periods of severe weather.

Purpose of the Grant Programme

The main purpose of the Community Cool Places Grants is to support safe and welcoming community spaces during extreme heat.

The programme aims to:

Reduce health risks caused by extreme heat.
Support vulnerable community members.
Improve community participation and connection.
Promote equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Help communities prepare for and respond to heat events.

Funded spaces should create comfortable environments where residents can safely spend time during heat warnings.

What Are Community Cool Places?

A Community Cool Place is an indoor, air-conditioned community space that provides temporary relief during extreme heat conditions.

These spaces should provide:

Comfortable seating and rest areas.
Cooling facilities.
Free drinking water.
Toilet access.
Heat safety information.
Community support services.

Cool Places may also offer activities that encourage social connection, including:

Movies.
Board games.
Arts and crafts.
Reading activities.
Community discussions.
Outreach services.
Engagement programmes.

When Should Cool Places Operate?

Funded Community Cool Places are expected to operate:

Between 1 December and 31 March.
During severe or extreme heat health warnings.
When maximum temperatures are forecast to reach 37°C or higher.

Funding Information

The Community Cool Places Grants provide:

Maximum grant amount: $7,000 excluding GST

Funding can support activities such as:

Operating community cooling spaces.
Providing refreshments and water.
Purchasing cooling-related supplies.
Extending opening hours.
Supporting additional staffing costs.
Running community activities.
Delivering heat safety education.
Conducting outreach activities for vulnerable residents.

Some infrastructure upgrades may also be considered after discussion with City of Melbourne officers.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

Not-for-profit constituted organisations.
Schools.
Body Corporates.
Owners Corporations.
Organisations applying through an approved auspice arrangement.

Applicants must:

Be located within the City of Melbourne municipality or deliver the project within the municipality.
Provide benefits to local communities.
Create accessible opportunities for community participation.
Support inclusion and connection during heat events.

Eligible Project Activities

Funding may support projects that:

Provide air-conditioned community rooms.
Offer safe places for residents during heat events.
Provide drinking water and refreshments.
Organise social and recreational activities.
Support vulnerable community members.
Promote heat preparedness and resilience.
Improve community awareness about heat safety.

Who Cannot Apply or What Is Not Funded?

The programme does not support:

Core organisational operational costs.
Religious activities.
Political party activities.
Alcohol-related activities.
Gambling-related activities.
Commercial activities.
Interstate or international travel.
Upgrades to council-owned assets.
Incomplete applications.
Late submissions.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

Step 1: Develop a Community Cool Place Plan

Organisations should identify:

The community need.
Target groups who will benefit.
Heat risks faced by residents.
Proposed activities and services.

Step 2: Prepare a Project Budget

The budget should explain:

How grant funds will be used.
Staffing requirements.
Activity costs.
Supplies and operational expenses.

Step 3: Submit the Application

Applicants must provide:

Organisation details.
Project description.
Community benefit information.
Accessibility plans.
Budget details.

Step 4: Assessment and Approval

Applications are reviewed based on:

Alignment with programme objectives.
Community need.
Ability to operate a Cool Place.
Support for vulnerable groups.
Inclusion and accessibility.
Budget suitability.

Assessment Criteria

Applications are assessed on:

How effectively the project creates a Community Cool Place.
The level of community need.
Support provided to vulnerable populations.
Accessibility and inclusion.
Community participation opportunities.
Appropriate use of funding.

Requirements for Successful Applicants

Successful organisations must:

Sign a funding agreement with the City of Melbourne.
Use funds only for approved activities.
Maintain records of expenditure.
Provide receipts for eligible costs.
Complete reporting and acquittal requirements.
Acknowledge City of Melbourne support.
Deliver the project within the agreed timeframe.

Why This Opportunity Matters

Extreme heat can create serious health risks, particularly for:

Older adults.
People with disabilities.
People experiencing social isolation.
Low-income communities.
Residents without access to cooling environments.

Community Cool Places help create safer and more connected neighbourhoods by providing accessible spaces where people can receive support during heat emergencies.

The programme also strengthens local climate resilience by encouraging communities to prepare for increasing heat impacts.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants should:

Clearly explain the local heat-related need.
Describe how vulnerable residents will benefit.
Include accessible and inclusive activities.
Provide a realistic budget.
Explain community engagement methods.
Demonstrate how the space will remain welcoming and safe.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Applying for activities unrelated to heat relief.
Providing unclear project budgets.
Forgetting accessibility requirements.
Requesting funding for ineligible expenses.
Submitting incomplete applications.
Missing submission deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Community Cool Places Grant?

It is a City of Melbourne funding programme that supports community organisations to operate safe, air-conditioned spaces during extreme heat events.

How much funding can applicants receive?

Eligible applicants can receive up to $7,000 excluding GST.

Who can apply for the grant?

Not-for-profit organisations, schools, Body Corporates, Owners Corporations, and eligible organisations through auspice arrangements can apply.

When should funded Cool Places operate?

Cool Places should operate between 1 December and 31 March during extreme heat warnings or when temperatures are forecast to reach 37°C or higher.

What services should Cool Places provide?

They should provide cooling, rest areas, free water, toilets, heat safety information, and community activities.

Can funding support infrastructure improvements?

Some infrastructure upgrades may be considered after discussion with City of Melbourne representatives.

What happens after receiving funding?

Successful applicants must sign an agreement, use funds correctly, maintain records, submit reports, and provide evidence of eligible spending.

Conclusion

The Community Cool Places Grants by the City of Melbourne provide essential support for creating safe community spaces during extreme heat events. By helping organisations offer cooling facilities, social connection, and heat safety support, the programme strengthens community resilience and ensures vulnerable residents have access to protection during periods of extreme temperatures.