Cool Places are indoor, air-conditioned spaces that community members can access to seek respite when a severe or extreme heat health warning has been issued. They are comfortable and inclusive spaces that provide comfortable rest areas, free water, and access to toilets, and may be programmed with activities (for example: movies, board games, arts and craft, reading materials).
During the period of 1 December through to 31 March, Cool Places are operational during a severe or extreme heat health warnings.
Community Cool Places Grants of up to $7,000 (ex. GST) are available, and could be used for:
- Providing a community room with cooling equipment and refreshments.
- Programming cool places with activities.
- Extension of opening hours through additional staffing and operational costs.
- Engagement with community members around heat safety and resilience.
Case studies
See what some of our Cool Places have done in previous summers.
Dates
Applications are now closed.
Applications for projects opened on Monday 18 August 2025 and closed at 5pm on Friday 12 September 2025.
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible to apply for the Community Cool Places Grant applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Applicants must be a not-for-profit constituted body or a school, an individual or community member supported by the community or a Body Corporate/Owners Corporation. Applications may be auspiced – meaning an organisation agrees to take legal and financial responsibility for administering the grant on your behalf if you're not eligible or unable to apply for funding.
- Applicants must be located within or be delivering a project within the City of Melbourne municipality. You can view or download the City of Melbourne boundary map.
- Applications must have a focus on providing outcomes for City of Melbourne’s local communities.
- Funded activities must create opportunities for community members to experience greater connection to their community through opportunities that improve access and participation.
Guidelines
For full details about the grant program, including the assessment criteria and other necessary information, download the guidelines.
How to apply
Applications are closed for 2025-26. For more information, view the application form External link.
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