London Communities Emergences Partnership (LCEP), with the support of London Resilience (LRU), is inviting charities, community groups, faith organisations and existing Cool Space managers across London to take part in a new Cool Spaces for London Communities Project.
This initiative is designed to equip leaders of community spaces with the tools, knowledge and networks they need to lead Cool Spaces and fill key gaps for extreme heat preparedness and response. Project participants will receive funds for identifying local strategic partnerships and cross-sector collaboration, training or necessary activities, and enhancements for heat and all-season resilience hub usage.
This programme is designed provide tailored support so you can confidently manage a Cool Space hub that is relevant, inclusive, sustainable, and rooted in community ownership.
£2,700 will go to 10x charities, community groups, faith organisations and existing hubs in London to provide an accessible space that can support local people during extreme heat events.
The project is designed to guide you on the most appropriate partnerships, activities and improvements, for your hub.
As part of the project, you will conduct a brief assessment, identify priority partnerships and activities/enhancements, attend a 1-hour online kick-off meeting on 15th June, attend an in-person 4-hour networking and training event on 22nd June, build and/or strengthen local partnerships, and carry out your proposal with the provided funds.
14th May– Information session about the project, 9-10am, sign up here
1st June– Expressions of interest due 23:59 GMT to info@lcep.london
8th June- 10x participants selected and notified
15th June- Online kick-off meeting for participants and key partners
21st June- Assessments due
22nd June- In-person half-day networking and learning event and lunch
26th June- Proposed ideas due
31st August- Conclude your proposed activities
Jan-Feb 2027- Optional: submit evidence of hub use during winter to receive an additional £200
Successful applicants will receive:
- £2,700 funds + optional £200 in early 2027
- Assessment form and proposal template
- Meet fellow local grantees and Local Authority representatives, and learn about existing projects in your area through an online kick-off meeting on 15th June
- Half-day networking and learning event and lunch to meet other grantees, hub managers, relevant charities and partners, Local Authority leads, experts in heat-related risks; and learn about heat-related topics (22nd June 2026)
- Access to tools, resources and templates you can adapt for your plans and activities.
- Tailored support and connections
The obligations of project participants:
- Include Local Authority in your application submission
- Attend a 1-hour online kick-off meeting, 15th June
- Attend the in-person networking and learning event on 22nd June
- Conduct a hub assessment + submit a proposal of activities and enhancements based on the assessment
- Deliver a community engagement activity or training for community partners/members
- Enhance the hub with identified priorities from the assessment
- Strengthen connections with relevant local organisations
- Complete a brief project survey with summary of completed activities
You must
- be a registered charity or community group based in London
- commit your space to the community as a Cool Space, with endorsement by your Local Authority*
- attend an online 1-hour kick-off session on 15th June, 10am
- be a non-political organisation
- have a safeguarding policy
*Local Authority endorsement: you will submit your application with your LA contacts in copy. Contact us if you need a connection.
- Supplemental £2700 funds for operations in the summer months, and £200 in winter
- Access pre-developed assessment and proposal templates
- Compilation of tools, resources, guides and insights from participating experts
- Participate in a networking and learning event and lunch provided by LCEP partners
- Be part of a network of Cool Spaces, sharing learning about heat health and awareness, support for vulnerable communities, and recognition by your local government
To apply for the fund, please complete this form to express your interest. Ensure all sections are completed and submit the form to info@lcep.london by 1st June 2026, 23:59 BST.
Join this optional session to learn more about the project and what’s expected of applicants to be accepted. Potential applicants can ask questions and run ideas by the facilitators, including LCEP, LRU. We also welcome relevant partners to join this session too such as Local Authorities or Local Infrastructure Organisations. Register to receive a joining link here.
