Martin Lewis creates £1million fund for charities helping coronavirus-hit people and he wants rich people to donate
MARTIN Lewis is donating £1million to charities specifically working on UK coronavirus-related poverty relief projects - and he wants rich people to donate too.
The MoneySavingExpert.com founder says examples of worthy projects could include foodbanks, charities engaged in community aid, and those offering financial advice help.
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These could be small registered charities or the local arms of bigger charities.
Successful applicants will each be eligible for grants of between £5,000 and £20,000.
The donations will be made from Martin's , which is separate to the he's a patron of.
But he also wants high net worth individuals to stump up extra cash for the fund too.
How do I apply for Martin Lewis' charity grants?
IF you're a registered charity specifically working to help deal with the financial impact of coronavius you might be eligible for a grant of between £5,000 and £20,000.
You can apply by completing a form on Martin Lewis' .
You need to go quick though as applications close at 11.59pm on Wednesday March 25.
If you have any questions about applying, or you're a high net worth individual looking to make a donation you can email: [email protected].
Martin's looking for donations of between £10,000 and £100billion, and adds that you can specify particular areas you'd like the cash to go towards.
Sadly, Martin says he doesn't have the the infrastructure in place to deal with smaller donations.
Martin said: "We face an unprecedented challenge to our health, economy, businesses, personal finance and way of life.
"And many of those who normally help society – our charities – are going to face similar pressures right now too."
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He added: "My hope is to get the money distributed within the next couple of weeks, and I'm looking for projects that are up and running, or are in the process of being set up – as we want to deliver help at speed."
See the box above for how to apply.
Prince William has also launched a separate appeal on behalf of The National Emergencies Trust, which aims to raise funds to help local charities supporting those suffering hardship as a result of the outbreak.
More on coronavirus
Both charity appeals come as the government has set aside £350billion package to help prevent coronavirus from wrecking the economy.
This includes a business rates holiday for small businesses.
Although many of these businesses sadly won't have insurance cover for coronavirus-related loss of income.