Martin Lewis is to establish a £1m fund from his personal charity to provide grants to small charities across the UK for coronavirus-related poverty relief projects.

Grants of between £5,000 and £20,000 will be given to small registered charities, or local arms of larger charities.

Writing in a blog post, Mr Lewis – who is Jewish – 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.”

He listed examples of charities eligible for grants as including “foodbanks, charities engaged in community aid, financial advice help and more.

“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,” he said.

He also urged other wealthy people and organisations to donate to the fund as well, asking for a minimum donation of £10,000.

Applications for grants close at 11:59pm on March 25.