Crossword Genius

To help such people could have been a charity (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

aged

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'charity' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both groups as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'to help such people could have been a' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'a' is within the answer.
The remaining letters 'ged' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for aged that I've seen before include "Matured like wine in wood" , "Grew older" , "Advanced in years" , "Geriatric" , "Like Uncle Arly" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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