Started to appeal for some funds (5)

I believe the answer is:

begun

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'started' is the definition.
(to start is to begin)

'appeal for some funds' is the wordplay.
'appeal' becomes 'beg' (begging is making an appeal).
'for' says to put letters next to each other.
'some funds' becomes 'un' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'beg'+'un'='BEGUN'

'to' acts as a link.

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(Other definitions for begun that I've seen before include "Commenced" , "Opened" , "(Has) started" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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