Funders have launched grant schemes worth millions of pounds in response to the cost-of-living crisis.
Independent Age has announced a £1m emergency fund for older people, while the insurer Aviva has launched a £2m match-funding programme to support charities working on financial wellbeing.
Independent Age said its funding would go to community projects working with older people affected by the crisis.
The charity warned: “Many people in later life are facing a winter of despair.”
The first phase of the Cost-of-Living Grants Fund aims to make 25 grants of £40,000 by 16 September, Independent Age said.
Simon Hewett-Avison, director of services at Independent Age, said: “We cannot stand by as people struggle.
“The scale and speed of the crisis means we need to work together to widen the support options for older people.”
He said: “We are calling on other funders to collaborate with us to support more organisations, and more older people across the UK, [to] deal with this crisis.”
The Aviva Community Fund says its Cost of Living Boost programme will provide up to £50,000 in match-funding to charities helping people who are struggling financially.
The programme is open to applications until 4 October.
Jude Brooks, head of communities at Aviva, said: “As rising living costs see more people struggle to make ends meet, we know non-profit organisations are seeing donations decline at the same time as demand increases.
“We’re inviting local causes to apply to the Aviva Community Fund so they can continue supporting their communities at this difficult time.”
Inflation is above 10 per cent, the highest level in 40 years, and is expected to rise further in the months ahead, driven by sharply increasing energy prices.
This morning, a coalition of charity sector leaders called on the government to provide immediate financial support to the most vulnerable people in society as well as the frontline charities supporting them.