In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-Salāmu ‘Alaykum Wa-Rahmatullāhi Wa-Barakātuh.
If you intend to give Nafl Sadaqah (optional charity), you may give it to anyone. However, if it is Zakat, then it must be given only to those who are eligible to receive it.
As for Nafl Sadaqah, if one’s relatives are in need, it is better to give it to them. Otherwise, it may be given to causes that offer ongoing reward (Sadaqah Jaariyah), such as Deeni madrasahs, masaajid, or projects that provide long-term benefit—like building wells, and similar initiatives.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best.
Muhammud Luqman Moideen
Student-Darul Iftaa
Mauritius
Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Muhammad Zakariyya Desai