Can zakat be given to foundations or associations that provide medical treatment for the poor and needy?

One of the conditions for the validity of zakat and fitr alms is tamlik (transfer of ownership). Tamlik refers to transferring the right of ownership over property or a financial right to someone else. Accordingly, zakat and fitr alms can be given to associations and institutions that collect these alms in a separate fund to be transferred to the poor, and are managed by trustworthy individuals in every respect, by appointing their administrators as agents to deliver them to those in need. (Kâsânî, Bedâ’i, 2/4)

If these associations and foundations receive authorization from those eligible to receive zakat for the purpose of obtaining zakat for their medical treatment and spending the zakat received for these needs, they may collect zakat on their behalf. For minors who have not yet reached puberty, authorization must be obtained from their guardians. Undoubtedly, those who are given such authorization must be trustworthy in every respect, the collected zakat must not be spent on other matters, and oversight in this regard must not be neglected.

Zakat, fitr, and fidya funds cannot be spent on people receiving treatment at these foundations and organizations if they are not poor.

Source: T.C. Diyanet İşleri Başkanlığı, Din İşleri Yüksek Kurulu