Can zakat be given to non-governmental organizations (NGOs)?

The recipients of zakat are specified in verse 60 of Surah al-Tawbah. Accordingly, zakat is, in principle, the right of the poor and needy individuals. Therefore, it is not considered permissible to give zakat and fitrah, which are obligatory for eligible Muslims, to places other than those specified in the Qur’an, or to spend it on charitable works such as mosques, bridges, roads, schools, or water projects. Payments made with the intention of zakat without observing this principle do not count as zakat. Zakat can be delivered directly to those eligible to receive it, or it can be given through an intermediary. There is no difference whether this intermediary is an individual or an institution. Accordingly, if a charitable organization or NGO distributes the zakat it collects to the recipients specified in the Qur’an—that is, to the poor and needy—then it is permissible to authorize such organizations to deliver zakat to those entitled to receive it.

Zakat should not be given to organizations that do not deliver it to its rightful recipients but instead use it for general services such as construction, lighting, or office expenses.

It is important to support such institutions that serve the public so they can continue their activities. However, this support should be provided through voluntary donations other than zakat. In addition, both public and individual oversight should not be neglected.

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