Zakat can be given to 8 categories (Quran 9:60):
1. Al-Fuqara - The poor
2. Al-Masakin - The needy
3. Administrators of Zakat
4. New Muslims (hearts to be reconciled)
5. Freeing captives (historically slaves)
6. Those in debt (unable to pay)
7. In Allah's cause (Islamic work)
8. Stranded travelers
Cannot give to:
- Your parents/grandparents
- Your children/grandchildren
- Your spouse
- Non-Muslims (majority view)
And Allah knows best.