Against Poverty- From the Torah to Secular Judaism 37
ANSWER: It is absolutely forbidden for any man or woman to join such an organization even if it does charitable work. Even if you do not desecrate the shabbat, you assist others to do so publicly.
(Igrot Mosheh Orah Hayyim 2:61)
QUESTION: Should the Orthodox community be involved in the charitable efforts of the Federated Jewish Charities?
ANSWER: The problem was both in the people collecting for the charity and the distribution. Non-Orthodox organizations and individuals should not be recipients as they led people astray, nor should nonobservant Jews becoming gabbaim.
QUESTION: Are there different requirements for the distribution of private and public 1zedakah?
ANSWER: Private charity can be distributed according to the wishes of the donor; he may distinguish among the poor and give more or all to one, even if there are others of equal or greater need. The gabbaim of the public charity, however, are permitted to make no such distinction and must distribute equally to all according to need.
(Igrot Moshe, Yoreh Deah 1:144)
QUESTION: A donor has given fzedakah privately; is he obligated to support the public charity?
ANSWER: This individual is obliged to support the public charity of the community in addition to any gifts that he may have given privately. 7zedakah is a communal obligation.(Mishe-p tei