He was asked—may Allah have mercy on him:

A man established an endowment for a specified number of women, widows and orphans. He stipulated that he himself would administer it during his lifetime, and that after his death its administration would pass to a righteous member of his offspring, whether male or female. Some of the founder’s relatives among his grandchildren are in need, and the administrator wishes to give them preference over others in distributions. Is he permitted to do so?

He answered:

If they and the others are equally in need, the founder’s relatives take precedence over unrelated people in the same circumstances, just as they take precedence in receiving his generosity during his lifetime. As the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“Your charity to Muslims is charity, while your charity to relatives is both charity and maintaining ties of kinship.”

For this reason, a person is instructed to make a bequest to relatives who do not inherit from him. Some scholars hold this instruction to be obligatory, while the majority hold it to be recommended. Both positions are reported from Ahmad. And Allah knows best.