Is it permissible to count the monthly amount paid to the Orphan Fund as part of the obligatory Zakat when the hawl (a year) is completed, and does intention have a bearing on this?

It is permissible to pay the amount for sponsoring orphans from Zakat before the Zakat due date (Hawl), but the intention of Zakat must be present when the amount is disbursed; otherwise, it will not be sufficient.