What is the ruling on a well-known charity using the funds for sponsoring orphans for educational projects in countries other than those for which the donations were collected?

It is not permissible for charitable organizations and others to disburse obligatory zakat (definition) except in its eight designated categories mentioned in the Quran. Similarly, non-obligatory charities (sadaqat) and donations (hibat) may not be disbursed except in the specific area designated by the donor or giver. This is because they (the organizations) act as agents on behalf of the donor, and an agent does not have the authority to disburse something to anyone other than whom the principal has specified. If the agent acts contrary to this, they are sinful and liable.