There are many instances where there are people who are struggling financially [often when the husband is learning and/or teaching] while they have very wealthy family members who know of their plight and don't give them a penny. These same wealthy people give to institutions hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars.
Why is that???
I think there are a few reasons:
1] When one gives a family member it feels like giving out of a sense of obligation while giving to an instititution feels like giving out of generosity. Generosity is more gratifying.
2] Getting people to give is an art and there is heavy competition. Family members haven't mastered the art while the institutions surivive b/c they have. Family members don't have dinners or parlor meetings etc. etc. Institutions do.
3] When one gives to a family member he gets no Kavod. When he gives to institutions he might get LOADS of Kavod.
4] Family dynamics are complex. There is often underlying hostility between people that prevents the wealthy from helping their less fortunate [financially] family members.
Why is this wrong?
Because it is against the Torah and Halacha.
Family comes first.
So the world might not be aware that the fellow who donated the building to the local Yeshiva has poor family members in learning who can't afford the basics.
But Hashem does.
There is a myseh [in one of The Maggid Speaks books] of a wealthy chossid whose Rebbe asked to meet with him in his office in the city. The chossid insisted on coming to the Rebbe but the Rebbe refused. The Rebbe comes from Brooklyn to his office and tells him about a family that is struggling greatly etc. etc. The chossid said "Sure. Who should I make the check out to?"
The Rebbe said "Your brother".