1. The highest level of charity is giving a fellow Jew a gift, a loan, or a job so that he can become financially independent.
2. Giving to the poor in such a way that the benefactor does not know the identity of the recipient nor the recipient that of the benefactor.
3. The benefactor knows the identity of the recipient but the recipient does not know the benefactor.
4. The recipient knows the benefactor but the benefactor does not know the recipient.
5. Giving money directly to a poor person before he asks.
6. Giving after the poor person asks.
7. Giving less than the proper sum, but cheerfully.
8. Giving begrudgingly is the lowest level.
Rambam's Eight Levels of Charity: