generally (at least Jews) should help those in their community first, and soo-on. 1 exception to this is helping the poor in Israel, which is an extra special thing to do (not only my words, but Rabbis words, I believe that it is also written somewhere.
Thank you Tzvi..this is the answer I was looking for...Just wanted to know halakhically the right way of doing it.
I dont know your exact location or to what you are looking to giving, but a couple of things/ charities are very good. 1- Tomhe Shabb-t - buying food for poor Jews (expecially elders) for Shabb-t, also in Israel their are many organizations who help the poor, with clothing and food.
(like mentioned earlier), Jews not only need physical food, but are also in need of "spiritual food", besides to the poor (which is a tremendous mitzva), its very worthwhile to support Torah learning (and also learn yourself). If you want a suggestion
www.kolyakov.org is a very good organization with Torah learning. (This can be in the category of community)
For Israel- you can donate to VGA which gives hot food to Jews in Yehuda+ Shomron, and other things like releasing prisioners (a very big mitzva, of which if a town had only 1 sefer Torah, they still would have to sell it in order to have the $ to release ..)
They also sponser Torah learning, and when you support Torah its like you learning (which is a very very big Zehut).
For yourself- also go on that site for example and hear some very great Shiurim. Toda.