Musar zu Mischlej 19:17

This important quality really means lending to the Creator, Blessed be He, as it is said, "He that is gracious unto the poor lendeth unto the Lord" (Prov. 19:17). The wise man said, "Do kindness to him who deserves it and to him who does not deserve it, but you should be worthy to do kindness." And he said, "He who gives a large gift to one who asks for the gift is only half-generous." The truly generous man is he who gives frequently, whether much or little, before he is asked.