Allah lists among the eight lawful recipients "those whose hearts are to be reconciled" (al-muʾallafah qulūbuhum), and the Prophet (ﷺ) gave from the zakat funds to men — including some who had newly embraced Islam or whose Islam was hoped for — to strengthen or incline their hearts. On this basis many scholars permit giving zakat to a person whose heart is being reconciled, whether a new Muslim being strengthened or a non-Muslim whose acceptance of Islam is genuinely hoped for. However, this is a category tied to a real communal interest and is normally administered by the Muslim authority, not an open door for giving ordinary charity to non-Muslims, which should come from voluntary ṣadaqah instead.
Q&A · Zakat
Can zakat be given to a non-Muslim to soften their heart toward Islam?
Informational, not a personal fatwa. Consult a qualified scholar for rulings on your situation.