I think of this often!  I think I would give it to a few people who then in turn, could change the lives of many.

Like this 13 year old girl who is making water safe for thousands, if not millions of people:

water cleaning system to be tested in Africa

I'd change the lives of a handful of people, but also put a chunk in an interest bearing account so that any time I saw someone that was having a tough time or could use some help, I'd be able to provide that help.

Split it 500k to a and 500k to b

I would probably donate it to an institution that would use the income to benefit recipients on a long term basis. 

The income from a million dollar investment could provide scholarships or grants for many years. 

I would spread it around to completel change the lives of a handful of people.  If you are looking to answer this because you have the $1,000,000 feel free to change my life!

Be very specific as to knowing it will actually go to the intended use.  It would definitely be used to make a significant difference in the lives of its inheritors. I have to know the end user, so I know certain families, foundations, etc., where I know the money would be used properly. 

I would spread it around and give a little help to a lot of people, and hope in return that they would do the same to someone in need. 

This is pretty easy for me --- would spread it around to a few charities I believe in strongly and specific families that need donations.

Door #2

Good morning Mike. Most likely assist as many as possible, but family first.

Mike - I will be honest and tell you that some of it would go directly into helping my family, and providing for them. After that, I would love to open up a foundation, or start some sort of non-profit so I could help as many people as possible for as many years as I could. I have always wanted to work for a good cause.

I would spread it around and look for ways to maximize the benefits.

Spread it around would be the best. 

B

Choice A for half of it and the rest invested so I can keep giving away the ROI.

No flat out giveaways.  Something for nothing never works.

• I'd use the money to provide resources and education such as job training, budgeting, etc.  The goal would be to teach marketable skills and to instill a great work ethic and positive attitude.  
• The entitled, poor me victim mentality must be left behind.  It was learned and can be unlearned.
• People who go through the program would be asked to return and share their experiences to inspire newcomers.
• Some of the money could be used to help graduates start a business and employ future graduates.

I would set up a non profit foundation and use it to help a lot of people. There are plenty of ways to use that as seed money and grow it to a lot more money. 

Open a non-profit and help more people but bringing in money, that way it is more in the long run. I'd try to help people that are down on luck but really hard workers.

I'd spread it around....