Obama, Romney Outstripped Average Americans in Rate of 2010 Donations

The November presidential contest may allow voters to choose between two men who give a far bigger share of their incomes to charity than the average American.

Mitt Romney, who regained momentum after winning the Florida primary last week, donated 13.8 percent of his income to charity in 2010, a share similar to that of President Obama, who donated 13.6 percent. That’s a lot more than the 3-percent average donated by Americans who itemize their tax returns, as well as citizens of Mr. Obama’s and Mr. Romney’s wealth.

Meanwhile, Newt Gingrich, the closest contender to Mr. Romney for the Republican presidential nomination, donated in line with giving by the average American and someone of his wealth. He gave 2.6 percent of his income to charity.

Church and Family Fund

Mr. Romney, and his wife, Ann, released tax records last month that show they gave a greater percentage of their $21-million in 2010 earnings to charity than is typical of others who earn $10-million. Those taxpayers donate about 6 percent of their income, according to analysis of Internal Revenue data.

More than half of the Romneys’ $3-million in charitable gifts went to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; the rest consisted of donations of stock to their family fund, the Tyler Charitable Foundation.

The Tyler Foundation gave more than $647,000 to 23 charities in 2010, including $145,000 to the Mormon church, $100,000 to the George W. Bush Presidential Library, and $75,000 to Children’s Hospital Boston for research on pediatric multiple sclerosis.

Scholarships at Alma Mater

Newt and Callista Gingrich, who made $3-million in 2010, donated at a percentage similar to that of other taxpayers who earn $2-million to $5-million. Such people contribute about 3 percent of their earnings, on average. The biggest gift the couple reported was more than $9,500 to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, the nation’s largest Roman Catholic church.

The Gingriches also gave through their family fund. The Gingrich Foundation awarded $120,000 in grants to 14 charities in 2010, including $30,000 for a scholarship at Luther College, in Decorah, Iowa, Ms. Gingrich’s alma mater, and a $20,000 grant to the D.C. Basilica.

Military Families

President Obama and his wife, Michelle, made their largest donation in 2010, $131,075, to the Fisher House Foundation, a group that provides free or low-cost housing to military personnel and their families during treatment at military medical centers. They also gave $15,000 to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund and $10,000 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

The Obamas, who declared $1.8-million in income, exceed the 3-percent average donation for people who make $1.5-million to $2-million.