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Is the parent the only one who can open and contribute to a Coverdell ESA for a child?

No. Anybody who meets the income requirements can open and contribute to your child's Coverdell ESA. This includes grandparents, aunts and uncles, family friends and anyone else who wants to pitch in to your child's education fund. Corporations, tax-exempt organizations and other entities can also make Coverdell ESA contributions, and there are no income limits on these contributors. However, the total annual contributions to all Coverdell ESAs for each child can't exceed $2,000.