Almost anyone can contribute. There is one key limitation:
- Each child can receive a total of the maximum allowed per year in contributions from all sources. It does not make a difference if this is done in a single account or multiple accounts designed to benefit the same child.
Contributors don't have to be family members. Corporations and other entities (including tax-exempt organizations) can also make contributions to Coverdell ESAs, regardless of the income of the corporation or entity during the year of the contribution.
With this broad range of potential contributors, it's possible that more than one person may want to contribute for the same child. A coordinated effort should be encouraged to avoid excess contributions.