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The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland
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Cairde Nellie

Registered

Charity no. 110938 Date registered. 11/12/2025

Public benefits

Cairde Nellie directly benefits individuals and couples in the north-west of Ireland who face financial hardship while undergoing fertility treatment by providing grants to reduce the cost of procedures such as IVF, ICSI, IUI, FET, or donor cycles. This support improves access to essential fertility treatment that many could not otherwise afford,

relieves financial pressure, and reduces the emotional stress associated with infertility. The charity’s structured and confidential grants process ensures assistance is directed fairly and transparently to those in genuine financial need. The benefits of Cairde Nellie’s work can be demonstrated through evidence collected during and after the grants process, including clinic confirmation that treatment has commenced and documentation showing that recipients meet the eligibility and financial hardship criteria. Optional follow-up statements from beneficiaries provide personal insight into the impact of the support, while the Trustees’ required accounting records and annual reporting offer transparent, verifiable proof of how funds were used and how the charity’s purposes have been fulfilled. There is no known harm arising from the charity’s purposes. Cairde Nellie provides financial assistance solely to help individuals and couples access fertility treatment, and all grants are paid directly to licensed fertility clinics, ensuring treatments are delivered safely and professionally. The charity follows a transparent, criteria-based grants process and collects only the information necessary to assess applications, handling all data confidentially. Any minimal risks—such as the emotional disappointment of an unsuccessful grant application—are managed through fair procedures and clear communication. Overall, the charity’s activities are low-risk and designed to relieve hardship without causing harm to applicants or the wider public. The charity’s beneficiaries are individuals and couples living in the north-west of Ireland who are experiencing financial hardship while undergoing or seeking fertility treatment. This includes heterosexual couples, same-sex couples, and single people who meet the charity’s eligibility criteria and cannot afford private treatment without support. The only private benefit arising from the charity’s work is the financial support received by successful applicants in the form of fertility treatment grants. This benefit is strictly limited, incidental, and necessary in order to achieve the charity’s purpose of relieving financial hardship for those undergoing fertility treatment. Grants are awarded solely to eligible individuals or couples based on clear criteria and assessed need, and funds are paid directly to licensed fertility clinics rather than to the applicants themselves. No Trustee, volunteer, or connected person receives any private benefit, other than the reimbursement of reasonable expenses where required, which is permitted and incidental to carrying out their duties.

What your organisation does

Cairde Nellie carries out its charitable purpose by providing financial assistance to individuals and couples in the north-west of Ireland who are undergoing or seeking fertility treatment. The charity raises funds through donations, fundraising events, sponsorships, and grant applications, and uses these funds solely to further its objective of

relieving financial hardship for those needing fertility support The organisation operates a formal grants programme, which offers financial support—typically up to £3,000—towards approved fertility treatments such as IVF, ICSI, IUI, FET, or donor cycles. Grants are paid directly to licensed fertility clinics on behalf of successful applicants. All applications are reviewed by a Grants Sub-Committee of Trustees, who assess eligibility, financial need, and alignment with the charity’s objectives to ensure decisions are fair, transparent, and consistent with policy. To administer its work, the Trustees meet regularly, manage the charity’s funds, oversee the grant policy, maintain proper accounts, and ensure compliance with charity law and the charity’s constitution. All decisions are made collectively by the Trustees, who volunteer their time and receive no remuneration for their roles

The charity’s classifications

  • The relief of those in need by reason of youth, age, ill-health, disability, financial hardship or other disadvantage

Who the charity helps

  • General public
  • General public

How the charity works

  • Grant making

Charitable purposes

The Charity is established for the following charitable purpose: To relieve financial hardship by providing grants to couples in the north-west of Ireland (including County Derry and County Donegal) who are undergoing or seeking fertility treatment. Nothing in this constitution shall authorise an application of the property of the Charity for purposes which are not charitable.

Governing document

Constitution

Other name

Nellie's Friends
  • 9 Trustees
  • 0 Employees
  • 0 Volunteers

Contact details

Public address

  • Mr Steven Mcdevitt, 55 The Hillocks, Altnagelvin, Londonderry, BT47 3FS

Trustee board

Trustee
Mr Steven Mcdevitt
Mrs Natalie Mcdevitt
Mrs Jessica Caldwell
Mrs Leanne Treamer
Mr Conor Mclaughlin
Mrs Naomi Mclaughlin
Mrs Ciara Speakman
Mr Tomas Carlin
Mrs Ciara Carlin

List of regions

  • In Northern Ireland
  • Derry City And Strabane District Council