Sam Fender has handed over the full amount of his twenty-five thousand pound Mercury Prize prize money to the MVT, which functions to protect the Britain's independent music venues.
The star was presented with the prize on October 16 as his new release the album was named the outstanding release of the last 12 months.
Fender has chosen to donate the funds to the MVT, in appreciation of the crucial part small stages played in his early career.
"I wouldn't be doing my current career if it wasn't for all the shows I did around the area, and elsewhere, when I was starting out," remarked the artist. "These venues are legendary, but they are facing challenges."
From early 2023 onward, more than 150 of these spaces have shut down – approximately one-sixth of the entire UK sector.
Over the past year, well-known musicians including Pulp, Coldplay, Katy Perry and Sheeran have all supported the Music Venues Trust in its initiatives to help venues survive, by applying a small levy to their ticket prices, which supports independent venues.
He also took part, generating over £100k on his live tour to support thirty-eight grassroots venues across Britain.
The donation helped venues that were confronting imminent closure due to issues arising from flooding, fires and bereavements, as well as regulatory hurdles, conflicts and noise complaints.
Additional spaces received funding support in upgrading facilities and gear that directly benefitted performers and fans.
"The concept that funds from shows in large arenas helps the independent spots, where it kicks off for performers like me, is just sensible," the star has commented.
He is not the first artist to give his award funds to worthy causes.
In Pulp earned the trophy in the mid-90s for their album the album, frontman Cocker stated that the group would give their winnings to the charity the charity.
During 2002, rapper and singer she shared her award among multiple organizations, including the NSPCC and a charity for Sickle Cell.
"And I contributed a £1,000 to my local community centre, to their gymnastics program, because I trained in gymnastics when I was younger and they required updated gear," the artist shared with outlets.
Two years ago, they gave their funds to the local youth club that nurtured their act, in addition to other independent music bodies.
Additionally winners that year M People gave their prize to a multiple sclerosis charity after a friend was identified with the condition.
"Receiving the award was sufficient," said artist Heather Small. "The money was the extra but we could do without the cherry, because we had the honor. So our success touched somebody else's life."
Last week, the Music Venues Trust revealed it had saved two local spots in the South East, by bringing them into community ownership.
The Joiners in Southampton and the second in Bristol were purchased under the community ownership initiative, which is funded by the arts council and enthusiasts who buy "stakes" in the venues.
