Sam Fender has given the complete sum of his £25,000 Mercury Prize cash to the trust for venues, which works to protect the Britain's independent live music spots.
He was given the prize on October 16 as his new release the album was declared the outstanding release of the last 12 months.
Fender has opted to give the cash to the MVT, in recognition of the vital role local spots fulfilled in his initial steps.
"I personally couldn't be pursuing what I am doing today if it hadn't been for all the performances I performed around the region, and elsewhere, when I was beginning," said the artist. "These venues are legendary, but they are in difficulty."
Since the start of 2023, at least 150 of these venues have shut down – approximately 16% of the total UK scene.
In the last year, top acts like Pulp, Coldplay, Katy Perry and Ed Sheeran have all supported the MVT in its efforts to support the industry, by applying a minor surcharge to their ticket costs, which benefits independent venues.
Fender also took part, collecting in excess of £100,000 on his 2024 arena tour to support thirty-eight grassroots venues across England, Scotland, and Wales.
The money supported venues that were dealing with potential shutdown due to difficulties stemming from water damage, fires and family tragedies, as well as licensing issues, legal disputes and noise complaints.
Some locations received financial assistance in modernizing facilities and technical equipment that helped artists and fans.
"The concept that funds from performances in big venues supports the local stages, where it all starts for artists like me, is just logical," Sam Fender has commented.
The musician is far from the only musician to give his award winnings to charitable organizations.
In Pulp earned the prize in the mid-90s for their release their work, vocalist the singer announced that the act would give their cash to the non-profit War Child.
During 2002, rapper and singer the artist split her prize among a few charities, like the children's charity and a charity for Sickle Cell.
"I also donated a £1,000 to Highgate Newtown, to their classes, because I practiced gymnastics when I was younger and they needed better apparatus," the artist shared with the media.
Two years ago, the band gave their prize money to the community center that developed their band, as well as other independent music bodies.
Additionally 1994 winners they donated their winnings to a multiple sclerosis charity after a friend was found to have the disease.
"Winning was quite enough," stated vocalist Small. "The cash was the extra but we didn't need the extra, because we had the main prize. So our winning impacted another person's life."
In the past week, the Music Venues Trust revealed it had saved two grassroots venues in that region, by placing them under public stewardship.
The first in that area and the second in the city were acquired under the Own Our Venues initiative, which is supported by the arts council and supporters who acquire "shares" in the properties.
