Sam Fender has handed over the full amount of his £25k award prize money to the MVT, which works to preserve the Britain's independent music venues.
Fender was awarded the prize on October 16 as his latest record the album was named the outstanding release of the past year.
Fender has opted to hand the money over to the MVT, in appreciation of the crucial part small stages had in his beginning days.
"As an artist wouldn't be doing this success if it weren't for all the shows I played around the North East, and beyond, when I was beginning," said Fender. "These venues are legendary, but they are struggling."
Beginning in 2023, at least 150 of these venues have ceased operations – approximately one-sixth of the total UK scene.
Recently, well-known musicians including Pulp, Coldplay, the singer Katy Perry and Ed Sheeran have all supported the trust in its initiatives to keep the scene afloat, by applying a small levy to their admission fees, which benefits independent venues.
Sam Fender also took part, collecting over £100k on his 2024 arena tour to support numerous grassroots venues across Britain.
The donation supported spaces that were dealing with imminent closure due to issues caused by floods, fires and bereavements, as well as licensing issues, conflicts and sound issues.
Additional spaces received monetary aid in improving amenities and gear that helped artists and fans.
"The idea that money from shows in large arenas helps the smaller venues, where it all starts for artists like me, is just logical," Sam Fender has commented.
Fender is among several artists to donate his Mercury Prize prize money to charitable organizations.
Back when they won the trophy in the mid-90s for their record the album, vocalist the singer stated that the group would give their winnings to the non-profit the charity.
That year, musician she shared her bounty between a few organizations, such as the NSPCC and a charity for Sickle Cell.
"I also contributed a grand to Highgate Newtown, to their classes, because I did gymnastics when I was younger and they lacked new equipment," she explained to a publication.
Two years ago, Ezra Collective gave their prize money to the community center that supported their band, in addition to other grassroots music organisations.
And the 1994 recipients they gave their award to a MS organization after a acquaintance was found to have the disease.
"Receiving the award was ample," remarked artist Small. "The cash was the bonus but we could do without the extra, because we had the honor. So our success touched the lives of others."
Recently, the Music Venues Trust revealed it had protected two grassroots venues in the South East, by placing them under community ownership.
The first in that area and the other in Bristol were bought under the public acquisition initiative, which is backed by Arts Council England and music fans who acquire "shares" in the venues.
