Sam Fender has given the entirety of his £25,000 honor cash to the MVT, which operates to protect the Britain's independent music venues.
He was given the cheque on October 16 as his third album his work was declared the best record of the last 12 months.
The musician has opted to give the cash to the trust, in appreciation of the crucial part local spots played in his early career.
"I wouldn't be doing this success if it weren't for all the gigs I played around the region, and elsewhere, when I was beginning," remarked Fender. "These locations are legendary, but they are struggling."
Since the start of 2023, more than 150 of these spaces have ceased operations – approximately 16% of the whole industry in the UK.
Recently, well-known musicians like Pulp, Coldplay, the singer Katy Perry and Sheeran have all backed the MVT in its initiatives to support the industry, by adding a minor surcharge to their admission fees, which benefits independent venues.
Fender also joined in, generating over £100k on his 2024 arena tour to assist thirty-eight grassroots venues across England, Scotland, and Wales.
The money supported venues that were dealing with potential shutdown due to issues caused by water damage, fires and family tragedies, as well as permit problems, conflicts and noise complaints.
Additional spaces obtained monetary aid in upgrading facilities and technical equipment that helped performers and concertgoers.
"The idea that funds from shows in big venues backs the smaller venues, where it begins for performers like me, is just logical," the star has commented.
Fender is among several artists to contribute his award winnings to worthy causes.
When Pulp received the prize in 1996 for their record their work, lead singer Jarvis Cocker announced that the group would donate their prize money to the non-profit War Child.
That year, artist she split her bounty between several organizations, like the NSPCC and a Sickle Cell charity.
"And I gave a grand to Highgate Newtown, to their gymnastics program, because I trained in gymnastics when I was a child and they lacked updated gear," the artist explained to outlets.
Previously, they gave their funds to the youth organization that supported their group, as well as other local music groups.
Additionally winners that year the group donated their winnings to a MS organization after a acquaintance was found to have the disease.
"The victory was ample," stated artist Heather Small. "The cash was the cherry on top but we could do without the cherry, because we had the cake. So our winning affected somebody else's life."
In the past week, the Music Venues Trust shared it had rescued two small stages in that region, by placing them under community ownership.
The Joiners in that area and the second in Bristol were purchased under the community ownership program, which is backed by Arts Council England and enthusiasts who acquire "stakes" in the buildings.
