Sam Fender has given the complete sum of his £25,000 Mercury Prize winnings to the trust for venues, which works to protect the United Kingdom's independent live music spots.
He was presented with the award on mid-October as his third album his work was chosen as the top album of the past year.
The musician has decided to give the cash to the Music Venues Trust, in appreciation of the vital role grassroots venues had in his initial steps.
"I personally couldn't be pursuing my current career if it hadn't been for all the shows I did around the North East, and elsewhere, when I was just getting going," remarked the artist. "These locations are legendary, but they are in difficulty."
Since the start of 2023, more than 150 of these venues have ceased operations – approximately 16 percent of the entire UK sector.
In the last year, top acts including Pulp, Coldplay, Katy Perry and Ed Sheeran have all supported the Music Venues Trust in its attempts to support the industry, by including a minor surcharge to their ticket prices, which supports local stages.
Fender also participated, generating more than £100,000 on his 2024 arena tour to assist 38 small stages across Britain.
The money assisted locations that were facing possible closure due to difficulties stemming from water damage, blazes and personal losses, as well as permit problems, legal disputes and neighbor objections.
Other venues were granted funding support in improving amenities and technical equipment that helped musicians and fans.
"The concept that funds from concerts in major spaces backs the smaller venues, where it kicks off for performers like me, is just common sense," the star has commented.
He is among several artists to contribute his honor prize money to good deeds.
Back when the band won the trophy in 1996 for their record Different Class, frontman the singer announced that the act would give their prize money to the charity War Child.
During 2002, musician Ms Dynamite shared her award across several good causes, such as the NSPCC and a Sickle Cell charity.
"And I donated a £1,000 to Highgate Newtown, to their gymnastics class, because I did gymnastics when I was growing up and they needed new equipment," the artist explained to the media.
Two years ago, the band gave their funds to the youth organization that nurtured their band, alongside other local music groups.
Also the 1994 recipients the group contributed their award to a charity for MS after a friend was found to have the illness.
"The victory was sufficient," remarked singer Small. "The money was the cherry on top but we could do without the extra, because we had the cake. So our winning affected another person's life."
Last week, the Music Venues Trust shared it had saved two grassroots venues in the South East, by transferring them to public stewardship.
One venue in Southampton and The Croft in Bristol were purchased under the public acquisition initiative, which is supported by the arts council and enthusiasts who buy "ownership units" in the properties.
