Sam Fender has donated the complete sum of his £25k award cash to the Music Venues Trust, which works to protect the UK's independent live music spots.
Fender was awarded the prize on mid-October as his third album his work was named the outstanding release of the previous year.
He has decided to donate the funds to the trust, in acknowledgment of the essential function grassroots venues had in his initial steps.
"As an artist would not have achieved my current career if it hadn't been for all the performances I performed around the area, and further afield, when I was starting out," stated Sam Fender. "These locations are legendary, but they are in difficulty."
From early 2023 onward, more than 150 of these spaces have permanently closed – about one-sixth of the total UK scene.
In the last year, top acts including Pulp, the group Coldplay, Katy Perry and Ed Sheeran have all backed the MVT in its efforts to support the industry, by applying a small levy to their ticket prices, which benefits independent venues.
Fender also took part, collecting over £100k on his recent tour to assist numerous small stages across England, Scotland, and Wales.
These funds supported spaces that were facing potential shutdown due to difficulties caused by water damage, blazes and family tragedies, as well as permit problems, conflicts and noise complaints.
Additional spaces received financial assistance in modernizing facilities and sound and lighting systems that positively impacted musicians and audiences.
"The idea that funds from concerts in large arenas supports the independent spots, where it kicks off for performers like me, is just sensible," Fender has said.
The musician is far from the only musician to contribute his honor winnings to charitable organizations.
When the band received the trophy in the year 1996 for their release their work, lead singer the singer stated that the act would give their winnings to the non-profit the charity.
In 2002, rapper and singer Ms Dynamite split her bounty between multiple charities, such as the NSPCC and a Sickle Cell organization.
"Additionally, I contributed a £1,000 to the center, to their classes, because I did gymnastics when I was younger and they needed updated gear," she shared with outlets.
Two years ago, they contributed their prize money to the community center that developed their group, in addition to other local music groups.
Additionally the 1994 recipients M People contributed their award to a charity for MS after a close contact was identified with the condition.
"Receiving the award was ample," remarked singer the singer. "The prize was the extra but we could do without the bonus, because we had the cake. So our victory affected somebody else's life."
Last week, the Music Venues Trust shared it had protected several small stages in the South East, by placing them under local control.
One venue in the city and the other in the city were bought under the Own Our Venues initiative, which is backed by a national body and enthusiasts who buy "stakes" in the properties.
