Sam Fender has handed over the entirety of his twenty-five thousand pound award prize money to the trust for venues, which works to preserve the UK's independent live music spots.
Fender was awarded the award on mid-October as his latest record his work was named the outstanding release of the last 12 months.
He has decided to hand the money over to the Music Venues Trust, in appreciation of the essential function small stages had in his beginning days.
"I would not have achieved my current career if it wasn't for all the gigs I performed around the area, and further afield, when I was beginning," stated Sam Fender. "These venues are legendary, but they are struggling."
Beginning in 2023, over 150 of these spaces have ceased operations – about 16% of the total UK scene.
Over the past year, major artists including Pulp, the group Coldplay, Katy Perry and Ed Sheeran have all aided the MVT in its initiatives to support the industry, by applying a modest fee to their ticket costs, which benefits local stages.
He also took part, raising in excess of £100,000 on his 2024 arena tour to assist thirty-eight grassroots venues across Britain.
The donation helped venues that were facing potential shutdown due to issues arising from flooding, blazes and family tragedies, as well as licensing issues, conflicts and noise complaints.
Other venues received monetary aid in modernizing facilities and gear that helped musicians and audiences.
"The concept that revenue from performances in big venues helps the independent spots, where it kicks off for artists like me, is just logical," the star has stated.
Fender is among several artists to contribute his honor funds to charitable organizations.
In Pulp received the award in 1996 for their release their work, lead singer Jarvis Cocker announced that the act would contribute their cash to the non-profit War Child.
In 2002, musician Ms Dynamite split her bounty across several organizations, such as the NSPCC and a charity for Sickle Cell.
"I also donated a grand to Highgate Newtown, to their gymnastics class, because I did gymnastics when I was growing up and they lacked new equipment," she shared with outlets.
Two years ago, Ezra Collective gave their prize money to the youth organization that supported their band, as well as other grassroots music organisations.
Also winners that year the group donated their winnings to a MS organization after a acquaintance was found to have the illness.
"The victory was ample," remarked vocalist the singer. "The money was the cherry on top but we could do without the bonus, because we had the main prize. So our success impacted the lives of others."
Last week, the trust shared it had rescued a couple of grassroots venues in that region, by placing them under public stewardship.
The Joiners in that area and The Croft in Bristol were purchased under the public acquisition scheme, which is funded by a national body and music fans who buy "stakes" in the venues.
