Sam Fender has handed over the complete sum of his twenty-five thousand pound honor prize money to the MVT, which operates to protect the Britain's independent concert spaces.
He was presented with the cheque on October 16 as his third album the album was named the outstanding release of the last 12 months.
Fender has decided to hand the money over to the Music Venues Trust, in recognition of the essential function local spots had in his early career.
"I couldn't be pursuing what I am doing today if it wasn't for all the shows I played around the North East, and beyond, when I was just getting going," said the artist. "These locations are legendary, but they are in difficulty."
Since the start of 2023, at least 150 of these spaces have permanently closed – roughly 16% of the entire UK sector.
Recently, major artists including Pulp, Coldplay, Katy Perry and Ed Sheeran have all aided the trust in its attempts to support the industry, by adding a minor surcharge to their ticket prices, which goes to help local stages.
Fender also joined in, raising over £100k on his 2024 arena tour to support numerous local spots across the UK.
These funds helped venues that were dealing with possible closure due to challenges stemming from water damage, blazes and bereavements, as well as regulatory hurdles, conflicts and sound issues.
Some locations were granted financial assistance in upgrading facilities and technical equipment that helped performers and concertgoers.
"The notion that funds from shows in big venues supports the independent spots, where it all starts for performers like me, is just sensible," Fender has said.
He is not the first artist to contribute his Mercury Prize prize money to good deeds.
In the band earned the award in 1996 for their album Different Class, lead singer the singer announced that the act would contribute their winnings to the organization War Child.
In 2002, artist the artist split her prize among several charities, like the children's charity and a Sickle Cell organization.
"Additionally, I gave a grand to Highgate Newtown, to their classes, because I did gymnastics when I was growing up and they lacked updated gear," she shared with the media.
In recent years, Ezra Collective contributed their funds to the youth organization that nurtured their group, alongside other independent music bodies.
Additionally 1994 winners the group contributed their award to a multiple sclerosis charity after a acquaintance was diagnosed the condition.
"Receiving the award was sufficient," stated vocalist Heather Small. "The money was the extra but we didn't need the extra, because we had the cake. So our winning impacted the lives of others."
Last week, the Music Venues Trust shared it had protected several grassroots venues in the South East, by bringing them into local control.
The first in that area and The Croft in that location were purchased under the Own Our Venues program, which is backed by the arts council and enthusiasts who acquire "stakes" in the buildings.
