Sam Fender has donated the entirety of his £25,000 honor winnings to the trust for venues, which functions to protect the UK's independent music venues.
Fender was awarded the award on October 16 as his third album the album was declared the outstanding release of the previous year.
The musician has decided to hand the money over to the MVT, in acknowledgment of the essential function small stages played in his beginning days.
"I personally wouldn't be doing my current career if it weren't for all the gigs I did around the region, and beyond, when I was just getting going," remarked the artist. "These venues are renowned, but they are in difficulty."
Since the start of 2023, over 150 of these venues have permanently closed – roughly one-sixth of the entire UK sector.
Recently, well-known musicians such as Pulp, the group Coldplay, Katy Perry and Sheeran have all aided the Music Venues Trust in its efforts to keep the scene afloat, by including a minor surcharge to their admission fees, which supports independent venues.
He also participated, generating in excess of £100,000 on his 2024 arena tour to help 38 grassroots venues across the UK.
These funds helped locations that were dealing with potential shutdown due to challenges caused by water damage, fire incidents and personal losses, as well as regulatory hurdles, conflicts and noise complaints.
Other venues were granted financial assistance in upgrading amenities and technical equipment that positively impacted performers and concertgoers.
"The idea that money from concerts in large arenas helps the independent spots, where it kicks off for performers like me, is just sensible," the star has commented.
He is among several artists to donate his award prize money to worthy causes.
When they received the prize in the year 1996 for their album the album, vocalist Jarvis Cocker stated that the act would give their cash to the non-profit the charity.
During 2002, musician Ms Dynamite shared her award between multiple good causes, like the NSPCC and a charity for Sickle Cell.
"And I gave a thousand pounds to Highgate Newtown, to their gymnastics class, because I trained in gymnastics when I was younger and they required updated gear," Ms Dynamite told a publication.
Previously, they gave their funds to the local youth club that supported their group, in addition to other independent music bodies.
Also the 1994 recipients they donated their winnings to a MS organization after a close contact was identified with the illness.
"Winning was sufficient," stated singer Heather Small. "The money was the cherry on top but we didn't need the bonus, because we had the cake. So our success touched the lives of others."
Last week, the trust announced it had protected several small stages in that region, by placing them under public stewardship.
One venue in that area and The Croft in Bristol were acquired under the Own Our Venues initiative, which is supported by the arts council and enthusiasts who purchase "ownership units" in the properties.
