Sam Fender has donated the complete sum of his £25k honor winnings to the MVT, which functions to protect the UK's independent live music spots.
He was given the prize on October 16 as his new release his work was chosen as the outstanding release of the last 12 months.
He has decided to give the cash to the trust, in appreciation of the crucial part local spots fulfilled in his early career.
"As an artist couldn't be pursuing what I am doing today if it weren't for all the shows I performed around the region, and beyond, when I was just getting going," remarked the artist. "These locations are renowned, but they are struggling."
From early 2023 onward, over 150 of these locations have permanently closed – about 16% of the whole industry in the UK.
In the last year, major artists such as the band Pulp, Coldplay, Katy Perry and Ed Sheeran have all backed the MVT in its initiatives to help venues survive, by applying a modest fee to their ticket prices, which benefits independent venues.
Sam Fender also took part, generating over £100k on his live tour to support numerous grassroots venues across England, Scotland, and Wales.
These funds supported locations that were confronting possible closure due to issues caused by water damage, fire incidents and bereavements, as well as licensing issues, court cases and neighbor objections.
Additional spaces received funding support in modernizing amenities and gear that directly benefitted musicians and fans.
"The notion that funds from concerts in big venues helps the independent spots, where it kicks off for artists like me, is just common sense," Fender has commented.
Fender is not the first artist to contribute his Mercury Prize funds to charitable organizations.
Back when they received the trophy in the year 1996 for their record their work, lead singer Cocker declared that the act would donate their cash to the organization War Child.
In 2002, musician the artist shared her prize between a few good causes, such as the NSPCC and a charity for Sickle Cell.
"I also donated a thousand pounds to Highgate Newtown, to their gymnastics class, because I practiced gymnastics when I was younger and they lacked updated gear," she shared with outlets.
In recent years, they gave their winnings to the youth organization that supported their band, in addition to other local music groups.
Also the 1994 recipients they contributed their prize to a multiple sclerosis charity after a acquaintance was identified with the disease.
"Winning was ample," said vocalist the singer. "The cash was the bonus but we didn't need the extra, because we had the honor. So our winning affected another person's life."
Last week, the MVT revealed it had protected a couple of small stages in the South East, by placing them under local control.
The Joiners in that area and The Croft in that location were bought under the community ownership program, which is backed by a national body and enthusiasts who buy "stakes" in the properties.
