Sam Fender has given the full amount of his £25k honor prize money to the Music Venues Trust, which operates to save the Britain's independent live music spots.
The star was given the cheque on October 16 as his third album the album was declared the outstanding release of the last 12 months.
The musician has chosen to give the cash to the MVT, in recognition of the crucial part grassroots venues had in his initial steps.
"I personally couldn't be pursuing what I am doing today if it wasn't for all the performances I did around the area, and beyond, when I was just getting going," remarked Fender. "These locations are renowned, but they are struggling."
Since the start of 2023, over 150 of these spaces have permanently closed – approximately 16% of the entire UK sector.
In the last year, major artists including Pulp, Coldplay, the singer Katy Perry and Ed Sheeran have all supported the Music Venues Trust in its efforts to support the industry, by applying a minor surcharge to their ticket costs, which goes to help local stages.
Fender also joined in, generating over £100k on his recent tour to help 38 local spots across the UK.
These funds supported locations that were dealing with potential shutdown due to difficulties stemming from floods, blazes and personal losses, as well as permit problems, conflicts and noise complaints.
Other venues obtained financial assistance in modernizing amenities and gear that helped artists and audiences.
"The concept that money from concerts in major spaces helps the local stages, where it begins for musicians like me, is just common sense," Sam Fender has stated.
The musician is not the first artist to donate his award funds to charitable organizations.
Back when Pulp won the prize in the mid-90s for their album their work, lead singer Jarvis Cocker stated that the act would contribute their prize money to the charity the charity.
During 2002, artist the artist divided her prize between multiple good causes, like the NSPCC and a Sickle Cell organization.
"I also gave a £1,000 to Highgate Newtown, to their gymnastics program, because I trained in gymnastics when I was younger and they lacked updated gear," the artist told the media.
Previously, the band donated their funds to the community center that developed their group, in addition to other independent music bodies.
Also the 1994 recipients they gave their prize to a charity for MS after a friend was found to have the condition.
"Receiving the award was ample," remarked vocalist Heather Small. "The cash was the extra but we could do without the bonus, because we had the main prize. So our victory affected another person's life."
In the past week, the trust announced it had saved two grassroots venues in the South East, by placing them under community ownership.
The Joiners in the city and the second in the city were acquired under the community ownership program, which is supported by the arts council and enthusiasts who purchase "ownership units" in the properties.
