Sam Fender has donated the entirety of his twenty-five thousand pound award cash to the trust for venues, which works to save the Britain's grassroots live music spots.
He was presented with the prize on October 16 as his new release People Watching was named the outstanding release of the previous year.
The musician has decided to donate the funds to the trust, in appreciation of the crucial part grassroots venues played in his initial steps.
"I couldn't be pursuing what I am doing today if it weren't for all the performances I performed around the region, and elsewhere, when I was beginning," stated Fender. "These spaces are legendary, but they are facing challenges."
Since the start of 2023, over 150 of these locations have shut down – approximately one-sixth of the total UK scene.
Recently, major artists like the band Pulp, the group Coldplay, the singer Katy Perry and Sheeran have all aided the trust in its initiatives to keep the scene afloat, by adding a small levy to their ticket costs, which benefits local stages.
Fender also took part, raising in excess of £100,000 on his 2024 arena tour to assist 38 grassroots venues across Britain.
The donation supported venues that were dealing with imminent closure due to difficulties caused by floods, fire incidents and bereavements, as well as regulatory hurdles, legal disputes and neighbor objections.
Additional spaces received funding support in upgrading amenities and gear that helped performers and concertgoers.
"The idea that money from shows in large arenas helps the independent spots, where it kicks off for performers like me, is just sensible," Sam Fender has commented.
Fender is among several artists to give his honor winnings to worthy causes.
Back when Pulp won the prize in 1996 for their album the album, vocalist Cocker announced that the act would donate their cash to the non-profit the charity.
During 2002, rapper and singer she divided her prize across multiple organizations, including the NSPCC and a Sickle Cell organization.
"And I donated a thousand pounds to my local community centre, to their classes, because I trained in gymnastics when I was growing up and they required new equipment," she told a publication.
Previously, Ezra Collective gave their funds to the local youth club that nurtured their group, as well as other local music groups.
And the 1994 recipients they donated their award to a charity for MS after a acquaintance was identified with the condition.
"The victory was quite enough," stated artist Small. "The cash was the extra but we didn't require the cherry, because we had the honor. So our success affected another person's life."
Recently, the MVT revealed it had rescued several local spots in that region, by bringing them into public stewardship.
One venue in Southampton and the other in Bristol were purchased under the public acquisition initiative, which is supported by Arts Council England and enthusiasts who purchase "stakes" in the venues.
