Sam Fender has handed over the complete sum of his £25k honor winnings to the MVT, which works to save the UK's independent concert spaces.
Fender was given the prize on mid-October as his third album the album was chosen as the top album of the last 12 months.
Fender has chosen to give the cash to the trust, in acknowledgment of the crucial part local spots had in his initial steps.
"As an artist wouldn't be doing this success if it wasn't for all the gigs I performed around the North East, and elsewhere, when I was starting out," said Sam Fender. "These spaces are iconic, but they are facing challenges."
Since the start of 2023, at least 150 of these spaces have permanently closed – about 16% of the entire UK sector.
Recently, top acts such as Pulp, Coldplay, Katy Perry and Ed Sheeran have all backed the MVT in its attempts to support the industry, by adding a small levy to their admission fees, which benefits independent venues.
He also participated, collecting over £100k on his live tour to help numerous small stages across Britain.
The money supported locations that were dealing with possible closure due to challenges stemming from water damage, fire incidents and bereavements, as well as permit problems, court cases and noise complaints.
Other venues received monetary aid in improving facilities and technical equipment that positively impacted performers and fans.
"The idea that funds from performances in big venues supports the local stages, where it kicks off for musicians like me, is just common sense," Sam Fender has commented.
Fender is not the first artist to contribute his award funds to charitable organizations.
When the band received the trophy in the year 1996 for their record their work, frontman the singer stated that the band would contribute their cash to the charity War Child.
In 2002, artist the artist split her award among a few good causes, such as the NSPCC and a Sickle Cell organization.
"Additionally, I donated a grand to the center, to their classes, because I trained in gymnastics when I was younger and they needed updated gear," the artist shared with the media.
Two years ago, Ezra Collective contributed their funds to the local youth club that developed their group, as well as other grassroots music organisations.
And the 1994 recipients the group contributed their winnings to a MS organization after a close contact was diagnosed the condition.
"Winning was quite enough," said singer the singer. "The money was the cherry on top but we could do without the cherry, because we had the cake. So our winning impacted another person's life."
Last week, the MVT announced it had saved a couple of small stages in south-east England, by transferring them to local control.
The Joiners in that area and the second in the city were acquired under the community ownership program, which is supported by Arts Council England and enthusiasts who acquire "shares" in the venues.
