Sam Fender has given the full amount of his £25k award prize money to the MVT, which works to protect the UK's independent music venues.
The star was given the award on mid-October as his third album his work was named the best record of the previous year.
He has opted to give the cash to the trust, in recognition of the crucial part grassroots venues had in his beginning days.
"I personally would not have achieved my current career if it hadn't been for all the gigs I played around the area, and elsewhere, when I was starting out," remarked the artist. "These locations are legendary, but they are in difficulty."
Since the start of 2023, over 150 of these spaces have ceased operations – about one-sixth of the total UK scene.
Over the past year, top acts including Pulp, Coldplay, Katy Perry and Sheeran have all supported the Music Venues Trust in its efforts to help venues survive, by applying a small levy to their admission fees, which supports local stages.
He also joined in, collecting over £100k on his 2024 arena tour to assist thirty-eight grassroots venues across England, Scotland, and Wales.
The money helped spaces that were facing possible closure due to issues stemming from water damage, blazes and personal losses, as well as permit problems, court cases and sound issues.
Some locations received funding support in improving facilities and gear that helped performers and concertgoers.
"The concept that money from concerts in large arenas helps the independent spots, where it begins for performers like me, is just common sense," Fender has stated.
He is among several artists to contribute his honor winnings to charitable organizations.
Back when the band earned the trophy in 1996 for their record their work, lead singer the singer stated that the group would give their prize money to the charity War Child.
In 2002, musician she split her award among multiple organizations, like the NSPCC and a Sickle Cell charity.
"I also contributed a thousand pounds to Highgate Newtown, to their gymnastics program, because I did gymnastics when I was younger and they lacked updated gear," she explained to the media.
In recent years, they contributed their prize money to the youth organization that developed their band, alongside other local music groups.
Additionally winners that year the group contributed their prize to a charity for MS after a friend was diagnosed the condition.
"Receiving the award was sufficient," said vocalist Heather Small. "The cash was the cherry on top but we could do without the bonus, because we had the honor. So our winning affected somebody else's life."
Recently, the Music Venues Trust announced it had rescued two small stages in the South East, by placing them under local control.
The Joiners in Southampton and The Croft in that location were purchased under the public acquisition program, which is supported by Arts Council England and music fans who acquire "stakes" in the venues.
