Sam Fender has given the complete sum of his £25k award winnings to the Music Venues Trust, which functions to save the UK's grassroots music venues.
Fender was given the prize on mid-October as his new release People Watching was chosen as the outstanding release of the last 12 months.
He has opted to give the cash to the Music Venues Trust, in recognition of the crucial part grassroots venues fulfilled in his initial steps.
"As an artist would not have achieved what I am doing today if it weren't for all the gigs I did around the North East, and elsewhere, when I was beginning," said the artist. "These spaces are renowned, but they are struggling."
Since the start of 2023, more than 150 of these locations have permanently closed – about 16% of the whole industry in the UK.
Over the past year, major artists such as Pulp, Coldplay, Katy Perry and Sheeran have all supported the MVT in its initiatives to keep the scene afloat, by including a modest fee to their ticket prices, which goes to help independent venues.
Sam Fender also participated, raising over £100k on his recent tour to support 38 local spots across Britain.
The donation supported locations that were confronting potential shutdown due to issues caused by floods, fire incidents and family tragedies, as well as licensing issues, court cases and neighbor objections.
Other venues were granted funding support in modernizing amenities and gear that helped performers and concertgoers.
"The concept that revenue from shows in big venues backs the local stages, where it all starts for artists like me, is just sensible," Sam Fender has commented.
The musician is among several artists to contribute his honor prize money to good deeds.
Back when the band received the trophy in 1996 for their release the album, lead singer the singer stated that the group would donate their cash to the charity War Child.
In 2002, rapper and singer the artist shared her prize among a few good causes, such as the NSPCC and a Sickle Cell organization.
"Additionally, I donated a grand to the center, to their gymnastics program, because I practiced gymnastics when I was growing up and they required updated gear," Ms Dynamite explained to a publication.
Previously, they gave their winnings to the local youth club that supported their group, alongside other independent music bodies.
Also the 1994 recipients they contributed their award to a multiple sclerosis charity after a close contact was found to have the condition.
"Receiving the award was quite enough," said singer the singer. "The cash was the cherry on top but we could do without the extra, because we had the main prize. So our victory touched another person's life."
Last week, the Music Venues Trust shared it had saved two local spots in south-east England, by bringing them into community ownership.
The Joiners in the city and the second in the city were acquired under the community ownership scheme, which is supported by a national body and supporters who acquire "stakes" in the venues.
