Sam Fender has handed over the full amount of his £25,000 honor winnings to the MVT, which works to protect the United Kingdom's independent live music spots.
He was given the prize on mid-October as his third album his work was declared the outstanding release of the previous year.
He has chosen to give the cash to the Music Venues Trust, in acknowledgment of the essential function small stages had in his beginning days.
"As an artist would not have achieved my current career if it wasn't for all the performances I played around the North East, and further afield, when I was starting out," said Fender. "These spaces are iconic, but they are facing challenges."
Since the start of 2023, at least 150 of these locations have ceased operations – approximately 16 percent of the entire UK sector.
Recently, top acts like Pulp, Coldplay, the singer Katy Perry and Sheeran have all supported the Music Venues Trust in its efforts to keep the scene afloat, by applying a minor surcharge to their ticket prices, which benefits smaller concert halls.
He also took part, generating in excess of £100,000 on his live tour to assist 38 small stages across the UK.
These funds assisted locations that were dealing with possible closure due to difficulties arising from water damage, fire incidents and family tragedies, as well as licensing issues, legal disputes and noise complaints.
Other venues were granted financial assistance in improving amenities and technical equipment that positively impacted musicians and fans.
"The notion that funds from shows in major spaces supports the local stages, where it kicks off for performers like me, is just common sense," the star has stated.
Fender is among several artists to give his Mercury Prize prize money to charitable organizations.
When they won the trophy in the year 1996 for their album their work, frontman Jarvis Cocker stated that the act would donate their prize money to the non-profit the charity.
In 2002, artist the artist divided her prize across several organizations, such as the children's charity and a charity for Sickle Cell.
"Additionally, I donated a £1,000 to my local community centre, to their gymnastics program, because I trained in gymnastics when I was younger and they lacked updated gear," the artist told a publication.
Two years ago, they donated their funds to the youth organization that supported their group, as well as other local music groups.
Additionally 1994 winners they donated their winnings to a MS organization after a acquaintance was identified with the condition.
"Receiving the award was ample," stated singer Heather Small. "The prize was the extra but we didn't require the extra, because we had the main prize. So our success affected somebody else's life."
Recently, the MVT revealed it had rescued two grassroots venues in the South East, by transferring them to public stewardship.
One venue in the city and the second in the city were bought under the Own Our Venues initiative, which is funded by the arts council and enthusiasts who acquire "ownership units" in the properties.
