Sam Fender has given the entirety of his £25,000 Mercury Prize cash to the MVT, which operates to save the United Kingdom's independent music venues.
Fender was given the award on 16 October as his new release his work was chosen as the outstanding release of the previous year.
He has decided to donate the funds to the trust, in acknowledgment of the crucial part small stages played in his early career.
"I would not have achieved what I am doing today if it weren't for all the gigs I played around the area, and elsewhere, when I was just getting going," remarked Sam Fender. "These venues are renowned, but they are struggling."
From early 2023 onward, at least 150 of these spaces have permanently closed – about 16% of the total UK scene.
Recently, well-known musicians like the band Pulp, the group Coldplay, Katy Perry and Sheeran have all backed the trust in its attempts to help venues survive, by adding a small levy to their admission fees, which supports independent venues.
Fender also took part, raising in excess of £100,000 on his live tour to support thirty-eight local spots across Britain.
The money supported locations that were confronting imminent closure due to issues stemming from flooding, fire incidents and bereavements, as well as licensing issues, conflicts and neighbor objections.
Other venues were granted financial assistance in improving amenities and sound and lighting systems that directly benefitted artists and audiences.
"The idea that revenue from shows in major spaces supports the smaller venues, where it kicks off for musicians like me, is just sensible," Sam Fender has commented.
The musician is among several artists to contribute his award winnings to worthy causes.
Back when Pulp received the prize in the mid-90s for their record Different Class, lead singer Jarvis Cocker declared that the band would contribute their prize money to the non-profit War Child.
In 2002, musician she shared her award among several charities, such as the NSPCC and a Sickle Cell charity.
"And I gave a thousand pounds to Highgate Newtown, to their gymnastics class, because I practiced gymnastics when I was a child and they lacked new equipment," Ms Dynamite shared with outlets.
Two years ago, the band donated their prize money to the community center that developed their band, as well as other grassroots music organisations.
Additionally the 1994 recipients they donated their award to a multiple sclerosis charity after a acquaintance was identified with the condition.
"Winning was ample," remarked vocalist Heather Small. "The prize was the cherry on top but we didn't need the extra, because we had the cake. So our victory touched the lives of others."
Last week, the MVT shared it had rescued two local spots in the South East, by placing them under public stewardship.
One venue in the city and The Croft in that location were acquired under the public acquisition program, which is funded by Arts Council England and enthusiasts who purchase "shares" in the venues.
