Sam Fender has given the complete sum of his twenty-five thousand pound award winnings to the trust for venues, which operates to protect the United Kingdom's grassroots music venues.
Fender was presented with the award on mid-October as his new release his work was named the outstanding release of the previous year.
He has opted to give the cash to the MVT, in appreciation of the essential function small stages had in his early career.
"I personally couldn't be pursuing this success if it hadn't been for all the gigs I played around the North East, and beyond, when I was just getting going," said Sam Fender. "These locations are legendary, but they are in difficulty."
Since the start of 2023, at least 150 of these spaces have ceased operations – roughly one-sixth of the whole industry in the UK.
Over the past year, top acts such as Pulp, Coldplay, Katy Perry and Sheeran have all backed the trust in its efforts to keep the scene afloat, by adding a modest fee to their ticket costs, which goes to help independent venues.
He also participated, generating over £100k on his 2024 arena tour to assist 38 grassroots venues across Britain.
The donation supported spaces that were facing imminent closure due to issues arising from water damage, fire incidents and personal losses, as well as permit problems, legal disputes and neighbor objections.
Some locations obtained financial assistance in modernizing facilities and sound and lighting systems that helped musicians and audiences.
"The notion that revenue from concerts in big venues helps the independent spots, where it all starts for artists like me, is just common sense," the star has stated.
Fender is not the first artist to donate his Mercury Prize funds to worthy causes.
Back when the band received the prize in the year 1996 for their album the album, vocalist Cocker declared that the act would give their prize money to the non-profit War Child.
In 2002, musician Ms Dynamite split her bounty between multiple charities, like the NSPCC and a charity for Sickle Cell.
"Additionally, I donated a £1,000 to the center, to their gymnastics class, because I practiced gymnastics when I was growing up and they required new equipment," the artist explained to outlets.
In recent years, they gave their funds to the local youth club that nurtured their group, alongside other local music groups.
Additionally 1994 winners M People donated their award to a multiple sclerosis charity after a acquaintance was found to have the condition.
"Winning was ample," said singer the singer. "The money was the cherry on top but we could do without the extra, because we had the honor. So our winning touched the lives of others."
Last week, the Music Venues Trust revealed it had saved two grassroots venues in that region, by transferring them to public stewardship.
One venue in the city and the other in that location were bought under the public acquisition program, which is backed by a national body and enthusiasts who purchase "shares" in the properties.
