Sam Fender has donated the full amount of his £25k honor prize money to the Music Venues Trust, which functions to save the Britain's independent live music spots.
He was awarded the cheque on October 16 as his latest record the album was declared the top album of the last 12 months.
He has decided to donate the funds to the Music Venues Trust, in acknowledgment of the crucial part small stages had in his initial steps.
"I couldn't be pursuing my current career if it weren't for all the performances I performed around the area, and elsewhere, when I was starting out," remarked Fender. "These venues are renowned, but they are struggling."
Since the start of 2023, more than 150 of these locations have permanently closed – roughly 16 percent of the total UK scene.
Over the past year, well-known musicians like Pulp, Coldplay, Katy Perry and Ed Sheeran have all backed the MVT in its efforts to keep the scene afloat, by applying a small levy to their ticket prices, which supports independent venues.
He also joined in, raising more than £100,000 on his recent tour to support thirty-eight small stages across Britain.
The donation supported spaces that were dealing with potential shutdown due to difficulties arising from floods, fire incidents and bereavements, as well as licensing issues, conflicts and neighbor objections.
Other venues received monetary aid in upgrading amenities and technical equipment that positively impacted performers and fans.
"The concept that funds from concerts in major spaces supports the smaller venues, where it begins for performers like me, is just common sense," Fender has commented.
Fender is far from the only musician to donate his honor funds to charitable organizations.
When Pulp received the prize in 1996 for their record the album, vocalist Cocker declared that the act would contribute their prize money to the non-profit the charity.
During 2002, musician the artist shared her award among several organizations, like the NSPCC and a charity for Sickle Cell.
"I also donated a grand to Highgate Newtown, to their gymnastics class, because I practiced gymnastics when I was a child and they lacked updated gear," she told outlets.
Two years ago, Ezra Collective contributed their funds to the youth organization that supported their group, in addition to other grassroots music organisations.
Additionally the 1994 recipients M People contributed their winnings to a multiple sclerosis charity after a acquaintance was diagnosed the illness.
"Receiving the award was ample," remarked artist Heather Small. "The cash was the cherry on top but we could do without the bonus, because we had the cake. So our victory affected another person's life."
In the past week, the trust revealed it had saved several small stages in south-east England, by bringing them into public stewardship.
One venue in Southampton and the other in Bristol were bought under the Own Our Venues program, which is backed by a national body and enthusiasts who purchase "shares" in the venues.
