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Sam Fender has handed over the full amount of his twenty-five thousand pound Mercury Prize prize money to the MVT, which works to protect the UK's grassroots music venues.

Fender was awarded the award on October 16 as his latest record the album was named the outstanding release of the past year.

The musician has decided to donate the funds to the Music Venues Trust, in acknowledgment of the vital role local spots had in his early career.

"I personally would not have achieved my current career if it weren't for all the performances I did around the North East, and elsewhere, when I was starting out," remarked the artist. "These locations are iconic, but they are facing challenges."

Beginning in 2023, over 150 of these venues have permanently closed – roughly one-sixth of the total UK scene.

Recently, major artists including Pulp, Coldplay, Katy Perry and Sheeran have all aided the Music Venues Trust in its initiatives to keep the scene afloat, by applying a modest fee to their admission fees, which supports independent venues.

Fender also participated, collecting in excess of £100,000 on his 2024 arena tour to support numerous small stages across the UK.

The money supported spaces that were dealing with potential shutdown due to issues arising from flooding, fires and bereavements, as well as licensing issues, conflicts and sound issues.

Other venues obtained monetary aid in upgrading amenities and sound and lighting systems that directly benefitted musicians and audiences.

"The concept that revenue from shows in big venues supports the independent spots, where it kicks off for artists like me, is just logical," Fender has said.

Fender is among several artists to contribute his honor funds to worthy causes.

Back when Pulp received the trophy in 1996 for their album Different Class, lead singer Cocker declared that the band would contribute their cash to the charity War Child.

In 2002, artist Ms Dynamite split her bounty between multiple organizations, like the NSPCC and a Sickle Cell charity.

"Additionally, I donated a £1,000 to Highgate Newtown, to their classes, because I practiced gymnastics when I was growing up and they required updated gear," she told outlets.

In recent years, they contributed their prize money to the local youth club that developed their group, alongside other independent music bodies.

Additionally the 1994 recipients they gave their award to a charity for MS after a acquaintance was diagnosed the disease.

"The victory was ample," said singer the singer. "The prize was the extra but we could do without the bonus, because we had the honor. So our success affected somebody else's life."

Last week, the trust announced it had protected two local spots in south-east England, by transferring them to public stewardship.

The first in Southampton and The Croft in the city were bought under the Own Our Venues scheme, which is supported by a national body and enthusiasts who buy "shares" in the buildings.