Sam Fender has given the full amount of his £25,000 award prize money to the Music Venues Trust, which works to protect the United Kingdom's grassroots live music spots.
Fender was awarded the prize on October 16 as his new release People Watching was chosen as the best record of the past year.
The musician has chosen to give the cash to the trust, in appreciation of the crucial part grassroots venues played in his initial steps.
"I would not have achieved what I am doing today if it wasn't for all the shows I played around the North East, and elsewhere, when I was beginning," remarked Sam Fender. "These venues are legendary, but they are in difficulty."
Since the start of 2023, at least 150 of these venues have ceased operations – roughly 16% of the whole industry in the UK.
Recently, major artists such as Pulp, Coldplay, Katy Perry and Ed Sheeran have all backed the MVT in its efforts to keep the scene afloat, by adding a small levy to their admission fees, which benefits independent venues.
Fender also participated, generating over £100k on his 2024 arena tour to support thirty-eight small stages across England, Scotland, and Wales.
The money assisted spaces that were dealing with imminent closure due to difficulties stemming from flooding, fire incidents and family tragedies, as well as permit problems, court cases and neighbor objections.
Some locations received monetary aid in improving amenities and technical equipment that directly benefitted performers and fans.
"The concept that revenue from concerts in large arenas backs the local stages, where it kicks off for musicians like me, is just common sense," Sam Fender has said.
The musician is not the first artist to give his honor winnings to good deeds.
Back when Pulp won the trophy in 1996 for their record the album, frontman Cocker stated that the act would give their prize money to the charity War Child.
In 2002, musician Ms Dynamite split her bounty among multiple organizations, like the NSPCC and a charity for Sickle Cell.
"I also donated a thousand pounds to the center, to their gymnastics class, because I did gymnastics when I was younger and they required updated gear," the artist shared with outlets.
Two years ago, Ezra Collective contributed their funds to the local youth club that supported their band, alongside other independent music bodies.
Also the 1994 recipients they gave their award to a charity for MS after a friend was identified with the illness.
"Receiving the award was sufficient," said vocalist the singer. "The money was the bonus but we didn't require the extra, because we had the main prize. So our victory affected somebody else's life."
Last week, the trust announced it had saved several small stages in south-east England, by transferring them to public stewardship.
One venue in that area and the other in the city were acquired under the public acquisition initiative, which is supported by a national body and enthusiasts who buy "ownership units" in the buildings.
