Sam Fender has handed over the full amount of his £25,000 honor winnings to the Music Venues Trust, which operates to save the Britain's independent concert spaces.
The star was presented with the award on 16 October as his latest record his work was chosen as the top album of the previous year.
Fender has opted to give the cash to the Music Venues Trust, in recognition of the vital role grassroots venues had in his initial steps.
"I couldn't be pursuing what I am doing today if it hadn't been for all the shows I performed around the region, and beyond, when I was starting out," remarked Sam Fender. "These venues are legendary, but they are facing challenges."
Since the start of 2023, more than 150 of these venues have permanently closed – approximately one-sixth of the entire UK sector.
Over the past year, well-known musicians such as the band Pulp, Coldplay, Katy Perry and Ed Sheeran have all supported the trust in its attempts to keep the scene afloat, by adding a minor surcharge to their admission fees, which goes to help smaller concert halls.
Fender also took part, generating in excess of £100,000 on his 2024 arena tour to help numerous grassroots venues across England, Scotland, and Wales.
The donation supported spaces that were dealing with imminent closure due to issues arising from water damage, fire incidents and bereavements, as well as permit problems, legal disputes and sound issues.
Additional spaces received monetary aid in improving amenities and technical equipment that positively impacted performers and audiences.
"The notion that revenue from concerts in big venues supports the independent spots, where it all starts for artists like me, is just logical," Fender has commented.
He is among several artists to contribute his Mercury Prize prize money to worthy causes.
When they won the trophy in 1996 for their record their work, frontman the singer announced that the act would give their cash to the non-profit War Child.
In 2002, musician Ms Dynamite shared her prize between multiple organizations, like the children's charity and a Sickle Cell organization.
"Additionally, I gave a thousand pounds to Highgate Newtown, to their gymnastics class, because I practiced gymnastics when I was younger and they required updated gear," the artist explained to a publication.
Previously, the band contributed their winnings to the community center that developed their act, as well as other independent music bodies.
Additionally the 1994 recipients they donated their award to a multiple sclerosis charity after a friend was identified with the illness.
"Winning was ample," remarked singer Small. "The money was the bonus but we could do without the bonus, because we had the cake. So our success impacted somebody else's life."
In the past week, the trust revealed it had protected a couple of small stages in the South East, by placing them under local control.
One venue in Southampton and the other in that location were bought under the Own Our Venues program, which is supported by Arts Council England and music fans who acquire "shares" in the buildings.
