Sam Fender has handed over the entirety of his £25,000 Mercury Prize prize money to the trust for venues, which operates to protect the Britain's independent music venues.
The star was awarded the award on 16 October as his new release People Watching was named the outstanding release of the last 12 months.
Fender has opted to hand the money over to the MVT, in appreciation of the crucial part small stages played in his initial steps.
"As an artist wouldn't be doing what I am doing today if it hadn't been for all the performances I performed around the North East, and beyond, when I was beginning," remarked the artist. "These locations are renowned, but they are facing challenges."
From early 2023 onward, over 150 of these venues have ceased operations – approximately 16% of the total UK scene.
In the last year, well-known musicians like Pulp, the group Coldplay, the singer Katy Perry and Sheeran have all backed the MVT in its initiatives to keep the scene afloat, by applying a minor surcharge to their admission fees, which benefits local stages.
Sam Fender also joined in, collecting over £100k on his live tour to support 38 small stages across England, Scotland, and Wales.
These funds supported venues that were dealing with potential shutdown due to difficulties stemming from floods, fires and family tragedies, as well as permit problems, legal disputes and sound issues.
Some locations obtained monetary aid in improving amenities and gear that helped musicians and fans.
"The idea that funds from performances in large arenas helps the independent spots, where it kicks off for performers like me, is just common sense," the star has said.
The musician is not the first artist to contribute his Mercury Prize prize money to charitable organizations.
Back when they won the award in 1996 for their record the album, lead singer the singer announced that the group would contribute their winnings to the organization the charity.
In 2002, rapper and singer the artist shared her bounty among multiple good causes, such as the NSPCC and a Sickle Cell organization.
"Additionally, I donated a £1,000 to the center, to their classes, because I trained in gymnastics when I was younger and they required updated gear," Ms Dynamite explained to the media.
Previously, the band donated their prize money to the local youth club that developed their group, as well as other local music groups.
Additionally the 1994 recipients the group contributed their award to a charity for MS after a friend was found to have the disease.
"The victory was sufficient," remarked singer the singer. "The cash was the extra but we could do without the bonus, because we had the main prize. So our success touched the lives of others."
Last week, the Music Venues Trust shared it had saved two grassroots venues in the South East, by bringing them into public stewardship.
The Joiners in the city and the second in Bristol were purchased under the community ownership program, which is funded by the arts council and enthusiasts who buy "stakes" in the buildings.
