Sam Fender has donated the complete sum of his twenty-five thousand pound Mercury Prize prize money to the trust for venues, which functions to preserve the UK's independent music venues.
The star was awarded the prize on October 16 as his third album People Watching was declared the best record of the previous year.
He has decided to hand the money over to the Music Venues Trust, in recognition of the crucial part grassroots venues had in his initial steps.
"I personally would not have achieved what I am doing today if it hadn't been for all the gigs I played around the North East, and further afield, when I was just getting going," said Sam Fender. "These locations are legendary, but they are in difficulty."
Since the start of 2023, over 150 of these venues have permanently closed – about 16% of the entire UK sector.
Over the past year, major artists including Pulp, Coldplay, Katy Perry and Ed Sheeran have all backed the Music Venues Trust in its efforts to keep the scene afloat, by including a minor surcharge to their ticket prices, which benefits independent venues.
Fender also took part, raising more than £100,000 on his recent tour to support thirty-eight grassroots venues across Britain.
These funds assisted venues that were confronting potential shutdown due to issues arising from floods, blazes and personal losses, as well as permit problems, legal disputes and sound issues.
Additional spaces received funding support in improving amenities and gear that directly benefitted performers and concertgoers.
"The concept that money from concerts in large arenas backs the independent spots, where it kicks off for performers like me, is just sensible," Sam Fender has commented.
Fender is not the first artist to donate his award prize money to worthy causes.
Back when they won the prize in the year 1996 for their album Different Class, lead singer Cocker announced that the group would give their prize money to the charity War Child.
In 2002, artist the artist divided her bounty among a few organizations, including the NSPCC and a Sickle Cell charity.
"And I contributed a £1,000 to Highgate Newtown, to their classes, because I trained in gymnastics when I was growing up and they lacked updated gear," the artist shared with outlets.
Two years ago, they donated their funds to the youth organization that nurtured their group, alongside other grassroots music organisations.
Additionally 1994 winners they gave their winnings to a charity for MS after a friend was diagnosed the condition.
"The victory was sufficient," remarked vocalist Heather Small. "The money was the cherry on top but we could do without the extra, because we had the honor. So our winning touched another person's life."
Last week, the Music Venues Trust announced it had saved a couple of grassroots venues in that region, by bringing them into public stewardship.
One venue in Southampton and The Croft in the city were purchased under the Own Our Venues program, which is supported by Arts Council England and enthusiasts who acquire "stakes" in the properties.
