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Sam Fender has handed over the full amount of his £25k honor winnings to the Music Venues Trust, which works to protect the Britain's independent music venues.

Fender was awarded the prize on mid-October as his new release his work was chosen as the best record of the past year.

He has decided to give the cash to the Music Venues Trust, in appreciation of the crucial part local spots had in his initial steps.

"I would not have achieved my current career if it weren't for all the gigs I did around the North East, and beyond, when I was starting out," stated Fender. "These locations are renowned, but they are facing challenges."

Beginning in 2023, at least 150 of these venues have ceased operations – roughly one-sixth of the total UK scene.

Over the past year, major artists such as the band Pulp, the group Coldplay, Katy Perry and Sheeran have all aided the MVT in its attempts to help venues survive, by applying a modest fee to their ticket costs, which supports local stages.

Fender also participated, raising over £100k on his recent tour to support 38 local spots across Britain.

The money helped locations that were facing potential shutdown due to challenges arising from water damage, blazes and personal losses, as well as permit problems, conflicts and noise complaints.

Additional spaces received funding support in improving amenities and technical equipment that helped musicians and fans.

"The notion that funds from shows in large arenas helps the smaller venues, where it all starts for performers like me, is just sensible," the star has commented.

Fender is among several artists to give his Mercury Prize prize money to charitable organizations.

Back when they received the award in the mid-90s for their record Different Class, vocalist the singer announced that the band would contribute their prize money to the organization War Child.

In 2002, musician the artist split her bounty between a few organizations, like the NSPCC and a Sickle Cell charity.

"I also gave a grand to the center, to their gymnastics program, because I practiced gymnastics when I was a child and they lacked updated gear," the artist explained to a publication.

Two years ago, the band contributed their funds to the youth organization that supported their group, as well as other independent music bodies.

Additionally the 1994 recipients they gave their winnings to a multiple sclerosis charity after a acquaintance was diagnosed the illness.

"The victory was quite enough," said vocalist Small. "The prize was the cherry on top but we didn't require the cherry, because we had the honor. So our success impacted the lives of others."

Recently, the trust shared it had protected two grassroots venues in south-east England, by bringing them into public stewardship.

The Joiners in the city and The Croft in the city were purchased under the community ownership program, which is supported by a national body and enthusiasts who purchase "stakes" in the buildings.