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The star has donated the complete sum of his £25,000 honor prize money to the MVT, which functions to preserve the UK's grassroots music venues.

The star was given the prize on 16 October as his third album his work was chosen as the top album of the last 12 months.

Fender has decided to donate the funds to the MVT, in recognition of the essential function small stages fulfilled in his initial steps.

"I wouldn't be doing this success if it hadn't been for all the gigs I performed around the area, and further afield, when I was just getting going," remarked Fender. "These spaces are renowned, but they are in difficulty."

From early 2023 onward, at least 150 of these locations have permanently closed – approximately one-sixth of the total UK scene.

Over the past year, well-known musicians 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 small levy to their admission fees, which supports independent venues.

Sam Fender also joined in, collecting more than £100,000 on his 2024 arena tour to support numerous local spots across the UK.

The money helped venues that were facing imminent closure due to issues caused by water damage, fires and personal losses, as well as regulatory hurdles, legal disputes and sound issues.

Other venues received financial assistance in upgrading amenities and sound and lighting systems that directly benefitted performers and fans.

"The concept that funds from shows in big venues helps the smaller venues, where it all starts for musicians like me, is just sensible," Sam Fender has stated.

He is far from the only musician to donate his award winnings to worthy causes.

In Pulp earned the award in the mid-90s for their release Different Class, frontman Jarvis Cocker stated that the band would donate their winnings to the non-profit War Child.

During 2002, artist the artist shared her award between several good causes, like the NSPCC and a Sickle Cell charity.

"I also contributed a grand to Highgate Newtown, to their classes, because I trained in gymnastics when I was younger and they lacked updated gear," the artist explained to a publication.

Two years ago, Ezra Collective donated their prize money to the community center that nurtured their act, as well as other grassroots music organisations.

And winners that year M People contributed their prize to a multiple sclerosis charity after a acquaintance was found to have the disease.

"Receiving the award was sufficient," said artist the singer. "The money was the cherry on top but we didn't need the bonus, because we had the cake. So our victory affected the lives of others."

Last week, the MVT announced it had saved two local spots in that region, by placing them under public stewardship.

One venue in the city and the other in that location were bought under the community ownership scheme, which is supported by Arts Council England and supporters who purchase "ownership units" in the venues.