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The star has donated the complete sum of his twenty-five thousand pound honor winnings to the trust for venues, which works to protect the UK's independent music venues.

The star was presented with the award on mid-October as his new release the album was chosen as the outstanding release of the previous year.

He has opted to give the cash to the trust, in recognition of the vital role grassroots venues played in his early career.

"I would not have achieved my current career if it hadn't been for all the gigs I played around the North East, and beyond, when I was starting out," stated Sam Fender. "These locations are iconic, but they are struggling."

From early 2023 onward, over 150 of these venues have permanently closed – roughly one-sixth of the total UK scene.

Recently, top acts like Pulp, the group Coldplay, Katy Perry and Ed Sheeran have all backed the MVT in its initiatives to keep the scene afloat, by adding a modest fee to their ticket costs, which goes to help local stages.

Sam Fender also took part, raising in excess of £100,000 on his live tour to assist thirty-eight local spots across Britain.

The donation supported locations that were confronting potential shutdown due to difficulties caused by flooding, fires and family tragedies, as well as licensing issues, conflicts and sound issues.

Some locations received funding support in improving infrastructure and technical equipment that directly benefitted musicians and concertgoers.

"The idea that funds from shows in big venues supports the smaller venues, where it begins for musicians like me, is just sensible," the star has said.

He is not the first artist to contribute his Mercury Prize funds to worthy causes.

When they earned the trophy in the mid-90s for their record the album, vocalist Jarvis Cocker declared that the group would contribute their cash to the organization War Child.

During 2002, rapper and singer Ms Dynamite divided her award between multiple charities, like the children's charity and a Sickle Cell charity.

"And I contributed a thousand pounds to Highgate Newtown, to their gymnastics class, because I trained in gymnastics when I was growing up and they required updated gear," the artist told a publication.

Two years ago, they contributed their funds to the youth organization that nurtured their act, as well as other independent music bodies.

Additionally 1994 winners they gave their winnings to a charity for MS after a friend was diagnosed the disease.

"Winning was sufficient," stated singer the singer. "The prize was the extra but we didn't require the extra, because we had the honor. So our victory impacted somebody else's life."

Recently, the MVT shared it had rescued two small stages in the South East, by transferring them to public stewardship.

The first in that area and the second in Bristol were purchased under the Own Our Venues initiative, which is funded by Arts Council England and music fans who acquire "shares" in the venues.