Sam Fender has given the full amount of his £25k award winnings to the Music Venues Trust, which works to protect the United Kingdom's independent live music spots.
The star was presented with the award on October 16 as his latest record his work was named the outstanding release of the past year.
The musician has chosen to donate the funds to the Music Venues Trust, in acknowledgment of the vital role grassroots venues had in his initial steps.
"I personally wouldn't be doing what I am doing today if it wasn't for all the performances I performed around the area, and beyond, when I was starting out," stated the artist. "These spaces are renowned, but they are facing challenges."
Beginning in 2023, over 150 of these locations have permanently closed – approximately 16 percent of the total UK scene.
In the last year, major artists including Pulp, Coldplay, Katy Perry and Ed Sheeran have all aided the Music Venues Trust in its attempts to support the industry, by adding a small levy to their admission fees, which goes to help independent venues.
He also joined in, generating over £100k on his live tour to assist numerous grassroots venues across England, Scotland, and Wales.
These funds assisted spaces that were facing possible closure due to challenges arising from flooding, fires and personal losses, as well as licensing issues, conflicts and sound issues.
Additional spaces received funding support in upgrading facilities and sound and lighting systems that positively impacted musicians and audiences.
"The notion that money from concerts in large arenas supports the local stages, where it kicks off for artists like me, is just sensible," Fender has commented.
He is among several artists to contribute his Mercury Prize winnings to worthy causes.
Back when they won the trophy in the mid-90s for their record their work, lead singer Jarvis Cocker stated that the band would contribute their prize money to the non-profit the charity.
During 2002, artist Ms Dynamite divided her prize among multiple charities, such as the children's charity and a charity for Sickle Cell.
"I also donated a thousand pounds to Highgate Newtown, to their gymnastics program, because I practiced gymnastics when I was a child and they needed new equipment," the artist told outlets.
Previously, Ezra Collective contributed their prize money to the community center that supported their group, as well as other grassroots music organisations.
And the 1994 recipients they gave their award to a charity for MS after a friend was diagnosed the illness.
"Winning was ample," remarked singer the singer. "The cash was the cherry on top but we could do without the bonus, because we had the honor. So our winning affected somebody else's life."
Last week, the MVT revealed it had protected two local spots in that region, by bringing them into public stewardship.
The first in that area and the other in that location were purchased under the Own Our Venues initiative, which is supported by Arts Council England and enthusiasts who acquire "ownership units" in the properties.
