Sam Fender has given the complete sum of his £25k award winnings to the trust for venues, which functions to save the Britain's independent live music spots.
He was presented with the cheque on 16 October as his latest record People Watching was declared the best record of the last 12 months.
Fender has chosen to hand the money over to the trust, in acknowledgment of the essential function local spots fulfilled in his beginning days.
"I personally would not have achieved my current career if it weren't for all the shows I played around the region, and further afield, when I was just getting going," said Fender. "These venues are legendary, but they are struggling."
Since the start of 2023, over 150 of these spaces have ceased operations – about 16% of the total UK scene.
Over the past year, major artists like Pulp, Coldplay, the singer Katy Perry and Ed Sheeran have all supported the MVT in its efforts to help venues survive, by applying a minor surcharge to their ticket prices, which supports independent venues.
He also joined in, raising in excess of £100,000 on his 2024 arena tour to support numerous grassroots venues across Britain.
The money assisted spaces that were facing possible closure due to issues stemming from flooding, blazes and family tragedies, as well as regulatory hurdles, legal disputes and noise complaints.
Some locations were granted financial assistance in modernizing facilities and gear that helped performers and fans.
"The concept that funds from concerts in large arenas backs the independent spots, where it all starts for performers like me, is just sensible," Fender has commented.
Fender is among several artists to give his award funds to worthy causes.
When the band won the award in the year 1996 for their record the album, vocalist Cocker announced that the group would give their cash to the non-profit War Child.
During 2002, musician the artist shared her prize across multiple organizations, like the children's charity and a charity for Sickle Cell.
"And I contributed a grand to Highgate Newtown, to their gymnastics program, because I practiced gymnastics when I was a child and they required new equipment," Ms Dynamite explained to outlets.
Previously, they contributed their winnings to the community center that supported their band, in addition to other local music groups.
Also 1994 winners the group donated their winnings to a multiple sclerosis charity after a acquaintance was diagnosed the disease.
"Receiving the award was sufficient," said vocalist Heather Small. "The money was the cherry on top but we didn't need the bonus, because we had the cake. So our success impacted the lives of others."
Last week, the trust announced it had protected a couple of local spots in the South East, by placing them under community ownership.
One venue in that area and the other in the city were acquired under the community ownership program, which is funded by the arts council and music fans who acquire "shares" in the buildings.
