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The artist has handed over the entirety of his twenty-five thousand pound award prize money to the trust for venues, which functions to preserve the UK's grassroots live music spots.

The star was presented with the prize on mid-October as his latest record his work was named the outstanding release of the last 12 months.

He has chosen to donate the funds to the Music Venues Trust, in appreciation of the crucial part small stages played in his early career.

"I couldn't be pursuing this success if it hadn't been for all the gigs I performed around the North East, and further afield, when I was just getting going," said the artist. "These venues are legendary, but they are in difficulty."

Since the start of 2023, more than 150 of these locations have permanently closed – roughly one-sixth of the whole industry in the UK.

In the last year, top acts like Pulp, Coldplay, Katy Perry and Sheeran have all aided the MVT in its efforts to support the industry, by including a minor surcharge to their admission fees, which supports local stages.

He also took part, generating in excess of £100,000 on his live tour to assist numerous small stages across Britain.

The money helped spaces that were facing possible closure due to challenges stemming from flooding, fire incidents and personal losses, as well as permit problems, conflicts and neighbor objections.

Additional spaces were granted monetary aid in improving infrastructure and sound and lighting systems that helped performers and fans.

"The notion that revenue from performances in big venues helps the local stages, where it begins for performers like me, is just sensible," Sam Fender has stated.

Fender is among several artists to donate his honor funds to charitable organizations.

In Pulp earned the prize in the mid-90s for their record their work, lead singer Cocker stated that the group would contribute their cash to the non-profit War Child.

During 2002, artist Ms Dynamite divided her award across a few good causes, like the children's charity and a Sickle Cell organization.

"Additionally, I donated a grand to Highgate Newtown, to their classes, because I trained in gymnastics when I was growing up and they lacked updated gear," Ms Dynamite shared with the media.

In recent years, Ezra Collective donated their prize money to the community center that developed their group, alongside other local music groups.

Also 1994 winners M People gave their award to a MS organization after a acquaintance was found to have the illness.

"Receiving the award was sufficient," remarked singer Heather Small. "The money was the extra but we didn't require the bonus, because we had the honor. So our winning touched somebody else's life."

Recently, the trust announced it had rescued several small stages in the South East, by placing them under public stewardship.

The Joiners in Southampton and The Croft in Bristol were bought under the community ownership program, which is supported by a national body and music fans who purchase "stakes" in the properties.