Sam Fender has donated the complete sum of his twenty-five thousand pound award cash to the Music Venues Trust, which functions to protect the United Kingdom's independent concert spaces.
Fender was awarded the award on mid-October as his third album his work was declared the top album of the last 12 months.
He has opted to donate the funds to the Music Venues Trust, in appreciation of the vital role grassroots venues had in his early career.
"As an artist couldn't be pursuing what I am doing today if it hadn't been for all the gigs I performed around the area, and beyond, when I was starting out," remarked the artist. "These venues are iconic, but they are in difficulty."
Since the start of 2023, at least 150 of these venues have ceased operations – roughly 16% of the entire UK sector.
Recently, well-known musicians like the band Pulp, Coldplay, Katy Perry and Sheeran have all aided the MVT in its efforts to support the industry, by applying a minor surcharge to their ticket prices, which benefits independent venues.
He also took part, generating over £100k on his live tour to support thirty-eight grassroots venues across England, Scotland, and Wales.
These funds supported spaces that were dealing with imminent closure due to challenges arising from water damage, fire incidents and personal losses, as well as licensing issues, legal disputes and neighbor objections.
Other venues received funding support in improving infrastructure and gear that helped musicians and fans.
"The concept that funds from shows in big venues helps the local stages, where it kicks off for performers like me, is just sensible," Sam Fender has stated.
Fender is far from the only musician to give his Mercury Prize funds to good deeds.
In the band won the trophy in the mid-90s for their record the album, frontman the singer stated that the group would give their prize money to the charity War Child.
During 2002, artist the artist shared her award between several good causes, such as the children's charity and a charity for Sickle Cell.
"I also contributed a grand to Highgate Newtown, to their classes, because I practiced gymnastics when I was a child and they required new equipment," she told outlets.
Two years ago, Ezra Collective donated their prize money to the local youth club that nurtured their band, as well as other grassroots music organisations.
Also winners that year they contributed their winnings to a charity for MS after a close contact was identified with the disease.
"Winning was sufficient," remarked artist the singer. "The cash was the bonus but we could do without the extra, because we had the main prize. So our winning touched the lives of others."
Last week, the Music Venues Trust revealed it had saved several small stages in the South East, by bringing them into community ownership.
The first in that area and the second in that location were acquired under the public acquisition scheme, which is funded by the arts council and supporters who acquire "ownership units" in the buildings.
