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The artist has handed over the complete sum of his £25k award winnings to the MVT, which operates to preserve the UK's independent music venues.

Fender was presented with the award on mid-October as his third album People Watching was declared the top album of the last 12 months.

The musician has chosen to give the cash to the trust, in recognition of the vital role small stages had in his initial steps.

"I wouldn't be doing this success if it wasn't for all the shows I did around the region, and further afield, when I was starting out," remarked Sam Fender. "These spaces are renowned, but they are struggling."

From early 2023 onward, more than 150 of these spaces have permanently closed – approximately one-sixth of the total UK scene.

Recently, well-known musicians like the band Pulp, Coldplay, Katy Perry and Ed Sheeran have all supported the MVT in its efforts to keep the scene afloat, by adding a minor surcharge to their ticket costs, which benefits smaller concert halls.

He also took part, generating more than £100,000 on his 2024 arena tour to help thirty-eight grassroots venues across England, Scotland, and Wales.

The money supported spaces that were dealing with possible closure due to challenges stemming from water damage, fires and personal losses, as well as licensing issues, court cases and noise complaints.

Some locations received funding support in upgrading facilities and technical equipment that helped artists and audiences.

"The concept that revenue from shows in large arenas supports the smaller venues, where it begins for musicians like me, is just common sense," Fender has stated.

Fender is far from the only musician to contribute his honor funds to charitable organizations.

In they received the trophy in the year 1996 for their album Different Class, lead singer Cocker announced that the group would donate their prize money to the charity War Child.

That year, rapper and singer Ms Dynamite divided her award among multiple organizations, like the NSPCC and a charity for Sickle Cell.

"I also donated a £1,000 to Highgate Newtown, to their classes, because I practiced gymnastics when I was growing up and they lacked updated gear," Ms Dynamite shared with a publication.

Previously, they contributed their prize money to the community center that nurtured their band, as well as other grassroots music organisations.

Also the 1994 recipients they donated their award to a multiple sclerosis charity after a acquaintance was identified with the disease.

"The victory was sufficient," stated artist 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 another person's life."

In the past week, the Music Venues Trust announced it had rescued a couple of local spots in south-east England, by transferring them to public stewardship.

The first in Southampton and the other in the city were acquired under the public acquisition initiative, which is backed by a national body and music fans who purchase "ownership units" in the buildings.