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The artist has handed over the full amount of his £25,000 award cash to the trust for venues, which operates to preserve the United Kingdom's small concert spaces.

The star was given the award on mid-October as his latest record People Watching was declared the outstanding release of the previous year.

He has decided to donate the funds to the trust, in appreciation of the vital role grassroots venues fulfilled in his beginning days.

"I personally couldn't be pursuing this success if it wasn't for all the gigs I did around the area, and further afield, when I was just getting going," said Sam Fender. "These locations are renowned, but they are facing challenges."

Beginning in 2023, at least 150 of these spaces have shut down – approximately 16 percent of the entire UK sector.

Recently, major artists like Pulp, Coldplay, Katy Perry and Sheeran have all supported the Music Venues Trust in its initiatives to keep the scene afloat, by including a minor surcharge to their ticket costs, which goes to help independent venues.

He also took part, collecting over £100k on his live tour to assist 38 small stages across the UK.

The money helped locations that were facing possible closure due to difficulties stemming from floods, fire incidents and bereavements, as well as permit problems, legal disputes and noise complaints.

Other venues obtained financial assistance in modernizing amenities and gear that helped performers and audiences.

"The idea that funds from performances in large arenas supports the local stages, where it begins for performers like me, is just common sense," Fender has stated.

Fender is far from the only musician to donate his Mercury Prize funds to good deeds.

Back when they received the prize in 1996 for their release their work, lead singer the singer announced that the band would donate their winnings to the organization War Child.

In 2002, rapper and singer she divided her bounty between several organizations, such as the children's charity and a Sickle Cell charity.

"Additionally, I gave a £1,000 to the center, to their gymnastics class, because I did gymnastics when I was growing up and they required updated gear," the artist explained to the media.

Two years ago, Ezra Collective gave their prize money to the youth organization that supported their group, alongside other independent music bodies.

Additionally 1994 winners M People gave their prize to a MS organization after a acquaintance was diagnosed the condition.

"The victory was ample," said vocalist Small. "The money was the cherry on top but we didn't need the bonus, because we had the cake. So our winning touched the lives of others."

In the past week, the MVT announced it had protected a couple of local spots in the South East, by bringing them into community ownership.

One venue in that area and The Croft in the city were bought under the public acquisition scheme, which is funded by a national body and enthusiasts who buy "shares" in the properties.