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Sam Fender has given the complete sum of his twenty-five thousand pound honor winnings to the Music Venues Trust, which functions to preserve the UK's independent music venues.

He was awarded the prize on mid-October as his new release the album was named the outstanding release of the last 12 months.

He has opted to give the cash to the trust, in acknowledgment of the vital role grassroots venues played in his initial steps.

"I personally would not have achieved my current career if it hadn't been for all the gigs I played around the North East, and elsewhere, when I was beginning," remarked Sam Fender. "These spaces are legendary, but they are facing challenges."

Since the start of 2023, at least 150 of these locations have permanently closed – approximately 16% of the total UK scene.

Over the past year, well-known musicians like Pulp, Coldplay, Katy Perry and Ed Sheeran have all supported the Music Venues Trust in its attempts to keep the scene afloat, by applying a minor surcharge to their admission fees, which supports independent venues.

Sam Fender also joined in, raising over £100k on his recent tour to assist numerous local spots across England, Scotland, and Wales.

The donation assisted spaces that were facing potential shutdown due to challenges arising from floods, fires and family tragedies, as well as regulatory hurdles, legal disputes and noise complaints.

Other venues were granted financial assistance in modernizing amenities and sound and lighting systems that directly benefitted musicians and fans.

"The concept that money from shows in large arenas supports the smaller venues, where it all starts for performers like me, is just common sense," the star has commented.

He is far from the only musician to give his award winnings to good deeds.

In the band earned the trophy in the mid-90s for their release their work, lead singer Jarvis Cocker announced that the act would contribute their winnings to the organization the charity.

In 2002, rapper and singer the artist shared her award across multiple charities, such as the NSPCC and a Sickle Cell organization.

"I also donated a thousand pounds to the center, to their gymnastics program, because I practiced gymnastics when I was a child and they required updated gear," she shared with outlets.

Previously, Ezra Collective donated their prize money to the youth organization that developed their act, in addition to other local music groups.

Additionally 1994 winners M People contributed their winnings to a charity for MS after a close contact was found to have the illness.

"The victory was ample," remarked vocalist the singer. "The money was the extra but we didn't require the extra, because we had the cake. So our victory affected somebody else's life."

Last week, the trust announced it had protected two local spots in that region, by bringing them into local control.

One venue in the city and The Croft in the city were purchased under the public acquisition program, which is supported by the arts council and enthusiasts who buy "shares" in the buildings.