Sam Fender has handed over the entirety of his £25k award winnings to the trust for venues, which functions to protect the UK's independent live music spots.
Fender was presented with the prize on October 16 as his new release the album was chosen as the outstanding release of the past year.
He has opted to give the cash to the MVT, in acknowledgment of the crucial part small stages had in his early career.
"As an artist would not have achieved my current career if it wasn't for all the shows I performed around the North East, and beyond, when I was beginning," remarked Sam Fender. "These spaces are legendary, but they are facing challenges."
Beginning in 2023, over 150 of these locations have ceased operations – roughly one-sixth of the total UK scene.
Over the past year, well-known musicians including the band Pulp, the group Coldplay, Katy Perry and Ed Sheeran have all aided the MVT in its efforts to support the industry, by including a small levy to their ticket prices, which benefits local stages.
Fender also took part, collecting in excess of £100,000 on his recent tour to support numerous small stages across the UK.
The money assisted spaces that were confronting potential shutdown due to difficulties stemming from water damage, blazes and personal losses, as well as regulatory hurdles, conflicts and noise complaints.
Some locations obtained funding support in modernizing facilities and gear that positively impacted artists and concertgoers.
"The notion that money from shows in major spaces helps the local stages, where it begins for artists like me, is just logical," the star has commented.
Fender is far from the only musician to donate his honor prize money to charitable organizations.
Back when Pulp won the trophy in the year 1996 for their record Different Class, lead singer Jarvis Cocker stated that the group would give their prize money to the organization War Child.
That year, rapper and singer the artist divided her bounty among multiple charities, like the NSPCC and a Sickle Cell organization.
"Additionally, I gave a £1,000 to Highgate Newtown, to their gymnastics class, because I did gymnastics when I was younger and they required new equipment," the artist explained to a publication.
In recent years, Ezra Collective donated their winnings to the local youth club that supported their group, in addition to other independent music bodies.
And 1994 winners they contributed their prize to a multiple sclerosis charity after a acquaintance was diagnosed the condition.
"Receiving the award was quite enough," stated artist Heather Small. "The cash was the cherry on top but we could do without the extra, because we had the main prize. So our victory touched somebody else's life."
In the past week, the Music Venues Trust announced it had rescued a couple of local spots in south-east England, by placing them under public stewardship.
One venue in Southampton and the second in Bristol were acquired under the community ownership program, which is backed by the arts council and enthusiasts who buy "shares" in the properties.
