Sam Fender has handed over the complete sum of his £25,000 award prize money to the trust for venues, which operates to protect the United Kingdom's independent concert spaces.
The star was presented with the award on October 16 as his latest record the album was named the best record of the last 12 months.
Fender has opted to give the cash to the MVT, in appreciation of the vital role small stages had in his initial steps.
"I couldn't be pursuing what I am doing today if it weren't for all the shows I did around the North East, and elsewhere, when I was just getting going," said Fender. "These locations are legendary, but they are facing challenges."
Since the start of 2023, at least 150 of these locations have ceased operations – about 16 percent of the entire UK sector.
In the last year, major artists like the band Pulp, Coldplay, Katy Perry and Ed Sheeran have all supported the MVT in its efforts to support the industry, by applying a minor surcharge to their admission fees, which benefits local stages.
Fender also took part, collecting in excess of £100,000 on his 2024 arena tour to assist 38 local spots across England, Scotland, and Wales.
These funds supported venues that were facing imminent closure due to challenges stemming from flooding, fires and bereavements, as well as permit problems, conflicts and sound issues.
Some locations were granted funding support in modernizing facilities and technical equipment that directly benefitted performers and audiences.
"The notion that funds from performances in big venues backs the independent spots, where it kicks off for artists like me, is just common sense," the star has stated.
He is not the first artist to contribute his Mercury Prize winnings to charitable organizations.
In the band won the trophy in the year 1996 for their release Different Class, vocalist the singer declared that the band would give their cash to the non-profit the charity.
In 2002, rapper and singer Ms Dynamite shared her prize among several organizations, including the children's charity and a Sickle Cell charity.
"I also gave a grand to Highgate Newtown, to their classes, because I practiced gymnastics when I was younger and they lacked new equipment," the artist explained to the media.
Previously, Ezra Collective donated their winnings to the local youth club that supported their band, alongside other local music groups.
And 1994 winners they contributed their winnings to a charity for MS after a acquaintance was found to have the illness.
"Receiving the award was ample," remarked artist Heather Small. "The money was the bonus but we didn't need the cherry, because we had the honor. So our success affected the lives of others."
Last week, the Music Venues Trust revealed it had protected a couple of local spots in that region, by bringing them into community ownership.
One venue in Southampton and The Croft in that location were bought under the Own Our Venues program, which is supported by a national body and supporters who purchase "ownership units" in the buildings.
