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Sam Fender has donated the complete sum of his £25k Mercury Prize winnings to the MVT, which functions to preserve the UK's small concert spaces.

Fender was awarded the prize on mid-October as his third album the album was chosen as the outstanding release of the past year.

The musician has decided to donate the funds to the Music Venues Trust, in appreciation of the vital role small stages played in his early career.

"I personally couldn't be pursuing this success if it weren't for all the gigs I played around the area, and beyond, when I was beginning," said Fender. "These spaces are legendary, but they are struggling."

Beginning in 2023, more than 150 of these locations have ceased operations – approximately one-sixth of the total UK scene.

In the last year, major artists such as the band Pulp, Coldplay, Katy Perry and Sheeran have all backed the trust in its attempts to help venues survive, by adding a minor surcharge to their admission fees, which goes to help local stages.

Sam Fender also participated, collecting more than £100,000 on his recent tour to assist thirty-eight local spots across the UK.

These funds helped venues that were confronting potential shutdown due to difficulties caused by water damage, fire incidents and personal losses, as well as permit problems, conflicts and sound issues.

Other venues obtained funding support in improving facilities and gear that helped performers and concertgoers.

"The idea that revenue from performances in big venues helps the smaller venues, where it kicks off for musicians like me, is just sensible," the star has commented.

Fender is among several artists to give his Mercury Prize funds to good deeds.

In Pulp won the prize in the mid-90s for their record their work, vocalist the singer declared that the act would donate their winnings to the non-profit War Child.

In 2002, artist the artist shared her bounty between multiple charities, such as the children's charity and a charity for Sickle Cell.

"Additionally, I donated a £1,000 to Highgate Newtown, to their classes, because I did gymnastics when I was growing up and they needed updated gear," the artist told outlets.

Previously, Ezra Collective contributed their funds to the community center that nurtured their act, alongside other local music groups.

And the 1994 recipients M People donated their winnings to a MS organization after a friend was found to have the illness.

"The victory was ample," remarked artist Heather Small. "The prize was the extra but we didn't require the bonus, because we had the main prize. So our victory affected the lives of others."

Last week, the MVT announced it had protected several small stages in the South East, by placing them under community ownership.

One venue in that area and the other in Bristol were bought under the Own Our Venues scheme, which is backed by the arts council and music fans who buy "shares" in the venues.