Sam Fender has given the complete sum of his £25k award winnings to the MVT, which works to save the Britain's independent live music spots.
The star was awarded the prize on October 16 as his new release the album was named the outstanding release of the past year.
The musician has chosen to give the cash to the trust, in recognition of the vital role grassroots venues had in his initial steps.
"As an artist wouldn't be doing what I am doing today if it weren't for all the performances I did around the region, and elsewhere, when I was starting out," remarked the artist. "These spaces are legendary, but they are facing challenges."
Since the start of 2023, more than 150 of these venues have shut down – roughly 16% of the entire UK sector.
Over the past year, well-known musicians including the band Pulp, Coldplay, the singer Katy Perry and Ed Sheeran have all backed the trust in its efforts to keep the scene afloat, by applying a small levy to their ticket prices, which benefits independent venues.
He also participated, generating in excess of £100,000 on his 2024 arena tour to assist 38 small stages across the UK.
The money helped locations that were dealing with imminent closure due to challenges stemming from flooding, fires and personal losses, as well as licensing issues, court cases and neighbor objections.
Other venues were granted funding support in upgrading facilities and sound and lighting systems that positively impacted musicians and fans.
"The idea that funds from shows in major spaces helps the independent spots, where it kicks off for musicians like me, is just common sense," Fender has said.
He is not the first artist to contribute his award winnings to worthy causes.
When they won the prize in the mid-90s for their release Different Class, vocalist Jarvis Cocker stated that the group would donate their cash to the organization War Child.
That year, musician Ms Dynamite divided her prize between several good causes, like the children's charity and a charity for Sickle Cell.
"I also contributed a grand to the center, to their gymnastics class, because I did gymnastics when I was growing up and they required updated gear," Ms Dynamite shared with outlets.
Two years ago, they donated their winnings to the local youth club that developed their act, as well as other grassroots music organisations.
Also the 1994 recipients M People gave their prize to a multiple sclerosis charity after a close contact was identified with the illness.
"The victory was quite enough," stated singer Heather Small. "The prize was the extra but we could do without the bonus, because we had the cake. So our success touched the lives of others."
Last week, the MVT shared it had protected a couple of small stages in south-east England, by placing them under community ownership.
The first in the city and The Croft in that location were purchased under the community ownership scheme, which is funded by the arts council and supporters who buy "ownership units" in the properties.
