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The star has handed over the entirety of his £25k Mercury Prize prize money to the trust for venues, which operates to protect the Britain's independent live music spots.

He was presented with the cheque on mid-October as his third album People Watching was named the outstanding release of the past year.

The musician has opted to give the cash to the trust, in recognition of the essential function local spots had in his initial steps.

"I personally wouldn't be doing what I am doing today if it hadn't been for all the shows I did around the region, and beyond, when I was starting out," remarked the artist. "These venues are renowned, but they are facing challenges."

From early 2023 onward, more than 150 of these spaces have shut down – about one-sixth of the entire UK sector.

In the last year, well-known musicians such as Pulp, Coldplay, the singer Katy Perry and Ed Sheeran have all supported the MVT in its attempts to help venues survive, by adding a modest fee to their ticket costs, which benefits smaller concert halls.

He also joined in, raising more than £100,000 on his 2024 arena tour to assist numerous grassroots venues across the UK.

The money helped spaces that were facing potential shutdown due to issues caused by floods, fires and family tragedies, as well as regulatory hurdles, conflicts and sound issues.

Other venues obtained financial assistance in improving amenities and technical equipment that positively impacted performers and fans.

"The idea that funds from shows in major spaces backs the independent spots, where it all starts for musicians like me, is just logical," Fender has stated.

He is among several artists to donate his honor winnings to charitable organizations.

Back when they received the trophy in 1996 for their release their work, vocalist Jarvis Cocker stated that the group would donate their prize money to the organization War Child.

In 2002, rapper and singer Ms Dynamite split her bounty among a few organizations, including the children's charity and a Sickle Cell organization.

"And I contributed a grand to Highgate Newtown, to their classes, because I trained in gymnastics when I was growing up and they needed new equipment," she told outlets.

Two years ago, Ezra Collective donated their funds to the youth organization that supported their act, alongside other grassroots music organisations.

Additionally winners that year the group donated their prize to a multiple sclerosis charity after a friend was found to have the illness.

"The victory was sufficient," said artist Heather Small. "The money was the cherry on top but we could do without the cherry, because we had the honor. So our success affected somebody else's life."

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

The first in Southampton and the second in the city were purchased under the public acquisition program, which is funded by the arts council and supporters who acquire "stakes" in the buildings.