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The artist has given the complete sum of his £25k Mercury Prize winnings to the MVT, which works to protect the United Kingdom's small live music spots.

Fender was awarded the award on mid-October as his latest record his work was named the outstanding release of the past year.

He has opted to give the cash to the Music Venues Trust, in appreciation of the crucial part grassroots venues fulfilled in his beginning days.

"As an artist wouldn't be doing what I am doing today if it weren't for all the gigs I did around the North East, and further afield, when I was beginning," stated the artist. "These venues are iconic, but they are facing challenges."

Since the start of 2023, at least 150 of these venues have shut down – roughly 16% of the entire UK sector.

Over the past year, major artists such as Pulp, Coldplay, the singer Katy Perry and Ed Sheeran have all supported the Music Venues Trust in its efforts to support the industry, by adding a minor surcharge to their admission fees, which supports independent venues.

He also joined in, raising over £100k on his recent tour to help 38 grassroots venues across the UK.

The money assisted locations that were confronting potential shutdown due to issues stemming from flooding, fire incidents and bereavements, as well as licensing issues, legal disputes and sound issues.

Some locations received funding support in improving infrastructure and gear that directly benefitted musicians and fans.

"The idea that funds from performances in major spaces backs the independent spots, where it kicks off for musicians like me, is just common sense," Fender has stated.

He is among several artists to give his Mercury Prize winnings to good deeds.

Back when Pulp earned the award in the mid-90s for their release their work, frontman the singer stated that the act would give their prize money to the charity War Child.

During 2002, artist she divided her prize between several organizations, including the NSPCC and a Sickle Cell charity.

"Additionally, I donated a grand to my local community centre, to their classes, because I did gymnastics when I was younger and they lacked better apparatus," she told outlets.

Two years ago, Ezra Collective contributed their prize money to the local youth club that supported their act, as well as other grassroots music organisations.

Also 1994 winners they donated their winnings to a charity for MS after a close contact was found to have the disease.

"Receiving the award was ample," said singer the singer. "The money was the extra but we didn't require the bonus, because we had the honor. So our victory touched the lives of others."

Last week, the Music Venues Trust shared it had protected several small stages in south-east England, by placing them under community ownership.

The Joiners in that area and the second in the city were acquired under the community ownership program, which is supported by a national body and enthusiasts who acquire "stakes" in the buildings.