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The star has given the full amount of his £25k award cash to the MVT, which operates to save the UK's grassroots music venues.

Fender was awarded the award on October 16 as his third album People Watching was chosen as the outstanding release of the last 12 months.

He has opted to donate the funds to the trust, in recognition of the crucial part small stages had in his early career.

"I personally couldn't be pursuing what I am doing today if it wasn't for all the shows I did around the region, and beyond, when I was just getting going," stated the artist. "These spaces are legendary, but they are facing challenges."

From early 2023 onward, at least 150 of these spaces have shut down – approximately 16% of the total UK scene.

Over the past year, top acts including the band Pulp, the group Coldplay, the singer Katy Perry and Ed Sheeran have all aided the Music Venues Trust in its efforts to keep the scene afloat, by including a modest fee to their ticket prices, which benefits smaller concert halls.

He also took part, generating over £100k on his recent tour to assist thirty-eight grassroots venues across the UK.

These funds assisted spaces that were dealing with potential shutdown due to difficulties stemming from floods, fires and bereavements, as well as licensing issues, legal disputes and sound issues.

Additional spaces obtained monetary aid in upgrading infrastructure and gear that positively impacted performers and fans.

"The concept that money from concerts in large arenas helps the independent spots, where it kicks off for performers like me, is just common sense," Fender has stated.

He is among several artists to donate his honor prize money to worthy causes.

When Pulp received the prize in the mid-90s for their release their work, frontman the singer declared that the act would contribute their cash to the non-profit the charity.

In 2002, artist she split her award between several organizations, such as the children's charity and a charity for Sickle Cell.

"I also donated a thousand pounds to Highgate Newtown, to their classes, because I trained in gymnastics when I was growing up and they lacked new equipment," Ms Dynamite shared with outlets.

Two years ago, they donated their funds to the community center that nurtured their group, alongside other local music groups.

Additionally winners that year M People contributed their winnings to a multiple sclerosis charity after a friend was diagnosed the illness.

"The victory was ample," remarked artist Heather Small. "The money was the extra but we could do without the bonus, because we had the honor. So our victory affected the lives of others."

In the past week, the trust announced it had protected several grassroots venues in that region, by bringing them into local control.

The Joiners in Southampton and The Croft in Bristol were acquired under the public acquisition scheme, which is supported by the arts council and music fans who purchase "stakes" in the venues.