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The artist has donated the full amount of his £25k honor winnings to the MVT, which functions to protect the UK's independent music venues.

Fender was presented with the prize on 16 October as his latest record People Watching was declared the outstanding release of the last 12 months.

He has opted to donate the funds to the trust, in acknowledgment of the crucial part grassroots venues played in his beginning days.

"As an artist wouldn't be doing my current career if it weren't for all the performances I performed around the North East, and beyond, when I was just getting going," remarked the artist. "These locations are legendary, but they are facing challenges."

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

Over the past year, major artists such as 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 benefits local stages.

Fender also took part, collecting over £100k on his 2024 arena tour to help numerous local spots across Britain.

These funds helped spaces that were confronting potential shutdown due to difficulties stemming from flooding, fires and personal losses, as well as licensing issues, court cases and noise complaints.

Other venues were granted financial assistance in upgrading infrastructure and gear that positively impacted musicians and concertgoers.

"The concept that money from concerts in big venues helps the smaller venues, where it all starts for artists like me, is just logical," the star has stated.

Fender is among several artists to donate his award prize money to charitable organizations.

When the band received the award in the year 1996 for their album their work, vocalist the singer announced that the act would contribute their prize money to the non-profit War Child.

That year, artist Ms Dynamite shared her bounty among a few good causes, including the NSPCC and a Sickle Cell charity.

"Additionally, I donated a £1,000 to the center, to their gymnastics program, because I practiced gymnastics when I was younger and they required updated gear," the artist shared with outlets.

Previously, Ezra Collective gave their funds to the community center that developed their act, in addition to other independent music bodies.

Also 1994 winners the group gave their winnings to a MS organization after a close contact was identified with the condition.

"Winning was sufficient," stated artist the singer. "The cash was the extra but we could do without the extra, because we had the main prize. So our victory touched another person's life."

Recently, the MVT shared it had saved two grassroots venues in the South East, by transferring them to public stewardship.

The first in Southampton and the second in that location were purchased under the public acquisition program, which is supported by Arts Council England and supporters who acquire "shares" in the venues.