The star has donated the complete sum of his twenty-five thousand pound Mercury Prize winnings to the Music Venues Trust, which works to preserve the UK's independent music venues.
The star was presented with the cheque on October 16 as his latest record People Watching was chosen as the top album of the previous year.
The musician has chosen to hand the money over to the trust, in appreciation of the vital role small stages played in his early career.
"As an artist couldn't be pursuing what I am doing today if it hadn't been for all the shows I did around the region, and beyond, when I was just getting going," remarked Sam Fender. "These spaces are legendary, but they are struggling."
From early 2023 onward, over 150 of these spaces have shut down – roughly 16% of the total UK scene.
Recently, major artists such as Pulp, the group Coldplay, the singer Katy Perry and Ed Sheeran have all supported the Music Venues Trust in its efforts to support the industry, by applying a modest fee to their ticket prices, which goes to help smaller concert halls.
Fender also took part, generating over £100k on his live tour to assist numerous small stages across the UK.
The donation assisted locations that were dealing with imminent closure due to issues arising from flooding, blazes and personal losses, as well as licensing issues, conflicts and sound issues.
Other venues obtained monetary aid in improving amenities and gear that positively impacted performers and fans.
"The idea that funds from performances in large arenas supports the local stages, where it all starts for performers like me, is just sensible," Sam Fender has commented.
The musician is far from the only musician to donate his award winnings to charitable organizations.
When they earned the award in the mid-90s for their album their work, vocalist Cocker stated that the group would give their cash to the charity War Child.
That year, rapper and singer the artist split her award across a few good causes, like the NSPCC and a Sickle Cell organization.
"Additionally, I contributed a £1,000 to Highgate Newtown, to their classes, because I practiced gymnastics when I was growing up and they required better apparatus," she explained to a publication.
Two years ago, they contributed their funds to the youth organization that developed their act, in addition to other independent music bodies.
Also winners that year M People donated their prize to a multiple sclerosis charity after a friend was identified with the condition.
"Receiving the award was ample," stated artist Small. "The money was the cherry on top but we didn't require the bonus, because we had the cake. So our success touched somebody else's life."
Recently, the Music Venues Trust revealed it had saved two local spots in that region, by placing them under public stewardship.
One venue in that area and The Croft in Bristol were acquired under the Own Our Venues initiative, which is funded by Arts Council England and music fans who purchase "stakes" in the venues.
