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The artist has given the entirety of his twenty-five thousand pound honor winnings to the MVT, which operates to preserve the Britain's independent music venues.

Fender was awarded the award on October 16 as his latest record the album was named the best record of the previous year.

The musician has opted to hand the money over to the MVT, in acknowledgment of the vital role local spots fulfilled in his early career.

"I personally couldn't be pursuing this success if it wasn't for all the performances I performed around the region, and elsewhere, when I was beginning," said Fender. "These spaces are iconic, but they are struggling."

Since the start of 2023, at least 150 of these venues have shut down – approximately one-sixth of the total UK scene.

In the last year, top acts such as Pulp, Coldplay, Katy Perry and Sheeran have all backed the MVT in its efforts to help venues survive, by adding a minor surcharge to their admission fees, which goes to help local stages.

Fender also participated, generating more than £100,000 on his live tour to help numerous local spots across the UK.

The money supported locations that were facing possible closure due to issues arising from flooding, fire incidents and bereavements, as well as licensing issues, court cases and neighbor objections.

Other venues received monetary aid in upgrading facilities and technical equipment that positively impacted musicians and concertgoers.

"The concept that funds from performances in major spaces helps the smaller venues, where it begins for performers like me, is just common sense," the star has stated.

Fender is among several artists to contribute his award prize money to worthy causes.

Back when Pulp earned the prize in 1996 for their release their work, frontman Jarvis Cocker declared that the band would donate their cash to the non-profit War Child.

In 2002, artist Ms Dynamite split her bounty across multiple organizations, including the NSPCC and a charity for Sickle Cell.

"I also gave a grand to Highgate Newtown, to their classes, because I practiced gymnastics when I was younger and they needed better apparatus," the artist told the media.

Two years ago, Ezra Collective donated their funds to the community center that nurtured their group, in addition to other independent music bodies.

And the 1994 recipients the group gave their winnings to a charity for MS after a acquaintance was diagnosed the condition.

"The victory was sufficient," said vocalist Heather Small. "The cash was the cherry on top but we didn't need the bonus, because we had the honor. So our winning touched the lives of others."

Last week, the MVT announced it had saved a couple of small stages in south-east England, by placing them under community ownership.

The Joiners in that area and the other in that location were acquired under the public acquisition scheme, which is supported by a national body and music fans who buy "ownership units" in the properties.