The artist has donated the entirety of his twenty-five thousand pound honor winnings to the trust for venues, which operates to protect the UK's independent live music spots.
Fender was given the award on 16 October as his new release People Watching was named the outstanding release of the past year.
He has decided to donate the funds to the trust, in appreciation of the crucial part grassroots venues had in his initial steps.
"As an artist would not have achieved this success if it weren't for all the gigs I played around the region, and elsewhere, when I was starting out," stated Fender. "These spaces are iconic, but they are facing challenges."
Since the start of 2023, more than 150 of these venues have permanently closed – approximately 16% of the total UK scene.
Over the past year, well-known musicians such as Pulp, the group Coldplay, Katy Perry and Sheeran have all aided the trust in its attempts to support the industry, by including a minor surcharge to their admission fees, which benefits smaller concert halls.
Fender also took part, collecting over £100k on his 2024 arena tour to assist 38 small stages across England, Scotland, and Wales.
The donation supported locations that were dealing with imminent closure due to challenges caused by floods, blazes and bereavements, as well as permit problems, conflicts and noise complaints.
Some locations obtained financial assistance in modernizing amenities and technical equipment that helped performers and concertgoers.
"The concept that money from concerts in big venues supports the independent spots, where it kicks off for artists like me, is just sensible," the star has said.
He is among several artists to contribute his Mercury Prize funds to charitable organizations.
When Pulp won the trophy in the year 1996 for their release Different Class, frontman Jarvis Cocker stated that the act would donate their prize money to the charity War Child.
In 2002, rapper and singer she divided her award across a few charities, such as the NSPCC and a Sickle Cell charity.
"I also contributed a £1,000 to Highgate Newtown, to their gymnastics program, because I trained in gymnastics when I was a child and they lacked updated gear," the artist shared with outlets.
Two years ago, Ezra Collective contributed their prize money to the youth organization that supported their act, as well as other independent music bodies.
Also 1994 winners M People contributed their winnings to a MS organization after a acquaintance was identified with the condition.
"The victory was sufficient," remarked singer Small. "The prize was the cherry on top but we didn't need the bonus, because we had the main prize. So our winning impacted another person's life."
Recently, the MVT revealed it had protected two local spots in south-east England, by placing them under public stewardship.
The first in Southampton and the other in that location were purchased under the community ownership initiative, which is backed by a national body and music fans who purchase "stakes" in the buildings.
