```html Sam Fender Donates Mercury Prize Winnings to Struggling Music Venues

Sam Fender, the North Shields singer-songwriter, has donated his entire £25,000 Mercury Prize winnings to the Music Venues Trust (MVT), a charity dedicated to safeguarding the UK's grassroots music venues. The donation follows Fender's win last month for his third album, "People Watching," and highlights the critical role these smaller venues play in nurturing emerging talent.

Vital Support for a Vulnerable Sector

The Music Venues Trust estimates that over 150 grassroots music venues have permanently closed since the start of 2023, representing approximately 16% of the UK sector. Factors contributing to these closures include rising operational costs, licensing issues, noise complaints, and the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I wouldn't be doing what I am doing today if it wasn't for all the gigs I played around the North East, and beyond, when I was starting out," Fender stated. "These venues are legendary, but they are struggling, and I want to do what I can to help."

A Growing Trend of Artist Support

Fender's donation is part of a growing trend of established artists supporting the grassroots music scene. In the past year, prominent musicians such as Pulp, Coldplay, Katy Perry, and Ed Sheeran have all contributed to the MVT's efforts, often by adding a small levy to their ticket prices.

Fender himself raised over £100,000 on his 2024 arena tour to support 38 grassroots venues across England, Scotland, and Wales. This funding has provided crucial assistance to venues facing imminent closure due to unforeseen circumstances like floods, fires, and bereavements, as well as addressing licensing and legal challenges.

The Importance of Grassroots Venues

Dr. Sarah Jones, a music industry analyst at the University of Liverpool, emphasizes the importance of grassroots venues in the broader music ecosystem. "These venues are not just places to see live music; they are incubators for talent, community hubs, and vital contributors to the local economy," she explains. "The loss of these venues has a ripple effect, impacting not only artists but also sound engineers, lighting technicians, promoters, and the wider community."

Following in the Footsteps of Others

Fender is not the first Mercury Prize winner to donate their winnings to charity. In 1996, Pulp donated their prize money to War Child. Ms. Dynamite split her winnings in 2002 between several causes, including the NSPCC and a Sickle Cell charity. More recently, in 2022, Ezra Collective donated their winnings to a local youth club and other grassroots music organisations. M People donated their prize to a multiple sclerosis charity in 1994.

Heather Small, the lead singer of M People, commented at the time, "Winning was quite enough. The money was the cherry on top but we didn't need the cherry, because we had the cake. So our winning touched somebody else's life."

Community Ownership Initiatives

The MVT is also exploring innovative solutions to safeguard grassroots venues, including community ownership models. Recently, the organization announced the purchase of The Joiners in Southampton and The Croft in Bristol under the "Own Our Venues" initiative, supported by Arts Council England and music fans who can buy "shares" in the properties.

"The Own Our Venues initiative is a game-changer," says Mark Davyd, CEO of the Music Venues Trust. "It allows communities to directly invest in and protect their local music venues, ensuring their long-term survival."

The Future of Grassroots Music

The ongoing challenges faced by grassroots music venues highlight the need for sustained support from artists, industry stakeholders, and government bodies. Fender's donation serves as a powerful reminder of the vital role these venues play in the development of musical talent and the cultural vibrancy of the UK.

According to David Baker, a cultural policy expert, "A thriving grassroots music scene is essential for the long-term health of the UK music industry. These venues provide a platform for emerging artists to hone their skills, build a fanbase, and develop their careers. Without them, the future of British music is at risk." ```