How Amy Low is Navigating Philanthropy as CEO of The Social Outfit
Stepping into a CEO role is never simple, and in the not-for-profit sector, the challenges are distinct. For Amy Low , moving into the top role at The Social Outfit brought a steep learning curve, particularly in navigating philanthropy.
After more than a decade on the board of The Social Outfit, Amy had deep knowledge of the organisation. But the realities of running it required a shift in mindset, especially given her background working in the corporate sector.
Purpose at the Core: The Social Outfit
At the heart of Amy’s work is a clear mission. The Social Outfit is a work-integrated social enterprise that supports refugee and migrant women through employment and training in the fashion industry.
The organisation has directly employed more than 130 women, paid over $2 million in wages, and supported more than 1,000 women through its training programs. By 2030, it aims to employ 300 women, addressing the significant barriers to employment faced by refugee and migrant communities.
Among its passionate advocates is long-time customer and patron, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, who commissioned The Social Outfit to make her gown for the royal reception for King Frederik and Queen Mary of Denmark during their 2026 Australian Tour.
Her Excellency recently spoke to ABC’s Compass about why she continues to champion the organisation.
“The Social Outfit works with [migrant] women, helps them with their English language, with their financial security, pays them a wage to make clothes and the money that is made from selling the clothes is all ploughed back into education programs.”
For Amy, the work sits at a unique intersection of social impact, commerce and creative expression, using fashion as a platform to celebrate cultural diversity while creating meaningful economic opportunities.
Learning the Language of Philanthropy
As a social enterprise reliant on funding, understanding how philanthropy works quickly became a priority.
Amy was offered a place in a pilot short course with The Giving Academy , delivered by the Centre for Social Impact . The immersive, face-to-face experience in Melbourne offered a rare opportunity to step inside the philanthropic ecosystem and hear directly from funders and peers.
“I wanted a fast-track, immersive learning experience - to be in the room and absorb as much as I could to make my work more effective.”
Beyond terminology, the course helped unpack the structures and motivations that shape philanthropic decision-making - something that can otherwise feel opaque to those new to the sector.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE GIVING ACADEMY
From Transactions to Funding Partnerships
Coming from a commercial background, Amy was used to clearly defined value propositions and transactional exchanges. Philanthropy, she discovered, operates differently - less transactional, more relational.
Through the course, that ambiguity began to shift. Rather than viewing funding as a series of applications, Amy began to see it as a set of relationships grounded in shared goals.
“The Giving Academy helped to reframe our ask and have more strategic conversations with funders.”
This shift - from transaction to partnership - has been central to how she now approaches her CEO role.
Bringing Strategy and Confidence to the Ask
Since completing the Effective Giving pilot course, Amy has applied her learnings in tangible ways - particularly in how The Social Outfit communicates its impact and engages with funders.
She now approaches funding conversations with greater clarity: understanding the differences between funder types, knowing what to prioritise, and tailoring communication accordingly. This has led to a more focused and confident approach, both in grant applications and in direct engagement.
The organisation’s latest impact report reflects this shift, balancing depth with accessibility and ensuring that their work is clearly connected to funder priorities.
"The format of the course enabled open conversations with funders, and a deeper understanding of giving structures. This has shaped a clearer and more effective funding ask, and I'm pleased to share that it led to immediate and essential funding,” Amy reveals.
Just as importantly, the course has helped Amy and her team become more strategic about where they invest their time - moving away from chasing every opportunity, towards building relationships with funders aligned to their work.
An Empowering, Immersive Experience
Reflecting on the experience, Amy describes the philanthropy short course as both empowering and deeply immersive. The face-to-face format played a key role in building trust among participants and enabling more honest, practical conversations.
“Being in the room really built trust… it created a forum for more open conversations.”
While some sessions pushed participants outside their comfort zones, this was part of what made the experience so valuable.
For leaders navigating philanthropy - whether from the funding or delivery side - Amy sees clear relevance.
“It’s really valuable for anyone thinking strategically about where capital can make a difference.”
For Amy, the journey into philanthropy is still unfolding, but with greater clarity, confidence and purpose. And as she continues to lead The Social Outfit, those insights are already shaping stronger philanthropic partnerships and deeper, more sustainable impact.
