In response to "Strings attached" (Opinion Exchange, May 29), we believe it is important for Star Tribune readers to understand the complexities of poverty and the Greater Twin Cities United Way's approach to investing in our community.

More than 730,000 people in the nine-county metro region live in poverty. Tackling this complex issue requires a multisector approach. The United Way is Minnesota's largest nongovernmental social-services funder, with annual investments of more than $80 million to bolster social-service programs and launch promising new initiatives. We focus on two areas of great need: safety net services, and education and job readiness.

The Greater Twin Cities United Way touches the lives of more than 1 million people through our 2-1-1 help line, volunteer engagement and by collaborating with our agency partners to make sure that every dollar we raise from the caring citizens of our region works as hard as possible to improve the lives of those who are struggling.

Our grant-making process concentrates on those most in need. It is based on national best practices, replicated by hundreds of United Ways nationally and globally. We help those most in need best by measuring progress against the root causes of poverty.

When a social-service nonprofit submits a request to receive United Way funding, that request is considered in an open, competitive and rigorous process. We utilize well-established practices that require measurable outcomes. We are able to fund only a portion of requests; in fact, only one out of three program requests receives funding with the amount of money we are able to raise each year.

The author of "Strings attached" is correct: Poverty is deep-rooted and an immensely serious challenge for our region. Our donors expect the Greater Twin Cities United Way to tackle the toughest issues with vigor. They also expect — and, we believe, deserve — transparency around how their contributions are helping those we serve make progress. That's why we ask those agency partners that receive our funds to use evidence-based ways of determining the effectiveness of their programs. Understanding where we are making — or not making — progress by measuring impact helps our agency partners improve their services. It helps the United Way continue to apply scarce resources wisely. In the end, the insights gained from this extra measure of accountability benefit the entire community.

This year, the Greater Twin Cities United Way entered its second century. With the dedication of a small and mighty staff, tens of thousands of volunteers and as many donors, we will continue to fund the best-possible safety net, education and job-readiness programs for decades to come.

Asking agency partners to help us mark progress in fighting poverty will ensure we remain worthy stewards of our community's generosity.

Lynn Casey is board chair of the Greater Twin Cities United Way and chair and CEO of PadillaCRT. Ben Fowke is co-chair of the United Way 2016 Campaign and chairman, president and chief executive officer of Xcel Energy Inc. Kathleen Fowke is co-chair of the United Way 2016 Campaign.