Problems With Foundation-Funded Research

I've been delayed in responding to Dean Millot's thoughts about education research (Does Philanthropy Sink Contrary Research Too?) but have finally had the chance to check out his post.  He notes that serious evaluation of education efforts is recent, not so usual, and especially unusual for foundation funded efforts.  And that they're often early implementation studies, not replication-focused. 

Others may disagree, but Millot says:  "Most philanthropic due diligence is laughable...Once the foundation has made the grant, it is not a disinterested third party – it and the program officers who recommended the grant have a vested interest in success, and very little incentive to point out bad decisions."