The commission is authorized and empowered to hold public and private hearings, to enter into contracts, within the limit of funds available for these contracts, with individuals, organizations, and institutions for services furthering the objectives of the commission’s programs; to enter into contracts, within the limit of funds available for these contracts, with local and regional associations for co-operative endeavors furthering the objectives of the commission’s programs; to accept gifts, contributions, and bequests of unrestricted funds from individuals, foundations, corporations, and other organizations or institutions which shall be deposited as general revenues; to make and sign any agreements and to do and perform any acts that may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this act. The commission may request and shall receive from any department, division, board, bureau, commission, or agency of the state any assistance and data that will enable it properly to carry out its powers and duties. The commission may empanel any advisors that it deems necessary.