The district associations organized under this chapter are authorized to receive funds from the United States Department of Agriculture, the state, the cities and towns of the state, and from individuals, organizations, corporations, and other funding sources that may desire to contribute to the educational work contemplated by this chapter. The district associations are authorized to disburse the funds received in employing extension agents, defraying their expenses, and providing support personnel, office facilities, and materials for demonstrations and other forms of education and instruction according to plans and methods approved by the United States Department of Agriculture for carrying out the provisions of the federal Smith-Lever Act, 7 U.S.C. § 341 et seq., and any subsequent act providing for extension work and by the University of Rhode Island.