The council is hereby authorized and empowered to hold public hearings, to enter into contracts, within the limit of funds available therefor, with individuals, organizations, and institutions for services furthering the educational objectives of the council’s programs; to enter into contracts, within the limit of funds available therefor, with local and regional associations for joint endeavors furthering the educational objectives of the council’s programs; to accept gifts, contributions, and bequests of unrestricted funds from individuals, foundations, corporations, limited liability companies, and other organizations or institutions for the purpose of furthering the educational objectives of the council’s programs; to make and sign any agreements; and to do and perform any acts that may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter. The council may request and may receive from any department, division, board, bureau, commission, or agency of the state such information and data as will enable it to properly carry out its powers and duties.