The said board of trustees shall provide for such housing, equipment, personnel, supplies and services as it shall determine to be necessary for the proper operation and maintenance of the research institutions established by this chapter, having due regard for the contributory facilities and programs already existing at the various universities. In addition to appropriations made by the Mississippi legislature for the operation and support of the research institutions, the said board of trustees is authorized and empowered to receive contributions, donations, gifts and grants of money or other income and/or property, equipment, materials or manpower from persons, foundations, trust funds, corporations, organizations and other sources, to be expended by said board in carrying out the objectives of this chapter.