Any county or incorporated municipality of this state is empowered and authorized to make contributions of property or money from the public funds of the county or municipality, or of both, to any general welfare corporation established under the laws of this state, and engaged in acquiring, erecting, building, constructing, improving, maintaining, operating, expanding, enlarging or repairing any hospital of this state that serves the citizens and residents of the county or municipality, without regard to race, creed or color, and that is not operated for private profit, without regard to whether the hospital is located within or without the territorial limits of the county or municipality.