The district shall have power to contract or otherwise participate in, and to accept grants, funds, or services from the federal government, its agencies or instrumentalities in connection with any federal program judged by the board to be relevant to its functions; and the board shall similarly have the power to contract or otherwise participate in, and to accept grants, funds, or services from the State, or any agency or instrumentality thereof, or any city, county, civic organization or private person in connection with any program judged by the board to be relevant to its function.