R.I. Gen. Laws § 40-1-17: Receipt and use of funds.

To carry out the purposes of this chapter, the department of human services, with the approval of the governor, shall have the authority to receive and expend monies from any other sources, public or private, including, but not limited to, legislative enactments, bond issues, gifts, devises, grants, bequests, or donations. The department of human services, with the approval of the governor, is authorized to enter into any contracts necessary to obtain and expend those funds.