The partnership is hereby authorized to make grants to certified centers; however, before any grant may be made, the certified center shall submit a funding proposal to the partnership, and the partnership shall determine whether the funding proposal is consistent with the purposes of this act. Approval by the partnership of a certified center's individual research and development or consulting projects or financial assistance will not be required, provided such projects or financial assistance are approved by the board of the certified center and meet the requirements set forth in this act and in regulations and guidelines established by the partnership.