In exercising its powers and duties under other provisions of this act and in order to improve the diagnostic capabilities of the Commonwealth and reduce the costs associated with animal disease, the commission shall make grants for research, diagnosis, control and prevention of animal disease. The grants shall be made only to those accredited institutions of higher education and those agencies and organizations which are located within this Commonwealth and devoted to animal health. A proposal for a grant shall specify the nature of the research or other work to be carried out and the anticipated benefits to the Commonwealth. Amounts may be granted for the investigation of particular diseases and for personnel, projects and facilities related to animal disease in general. Proposals for grants shall be filed with the commission in such manner as the commission shall by regulation require.