The office of the secretary of state may enter into contracts and partnerships with private institutions, persons, firms or corporations for the benefit of the beneficiaries of the CFD. The office of the secretary of state may authorize CFD staff or volunteers, on a case-by-case basis, to enter into contracts and partnerships with private institutions, persons, firms or corporations for the benefit of the beneficiaries of the CFD. The CFD and its volunteers may also engage in advertising activities for the support of the administrative duties of the CFD. However, CFD activities must not result in the direct commercial solicitation of state employees, higher education employees or public agency retirees or in a benefit or advantage that would violate one or more provisions of chapter 42.52 RCW, the state ethics law.