The Friends of York Archaeological Trust was established in 1975 as a means of promoting archaeology and archaeological research while financially supporting the York Archaeological Trust (also known as York Archaeology). Annual subscriptions from members, known as Friends, support an annual donation made to the York Archaeological Trust, as well as other grants to support archaeology where possible.

In addition to these donations and grants, the group runs lectures and talks, and organises visits to archaeological sites and excavations for members, with the aim of promoting heritage education and public engagement with archaeology.