The Friends of the National Arboretum Canberra (Inc) is a non‐profit organisation that was established in 2008 to support the development of the Arboretum. The Friends Council has an Executive and a number of Committee members with representation, as best as possible, from the various Arboretum volunteer groups. The Council coordinates all the of the activities involved in running the not-for-profit incorporated organisation, including the administration of the Arboretum Trust Fund, which was created to channel tax deductible donations into projects that specifically benefit the Arboretum. The Council meets on a monthly basis to report on income and expenditure, membership, ongoing and proposed projects, and to discuss matters that may arise from time to time in relation to the coordination of Friends and Arboretum planning.

The Council also holds an Annual General Meeting and a number of General meetings where members can learn first-hand about Friend's activities and the Arboretum.