The Friends of Hayward is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public benefit corporation for which  donations are tax-deductible. It is organized under the Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation Law for public and charitable purposes. The mission of the Friends of Hayward includes the following goals:

• To discover and memorialize the history and architecture of the greater Hayward area;
• To educate about the value of historic resources and their preservation;
• To publicize our local treasures;
• To research and preserve writings which shed light on the history and architecture of the greater Hayward area;
• To assist in the preservation of historic treasures of the greater Hayward area;
• To establish and maintain exhibits, historic homes, buildings and land leased to or owned by the corporation;
• To enhance existing treasures in the community, thereby enhancing the community;
• To hold meetings and other activities for the instruction and information of members and the public; and
• To accept donations of money and real or other property for the above purposes.